GOPIO-CT to celebrate India’s 76th Anniversary with Flag Hoisting and India Festival in Stamford on Sunday Aug. 6th

India got its independence from the British in 1947. To mark the 76th Anniversary of India’s independence, the Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) has joined hands with Stamford City and Mill River Collaborative to host India Festival in Stamford to commemorate Indian Independence, when the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 1947.

“The Indian Diaspora in Connecticut is a growing community consisting generally IT and management professionals, healthcare workers and a large number of entrepreneurs in hospitality and small businesses,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International and Trustee/Advisor to GOPIO-CT.

The Indian American community will join for a celebration organized by the GOPIO-CT by hoisting American, Indian and Connecticut flags at the Government Center in Stamford on Sunday, August 6th at 11.30 a.m.

Following the flag hoisting, at 12.00 Noon, there is an official ceremony to celebrate Indian Independence Day at the adjacent Mill River Park (corner Broad St. and Mill River St., Stamford). Honored guests are Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons’ representative DEI Director Carmen Hughes, CT State Senator Ryan Fazio (Senate 36th District, Greenwich, Stamford & New Canaan), State Representatives Matt Blumenthal (147th District, Stamford & Darien), David Michel (146th District), Anabel Figueroa (148th District, Stamford) and Domique Johnson (143rd District, Norwalk & Westport), and Mill River Park Collaborative Chair Arnold Karp.

After the ceremony, the Mill River will witness Kite flying and an India Festival with colorful Folk and Classical Dances of India, Music and Bollywood Dances. There will be vendors for Indian food, Indian arts and crafts, Indian clothing and other items. Admission is FREE for both events. Free limited Carousel rides will be provided for small children. Limited number of kites will be available free.

Stamford resident Mrs. Anita Bhat will be bestowed with Indian Independence Liberty Award for service to GOPIO-CT and for community service. Anita has been a familiar face in the community in Connecticut for 20 plus years volunteering her time wherever there is a need. A medical education administrator, Anita has been a volunteer with GOPIO-CT since 2007 and served as Secretary and President of the chapter. She also launched the first Miss India Connecticut under Diva America in 2009. Anita has been a driving force and energy behind many of the successful programs by GOPIO-CT Chapter.

The celebration is hosted by Mill River Park Collaborative and the sponsors are First County Bank, Keller William Prestige Properties Associate Sonali Zullurwar and Braj Aggarwal CPA. GOPIO-CT President Jaya Daptardar will welcome everyone at the ceremony. The program is chaired by GOPIO-CT Executive Vice President Mahesh Jhangiani.

Over the last 18 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 people of Indian origin through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.