Recognizing the Recipients of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin Awards of Excellence

Floor Speech

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Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and to congratulate the recipients of its Annual Awards of Excellence. Founded in 1989, the mission of GOPIO is battling human rights violations committed against persons of Indian origin. Today, while that mission continues, GOPIO has also broadened its mission to include bringing together persons of Indian origin for the benefit of not only themselves and their Indian homeland, but also the communities in which they currently reside.

Indian-Americans have made countless contributions to the United States in the fields of business, education, medicine, science, technology, and public service while preserving and sharing their culture in a manner that promotes tolerance and mutual understanding.

Many of our awardees tonight have been at the forefront of those efforts. It is my honor to include in the Record the names of the following individuals:

Education--Dr. Michael Rao, President of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Medicine--Dr. Siva Subramaniam, Emeritus Professor George Washington University and Hospital.

Philanthropy & Community Service--Mayur Shah.

Journalism--Dr. Rajeev Bhambri, Chief Executive Officer of New India Abroad Newspaper Journalism.

Public Service--Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of National Drug Control Policy and leader of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

Arts & Culture--Vatsala Mehra, Vocal artist.

Arts & Culture--Navin K KC, Choreographer.

Social Services--Mayur Mody.

Science & Technology--Sant Gupta.

Northern Virginia, which I am proud to represent in Congress, is blessed by its diversity. We are home to more than 40,000 people of Indian descent as well as many Indian-American owned small businesses. This diversity enriches our entire community and contributes to our region being considered one of the best places in the country in which to live, work, raise a family, and start a business.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of the GOPIO Awards of Excellence on their accomplishments. I commend them for their service to their communities and to our Nation, and I wish them success in all their future endeavors.

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