Dignitaries at the conference inauguration include Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner of Brisbane, and India’s Consul General Neetu M. Bhagotia. They will be welcomed at the event by GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, President Prakash Shah, Executive Vice President Umesh Chandra who also serves as the Convener of the Convention, and Vice President Kewal Kanda.

Dignitaries and Senior GOPIO officials are to be present at the convention, from l. to r. Premier David Crisafulli, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Consul General Neetu M. Bhagotia, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Prakash?Shah, Umnesh Chandra and Kewal Kanda

The awardees in the professional categories are Queensland University Chancellor Peter Varghese who earlier served as Australian High Commissioner to India and Malaysia in Public Service; Springfield City Group (Brisbane, Australia) Founder and Chairman Maha Sinnathamby for Achievement in Entrepreneurship; Sabinsa Corp. (East Windsor, New Jersey, USA) Global CEO  Shaheen Majeed for Achievement in Business; Prof. Prasad KDV Yarlagadda, Dean (Academic) of School of Engineering, University of Southern Queensland (Brisbane, Australia) for Engineering and Applied Sciences; Rohit Vyas, International Broadcast Journalist and Documentary Filmmaker (New Jersey, USA) for Media Achievement

GOPIO’s Professional Achievement Awardees 2025, from l. to r.: Peter Varghese, Maha Sinnathamby, Shaheen Majeed, Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda, and Rohi Vyas

Three individuals are also recognized for their service to the Diaspora community. They are Mrs. Archana Singh, Former Honorary Consul of India (Brisbane, Australia); Prof. Rajasekhar Vangapaty, Advisor to Fashion Institute of Technology (New York, USA) who serves as GOPIO-Manhattan Executive Vice President and as an official of India Home and several other charitable organizations in the USA and India; and Mr. Harmohan Singh Walia (Sydney, Australia);  Founder of GOPIO-Sydney Northwest, served as President and in other capacities, former International Coordinator for GOOPIO Oceania Region.

GOPIO Community Service Awardees, from l. to r.: Archana Singh, Prof. Raj Vangapaty, and Harmohan Singh Walia

The Convention theme is “The Indian Diaspora’s Role in Shaping Future Technologies.” The convention will start with a welcome reception/dinner inauguration on Friday, March 28^th. There are eight conference sessions on Saturday,y March 29th. Discussion topics are Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT); Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, and Electronic/Photonic Devices; Pharmaceutical, Food Supplements, and Biomedical Innovations; and Energy Generation and Storage Devices.

A second track of conference sessions will cover NRIs and PIOs Working Closer to Achieve Common Goals; Diaspora Women and their Growing Contributions in Various Sectors; and Diaspora Youth & Young Achievers: The role they can play in the Diaspora Movement. The last session will be a plenary session “GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Worldwide Networking of the Diaspora Businesses and SMEs in India.’

There will be entertainment after the welcome dinner on Friday and again after the Award Ceremony on Saturday evening.

Founded in 1989, GOPIO is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, secular organization with Individual Life Members and chapter delegates from over 100 chapters in 36 countries. GOPIO’s volunteers are committed to enhancing cooperation and communication between NRIs/PIOs and the local communities, building networks, bonds, friendships, alliances, and the camaraderie of citizens and colleagues alike. GOPIO volunteers believe that when they help network the global Indian community, they facilitate making tomorrow a better world for the Indian Diaspora, the countries they live in, and India.

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEES FOR 2024

Public Service – Peter Varghese, Chancellor Queensland University and former Australian Ambassador to Malaysia and India, Brisbane, Australia

Mr. Peter Varghese has served as Chancellor of The University of Queensland since 2016. A distinguished public servant, he has served as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, High Commissioner to India and Malaysia, and Director-General of the Office of National Assessments, Australia’s peak intelligence agency. He is also the author of the 2018 India Economic Strategy to 2035, commissioned by the then Australian Prime Minister. Mr. Varghese received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in 2013 from The University of Queensland. He sits on the boards of CARE Australia and North Queensland Airports, chairs Asialink’s advisory council, and sits on the governing board of the Rajaratnam School of International Studies. 

Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Maha Sinnathambi, Founder and Chairman, Springfield City Group, Brisbane, Australia

Mr. Maha Sinnathamby, Chairman, of Springfield City Group is the visionary founder of Greater Springfield, Australia’s fastest emerging new city.  In 2010 he was recognized as the World’s Best Master Community Planner by the International Real Estate Federation. An iconic entrepreneur, he was declared one of Queensland, Australia’s 50 greatest thinkers of all time, by Newscorp in 2014. Maha, supported by three levels of Government and private capital, has invested nearly 12 billion dollars in Greater Springfield’s infrastructure and construction. His city-building project grows by $600 million annually, while contributing social and economic value to the Queensland and Australian economies.

Achievement in Business – Shaheen Majeed, Global CEO & Managing Director, Sabinsa Corp., Est Windsor, New Jersey, USA

Mr. Shaheen Majeed, Shaheen has held diverse roles, including sales, supply chain management, manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and global marketing. His innovative global strategies have expanded the company’s reach across multiple continents. For three decades, he has shaped Sabinsa into a global leader in healthcare ingredients. Some achievements include ensuring the company’s adherence to quality manufacturing and regulatory standards, guiding numerous clinical studies, and launching products that are category leaders. He holds 75 US & International patents and has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications, showcasing his dedication to advancing scientific research and product innovation.

Engineering and Applied Sciences – Prof. Prasad KDV Yarlagadda, Dean (Academic) of School of Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

Prof. Prasad KDV Yarlagadda worked in industry and university for over 40 years in several countries.  He is currently Dean of Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland.  He is an outstanding researcher with global recognition in the field of Bio-Manufacturing.  His track record of 700 publications, 62 Ph.D successful supervisions,  $20M research funding, and several awards including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and Researcher of the Year in 2020 are true reflections of his accomplishments.  In addition to several Presidential roles in various community organizations, he served as Chairperson, of the Science and Technology Council, GOPIO International for a decade.

Media Achievement – Rohit Vyas, International Broadcast Journalist and Documentary Filmmaker, New Jersey, USA

Mr. Rohit Vyas is currently the longest-serving broadcast and print journalist of Indian origin in the United States. His nearly five decades-long career has focused on the Indian Diaspora community worldwide as well as international affairs and global diplomacy. Most recently he was the News Director, Principal News Anchor, and Senior Vice President of TV ASIA (USA).  He is now also an acclaimed documentary filmmaker.

GOPIO COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDEES FOR 2024

Mrs. Archana Singh, Former Honorary Consul of India, Brisbane, Australia

Mrs Archana Singh, former Honorary Consul of India in Queensland (2011-2024) to be conferred with the GOPIO Community Service Award, in 2025. She has served the Indian Diaspora and the Indian High Commission with commitment and passion, winning the trust and confidence of the community and building strong connections with government and non-government stakeholders.

Prof. Rajasekhar Vangapaty, GOPIO-Manhattan Executive VP and official of India Home and several other charitable and service organizations in the USA and India

Prof. Rajasekhar R. Vangapaty, an academic advisor and professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY, has over four decades of global higher education experience at various universities and colleges, focusing on domestic and international student success, mentorship, and community empowerment. As Executive Vice President of GOPIO Manhattan, he leads community service programs in the U.S. and India, supporting Indian students in the US and training hundreds of teachers and women in leadership, technology, spoken English, and fashion design skills.

Harmohan Singh Walia, Founder and Former President, GOPIO-Sydney Northwest, and Former Intl. Coordinator for GOPIO Oceania Region

Harmohan Singh Walia is an engineer, politician, radio news-reader, poet, author, community leader, Olympic torch-bearer, and now voluntary community photographer, who brings smiles to people’s faces. Has covered over 5000 community events in the last 15 years with free photography. Served the Indian Diaspora community as Founder and President of GOPIO-Sydney Northwest Chapter and GOPIO International Coordinator for the Oceania Region.

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WHEF 2024 is part of the annual Conference and Expo held by the Forum to foster economic development and societal empowerment within the global Hindu community. The previous editions were attended by thought leaders and policymakers like Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways; Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister; Rt. Hon. Priti Patel, British Home Secretary; Shri Ajay Piramal, Chairman of Piramal Group; The Hon. Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius; and others.

Over three days of WHEF 2024, attendees will engage in plenary sessions addressing a range of critical topics. It will feature three grand panel sessions, six plenary sessions, and twenty-four parallel sessions across six halls. Nearly 1,000 participants are expected to attend these sessions, which will provide in-depth explorations of specialized topics, encouraging detailed discussions and knowledge sharing.

A key highlight will be the networking sessions and a Shark Tank-style event, aimed at fostering business connections and innovative ideas. The expo, which will run throughout the forum, will showcase leading domestic and international companies. With many prominent Bharatiya companies participating, this year’s expo is set to reach new heights, featuring a broad array of firms eager to present their products and services and expand their global footprint.

WHEF 2024 will start with a grand inaugural session on December 13th, featuring a series of sessions and keynote speeches. WHEF will conduct a range of activities, including lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and an EXPO with the vision ‘Think in the Future, for the Future, and Viksit Bharat.’ Rooted in the shared values and collective strengths of the global Hindu community, WHEF is dedicated to advancing economic development and societal empowerment. Following successful annual forums in cities such as Hong Kong, New Delhi, London, Los Angeles, Chicago, Bangkok, and various regional economic hubs worldwide, WHEF is set to host an important conference in Mumbai this December,” said Swami Vigyananand of WHEF.

This year, Chief Ministers, Central Ministers, and State Ministers related to finance, business, and the economy, as well as Chairpersons, Managing Directors, and CEOs of leading industrial, technology, and financial companies, have been invited to WHEF 2024 in Mumbai. Their presence is expected to enhance the event’s significance and its role in shaping the Bharat economy.

The sectors represented include Defence and Aerospace, Construction, Steel Industry, Cement Industry, Automobile, Electric Vehicles and Mobility, Transport, Coal, Minerals and Mining, Conventional Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, Renewable Energy, Oil and Gas, Pharmaceuticals, Health and Wellness, Medical Device Technology, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Agriculture, Banking and Finance, Insurance, Startups and Ecosystems, Technology, Telecommunications, Electronics, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Film and Television, and Hospitality and Tourism. Additional plenary sessions will cover regional opportunities in Maharashtra, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.

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Dr. Anjana Samadder, the only 5th woman President of AAPI in the 42-year history of AAPI, provided a brief history of AAPI, stating how AAPI’s mission has evolved in the past 42 years. “Today, AAPI is strong representing over 120,000 Indian American physicians, 130 local Chapters, who make up 10% of total physicians in the US and nearly 50% of International Medical Graduates, rooted in every corner of the nation, who serve every 7th patient in the US. We are proud of our achievements and our contributions to the healthcare industry and the millions of people we serve.”

 The convention will be held at the prestigious Marriott Marquis on Times Square, at the heart of the most popular city in the world. This world-class facility will afford an intimate setting that will facilitate our ability to convey cutting-edge research and CME, promote business relationships, and display ethnic items. Vendor satisfaction and comfort are our top priorities. Participants will experience unique opportunities to explore and experience the City and the many unique programs including Broadways Shows and City Tours New York has to offer.

“We invite you to the AAPI 42nd Annual Convention and World Congress in the world’s capital city, New York,” Dr. Achintya Moulik, Chair of AAPI Convention 2024 said. “We have convened a fantastic group of dedicated organizers to meet the needs of the 2024 convention and are very excited about this year. Please reach out to any one of the representatives from the New York Tri-State team with questions or comments.”

“The Early Bird Special for the World Congress is going on,” Dr. Moulik said. “Take advantage of this limited-time offer before it’s too late for you to avail of this special offer that includes 5 nights stay at the iconic  Marriott Marquis on Times Square, City Tours, and Broadways Shows, in addition to all the educational and entertainment events.”

“Our physician members have worked very hard during the covid 19 pandemic, and the 2024 convention is a perfect time to heal the healers with a special focus on wellness,” said Dr. Samadder. Accordingly, some of the major themes at the convention include: Yoga and Meditation practices, a Welcome kit with books & self-care supplies, A Personal Reflexology Session, Take home wellness routine, Ailment yoga therapy sessions, a Workshop on Spiritual well-being, Book talk with Yoga Gurus, including on the science of Yoga & Lifestyle medicine, several wellness sessions.

In addition to colorful entertainment, and exquisite authentic Indian cuisine, esteemed yoga gurus and experts, who are planning to share their wisdom and lead the Wellness Sessions by world-renowned speakers and leaders in the industry will offer enlightening sessions to the delegates.  

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Convention offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin. The physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year. “The annual convention offers extensive academic presentations, recognition of achievements and achievers, and professional networking at the alumni and evening social events,” Dr. Samadder added

The post AAPI Announces 42nd Annual Mega Convention And World Congress appeared first on NRI News.

The convention was inaugurated with a lamp-lighting ceremony on April 26^th followed by a universal prayer song by GOPIO-Edison President Pallavi Belwariar and an invocation dance in Kathak style by Mitali Nirgude-Kaganeb. The chief guest was Guyana’s Ambassador to the USA, His Excellency Samuel Hinds, who earlier had served as the Prime Minister and President of Guyana. India’s Deputy Consul General in New York Dr. Varun Jeph delivered the keynote address.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a citation honoring the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) on the occasion of its convention and for its contribution to improving life in New York City. The proclamation was presented by Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan who complimented GOPIO for its outstanding work for the benefit of the Indian Diaspora worldwide.

New York City Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan presented a citation from Mayor Eric Adams. From l. to r.: Convener Prakash Shah, Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chauhan, Ambassador Samuel Hinds, and President Lal Motwani

Ambassador Hinds fondly shared Guyana’s close relation with India and GOPIO, especially since the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan attended the first GOPIO Convention in New York and later inaugurated the Second Global Convention held in New Delhi in 1992 as President of Guyana. Again in 1999, Guyana President Bharrat Jagdeo inaugurated the GOPIO Convention in New York.

Ambassador Hinds said, “President Jagan had high regard for GOPIO and was always seeking to support GOPIO.”  Dr. Jagan played a significant role in Guyana’s progress. “With oil discovery, Guyana will prosper rapidly,” Ambassador Hinds added.

In his keynote address, Dr. Jeph articulated the tremendous progress India has made in many arenas currently being the 5^th largest economy in the world and will soon become the third largest economy.

Dr. Jeph provided India’s growth, success, and potential with amazing statistics and said that India with 65% of youth has bright prospects.

Dr. Jeph said, “Indian Americans are playing a pivotal role in the US economy with start-ups and other business ventures while being just over 1% of the population, your contribution in the economy of over 6%.”

“To the USA, we send brilliance and intelligence of the highest number of foreign students creating a formidable future,” Dr. Jeph added.

Dr. Jeph complimented GOPIO’s initiatives to network and help new students from India and said that the Consulate would continue to cooperate in this effort.

The inaugural session started with a welcome by Convention Convener Prakash Shah, who also serves as GOPIO’s Global Ambassador. GOPIO President Lal Motwani said that since the new team was elected last year, the organization has been brought with more activities and restarting its newsletter GOPIO News.

GOPIO Chairman in his remarks said that since its inception in 1989, GOPIO had taken up issues of civil rights and human rights violations of the Indian Diaspora around the world and that Indian Diaspora communities have achieved political mainstream in many of the countries with significant Diaspora population.

Dignitaries and GOPIO officials at the inauguration, from l. to r.: Indian Deputy Consul |General Varun Jeph, Ambassador Samuel Hinds, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Lal Motwani, and Prakash Shah

Dr. Abraham said, “The 35 million strong Indian Diaspora community is the fastest growing Diaspora community worldwide spread into 180 countries and we are remitting over 100 billion dollars every year which has helped India to reach a foreign reserve of over $650 billion and this flow will continue in the same level or more shortly.”

There were nine conference sessions on Saturday, April 27^th at the convention which included how the Indian Diaspora can participate in India’s big manifest as well as some on the Diaspora life and social segments.

The first session on “GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Worldwide Networking of the Diaspora Businesses,” was chaired by Convener Prakash Shah, who is also President of First Growth Mortgage and Realty LLC. Speakers were Dr Vithal Dhaduk, who developed and sold Pharma Companies; Braj Aggarwal, President, Braj Aggarwal CPA PC, New York; Sunil Hali, Chairman, Radio Zindagi, Indian Eye, NDTV USA, New Jersey; Hotel & Realty Veteran Bhavik Shah and Falguni Pandya of Namaste Global.

Panel on GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Networking Worldwide Diaspora Businesses, From l. to r.: Session Chair and Moderator Prakash Shah, Falguni Pandya, Bhavik Shah, Dr. Vithal Dhaduk Sunil Hali and Braj Aggarwal

During the Women’s Panel session titled “Diaspora Women Making A Difference”, GOPIO women shared their personal stories of contributions to their adopted homelands.  Rooted in Motherland India, five women, namely Soruba Rani Kuusto, Dr. Vimal Goyle, Dr. Rini Johar, Beena Kothari, and Suman Kapoor of New Zealand, represented the diversity in membership across GOPIO.  Guided and mentored by the panel Chair and Facilitator J. Nami Kaur who is GOPIO’s International Coordinator-at-Large, they presented their vision for Diaspora engagement in India’s Manifest Future.

Conference Panel Women – Session Chair Nami Kaur moderating the session. Panelists from l. to r.: Soruba Rani Kuusto, Rini Johar, Beena Kop0thari, Dr. Vimal Goyle, Ritu Chopra, and Suman Kapoor

The session on “Medical and Health Issues and How Diaspora Indians Can Participate in India’s Frontline Role in Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Other Health Areas” was chaired and moderated by Dr. Asha Samant, GOPIO’s International Coordinator-at-Large, Co-Convener GOPIO Convention-2024 and Associate Professor at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (UMDNJ), Livingston, New Jersey. Speakers were Dr. Anil Diwan, President and Executive Chairman of NanoVirisides, Inc., Shelton, CT, who spoke on “New Frontiers in Drug Development;” ⁠Rakesh Grover, President and CEO, Carnegie Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Delran, NJ; ⁠Dr. Anurag Pande, Vice President, Scientific Affairs, Sabinsa Corporation, East Windsor, NJ; Dr. ⁠Jaya Daptardar, Chief Compliance Officer of Bridges Health Care and CEO of Active Ayurveda and Yoga LLC, as well as President of GOPIO-CT, Fairfield, CT and Hari Singh Panaser, Chairman, Global Indian Trade and Culture USA; VP, Coolsoft LLC and Global Business Consultant, Birla Soft, Monroe, NJ.

Speakers at Medical, Health, and Pharma Opportunities with India – From l. to r.: Chair and Moderator Dr. Asha Samant, Dr. Anil Diwan, Dr. J.M. Daptardar, Dr. Rakesh Grover, Hari Singh Panaser and Dr. Anurag Pande

The Panel on the Emergence of India as a Global Powerhouse which was organized by The Indus Entrepreneur – NJ Chapter (tie.org) focused on the growth of the Digital Economy, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing. The session moderator, Professor Suresh Kumar, President of TiE NJ made a powerful bull case regaining its spot among the top three global economies by 2047 and even moving up to the top 2 by 2075. He said that political stability, generation of mass employment by growth of manufacturing, and making the right geo-political alliances over the next decade will be key to sustaining the recent Indian success.  The other panelists included Anjan Lahari, CEO of Navikenz and ex-CEO of Birlasoft who cautioned against overconfidence and complacency: Neha Shah, CEO of GEP – who emphasized the importance of digital supply chains; Naveen Puri, Founder of InnoPharma – who stressed in training the workforce and keeping them flexible to develop new skills as needed; and Sanyukta Kulkarni, Manager of Route Development (Indian subcontinent), DB Schenker Inc. who spoke on “Growth of Logistic Operations in India.”

Panel on Digital Infrastructure, Supply Chain Logistics, and AI – From l. to r.: Navneet Puri, Sanyukta Kulkarni, Chair and Moderator Dr. Suresh Kumar, Neha Shah, GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, and Anjan Lahari

There was a session on Diaspora Youth and Young Achievers and the role they can play in India’s Future and how GOPIO can facilitate their participation. It was put together and chaired by Ms Vasu Pawar, CEO/Founder of Step2StepUp Inc., and co-chaired by Bhavya Gupta, Founder and Managing Partner of ACE Consultants, New Jersey. The keynote address was delivered by Kunal Devmane from Mumbai, India, who was a keynote speaker at G20-India and author of Buffering to Streaming; Sutro Founder and CEO Ravi Kurani; Investment Management Expert Monica Arora; Grammy Award Winner and Audience Specialist Falguni Shah; Creative Music Genius Neil Nayyar; and Hotel & Realty Veteran Bhavik Shah.

Young professional achievers were recognized after their session. From l. to r.: Session Chair and Moderator Vasu Pawar, Ravi Kurani, Falu Shah, Monica Arora, Neil Nayyar, Kunal Devmane, and GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham. Not visible in the photo are Session Co-chair Bhavya Gupta and Bhavik Shah

The session on “Technologies and AI, and other Innovations: How Diaspora Indians are leading Research and Innovations” was chaired by GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, who is a Nanotechnologist and President of Innovative Research and Products in Stamford, CT. It was moderated by Prof. Rajasekhar Vangapaty who is an Academic Advisor to the Fashion Institute of Technology. Prof. Siddhartha Dalal, Professor of Professional Practice in Applied Analytics, at Columbia University, New York, delivered the keynote address. Other speakers were: Kathirvel Kumararaja, President, Founder and CEO, DevJee, Inc., New York, NY, who spoke on “Bridging Traditional Wisdom and Modern Healthcare: Opportunities for Diaspora Indians in India’s Health Innovation Economy;” Abraham Pannikottu, CEO. American Engineering Group, Akron, Ohio, “India’s Opportunities and Challenges of AI in Défense Sector on Overseas Small Business Partnerships;” Dr. Kris Mani, President, NSR Technologies, Basking Ridge, NJ who spoke on “Nanotechnology and Other Technologies;” Dr. Jatin V. Mehta, CEO, MetaSense Digital Marketing, Philadelphia, PA, “Mastering SEO & Marketing with AI.”

Speakers at the Conference Session on Technologies and AI, from l. to r. Prof Raj Vangapaty, Dr. Jatin Mehta, Convention Convener Prakash Shah, Prof. Siddhartha Dala, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Kathirvel Kumararaja, Abraham Pannikottu and Dr. Kris Mani

There was a GOPIO Academic Council Roundtable coordinated by GOPIO Edison President Pallavi Belwariar and was chaired by the Academic Council Chair Dr. Neerja Arun Gupta who is currently the Vice Chancellor Gujarat University. It was attended by GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and Guyana Ambassador Samuel Hinds. The Council discussed the role of academics in the manifestation of future India, Student Start-Ups with the GOPIO Chamber of Commerce, and future studies abroad programs for NRI and PIO students. It also brainstormed on showcasing India to the Diaspora and starting virtual and offline programs. Lastly, it resolved to create a Global Network for Academics.

Photo left: Participants at the GOPIO Academic Council Roundtable, Right: Ambassador Hinds speaking at the session. Sitting are Session Coordinator Pallavi Belwariar, GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, and GOPIO Academic Council Chair Dr. Neerja Arun Gupta

A non-business session on ‘Diaspora Languages and Literature’ was put together by GOPIO General Secretary Ram Gadhavi. Scholars including Dr. Babu Suthar (Gujarati), Anoop Bhargav (Hindi), Ashok Vidwans (Marathi), Dr. Vasu Ranganathan (Tamil), Raju Thomas (Malayalam), and Dilip Chakraborty (Bengali) discussed diaspora writers and the status of their respective languages. While summarizing the session, Suthar highlighted three main issues, the debate surrounding the concept of ‘diaspora’ versus ‘transnationalism’;  the challenge of preserving Indian languages in the USA due to socio-cultural differences, with differing opinions on whether to prioritize language preservation or adapt to local culture; and the role of language in connecting individuals to their cultural roots and expressing shared experiences, exemplified by Suthar’s struggle to express himself in Gujarati following the 2002 violence. The audience also shared concerns about maintaining Indian language and culture abroad.

Panel Discussion on Diaspora Languages and Literature – From l. to r.: Ashok Vidwans, Raju Thomas, Anoop Bhargava, Dr. Babu Suthar, Dr. Vasu Ranganathan and Dilip Chakraborty

A second non-business session on “Diaspora Indians Aging Gracefully,” was put together by Bharat Rana, President, the Federation of Indian Senior Association of North America (FISANA) and President of GOPIO-North Jersey. The speakers were Mukund Mehta, President, of India Home, Inc. and President, of Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York, Queens, NY; Sudha Acharya, GOPIO Founding Co-Convener and Executive Director, South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS), Flushing, New York; Anand Patel, Businessman and Philanthropist and Owner of Numerous Dunkin’ Donuts Chain franchises, currently serving as Board of Director of FISANA, Past President of FISANA and Currently Member of FIA Trustees; and Suman Kapoor, Hospitality Entrepreneur, GOPIO Waikato, New Zealand.

Convener Prakash Shah said, “We had the most successful Convention at a time that we consider is pivotal for India and for India’s 38 million strong Diaspora. We are dealing with an Outbreak but this time it isn’t an Outbreak of a Covid-like disease but an Outbreak of Optimism!”

“We are very confident that with the infrastructure base having been built, India will rapidly evolve into becoming a net defense exporter and a multifaceted manufacturing hub in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, smartphones, semiconductors, and aircraft among many others including continuing the high growth in the service sector,” Shah continued.

Audience at the Convention

All these conference sessions brought very interesting and useful knowledge as well as mastery of Indians in their specialized fields. The speakers and audience appreciated GOPIO’s vision and mission in planning such conference topics. Convention attendees agreed that right now India with its third largest Start-Up-Ecosystem and having already achieved 125 Unicorns is the best investment opportunity in the world and therefore especially attractive to the Diaspora Indians.

At the Finale Awards banquet, four individuals and two organizations were honored with community service awards: Dr. Neerja A. Gupta who is the first woman Chancellor of Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India; Dr. V.K. Raju M.D. who has been providing great service in eradicating childhood blindness; Dharmatma Saran who has been named as the cultural ambassador of India to the world for promoting networking of young women achievers through his annual Miss India Worldwide Pageant and Lion Hina Trivedi of Chicago as a great community builder. Two organizations are also recognized, Heart and Hand for the Handicapped (HHH) for its great service to physically and mentally challenged children and the South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) for its outstanding services to communities in the New York Area.

Community Service Awardees with Ambassador Samuel Hinds and GOPIO officials. From l. to r.: Dr. Thomas Abraaham, Chitranjan Belwariar, Nami Kaur, Prakash Shah, Kewal Kanda, Gujrat University Vice Chancellor Dr. Neerja Arun Gupta, HHH President Balaji Jilla, Ambassador Hinds, Lal Motwani, Eye Specialist Dr. V.K. Raju, Community Motivator Lion Hina Trivedi, Miss India World Pageant CEO Dharmatma Saran, Rajul Shah, SACSS Executive Director Sudha Acharya and Board Member Dr. Swarna Shah, Dr. Asha Samant and Jay Bhandari

Others recognized by GOPIO include Dr. Vithal Dhaduk, Pharmaceutical Business in the USA. developed and sold pharma companies; Sabinsa Vice President Anurag Pande, Businesswoman Poonam Khubani; AAHOA Past Chairman Bharat Patel; TV Asia Chairman and CEO Dr. H.R. Shah, Parikh Worldwide Media Chairman Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Indian Eye/Radio Zindagi CEO Sunil Hali, New India Abroad Publisher Rajeev Bhambri; Indian Panorama Editor and Publisher Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Emalayalee and India Life Editor George Joseph, Universal News Network editor Ajay Ghosh, and Pravasi Channel producer Sunil Tristar. GOPIO Convention Co-Conveners Dr. Asha Samant and businessman Kenny Desai were also recognized at the convention. 

Media Recognition, from l. to r.: Prakash Shah, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Prof. Indrajit Saluja of Indian Panorama, Dr. Sudhir Parikh of ITV/News India/Desi Talk, Ambassador Hinds, Dr. H.R. Shah of TV Asia and Lal Motwani

Recognition to media for their services to the community and GOPIO. From l. to r. Dr. Thomas Abraham, Prakash Shah, Rajeev Bhambri of New India Abroad, Ambassador Samuel Hinds, Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph, Sunil Tristar of Pravasi Channel and India Life, Lal Motwani, George Joseph of Emalayalee, and Sunil Hali of The Indian Eye and Radio Zindagi

The GOPIO General Body meeting on April 28^th passed important resolutions, many of which are designed to accomplish and accelerate the Diaspora Participation in India’s high growth in its ‘Suvarna Kaal’. This resolution to Govt. of India includes granting full dual nationality to OCI card holders, making OCI at par with Indian citizens in doing business in India, and providing Aadhar cards to NRIs who are citizens of India. A fourth resolution urged the Biden Administration and US Congress to pass legislation to eliminate the backlog of Indians waiting for permanent residence in the USA.

Edison Town Mayor Sam Joshi, since he was out of town, joined the convention at its concluding GOPIO General Body session and offered all his help for GOPIO to move forward in Edison and nearby areas. GOPIO in turn told Mayor Joshi that it would initiate some programs for the needy including supporting soup kitchens in Edison.

GOPIO General Body Meeting Attendees with Edison Mayor Sam Joshi

The General Body also unanimously elected Dr. Thomas Abraham as Chairman of GOPIO International for the remainder of the current term.

The Convention was attended by many from around the World and from various parts of the USA. The entertainment included a Comedy Hour by the Internationally Acclaimed Comedian Dan Nainan on the first day and concluded with a superb performance of Sarangi and Ghazals by Ustad Kamal Sabri, a seventh-generation maestro who was accompanied by Avinash Mistry on the Tabla. Grammy Award winner Falu Shah and GOPIO-|Edison President Pallavi Belwariar rendered some songs as well.

Entertainers at the Convention: From l. to r.: Avinash Mistry, Ustad Kamal Sabri, Dan Nainan, Falu Shah, and Pallavi Belwariar

In the afternoon, GOPIO organized a special trip to the recently consecrated Akshardham Temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey for outside delegates. GOPIO, which is the 4 Ps, the premier, pioneer, popular, and purposeful, organization of the Global Indian Diaspora was founded in the world’s financial center – New York in 1989 as a non-political and secular organization. Since then, GOPIO has blossomed like a banyan tree with Diaspora on all continents with Life Members and chapters in 35 countries. GOPIO is regarded as the most influential and productive organization dealing with and taking up issues concerning to global Indian Diaspora to various authorities and governments. The government of India closely follows GOPIO and seriously takes its suggestions.

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The convention will serve as a platform to explore various facets of the sector, focusing on adapting to new-age trends and technologies. It will feature insightful discussions on government support, affordable housing, the impact of RERA, financing options, technology integration, and investment opportunities, along with a dedicated session on India Vision@2047. The convention is supported by KPMG, which is also its Knowledge Partner.

G Hari Babu, National President of NAREDCO, “emphasized the importance of collaboration in unlocking the full potential of India’s urbanization. He stated, “By working together, we can create sustainable, liveable, and inclusive cities that foster business growth, promote social equity, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. We look forward to fostering collaboration between the government and private sector stakeholders to ensure sustainability and pave the way for a thriving real estate industry that positively impacts the broader economy. Let us join hands to build a brighter future for India.”

Mr. Sandeep Runwal, President of NAREDCO Maharashtra said, “The real estate sector is crucial for Maharashtra and the country, driving economic growth and creating jobs. This national convention is a platform for discussing how real estate impacts our economy and how we can find new and smart solutions. It is not just about buildings – it is about creating a domino effect that boosts employment and supports ancillary industries. Together, we aim to come up with ideas that go beyond the usual, making sure our progress is sustainable and benefits everyone.“

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of NAREDCO, “highlighted the convention’s role as a catalyst for transforming India’s real estate sector. He mentioned that the event would focus on issues such as liquidity crises, stressed assets, and insolvency while exploring policy reforms like the Rental Housing Policy and a commitment to net-zero goals. The importance of alternative financing through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (INVITs) was also underscored.”

Mr. Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman of NAREDCO, “emphasized the real estate sector’s role as a crucial economic driver with a multiplier effect on employment and linkages with ancillary industries. He noted that the convention serves as a platform for networking, learning, and collaborative efforts, which are pivotal in unlocking India’s urbanization potential”.

In addition to discussions, NAREDCO will advocate for the government’s proactive role in promoting affordable housing. It will request the introduction of a home loan interest rate subvention scheme and demand concessions in the prices of construction materials, such as cement and steel, for affordable housing projects. These measures aim to incentivize and facilitate the development of the much-needed affordable housing segment.

NAREDCO, the apex body of the real estate sector under the Aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, is dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in the housing and real estate sector. The convention will feature prominent leaders, including the Hon’ble Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, as Chief Patron, and seven Joint Secretary-level Officers from Central Government and Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) on the Governing Council.

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The convention was inaugurated by around 40 elected officials and community leaders, followed by Friday prayer by thousands of participants. ISNA’s convention is widely regarded as the largest annual gathering of Muslims in America. It attracts thousands of participants and serves as a social and spiritual event for the betterment of the community.

This year’s theme, “60 years of service: Navigating the way forward,” was largely centered on how faith can inspire the community to bring positive social change in response to challenges and injustices of all forms. The convention was a great opportunity to look back and celebrate the accomplishments and successes of the American Muslim community and at the same time also look ahead to address some of the challenges we face as a community in North America.

ISNA had a rich list of 200 renowned speakers, scholars, community leaders, and public servants to address convention attendees. Remarks from Congressman Ro Khanna, Congresswoman Summer Lee, Khizr Khan, Comedian Preacher Moss, and other national Muslim entertainers offering their signature acts. Film Festival featuring Muslim American filmmakers tackling relevant issues facing Muslim Americans. One of the largest Muslim Matrimonial events in the US Renowned speakers like Hamza Yusuf, Zaid Shakir & Yasir Qadhi address evolving Muslim issues.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf was the keynote speaker during the Community Service Recognition Luncheon, which honored Dr. Ihsan Bagby for his lifetime dedication to serving the community. Mazen Basrawi from the White House read a special letter from POTUS, building interfaith relationships and social justice advocacy.

Over 40% of convention speakers were females including well-known academics and scholars like Dr. Rani Awad, Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Ustadha Lehsa Prime, Ustadha Muslema Perumal, Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed, and others. Complementing the main ISNA offering of programs, there were conferences hosted by MSA of the US & Canada.

ISNA is the largest and oldest Islamic umbrella organization in North America. Its mission is to foster the development of the Muslim community, interfaith relations, civic engagement, and a better understanding of Islam at an international level, representing the voices of Muslim Americans.

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Speaking at a Press Conference organized in the city, Prakash Bhalerao-Convener BMM 2024 said, “We chose San Jose as the venue for BMM 2024 as the Bay Area in California is the hub for Marathi community with the maximum number of Marathi households from across North America. About 25 years ago, there were one thousand Marathi families, today this number has touched Ten Thousand families who are not just well-established professionals and entrepreneurs but are also the ones who make conscious efforts to preserve our Marathi culture and value system. 80% of these families are from the western Maharashtra belt (Mumbai, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and so on)”.

He further said, “BMM 2024 has programs for all age groups, however greater focus has been given to opportunities and issues pertaining to the youth and senior citizens. The benefits one can derive from such a large-scale convention are the exposure and opportunities one can get during networking and from the thought-provoking, inspiring lectures and talks. The youngsters will get to hear and interact with successful personalities from different sectors. BMM 2024 will be a 4-day convention. All days will have parallel sessions or programs and one can choose to attend. Recorded audio/visuals of these programs will be available for those who wish to watch them at a later time.”

BMM representative Dimakh Sahastrabuddhe, President of Pune District Co-operative Housing Societies and Apartments, Suhas Patwardhan, and others were also present on the occasion.

Day 1 will begin with a business conference. Alongside, there will be a day-long program focusing on the varied issues faced by Marathi senior citizens who have either settled or are visiting their children in the USA. The session will cover everything from spirituality to healthcare. The day also has a program on Matchmaking for the young looking at finding a suitable life partner from amongst the Marathi community. The youth of today are also burdened with the issue surrounding the H1B Visas. A special session has been planned to address this wherein legal experts will provide guidance and clear doubts. In the past, Indians would migrate to the USA primarily to pursue further studies in engineering or medicine. That is not the scenario today. Today’s young generation has a plethora of career options to choose from but is not sure who to seek firsthand authentic information and guidance from. To cater to this, there is a session called ‘Beyond Doctors & Engineers’. The first day will conclude with an extravagant musical program featuring celebrity Marathi artists. Along with all this, there will also be a closed-door event for invitees from amongst the patrons, donors, corporate sponsors, and other VIP dignitaries.

Day 2 will witness a formal inauguration of the convention in the presence of all BMM and BMM24 office bearers and dignitaries.  The opening will have a grand-scale cultural program open to all. There will be special catering of exquisite Maharashtrian cuisine as lunch for 7000 attendees. The day will have parallel sessions on spirituality, music, youth, lecture series by Marathi stalwarts, and so on. The day will conclude with the convention’s first marquee event.

Day 3 will have a keynote address by the convention’s chief guest. The theme for the rest of day 3 is similar to that of day 2. The 2nd marquee event of the convention will take place on this day.

Day 4 will include the closing ceremony of the convention. The day will also have a BMM award function for various Marathi achievers followed by a ballot for BMM Presidential elections. The voting is open for all members of Maharashtra Mandals across America. The grand finale for the convention will be the film festival which will screen select short films along with one mega premier. This will be the first time that a film festival will be a part of the BMM Convention.

On all days, between sessions, there will be presentations from select NGOs. The thought is to provide a platform for NGOs that work relentlessly towards the upliftment of society. Our convention will help people act on their social responsibility toward the cause that is close to their hearts.

The preparation of the convention has begun in full swing with over 100 local artists, 200 invitee artists from India, corporate dignitaries, etc. being finalized, 2,500 rooms have been reserved in hotels that are in the vicinity of the convention center. Currently, 350 volunteers from 20 different committees from different Maharashtra Mandals are working on various subjects related to the convention and the number is expected to go up to 700 during the actual convention.

There is a huge dearth of facilities for senior citizens in the USA like healthcare guidance, home-cooked food service, help on posthumous religious formalities, and more. Through the funds generated from this convention, there is a plan to come up with these facilities and offer services like medical concierge and other services to improve their quality of life.

A special mobile application has also been developed to reach out to all Marathi people far and beyond to come together on one platform to not just access the details of the convention but get connectivity with Marathi people across geographies and professional domains. The app will remain available to all even after the convention.

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CHICAGO, IL: The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is thrilled to announce the 60th Annual ISNA Convention, on September 1-4, 2023, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. This year’s convention promises to be a historic event as we celebrate six decades of service to the Muslim community and broader society.

Over the years, ISNA conventions have provided a broad platform for the biggest and brightest stars in the Muslim community. Prominent Muslim leaders, government officials, community activists, celebrities, guests from the interfaith community, and heads of state have been featured in past conventions. Our ability to gather some of the foremost names in the North American landscape is a testament to ISNA’s reach and historical impact over the years. And we are proud and honored to celebrate this legacy at this year’s annual convention.

With the theme “60 Years of Service: Navigating the Way Forward,” we believe it is a beautiful and timely expression of the strides we have made and how far we have come as an organization. For decades, ISNA has fostered the development of the Muslim community and greater society. It has been a national leader in advancing interfaith dialogue and civic engagement and has played a pivotal role in shaping the national conversation around Islam by promoting a better understanding of Muslims in America.

Still today, we offer a variety of programs and services, such as our annual convention, which has served as a forum for Muslims and people of all backgrounds to learn from one another, network, and enhance their appreciation of Islam and the ongoing efforts and achievements of Muslims in America and around the world.

That is why we are thrilled and delighted to return to Rosemont, Illinois, this year for the 60th Annual ISNA Convention. We look forward, once again, to welcoming thousands of attendees for what promises to be one of our most exciting and celebratory events in recent years. With nationally and internationally acclaimed guests, special events, entertainment sessions, and a dynamic expo featuring hundreds of Muslim businesses, the 60th Annual ISNA Convention is sure to be one of the most historic and memorable events in ISNA history.

Please mark your calendars for the 60th Annual ISNA Convention in Rosemont, Illinois, on September 1-4, 2023. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the past, embrace the present, and inspire the next generation of leaders and change-makers in America!

About ISNA: The Islamic Society of North America was founded in 1963. Its mission is to foster the development of the Muslim community, interfaith relations, civic engagement, and a better understanding of Islam.

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• The convention will see participation from devotional institutions of Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism from across 25 countries
• Dignitaries from over 450 renowned temples to attend the three-day marquee event
• Elevating devotee experience and convenience lies at the heart of this convention

PUNE: The International Temples Convention and Expo (ITCX) will be held at the Rudraksh Convention Centre in Varanasi, the oldest city in the world, from July 22 to 24, 2023. Developed by Temple Connect (India), it is the world’s first event solely dedicated to the management of temples across the globe and will focus on nurturing and empowering the administration, management and operations of temple ecosystems.

Conceptualised by Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect (a leading platform dedicated to the documentation, digitalisation and distribution of information related to temples of Indian origin), along with Prasad Lad (Chairman, International Temples Convention & Expo 2023 and Member Of Maharashtra Legislative Council), and Show Director & Co-Curator Meghaa Ghosh – this three-day event carves a space for free-flowing exchange of ideas, learning and invaluable insight among like-minded dignitaries who are at the helm of temple management, in order to establish, enable and promote best practices for temple management teams worldwide.

That the convention adds value to Temple Tourism and Pilgrimage Ecosystem – it is aptly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, under the “Incredible India” initiative.

ITCX aims to birth and nurture an ecosystem for networking, knowledge sharing and peer learning that will pan out through expert seminars, workshops and master classes on various topics. These include temple safety, security and surveillance, fund management, disaster management, sanitization, and hygiene as well as optimal use of new-age technology like artificial intelligence (AI) for protection against cyber-attacks and social media management to foster a strong and connected temple community. The event will also touch upon subjects like crowd and queue management, solid waste management, and infrastructure enhancement under the umbrella of pilgrim experience.

The event is by invitation only and designed for temples and temple trusts of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism in its first season. Representatives from Jain Dharamshalas, leading Devotional Charities, Associations in the Hindu Temples of the United Kingdom, ISKCON Temples, Anna Kshetra Managements, Purohit Mahasangha of various pilgrim locations, and Pilgrimage Promotion Boards will participate in this meet.

Additionally, the convention serves as a platform to learn about diverse cultures, traditions, and arts and crafts of temples from around the world while also celebrating India’s rich temple heritage.

Highlights of the 3-day sessions:

Dr Mohan Bhagwat (Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) will inaugurate the convention. Prominent attendees at the event will include temple trustees, members of temple boards and trusts, along with visionaries, such as the Prince of Travancore (Padmanabhaswamy Temple), Rohan A Khaunte (Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, and Printing & Stationery, Goa), Dharma Reddy (Executive Officer – Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams), amongst many others.

To create a holistic impact, the sessions are tailored to include tried-and-tested as well as new-age practices to streamline sustainable temple management and development. Key conversations around green energy, archaeological architecture, langar (community kitchen) management, illuminations of lights for temples, etc will also be addressed. The line-up includes Tirupathi Balaji Temple experts who will share knowledge on their flawless queue management system and charity/social organisations that clean and maintain ghats in Varanasi. The founder of the convention, Giresh Kulkarni, will also lead a session on temple economics and its expanded role in tourism that can boost the local economy and promote a destination by providing pilgrims with a memorable experience.

Other talks and sessions on relevant topics will be held by delegates of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, Mahakaal Jyotirling, Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Patna Saheb Gurudwara, Chidambaram Temple and Virupaksha Temple Hampi.

The event is also supported by the Antodaya Pratishthan that largely works in the space of CSR in the space of sustainability, hygiene, health and community service in a large way in Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra.

Service and Product Booths

ITCX has curated a list of handpicked innovative products and services that offer solutions involving the improvement of systems and SOPs for better temple management and invited them to display their offerings for attendees to explore. These include fintech and transaction management/monetisation tools, screening virtual interactive maps, health ATMs at temple premises, social media and web technologies to help temples maintain their online engagement and chemical and cleaning products for temple housekeeping.

Some names include VAMA, HDFC Bank, Meta Social, Diversey Chemicals, Yono Meta, Unity IE World, Vedic Bhawan Rigvedalaya, The Indian Puja Company, Krystal Integrated Services and Volksara Techno Solutions amongst others.

Giresh Kulkarni, the founder of Temple Connect and ITCX mentioned, “On the forefront of the duty of devotion, Temple Connect is committed to uplifting the experience of a devotee in a place of worship. For a holy ground that attracts people through faith, it is imperative that it functions smoothly. Benches at every interval for resting in a queue, access to drinking water and an organised flow that takes care of the devotees’ experience from the moment they enter the premise is critical. At the International Temples Convention & Expo, we aim to gather on-ground temple soldiers on one stage to open knowledge portals to get inspired and organically elevate and set the standard operating system in a temple.”

Prasad Lad, Chairman of International Temples Convention & Expo 2023, Member of the Legislative Council, & The Chairman of the Legislative Council Rights Violation Committee, Government of Maharashtra, added, “The ITCX is a profound effort towards strengthening and empowering the temple ecosystem, which is one of the oldest ecosystems. The convention, in its very first edition, is indeed a first-of-its-kind to be held on such a scale and gravity. It will provide a much-needed space for information percolation, where various temple management can come together under one roof, learn from one another, network with experts and create synergies which will positively impact sustainable temple development.”

Meghaa Ghosh, Show Director & Co-Curator, says, “We have found ourselves in a time where taking initiative matters. No one has attempted to create a forum for temple management, but there is always a first. The convention brings to the fore a sense of national pride in our rich Temple heritage. And it is time to safeguard and support it with new-age technology. We are beginning with four faiths with similar roots. We would love to see more faiths join the movement in the coming years.” 

The convention will also be streamed online through the Temple Connect website and Facebook Live for registered viewers.

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PHILADELPHIA, PA: “The 41st Annual AAPI Convention & Scientific Assembly scheduled to be held from July 6th to 9th, 2023 will feature world-renowned leaders in healthcare and academia, who are well known and are sought after around the world for their expertise and knowledge,” said Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).  “The multidisciplinary Continuing Medical Education (CME) during the convention allows specialists and primary care physicians to interact in an academic forum. The speakers at the CME will lead discussions on gaps between the current and best practices on wide-ranging topics,” he added.  

It’s a well-known fact that physicians of Indian origin excel in their respective areas of work and continue to play key roles in patient care, administration, academics, and medical research. In order to cater to its diversity of medical specialties, AAPI continues to use a multi-disciplinary conference format. “The essence of AAPI is educational,” said Dr. Ravi Kolli, while describing the purpose of CME said. 

 “The 41st annual AAPI Convention in Philadelphia will provide physicians of Indian origin an opportunity to come together in an atmosphere of collegiality, enabling them to retrace and appreciate their common roots, culture, and bond that unites them as members of this large professional community,” said Dr. V. Ranga, Chair of AAPI BOT.   

According to Dr. Anjana Samadder, President-Elect of AAPI, “This mission of AAPI translates into numerous CME and non-CME seminars by experts in their fields. CME will provide comprehensive and current reviews and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of various disease states to reduce morbidity and mortality and achieve cost-effective quality care outcomes. At the end of the activity, it is expected that attendees will gain an understanding of the causation, diagnosis, and best clinical practices for the management of the diverse group of diseases discussed during this program.” 

Led by Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, AAPI CME Chair, and Dr. Brahma Sharma, AAPI Convention CME Chair, the CME Committee has Drs. Gunjan Shukla, Sunder Rao, and SACHIN MEHTA as members.  

 “As the Chair of the AAPI CME Committee, I am proud to announce that our program will be providing the highest level talks for AAPI delegates,” said Dr. Sreeni Gangasani. “Our team has worked tirelessly to curate a lineup of speakers and presentations that will provide valuable insights and information to our attendees. We understand the importance of staying up-to-date on the latest research, trends, and best practices in healthcare and beyond, which is why we have chosen speakers who are experts in their fields and who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with our delegates. We hope that our program will inspire and empower our attendees to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.”

According to Dr. Brahma Sharma, Chair of AAPI Convention CME Chair, “CME has been a major highlight of AAPI conventions.  This year, our teams’ approach has been holistic and balanced, with sessions focusing on both old and new: bedside and bench side and usual care, in addition to a personalized approach to chronic diseases which have become our nemesis today. The goal is not just to educate about current concepts of chronic disease management but also inform about emerging concepts like Genomics, Gene-editing, and Artificial Intelligence, which play a critical role in managing chronic conditions. AAPI has been fortunate to be able to tap into some of the world’s leading physician-scientists in these areas of Medicine.”

In addition, there is the popular parallel track for Lifestyle Medicine, which touches Mind-Bodyside, making it a wholesome CME session, giving everyone something that they would love. I thank Dr. Ravi Kolli for giving me the opportunity to work with him and his team during the convention. I hope all these will be informative as well as enlightening CME sessions, Dr. Sharma added.

The inaugural CME session on July 6th is being led by Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Clinical Professor of Medicine and a Board Certified Hematologist and Oncologist, who will  address the delegates on “Rise of Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer.” Dr. Sujeeth R Punnam, an Interventional, Structural Cardiologist & Certified Cardiac Device Specialist in Stockton, CA will present on: “Update and Long term outcomes on Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacements.” 

Dr. Prasad Chalasani, an Interventional Cardiologist at the Florida Heart Center and the Chief of Cardiology at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute; Clinical Associate Professor at Florida State University School of Medicine and at Florida, Atlantic University School of Medicine will share insights on “Role of LAA Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Atrial Fibrillation.”  

“Advancing Access to Care through Licensure Portability and Telemedicine” will be the topic addressed by Dr. Humayun Chaudhary, President and CEO of FSMB.  Dr. Vikas Khurana, Program Director of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education will share his expertise on: “Inflammatory Bowel Disease in South Asian Patients.” 

Chronic Disease: Non-Communicable Diseases is the theme for the CME session on July 7th. Dr. Pradeep Natarajan, Director, of Preventive Cardiology MGH,  Associate Professor Harvard Medical School will lead the day’s sessions by focusing his address on: “Subclinical Atherosclerosis in South Asians: Early Detection and Management.” This will be followed by a session led by Dr. Sunder Rao, Senior Consultant at the Butler Health System MARS PA on: “Role of SGLT2 in Preventing Heart Failure.”  

“Contemporary Approach in Prevention and Management of CKD” is the theme addressed by Dr. Wilcox Christopher, Chief Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Georgetown. Dr. Rajnish Mago, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania will speak about: “Current Concepts in Management of Bipolar Depression.”  

Dr. Surender Neravetla, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, in Ohio, will provide education on the “Role of Diet/Salt in Pathogenesis of Chronic Disease.”

Dr. Indranill Basu Ray, MD Founder and President of the American Academy of Yoga in Medicine will share his insights on: “Yoga/Meditation in Chronic Disease Management.”  

Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Sleep Medicine at UPenn will speak about: “Sleep and Public Health Policy,” while the concluding session for the day will be led by Dr. Vemuri S. Murthy, Adjunct Faculty at the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago, Illinois, who will address the delegates on: “Update on Sudden Cardiac Arrests during COVID-19 Pandemic & Cardiac Arrest Registries, with Focus on India.”  

The final day of the convention, July 9th will have “Frontier of Medicine” as the main theme. Dr. Sek Kathieresan, Director of Preventive Cardiology MGH, and Associate Professor, at Harvard Medical School will lead an insightful session on: “Genomics and Gene Editing in Cardiovascular Disease.” Dr. Partho Sengupta, Professor of CV Medicine at the Robertwood Johnson Medical School Rutgers University will share with the delegates: “AI and Cardiovascular Imaging.”  

“Percutaneous Mechanical Support in High-Risk PCI/ Cardiogenic Shock” is the theme addressed by Dr. Jon George, Director of Complex PCI at UPenn Hospital. Dr. BK Kishore, Academician, Innovator, and Entrepreneur, University of Utah Health and ePurines, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah will lead the session on: “Impact of AI on Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy.”  

Lifestyle Medicine Track will be the theme during the concurrent session on July 9th morning. Dr. Nina Vasan at the Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University will inaugurate the Track with her address on: “Mental Health and Social Media.” Dr. Natrajan Rangnathan, Founder and Lead Scientist will share his insights on: “Gut Biome/Dysbiosis and Chronic Inflammation.”  

“Personalized Diabetes Care and Glucose Device Monitoring” is the topic addressed by Dr. Bantwal Baliga, Chief Endocrinology Clinics, Georgia, and the concluding session will be led by Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu, Chair Oncology, NY Presbyterian Hospital, and will focus on: “Prevention and Precision in Cancer.”  

“Giving them a platform to celebrate their accomplishments, the annual convention to be attended by nearly 1,500 physicians of Indian origin, will also provide a forum to renew their professional commitment through continuing medical education activities,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Convenor of AAPI Convention. 

“Physician leaders who will be part of this convention have excelled in different specialties and subspecialties and occupy high positions as faculty members of medical schools, heads of departments, and executives of hospital staff. The AAPI Convention offers an opportunity to meet directly with these physicians who are leaders in their fields and play an integral part in the decision-making process regarding new products and services,” Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu, CEO of the Convention said.  

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) represents more than 100,000  Indian American Physicians and reflects the range of physician specialties seen in the physician community at large with 61% in Primary Care, 33% in Medical sub-specialties and 6% in surgical sub-specialties. Medical specialty representation includes pediatrics, psychiatry, anesthesiology/pain management, cardiology, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, gastroenterology pathology, endocrinology, nephrology, rheumatology along with many other fields. 

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