Thaindian News

New York, Aug 12 (IANS) An organisation of Indians settled abroad will be celebrating its 20th anniversary here through a convention Aug 20-23, on the theme “People of Indian Origin: Strengthening Global Connections”.
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) will hold the event that will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the global Indian diaspora, evaluate the body’s progress in 20 years, to network, exchange ideas and connect with Persons of Indian Origin and Non Resident Indians.

Vayalar Ravi, Indian minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, will be the chief guest while former US ambassador Frank Wisner will be the keynote speaker Aug 21.

Ashook Ramsaran, convention convener and secretary general of GOPIO International, said: “This year marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of GOPIO. Twenty years of remarkable and unprecedented achievements by GOPIO representing the interests and concerns of over 25 million people living outside of India.”

The conferences scheduled at the convention include “India and the Indian Diaspora in the Context of Global Economic Challenges”, and “The Indian Diaspora: Challenges and Opportunities in the New Millennium”.

There will also be a conference session on “The Living Pioneers - Global Perspective of Indian Elders” Aug 22. A networking session “The Next Generation” is also planned for the same day.

GOPIO chairman Thomas Abraham said: “This is a celebration of 20 years of advocacy and services to the global Indian community.”

GOPIO president Inder Singh pointed out that “GOPIO’s Global Convention 2009 will re-examine and re-evaluate GOPIO’s role during the last 20 years with respect to goals and aspirations of 25 million people of Indian origin (PIO) living outside of India.”