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GOPIO EUROPE CONVENTION NOVEMBER 2016 PARIS - 2 - INDIASPORA, OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND FRONTIERS


MESSAGE FROM GOPIO EUROPE CONVENTION CONVENOR

I am very much honoured to be the convenor for the GOPIO Europe Convention

2016 in Paris. I welcome you all to the land of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity to

have a great moment of solidarity in taking time to enjoy both the convention and

the delights of the city of Love, Paris.

The GOPIO chapters in France and its members are very excited to welcome

colleagues from all over the world to this creative gathering under the theme

“Indiaspora, opportunities beyond frontiers”.

This is a historic moment for GOPIO since convention is starting on the Armistice Day which

commemorates the end of First World War. GOPIO members will be gathering at Neuve Chapelle

Indian Soldiers Memorial to pay tribute to more than 4700 sons of India who lost their life in France in

their fight for Freedom. GOPIO International Europe coordinator, Dr Pradip Sewoke, members of the

GOPIO chapters in France in collaboration with the Mayor of Richebourg, Mr Gérard Delahaye and the

Interfaith Association of Mr Ramesh Vohra have the firm conviction and are requesting that this

monument be recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

The program agenda of GOPIO Europe Convention 2016 includes 3 sessions on business since

economic reforms in India are strengthening the business interactions in many sectors of activities

between Europe and India. GOPIO is committed to be an active part of this venture in helping to

connect and interact globally with different partners of India and the Indian Diaspora. Convention

sessions will also deal in parallel on issues of common interests concerning the Women, Youth, Health

and wellness, Science and Technology. France has a long history with India and French is the second

most taught foreign language in India. A Francophone session about the Past, Present and Future of the

French Indian Diaspora is on the agenda.

GOPIO in Europe is on the move and the following years will be very challenging. Focus will be made

on opening GOPIO chapters and connecting PIOs and NRIs of different European countries so that

everyone can feel proud of our achievements.

There is no convention of this prestige without the guidance, help of sponsors and supporters globally. I

express my gratitude and thanks to all those who contributed to make this convention a success.

Mehen POINOOSAWMY

Life Member GOPIO

President GOPIO France Paris nc


MESSAGE FROM GOPIO INTERNATIONAL EUROPE COORDINATOR

Dear friends and members,

It is definitely an absolute honor bestowed upon me to have the

opportunity to share this message with you all. There are a few things in

my maiden message that I wish to communicate to the fellow members. I

am privileged to be alongside the association executive members of

GOPIO INTERNATIONAL in building this pioneering organization in the

Europe region. Without a doubt, GOPIO International has come a long way

in fulfilling its objectives. You may see that we have established councils

to address issues of common concern and have organized International

conventions, workshops and trainings on various topics touching the

everyday life.

GOPIO International has successfully established the European Biannual Summit as one of the pivotal

events in the global GOPIO program calendar. The theme of this summit “Indiaspora, Opportunities

beyond Frontiers” conveys GOPIO’s thrust to mobilize Diaspora’s technology, professional as well as

the investment resources and of course carrying out discussions on many important issues and topics

of common interest. In addition, GOPIO Europe Convention has involved the Indian Diaspora youth

and young professionals as active participants.

In this convention, we focus on panel discussions in different areas like ‘Uniting the Indian youth

Diaspora in the world’, ‘Make in India-Exploiting the potential’, Women empowerment, Indian

Literary thoughts, Entrepreneurial India etc. As part of the program, in the past we have organized

several events such as visiting the World War I memorial in Neuve Chapelle (North of France) to pay

tribute to the Indian soldiers who were martyred in France, various cultural programs, discover Paris

Lido, Gala dinner at Seine river cruise, award ceremony and launching of the book on Nelson Mandela

written by Farook Khan and photographed by Kevin Joseph (Nelson Mandela's private photographer).

A Documentary film ‘Mademoiselle France Pleure’ about Soldiers who were martyred in World War,

directed by Vijay Singh, will be shown at the program. The convention will have esteemed presence of

Mrs. Ericka Bareights, Minister for Overseas affairs, France, Mr.Velusamy Radhakrishnan, Minister

for Education, Sri Lanka, Mr. Raj K Purohit, Chief Whip and MLA of Maharashtra State, India as well

as Parliament members and Ambassadors from different countries. Eminent writers and several artists

too will participate in this convention.

Looking into the future, we have many plans for the coming months. The most important of those, I

would say, is to unite the whole Indian Diaspora in Europe and work together for the brighter future of

GOPIO International. We need to open more Gopio chapters and life members in Europe so as to have

a ‘Strong United European Gopio’ and strengthen our efforts in the area of Youth development,

Science and Technology, Women empowerment, Charity activities, Medical facilities, Literary

activities, Business opportunities etc. With India at the threshold of accepting new technologies and

business investment, the new team has come up with a motto, “GOPIO Means Business” so as to

attract Indian Diaspora entrepreneurs and businessmen to take more interest in investing in India in all


spheres, in Business, Philanthropy, Education, Healthcare and Social causes.

After being elected as Europe Coordinator in March 2016, I have always encouraged the development

of new GOPIO Chapters in Europe and in the francophone countries like Cameroun, Mauritius, Island

of Reunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique etc. I am very happy to have the presence of Gopio International

in the festivities held on 6th of May 2016 to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the first arrival of

the Indians in the Island of Martinique. It is certainly one of our best achievements in the history of

GOPIO International to open 3 new chapters for the first time and to register new life members in

Mauritius with the help of Mr. Shammi Sewoke, Mr. Hirenduth Rambojhun and Mrs. Kritilata Ram.

On 14th July 2016, Mehen Poinoosawmy from GOPIO France, Rita Abraham from GOPIO South

Africa and I launched the first chapter of GOPIO International in Reunion Island with the help of the

Chapter President Jean-Regis Ramsamy and registered the first life member there. It is really a great

pleasure to welcome a large group of GOPIO members accompanied by GOPIO International

Coordinator of Africa Ishwar Ramlutchman and five new life members from South Africa to this

Convention who have also participated actively in Mauritius and Reunion Island.

In order to promote the GOPIO Europe Convention, I have already completed multi-nations trip to

Great Britain, Ireland and Germany. We organized community meetings there and met people from

Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Switzerland and planning to open new chapters in these countries soon! I

was accompanied by Mr. Rajindre Tewari, International coordinator of GOPIO at large and

Mr.Ramesh Vohra, President of Interfaith Shaheedi Commemoration Association to meet Indian

community leaders and GOPIO officials in London, Berlin, Stuttgart and Belfast.

The high level of member participation in many events organized by us is a testament to the success of

the GOPIO leadership and staff at various fronts. This highlights the excellent progress, the association

has achieved in a very short span of time. None of this would have been possible without the

unwavering confidence and support rendered to us by our members and supporters. With the support

of our members, our journey towards excellence will continue with the same vigor and energy and I

would like to reassure here that we are always ready to meet the challenges which will come our way.

I feel absolutely privileged to coordinate the organization in Europe as diverse as we are and I am very

proud of the accomplishments of our people. I am confident that our association will continue to be

propelled by the energy and innovation of our people and will deliver growth and superior returns in

the months ahead. On this occasion, with heartfelt gratitude, I would like to thank GOPIO members

coming from different countries, Convention team lead by Convener Mehen Poinoosawmy, GOPIO

International Executive Officers, Chairman Thomas Abraham, President Niraj P Baxi, Executive VP

Noel Lal, Vice president Ram Gadhavi, Executive Trustee Inder Singh and International Coordinators

Mr. Ishwar Ramlutchman of Africa and Claude Sheikboudhou of Caribbean region.

I sincerely thank my wife Leenah and my five kids who are supporting me tremendously to make this

program a success!

Looking forward to see you in Paris!

Thank you! Dr Pradip Sewoke MD

GOPIO Europe Convention Chairman,

Europe Coordinator, GOPIO International

[email protected]

Ph : +33 6 70 63 33 35

Interventional Cardiologist,

MD, Clinic of Diaconat-Mulhouse,

France.

mailto:[email protected]



The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin GOPIO International www.gopio.net

1762 Technology Drive, Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95110, USA

Phone: Cell # +1.408.307.9845, Office: +1.408.249.2103

‘GOPIO means Business’

MESSAGE FROM GOPIO INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

Dear Convention Chairman Dr. Pradip Sewoke, Convener Mehen Poinoosawmy &

International Coordinator Rajindre Tewari:

To organize a convention is a huge undertaking. Congratulations and Best Wishes to

the First European Convention of GOPIO in Paris, France. The success of this

Convention is due all to your integrity, earnestness, dedication and hard work.

In the past, we have done many gatherings in Europe, but not a Convention. This

first European Convention in Paris, France symbolizes a new a vitality that Indo-Europeans will make a

difference to their countries of domicile, while keeping alive their religion, culture and heritage.

The Executive Council (EC) ably represented by our Executive Vice President (EVP) Noel Lal and

Chairman, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Global Ambassador Sunny Kulathakal, Treasurer Kewal Kanda,

International Coordinators Ishwar Ramlutchman, Shaji Baby John, Council Chairs and Co-Chairs felicitate

you on your desire to earn your rightful place in Europe, while maintaining your cultural & religious roots

and your role within the People of Indian Origin (PIOs). This Convention is making a statement that you

have ‘arrived’ and the impact will be more visible over time. Growing presence of our organization in

Europe will ensure your future leadership role that you aspire for and so richly deserve.

Civilizational history shows that what lasts over time are culture, traditions, a belief in a higher power and

all this ably sustained by economic activity. We Indians have an inquisitive mind and a natural tendency

towards trade, business, math and science. We need to grow from these strengths.

Indians who have gone overseas have succeeded despite all the handicaps, to be the ideal citizens of their

country of domicile. Thus, you find the Indian as President and Prime Minister in Mauritius, Indo

American in the US Armed Forces or the Indo Canadian as a Minister in Ottawa or the Indians as a

Member of Parliament in UK, Australia, Indo-Caribbeans in senior positions, Fiji, South Africa and more.

We have done all this without forgetting the culture, tradition and religion that have sustained us through

the millenniums and allowed India to emerge as one of the long lasting civilization.

During the preceding two years, GOPIO experienced some hiccups, where the International Conventions

and elections were delayed. But, that’s all past us. In March 2016, GOPIO conducted elections

electronically, providing opportunity to active GOPIO life members and chapter delegates to vote from the

privacy of their homes. More than 95% of the eligible voters took part and elected a new team. This Team

brings a new vision and desire to bring change, both internal and external, by being transparent &

accountable and bursting with a desire to interact in not only social areas but in business globally.

In June 2016, we held the New York international Conventional and in a historic move, the general body

authorized the setup of the GOPIO International Chamber of Commerce (GICC). Plans are afoot for its

http://www.gopio.net/


inauguration on January 10, 2017 in Mumbai, India. After its inauguration, we are proposing Business

Conventions be held at multiple places around the globe. These conventions will allow our natural tendency

to network with other PIOs in India and across the globe.

Despite our truncated term of less than two years, our new Team has already held an International

Convention, taken up its task with enthusiasm and creativity to open chapters in countries where there were

no chapters like Mauritius which has been included in the GOPIO International world map, opening newer

chapters in existing countries, enrolling new life members, while major Conventions have been scheduled

across the world over the next 12 months.

Our Upcoming events:

• Bengaluru, India: GOPIO Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention January 5- 6, 2017;

• Mumbai, India: Inauguration of GOPIO International Chamber of Commerce (GICC), January 10, 2017;

• Durban, South Africa: Africa Convention, March 10-12, 2017;

• Bahrain, UAE. International Biennial Convention, November 2017.

We urge all of you to join us in this effort of that ‘GOPIO means business’, by seeding new chapters, in

countries where we are not present, be active in your GOPIO chapter, or in one or more of the ten GOPIO

Councils and to help GOPIO increase activities for the benefit of the globally spread Indian Diaspora. We

also welcome your active participation in the deliberations during the convention.

Vice President Ram Gadhavi also joins me in conveying our Best Wishes to all GOPIO convention team

members & volunteers worldwide for their dedication and commitment to serve the NRI/PIO community.

Jai Hind!

Niraj P. Baxi Niraj P. Baxi, President

‘GOPIO means Business’

PS: ‘One for all and all for one’ is not only the rallying cry of the Musketeers, but also within our EC Team. We

are together as one.



GLOBAL ORGANIZATION OF PEOPLE OF INDIAN ORIGIN (GOPIO) INC.

P.O. Box 1413 Stamford, CT 06904-1413, USA

Tel 203-329-8010, [email protected], www.gopio.net

MESSAGE FROM GOPIO INTERNATIONAL CHAIRMAN

Welcome to the GOPIO Europe Summit 2016 of the Global Organization of People

of Indian Origin. I extend a warm welcome to all delegates and guests from all over

the world.

It was in August 1989 when delegates from 30 countries came to New York at the

First Global Convention of People of Indian Origin. In 27 years, GOPIO has grown

bigger and better in mobilizing the community for common causes by bringing a

sense of friendship and community spirit and serving the global Indian community

by taking up their issues to various governments and international agencies.

GOPIO had organized conferences, public platforms on issues, community celebrations and social service

and philanthropic activities. We have campaigned on issues of larger interest to the community and have

held even demonstrations in front of the U.N. to internationalize issues of common interest to the Indian

Diaspora community. The Biennial Convention in 2016 held in New York has become a corner stone for

GOPIO to be more involved in business, technology, investment and philanthropic activities as we have

decided to initiate GOPIO International Chamber of Commerce (GICC) which will be officially launched

on January 10th, 2016 in Mumbai.

GOPIO have had European regional meetings in London in 1989, 2010 and 2014; in Stuttgart in 1991 and

in Leiden in 2002, and GOPIO International Biennial Convention in Zurich in 2000. However, the

GOPIO Europe Summit, being organized in Paris this weekend, is the most outreached GOPIO European

Summit. The theme “Indiaspora, Opportunities Beyond Frontiers” conveys GOPIO’s thrust to

mobilize Diaspora’s technology, professional and investment resources as well as discuss many important

issues and topics of common interest. In addition, GOPIO Europe Summit has involved the Indian

Diaspora youth and young professionals as active participants in the Summit. I compliment Convention

Chairman and GOPIO International Coordinator for Europe Dr. Pradip Sewoke and Convention

Convener and GOPIO-Paris Nord President Mehen Poinoosawmy for their commitment and sincere work

in putting together this Summit. It will go a long way in mobilizing the European segment of GOPIO

International.

I wish all delegates and guests a fruitful Summit and a wonderful stay in Paris.

Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman, GOPIO International


http://www.gopio.net/





PROGRAM OUTLINE Thursday November 10, 2016

18 :00 –

22 :00

Registration / Dinner Simla Hill Restaurant -9 Rue Byron, 75008 Paris Tel : +33 (0)1 43

59 06 40

23 :00 LIDO SHOW on request LIDO – Champs Elysées

Friday November 11, 2016

06 :30

Departing by BUS

Leaving for NEUVE CHAPELLE TO PAY HOMMAGE TO THE

INDIAN SOLDIERS MEMORIAL – RICHEBOURG ( PAS DE

CALAIS)

Pick Up place : Hotel Le MARRIOTT , 17 Bvd Saint Jacques ,

75014 Paris

16 :30 – 17 :30

YOUTH CUNCIL SESSION

UNITING THE INDIAN YOUTH DIASPORA OF THE WORLD

Venue : HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL LE GRAND PARIS, 2 RUE

SCRIBE, 75009 PARIS

17 :30-18 :00 TABLATRONIC By Soobash DOONOOCHAND

18 :00 – 18 :30 WELCOME Reception and Inauguration

Venue : HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL LE GRAND PARIS, 2 RUE

SCRIBE , 75009 PARIS

18:30- 19:45 FILM “Mademoiselle France Pleure » of Vijay Singh

20 : 00 – 22 :00 CULTURAL SHOW Venue : HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL LE GRAND PARIS, 2 RUE

SCRIBE , 75009 PARIS

Saturday November 12, 2016 – VENUE HOTEL LE MARIOTT 08 :45 Conference Session

inagurations

VENUE : HOTEL LE MARRIOTT, 17 Boulevard Saint Jaxques,

PARIS 14

10:00 – 11 :00 BUSINESS SESSION MAKE IN INDIA: EXPLOITING THE POTENTIAL – HALL A

10 :00 – 11 :30 DIASPORA WRITERS

FORUM

Is there an Indian Model of Leadership: Realizing the potential for

Self - HALL B

11 :00 – 12 :00 BUSINESS SESSION ENTREPRENEURIAL INDIA- HALL A

11 :30 – 12 :45 ASSOCIATION OF DIAS HALL B

12 :00 -13 :00 BUSINESS SESSION DIASPORA IN THE WORLD OF FINANCE – HALL A

13 :00 – 14 :00 LUNCH LUNCH

14:00 – 15:15 WOMEN SESSION WOMEN LEADERSHIP - HALL A

14 :00 – 15 :00 HEALTH SESSON HIGHER MORTALITY RATE OF INDIAN DIASPORA - HALL B

15 :30 – 16 :45 SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY

SSESSION

Impact of Innovation and Digital Manufacturing on Modern

Economy - HALL A

15 :00 – 16 :00 FRANCOPHONE SESSION FRANCOPHONE INDIAN DIASPORA : PAST – PRESENT –

FUTURE (Diaspora Indienne : Passé – Présent – Futur) - HALL B

17 :00 – 18 :00 CLOSING SESSION CONFERENCE CLOSING SESSION

Saturday, November 12 , 2016 From 20 :00 to 23: 00 - GALA DINNER BOAT CRUISE ,

❖ LAUNCHING OF BOOKS

❖ INDIAN DIASPORA AWARDS

Sunday November 13, 2016

10 :00 – 14 :00

GOPIO MEETING

GOPIO INTERNATIONAL MEETING – SIMLA HILL Simla Hill Restaurant -9 Rue Byron, 75008 Paris Tel : +33 (0)1 43 59 06 40

LUNCH

EVENING

FREE - VISIT

VISIT LITTLE INDIA OF PARIS




Modelages Ayurvédiques : Tel - 06 01 96 21 07 ; http://pkayurmodelages.free.fr

WEB SITE: www.panditayurveda.com

http://www.panditayurveda.com/



Tel: 0027 833578747 – Cell: 083 3578747

Email: [email protected]

GOPIO INTERNATIONAL AFRICA COORDINATOR

The Indian South African community has always been renowned for its

determination to ensure education of its children as a priority, even in the face of

adversity. From the earliest indentured labourers contributing from their meagre

earnings to build schools, clinics, and even contributed towards the freedom of

South Africa. This has remained a steadfast principle that has brought about the

literacy level in the community.

The year 2014 marked 20 years of democracy in South Africa and after two decades

of peaceful transition from a horrific apartheid state to a democracy where all our

rights and freedoms are guaranteed in the Constitution and the goodwill and love of

the African people whom we share work spaces, neighborhoods and public places.

Durban is the home of more than 800 000 Indian citizens and hundreds more of

Indian nationals. Durban has been the home under the African sun of our Indian

community since 16 November 1860.

On 16th November 1860 , 155 years ago, the SS Truro landed in the Bay of Durban and more than 300 men, women

and children stepped onto African soil to forever make this their home, some thousands and thousands of miles away

from Mother India. During this historic Covention in New York, I take this opportunity of saluting the 1860

indentured Indians and the descendants of the pioneering people who made possible for all of us, Hindus, Muslims

and Christians, to enjoy a good and people life in the heart of the African east-coast seaboard.

The poignant history of the 1860 Indian indentured labourers who worked collectively and under trying human

conditions to survive every hour, turning the lush green sugar cane fields into the gold of sterling and pounds for the

colonial sugar farming barons is well documented.

This year marks 101 years since the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa. The peace apostle spent

21 years in Phoenix next to John Dube’s neighborhood where both these great leaders plotted and planned the

democracy that all of us enjoy today. KwaZulu-Natal, like the South African culture, is a mix of various cultures.

Through social cohesion unity in diversity will become the rainbow nation of South Africa.

Ishwar Ramlutchman

Africa Co-coordinator Gopio International



Tel: 0027 833578747 – Cell : 083 3578747

Email : [email protected] GOPIO INTERNATIONAL AFRICA COORDINATOR

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER OF INDIA, HER EXCELLENCY

MRS SUSHMA SWARAJ VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA

Gopio International Coordinator, Mr Ishwar Ramlutchman handing over a Memorabilia on Nelson

Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi to Her Excellency, the Minister of External Affairs of India , Her

Excellency, Mrs Sushma Swaraj, looking on is the High Commissioner of India South Africa , Mrs

Ruchi Ghanashyam .

India’s External Affairs Minister, Her Excellency , Mrs Sushma Swaraj was warmly received by the

President of South Africa on the 19th of May 2016 in Durban. This was a historic meeting to strengthen

ties between India and South Africa during the 100 years of the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South

Africa to India.



Namaste,

L'île de La Réunion, située entre Maurice et Madagascar, est la France et aussi

l'Europe dans l'Océan Indien.

La Réunion est une terre multi ethnique avec une population d'origine diverse,

Europe, Afrique, Asie (Inde, Chine) qui se caractérise par un vivre ensemble, un

melting pot réussi.

La Réunion est également classée au patrimoine mondiale d l'UNESCO en

raison de sa nature et sa géographie préservée et originale, avec ses pitons,

cirques, remparts et volcan.

Avec ses compétences dans les domaines économiques, éducatif et culturel, la Région Réunion tient à

contribuer au développement des échanges commerciaux et éducatifs avec l'Inde. Des liens avec Bangalore

ont, par exemple, déjà été établis par La Région Réunion en matière d'éducation.

En effet, pour des raisons à la fois historiques et géographiques, l'île de La Réunion entretient des relations

séculaires avec le continent indien dont une partie importante de la population réunionnaise est originaire

(25%). Il est important que la Réunion, comme l ' Inde valorisons cette diaspora indienne (25 millions à

travers le monde), car cette diaspora est le meilleur point d'appui pour une meilleure connaissance mutuelle

de nos culture, savoir faire, territoire, et un point d'ancrage ã encore valoriser, de nos relations et

développements réciproques.

Grâce à un tissu associatif local (GOPIO Réunion, Fédération Tamoul, NRI etc ...) particulièrement actif

qui a su tisser, au fil des années, des relations solides avec l'Inde, les échanges cultuels et culturels, sont

particulièrement dynamiques entre la Réunion et l’Inde.

L'Ambition de la collectivité publique, la Région Réunion, avec son Président Didier Robert est

aujourd'hui de favoriser le développement croisé des échanges économiques, touristiques et éducatifs avec

l'Inde , tout en s'appuyant sur sa diaspora : La consolidation de la ligne aérienne directe Réunion / Chennai

opérée par la compagnie régionale Air Austral, les initiatives portées tant par les représentations locales des

ONG indiennes que les associations locales (avec l'appui précieux de la représentation diplomatique

indienne à Saint-Denis de La Réunion) et l'ouverture prochaine d'une antenne de La Réunion constituent de

puissants leviers au service de ce projet de coopération.

Par conséquent, je forme le vœu que cette rencontre de haut niveau, francophone , sous l'égide du GOPIO

Europe 2016 - ayant pour thème "INDIASPORA, possibilités au-delà des frontières " - et du Ministère

indien des Affaires Étrangères Indiennes, puisse être de nature à conforter mutuellement la dynamique en

mouvement au service de notre jeunesse et nos populations, comme de nos entreprises et nos économies de

territoire.


GOPIO CONVENTION PROMOTION TOUR ACROSS EUROPE

On 28th August 1989, the first GOPIO INTERNATIONAL Convention has been organized with the objectives of

sharing the experience of International Indian communities on a common forum and to foster harmony with a

feeling of brotherhood amongst the people of Indian origin. We have travelled a long way to reach to this position

and now we are making our Europe Convention 2016 in Paris! We’ll look back proudly over 27 years of “doing

good in the world” — and look ahead to the challenges GOPIO will tackle in the years to come.

In order to promote the GOPIO Europe Convention, GOPIO International Europe Coordinator and Paris Summit

Convener Dr Pradip Sewoke has already completed multi-nations trip to Great Britain, Ireland and Germany. We

organized community meetings there and met people from Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Switzerland and planning to

open new chapters in these countries soon! I was accompanied by Mr. Rajindre Tewari, International coordinator of

GOPIO at large and Mr.Ramesh Vohra, President of Interfaith Shaheedi Commemoration Association to meet

Indian community leaders and GOPIO officials in London, Berlin, Stuttgart and Belfast.

Dr Pradip Sewoke and Ramesh Vohra With Barjinder Sodhi in Berlin With Rami Ranger CBE, one of the great Indian business people

(Director, Sunmark Ltd) in London, Dr Pradip Sewoke ,Ramesh Vohra,

Rajindre Tewari in London

Our team in UK with Mr. Virendra Sharma, A member of British Parliament

for 30 years!

Meeting with a group of people in London who never knew about

GOPIO: after our successful trip we formed two new chapters in London


During the Community meeting

Ramesh Vohra, Rajindre Tewari.Dr Pradip Sewoke, Dr Gulbash Singh

Chandok,M. Rajinder Singh Makkar,Rajesh Kathuria , Gurdeep Singh,

Ms. Sneh Kathuria , Mrs Asha Tewari, Dr Kawel Mohan at Guru Nanak

Medical center, South hall, UK.

A warm welcome to Dr Pradip Sewoke by Lord Dijit RANA MBE in Ireland Mr. Prakash Kumar Pandey, Senior Editor, ITV News India, Mr.

D.P.Tripati, Indian Parliament Member, Lord Diljit RANA MBE,

former GOPIO President,Dr Pradip Sewoke, Ramesh Vohra at Belfast,

Ireland.

A meeting with GOPIO Stuttgart Chapter President Mr. Dwarkesh Shah,

Director of Shah Group, Stuttgart, Germany

Dr Pradip Sewoke, Mr. Dwarkesh Shah and Mr. Ramesh Vohra at

Stuttgart


GOPIO REUNION ISLAND INAUGURATED

On July 14, 2016 Ms. Rita Abraham, Chairperson of the Women Council of GOPIO International, Dr. Pradip Sewoke,

International Coordinator Europe and executive member of GOPIO International and Mr. Mehen Poinoosawmy, President

of GOPIO France, Paris chapter, launched GOPIO Reunion Saint Denis. Reunion Island has around 250,000 PIO (People

of Indian Origin) among its population but until now there was no GOPIO chapter affiliated to USA, New York.The

mayor of Reunion, Saint Denis, Mr. Gilbert Annette, whose great grandmother is of Indian origin, expressed his full

support of the launch of the new GOPIO chapter and appreciated the hard work of Chapter President Jean Regis

Ramsamy.

GOPIO OPENS CHAPTERS IN MAURITIUS

On July 16, 2016, A foreign delegation of GOPIO officers was in attendance to support the launching of the first chapter

in Mauritius. Dr. Pradip Sewoke represented the executive committee of GOPIO International based in New York, USA.

Mr. Mehen Poinoosawmy, President of GOPIO France Paris chapter, Ms. Rita Abraham, Chairperson of Women Council

of GOPIO International, Mrs. Michelle Mickael, life member and five other new life members from South Africa: Mrs.

Yasmin Sanglae, Dr. Terrence Kommal, Mrs. Sherita Kommal, Mrs. Pratibha Naidu and Mr. Jay Naidu.


GOPIO INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS 2016 - 2017

NAME POSITION EMAIL ID

Dr. Thomas Abraham (USA) Chairman [email protected]

Niraj P Baxi (USA)

President

[email protected]

Noel Lal (Australia)

Exec. Vice President

[email protected]

Ram Gadhavi (USA)

Vice President

[email protected]

Inder Singh (USA) Executive Trustee,

GOPIO Foundation

(Ex-officio)

[email protected]

Sunny Kulathakal (Bahrain)

Global Ambassador

(Ex-officio)

[email protected]

Dr Pradip Sewoke (France) Int'l Coordinator,

Europe

[email protected]

Issac John (Dubai) Int'l Coordinator,

The Middle East

[email protected]

[email protected]

Ishwar Ramlutchman

(South Africa)

Int'l Coordinator, Africa [email protected]

Dr. Rajeev Mehta (USA) Int'l Coordinator,

North America

[email protected]

Claude Sheikboudhou

(Guadelope)

Int'l Coordinator,

Caribbean

[email protected]

Shaji Baby John (USA) Int'l Coordinator,

South Asia

[email protected]

Mrs. Suman Kapoor

(New Zealand)

Int'l Coordinator,

Oceania

[email protected]

Rajindre Tewari (The

Netherlands)

Int’l Coordinator-at-large [email protected]

Dr. Sai Giridhar (Bahrain)

Secretary

[email protected]

Kewal Kanda (USA) Treasurer [email protected]

















GOPIO Council Chairs and Co-Chairs

Academic Council

Chairperson Dr Neerja Arun (India) [email protected]

Business Council

Co-Chairperson Nitin Shah (USA) [email protected]

Co-Chairperson Prakash Shah (USA) [email protected]

Cultural Council

Chairperson Dharmatma Sharan (USA) [email protected]

Co-Chairperson Daniel Vinod (Australia) [email protected]

Health & Wellness Council

Chairperson Dr Asha Samant (USA) [email protected]

Human Rights Council

Chairperson Sivan Madathil (India) [email protected]

Co-Chairperson Praveen Chopra (USA) [email protected]

Media Council

Chairperson Nami Kaur (USA) [email protected]

Co-Chairperson Mini Guleria (USA) [email protected]

Co-Chairperson Dilip Butani (USA) [email protected]

Science & Technology Council

Chairperson Prof Prasad Yarlagadda(Australia) [email protected]

Co-Chairperson Sailesh Naik (USA) [email protected]

Co-Chairperson Amarider Bajwa (Australia) [email protected]

Seniors Council

Chairperson Sudha Acharya (USA) [email protected]

Women Council

Chairperson Rita Abraham (South Africa) [email protected]

Co-Chairperson Rajul P Shah (USA) [email protected]

Youth Council

Chairperson Anita Bhat (USA) [email protected]

Co-Chairperson Divesh Lal (Australia) [email protected]





KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME – KIP

FROM EUROPE TO INDIA

“We were born in France, Guadeloupe and Martinique and grown up in our families of Indian culture.

That was our first trip to India. We were somehow the representatives of European countries in these

KIP programs. In our different groups we were joined by other youngsters of 18 to 26 years old from

different parts of the world (Argentina, Israel, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, South

Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Yemen and Zimbabwe).

We all have different educational pathways and intellectuals but with a common heritage, to be of

Indian origin. Thus, strong bonds were formed because we were constantly together (24h / 7days). We

were curious and shared personal experiences on the integration of people of Indian origin in various

countries, our roots, cult religion, food etc ... We spoke with emotion the lives of our great

grandparents of India who unconsciously crossed for days and months hostile ocean to settle in the

hope of a better life in an unknown land.

They came a long way and rewarded for their hard works as some are now at the head of their

countries as Prime Minister: Ms. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Republic of Trinidad &

Tobago and Sir. Aneerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius.

There is no other country in the world which organizes this kind of youth program of its Diaspora.

India is the only country to do so and we strongly encourage young people 18-30 years old, without

hesitation to participate in the Know India Program.”


GOPIO LIFE MEMBERS (Updated as of June 1, 2016)

Abraham George, Wayne Township, NJ, USA

Abraham Pannikottu, Akron, OH, USA Aju Daswani, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, USA

Aakash Garg Jahajgarhia, Delhi, India

Alex/Leela Tharakan, Syosset, NY, USA

Amarinder Bajwa, Sydney, Australia

Anand Ahuja, East Elmhurst, NY, USA

Aniel Radjeshkumar Autar, Netherlands Ashi Chhabra, Holliswood, NY, USA

Ashok Hinduja, IndusBank, Mumbai, India

Ashok Madan, Long Beach, California Ashok Bhatt, San Jose, CA, USA

Ashok Motwani, Mumbai, India

Ashook Ramsaran, Fresh Meadows, NY, USA B.L. Sanjeev, Bangalore, India

Babu Patel, Los Angeles, California, USA

Balachandra Nair, Dubai & Kerala, India Balgopal Veliath, Kochi, India

Balkrishna Naipaul, Yok, Canada

Balraj Navlani, Indore, India Balram Rambudhan, Bronx, New York

Bhanu Dwarika, Queens, NY, USA

Bharat/Yog Bhargava, Great Falls, VA, USA Birla Group, Jakarta, Indonesia

Chanchal Gupta, Old Bridge, NJ, USA

Chander Khurana, Upper Brookville, NY, USA Chander Lal Navlani, Indore, India

Chandu Patel, Los Angeles, California, USA Charanpal Gill, Vancouver, Canada

Claude Sheikboudhou, Guadeloupe

Daniel Jacob, Abu Dhabi, The Middle East Darshan Singh Bagga, New York, USA

Deo Gosine, New York, USA and Trinidad

Dharmatma Saran, Howard beach, NY, USA

Dhiraj/Bhanu Solanki, Pine Brook, NJ, USA

Dhiraj Ahuja, India

Divesh Lal, Sydney, Australia Dolamma Koshy, Lansdown, PA, USA

Dr. Arnold Thomas, St. Vincent

Dr. Asha Samant, Livingston, NJ, USA Dr. B.K. Mehta, Forest Hills, NY, USA

Dr. C. Thomas, Oman, the Middle East

Dr. C.M. Prasad, Washington, DC, USA Dr. Chand Baidjnath Misier, The Netherlands

Dr. Dhani Ram Baruah, Guwahati, Assam,

Dr. Greesh C. Sharma, Morrisville, PA Dr. Indrani Rampersad, Ptt of Spain, Trinidad

Dr Marlan Padayachee, South Africa

Dr. M. Anirudhan, Romeoville, IL Dr. Pammi Bevli, Los Angeles, California,

Dr. Paramatma Saran, Great neck, NY, USA

Dr. Parveen Chopra, Oceanside, NY, USA Dr. Piyush Agrarwal, Miami, Florida

Dr. Prabhu Kulkarni, Dublin, Ireland

Dr. Pradip Kumar Sewoke, Belfort, France Dr. Raghvindra Prasad, Dallas, Texas, USA

Dr. Raj Dutt, Culver City, CA, USA

Dr. Raj Lal, Oak Brook, IL, USA Dr. Rajeev Mehta, Piscataway, NJ, USA

Dr. Ramesh Caussy, Paris, France

Dr. Ramesh Japra, Fremont, CA, USA Dr. Ramesh Pandey, New Jersey, USA

Dr. Ravindra Guthikonda, Edison, NJ, USA

Dr. Renuka Misra, Washington DC, USA

Dr. Sai Giridhar, Bahrain, The Middle East

Dr. Soma Vira, New York, NY, USA

Dr. Vinod Daniel, Sydney, Australia DrJagat Motwani/Jyoti Barot, Dix Hills, NY,

Drs. Thomas/Susy Abraham, Stamford, CT,

Dwarkesh Shah, Stuttgart, Germany

E.M. Stephen, Elmont, NY, USA

Edavana Sreedharan Nair, Dubai

Elie Sheikboudhou, Guadeloupe Gan Bhukta, Hyderabad, India

George Thomas K., Muscat, Oman

George Varughese, Bangalore, India Gino Latchan, Point Pierre, Guadeloupe

Goojha Ved Prakash, Paris, France

Gopal Singh Jhabua, Indore, India Gulab Watumal, Hawaii, USA

H.R. Shah, Secaucus, NJ, USA

Harbachan Singh, Queens, NY, USA Harmohan S. Walia, Sydney, Australia

Harsh Bhargava, Fanwood, NJ, USA

Hemraj Kissoon, Georgetown, Guyana Henri Sinapin, Guadeloupe

Husam U. Ahmad, New York, NY, USA

Inder/Deepi Singh, Tarzana, CA, USA Ishwar Ramlutchman, Kwazulu, Natal, South Africa

Issac John, Dubai, the Middle East

Jacob John Poovathoor, Uganda Jagdish Lodhia, Sydney, Australia

Jagdish Makwana, Zurich, Switzerland Jaideep Makwana, Zurich, Switzerland

James Chacko, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Jasbir S. Sachar, London, UK Jaswant Modi, Piscataway, NJ

Jean Regis Ramsamy, Reunion Island

Jhairam Persaud, Queens, New York, USA

Jyotsna and K.V. Jagdish, Jamaica Estates, NJ, USA

K. Sital, Hongkong

Kamal Vachani, Dubai Kewal Kanda, Norwalk, CA, USA

Kinesh Pather, Durban, South Africa

Krishna Srinivas, Smyrna, GA, USA Kuriakose Pannikodu, Fairfield, CT, USA

Lal/Kavitha Motwani, Bellrose, NY, USA

Lalitha/Narinder Masson, Jersey City, NJ, USA Magan Patel, Bordentown, NJ, USA

Maha Sinnathamby, Melbourne, Australia

Mahavir Arya, Sydney, Australia Mahesh Parekh, Los Angeles, California, USA

Manohar Dev, Indore, India

Manu P. Kumar, Bangalore, India Mehen Poinoosawmy, Paris, France

Michelle Michael, Durban, SA

Mini D Guleria, Los Angeles, CA, USA Mohammed Mohajiri, Barbados

Mohan Babu, Bangalore, India

Mohinder Singh Taneja, New York, NY, USA Mridul Pathak, New York, NY, USA

Ms. Manoranjana Sinh, New Delhi, India

Munish Gupta, Los Angeles, USA, India N.S. Wasu, Poona, India

Naliandra Naidu, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, S. Africa

Naidoo Veerapen, New York, USA Navin Megchiani, Bahrain, the Middle East

Nazeer Noormohamed, South Africa

Niraj/Jing Baxi, San, Jose, CA, USA

Nirmal/Tripti Sinha, Worthington, Ohio, USA

Nitin Vora, Jackson Heights, NY, USA

Noel Lal, Sydney, Australia Paramjit/Linda Singh, Shaker Heights, OH, USA

Parshant Gupta, Hyderabad, India

Philip Cherian, Bangalore, India

Prabodh Gupta, London, UK and New Delhi, India

Pradeep Jain, Englewood, NJ, USA

Prasad Yarlagadda, Brisbane, Australia Pratibha Naidu, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, S. Africa

Prinasen Dhaver, Durban, South Africa

Radha Krishnan, Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA Raj Lakha, Dartford, Kent, UK

Raj Soin, Dayton, OH, USA

Rajindre Tewari, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Raju M. Varghese, Voorhees, NJ, USA

Rajul/Prakash Shah, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA

Ram Advani, Jakarta, Indonesia Ram and Bhanu Gadhavi, Wayne, NJ, USA

Ram Lakhina, Leiden, The Netherlands

Ram Thukaram, Sturtevant, WI, USA Ramesh Chelani, Fremont, CA, USA

Ramesh Kalicharan, Jamaica, NY, USA

Ramesh Kapoor, Medford, MA, USA Ramesh L. Maharaj, San Fernando, Trinidad

Rani M. Alex, Kochi, India

Ranjana Shukla, Ridgefield, CT, USA Rekha Gupta, New York, NY

Rita Abraham, Durban, South Africa S. Ruia, Essar Group, Mumbai, India

S.P. Hinduja, Hinduja Group, London, U.K.

Sanjay Khurana, Rockville Center, NY, USA Santosh Verma, Los Angeles, California

Sasenarine Sankar, Georgetown, Guyana

Satruhan Sukdeo, Toronoto, Canada

Sebastian Joseph Pallathu, Dubai, The Middle East

Shaji Baby John, Kochi, India

Shaji Mullasseril, Kochi, India Shammi Kapoor Sewoke, Mauritius

Sharad Mehta, Orlando, FL, USA

Shatrugan Davani, Rockland County, NY, USA Shruti Nada, New Delhi, India

Sohan Joshi, Chicago, IL, USA

Sudha Acharya, Jamaica Estates, NY, USA Sudha Parekh, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, USA

Suman Kapoor, Waikato, New Zealand

Sunil Deshmukh, Miami, FL, USA Sunny Kulathackel, Bahrain, The Middle East

Suresh Chaturvedi, ATV Products India

Ltd,Mumbai Sureshwar and Saraswati Singh, New Milford, NJ

T.N. Bhaskar, Bangalore, India

Tarun Surti, Nashville, TN, USA Thomas Mathew, Qatar, The Middle East

TV Aleyas, Bangalore, India

Umesh Chandra, Brisbane, Australia Ram, Jakarta, Indonesia

V.N. Prakash, Jackson Heights, NY, USA

Vega Jahajgarhia, Delhi, India Viresh Sharma, New Canaan, CT, USA

Yagalingum Nair, Plumblink, South Africa

Yamonee Barboro, Chicago, IL, USA Yash Pal Soi, West-Windsor, NJ, USA

Yesu Persaud, Georgetown, Guyana

Dr Terrence O Kommal,Pretoria, SA Sherita Kommal , Pretoria SA Dinesh Mittal, New Brunswick, NJ, USA Dr Maheswaraprasad Kasinadhuni ,NJ, USA Pratibha Naidu , South Africa Sudhir Singh, Fremont, CA, USA


GOPIO LIFE MEMBERS (Updated as of June 1, 2016)

Marlan Padayachee, right, briefing President Nelson Mandela on the protocol of a R 2 million school

refurbished for an impoverished community in South Africa


LA JOIE DE VIVRE! AS SOUTH AFRICA CONNECTS THE INDIASPORA DOTS BY MARLAN PADAYACHEE

LA JOIE DE VIVRE! That’s my reaction when Pradip Sewoke and Mehen

Poinoosawmy announced that Paris, the world’s most romantic city, will host the

Gopio Europe Convention a month before the festive season of White Christmas.

New York, somehow, has been the destination where many Gopio International

leaders and members have rubbed shoulders and exchanged business cards.

Friendships have grown in the past year. Since the 2015 Big Apple’s AGM and

awards dinner ceremony in Queens, Pradip and Mehen have kept us fully informed of

this convention. The Francophone foray began in Mauritius and Reunion Island which

was supported by South Africa led by women’s council chairwoman Rita Abraham.

Therefore for the sake of our non-French speaking colleagues, including our

delegation from South Africa, this famous line means ‘the joy of living’ – la joie de

vivre! - a term I used to describe Ile Maurice, one of the first island countries where Indian indentured labourers

were shipped to during the British colonial-era, the other was Trinidad and Tobago, also a host to the previous

yearly indaba, and then a pioneering band of 340 men, women and children landed in Durban on 16 November

1860.

Like Port Louis, Durban is a unique multicultural city under the African sun, where the majority of Indians from

the indentured stock and the trading classes reside. More than 60% of the 1, 3 million Indian South Africans are

based here. Hundreds of thousands more are spread across KwaZulu-Natal, with many still living near the sugar

cane plantations where their labouring forebears toiled from dawn to dusk under very harsh and repressive

conditions.

Durban is also home to many Gopio members. This spectacular east-coast city, where east meets west, along

the Indian Ocean Rim and across the African timeline, is preparing to host the 2017 Gopio Business Summit from

10-12 March , organised by Africa Coordinator Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu.

Our delegates will graciously reciprocate (quid pro quo) the global spirit of hospitality and goodwill they will

receive from Paris, a delightful destination of 105 square kilometres of a colourful splash of sights and sounds

headlined by the landmarks of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees.

Bahrain is preparing to host PIOs and NRIs from around the world where people of Indian origin are thriving in

culturally-diverse environments and working closely with indigenous people and governments.

While South Africa, though prepared, missed out on hosting the 2016 annual meeting in Durban, PIOs rallied

around Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s colourful campaign in three cities, including Gandhi’s heritage

sites, before embracing some parts of Africa on his first socio-economic mission.

It’s the turn and time of Paris to play gracious host as we gather with a commitment to continue with this epic

journey of connecting the dots of the Indian Diaspora: hats off to the copywriter who coined Indiaspora - a jingle

that can inspire Indians wherever they are in the world to share their own little world of demographics and

diversity and fuse it into a splash of colour of cross-culturalism into a big melting pot of fellowship, fraternity,

friendship and mostly importantly the global mantra of humanity (Ubuntu).

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, lets raise our hands to salute the fallen soldiers of the first

world war at Neuve Chapelle (Richebourg) – declared Armistice Day – and honour the 4 000 Indian soldiers

killed in France. In a world still bedevilled by conflicts, crisis and terrorism, I say aluta continua (struggle

continues) in our fight for freedom, human rights, social justice, peace, socioeconomic prosperity and political

stability for global citizens, irrespective of their class, race, gender or spatial location.

An exciting programme of discussions, debate and dissent has been laid out for delegates to focus on the key

issues that could bolster the movement of PIOs within the context of the overarching theme- and being Paris – the

social aspect and wining and dining should give new meaning to la joie de vivre!

– Vive la France. Vive la Liberte.

• LIFE Member and 2017 Gopio International Business Summit’s Media Liaison Officer, Marlan Padayachee (South Africa) is a former

frontline political journalist, and a media strategist, author and publisher, international alumni ambassador at City University London; recipient of

the British Council Fellow and United States Information Services Award; board member of the RK Khan Hospital. His home province, KwaZulu-

Natal, is home to the largest concentration (1, 3 million in SA) of Indians outside India; and has been newly appointed media coordinator for the

Indian Diaspora Council.


GOOD STANDING GOPIO CHAPTERS AS OF 2016

CHAPTER NAME PRESIDENT'S NAME PRESIDENT'S EMAIL & TEL

EUROPE / UK

01 AMESTERDAM, NETH. ROY BUJDHIAWAN [email protected] +31650257106

02 ROTTERDAM, NETH. MANISH DIXIT [email protected] 0031614547367 03 BERLIN, GERMANY ANIL KUMAR BHANDARI [email protected] +49 3021458888

04 NORWAY BALWINDER S JOSSAN

05 PARIS NORD MEHEN POINOOSAWMY [email protected] +33(0)670468885 06 BELFORT, FRANCE DR. PRADIP SEWOKE [email protected] 33(0)670633335

07 NANTES, France PANDIT KASHID

08 CENTRAL LONDON TAHA KUTAY [email protected] 44-784 165 4502 09 LONDON NAJMAL HASAN [email protected] 44-208-8331-8804

10 MOSCOW DR. RAMESHWAR SINGH [email protected] 79 85 341 3859

AFRICA

10 DURBAN KRISH NAIDOO [email protected] 27-82-886-2043

11 CAPE TOWN YAGAN NAIR [email protected] 027-082-561-3529

12 JOHANNESBURG SUNNIDHEN JUGWANTH SUNNY [email protected]; 27-833-014-660 CARRIBEAN

13 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO KARRAN NANCOO [email protected] 686-671-4182/761-6830

14 ST.VINCENT MURRAY BULLOCK [email protected] 784 493 9683 15 GUAGELOUPE J EAN HIRA [email protected] 590 690677589

16 MARTINIQUE LUCIENNE SACARBANY [email protected] 690069690 48 91

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

17 GUYANA SASENARINE SANKAR [email protected] 592 640 4318

18 BELIZE BERNADINE EMMANUEL [email protected]

19 SURINAME RADJEN ANAND SOERDJBALIE [email protected] 597 753 9398 INDIA / SOUTH ASIA

20 KOLKATA R K TRIPATHY [email protected] 91-33 24664745

21 TAMILNADU SURESH ANAND [email protected] 91-94-4408-1707 22 NEW DELHI R. RAJENDRA PRABHU [email protected] 91 11 26536221

23 GUJARAT SAMIR PATEL [email protected] 91-94 2403 2110

24 KOCHI P. C CYRIAC [email protected] 91-94 4730 5842 25 BANGALORE D. K. MOHAN BABU [email protected] 91-98 4502 3988

OCEANIA

26 WAIKATO PRADEEP KAPOOR [email protected] 64-7974-4267 27 MELBOURNE DEEPAK VINAYAK [email protected] 61-40 354 6735

28 BRISBANE YOUSUF ALIKHAN [email protected] 61-401-006-430

29 CANBERRA RAKESH MALHOTRA [email protected] +61 402 202 312 30 SYDNEY BALVINDER RUBY [email protected] 61-43 0 82 8 344

31 SYDNEY NORTHWEST BALKAR SINGH KANG [email protected] 61 413789716

32 SYDNEY SOUTHWEST JOSEPH THOMAS [email protected] 61-0404053186 USA / CANADA

33 ATLANTA DR NITIN SHAH [email protected] 1-678-858-0231

34 CONNECTICUT SHELLY NICHANI [email protected] 1-203-550-7747 35 UPPER NEW YORK JHAIRAM PERSAUD [email protected] 917-748-2430

36 CENTRAL NEW JERSEY DINESH MITTAL [email protected] 1-908-705-6365 37 METRO DC DR ZAFAR IQBAL [email protected] 1-240-328-0162

38 CHICAGO LINCOLNSIRE GLADSON VARGHESE [email protected] 1-847 561 8402

39 CHICAGO LAND DR UTPAL PAREKH [email protected] 1-630-205-3745 40 VIRGINIA PRADEEP KUMAR SHARMA [email protected] 1-301-717-8492

41 REDWOOD CA DR RINI JOHAR [email protected]

42 LOS ANGELES CA NAVIN GUPTA [email protected] 1-909-718-9478 43 SILICON VALLEY ASHOK BHAT [email protected] 1-4152692907

44 ORANGE COUNTY CA DILIP BHUTANI [email protected] 1-562 569 6722

45 SOUTH FLORIDA VIVEK SWAROOP [email protected] 1-954-394-5661 46 LONG ISLAND ASHOK SAPRA [email protected] 1-917-273-6199

47 NORTH JERSEY DHIRAJ SOLANKI [email protected] 1-973-714-5249

MIDDLE EAST

48 DUBAI KAMAL VACHANI [email protected] +971 50 6536916

49 BAHRAIN NAVIN MEGCHIANI

REUNION ISLAND

50 REUNION SAINT DENIS JEAN REGIS RAMSAMY [email protected] +33 692646677

GOPIO MAURITIUS

51 MAURITIUS QUATRES BORNES VASANT RAMBOJHUN [email protected] +230 525 86 819 52 MAURITIUS VACOAS SEEREEMOHAN SEETARAM [email protected] +230 577 08 507

53 MAURITIUS TRIOLET KRITI LATA RAM [email protected] +230 577 08 507

54 MAURITIUS SEBASTOPOL DANESHWAR BABOOA [email protected] +230 578 42 9 97







MESSAGE BY HIS MAJESTY THE KING, KING OF THE ZULU NATION

KING GOODWILL ZWELITHINI KA- BHEKUZULU

I first, would like to express my gratitude to both

leadership and membership of the Global Organisation

of People of Indian Origin for the opportunity they have

given me to bring message of support to this noble

initiative. The province of KwaZulu –Natal is home to

thousands of South African Indians. Majority of them

are direct descendent of 1860 indentured labourers who

came to our shores as oppressed people and as part of

global imperialism and colonialism scheme. Today,

hundred and fifty five years on, all of us can attest to the

fact that, what started as a tragedy is now one of the

good South African story to tell.

The story is that of a people who came to a country

without hope, a country which discriminated against her own people. Under one of the worse oppressive scheme,

apartheid that was ruled by the United Nations as a crime against humanity, Indians like their African counterparts

endure decades of racism and oppression. Together they formed organisations who side by side fought and defeated

the beast of oppression and racism. The story does not end there as today South African Indians not only work hard

in ensuring consolidation of South African democracy , but they also contribute to the country's economy. Akin to,

and largely responsible for good relationship between them and my Foundation, the King Zwelithini Foundation and

many individuals and South African indian organisations , has been our belief that twenty one-years after freedom

and democracy, South Africans need to move from tolerating each other to accepting each other.

I believe the concept of uniting people of Indian origin globally is a remarkable one. The fact that one hundred and

fifty years down the line in South Africa the descendants of the first Indian migrants still identify strongly with

motherland underscores the fact that people of whatever origin will as far as possible remain bound by the

motherland umblical cord. This, I believe could be a lesson from which other nations could learn. This is more so

with people of African origin. Your organisation is meeting like this at a time when the world is going through one of

the worst economical crisis leading to a new migration patterns for greener pastures by nations across the world. In

the process we all get exposed to new cultures and languages. This in turn compel us to adapt anew in the world we

live in as it keeps on changing. The lessons your members have learnt across the globe in their respective adopted

countries ought to be documented for others to learn from.

It is against this background that I applaud Gopio international Africa co ordinator ‘s initiative as I have no doubt

that knowledge and experience gained by South African Indians who are in attendance will not only benefit

KwaZulu-Natal but the whole of South Africa. Such is the beauty of having patriots who while acknowledge India

as their motherland but on the other hand adopt South Africa as their home which should be developed.

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to meet His Excellency , The Prime Minister of India , Shri Narendra Modi at a

civic reception here in South Africa, Durban . We shared many issues relating to our people in regards to

development in rural areas. I am looking forward to a partnership with India and visiting the Prime Minister in New

Delhi soon.

Lastly, As you come to the end of your conference I hope you can consider, coming to South Africa , KwaZulu

Natal as I look forward not only to having opportunity to hear your own journey but also to host you to our beautiful

province , the Kingdom of the Zulu. I am also looking forward to a partnership between the King Zwelithini

Foundation and Gopio International.

We wish you a successful and informative session and safe trip to your different destinations.


MY JOURNEY FROM AN INDIAN VILLAGE TO PARIS by Krishna Bagadiya

I had never imagined I would be doing a one man show in a

famous theater in Paris. On October 27, 2016, «I don't sell

flowers» a one indian show premiered with a full crowd at the

SoGymnase Comedy Club in the famous Theatre du Gymnase

on the Grands Boulevards.

My journey began in a small textile village in India with a

funny name, Ichalkaranji. Born in a family of middle-class

Rajasthani textile merchants, I grew up in various towns in

Maharashtra. After high school, I did what Marwadi kids who

didn't want to join business were supposed to do in the mid-

1990's, join an engineering school.

I dreamt of going to study films in the USA, a dream I couldn't

even dream to share with my parents. So I got admission in

Computer Science at the University of Texas at Austin. The

first thing I did after I arrived on campus was to change my

major to Radio-TV-Film. Austin was a great university place.

George W. Bush was the governor then. But I was the only

indian trying to make films in the College of Communication. I

felt like a fish out of water. Maybe a little ahead of my time!

So I dropped out of UT Austin. Landed back in Mumbai and worked in advertising. But the dream to complete my

education and come back to the West kept haunting me. I had learnt French in school. I loved France and everything

French. I read the french texts of all shampoo bottles with relish. So, I joined the Alliance Française de Mumbai and

went through all the levels and got accepted at the Université de Provence.

Coming to France, studying in France in French, was wilder than anything I had imagined. After a couple of years in

Aix-en-Provence, I got a job teaching Hindi and Bollywood cinema at the university. But soon, I felt the pond was

too small for me. I realized that in France there is Paris and there is Province (not Paris).

I was then accepted in the Polish Film School at Lodz, considered one of the best in the world. Polanski, Kieslowski

and many great film makers had studied there. So I arrived in Lodz, a post-industrial polish town. I learnt Polish

before going there as all the classes were in Polish!

After my training, I directed «Marine Drive» my first feature-length documentary for PSBT a documentary fund

under the Films Division of India. The film received great reception and it will be in festivals later this year.

In the meantime, I was also pursuing my PhD at the Sorbonne, which was my excuse to come back to Paris.

Teaching in the day and in the evenings, I started acting classes something I had dreamt of in my textile village in

India.

So here, I'm telling jokes in front of a crowd full of expats, indians, indophiles, colleagues and parisians. Hope you

can be there next time. Hope you can be there next time.

“I don't sell flowers” One Indian Show by Krishna Bagadiya

8th December, 2016 at 8pm at SoGymnase Comedy Club, Paris


GOPIO INTERNATIONAL Rita Abraham, Chairperson Women Council

Over the last six years during which I have spent much time travelling some

parts of the world on GOPIO business, it has been extremely rewarding and

has enabled me to get a better understanding of the Indian diaspora.

I have travelled to London several times, Trinidad and Tobago, Reunion

Islands, Mauritius, the United States, Asia and Africa and met people of

Indian origin and found that while some of them speak different languages,

adopted new cultures, we all have a great deal in common – India.

Yes, the Motherland is a unifying force which is unmatched by any other

experience, no matter how remote the destinations I covered.

All of us are one people with different aspirations, but it is our Indian heritage which gives us character,

values, food, tastes and even colours.

No matter where Indians went after leaving India, they took with them seeds to cultivate and grow

vegetables on which they were brought up.

Fruit which at one time was only available in India is now grown on all continents. Festivals, not just

religious are celebrated with great joy.

One of the most feverent qualities, I have found in all Indian communities around the world is the

hunger for education.

Some of them have built schools, tertiary educations while others have become world authorities in their

chosen professions and even lecture at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world.

It is almost 200 years since large number of Indians have left the Motherland and the countries which

they settled in have become better places because of the Indian connection.

Some have even attained high public office in those countries, but not many of them have given up their

Indian lifestyle.

What it has shown me is that being an Indian, we do not exclude anyone. In fact we embrace all

diversity which is positive and we are equally ready to share ours.

I would not have travelled and continue to do so had it not been for Gopio.

It made me a world traveler and in the process an Ambassador of Goodwill as Chair of the Women’s

Council.

It brought so many Indian women together from the furthest corners of the world.

We continue to share our finest and often are called upon to tackle great tribulations. But we do so with

confidence and a great deal of respect.

The time has now come for GOPIO to see observer status at the United Nations. Better still, we should

ensure that women are placed in this role at the governing body of world standards.

This would give GOPIO and our women the platform to participate in events which affect the entire

world and to bring about changes which would benefit the human race.

I believe that we have to make a meaningful contribution on the world platform for us to remain to be

relevant in the international arena.

GOPIO has a membership which covers so many countries and offers leadership with values which have

been tried and tested over 10 000 years.


Sindhi diaspora in France : À vaillant coeur rien d’impossible.

Sindhi, a community originated from Sindh province in Indo-Pakistan region, has been world famous for its

art of business, typical lifestyle and food. Today there are approximately 40 million Sindhis on earth, which is less

tan 0.5% of the total population of the planet. However, Sindhis are the 6th richest community in world running more

than 30% business in Indian subcontinent. Sindhis belong to one of the oldest civilization in the world and have

inherited the characteristics of dynamism through ages and communities throughout the world. Due to their rich

culture and business skills and the adaptability, the province of Sindh has witnessed several foreign invaders. The

ruins of Harappa and Mohen-jo-Daro speak of the perishment of this finest community of people. The not so recent

independence of India in 1947 was the last snare to the local inhabitance of this community leading to the scatter of

Sindhis throughout the world during this period. While Punjabis got Punjab and Bengalis got Bengal as separate

states, Sindhis were labelled as refugees and except for few pieces of lands and refugee camps, Sindhis were left in

their destinies to craft the coming generations of fortune.

As the title of the article goes: À vaillant coeur rien d’impossible – To brave heart, nothing is impossible.

Sindhis began to unfold their future and the fortune of country by initiating small steps in terms of setting up of

small shops in sheds. The success mantra behind Sindhi business is “larger turnover at lower profits”. This has

generated business conglomerates throughout the world from the same Sindhis who struggled for daily bread. The

manner in which Sindhi refugees adapted and evolved bought them the praise and admiration of locals and the

government. However, a significant fraction of Sindhis also took to new shores out of Indian subcontinent mostly

rushing to Middle East, Africa, Spain in Europe and few to the Americas. Sindhis have based firmly and in strong

communities Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The Forbes magazine of richest Indians in

the world proudly includes multitude of Sindhis like the Hinduja brothers, Hirandanis, Vaswani group, Romi

Wadhwani and many more. Sindhis have contributed to almost every field of society ranging from business

(Hinduja’s, Wadhwani, Vaswani’s) to acting (Govinda, Rajiv Bhatia, Ranvir Singh) to medicines (founders of

Jaslok, Hinduja hospitals), to internet (Sabeer Bhatia for Hotmail) to law and politics (Ram Jethmalani and Lal

Krishna Advani) to scientific research (Sangeeta Bhatia, Harvard Professor). Sindhi’s have greatly contributed to

spirituality – the great gift of India to the world in terms of producing many saintly preachers like Bhagat

Kanwaram, Sadhu T L Vaswani, and Dada Vaswani. Slowly but steadily, Sindhis are also making their mark in

diverse areas like sports (Pankaj Adwani, world champion of snooker and billiards) as well as fashion designing

(Tarun Tahiliani). Overall Sindhis form 35% of the NRIs globally.

France, a country world renowned for its rich culture, beauty and romance is no exception to Sindhis for

expansion, albeit in low numbers as compared to other countries like Spain and US. Many young Sindhis are now

turning to France to pursue education in information technology, management, fundamental sciences, and commerce

with enterpreneurship. Sindhis are now actively pursuing courses like International Business Management, Micro

and Nanotechnologies, Cancer Biology at the renowned schools in France like Ecole Polytechnique, University of

Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), University of Paris, Institute Curie, Ecole Normale Superiere, to name a few along

with the business which they carry in their genes.

Gope Hathiramani, the richest Sindhi in France started a small shop at Rue de Rivoli in 1960s after migrating

from Algeria. This shop run by a Sindhi India is recorded in the hall of fame of France. In May 1998, two American

customers visited his shop and soon the shop was covered with police and high-level security, only to discover that

one of the American customers was Hillary Clinton – who is set to make history in US in coming days. Similary, Mr.

Bharat Mahtani came to France for education but decided to make his career in this land. Mahtani explores his rich

expertise, the sweetness of Sindhi language, to run Language Associates, which trains young professionals with

linguistic skills and readies them for the global talent making. Such and many other successful Sindhi stories are

scattered in multiple regions of France.

Very quickly most Sindhis in France realized this lack of communication and now multiple small

groups are working, thanks to the social media that many Sindhis are getting connected with each other in this

country for upkeeping this rich culture. Jyoti Garin-Mahtani based in Marseille, runs a small network called

Chatranjai in collaboration with Linguistic Institute, University of Paris to organize small workshops for Sindhi


language awareness and promotion in France. Tarun Kalwani, a young and dynamic engineer in Boteco, Paris took

the initiative to form a small community of Sindhis in Paris. Similarly, small groups of Sindhis are spread out in

Nantes and Nancy. The present Sindhi community in France is small in number and scattered throughout the

country. However, despite this, most Sindhis in the country know each other and meet periodically. Recent visit by

Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi united most of the Sindhis in the country. Also, the latest initiative by

government of India – Namaste France, is bringing various cultural programmes from India to France. There is good

scope for Sindhis in France to reunite and make the cultural presentation the fine richness of this culture through

these events and hopefully through GOPIO as well.

The main reason why Sindhis have flourished in every nuke and corner of the world is that Sindhis are

extremely peaceful, hospitable, hardworking and open-minded people. They are free from inhibitions of caste and

creed. Sindhis are the only Indians who don’t belong to any single state and simultaneously belong to all states of

India. The cultural values of life in France and Sindhis do intersect at most places. As the famous French proverb

goes: Il n’y a qu’un bonheur dans la vie, c’est d’aimer et d’être aimé – There is only one happiness in life – to love

and to be loved. And the emergence of Sindhis from almost zero to the top notch of the human society is the best

emblem for this.

It would also be a mistake to acknowledge the success of Sindhis without the sacrifice they made to establish

themselves. The cost of this sacrifice is huge, while Sindhis managed to keep alive the community spirit to celebrate

festivals, they also gradually lost the attention to preserve the language and dialect. A language is the gateway of

culture and more than that it’s a gateway of knowledge. Without the preservation of language Sindhis’ cannot access

the wealth of hidden treasures in the form of literature, poems, and spiritual thoughts which have been at the heart of

Sindh and Indus Valley civilizations.

We witness that Sindhis have capacity to achieve material success after traversing all hurdles. Therefore,

Sindhis should overcome this hurdle to retrace and preserve their roots by rediscovering the real essence of their

culture, which imbibes the universal brotherhood and emphasizes on the quest of self-realization. This task is a

difficult one and requires intergenerational collaboration and it could be only possible if every Sindhi can realize it

innately and try to come up with solutions at individual, organizational and societal level to preserve and promote

the fragrance of our culture.

References: Most information and material cited in this article has been adapted from Sindhi resources like Sindhi (Wikipedia), lectures by Mr. Ram Jethmalani

at Sindhulogy.com, Prof. Baldev Matlani & Prof. Manohar Matlani Department of Sindhi, Mumbai University, India and from world Sindhi Congress.

We thank Sri Narayan Bablani (Sindhi Heritage – from Changes to Challenges) and numerous other Sindhi friends and colleagues across the world for useful discussions and encouragements during the preparation of this article.

Umesh Mukhi

Program Co-ordinator of MSc in

Food and AgriBusiness Management

Phd Fellow in Responsible

Management

Audencia Business School,

Nantes, France

Honorary Cross-cultural Ambassador

of UNESCO Club Sorbonne

Tel : +33 (0) 613957335

LinkedIn :

http://fr.linkedin.com/pub/

umesh-mukhi/15/2b7/603

Dhiraj Bhatia

Research Unit INSERM U1143-CNRS

UMR3666

Chemical Biology of Membranes and

Therapeutic Delivery

INSTITUT CURIE – Centre de Recherche

26 rue d'Ulm

F-75248 PARIS Cedex 05

France

Tel +33 (0)15624 6351

E-mail: [email protected]

Website:

https://sites.google.com/site/dhirajbhatia1/

http://fr.linkedin.com/pub/



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INDIAN SUPER MARKET is just opposite the station Gare du Nord where you find Indian clothes, groceries, decorative articles, sweets…etc .The experience inside the shop is like being in an Indian shop in Little India in Paris.


Histoire de l’immigration indienne en Martinique Par Francis PONAMAN A la suite de l’abolition de l’esclavage le 27 avril 1848 les affranchis désertent les habitations pour s’investir

dans d’autres activités ou cultiver un lopin de terre.Ceux qui font le choix de rester sur les habitations sont déçus

par les dispositions financières prises en leurs faveurs, la main d’œuvre locale est insuffisante pour répondre aux

besoins de l’agriculture, les planteurs prétendent qu’ils sont ruinés et sollicitent l’aide du gouvernement.

Ils introduisent des travailleurs européens, africains asiatiques. Mais la nouvelle politique migratoire mise en

place se solde par un échec, en définitive le gouvernement décide de se tourner vers le sous-continent indien

d’autant plus que la France possède de nombreuses loges ainsi que 5 comptoirs Chandernagor au Bengale,

Pondichéry et Karikal sur la cote du Coromandel, Yanaon en pays télougou, Mahé sur la cote du malabar.

Par ailleurs, l’île de la Réunion se félicite de l’introduction des travailleurs indiens qui ont augmenté de façon

significative sa production sucrière.

Dans les colonies anglaises de la caraïbe, ce sont des milliers d’immigrants indiens qui participent avec succès

au développement économique du Royaume Uni, la France décide d’adopter la même politique que sa rivale, les

décrets du 27 février 1852 et du13 mars 1852 suivis de nombreux arrêtés pris par les différents gouverneurs des

colonies, le gouvernement instaure une politique d’introduction d’une main d’œuvre étrangère.

Le ministère de la marine et des colonies signe avec des armateurs et des compagnies maritimes des traités

pour le transport de contingents de travailleurs indiens vers les Antilles françaises. Le premier traité est signé

avec le capitaine Blanc prévoyant par ce dernier l’installation de 4000 contractuels aux Antilles françaises en 6

ans. L’état s’engage à payer une prime de 250 f par adulte et 150 f par non adulte, l’engagiste doit verser une

somme sensiblement égale et rembourser les 50 f d’avance payé par le recruteur à l’engagé en inde.

Le 6 mai 1853 l’Aurélie débarque à Saint Pierre 313 passagers, au total entre 1853 et 1883 : 25,509

travailleurs seront introduits dans la colonie. Le 25 avril, 16 maisons de commerce de Pondichéry créent la société

d’immigration de l’Inde française. Elle se fixe comme objectif le recrutement et l’expédition des indiens vers les

colonies françaises.

Le 1er juillet 1861 la France et l’Angleterre signent une convention pour réglementer de façon commune le

départ, le transport, l’arrivée et l’installation des immigrants indiens en direction des colonies françaises.

Le 18 décembre 1884 le Conseil Général décrète l’arrêt de l’immigration indienne en Martinique. Le 17

janvier un arrêté fixe le régime des immigrants, le travail réglementé est aboli, 55 convois ont effectué le trajet de

l’Inde à la Martinique dont deux navires ayant appareillés de Calcutta.

Histoire chronologique des Indiens en Martinique

Les indiens constituent la dernière minorité introduite dans la société martiniquaise ; travailleurs sous contrat ils ont joué un rôle déterminant dans l’essor de l’économie sucrière de la colonie : 27 avril 1848 : publication du décret d’abolition de l’esclavage 6 mai 1853 : arrivée de l’aurélie en provenance de Karikal dans la rade de saint pierre ; avec 313 travailleurs. Pour l’essentiel ils sont issus de la présidence de madras 27 février 1854 : arrivés du convoi « le louis napoléon » en provenance de Karikal avec 500 passagers 1855 : création à Pondichéry de la maison d’immigration chargée du recrutement des travailleurs indiens 1 juillet 1861 : signature de la convention franco anglaise autorisant le gouvernement français à recruter dans l’inde anglaise 1877 : naissance d’Eugène Govindin, sur une habitation au Macouba. Comptable sur l’habitation Aymar. Conseiller municipal, à basse pointe il satisfait aux doléances des indiens, homme de gauche militant aux côtés du député socialiste lagrosière, il défendit aussi leurs droits civiques 17 décembre 1884 : arrêt de l’immigration indienne par le conseil général Janvier 1885 : le conseil général entérine l’arrêt de l’immigration indienne 1888 : arrêt définitif de l’immigration indienne à destination des Antilles françaises par le gouvernement Anglos indien 8 mai 1902 : éruption de la montagne pelée ; 30 000 morts dans la capitale et sa région. Plusieurs centaines d’indiens périssent. Saint pierre la capitale est détruite. Fort de France sera la nouvelle capitale jusqu’à ce jour. 1923 : acquisition définie de la nationalité française 1946 : les colonies françaises deviennent des départements français 1948 :L’affaire des 16 de basse pointe : accusés injustement d’avoir participé à l’assassinat d’un planteur, les indiens sont finalement acquittés par le tribunal de bordeaux. Décès d’Eugène Govindin 1939-1945 : les indiens entrent dans la Résistance aux côtés des Antillo-guyanais et rallient le générale de Gaulle. Les indiennes feront preuve de détermination avec les femmes antillaises 1973 : création de l’association Martinique-Inde par Michel Ponama 1973 : Gilbert Francis Ponaman, professeur des écoles initie le concept d’indianité 1973 : il lance le journal « Le Soleil Indien » l’organe d’expression du renouveau culturel Indo-créole. 2003 : 150e anniversaire de l’arrivée des tamouls à saint-pierre en Martinique. Le président du conseil régional Marie Jeanne célèbre avec faste cette commémoration, symbole de l’intégration réussie des indiens dans la collectivité territoriale martiniquaise. Le gouvernement de l’Inde reconnait l’Indianité martiniquaise en finançant quelques manifestations et aussi par l’envoi de troupes culturelles. 2015 : visite de l’ambassadeur de l’Inde en Martinique et à saint-pierre dans le cadre du 164e anniversaire de l’arrivée des indiens.



Interfaith Shaheedi Commemoration Association What is Interfaith Shaheedi Commemoration Association? This is an organisation mainly of persons of Indian origin who have settled in different countries of Europe, but have the dignity of India as a pre-dominant factor in their mind body and soul. The primary purpose of formation of this organisation was to remember those Indian soldiers who fought in the battle fields of Europe and laid their lives so that good can prevail over evil and the coming generations can flourish and enjoy the fruits of the sacred values of Equality, Liberty, Fraternity and democracy. IFSC Association was formed so that the real contribution of these unknown and forgotten soldiers is brought to the attention of not only the common man but also recognised on a governmental level. No tribute had been paid to them in accordance with their faith and culture. One of the primary purposes of the formation of IFSC Association was to remember them in accordance with the faith and culture of these unknown and forgotten heroes. What I mean is to hold prayers of various denominations for the emancipation and liberation of their souls in accordance with their faith and culture. History and formation of IFSC Association: The idea and concept of IFSC Association germinated in France and UK. Mr Ramesh Vohra discussed this idea with Mr Krishan Bhugtiar of UK. It was immediately picked up as a very good & important idea. The other persons who played an equally important role in the implementation of this idea into concrete shape were Dr. Ing. Vimal Khosla, Dr. Pradip Sewoke Mr. Ramesh VOHRA was the moving force, proving an engine for this train. The grease and fuel to this concept was provided by Mrs Meena Vohra, without whose help, cooperation and enthusiasm the event would not have been possible & Mr Vohra could not give this idea a concrete shape. Thus the following are its founding members:

1. Mr Ramesh VOHRA 2. Mr Krishan Bhugtiar 3. Dr. Ing. Vimal Khosla 4. Mrs Meena Vohra, wife of Ramesh Vohra. 5. Dr. Pradip Sewoke


Objectives of Interfaith Shaheedi Commemoration Association

1. Bring to the attention of the world including UNO the supreme sacrifice of these unknown soldiers who came from a distance of thousands of miles, to fight in the battle fields of Europe for a noble cause and to make Europe aware that it is the sacrifice of these soldiers that democracy-equality-liberty and fraternity are flourishing in Europe.

2. Perform religious and cultural rites, which were never performed by any governmental or non- governmental organisation so that a proper tribute is paid to them and congregational prayers held for the emancipation of their souls.

3. Another object was to recognise the sufferings of the families of these soldiers back in India where millions of children became orphans and women became widows.

Completion of the project: The physical efforts of Ramesh Vohra, Vimal Khosla and Meena Vohra brought this project to fruition where Mayors of various municipalities and the Indian Ambassador to France joined hands to make it a success.

A commemorative plate was installed at the site and souvenir medals were distributed with inscriptions of the soldiers and the

national flags of India and France.

Invitation: With this noble cause in mind, the association is progressing further with a new idea that the site is handed over to UNESCO so that the sacrifice is recognised on a worldwide level. The Association is humbly and respectfully inviting all persons irrespective of their caste creed, nationality or any other consideration, and all organisations interested in such a noble work to join this organisation and play their part. They can join as members of the association. Membership is free. Ramesh Vohra can be approached for membership form.


Future plan The future plan is to install a statue of these soldiers at 62136 Richebourg (France) so that future generations can pay tribute to them and remember them with respect. All ideas to enhance the dignity of this noble cause are most welcome. We, invite everyone to come forward, join us and play their part in any shape or form the persons deem fit and help us in making the new project a wonderful success. Email: [email protected] Site web: www.ifscfr.com


http://www.ifscfr.com/


Interfaith Shaheedi Commemoration Association Mr & Mrs Ramesh Vohra

with President & Secretary of GOPIO France Paris at the 4th Commemoration

of Memorial of NATO on the 17th September 2016 .

The 4th Commemoration of Memorial of NATO on the 17th September

2016

Celebration of the International Day of Yoga in Paris Mother Day celebration with Padmini Ayasamy, Madevi Baungartner,

Maguie Langlier, Ragini Poinoosawmy, Mrs Segarane and Helene Khim-

Tit

SUNRISE SCHOOL – AGRA – UTTAT PRADESH

Team of GOPIO Chapter of Quatres Bornes Mauritius launched on 16th

of July 2016



THANKS AND APPRECIATION We would like to thank all the team of all team of France & Europe and coordinators who

worked diligently and with patience and enthusiasm as a cohesive team to make GOPIO

EUROPE CONVENTION November 2016 a smashing success.

Our thanks and appreciation:

❖ All participants, GOPIO delegates, guests and speakers, session coordinators and guests, in

particular those who travelled from outside of Europe and France.

❖ The many officials and VIPs from India, Reunion Islands, Mauritius , South Africa & from

near and far whose participation enhanced the events.

❖ Chief Guest Shri Raj K PUROHIT, Chief whip MLA Maharasthra India

His Excellency, Ambassador of India in France, Dr Mohan Kumar

Special Guest: Mrs Ericka BAREIGHTS, French Minister of Overseas Territories

❖ All our patrons, sponsors, advertisers, supporters and contributors for their financial support.

Patrons Sponsors Dr.Thomas Abraham Dr. Neera Arun Gupta Niraj Baxi Kewal Kanda Sunny Kulathakal Dr Christopher Carey Dr Ryan Tewari Dr Pradip Sewoke Shammi Sewoke Dr Sivalingum Poinoosawmy Mehen Poinooosawmy Iswar Ramlutchman Noel Lal Claude Sheikboudou Samir Patel Barjinder Sodhi Sivapragassen Ramareddy

AIR AUSTRAL CAISSE EPARGNE ECUREUIL VALORUN LIDO DE PARIS SIMLA HILL RESTAURANT JODHPUR RESTAURANT K2 PROCESS ORIENTAL ART AND CRAFT d-one consulting

❖ Cultural presentation and entertainment groups who added wonderful moments and glimpse of

Indianness in France.

❖ The convention souvenir magazine team who worked diligently to produce publication in short

order with the cover designed by GOPIO Paris Youth Council member Graziela Puddea who

was also previous KIP Ambassador, Tranlation by Priyanka Ramatchandirane and Innimei

Tiroumalechetty.

❖ Frequence Sono vision, Jimmy Tardivel and his team.

❖ Security EPREMIUM by Kreshen and his Team.

❖ Miss India worldwide 2016: Karina KOHLI for her participation.

❖ Family, friends and associates for patience and understanding during the planning process.

❖ To all attendees who help make GOPIO EUROPE Convention November 2016 and Gala Seine

River Cruise Dinner a success.

❖ Lastly but not the least, a special thank to Mr Ramesh VOHRA, President of Interfaith

Shaheedi Commemoration Association for his tireless help in making this event a success.


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Tel : 0033 (0)1 47 89 38 05 Fax : 0033 (0)1 47 89 35 51 Email : [email protected] Web: http://www.k2process.com


MESSAGE OF VIKAS TALWAR – Secretary, Press / Media Contact

On behalf of GOPIO Paris NC, I would like to wish our members, friends and GOPIO

family a very warm welcome to our “GOPIO Europe Convention” at Paris.

On this 70th year of Indian Independence, GOPIO Paris was filled with lots of events and

enthusiastic members coming together with better ideas and synergies to fulfill the

objectives of GOPIO International Convention. Once again, we have contributed to the

interests of the People of Indian Origin by helping them in their personal and professional

issues such as welcoming Indian students to France, helping Fresh Graduates to achieve their dream jobs and

making it easier for our fellow Indians to make them feel at home away from their home.

We are seeing ever increasing stronger ties between India and Europe at all fronts. For this, GOPIO Paris is

providing an active and well recognized platform for dialogue and discussion to the Indian Diaspora present in

France and French Territories.

I would like to thank you for making our Convention a success and join us to celebrate this international event in

our city of lights and a city of love where our dedicated team is highly committed to serve the Indian Diaspora in

our region and beyond.

Vikas TALWAR ([email protected])

Secretary GOPIO France Paris nc, Press / Media Contact

From left to right: Shri Rakesh Sharma- Director of Maison de l’Inde, Nisha Dhingra-GOPIO Youth Europe coordinator, Mehen Poinoosawmy- President GOPIO

France Paris, Manish Bhatt- DCM Embassy of India, Dr Vimal Khosla, Honorary President GOPIO France Paris, Krishna Shivalingaya-Vice President and

Dhiraj Bhatia- GOPIO Science Council

Since very long time ago, France has been a favorite destination for scientists, artists, writers from all over

the world and many have made it their home. France is the 4th most popular destination for international

students and its high quality of education makes it an attractive destination for Indian students.

This “Welcome Day” for students was organized for the first time and GOPIO France Paris promised to

make it an annual event and suggest they this operation be widely spread in all the GOPIO chapters in other

countries.

Home is where your heart is. Home is where our story begins. There’s no place like home.

It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home.



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