[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 195 (Friday, November 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE GLOBAL ORGANIZATION OF PEOPLE OF 
                   INDIAN ORIGIN AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia-

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 5, 2021

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam 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 have been at the forefront of those efforts. It 
is my honor to include in the Record the names of the following 
individuals:
  Dr. V.K. Raju--Medicine
  Dr. Vikram Raya--Entrepreneurship
  Dr. Korok Ray--Innovation & Research
  Dr. Ram Gupta--Education
  Professor Indrajit S. Saluja--Journalism
  Nilima Mehra--Media Journalism
  Vinita Tiwari--Arts & Culture Poet, Singer & Dancer
  Janetha R. Kancharla--Philanthropy & Advocacy
  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 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.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating all 
of 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.

                          ____________________