GOPIO demands full dual nationality for overseas Indians

Urges Biden Administration and US Congress to pass legislation to eliminate green card backlog for Indians

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has adopted a resolution demanding full dual nationality for Overseas Indian Citizens (OCI) card holders.

The resolution was one of four resolutions passed by the General Body at the end of GOPIO 2024 Convention celebrating its 35th anniversary at Royal Albert Palace, Fords, New Jersey, from April 26 to 28.

Two other resolutions call for makING OCI at par with Indian citizens in doing business in India and provide Aadhar Card to NRIs who are citizens of India. A fourth resolution urged the Biden Administration and US Congress to pass legislation to eliminate the backlog of Indians waiting for permanent residence in the USA.

The convention focused on India’s present and the future and what role the diaspora Indians can play in helping to realize this desirable future with the theme, ‘Opportunities for Diaspora Indians in India’s Big Manifest Future,’ according to a media release.

The convention was inaugurated with a lamp lighting ceremony on April 26 the Guyanese ambassador to the US, Samuel Hinds, a former Prime Minister and President of Guyana, as the chief guest. India’s Deputy Consul General in New York Dr. Varun Jeph delivered the keynote address.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a citation honoring GOPIO on the occasion of its convention and for its contribution to improve life in New York City.

The proclamation was presented by Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan who complimented GOPIO for its outstanding work for the benefit of the Indian Diaspora worldwide.

In his keynote address, Dr. Jeph highlighted the pivotal role Indian Americans “are playing in the US economy with start ups and other business ventures, while being just over 1% of the population, your contribution in the economy of over 6%.”

“To the USA, we send brilliance and intelligence of the highest number of foreign students creating formidable future,” he added. Dr. Jeph also complimented GOPIO’s initiatives to network and help new students from India and said that the Consulate would continue to cooperate in this effort.

GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham said, “The 35 million strong Indian Diaspora community is the fastest growing Diaspora community worldwide spread into 180 countries and we are remitting over $100 billion every year which has helped India to reach a foreign reserve of over $650 billion and this flow will continue in the same level or more in the near future.”

READ: 1.2 million Indian professionals stuck in green card backlog: Report (April 15, 2024)

There were nine conference sessions on April 27 at the convention which included how Indian diaspora can participate in India’s big manifest as well as some on the diaspora life and social segments.

The panel on the Emergence of India as a Global Powerhouse which was organized by The Indus Entrepreneur – NJ Chapter (tie.org) focused on the growth of the Digital Economy, Supply Chain and Manufacturing.

There was a GOPIO Academic Council Roundtable coordinated by GOPIO Edison President Pallavi Belwariar and was chaired by the Academic Council Chair Dr. Neerja Arun Gupta who is currently the Vice Chancellor Gujarat University.

The Council discussed the role of academics in manifestation of future India, Student Start Ups with GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and future studies abroad programs for NRI and PIO students. It also brainstormed on showcasing India to diaspora and starting virtual and offline programs. Lastly, it resolved to create a Global Network for Academics.

At the Finale Awards banquet, four individuals and two organizations were honored with community service awards: Dr. Neerja A. Gupta who is the first woman Chancellor of Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India; Dr. V.K. Raju M.D. who has been providing great service in eradicating childhood blindness; Dharmatma Saran who has been named as the cultural ambassador of India to the world for promoting networking of young women achievers through his annual Miss India Worldwide Pageant and Lion Hina Trivedi of Chicago as a great community builder.

RELATED: GOPIO convention to discuss opportunities for diaspora Indians (April 24, 2024)

Two organizations were also recognized, Heart and Hand for the Handicapped (HHH) for its great service to physically and mentally challenged children and South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) for its outstanding services to communities in the New York Area.

Others recognized by GOPIO include Dr. Vithal Dhaduk, Pharmaceutical Business in USA; Sabinsa Vice President Anurag Pande, businesswoman Poonam Khubani; AAHOA Past Chairman Bharat Patel; TV Asia Chairman and CEO Dr. H.R. Shah, Parikh Worldwide Media Chairman Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Indian Eye/Radio Zindagi CEO Sunil Hali, New India Abroad Publisher Rajeev Bhambri; Indian Panorama Editor and Publisher Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Emalayalee and India Life Editor George Joseph, Universal News Network editor Ajay Ghosh and Pravasi Channel producer Sunil Tristar. GOPIO Convention Co-Conveners Dr. Asha Samant and businessman Kenny Desai were also recognized at the convention.

The General Body also unanimously elected Dr. Thomas Abraham as Chairman of GOPIO International for the remainder of the current term.