GOPIO International recently hosted a dinner and strategic meeting in Connecticut with GOPIO-CT members and local Indian-origin entrepreneurs. The gathering focused on launching the Connecticut Chapter of the GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). The evening started with a moment of silence honoring the lives lost in the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack—an incident previously strongly condemned by GOPIO.
Key leaders including GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, President Prakash Shah, General Secretary Siddharth Jain, International Coordinator Raj Vangapaty, Associate Secretary Sunil Robert Vuppala, and GOPIO-CT President Mahesh Jhangiani were in attendance. Twenty-five participants, including prominent business leaders from the region, joined the discussion. A key outcome of the meeting was the unanimous decision to officially inaugurate the Connecticut GCCI chapter during the upcoming summer season. The initiative will be spearheaded by Stamford-based hotelier and entrepreneur, Ravi Nichani.
This move is part of GOPIO’s broader vision to empower and connect over four million small and medium-sized businesses and professionals within the Indian Diaspora worldwide. Establishing regional GCCI chapters is seen as a vital step in creating both local and global linkages among these enterprises. The chamber is expected to facilitate networking, business development, and partnerships that will support economic growth among Diaspora-owned businesses and strengthen ties with Indian counterparts.
GOPIO believes that a well-connected Diaspora business ecosystem can lead to significant mutual gains. These local chapters will serve as bridges between Indian-origin professionals abroad and the business community in India. Such collaborations are especially crucial for small and mid-sized enterprises looking to scale operations, expand into new markets, or share knowledge and expertise.
To further this mission, GOPIO International is encouraging entrepreneurs and professionals across major cities and towns with a strong Indian presence to come forward and initiate new GCCI chapters. Interested individuals can explore how to start a chapter and engage with the initiative by visiting GOPIO’s official website.
Through the establishment of these chambers, GOPIO aims to create a unified platform that brings visibility, support, and collaboration opportunities to Diaspora businesses — strengthening the global Indian community economically and socially.
