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Connecticut General Assembly recognizes Indian Independence Day with citation
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons proclaimed Aug. 11 as India Independence Day in Stamford.
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Indian Consul Pragya Singh, Darien First Selectman Jon Jon Zagrodzky and CT Representatives Matt Blumenthal and Rachel Khanna along with GOPIO officials at the flag hoisting ceremony. / Courtesy of GOPIO
The Connecticut General Assembly issued a citation recognising the 77th anniversary of India's Independence and presented it to the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) Connecticut chapter.
The citation, introduced by Representative Blumenthal (147th District, Stamford/Darien) and supported by 14 other Connecticut Representatives and Senators, congratulated GOPIO-CT on celebrating the occasion with the India Day celebrations.
The citation read, “In recognition of the 77th Anniversary India’s Independence from British Colonial Rule on August 15th, 1947, today we come together to celebrate this occasion with GOPIO-CT to help promote awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of Indian Americans to various fields, including business and political arena, and in recognition GOPIO-CT’s support of many non-profits in Connecticut.”
GOPIO-CT hosted a vibrant celebration marking India’s Independence Day at the Stamford Government Center. The event, attended by over 2,000 people, began with a flag-hoisting ceremony featuring elected Connecticut officials and dignitaries. The festivities continued at Mill River Park with an India Festival and kite flying event.
During the event, a proclamation by Stamford Mayor Carolin Simmons marking Aug.11 as India Independence Day in Stamford in commemoration of Indian Independence and acknowledging the dedication of the Indian American community was presented to chief guest Indian Consul Pragya Singh who is the Consul for Visa and Community Affairs at the Indian Consulate in New York.
In her address, Singh emphasized the significant accomplishments and contributions of the Indian diaspora. “I’m very proud to say that the numbers prove that you have broken many barriers to become one of the most successful immigrant groups in the US. Indian Americans comprise only 1 percent of the US population, but across all the sectors, you pay 5 to 6 percent of income tax. You lead 16 of the Fortune 500 companies, which collectively employ 7 million Americans and generate nearly 1 trillion USD in revenue,” she said.
“The Indian American community has done very well in Corporate America and now in political arena too and in Connecticut it is a growing community consisting generally IT and management professionals, healthcare workers and a large number of entrepreneurs in hospitality, Hedge Fund and small businesses,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, chairman of GOPIO International and trustee/advisor to GOPIO-CT.
Connecticut State Senator Ryan Fazio, along with CT Rep. Anabel Figueroa, State Representative for District 148, Rep. Rachel Khanna, State Representative for District 149, Eva Weller, and Chair of the Stamford Mayor’s Multicultural Council, spoke about US-India ties at the celebration.
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Dignitaries at the GOPIO-CT Independence Day Ceremony at Mill River Park, Stamford. From top left clockwise, Indian Consul Pragya Singh, CT Rep. Rachel Khanna, Rep. Anabel Figueroa, Senator Ryan Fazio, Senator Patricia Billie Miller and Rep. Matt Blumenthal. / Courtesy of GOPIOThe celebration showcased traditional Indian attire, Bollywood music, and cultural dances, offering a glimpse into the diverse heritage of India. Attendees enjoyed kite flying, a variety of spicy Indian cuisine, and booths adorned with Indian symbols and face art.
“Our mission at GOPIO-CT is to be active participants in the local community through involvement in community events and local politics, and by providing services to the Indian community at large here in Connecticut. This lofty goal of providing services and a political voice to the local Indian population has evolved into an exemplary community service organization thanks to the tremendous support of our local Indian community,” said Dr. Jaya Daptardar, president of GOPIO-CT.
Over the past 19 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International, has established itself as a vibrant and proactive organization. It has hosted interactive sessions with policymakers and academics, organized community events, provided youth mentoring, and conducted networking workshops. As a non-partisan, secular civic and community service organization, GOPIO-CT promotes awareness of Indian culture, customs, and the contributions of people of Indian origin through various community programs, forums, events, and youth activities.
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