About Us
GOPIO, International was founded in New York in 1989. In June, 2010 GOPIO has commenced a chapter in Virginia under the leadership of Mr. Jay Singh Bhandari.
GOPIO-VIRGINIA is a non-profit(501(3)(C) organization that serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic, and community service organization and helps promote awareness of Indian culture, customs, and contributions of people of Indian origin through community programs, forums, workshops, seminar, events, and youth activities.
GOPIO Virginia was inaugurated on a cruise in the water’s of the Potomac River. It was a full moon night and members enjoyed a 3 hour ride on a boat with a concert from Munni Begam, well-known Gazal singer. The very first year our membership grew to 65 members.
The initial thrust of GOPIO was fighting human rights violation of people of Indian origin. Although this has been improved in the last one decade, human rights violations continue to be a major issue for PIOs living outside India. GOPIO has now set its priorities in pooling our resources, both financial and professional, for the benefit of PIOs, the countries they come from and India.
GOPIO Virginia’s mission is to Empower, Educate and enhance community awareness and help them to prosper and progress, utilizing the combined resources of People of Indian Origin. We firmly believe in Stronger together. We work & advocate to resolve the issues of our community. We also do charity work such as providing medical assistance to people who can’t afford or has no health insurance. We feed homeless people also. and from time to time we provide help and serve people during crises such as Corona, earthquakes, floods, etc… We celebrate all major Indian festivals in coordination with other Indian Organizations.
What we do
Excellence Awards
The GOPIO Virginia Annual Gala Awards is a grand event to recognize and celebrate the success of Indian Americans for their extra ordinary achievements in Education, Economy, Research, Medical, Journalism, Philanthropy, Community Service, Science and Technology and Politics.
Reach Out Activities
GOPIO Virginia’s reach out work includes securing some benefits for globally spread PIOs. Some of these ongoing benefits are:-Indian Cultural Activities, Medical Camps, Free Medical Assistance to needy, Student Scholarship Program, Donations, Food Drive, Workshops, Celebration of Festivities.
Human Rights Corner
The GOPIO Human Rights Commission would engage the participation and support efforts of any and all local Indian and non-Indian organizations and groups, to compile and report all human rights abuses, harassment and any discrimination perpetrated against PIOs and NRIs.
GLOBAL Chapters
Global community of Indian origin has been developed in USA, France, England, Canada, Germany, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Hong Kong, Singapore, Middle East, Caribbean, Fiji and many more.
Mission Statement
– To empower, educate and enhance community awareness. – To involve in the civic responsibility to resolve issues of concern to the Indian American community. – To support and empower the members and community towards the economic, social, financial and political progress utilizing combined resources of People of Indian Origin. – To significantly contribute towards building strong relations between India and USA towards economical, educational and social progress.
Vision Statement
GOPIO, aims to bring people of Indian Origin in the World together to promote their professional, cultural and social interests with a view to realizing their maximum potential in the service of Global peace, prosperity, happiness and compassion
Events
Award of Excellence Gala Banquet
Join us on April 30, in our signature event of the GOPIO Virginia Gala Award of Excellence Banquet & Celebration of the 4th Anniversary. Great entertainment ( Dance & music masti) and testy Indian 4 Course dinner