The Global Organization for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) officially inaugurated its Dallas Chapter at Bhartiya Nivas, Texas, in a ceremony that brought together a diverse assembly of the Indian diaspora, diplomatic representatives, and community leaders. The event marked a major step in enhancing advocacy, cultural preservation, and civic engagement for Indian-origin residents across North Texas.
The program featured a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by Consul General of India in Houston, D.C. Manjunath, GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, and GOPIO International President Prakash Shah, along with local leadership including Chapter President Muthu Mudaliar, Executive Vice President Vinoth Mani, and Joint Treasurer Bharat Bhakta. The ceremony symbolized unity and new beginnings for the Dallas chapter.
Cultural performances highlighted the occasion, including a Bollywood dance by the Masti Academy Dance Group and renditions of the U.S. and Indian national anthems. Consul General D.C. Manjunath delivered the keynote, praising GOPIO’s 36-year legacy and stressing the chapter’s role in connecting local communities with international initiatives. He emphasized the Indian diaspora’s importance in strengthening Indo–U.S. relations and GOPIO’s commitment to protecting the interests of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
Dr. Thomas Abraham and Prakash Shah reflected on the organization’s global impact and future objectives. Local leadership encouraged active participation from community members, while Indian-American political figures, including Frisco Councilman Burt Thakur and assembly candidate Sanjay Narayan, offered felicitations. Houston community leader Sam Kannappan was honored for his contributions.
Post-launch, the Dallas Chapter hosted a luncheon meeting on March 30, 2026, focusing on creating a GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in Dallas. The session, led by Dr. Abraham and Muthu Mudaliar and moderated by Vinoth Mani, engaged diaspora business owners and professionals in discussions on networking and collaboration locally, nationally, and globally.
GOPIO Dallas-TX aims to advance civic, educational, cultural, and youth-focused initiatives, facilitate dialogue with policymakers, and partner with organizations to strengthen public engagement. The chapter provides a unified platform to support the region’s growing Indian-origin population through advocacy, networking, and cultural enrichment.
