Connecticut Stare Assembly has issued a citation to honor India on its 78th independence anniversary. The official citation was initiated by state Rep. Matt Blumenthal and Sen. SoSujata Gadkar-Wilcox and introduced by 13 other state representatives and senators.
It also congratulated the Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) for promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and the substantial contribution of Indian Americans to various fields, including business and political arena, according to a media release.
The citation also recognized GOPIO-CT for supporting many charities in Connecticut. The citation was signed by CT General Assembly’s Speaker Pro Tempore Marten M. Looney, House Speaker Matt Ritter and Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas.
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GOPIO-CT organized a celebration on Aug. 10 with flag hoisting at the Stamford Government Center and a ceremony with elected Connecticut officials and dignitaries. The celebrations, with a colorful festival, then continued at the adjacent Mill River Park in Stamford.
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmoins and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling issued proclamations in recognition of India’s Independence and congratulating GOPIO-CT for its services and contributions to their cities.
These citations were presented after the Indian flag hoisting by Indian Consul Pragya Singh in the presence of Connecticut State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox and Senator Bob Duff.
A floating crowd of over 1,000 people attended the day-long program on Aug. 10 starting with flag hoisting followed by the India Festival and kite flying at the Mill River Park. Several Connecticut state officials addressed the gathering.
Pragya Singh, Head of the Chancery at the Indian Consulate, highlighted the accomplishments and contributions of the Diaspora noting with pride, “the numbers prove that you have broken many barriers to become one of the most successful immigrant groups in the U.S.”
Connecticut State Senators Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (Senate 23rd Distrct (Bridgeport/Trumbull/Monroe) and Bob Duff (Senate 25th District Norwalk/Darien) and Representative Lucy Dathan (142nd District New Canaan/Norwalk) presented the citation from the Connecticut Assembly recognizing India’s 78th independence anniversary and complimented the work of GOPIO-CT.
GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, noted, “While India was building up in the last 8 decades, India had also sent large number of its brightest to America who have made substantial contributions in building up the economy of America. Our contributions are noted very well in corporate America, healthcare, hospitality, and in science, engineering and technology as well as in political arena.”
Senator Gadkar-Wilcox, the first Indian American Senator in Connecticut recounted her parents’ journey as immigrants to New York City where she was born. A Professor of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University, she was a Fulbright-Nehru scholar studying constitutional values in India. She also spoke about her grandparents’ involvement in India’s freedom movement.
Joseph Simon, an active contributing member and Trustee of GOPIO-CT, was honored with India Independence Liberty Award for community service and philanthropy. Simon who is a technology professional focused on the media sector has contributed to a variety of charitable organizations including as a board member, disbursement panelist and trustee for GOPIO-CT, Asha for education – NYC and the Community Fund of Darien.
The newly selected winner of Miss Connecticut Cayla Kumar was honored at the event. Kumar, a Quinnipiac graduate and aspiring pediatric oncologist, champions her nonprofit, The Goal Driven Project, which supports pediatric cancer advocacy, will compete at the Miss America pageant in Orlando in September.
GOPIO-CT also honored all high school graduates from lower Fairfield County schools.