Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 16, 2025
The Indian Diaspora in New Zealand can make a marked difference by stepping up its involvement in promoting better relations with India and other friendly countries, Dr Thomas Abraham, Chairman of the New York based Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has said.
“The Indian Diaspora in New Zealand has been dynamic and remains in the forefront of community and social service. As one of the oldest in the world, the People of Indian Origin in this country have been true partners in progress and prosperity. It is now time to expand and extend its reach,” he said.
Dr Abraham was speaking at a dinner reception organised by GOPIO Auckland Central Chapter at the Indian Lounge in Mount Eden on April 4, 2025.
He was on a visit to New Zealand as a part of his tour of the Oceania region. He was accompanied by President Prakash Shah, Vice-President Kewal Kanda (and his wife Asha), Secretary Siddharth Jain, Youth Council Chair Vasu Pawar, Media Council Chair Rohit Vyas (and his wife Isha) and Life Member Jayashri Chintalapudi.
Other Guests of Honour were ACT List MP Dr Parmjit Parmar, former National List MP Kanwaljit Singh Bashi, former and current GOPIO officials Ashok Bhatia, Sandeep Aggarwal, Karnail Badhan Alkesh Sharma, Sameer Handa and others.
The presence of Suman Kapoor, Founder-President of GOPIO Waikato Chapter, was recognised, along with her tireless services to the Organisation for more than 18 years.
The rising importance
“India is a rising power and will soon become the third largest economy in the world, and successive governments have turned towards the Indian Diaspora for better connectivity with governments, social and commercial institutions and the society. Every Indian is a true Ambassador of their homeland, and GOPIO International actively encourages their participation. While most of us do not realise the difference that we can make in shaping the policies and programmes of governments concerning India, our Organisation is all about empowering the Diaspora. We can also be the most effective and useful platform to voice our concerns with the Indian government and work together for the betterment of all,” he said.
Citing the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) as an example, Dr Abhram said that GOPIO International played a significant role in advocating a system that would grant PIOs greater rights and privileges in India.
The OCI Scheme
“Our efforts, including intensive lobbying, encouraged the Indian government to implement the OCI Scheme on December 2, 2005. It was launched at the Fourth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, held in Hyderabad on January 9, 2006. The Scheme provides lifelong visa benefits and other advantages to our people, though not dual citizenship,” Dr Abraham said.
Dr Abraham, who has been in the United States of America for the past 52 years, was among the founders of GOPIO in New York City in 1989. He said that the primary task then was to fight violation of human rights involving the Indian population.
“Although the human rights has improved in the US, violations continue to be a major issues for PIOs outside India. GOPIO has now set its priorities in pooling our professional and financial resources. I welcome all Indians in New Zealand to join us in this international effort,” he said.
Consul General Support
Consul General of India in Auckland Dr Madan Mohan Sethi, who was a Special Guest of Honour at the event, said that the Indian government considers the Indian Diaspora an important partner not only in its developmental programmes but also in shaping policies and programmes.
“It was in recognition of this belief that the Office of the Consulate General has been opened in Auckland to cover the Greater Auckland Region, Waikato, Whangarei and North Island. Our offices on Queen Street in the CBD are being prepared to provide full consular, commercial, trade and other services and facilities. We plan to organise training programmes for migrant workers, provide special services to the elderly and the needy and undertake many other initiatives. I seek the support of the Indian Diaspora in our activities,” he said.
Dr Sethi said that he would engage with the community fully in promoting higher levels of bilateral relations between India and New Zealand under the guidance of the Wellington-based High Commissioner. He said that the High Commissioner is very proactive and is keen to engage with the community to promote the cultural heritage and traditions of India.
US First Day Cover
Dr Abraham presented Dr Sethi with a First Day Cover issued by the US Postal Service.
He said that the US Postal Service established its Postal Office at the venue of the First GOPIO Global Convention held in New York City on August 30, 1989.
“GOPIO was officially established at this Convention. The US Postal Service had affixed the Stamp of Mahatma Gandhi on the First Cover issued at the Convention. This is now a collector’s item,” Dr Abraham said.
About Auckland Central Chapter
Earlier, welcoming guests, GOPIO Auckland Central Chapter President Shivani Arora said that the visit of Dr Abraham came at a time when the Organisation was revitalising itself to become more effective with a greater outreach.
“We have pledged to be more proactive and improve connectivity with the Indian community through projects and programmes. We are fortunate to have in our community people to share our commitment to improving the visibility of the organisation and promoting social cohesion and inclusion,” she said.
Ms Arora said that GOPIO is keen to engage with the Indian Diaspora meaningfully and usefully.
“GOPIO is an international organisation that has a good record for serving the members of the Indian community irrespective of their country of origin. There are about 230,000 people of Indian origin in New Zealand, and the Auckland Central Chapter is keen to do its part to promote the welfare of this hard-working community,” she said.
Ms Arora said that as well as organising its events to promote the spirit of unity and social inclusion, GOPIO Auckland Central Chapter is also keen to be part of events organised by others.
Among the other office-bearers are Rakesh Mehrotra (Vice-President), Sukerna Amirapu (Secretary) and Stutie (Junoo) Sharma (Joint Secretary).
About GOPIO International
Since its establishment more than 35 years ago, GOPIO stands as an august institution, steadfast in its mission to unify, empower, and elevate the Indian diaspora across the globe. It has emerged as a formidable force advocating for the rights, welfare, and aspirations of PIOs. Through its unwavering commitment, the organisation has fostered a global network that transcends geographical boundaries, ensuring that the Indian diaspora remains an indomitable presence in international affairs. Its contributions extend far beyond mere advocacy; it has been a catalyst for transformative change in numerous spheres. Some of its most distinguished initiatives include (1) Human Rights and Legal Advocacy (2) Political Engagement and Policy Advocacy (3) Economic and Business Initiatives (4) Cultural and Educational Programmes
The Future of GOPIO
As GOPIO continues to evolve, its vision remains unwavering: to empower PIOs through advocacy, economic opportunities, and cultural preservation. With its global network, dynamic leadership, and steadfast commitment, the organisation is poised to shape the future of the Indian diaspora, ensuring that their voices resonate across continents.
