Connecticut General Assembly Honors India for its 76th Anniversary

Celebrations have already started in the US cities to honor India for its 76 Anniversary of Independence, being organized by the 4.5 million strong Indian American community. The Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization (GOPIO-CT) had a highly successful celebration on August 6th with flag hoisting at the Stamford Govt Center, a ceremony with elected Connecticut officials and dignitaries and a huge festival with dances and music of India at the Mill River Park in Stamford.

The Mill River Park in Stamford, CT on Sunday, August 6th wore a festive look as Indian Americans and other Americans gathered in large numbers to celebrate India’s 76th Independence Day with an annual India Day Festival. A floating crowd of over 3,000 people attended flag hoisting followed by the India Festival and Kite flying at the Mill River Park from 12 Noon to 4.00 pm. Dressed in colorful traditional Indian attire, with melodious music from the popular Bollywood world, dances depicting the wide variety of Indian culture, kite flying, spicy Indian cuisine, and booths decorated with Indian symbols and face art, the festivities were a treat to the fast-growing Indian American community in the state of Connecticut and New York’s Westchester County.

The day-long celebrations began with the hoisting of the American and Indian flags at the Stamford Government Center by Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and Chief Guest India’s Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph. GOPIO CT President Dr. Jaya Daptardar hoisted the Connecticut State flag. American and Indian national anthems were sung students of Stamford’s Hindi School.

Connecticut General Assembly issued a citation honoring the India Day Celebration and presented it to GOPIO-CT. The citation was initiated by State Rep. Mat Blumenthal, who could not be present due to a previously scheduled program. The citation was introduced by Rep. Blumenthal (147th Dist.), State Senator Patricia Billie Miller (27th Dist.), Rep. Tom O’ Dea (125th Dist.), Rep. Corey P Paris (145th Dist.), Rep. Anabel D. Figueroa (148th Dist.), Senator Ceci Maher (26th Dist.), Senator Ryan Fazio ((36th Dist.), Rep. Hubert D. Delany (144th Dist.), Rep. David Michel (46th Dist.), Rep. Corey P. Paris (145th Dist.) and Rep. Rachael Khanna (149th Dist.)

The citation read, “In recognition of the 76th Anniversary India’s Independence from British Colonial Rule on August 15th, 1947, today we come together to celebrate the occasion with GOPIO-CT and other community organizations to help promote awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of people of Indian origin.” The entire membership extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses the hope for continued success. The citation was signed by CT General Assembly’s Pro Tempore Marten M. Looney, House Speaker Matt Ritter and Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas

Following the flag hoisting, everyone moved to the adjacent Mill River Park for the inaugural ceremony at the Carousel Hall attended by Mayor Simmons, Deputy Consul General Dr. Jeph, several elected officials from Connecticut General Assembly, heads of many non-profits and Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International. There were vendors who served delicious Indian food, Indian arts and crafts, Indian clothing and other items were displayed at the Park giving a glimpse of India’s rich and diverse culture.

MC Sonali Zullerwar started the program with a rendition of Vande Mataram and introduced GOPIO-CT President Dr. Jaya Daptardar who in her speech said “individuals must respect, diversity while working together for the community's progress for a bright future and this encourages citizens to actively participate in efforts to overcome social challenges and contribute to making a bigger society.”

In regards to social activism in high school graduates, Dr. Jaya Daptardar indicated, “the role of youth is the driving force behind the community's progress and development so the high school graduates are being awarded certificates and gift cards.”

Mill River Park Collaborative Board Chair Arnold Karp extended a warm welcome and spoke on the various programs conducted in the park and that the park has become focal point for the community to come together and celebrate.

In his remarks, GOPIO-CT Trustee/Advisor and Chairman of GOPIO International Dr. Thomas Abraham, a veteran community leader who was instrumental starting numerous community and professional organizations said, “The India Festival in Stamford, CT is a tribute to a strong and vibrant Indian-American community that has excelled in almost all areas of life in this adopted nation of ours.”

“Through events like the India Festival, we are cultivating and developing community networking with all the younger elected officials,” Dr. Abraham added.

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons proclaimed August 6th as India Independence Day in Stamford to commemorate Indian Independence and thanking the dedication of the Indian American community.

Deputy Consul General Dr. Jeph complimented the Indian American community for its great contribution in the USA. He also said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received at the White House in June by 8,000 Indian Americans at the Welcome Ceremony. Dr. Jeph further said that US-India relations are on the rise since both countries are the two largest democracies in the world.

Prominent among those who addressed and greeted the Indian American community included CT State Senator Ryan Fazio, State Assembly Representatives Domique Johnson and Rep. Anabel Figueroa. They all praised India, the world’s largest democracy, continuing its path through democratic route and that India and the USA being world’s two largest democracies have common interest to be together with close relationship. New Haven Mayoral candidate Tom Goldenburg spoke of his connection with India where he stayed over a decade in Kerala. Two other non-profit community organization representatives, Norwalk International Cultural Exchange Founder Janet Evelyn and Stamford’s Building One Community Program Director Fanny Ferreira also greeted the audience.

High School graduates for area schools were honored with certificates and gift cards and was coordinated by GOPIO-CT Exec. Vice President Mahesh Jhangiani. Secretary Sushanth Krishnamurthy expressed the vote of thanks.

After 1 pm a 3-hour program of Indian cultural performances chaired by Mrs. Yashasvi Jhangiani, started with patriotic songs sung by singer Sreenivas Gunupuru. There were a variety of dances from all over India. MC for the cultural program was Sushmi Narayan.

Other activities included kite flying and free carousel rides sponsored by GOPIO CT Trustee Shelly Nichani. Indian delicacies were available from Tawa Indian Restaurant while vibrant sources of clothing and artifacts were available for sale.

There was a variety of vendors who had their stalls at Mill River Park. It was ice on the cake. Many other nonprofit organizations like NAMI, EKAL Foundation, and Hindi Pathshala represented their presence. The program ended with the grand fashion show with Kashi Collection presented by Prachi Narayan

The program was sponsored by First County Bank, Braj Aggarwal CPA and Realtor Keller Williams’ Sonali Zullurwar.

Over the last 16 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of PIOs through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.

Students of Hindi school with Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and Indian Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph along with GOPIO-CT organizers after singing the national anthems at the Flag Hoisting Ceremony

Connecticut legislators presenting Citation honoring India to GOPIO-CT. From l. to r. GOPIO-CT VP Prachi Narayan, Board Member Sonali Zullurwar, President Dr. Jaya Daptardar, CT Rep. Domique Johnson, Rep. Anabel Figueroa, Senator Ryan Fazio, Indian Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph, GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, and GOPIO-CT Exec. Vice President Mahesh Jhangiani and Secretary Sushanth Krishnamurthi.

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons presenting a Proclamation declaring India Day in Stamford to India’s Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph. From l. to r. Prachi Narayan, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Dr. Jeph, Mayor Simmons, Mahesh Jhangiani and Sushanth Krishnamurthi

High school graduates recognized at the program are with CT officials and dignitaries

Left Festival with Indian Dancers and Right Part of the Audience