Over the last four years, GOPIO-CT has formed strong partnerships with other Indian organizations and local communities across a cross-section of Connecticut. Community-building activities have included:
- Four annual awards banquets (April 2007, 2008, 2009 and May 2010), honoring achievements and service of community leaders, such as: Congressman Christopher Shays, Nayan Chanda of Yale University, Dr. Prasad Srinivasan, Sameer Ahuja, late Rajendra Shukla, Dr. T.N. Srinivasan of Yale University, Dr. A.V. Srinivasan, Namasakar Foundation, Dr. Priya Natarajan, Mayor of Stamford - Dan Malloy, US Senator Chris Dodd, Harman Chairman and CEO Dinesh Paliwal. Also, Young Achievers Sameer Ahuja, Dr. Ajay Kapur and Neesha Ramchandani Click here to view photos from the Fourth Annual Awards Banquet on May 2, 2010 (courtesy of masalajunction.com)
- Indian Film Festivals at U-CONN Stamford and Westport, screening a selection of short feature films. The film festivals were offered free to all seniors.
- Flag hoisting ceremonies to celebrate India’s Independence Day in August at the Government Center in Stamford with the Mayorin 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
- Health and wellness education programs on the importance of nutrition in disease management.
- Diwali celebrations at U-CONN Stamford, including children’s activities and youth dance performances.
- Interactive sessions with Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia, Congressman Jim Himes and Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Congressman Christopher Shays, Deputy Consul General A.R. Ghanashyam, Connecticut senatorial and congressional candidates Dianne Farrell and Ned Lamont, Prof. Panagaria of Columbia University.
- Ghazal concert by Shanti Hiranand and group in December 2009 and talk by business cycle expert Lakshman Achuthan in March 2010.
- Dinner Reception for Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia and Mrs. Maureen Pavia – guests included Lt. Governor Michael Fedele and Mrs. Carol Fedele, and key members of Mayor Pavia's administration team - January 2010.
- Support Yale University’s all female “A cappella” group for their trip to India.
- GOPIO-CT youth chapter raised money for the Bal Sadan Orphanage in Panchkula, India. Bal Sadan brings abandoned children out of destitution and into the safety of the orphanage.
- GOPIO-CT volunteers serve at the soup kitchen at Yerwood Center, Stamford.
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