About Us – GOPIO

GOPIO (Global Organization for People of Indian Origin) Quick Overview

GOPIO is a distinguished organization whose indelible mission and objectives are to:
1. Relentlessly enable the South Asian diaspora to succeed in all walks of life,
2. Celebrate our unified successes, and
3. Generate opportunities for up and coming talents and the next generation of achievers.

GOPIO was founded at the First Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York in 1989. The name GOPIO was adopted after a suggestion by a Michigan-based Indian businessman. The initial thrust of GOPIO was fighting human rights violation against people of Indian origin.

Although this has been improved in the last decade, human rights violations continue to be a major issue for PIOs living outside India. GOPIO has now set its priorities in pooling its resources, both financial and professional, for the benefit of PIOs, the countries they come from and India.

Year	*Major Initiatives & Accomplishments of GOPIO International* since inception**
2011	GOPIO Convention 2011, New Delhi, Jan. 2011 and GOPIO Caribbean Regional Convention, May 2011 GOPIO Biennial Convention, Edison, New Jersey, USA. Elects a new team as officers.
2010	GOPIO Convention 2010, New Delhi, Jan. 2010 and Successful Campaign on Indian Passport Surrender Rules First Women of Indian Origin Conf., London and GOPIO Annual Conf., London, October 25-27, 2010 First GOPIO Health Summit on Health and Wellness of Indian Diaspora, New York, Nov. 12-14, 2010
2009	GOPIO Convention 2009, Chennai, Jan. 2009 and GOPIO 20th Anniversary Celebration, New York, August 2009
2008	GOPIO Convention 2008, Organizes Summit on Education for the Indian Masses, New Delhi, January 6-7, 2008
2007	GOPIO Convention 2007, Elects New Officers, New Delhi, January 5-6, 2007
2006	GOPIO Convention 2006, Hyderabad, January 5-6, 2006 GOPIO demonstration in front of the UN against Govt. of Trinidad & Tobago for not following rule of law, September GOPIO/EICC Conference on EU-India Partnership at the European Parliament, November 8-9, 2006 GOPIO campaign to pass US-India Nuclear Energy Cooperation Bill in the US Congress.
2005	GOPIO Convention 2005, Mumbai, January 5-6, GOPIO/EICC Conf. on India EU Strategic Plan, Euro Parliament, Nov. 9th
2004	GOPIO Convention 2004, New Delhi, January 7-8, 2004, Conf. on Human Rights Experience, New York March 20, 2004 GOPIO Belgium Conference on India-EU Trade/Investment, Europe-India Chamber of Commerce (EICC) formed.
2003	GOPIO Conference - Perspectives and Issues of PIO Communities, New Delhi, January 8, 2003 Gaddar Movement Celebrations, May 2003, Santa Clara, CA, USA GOPIO - Belgium Conference, Dec. 4, 2003
2002	GOPIO’s tribute to Dilip Singh Saund, first U.S. congressman of Indian origin, January 2002 Third European Regional Conference, Leiden, The Netherlands, June 2002 Hosts Third Global Indian Entrepreneurs Conference and Indian and NRI/PIO Economic summit, September 12-14, 2003
2001	GOPIO accredited by the U.N. as an NGO to participate in the World Conference Against Racism. GOPIO’s Solidarity Rally against terrorism. Funds raised to benefit American Red Cross.
2000	Inauguration of GOPIO Business Council, New York, April; Conference on Social Services for the community, formed of South Asian Council for Social Services in New York; GOPIO Convention 2000, Zurich, Switzerland. Campaigned on Fiji Crisis, met the U.N. Human Rights Commission.
1999	GOPIO’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations & GOPIO Convention ‘99, New York, September.
1998	Conference on Senior Citizens of Indian Origin, New York, in September that resulted in the formation of National Indian American Association for Senior Citizens, Inc.
1997	Freedom 50 Conferences to celebrate India’s 50th, New York, June, July and August. Conference - Changing Role of Indian Women Worldwide,Mumbai, November.
1996	Trinidad Investment Meeting with P.M. Basdeo Pandey, New York
1995	Special meetings with various heads of states with large Indian population. Release of the book in New York - Indian Diaspora, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
1994	GOPIO proposed PIO card to Govt. of India.
1993	Second Global Convention in New Delhi. GOPIO adopts its constitution and conducts the first election.
1992	Filed human rights violations petition to the U.N. on behalf of PIOs in Sri Lanka.
1990	Filed human rights violations petition to the U.N. on behalf of PIOs in Fiji in 1990.
1989	GOPIO organization was formed at the first convention of PIOs. Passes 23 resolutions including PIO Card and Dual Citizenship for NRIs/PIOs from Govt. of India and Concerns of rights violations in different countries. U.S. Postal Service releases two First Day Covers to honor the First Convention at a special Post Office set up at the Convention Venue.