Connecticut Congressmen Jim Himes Agrees to Support Diwali Day Act

GOPIO-CT officials met with Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes in Stamford on Friday, June 16th. The delegation was led by GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, who is also Advisor and Trustee of GOPIO-CT, along with GOPIO-CT Board Members Ravi Nichani, Nandu Kuppuswamy, Anita Mathur and Fr. Sudhir D’Souza. Other members present were Cecil Nazareth and Ram and Jane Jhunja.

The delegation discussed with Rep. Himes on several matters including geopolitical threat in the South Asia region by China especially to India, upcoming State visit of Prime Minister Modi which includes addressing the joint session of the Congress and other bilateral cooperation between the US and India.

Rep. Himes agreed to support the Diwali Day Act (HR 3336), which has been introduced by New York Congresswoman Grace Meng to declare Diwali as a national holiday. Other issues discussed include to develop a proper manual for business people for doing business between US and India, current shortage of ordinary office workers in hospitality and healthcare, and the long delay in getting an employee sponsored permanent resident card especially for those from India.

Over the last 17 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of PIOs through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.