News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (June 20, 2026 - June 26, 2026) June 26, 2026 8 Community O n June 15, 2026, Representatives Raja Krish- namoorthi (IL-08), Ami Bera (CA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Shri Thane- dar (MI-13), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), the Indian American members of Congress, released the following joint statement after a demon- strator outside Frisco City Hall in Frisco, Texas, tore an Indian flag amid anti-India chants and rhetoric during an immigration-related protest: “We strongly support the constitutional right to free- dom of expression for all Americans. At the same time, we condemn the tearing of an Indian flag outside Frisco City Hall alongside hateful anti-India rhetoric, which continues to fuel anti-Indian violence and xenophobia. Acts of hate and intimidation targeting any community are unacceptable and have no place in our country. “The Indian American community is an important part of our nation and deserves to feel safe and respect- ed. As Indian Americans and South Asian Americans face harassment, xenophobia, and hateful rhetoric, leaders must speak clearly: hate targeting any community cannot be tolerated or ignored. “We stand in solidarity with the Indian American community in Frisco and across the country. Everyone deserves to live with dignity and safety, free from fear, harassment, and discrimination.” Indian American Lawmakers Condemn Anti-India Demonstration Outside Frisco City Hall, TX., Express Solidarity With Community Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, speaking on the issue of naturalized citizens being barred from federal public office and appointments. PHOTO:SCREENSHOT FROMVIDEO ON FACEBOOK @ RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI Press Release GOPIO-CT Marks 20th Anniversary, Honors Community Achievers T he Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) celebrated its 20th Anniversary with an Annual Awards Banquet at the Water’s Edge Banquet Hall, Darien, CT on June 13, 2026, recognizing five prominent Indian American leaders for their civic and professional excellence. The milestone event brought to- gether a bipartisan group of state and local lawmakers, community leaders, and professionals. The Chief Guest was India’s Deputy Consul General in New York, Vishal Harsh, who also presented awards to the honorees. Other digni- taries who spoke at the banquet were CT Senators Sujata GadkarWilcox and Tony Hwang, and CT Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson. Dr. Vishal Harsh, Deputy Consul General of India in NewYork, in his keynote address said, “The achievements of Indian Americans have become a global benchmark—communities across the world look to replicate the success and impact you have created in the United States.” GOPIO-CT President Mahesh Jhangiani said, “Since its founding, GOPIO-CT has served as a vibrant platform promoting community service, cultural heritage, civic engagement, and unity among People of Indian Origin in Connecticut and beyond.” Dr. Thomas Abraham, founder president of GOPIO International and chair of the Awards Com- mittee, said, “Over the past two decades, GOPIO- CT has set an outstanding example of how a local chapter can effectively organize, engage, and serve the community. In many ways, its success became a model for GOPIO International in shaping the structure and activities of local chapters worldwide.” Mike Joshi, the GOPIO-CT Banquet Chair and GOPIO- CT Secretary, who emceed the gala, said, “The banquet is not only a celebration of the 20th year milestone for GO- PIO but also enabled us to raise funds to support Youth Charity Initiatives in our community.” This year’s honorees represented a wide range of fields: • Political Leadership– State Senator Prof. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox. Elected to the Connecticut State Sen- ate in 2024 to represent the 22nd District—which en- compasses parts of Trumbull, Monroe, and Bridge- port—Gadkar-Wilcox is also a Professor of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University. • India’s DCGVishal Harsh presenting the award to CT State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox • Entrepreneurship and Busi- ness Achievements -Dr. Anil R. Diwan, the founder, president, and executive chairman of NanoVi- ricides, Inc. (NYSE American: NNVC), headquartered in Con- necticut, specializing in antiviral therapies. • Corporate Leadership – Nitin Mhatre, who assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at First County Bank on April 15, 2026. • Hemchandra M. Shertukde, Ph.D., P.E., DMS, was recognized for his Achievements in Engineer- ing and Applied Sciences. Dr. Shertukde has served as a faculty member in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture at the University of Hartford for nearly 40 years. • Journalism – Ajay Ghosh, whose career spans more than 30 years across mass media, higher education, and clinical healthcare with focus on public interest reportage. The Founder Members of the Chapter, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Viresh Sharma, Sangeeta and Paul Ahuja, Bhom, and Meera Ahuja were honored, as were Past Presidents Sangeeta Ahuja, Shailesh Naik, Shelly Nichani, Anita Bhat, Ashok Nichani, and Jaya Saptardar. Youth Coordinator in the early years, Sharon Priya Banta was also recognized. Local artists performed segments ranging from traditional Indian dances to modern Bollywood dances. A group of artists representing MASCONN showcased India’s cultural traditions. GOPIO-CT contributed $25,000 each to the two chari- ties, Future 5 and Children’s Learning Center (CLC) of Fairfield County. The checks were received by Future 5’s Founder Clif McFeely and CLC’s CEO Monica Maccera Filpu, and its Director of Corporate and Foundation Rela- tion Jennifer Hallissey. PHOTOS:GOPIO-CT GOPIO-CT Awardees with dignitaries and chapter organizers. India’s DCG Vishal Harsh presenting the award to CT State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox By a StaffWriter