GOPIO Chicago chapter's first business conference and annual gala a grand success

Chicago IL: The presence of high profile US Political leaders including two Congressmen, three state senators, state treasurer, a village president, a Padmashree, Indian Consul General, a few dozen artists, and 200 CEOs, CFOs, and distinguished guests, certainly brought an aura of success to the GOPIO’s inaugural business conference and annual gala held on Saturday, April 18th, 2015, at theOakbrook Marriott Hotel, Grand Ball Room, 1401 W 22nd St, Oak Brook, IL 

Among those who attended were Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, also a Democratic candidate for the US Senate, India’s Consul General, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Congressman Danny Davis, Former Illinois Deputy Treasurer Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois State Senators - Don Kotowski, Tom Cullerton, and Michael Noland, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Padmashree Dr. Bala Balachandran, and Oak Brook Village President, Dr. Gopal Lalmalani.  

In his address, Mr. Gladson Varghese, President of GOPIO Chicago, announced that his  chapter will provide a platform for business community in Chicago to network and learn about tax incentives for doing business in India.    

The Indian Consul General highlighted the key steps that the new Indian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated to promote Indo-US business. He also tried to sort out the confusions over various kinds of visas to India.

After the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, Congresswoman Duckworth, urged the Indian community to build upon their success as professionals and entrepreneurs and to become more active participants in the electoral process.

Congresswoman Duckworth introduced Raja Krishnamoorthi who intends to succeed her as the US Representative from the Illinois 8th district. Raja urged Indian community members to vote and have their opinions counted in the 2016 elections. 

Padmasree Dr. Bala Balachandran, former Dean of Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management gave the keynote address. Dr. Balachandran, inspired the crowd with his depth of knowledge about business processes and words of wisdom about life in general. He asked everyone to put aside their egos and act on achieving their dreams. He mentioned his keynote speech during his recent visit to Gujarat and where talked about Empowering Society through Innovation in Education.  

Village President Dr. Lalmalani offered his full support to anyone in the Indian community who wishes to launch business with the Village of Oak Brook.

The formal meeting was followed by cultural events that included dazzling dances from various states of India. Those dances portrayed a brief glimpse of Indian art forms, namely Kuchipudi, Mohiniattyam, Bhangra and Bollywood fusion styles. Aananda Dance Theatre presented Thillana, Bharatanjanli Dance School presented Saraswati Slokam, Soorya Dance Academy performed a fusion dance and Men of Dance performed the vibrant Bhangra dance.  Performers included Chetan Saini and Nipa Shah.

The cultural programs were emceed by Mr. Vikrant Singh and Ms. Shree Gurusamy. Mr. Savinder Singh, secretary of GOPIO Chicago, emceed the main event.

Dr. Ausaf Sayyed received the Community Service Award. 

Vijay Patel received the Businessman Award. 

Aashna Garg received the best student Award

Mr. Syed Hussaini from Wintrust Bank received Grand sponsor award

Mr. Ketu Amin received the Guest of Honor Award

Mr. Gulzar Multani received the Guest of Honor Award

Grand Canyon University received the sponsor award.

"One of the main focus of GOPIO Chicago is Business networking and help Indian community excel in the Business they are doing. So we request each one of you to become a member of this great organization by contacting one of the office bearers. I take this opportunity to thank all of the Board members of GOPIO Chicago chapter, they did an outstanding job putting this event together, and want to thank the Indian community in Chicago for all your help and support for this chapter. I humbly request all of you to continue your full support for this great organization" said Gladson Varghese President of GOPIO Chicago Chapter

Savi Singh is President of KBR Investments Inc., President of BK Oil LLC and completed his term as President of Punjabi Americans Organization. He is prominent community leader and pioneer in Entertainment business."GOPIO is one of the largest Indian organization outside India with Chapters in around 20 countries. 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. Toward this goal we welcome Indian community in Chicago to join in this international effort" said by Savi Singh Secretary of GOPIO Chicago Chapter.

GOPIA Executive Committee and Board Members are Gladson Varghese (President), Hemant Trivedi (Vice President), Savi Singh (Secretary), Syed Hussaini (Treasurer), Joe Nedumgottil (Jt. Treasurer),  Hina Trivedi (Executive Board of Director),  Vikrant Singh (Advisory Board), Vandana Jhingan (Advisory Board), Dinkar Karumuri (Board Member), Shree Gurusamy (Board Member), Nirav Patel(Board Member), and Sharan Walia (Board Member)