GOPIO-CT Celebrates Two Decades of Diaspora Excellence and Community Impact at Annual Gala

The Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) marked its 20th anniversary during its Annual Awards Banquet held at the Water’s Edge Banquet Hall in Darien, Connecticut. The milestone event brought together a bipartisan group of state lawmakers, international diplomats, and civic leaders to celebrate the expanding political, economic, and cultural footprint of the South Asian diaspora in the New England region. Under the guiding theme of Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring Youth, Building Tomorrow, the gala recognized five outstanding Indian American pioneers while raising significant funds for regional youth educational charities.

Diplomatic and Institutional Tributes

The evening featured key addresses highlighting the institutional growth of GOPIO-CT and the global impact of the Indian diaspora.

Dr. Vishal Harsh, the Deputy Consul General of India in New York, attended as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, he noted that the achievements of Indian Americans have established a global benchmark of integrity and innovation that communities worldwide strive to replicate. He also emphasized that the consulate remains available 24/7 with comprehensive services tailored to support the diaspora.

Mahesh Jhangiani, the President of GOPIO-CT, expressed profound gratitude for the organization’s 20-year journey, describing it as a vibrant platform for civic engagement, cultural heritage, and unity. He credited the steady growth to the unwavering dedication of local volunteers, sponsors, and community partners.

Dr. Thomas Abraham, the founder president of GOPIO International and chairman of the Awards Committee, reflected on the historical roots of the parent organization, which launched in 1989 to champion civil and human rights, trade linkages, and political empowerment. Dr. Abraham praised the Connecticut chapter, noting that its structured local activities and community engagement have served as an outstanding model for chapters globally.

Honoring Five Distinguished Leaders

The 2026 accolades recognized professional excellence across diverse sectors, presented by Dr. Vishal Harsh and CT Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson:

• Political Leadership: State Senator Prof. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox. Elected in 2024 to represent Connecticut’s 22nd District—which includes parts of Trumbull, Monroe, and Bridgeport—she also serves as a Professor of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University.

• Entrepreneurship and Business Achievements: Dr. Anil R. Diwan. He is the founder, president, and executive chairman of Connecticut-based NanoViricides, Inc. (NYSE American: NNVC), a firm specializing in cutting-edge antiviral therapies that mechanically neutralize viral threats.

• Corporate Leadership: Nitin Mhatre. On April 15, 2026, Mhatre took the helm as Chief Executive Officer of First County Bank, an independent mutual community bank with a continuous 174-year operational history in Fairfield County.

• Engineering and Applied Sciences: Hemchandra M. Shertukde, Ph.D., P.E., DMS. Dr. Shertukde was honored for his long-standing academic contributions, having served on the faculty at the University of Hartford’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture for nearly 40 years.

• Journalism: Ajay Ghosh. The veteran journalist was recognized for a versatile career spanning more than 30 years dedicated to public interest communication across mass media, higher education, and clinical healthcare.

Powerful Perspectives on Identity and Truth

The acceptance speeches delivered by the honorees addressed crucial contemporary societal challenges.

Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox delivered a powerful address regarding how diverse cultural traditions enrich the American narrative. She noted that just as traditional Sunday family dinners have Italian roots, modern university celebrations like Garba dances and Diwali festivals at Quinnipiac now attract students of all backgrounds. Addressing recent anti-immigrant rhetoric on social media, she challenged xenophobic sentiments, asserting that the immigrant journey is fundamentally the American story and that the right to define that narrative belongs to everyone who shares in it.

In his acceptance speech, journalist Ajay Ghosh dedicated his honor to his global peers working responsibly to keep the public informed. He issued a stark warning regarding the current systemic strains on journalism worldwide, emphasizing that the institutional breakdown in challenging power and upholding truth is a global crisis requiring serious collective reflection.

Philanthropy and Foundational Legacy

The gala served a vital charitable purpose, managed under the leadership of Banquet Chair and GOPIO-CT Secretary Mike Joshi, along with President Jhangiani and Dr. Abraham. During the event, GOPIO-CT leaders presented major donations of $25,000 each to two local organizations:

1. Future 5: A charity focused on connecting disconnected youth to educational and career resources, represented by Founder Clif McFeely.

2. The Children’s Learning Center (CLC) of Fairfield County: An early childhood education provider, accepted by CEO Monica Maccera Filpu and Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Jennifer Hallissey.

The evening also honored the foundational architecture of the chapter by recognizing its founding members: Dr. Thomas Abraham, Viresh Sharma, Sangeeta Ahuja, Paul Ahuja, Bhom Ahuja, and Meera Ahuja. Past presidents including Sangeeta Ahuja, Shailesh Naik, Shelly Nichani, Anita Bhat, Ashok Nichani, and Jaya Saptardar were applauded for their long-term institutional building, alongside early Youth Coordinator Sharon Priya Banta.

The celebration concluded with vibrant cultural showcases, including a dynamic Bollywood medley and traditional Indian dances performed by local artists representing MASCONN, spotlighting the rich artistic heritage that continues to tie the local diaspora to its cultural roots.