Venkat Raman
Two Members of Parliament have asked the executives of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) to enroll more women into its membership and encourage them to undertake greater responsibilities.
Speaking at a gathering of GOPIO Chapters functioning in Auckland and Wellington, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Dr Parmjeet Parmar (both List MPs of National Party) said that while GOPIO represents the entire Indian Diaspora, it would do well to accord better status for women in its executive committees.
More than 60 members and guests attended the meeting and dinner organised by GOPIO Auckland Central President Shefali Mehta at Indian Accent Restaurant in Botany South on Monday, April 2, 2018.
Predecessor acknowledged
As well conducting the meeting, she acknowledged the services of Suman Kapoor, Founder-President of New Zealand’s first GOPIO Branch in Waikato (Hamilton) and Immediate Past International Coordinator (Oceania).
“GOPIO will always be grateful to people like her, Jeet Suchdev (GOPIO’s Coordinator at the time of formation in 2017) and Harish Bajaj, first President of GOPIO New Zealand.
Ms Mehta said that ‘GOPIO New Zealand’ can be formed as a ‘common, country entity’ only if there are at least ten Branches or Chapters.
“We have therefore requested Branch Presidents to present their activity report,” she said.
The meeting incorporated a short seminar on ‘Positive attitude and Positive vision brings charged positive results,’ conducted by Dr Prakash Grover.
Successful women
Mr Bakshi said that he has been associated with GOPIO since its establishment in New Zealand in 2017 and that he was proud of its achievements.
“Women in our community are successful entrepreneurs and professionals and are true leaders in many fields. GOPIO Chapters in New Zealand should therefore provide more opportunities to them,” Mr Bakshi said.
Echoing those views, Dr Parmar said, “I am happy that GOPIO is involved in community and social projects and I am sure that it will continue to grow as a true representative of the Indian community in New Zealand. I also hope that more women will come forward to take up official positions.”
Other Speakers
Among the other speakers were Hon Indian Consul in Auckland Bhav Dhillon, Sydney-based GOPIO International Coordinator (Oceania) Jagdish Lodhia and Branch Presidents.
Mr Lodhia, who was on his first official visit, asked Branch Presidents and members to increase membership so that New Zealand can play its role as a stronger organisation.
“Every Branch should have at least 14 members and I am told that some of them have less than ten members at present. It is important to follow the GOPIO rules. As International Coordinator for the Oceania region, I will extend all support and assistance to carry our Movement forward. GOPIO has immense potential in New Zealand,” he said.
Branch Reports
Among those who presented their Branch reports were Dr Pushpa Wood (Wellington), Sanjeev Toora (representing Bombay Hills and Pukekhoe Chapters), Narendra Singla (Auckland South), Dr Ajit Singh (Papatoetoe) Alkesh Sharma, Auckland West, Subodh Seth (Botany) and Shefali Mehta (Auckland Central)
GOPIO Waikato Meeting
Earlier on April 2, 2018, GOPIO Waikato President Pradeep Kapoor and Founder-President and Immediate Past International Coordinator (Oceania) organised a get-together at the same venue, to mark the visit of her successor Jayanti Lodhia from Sydney.
As the incumbent International Coordinator (Oceania), he was apprised of the activities of the Branch, following which he shared his vision for GOPIO New Zealand.
About 20 men and women attended the event, which included a poem recited by Shiv Bhagirath and songs by Jyoti Virk and lunch.
