LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Global Organization for the People
of Indian Origin upon the occasion of hosting its Annual International
Council General Meeting and Community Service Awards

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Global Organization for the People of Indian Origin upon the occa-
sion of hosting its Annual International Council General Meeting and
Community Service Awards held on June 5-6, 2015, at the Marriott La
Guardia Hotel in New York, New York; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1989, the Global Organization of People of
Indian Origin (GOPIO) has been at the forefront in networking for the
world-wide overseas Indian community, and is the primary advocate for
the estimated 30 million people of Indian ancestry living abroad; and
WHEREAS, The 2015 GOPIO General Meeting will include a comprehensive
conference session on Women of the Indian Diaspora; this timely global
initiative is being directed by the GOPIO Women's Council, and will
highlight the many contributions of overseas Indian women and the need
to bring about further improvements in equity at all levels; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the 2015 GOPIO Community Service Awards will
recognize outstanding service to the community and public, as well as
significant charitable or philanthropic works and contributions which
benefit those in need; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Indian Diaspora community have garnered numer-
ous achievements and made significant contributions to their adopted
lands; they have also contributed strongly to India's transformation
into a modern economy; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, GOPIO has worked to promote the rights
and well-being of its constituents by providing an active and well-re-
cognized platform composed of many international chapters and councils
for dialogue and discussion among overseas Indians; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed cultural organization has achieved many notable
accomplishments including the successful campaign for the establishment
of a Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the campaign for Fiji Human
Rights, the Peace March in Germany, the campaign for the United States
India Civil Nuclear Treaty, and many other important achievements; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous guidance of President Ashook Ramsaran,
GOPIO will continue to strive to represent the interests of members of
the Indian Diaspora, while strengthening the bond between overseas Indi-
ans and their mother county; and
WHEREAS, The unique beauty of Indian culture and the contribution of
its people to literature, the arts and sciences, and to the economy, are
well-known and well-appreciated around the world; the achievements of
Indian-Americans are especially bountiful throughout the Empire State
and are distinguished by their excellence; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those enduring organizations which faithfully devote their
resources and purposeful energies to improving the quality and dignity
of life in the communities they serve, and to preserving their cultural
heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Global Organization for the People of Indian Origin upon the

occasion of celebrating its Annual International Council General Meeting
and Community Service Awards; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ashook Ramsaran, President, GOPIO International.