STAMFORD, CT: The Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) honored five Indian American achievers and Congressman Himes as a friend of India during last week at a packed Stamford Italian Center in Stamford, Connecticut.
Several dignitaries attended the event including India’s Consul General in New York Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Rep Jim Himes (D, CT 4th District), Stamford Mayor David Martin, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, New Jersey State Assembly Speaker Upendra Chivukula and Connecticut Assemblyman Dr Prasad Srinivasan.
The program started with a welcome by GOPIO-CT President Shelly Nichani who said the chapter initiated several new programs including a cancer walk fundraiser, participation in the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Stamford, interactive sessions with elected officials in addition to the regular program such as sponsoring and volunteering in soup kitchens, India Independence Day flag hoisting and Diwali.
Stamford Mayor David Martin extended a warm welcome to everyone and complimented GOPIO-CT for its outstanding community work.
This year, GOPIO-CT had selected U.S. Representative from Connecticut 4th District Congressman Jim Himes as Friend of India.
A member of India Caucus, Jim had traveled several times to India while he was working for Goldman Sachs. As a Congressman Himes is committed to providing all children in America access to a first-rate public school, affordable and effective health care, a decent and safe home, and a supportive community. An undergraduate from Harvard, Jim earned a Rhodes Scholarship and attended Oxford University in England.
There Indian Americans were honored for their achievements in business and profession. Dr. Subbarao Bollepalli, MD FAPA, a leading psychiatrist in the State of Connecticut, was honored for his achievements in medicine.
A husband-wife team in business, Ashok and Meera Vasudevan, were selected to receive entrepreneurship award. Ashok, a ‘corporateur’ turned entrepreneur, co-founded with his wife Meera, Preferred Brands International, which makes Tasty Bite.
Arati Sureddi, the Founder of Lotus Alliance, a social enterprise addressing human trafficking and forced labor, received an award for young achievers. She is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Management.
Prasad Chirnomula, an avid restaurateur, received a special award for promoting India cuisine to American society by helping community groups through media. Chef Prasad leads tasting tours of India, hosts private tasting dinners, teaches cooking classes and offers his services at multiple charity events.
Connecticut Senator Blumenthal lauded GOPIO-CT for its outstanding community service and presented certificate of appreciation to all award recipients. The program ended with an entertainment by Bollywood dancers and a dinner.
India Post News Service
