GOPIO launches foundation for people of Indian origin

NEW YORK: The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has launched a foundation with the objective of carrying out philanthropic and charitable activities in India and in countries having sizeable population of Indian descent.

The foundation was launched in New York past weekend to mark the 20th anniversary of GOPIO here.

The event was attended by a number of eminent leaders of Indian origin including Basdeo Panday, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and currently the Opposition Leader; Jagdish Shetter, Speaker of Karnataka state Assembly; Lord Diljit Rana, Member of the House of Lords, UK, and Upendra Chivukula, Deputy Speaker of New Jersey State Assembly.

Lord Rana was elected as the new president of GOPIO, while eminent Indian American Inder Singh took over as its new chairman from Thomas Abraham. Ashok Ramsaran was elected as its executive vice president.

In a message to the convention, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh felicitated GOPIO for its contribution to the Indian Diaspora Movement.

"GOPIO has emerged as a leading organisation providing a unique platform to the vast Indian overseas community for promoting their interests and realising their aspirations," he said.