GOPIO arrives in Canada with a Bang!
Saturday October 15, 2011 will go down in history as an important day for the nearly one million Indo-Canadians ,with the launching of the Canadian Chapter of GOPIO - Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin - in a year designated by the Canadian Government as Year of India". Begining humbly, the diaspora has become an integral part of the multi - cultural Canadian tapestry adding enormous value to the country's economy.
On Saturday October 15, 2011 GOPIO launched its Canadian Chapter with a bang! In a year designated by the Canadian Government as 2011 - Year of India, it was an important day for the nearly one million Indo - Canadians, now part of the rich multi-cultural tapestry of the Canadian nation. Indo- Canadians are now identified as top class professionals, successful businessmen and leaders in the political spectrum.
Doubtless, this recognition comes from a multiplicity of reasons,the foremost being commending and recognising the role played by Indo-Canadians and their contributions benefiting Canadian as a whole. On the spotlight, is the growing importance of Canada as a global economic power in the 21st Century. Kishore Mahbubani,Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore recalled that China and India made up 80% of the world's GDP contribution for sometime till the 18th century. He predicts, its just a matter of time the 'Status Quo' will be restored to a substantial degree this century.
Saturday's 5-hour programme held at the Metropolitan Centre in Toronto, commenced from 5pm and included a fantastic evening of business, music and cultural activities. It was attended by a full house of 350 cheering appreciative guests.including society leaders Jim Karyigiannis,M.P. and Liberal critic for Multiculturalism,Dave Ryan the Mayor of Pickering, Jay Banerjei founder President of GOPIO Canada. Guest Speakers included Rana Sarkar, Dr. Sid Gautam, Dr. Bikram Lamba, and Mr. Cliff Rajkumar.
The evening began with reading out the message of felicitation and greetings from the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty,The Mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, the Leader of the opposition, Mr. Bob Rae, the Indian Consul General, Ms. Preeti Saran and the head of GOPIO International, Dr. Abraham, Mr. Inder Singh and Lord Rana.
Jay Banerjei, founder President of GOPIO Canada began the evening outlining what the 21-year influential world-wide organisation stands for and what it has done for the 33 million PIO spread out in 24 countries. He pointed out that the new Ministry of Overseas Indians Affairs was created in India largely due to the work of PIO organisations outside India lead by GOPIO.
Mr.Karygiannis then addressed the guests and welcomed the many benefits of 40 years of multi-culturalism in Canada. He pointed out the fact the event was hosted in a Hall owned by a Greek Church was an excellent example of the happy coexistence between culturally diverse people if done the right way with the government creating the right enabling environment..
Guest Speakers Rana Sarkar, Dr. Sid Gautam, Dr. Bikram Lamba, and Mr. Cliff Rajkumar then took the podium.Ms. Sadaf Das a 15 year old child spoke on the behalf of the children on ecological responsibility.
The highlight of the evening was recognising and honouring leaders from the diaspora, who have made enormous contributions to the community. Among the honourees were Mrs. Shashi Bhatia and Mr. Vishnu Sookar for community service, Mr. Rana Sarkar and myBindi's very own Ms. Salima Syerah Virani for business leadership, Mr. Sidharth Kak, Bollywood movie producer for his service to the NRI and PIO community and Mr. Gurbax Singh Malhi for being a pioneer in the community.
The evening proceeded into the Gala Dinner which began with the singing of both Canadian and Indian National Anthems and concluded after a sterling music and dance programme by 14 year old Arshiya Chowdhary, Bollywood singer Shweta Subram and her troupe and Molly Banerjei who sang a delightful rendition of One People, a - la Barbara Streisand.
Click HERE for further details about GOPIO or contact Molly Banerjei at 647-979-3220, email: info@gopiocanada.com
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