The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin`s (GOPIO) Convention 2009 meet will be held in Chennai on January 6 and January 7, 2009, immediately preceding Pravas Bharatiya Divas 2009.
The Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi, will inaugurate the conference on January 6. The Minister will present the GOPIO Community service awards to NRIs/ PIOs who have provided significant community and public service for the Indian Diaspora.
Shreela Flather of UK`s House of the Lords, Albert Ramdin, Suriname Ambassador; Chandru Advani, community activist and Japanese leader; Upendra Chivukula, Deputy Speaker of New Jersey State Assembly; and Loganathan Naidoo, Durban Deputy Mayor, are the recipients of this year`s GOPIO Community service awards.
Inder Singh, President of GOPIO, said: ``We feel privileged to recognise some NRIs/PIOs who have contributed significantly to the countries of their adoption as well as to India, and have added a special glitter to the resurgence of India.``
According to GOPIO Chairman, Dr Thomas Abraham, ``By honouring those who have worked selflessly for Indian Diaspora causes and India, we are providing exposure of such role models to the next generation. This will motivate more NRIs and PIOs to volunteer their time for community causes.``
On January 7, 2009, GOPIO members will discuss on the theme `Critical Issues of Interest and Concern to NRIs and PIOs` with a wide range of topics on NRI/PIO parents coping at home and abroad, NRI/PIO contributions to homeland projects, business and investment challenges and opportunities in a global financial crisis scenario and current economic and non-economic issues and concerns of confronting NRIs and PIOs.
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Images courtesy: GOPIO. Any unauthorised reproduction is prohibited.
