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Subject: GOPIO NEWS BULLETIN -- March 23, 2011
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GOPIO NEWS March 25, 2011 A Publication of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Issue: X-3 March 25, 2011 Join Our List In This Issue KOLKATA MEMORIAL FOR PIOs INAUGURATED IN JANUARY, 2011 GOPIO CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL CONVENTION IN NEW DELHI GOPIO'S RAMSARAN AMONG 15 PRAVASI SAMMAN RECIPIENTS GOPIO URGES RELIEF OF JAPAN, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND DISASTER VICTIMS GOPIO INTERNATIONAL AND CHAPTER NEWS NRIs/PIOs ACHIEVE NEWS OF INTEREST TO NRIs and PIOs GOPIO LIFE MEMBERSHIP AND CHAPTER FORMATION EDITORIAL BOARD Quick Links GOPIO Home GOPIO News Archives New Chapter Inititiave GOPIO Constitution GOPIO History GOPIO Accomplishments GOPIO Business Council Bulletin Board GOPIO Publications and Articles NOTE: GOPIO News is a FREE bi-monthly newsletter of GOPIO International, based in the USA. We need your help in reaching out more NRIs/PIOs around the world. Please go to the bottom of the news bulletin and click the FORWARD button and type e-mail addresses of your friends and relatives. One could also subscribe this newsletter by visiting www.gopio.net and type in the e-mail address. All preivous issues of GOPIO News are provided at GOPIO News Archives. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter in future, please click SafeUnsubscribe at the end of this newsletter.   Since many of the GOPIO officers were in India in january to attend GOPIO Convention and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, we coudl not bring out Ferbuary issue. Regular bulletin starts with this issue.   GOPIO is a community supported non-profit organization taking up issues of the Indian Diaspora and attempting to unifying the community in its common causes. Support GOPIO by becoming a Life Member or chapter member. Once can become Life Member online by visiting http://www.gopio.net/online_membership.html. KOLKATA MEMORIAL FOR PIOs INAUGURATED IN JANUARY, 2011     The Kolkata Memorial was inaugurated on January 11, 2011 at Kidderpore Depot along the Hugley River in Kolkata by Mr. Vayalar Ravi, Minister of India's Overseas Indian Affairs, attended by Shrimati Mamta Banerjee, Minister of Railways. Also in attendance and participating were MOIA Secretary Dr. A Didar Singh; Shri M L Meena, Chairman of Kolkata Port Trust and Shri Mukul Roy, Hon Minister of State for Shipping.       The event was attended by a huge turn-out from several countries including Guyana, Trinidad, Surname, Guadeloupe, USA, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Kenya, Fiji, Mauritius, Re-Union Islands, New Zealand, Australia and other many others countries where Indians and persons of Indian origin reside.   The Kolkata Memorial is inscribed with a memorial plaque (in English and Hindi) that pays tribute to those who left India as indentured Indian laborers from 1834 thru' 1920. It  is meant as "recognition and remembrance of their journeys and the as Indian indentured laborers to faraway lands seeking better livelihoods for themselves and their descendants; for their pioneering spirit, determination, resilience, endurance and perseverance amidst the extremely harsh and demeaning conditions they encountered; for their preservation of sense of origin, traditions, culture and religion, and their promotion of the Indian culture; for their achievements and successes despite insurmountable odds".         The plaque is based on a proposal by Guyanese born Ashook Ramsaran, in his capacity as Executive Vice President of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) who, along with Leela Sarup of Mauritius/Kolkata, made several trips to Kolkata and collaborated closely and continuously with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs to draft the inscription and on the design of the plaque. The Government of India accepted the proposal and proceeded to erect the memorial monument with the inscription plaque contained within the monument. The inscription on the plaque was taken directly from the proposal provided by Ashook Ramsaran who quite succinctly captured the shared sentiments of the descendants of those indentured laborers.             The inaugural was preceded by a commemorative luncheon hosted by the newly formed Global Indian Heritage Society (GIDHS) and GOPIO and attended by Min Ravi and members of his staff at the Oberoi Grand Hotel in Kolkata. Many remarks were made by those attending from various countries, expressing their gratitude for the Kolkata Memorial as a symbol of their connection and roots in India. It is a long overdue tribute to those who took the risks on barely a promise, to their individual and shared sacrifices and their endurance that made it possible for their descendants to flourish with the spirit of Indianness that transcends time, and to their courage which become a living testament in so many lives.     Photo below: GOPIO and Gidhs opresent memen to Minister Vayalar Ravi for his help and commitment to make the Kolkata Memorial happen.Head Table (left to right): Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad & Tobago Malay Mishra; GOPIO Executive Vice President Ashook Ramsaran; Leela Sarup of Global Indian Heritage Society; MOIA Minister Vayalar Ravi,; MOIA Secretary Dr. A Didar Singh; GOPIO International Chairman Inder Singh; Empire India Publisher Sayantan Chakravarty    Photo above - Kolkata Memorial Inauguration. From L. to R. Minister of Railways Mamta Banerjee, MOIA Minister Vayalar Ravi, Minister of State for Shipping Mukul Roy, Former Vice President of Mauritius A. Raouf Bunbhun, MOIA Secretary Dr. A. Didar Singh and the MC.   In his remarks after the unveiling, Min Ravi said that the memorial is in remembrance of all Indian emigrants who passed through Kolkata seeking better lives elsewhere and reflects on their endurance and spirit of Indianness.   In the speech preceding the presentation of the Pravasi Samman 2011 awards on January 9, 2011 President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil remarked of the "steps to set up a Memorial for Indentured Workers at Kolkata Port to mark the indomitable spirit of Indian emigrants". At the same ceremony, MOIA Min Ravi also praised the efforts that made the Kolkata Memorial a reality. The Pravasi Samman 2011 Citation states that, "Ashook Ramsaran has been deeply involved in working to establish a memorial for indentured workers in Kolkata".   The inaugural and unveiling was a solemn event with the expected heartfelt emotions by so many who came from far off lands to witness this historic event. After the unveiling and remarks by Min Ravi, Min Banerjee, Min Mukuk Roy, Chairman Meena and Secretary Dr Didar Singh, attendees from the various countries gathered at the memorial and praised the efforts of the Government of India for the recognition and remembrance of their ancestors who left those shores generations ago. It was at times very emotional and there was singing with fervor unmatched in recent times. The delegations from Mauritius and Re-Union Islands sang familiar songs, expressing their gratitude for their presence and participation at the inauguration and unveiling with meaningful significance to all of them.   Photo below: Invited Guests at the Inauguration. GOPIO was well representaed by it internaitonal officers and members. Photo above: Attendees from Reunion Islands and Mauritius at the inaugural of the Kolkata Memorial Monument along with Dr Thomas Abraham and Ashook Ramsaran of GOPIO Int'l.   The Kolkata Memorial project has meaningful significance to millions of descendants of those who left India as indentured Indian laborers from 1834 thru' 1920. The plan to begin with the installation of the inauguration plaque on January 11, 2011 followed by the memorial museum and resource center, has been received with overwhelming emotional sentiments and enthusiastic support from all corners of the global Indian diaspora, in particular from persons of Indian origin (PIOs) in destination countries where Indian indentured laborers emigrated from 1834 thru' 1920.   "This will be a lasting legacy for present and future generations of their descendants", remarked Ramsaran."The museum will house records of Indian indentured laborers' emigration during the 18th and 19th centuries" said Sarup; " A momentous occasion" remarked Sayantan Chakravarty of Empire India;"A noble effort indeed", said writer and historian Dr Anand Mullo of Mauritius; "An extra ordinary service to the Indian Diaspora", said Indian emigration roots researcher Shamshu Deen of Trinidad & Tobago; "A commemoration tribute whose time is overdue" said Prof Mohan Gautam of The Netherlands; "I congratulate Ashook for his efforts to remember our ancestors in a profoundly historic way" said Dr Arnold Thomas of St Vincent's; "We are all deeply indebted for the Kolkata Memorial which is a tremendous achievement", said prominent Indo-Caribbean Diaspora icon Dr Yesu Persaud of Guyana.   Says Ramsaran of the Kolkata Memorial, "I feel so honored and privileged to be actively working in prominent civic leadership role to make it possible for the Kolkata Memorial become a reality. I have remarked previously that, "our ancestors who left those shores truly deserve their place in the annals of Indian history and the journeys of people of Indian origin. We owe them due recognition and a lasting remembrance - and that is what the Kolkata Memorial will be". I feel so honored and privileged - truly so fortunate and blessed -- to be doing this.  The vision of a single, suitably significant place of emotional and physical connection for the descendants of indentured workers is finally becoming a reality".   The significance of the Kolkata Memorial transcends all boundaries and can become an example for other groups who emigrated from India during and/or subsequent to the 1834-1920 period. The message of the Kolkata Memorial should be disseminated to as many as possible to inform others as well as generate support for its museum and resource center plans. GOPIO CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL CONVENTION IN NEW DELHI The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) concluded its very successful Convention 2011 in New Delhi from January 6th through January 7th 2011 preceding Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011. The GOPIO meetings and conferences were held at the FICCI Conference Centre and GOPIO's Community Service Awards banquet was held at the Hotel Ashoka. The conference was formally inaugurated on January 6th by Hon Salman Khurshid, Min of Water Resources, Min of Minority Affairs. FICCI Secretary General Dr. Amit Mitra was featured speaker.   GOPIO Convention included several intensive meetings and conference sessions, in addition to other related GOPIO events that combined to produce a very comprehensive and successful Convention 2011 that was well attended and produced tremendous positive feedback and interaction among the participants and attendees. In addition, GOPIO discussed, deliberated and issued several resolutions on pertinent issues of concern to the global Indian community.   On January 5th, 2011, GOPIO held its Executive Committee Meeting followed by its General Council Meeting at which several operational and procedural matters were discussed and decisions reached. The Executive Committee Meeting was chaired by President Lord Diljit Rana and the General Council Meeting chaired by Inder Singh, Chairman. GOPIO Council & Country/Chapter Reports were provided by: Dr. Piyush Agrawal, Regional Vice President, North America; Sunny Kulathakal, Middle East Coordinator; Chanchal Chowdhry, Secretary General; K. N. Gupta, President GOPIO-India; Harrry Walia, Regional Coordinator, GOPIO Australia; Umesh Chandra, GOPIO  Australia; Suman Kapoor, GOPIO New Zealand. Council Reports by: Dr Mohan Gautam, Academic Council (Netherlands); Deo Gosine, Business Council (Trinidad/USA); Munish Gupta, Media Council (India-USA); Lady Shruti Rana, Women's Council (UK).   On January 6th a full day conference was held on FICCI Conference Centre comprising four (4) sessions as follows:  Session I:  Is Single Window Open & Working? Session II:  NRI/PIO Services at Overseas Indian Consular Offices: Issues & Challenges Session III:  Kolkata Memorial and 19th Century Indian Emigration Session IV:  Cultural Preservation in Expanding Indian Diaspora Session V:  Resolutions   Session I: "Is Single Window Open & Working?"   The session was chaired by Lord Diljit Rana (UK); Co-Chaired by Chan Chowdhry (UK). Speakers included: Mr. Gaurav Makhija (KPMG India); Mr Pamarty VenkataRamana(New Delhi, India); Mr Vijay Kumar Gupta, Chairman, Beekay Engineering Corp (India). Wrap-Up & Concluding Remarks by Dr Thomas Abraham (USA). See videos of some presentations at the following links: Full Session - http://www.piotv.com/content-inner.php?content_id=66&id=46&p=d&category_id=117&category_name=9th%20Pravasi%20Bhartiya%20Divas Industrialists Vijay Kumar Gupta speaking - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAUQlGTB088&feature=related   Photo above: GOPIO conf. sessionon on Is Single window Open and Working. From L. to R.: GOPIO Founder President Dr. Thomas Abraham, Industrialist Vijay Kumar Gupta, GOPIO Secretary General Chan Chowdhry and GOPIO Preisdent Lord Diljit Rana   Session II: "NRI/PIO Services at Overseas Indian Consular Offices: Issues & Challenges"   The session was chaired by Mr Inder Singh (USA); Co-Chaired by Mr Umesh Chandra (Australia). Speakers included: GOPIO Founder President Dr. Thomas Abraham; MEA Additional Secretary B.K. Gupta, Ministry of External Affairs (New Delhi, India); Mr J C Sharma (New Delhi, India); Jay Banerjei (Canada); Wrap-Up & Concluding Remarks by Mr Ravi Gidar (UK). See videos of some presentations at the following links: Full Session - http://www.piotv.com/content-inner.php?content_id=68&id=46&p=d&category_id=117&category_name=9th%20Pravasi%20Bhartiya%20Divas Dr. thomas Abraham Speaking - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh-lM2FHW1I&feature=related Mr. Jay Banerjei speaking - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAmSXMECvVw&feature=related Mr. Umesh Chandra speaking - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCb8K1f5jV8&feature=related MEA Additional Secretary B.K. Gupta speaking - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwamdKF6klw&feature=related   Photo below:Session on Consular Issues. From L. to R. Ravi Girdar (GOPIO London). Dr. Thoms Abraham (GOPIO Intl.), Ambassadro J.C. Sharma, Umesh Chandra (GOPIO-Brisbane), GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh, MEA Additional Secretary B.K. Gupta and Jay Banerjei (GOPIO-Toronoto) Photo above: Inaugural Session - Suman Kapoor (GOPIO New Zealand), GOPIO Secretary General Chan Chowdhry, Prof. Prabhat Jha MD, GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh, Minister Salman Khursheed, GOPIO President Lord Diljit Rana and GOPIO Exec. Vice President Ashook Ramsaran.   Inaugural Session: Inauguration by Hon Salman Khurshid,Min of Water Resources, Min of Minority Affairs. Special recognition of achievement was given to Prof. Prabhat Jha, MD DPhil (Canada) who worked to improve health and quality of life of resident Indians, started the Million Death Study in 2001 in collaboration with the Registrar General of India. The session was chaired by Inder Singh, Chairman of GOPIO and Co-Chaired by Lord Diljit Rana, President of GOPIO. See videos of inaugural session at the following links: Full Inaugural Session - http://www.piotv.com/content-inner.php?content_id=55&id=46&p=d&category_id=117&category_name=9th%20Pravasi%20Bhartiya%20Divas Minister Salman Khurshid speaking - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDl--6jK-lU   Special Session - Financial Matters for NRIs and PIOs   Officials of Kotak Mahendra, the main sponsor of the GOPIO convention, spoke at a special session on financial matters and investment opportunities for NRIs and PIOs. See presentations below: http://www.piotv.com/content-inner.php?content_id=67&id=46&p=d&category_id=117&category_name=9th%20Pravasi%20Bhartiya%20Divas   Session III: "Kolkata Memorial and 19th Century Indian Emigration"   The session was chaired by Ashook Ramsaran (Guyana-USA), Co-Chaired by Dr Shekhar Tiwary (India). Speakers included: Leela Sarup (Mauritius-W. Bengal); Christelle Gourdine (Guadeloupe); Jean Regis Ramsamy (Re-Union Islands); Marina Budhos (USA). See full presentations below: http://www.piotv.com/content-inner.php?content_id=69&id=46&p=d&category_id=117&category_name=9th%20Pravasi%20Bhartiya%20Divas   Session IV:  "Cultural Preservation in Expanding Indian Diaspora"   The session was chaired by Harmohan Walia (Australia).  Speakers included: Arvind Sood (USA); Prof Mohan Gautam (Netherlands); Dr Harshinder Kaur (India). Wrap-Up & Concluding Remarks by Deo Gosine, (Trinidad-USA).See presentation by Prof. Mohan Gautam below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zi2BX9vrZw   Session V:  Resolutions   The session was chaired by Dr Piyush Agrawal (USA) and Co-Chaired by Rajindre Tewari (Netherlands).   GOPIO PASSES SERIES OF RESOLUTIONS AT GOPIO CONVENTION 2011 IN DELHI   At its Convention 2011 held on January 5-6 in New Delhi, GOPIO deliberated, discussed and passed resolutions pertinent to the interests and needs of the global Indian Diaspora of NRIs and PIOs. The following is a list of the resolutions passed.   RESOLUTION 1:  Image of India as a Country RESOLUTION 2:  Inconsistent Policies of Government of India RESOLUTION 3:  Taxes on NRIs after stay of 60 days in India RESOLUTION 4:  International Indian Emigration Day RESOLUTION 5:  Consular Services for NRIs and PIOs RESOLUTION 6:  Policies & Practices RESOLUTION 7:  Rajya Sabha Seats for Non Resident Indians (NRIs) RESOLUTION 8:  Pravasi Bharatiya Divas & Problems at Delhi Airport  RESOLUTION 9:  Registration Fee Surcharges & Additional Fee for Late Registration at PBDs RESOLUTRION 10:  Terrorism: Safety of Life & Property RESOLUTION 11:  Investments In Properties & Disputes  RESOLUTION 12  Divorces and Child Custody in Indian Courts   Further details can be obtained at  www.gopio.net   GOPIO COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS BANQUET HELD ON JANUARY 6   Following the conclusion of the GOPIO Conference on January 6, 2011, GOPIO held its annual CSA awards banquet on the same evening at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi. The Chief Guest was Hon. Vayalar Ravi, India's Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian AffairsMinister and Parliamentary Affairs. The Guest of Honor was Shri Bhoopinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister ofHaryana.     Photo above: GOPIO officials at the Awards Banquet with Digntaries. From L. to R. Inder Singh, Ashook Ramsaran, Minister Vayalar Ravi, Lord Diljit Rana, Chief Minsiter Bhoopinder Singh Hooda, Candadian Member of Parliament Ruby Dhalla and Chan Chowdhry.   GOPIO's annual CSA awards were established to recognize and honor those NRIs and PIOs who have provided significant community and public service or done philanthropic work for the Indian Diaspora and/or to India.   Photo above: India's top bureaucrat and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minsiter of India T.K.A. Nair being inducted into GOPIO's Honor Roll at the Awards banquet. From L. to R.: Lord Diljit Rana, Inder Singh, T.K.A. Nair, Ashook Ramsaran, Dr. Thomas Abraham   The awardees for GOPIO Community Service Awards 2011 for services to the Indian Diaspora were: Mr Gambhir Watts (Australia) and Prof. M.C. Madhavan (USA). In addition, Mr. T. K. A. Nair, Principal Secretary, Prime Minister's Office, was inducted to GOPIO's Honor Roll.See full session at the following link: http://www.piotv.com/content-inner.php?content_id=56&id=46&p=d&category_id=117&category_name=9th%20Pravasi%20Bhartiya%20Divas   MEETING WITH OPPOSITION POLITICAL LEADERS    During the stay in New Delhi, GOPIO offcials met with opposition political leaders. GOPIO Founder President Dr. Thomas Abraham and GOPIO Detroit President Radha Krishnan met with CPM General Secretary Prakash Karat on Jan. 5th and discussed many of the NRIs issues as well as on how NRIs can be be fully invovled in India's devleopment.             A larger delegation of GOPIO officials including President Lord Diljit Rana, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Vice President Dr. Piyush Agrawal, Secretary General Chan Chowdhry, Ambassador J.C. Sharma, BJP Mumbai Pradesh Committee President Raj Purohit and several GOPIO chapter presidents called on to the leader of Opposiiton in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj on Jan. 5th evening at her residence. The delegation discussed a wide range of issues including the passport surrender issues implemented by Govt of India last year, areas where NRIs/PIOs can be utilized to develop and support India's image aborad and promoting investments by NRIs/PIOsin Inida.   Photo above; GOPIO delegation with Leader of Opposiiton in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj. From L. to R: Dr. Piyush Agrawal, Sudha Agrawal, Suman Kapoor, Raj Purohi, Lord Dilji Rana, Sushma Swaraj, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Radha Krishnan, Ritesh Agrawal and Ambassador J.C. Sharma   Statement by Main Sponsor Kotak Mahindra Bank: Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Virat Diwanji Executive Vice President, Kotak Mahindra Bank said "Kotak Mahindra Bank is happy to be associated with GOPIO and partner in events and initiatives undertaken by GOPIO. As a large India centric bank and investment focus, Kotak can be a perfect financial partner for GOPIO and its member to support this engagement. Kotak Mahindra Bank would like to strengthen the association going forward and support GOPIO on their various initiatives."   Kotak Mahindra Bank offers investments and wealth management services to NRIs and PIOs across the globe. Kotak Mahindra Bank has a comprehensive suite of investment products and services for NRIs across the globe which includes deposits, remittance, mutual funds, life insurance, loan and other banking and investment products and services. Visit www.NRI Matters.com to check out information and answers to questions on Finance, Investments, Real Estate and Citizen Law.    GOPIO'S RAMSARAN AMONG 15 PRAVASI SAMMAN RECIPIENTS   At the concluding session of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011, the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, called upon Indian Diaspora to participate in building a better future of India for the disadvantaged sections of society. She said, "Your contribution in the health and education sectors, in efforts to make India slum-free, as well as your participation in infrastructure development projects would be welcomed." She also said that the Indian Diaspora have come to be recognized as the 'knowledge Diaspora'. Diaspora's expertise and skills will be a vital resource for India's efforts to forge inclusive growth for all its citizens.   President Patil conferred the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award to fifteen distinguished members of the Indian Diaspora for their achievements in life and contribution to the welfare of the Indian community and enhancing India's image overseas. The awards were presented to these the eminent Overseas Indians at the valedictory function of the third and concluding day of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2011.   The following 15 eminent NRIs were selected after a careful scrutiny to be recognized for their outstanding contributions. Indian President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards to the eminent Overseas Indians which included two active GOPIO members, Executive Vice President Mr. Ashook Kumar Ramsaran from USA and Wahid Saleh from the Netherlands. Other recipients are: Dr. Rajiv Shah from USA. Sir Anand Satyanand from New Zealand, Prof. Veena Harbhagwan Sahajwalla from Australia, Ms. Lata Pada from Canada, Mr. Harindrapal Singh Banga from Hong Kong, Mr. Mohammad Munir Nazir Hassan Ansari from Israel, Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva from Liberia, Tan Sri Dato' Ajit Singh from Malaysia, Indian Community Benevolent Forum of Qatar, Dr. Mohiaddin Syed Karimuddin from Saudi Arabia, Mr. Mano Selvanathan of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mohan Jashanmal from UAE, Baroness (Dr.) Sandip Verma from UK.     Photo above: Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award Recipients 2011 with President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, MOIA Minister Vayalar Ravi and MOIA Secretary Dr. Deedhar A. Singh.   Ramsaran, who is a third generation PIO born in Guyana, joins two (2) other GOPIO executives who were previously accorded the prestigious award: GOPIO President Lord Diljit Rana and GOPIO founding president and former chairman Dr Thomas Abraham. Ramsaran also joins three (3) others from Guyana were previously accorded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman: President Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana; Sir Shridat Ramphal, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth; Dr Yesu Persaud, industrialist and civic leader.   The Pravasi Samman 2011 Citation to Ramsaran states that, "As a PIO originally from Guyana, he has been deeply involved in working to establish a memorial for indentured workers in Kolkata. He is recognized for his immense services to the Indian community". In the speech preceding the presentation of the Pravasi Samman 2011 awards on January 9, 2011 President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil remarked of the "steps to set up a Memorial for Indentured Workers at Kolkata Port to mark the indomitable spirit of Indian emigrants". At the same ceremony, MOIA Min Ravi also praised the efforts that made the Kolkata Memorial a reality. When asked how it feels to be accorded such a prestigious award by the Government of India for his efforts, Ramsaran remarked that, "it is indeed a special honor to be recognized as such. It is because of the strength, resilience, perseverance and sacrifices of our ancestors that we all stand tall. I feel gratified that I have been able to contribute towards recognition and remembrance of our ancestors who left India as indentured laborers from 1834-1920".    Addressing on the occasion the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Shri Vayalar Ravi said that the ninth PBD took forward the 'inclusive agenda' we had initiated last year in the eighth PBD. The focus this year was on discovering innovative areas in which overseas Indians can benefit from the many opportunities that India offers. Minister Ravi emphasized that the event provided an opportunity for the Diaspora to explore new areas for cooperation in the national priority areas of Health and Education. We need to work towards building a relationship that will see India emerge as an economic power in the true sense. The Indian growth story is an absorbing, inspiring and continuing one. In the midst of one of the worst worldwide economic downturns, India has demonstrated the merits of effective regulation combined with a free market democracy, he reminded.   Celebrating the many contribution of the Indian Diaspora the Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh said, "I think it would not be an exaggeration to say that the sterling achievements of our Diaspora represent a triumph of the value that Indian culture places on education. We hope to use the wisdom, experience and resources of the global Indian community to develop a world class education system, particularly in the field of higher education,"  Dr Singh said the PBD had enabled the establishment of a new bond between India and her children who live around the world. "It is a new bond based on our pride in the achievements of people of Indian origin worldwide and their pride in India's re-emergence as a cradle of creativity adventure and enterprise."   "These interactions have enabled you to discover a new India and feel enthused by our progress. When you see the knowledge explosion in Bangalore, the entrepreneurial vibrancy of Gujarat, the creativity of Tamil cinema, the awakening of a new India, you feel proud to say you are a person of Indian origin," he said.   The President said that Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is being celebrated every year in one of the countries which have a significant number of Indians for close-interaction with more and more overseas Indians. She also announced that the next Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas would be held in Toronto this year.   Mr. Vayalar Ravi announced that a memorial plaque at Kolkata Port on 11th of January 2011 will be unveiled to honour and remember all the Indian indentured workers who had emigrated in the 19th and early 20th centuries.     Mr. Ravi announced that the next PBD would be held at Jaipur, Rajasthan from January 7th to 9th, 2012. GOPIO URGES RELIEF OF JAPAN, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND DISASTER VICTIMS     The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) urges compassion, support and all necessary relief on an urgent basis for those affected by the natural disasters of recent floods and cyclones in Australia, the earthquakes in New Zealand and the massive earthquake/tsunami in Japan.   The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) joins with all respective GOPIO's chapters, GOPIO's councils and membership worldwide in expressing concern for all the citizens of the affected areas of Australia, New Zealand and Japan which are experiencing unusually harsh conditions caused by the effects of flooding and cyclone, earthquakes and tsunami conditions that have caused tremendous loss of lives, undue suffering, pain and anguish to those affected.   GOPIO supports and encourages all efforts being made by the respective governments to bring needed relief to the affected citizens for alleviate the difficulties being experienced and for the well being of its citizens. GOPIO urges other countries, as well as local, regional and international relief agencies, to respond urgently to this disaster and provide needed relief in a timely manner".   GOPIO CHAPTERS SET UP JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF FUND   GOPIO-Edison and Central Jersey Chapters in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Plainsboro, New Jersey announced a Japan Disaster Relief Fund at a function held on March 22, 2011 at the Guru Palace restaurant in North Brunswick, New Jersey. "Japan and India have accomplished great things together. People of Indian Origin would like to show their solidarity with the brave people of Japan at this very difficult time by mobilizing the resources of GOPIO and its members to support the disaster relief efforts for Japan." , said Arvind Sood and Rajeev Mehta, Presidents of their respective GOPIO Chapters. About 50 people attended the event and some of the members pledged their contributions towards the Japan Disaster Relief.     Photo above: Officials of GOPIO-Edison, GOPIO-Central Jersey and rotary Cus of Plainsboro after their joint meetings.   The initiative has strong support of GOPIO International's office leaders Lord Diljit Rana, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Mr. Inder Singh, as well, Mr. Ashook Ramusaran, and will be rolled out to other GOPIO Chapters around the globe.   Fund Raising drive will begin immediately and will last until May 31st, 2011. GOPIO will announce the fund recipient organizations as it completes investigating organizations that can make the maximum impact, both in terms of immediate relief needs as well as the longer term recovery process. All funds will be routed through "GOPIO International" which is a 501 (c) (3) non profit entity. 100% of your generous tax-deductible contributions will go to organization(s) that directly help victims recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake and tsunamis that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.   GOPIO is also requesting volunteers donate their time to make phone calls, send emails, organize collection boxes, handle media messages, and collect funds in your respective localities and a host of other tasks needed to make a maximum impact.   In the past, GOPIO-Central Jersey and Rotary Club of Plainsboro have jointly conducted many local community projects such as Medical Camps and Soup Kitchen, and several international projects such as Jaipur Limb, Nepal School facility, etc.   For further details, call  Arvind Sood at 732 277 6313, Email: ak-sood@hotmail.com or Rajeev Mehta at 908 917 4081, rajimehta@hotmail.com.   For more information about GOPIO and Rotary Club of Plainsboro, please visit:   GOPIO-Central Jersey, http://www.GOPIOcentraljersey.org GOPIO-Edison, http://www.meetup.com/gopio-edison GOPIO-International, http://www.gopio.net Rotary Club of Plainsboro, http://www.plainsbororotary.org   Tax deductible contributions can be sent to GOPIO Inc, P.O. Box 1413, Stamford, CT 06904, USA.   GOPIO CONVENTION TO BE HELD IN TORONTO, CANADA, SEPT. 2-4, 2011   GOPIO's Convention 2011 is scheduled to be held in Toronto on September 2 - September 4, 2011. The convention will be a 3-day event with GOPIO of Canada holding its first international event along with its several GOPIO chapters.    Tentative program outline is as follows: ·      Friday, Sep 2 (day): GOPIO Meetings ·      Friday, Sep 2 (evening): Inaugural Reception ·      Saturday, Sep 3 (day): Conference ·      Saturday, Sep 3 (evening): Banquet ·      Sunday, Sep 4 (day): Conclusion   GOPIO of Canada will take the lead, supported by all the GOPIO chapters in Canada, taking the lead role in planning and coordination. The organizing committees are being established. The conference program would be addressing current, relevant PIO/NRI issues.   Contact: Jay Banerjei, GOPIO of Canada at jay@jaybanerjei.com   GOPIO INTERNATIONAL AND CHAPTER NEWS     GOPIO CALENDAR OF MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE EVENTS 2011   May 31- Jun 1, 2011: Business & Diaspora Conference (Trinidad) June 8 - 9, 2011: PBD Canada (Toronto) September 2 - 4, 2011: GOPIO Convention (Toronto)   GOPIO-CT ORGANIZES YOUTH MENTORING AND NETWORKING EVENT   On December 24th, the GOPIO Youth and Young Professional Group of Connecticut held its 5th  annual Youth and Young Professional Luncheon at the Hampton in Stamford, CT. The attendees consisted of of middle school, high school and college students. The group was led by GOPIO Youth Chair Sharon-Priya Banta, who has been a part of leading the youth for the last 5 years. Sharon stated, "We want to provide an environment where we can mentor and learn from one another."   "When I attended high school in Stamford, we didn't have any such youth groups and I see the opportunities to help these kids since they are smart and talented," Sharon added. Until recently, Connecticut had only small Indian youth population. Now that the number has increased, GOPIO-CT Youth and Young Professionals would like to organize programs to create a positive environment which facilitates a sense of community for the younger Indian crowd.    The event consisted of two main speakers, an adult member and a youth member. The first speaker, Mr. Arun Sinha, a Group Chief Marketing Officer of Zurich Financial Services, eloquently spoke to the youth about his own experiences in the corporate world. The main focus of his speech includes five key points, which he feels are essential for success, they included the following: 1) Dream Big. The sky is the limit, and if you don't push yourself, to reach the highest you can go, then you will never reach there. 2) Work hard; you can never achieve a goal without putting in due effort. 3) Network. The more people you meet, the more opportunities you can have in life. 4) Follow your heart. The only way to find success in a field is if you want the success. If you do not like what you do, then how can you do it well? 5) His final point was sort of clichéd, but completely true and practical, have fun. If you enjoy what you do, then nothing can derail you from becoming better.   Mr. Sinha grew Zurich brand from almost obscurity to become one of the top global 100 brands and has also written a book called, "Sweet Spot: How to Maximize Marketing for Business Growth," which he passionately shared with the youth that afternoon.   The second speaker, Manu Bhat, a senior at University of Pennsylvania, spoke about his experience growing up in Stamford and getting into him dream school. Manu encouraged kids to participate in internships through out their summers in college and take advantage of all the free time they have with activities they enjoy. He also discussed that besides getting good grades in high school, community involvement is also extremely essential. Manu held an internship with UBS Investment Bank in New York in the past summer,. He is currently a senior at UPENN and a double major in both business and engineering. Manu told the youth to feel free to reach out to him as their mentor and that if he could accomplish his goals, they all could too! He told them to stay positive and "Never give up".    Photo Above: GOPIO-CT Annual Youth Networking and Mentoring Program participnats with Coordinator Sharon Banta in the left   Both speakers had great energy, were extremely inspiring and left the youth who attended motivated and hungry to work hard to achieve their dreams.    High school rep, Ashish Ramachandran, Youth Marketing Chair Rahul Sinha and youth member Ashwin Singh spoke about upcoming youth events including a youth talent show this spring being planned by GOPIO Youth group. For additional information on how to get involved with the talent show, please contact Rahul Sinha at rahulsinha95@gmail.com.

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Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/