The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) is set to mark its 20th anniversary by honoring five distinguished Indian American professionals for their contributions in leadership, innovation, public service, journalism, and science. The celebration will take place on June 13 at the Water’s Edge Banquet Hall in Darien, beginning at 6 p.m., and is expected to be attended by several Connecticut lawmakers and community leaders.
The annual awards banquet will recognize individuals who have made significant professional achievements while also contributing to broader societal development. The organization highlighted that the honorees represent role models for future generations within the Indian diaspora and beyond.
This year’s awardees include Connecticut State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, who also serves as a professor of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University. She will be honored for Political Leadership, reflecting her work in governance, constitutional studies, and civic engagement. Another recipient, Dr. Anil Diwan, Founder and Executive Chairman of NanoViricides Inc., will be recognized for Entrepreneurship and Business Achievements for his work in antiviral drug development, including research into treatments targeting multiple viral diseases.
Veteran journalist Ajay Ghosh will receive recognition in Journalism for his decades-long career in media, education, and healthcare advocacy. He has held leadership roles in multiple news organizations and continues to contribute to public discourse through journalism and social service initiatives.
In the corporate sector, Nitin Mhatre, Chief Executive Officer of First County Bank, will be honored for Corporate Leadership. With extensive experience in banking and finance, including previous senior roles at major institutions, he currently leads one of Connecticut’s long-established community banks.
Prof. Hemchandra Shertukde will be recognized for Achievements in Engineering and Applied Sciences. A long-serving professor at the University of Hartford, he has built a distinguished academic and research career spanning decades, with numerous publications, patents, and entrepreneurial ventures in technology and medical innovation.
GOPIO-CT leadership stated that the selection process focuses on individuals who have made meaningful contributions to society and serve as inspirations for younger generations. Organizers also noted that the event will include recognition of founding members, past presidents, and long-serving volunteers who have helped shape the organization over the past two decades.
Over its 20-year history, GOPIO-CT has grown into an active civic organization that promotes cultural awareness, professional networking, youth engagement, and dialogue between Indian Americans and broader local communities. The group continues to operate as a non-partisan and secular platform dedicated to showcasing the contributions of people of Indian origin in the United States.
