Fwd: GOPIO NEWS BULLETIN -- August 12, 2011

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Subject: GOPIO NEWS BULLETIN -- August 12, 2011
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GOPIO NEWS August 12, 2011 A Publication of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Issue: X-10 August 12, 2011 Join Our List In This Issue INDIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY GROUPS SEEKING RELIEF ON PENALTIES STIPULATED BY US TAX RULES ON FOREIGN BANK ACCOUNTS GOPIO CONVENTION KICK OFF MEETING TO BE HELD IN TORONTO, AUGUST 13, 2011 INDIAN AMERICAN GIRLS GET TOP HONORS AT GOOGLE SCIENCE FAIR NETHERLANDS INDIAN DIASPORA CONFERENCE PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER IN HAGUE GOPIO INTERNATIONAL AND CHAPTER NEWS NRIs/PIOs ACHIEVE NEWS OF INTEREST TO NRIs and PIOs GOPIO LIFE MEMBERSHIP AND CHAPTER FORMATION EDITORIAL BOARD Quick Links GOPIO Home GOPIO News Archives New Chapter Inititiave GOPIO Constitution GOPIO History GOPIO Accomplishments GOPIO Business Council Bulletin Board GOPIO Publications and Articles NOTE: GOPIO News is a FREE bi-monthly newsletter of GOPIO International, based in the USA. We need your help in reaching out more NRIs/PIOs around the world. Please go to the bottom of the news bulletin and click the FORWARD button and type e-mail addresses of your friends and relatives. One could also subscribe this newsletter by visiting www.gopio.net and type in the e-mail address. All preivous issues of GOPIO News are provided at GOPIO News Archives. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter in future, please click SafeUnsubscribe at the end of this newsletter.   GOPIO is a community supported non-profit organization taking up issues of the Indian Diaspora and attempting to unifying the community in its common causes. Support GOPIO by becoming a Life Member or chapter member. Once can become Life Member online by visiting http://www.gopio.net/online_membership.html. INDIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY GROUPS SEEKING RELIEF ON PENALTIES STIPULATED BY US TAX RULES ON FOREIGN BANK ACCOUNTS   Major Indian American civic and professional organizations in the United States with a substantial membership have joined together to campaign with the US administration seeking relief on penalties stipulated by US tax rules on foreign bank accounts. Following a letter from GOPIO delivered on June 27, 2011 to Mr. Timothy Geithner, Secretary of the US Department of Treasury, representatives of four major Indian American community groups; the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), National Federation of Indian American Association (NFIA), American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), under the aegis of a National Coordinating Council, sent a letter on July 19, 2011 to US President Barak Obama seeking his assistance in this matter of urgent concern particularly to the new US immigrants of Indian origin who are facing unfair and unprecedented penalties for failure to disclose and do tax filing of foreign bank accounts by August 31, 2011. Copies of the letter were also sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner.   The joint letter affirmed the community's recognition of the necessity for the IRS to take needed actions and enact rules to track money flowing to terrorists, drug transaction and money laundering in safe havens outside the United States. The groups have requested that the IRS review and reconsider the rules towards more practical and prudent application.   The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced on February 8, 2011 a special voluntary disclosure initiative (Ref IRS News Bulletin IR-2011-14, Feb. 8, 2011) designed to bring offshore money back into the U.S. tax system and help people with undisclosed income from hidden offshore accounts get current with their taxes. The new voluntary disclosure initiative will be available through August 31, 2011.   "The IRS decision to open a second special disclosure initiative follows continuing interest from taxpayers with foreign accounts. The first special voluntary disclosure program closed with 15,000 voluntary disclosures on Oct. 15, 2009. Since that time, more than 3,000 taxpayers have come forward to the IRS with bank accounts from around the world. These taxpayers will also be eligible to take advantage of the special provisions of the new initiative".   "For the 2011 initiative, there is a new penalty framework that requires individuals to pay a penalty of 25 percent of the amount in the foreign bank accounts in the year with the highest aggregate account balance covering the 2003 to 2010 time period. Participants also must pay back-taxes and interest for up to eight years as well as paying accuracy-related and/or delinquency penalties of 2 percent". (Ref IRS News Bulletin IR-2011-14, Feb. 8, 2011).     While the United States has a rapidly increasing population of Indians and persons of Indian origin who are contributing significantly in all areas of the US economy and society, many in the Indian American community were not aware of the first voluntary disclosure program which ended in 2009. The Indian American media also was not aware of 2009 voluntary disclosure program. Many people holding foreign bank accounts were unaware of these rules simply because these rules were never publicized by the IRS to the general public. Even most accountants preparing and filing the annual individual tax returns did not inform or alert their clients about this requirement. It also appears that certain communities have been singled out for investigation which is highly damaging to the multi-ethnic ethos of our country.   The appeal is for universal application of the law on an equitable basis, on the principle of fairness and in good conscience without undue burden to the US taxpayer. The request further stated that strict application of compliance with the law on hard working Americans who are not aware of the law can lead to undue and irreparable distress, as well as unforeseeable consequences for a large number of innocent citizens who did not consciously or knowingly violate the rules.   The letter further states that the community is becoming aware of the new regulations on foreign accounts and is in full agreement that all citizens must be in compliance and pay all taxes due to the US government.   The Indian community in the USA, by and large, consists of very progressive, hard working and law abiding citizens who do not deliberately or intentionally violate any US laws or IRS rules governing taxes due. In many cases, people had transferred money to have a retirement income or home in the foreign country, or to provide support for extended family in the foreign countries. There was no deliberate intent to avoid taxes on interest earned during the process of acquiring homes or supporting family or saving for children's education. It was not planned to be unjustifiable enrichment.   Now that the groups have become aware of this IRS initiative, the impending deadlines, and potential consequences, they have offered to use their networks to inform and urge full compliance. However, the groups have requested that the remedies fully described in the July 19, 2011 letter to President Obama be considered and enacted. These include:   Request that penalties of 25% Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) penalty on assets of law abiding citizens be eliminated, that presumption of guilt is not a fair and equitable application of law; that penalty on the highest value of the assets is immoral and unfair; that penalties on assets as stated in the rules on foreign accounts should not be levied on law abiding citizens who missed declarations or filing deadlines due to lack of information or timely notification. Request that the IRS deadline be extended to December 31, 2012 to allow more persons who were not previously aware to fully comply. GOPIO is urging organizations, institutions and individuals to fully comply and pay any taxes due in an expeditious manner before the deadline. Request that the 20% accuracy penalty on undeclared taxes be substantially reduced for those who did not knowingly miss the filing deadlines. Request that the US Government should publicize the Voluntary Disclosure Amnesty Program in ethnic newspapers and other community media in multiple languages, as well as IRS representatives be interviewed by print, radio and television media to bring about more awareness resulting in compliance by more tax payers.  The joint letter was sent by GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh, NFIA President Lal K. Motwani, AAPI President Dr. Sunita Kanumuri and AAHOA Chairman Hemant D. Patel. Since sending out the letter, Federation of Indian Community associations of Cleveland (FICA) and Federation of Indian American Associations (NY, NJ and CT) have joined the effort along with Lueva Patidar Samaj. The groups are reaching out to all Indian community groups to join this effort.   For more information and participation in this national campaign, please contact the respective signatory organizations shown below:      Signatory Organizations:   Global Organization of People of Indian Origin GOPIO International, New York, NY www.gopio.net Contact: Inder Singh, Chairman Tel: 1-818 708-3885, E-mail: gopio-intl@sbcglobal.net   National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), Bellrose, NY  www.nfia.net Contact: Lal K. Motwani, President Tel: 1-646 724-1153, E-Mail: lmotwani@verizon.net     American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Oak Brook, IL www.aapiusa.org Contact: Sunita Kanumury, MD, President Tel: 1-630 990-2277, E-mail: info@aapiusa.org     Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), Atlanta, GA www.aahoa.com Contact: Hemant D. Patel, Chairman & Fred Schwartz, President Tel: 1-404 816-5759, E-mail: info@aahoa.com   COMMUNITY GROUPS APPEAL TO THE LARGER INDIAN COMMUNITY   The coordination group has appealed to the Indian American community to post note to the White House at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact or write to your Congressman and Senators. The groups have posted their appeal to the community for action as follows:   Making Arguments on the Community Cause   The Indian community in the USA, are widely regarded as law abiding model citizens. They are also first generation immigrants,  as such almost all have close ties back in India and family obligations- helping family youngsters to educate, taking care of parents and extended family, building retirement home, etc. This reality needs to be considered in any application of rules and laws. Indeed the US immigration laws allow for dependents and parents to immigrate precisely for that reason so there is precedent in American Law that is cognizant of the particular history of the new immigrants.  This kind of connection is natural for new immigrants who unlike third generation immigrants, will have active financial obligations towards families. What is required is for the IRS to help new immigrants make that generational transition both smooth and effective.   The second fact is that most Indians are unaware of these rules governing foreign account disclosure which has been very poorly publicized by the IRS. Indeed our spot survey suggests that close to 95 % are unaware of the amnesty and disclosure laws. And others believe that because they are paying taxes in India they are in compliance of the rules. A large majority are not therefore trying to avoid taxes on interest earned while acquiring homes or supporting family or saving for financing children's education. And if they have invested in India then they are simply following what the free market dictates.    A more discrete IRS approach combined with wider reach into the new immigrant community will  in fact lead to far greater compliance under the disclosure scheme. The current penalties take away savings , retirement incomes in case of a large number of new immigrants and thereby discourage compliance. That surely does not serve any purpose. Making citizens poor and their retirement years uncertain will in the long run impose greater burden on US entitlement system.   We would also like to stress that the current penalties of 25 percent for non-disclosure is totally disproportionate in relation to the presumed violation of tax laws. After all laws need to be just and proportionate to the supposed wrong doing. The disclosure scheme invites no hearing, no consideration for special circumstances that might diminish penalties for non-disclosure. As it stands now, the IRS requires you to simply pay 25percent irrespective of particular life situations. That in our view is indefensible.     The Indian American recognizes and completely agrees with the necessity for the IRS to take needed action and enact rules to track money flowing to terrorists, drug transaction and money laundering in safe havens outside the United States. The Indian American community requests that the IRS review and reconsider the rules towards more practical and prudent application both in the interest of justice and compliance of the law. We would like this ruling to be changed to make it fair. We also urge that it be applied in a more equitable manner that will not impose undue burden on good citizens who have not deliberately violated any law. To do otherwise is to inflict undue harm and cause extreme distress which cannot be the purpose of the US government and its law makers.   GOPIO CONVENTION KICK OFF MEETING TO BE HELD IN TORONTO, AUGUST 13, 2011   GOPIO's Convention 2011 is scheduled to be held in Toronto on October 14 - 16, 2011. The convention will be a 3-day event with GOPIO of Canada holding its first international event along with its several GOPIO chapters.    Tentative program outline is as follows: Friday, Oct. 14 (day): GOPIO Meetings Friday, Oct. 14 (evening): Inaugural Reception Saturday, Oct. 15 (day): Conference Sessions on Diaspora Community Issues Saturday, Oct. 15 (evening): Banquet Sunday, Oct. 16 (day): Conclusion   GOPIO of Canada will take the lead, supported by all the GOPIO chapters in Canada, taking the lead role in planning and coordination. The organizing committees are being established. The conference program would be addressing current, relevant PIO/NRI issues.   A kick off meeting/dinner is planned for Saturday, August 13th starting at 5 pm at 15 Royal Rouge Trail, Toronto, ON M1B 4T5. Many important people from the community will be present, including GOPIO International Chairman Inder Singh from Los Angeles and GOPIO International Executive Vice President Ashook Ramsaran from New York. The event will be presided over by Honorable Jim Karigiannis. Members of the media will also be present to cover this event.   If you would like to be actively involved in GOPIO Convention organization or become a volunteer, please join for the meeting on August 13th or cntact Jay Banerjei at jay@jaybanerjei.com.   Register Now!   Contact: Jay Banerjei, International Convention Chair, GOPIO of Toronto, 1-647-273-1119 or jay@jaybanerjei.com.    INDIAN AMERICAN GIRLS GET TOP HONORS AT GOOGLE SCIENCE FAIR   Two Indian American girls have emerged winners at Google's inaugural Science Fair, impressing thousands at the internet giant's California headquarters with their projects on ways to improve ovarian cancer treatment and bettering air quality for the benefit of asthma patients.   The top three winners out of 15 finalists at the fair were all girls: Shree Bose, Naomi Shah and Lauren Hodge, prompting Google to laud "girl power" at the fair. "The unifying elements of all three young women were their intellectual curiosity, their tenaciousness and their ambition to use science to find solutions to big problems," Cristin Frodella from Google's Education Team said in a blog post. The finalists examined complex problems and found simple solutions that can be implemented by the general public--like changing cooking habits or removing toxins from homes, Frodella said.   Bose, who won in the 17-18 age group, was also named the 'Grand Prize' winner, taking home a 50,000 dollar scholarship and an internship opportunity at the prestigious Geneva-based CERN institute. Bose impressed judges, more than 1,000 local attendees as well as Googlers with her project to "improve ovarian cancer treatment for patients when they have built up a resistance to certain chemotherapy drugs". Apart from the scholarship, Bose also won a trip to the Galapagos Islands with a National Geographic Explorer. Terming Bose's work as "groundbreaking discovery which could have wider implications for cancer research," Google said she came up with complex solutions that can be addressed in labs by doctors and researchers. Shah won in the 15-16 age group for her "endeavour to prove that making changes to indoor environments that improve indoor air quality can reduce people's reliance on asthma medications". Hodge was named winner in the 13-14 age group for studying the effect of different marinades on the level of potentially harmful carcinogens in grilled chicken. Shah and Hodge each received 25,000 dollar scholarships and internships at Google and toy company LEGO.  NETHERLANDS INDIAN DIASPORA CONFERENCE PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER IN HAGUE     The Foundation for the Indian Diaspora in Europe, in collaboration with GOPIO of Netherlands, is hosting its first annual Indian Diaspora Conference (IDC) on September 25, 2011 in The Hague. The theme is "Diaspora conference "Indian Diaspora in the Netherlands: Achievements, Contributions & Challenges".   After successfully conducting the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas-Europe in September 2009, the representatives of the Indian Diaspora organizations in the Netherlands will meet again on the 25th of September 2011 at the World Forum in The Hague for the first Netherlands edition of the Annual Diaspora Conference. The theme of the IDC is "Indian Diaspora in the Netherlands: Achievements, Contributions & Challenges". Distinguished speakers from all sections of the Diaspora in the Netherlands, the representatives of the Government of India and prominent Dutch dignitaries, will address on various aspects of this theme. At least 400 participants, most of them representing various Indian Diaspora organizations are expected to participate in this conference.   The aims of this conference are to: Enhance understanding and strengthen the relations between the various sections of the Indian Diaspora in the Netherlands Increase participation and visibility of the Indian Diaspora in the Dutch social, cultural and political spectrum Broaden and deepen the ties with India in various fields Work as a catalyst to further the cause of economic and cultural cooperation between India and the Netherlands. The conference has not only as an aim to highlight the contribution of the Indian Diaspora to the host country but also to focus on the issues of concern to the Diaspora. There will be special sessions to address the issues concerning the youth and the women. The Diaspora congress is organized collectively by many Indian Diaspora Organizations based in The Netherlands under the umbrella organization "The Foundation for the Indian Diaspora in Europe."   Programme The one day programme of the conference consists of presentations, lectures, discussions about the position of Indian Diaspora in the Netherlands and its relation with India. This will be an excellent opportunity to take stock of the progress made by the Indian Diaspora in the Netherlands so far and the measures to enhance it further. The programme will be concluded by a cultural gala with about 50 top artists giving quality performances with songs and classical as well as folk dances from various parts of India.   Participation Those who are interested in attending the conference are most welcome to register via the website (http://www.fideu.org). The participation fee is € 35,00 p.p. if paid in advance, and € 50,00 for those who want to pay at the door. Students with a student card will be charged € 20,00 in advance payment procedure and € 35,00 at the door. The students will be requested to show their student card at the entrance. he entry to the conference also includes drinks, snacks, lunch and cultural programme. Those who want to register only for the cultural programme the fee is € 20,00 to be paid in advance.   For more details, contact Wahid Saleh (Press Officer): Email: wahid.saleh@fideu.org GOPIO INTERNATIONAL AND CHAPTER NEWS     GOPIO CALENDAR OF MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE EVENTS 2011   October 14 -16, 2011: GOPIO Convention (Toronto)   GOPIO CONDEMNS SERIES OF BOMB BLASTS IN MUMBAI   The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) expressed strong and unequivocal condemnation of the series of bombings in Mumbai on July 13, 2011 that killed at least 22 innocent people and left many more injured. GOPIO considers these brutal and despicable acts as unforgivable and unjustified criminal actions directed to create widespread fear among innocent citizens.   GOPIO commends the Government of India and Maharashtra State for their diligent efforts in providing emergency services to the survivors and their families. GOPIO expresses deep and abiding concern for the victims of the tragedy, their families, friends and associates.   GOPIO-CT ORGANIZES SEMINAR ON FBAR   With the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the United States issuing rules and penalties regarding foreign bank account reporting (FBAR), GOPIO-CT organized a seminar on the subject on July 15th in Norwalk, CT. The speaker was Cecil Nazareth ACA, CPA, MBA. It was fully subscribed meeting.   According to the IRS rules, any individual living in the US for more than 180 days and has a foreign account in India and has more than $10,000 USD at anytime between 2003 and 2011 has to report their foreign accounts Failing to report can result in criminal proceedings and the individual can be placed under amnesty and will have to pay 85% of the amount held in foreign accounts as penalty. Depending on the individual situation, tax returns for the years 2003-2010 could be amended to include interest income, dividend income and all other income including rental income, if any, in the amended tax returns. Nazareth at the seminar said that the US citizens and residents are Taxed on World-wide Income. Nazareth said that those with foreign bank accounts should avail the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (OVDI 2011) to come forward with undisclosed foreign assets and get back in to the tax system.     "I strongly urge all Indian- Americans to disclose all their Foreign Bank accounts that exceeded $10,000 as per FBAR requirements," said Nazareth. He further suggested to employ competent professionals and get the best advice possible both in the US and India.       GOPIO-SAN FRANCISCO AND LOS ANGELES HOLD FAREWELL DINNER TO CONSUL GENERAL SUSHMITA THOMAS     GOPIO chapters in San Francisco and Los Angeles, in cooperation with other Indian community groups, organized a farewell to India's Consul General in San Francisco Ambassador Susmita Gongulee Thomas as she completed her term. GOPIO-San Francisco Chapter held a farewell dinner at the residence of Usha and Jeevan Zutshi in Vineyard Hills of Fremont on Friday June 24, 2011. It was co-sponsored by Indo-American community Federation (IACF-USA) and attended by nearly 75 community leaders including the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), FIANC, Jain Temple, Indo-American Community Federation (IACF-USA) and others. Ashok Sinha, Consul Community Affairs was also present at the gathering.     GOPIO-SF President Jeevan Zutshi spoke about the effective and low key leadership style of the Consul General and the remarkable progress consulate has made in terms of serving community needs, in spite of all the odds.   "The Ministry of External Affairs has been changing rules and regulations so recklessly in the past couple of years thus causing confusion and belligerence amongst NRI community", said Zutshi. "Consulate staff has been reduced and there are more than 1000 applications a day for OCI, PIO and visa, thus putting too much pressure on Consulate staff."   Others who spoke were NFIA Executive V.P Anil Yadav, FIANC President Rajiv Awasti, and Jain Temple President Shoba Vora. Everyone appreciated the role of CGI and Consul Ashok Sinha in helping promote understanding of Indian culture in this part of the U.S.     Zutshi presented both CGI and Consul for Community Affairs with his book "The Last Smile - A Journey of Hope" about his journey from strife torn valley of Kashmir in India to the U.S. and about the dangers of dietary supplements which ultimately took the life of his elder son in 2008.       Photo above: Jeevan Zutshi (Center) presenting his book "The Last Smile- A Journey of Hope" to Consul Community Affairs Ashok Sinha (Left) and Consul General of India Susmita Thomas (Right)   C.G. Susmita Thomas talked about her pleasant experiences during her term in San Francisco as Consul General and praised the active segment of the community in building Indo-U.S ties and understanding of Indian culture in the U.S. She praised the role of GOPIO International in addressing the recent controversial issues related to Visa fees, surrender certificates and other related issues.   The evening concluded with musical entertainment by Dr. Deepak Sachdev.    Los Angeles Program - GOPIO, in association with National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), Federation of Indo-American Associations of Southern California (FIA) and India Association of Los Angeles (IALA), held a farewell dinner for Ambassador Susmita Thomas at the Royal Delhi Palace Banquet Hall, West Hills near Los Angeles. The dinner was attended by over 150 people. Several community leaders, Padam Shree Mani Bhaumik, Cypress City Councilman Dr. Narayan, heads and members of the above four organizations and many members of the community from all walks of life attended the event.   Indian Association of Los Angeles (IALA) president Bobby Kumar welcomed Consul General Susmita Thomas. FIA chair Anju Garg pleaded for a consular office in Los Angeles. FIA president Rajinder Dhunna complimented her as a leader while Cypress City Councilman Dr. Prakash Narayan praised her the way she explained the stringent regulations for the grant of visa to the audience. Gursharan Nat narrated his own impressions about his visits to San Francisco Consulate and how he got changed from having negative thinking about the working of the consulate to becoming an admirer of the Consul General.   GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh said that obtaining Indian visa was never a problem in the past. Consul General and senior staff members were more engaged in promoting business, tourism, or reaching out to the community for issues pertaining to India in the US Congress.     Inder Singh stated that the new restrictions for the grant of visa to India imposed in May 2010 triggered resentment and obtaining visa became nightmare. GOPIO got the fee for surrender certificate reduced and some penalties eliminated, but that did not ease the continuing problem. He urged Ambassador Thomas to get the rules for visa relaxed and to make the process work smoothly. The expatriates should be free to visit India. It is good for people to maintain links with their motherland. These are the people who collectively contributed to India's transformation into a modern economy and that these are the people who sent over $55 billion to India in 2010 as foreign remittances. The huge sum is good for India's economy; it is good for Indian people.   Ambassador Susmita Thomas told that her assignment as the Consul General of India in San Francisco has been very challenging. She was obligated to follow the new rules but she also had responsibility to the needs of people for consular services. Her workload had increased manifold but her staff strength stayed the same.   Photo above: L-R: Mobin Khan, Consul General Susmita Thomas, Kewal Kanda, GOPIO President Inder Singh, IALA President Bobby Kumar, NFIA VP Ashok Madan, Dinesh Lakhanpal, FIA President Rajinder Dhunna, FIA Chair Anju Garg     NFIA Vice President Ashok Madan called upon all the event co-chairs and presented a coffee table book on Los Angeles with signatures and comments from several people. Vinod Manchhani gave note of thanks mentioning all those who contributed to the organization and success of the farewell program. He thanked the media and TV Asia for attending the event.   GOPIO WASHINGTON DC HELPTS TO ORGANIZE POETRY RECITATION AT THE INDIAN EMBASSY PROGRAM   "It is with great pleasure we welcome you to the first combined Hindi-Urdu poetry recitation session arranged at our Embassy," said Ambassador Arun Kumar Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India greeting the audience assembled to felicitate Professor Satyapal Anand and for a mushaira-kavi sammelan program at the Embassy of India Auditorium on Friday, 10th June, 2011. He acknowledged the support of the community members in the organization of the event and expressed hope to establish a tradition to holding such functions in the future. He also paid tribute to Professor Satyapal Anand for his outstanding contributions to the literature of Urdu, Hindi, English and Punjabi languages.   Thanking Ambassador A. K. Singh and Dr. Virander Paul, Minister, Press, Information and Culture, Embassy of India for their support in organizing the event, GOPIO-Washington DC President Dr. Zafar Iqbal apprised the audience that for the last three years the Embassy of India has been supporting Yaum-e-Azadi (Independence Day) Mushaira-Kavi Sammelan programs jointly organized by the Washington Aligarh Alumni Association (AAA) and the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin of Metro Washington (GOPIO) every year to promote subcontinent's Ganga-Jamuni culture. It was very pleasing to note that such events are gaining increasing popularity, he added.   Introducing Professor Satyapal Anand- the honoree, Dr. Iqbal said that Professor Anand is a stalwart literary personality of our times; he has enriched the literature of Urdu, Hindi, English, and Panjabi languages authoring more than 70 books. Almost all reputable Urdu magazines of the Subcontinent and the Europe and Northern America have published special numbers acknowledging his remarkable contributions to the field. An indication of Dr. Anand's recognition is the fact that the US Library of Congress has acquired 18 books authored by Dr. Anand, an honor not shared by any other Indian author in USA. Copies of documents listing publications and a brief biography of Dr. Anand were also distributed at the meeting.   Acknowledging tribute paid to him, Professor Anand thanked Ambassador Singh, participating poets and the organizers of the program. He also mentioned a few anecdotes related to his interactions with contemporary poets, writers, and critics during his many decades of literary life in India and other parts of the globe.   Dr. A. Abdullah, the evergreen conductor of poetry recitation sessions, mentioned in his introductory remarks that Urdu and Hindi are like twin sisters, but unfortunately people with political motives-starting with the British Empire-have tried to inculcate sibling rivalry between them. The faithful lovers of both languages have realized that the progress of Hindi and Urdu is interdependent on each other. He also mentioned that the Aligarh Alumni Association and GOPIO have been successfully providing a common platform for the interaction of Urdu and Hindi literary personalities under one roof for the last three years and that increasing number participants and audience is in these programs is a testimony to the desire of people to share the common heritage.   Photos above: Packed audience at the poetry recital at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC   Participating poets included Professor Satyapal Anand, Professor Rajkumar Qais from San Diego, Mr. Krishnakumar Singh Mayank from Lucknow, Dr. Narendra Tandon Saahil, Dr. A. Abdullah, Smt. Madhu Maheshwari, Dr. Astha Naval, Mrs. Bhupinder Katohora, Dr. Vishakha Thaker, Mrs. Rekha Maitra, and Ms. Rashmi Sanan.   The program was followed by a sumptuous dinner hosted by the Indian Embassy.   GOPIO SYDNEY NORTH WEST CHAPTER HOSTS INDIAN AMERICAN ACADEMIC PROF. PARMATMA SARAN   Prof. Parmatma Saran and Dr. Rupam Saran visited Sydney and addressed GOPIO members at a meeting organized GOPIO Sydney North West and GOPIO Cultural Council on July 8th at the Edward Purser Hall of Rouse Hill Library. The event was organized by GOPIO Sydney North West chapter. The chapter president, Neeru Singh welcomed Dr Parmatma Saran and other guests. GOPIO Cultural Council Co-Chair Abbas Raza Alvi provided the introductory remarks and then introduced Dr. Saran to guests. GOPIO-Australia Area Coordinator Harry Walia highlighted activities of GOPIO in the Sydney area.     Dr. Parmatma Saran, a GOPIO Life Member, spoke of the history of the community mobilization such as GOPIO and assimilation of the community in the larger society in the US and other countries. A lively discussion followed. Amit Pall conducted a Question - Answer session with Dr Saran. GOPIO's Alka Sharma paid vote of thanks.      Photo above: Prof. Parmatma Saran and Dr. Rupam Saran with GOPIO organizers of program in Sydney   GOPIO NEW ZEALAND CHAPTERS HOST PROF. PARMATMA SARAN   On 11th July 2011 GOPIO NZ Inc had organized an interactive meeting with Dr. Parmatma Saran, Professor of Sociology at Baruch College of City University in New York City. It was held at Bharatiya Samaj in Auckland New Zealand. Dr Parmatma Saran gave a 15 minutes statement on Indian Diaspora in USA and other countries. It was followed with an interactive session with the gathering.   Dr. Saran advised that there are approx 25 million Indian origin people residing around the world. It was in the late 1980's that BJP leaders while visiting USA and met with Dr. Thomas Abraham who was a community organizer and a strong supporter of Indian  culture, Indian Diaspora; who had asked if Indian government would open a cell within the Foreign ministry for NRI's. At that time this was a new thing and it was not received with enthusiasm. Now with the help and initiative of GOPIO International, that Indian government created a ministry of NRI and not only a cell.      Photo above: Bharatiya Samaj Charitable Trust Chairman Jeet Suchdev, GOPIO Auckland Downtown President Nek Mohammed, Prof. Parmatma Saran  and GOPIO NZ Inc. National Co-Chair Marketing [PR & Membership] Sunny Kaushal    Dr. Saran wants to promote interaction not only within our Indian community but also with the local communities around us. He wants to promote and uphold not only Indian culture but interact with the other cultural groups around us. He wanted to know more about NZ societies mixing with Indian and vice versa. It was very interesting to note participation of people on this topic.   This kind of meeting and interaction does help in our thinking and widening our horizon. Over 30 people attended the meeting despite rainy and unsettled weather on that evening. Every one enjoyed the talk and meeting Prof, Saran and Dr. (Mrs) Rupam Saran. GOPIO NZ Inc. had pleasure in organizing this and would not mind having more International GOPIO speakers from anywhere from GOPIO families.   Prof. Paramatma Saran and Dr. Rupam Saran also visited Hamilton, Waikato (New Zealand) on July 10, 2011. The informal talk & session in the evening focused on Diaspora cultural heritage, languages & transmission of values/ beliefs, assimilation of Diaspora in the US and other countries. The meeting was organized GOPIO Waikato President Suman Kapoor and was also attend by Dr. Pushpa wood who is an expert on financial literacy for seniors.    GOPIO-CT CONDUCTS TWO SOUP KITCHENS IN JUNE AND JULY   GOPIO-CT sponsored and conducted two soup kitchens in June and July. On June 25th, YOUTH CT cooked food for over 100 people at the Stamford Soup Kitchen located at the New Covenant House of Hospitality. This event has been carried on by volunteers of the GOPIO CT adult group, but on June 25th, for the first time youth have participated. The participants were Sharon-Priya Banta, Ashish Ramachandra, Amit Ramachandran, Sarika Mathur and Sivan Sud. The youth worked diligently to cook food for the people who are less fortunate and hungry. It was a great experience and the youth group looks forward to participating again!   On July 30th, GOPIO-CT adults group conducted the soup kitchen. Again over 100 people were served. GOPIO has committed two more dates in 2011 and six dates in 2012.    Photo below: Meera Banta, Amit Ramachandra, Sharon-Priya Banta, Lucille Thompson, Sarika Mathiurs, Ashish Ramachandran and Sivan Sud. Adult is Meera Banta   Photo above: Lucille Thompson, Meera Banta, Rekha Hida, Carina Brijmohan, Dr. Susy Abraham and Dr. Thomas Abraham   To get involved to volunteer with GOPIO CT at the Soup Kitchen please contact Meera Banta at meerabanta@aol.com    NFIA HOSTS MUMBAI POLITICAL LEADER IN NEW YORK   GOPIO-New York joined hands with the National Federation of Indian American Association to host a luncheon meeting with visiting political leader from Mumbai Mr. Raj Purohit, Chief of Mumbai Pradesh BJP. Purohit, who is an advisor to NFIA was in the US attending the annual conventions of Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) in Las Vegas and American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin in New York. It was held at the Malabar Kitchen in Belrose, New Yorkon June 19th.   NFIA President Lal Motwani welcomed the gathering. GOPIO Founder President Dr. Thomas Abraham complimented Mr. Purohit for his interest in overseas Indian community and thanked him for his help in launching GOPIO-Mumbai. Mr. Purohit called upon the overseas Indians to help India's development. The program was attend by several community leaders from the New York Metro area.    Photo above: Community leaders of the New York Indian American community with Mr. Raj Purohit      AUSTRALIA ACKNOWLEDGES GOPIO'S SUPPORT DURING CYCLONE DISASTER   Senator Kate Lundy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister of Australia, expressed appreciation for GOPIO's concern and support for citizens of the affected areas of Australia which were experiencing unusually harsh flooding and cyclone conditions that have caused undue suffering, pain and anguish. This followed GOPIO's Press Statement of February 4, 2011 and letter from GOPIO President Lord Diljit Rana.   The letter from Senator Lundy to Lord Rana states that, "in these difficult times the sympathy and messages of support received by the international community, including the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin, have been greatly appreciated by the Australian people."                                 End of GOPIO Activities NRIs/PIOs ACHIEVE    FORMER INDIAN TEXTILE WORKER TERMED BEST FARMER IN GHANA   Former Mumbai textile worker Harchavari Singh Cheema, who came to Ghana 40 years ago, has become a celebrated farmer and one of the most successful Indians in the West African country. From an initial export of about 70 tons a year, Cheema's Param Farms now exports 120 tons of vegetables a year. Ghana, a country of 24 million people, is known the world over for cocoa exports.   Cheema arrived in Ghana in 1972 to work as a manager for the then Glamour Stores - a supermarket chain - but some years later, the country's economy started to go down and he had to leave the chain to do something on my own. Cheema, who hails from Amritsar in Punjab, initially started a poultry farm at Gomoa Pamfokrom in the Central Region. He used to grow maize to use as feed. Unfortunately, the poultry sector also started having problems, so he started a small textile manufacturing unit in Accra, Ghana's capital. But this also suffered a lot because of the trade liberation that the government initiated in the 1980s. Cheema decided to get back to farming again to produce 25 different varieties of Asian vegetables for export to Europe. Since then, he has been awarded by two presidents - as the Best National Farmer in the vegetable sector in 2006 and the Best National Farmer award in the food crop sector in 2004. From a small farm in Weija in Accra, he moved to other areas outside Accra, including Bawjiase in the Central Region, Akatsi in the Volta Region, Old Akrade and Nsawam in the Eastern Region. "The idea to spread was necessary because we did not want to become victims of the weather. Therefore, the spread of the farms enabled us to succeed even when the weather failed in other areas," Cheema said. Cheema said that because of his success in Ghana other Indian investors

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Palash Biswas
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