[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 80 (Thursday, May 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E422]
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

                         Thursday, May 11, 2023

  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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