GOPIO News Bulletin OCTOBER 2025

H-1B VISA STORM

GOPIO NEWS BULLETIN

A Publication of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)

Published Monthly

President Prakash Shah

Editor-in-Chief

Umesh Chandra OAM

Senior Editorial Advisor

Thomas Abraham

Editorial Assistant

Nami Kaur

GOPIO News Bulletin is a monthly newsletter published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by GOPIO News Bulletin, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager. Opinions carried in GOPIO News Bulletin are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by GOPIO News Bulletin. GOPIO News Bulletin will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply / approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers / correspondents responsibility. While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned.

From the Editor:

Editor's Note

Welcome to our October edition, and a warm greeting to all GOPIO members and friends around the globe. October has been declared Indian Heritage and Festival Month, and it is heartening to witness the worldwide awareness and celebration of Diwali—the Festival of Lights—grown to become one of the world’s most cherished celebrations.

Diwali is everywhere now: Singapore, Fiji, India, Mauritius, and many other nations observe public holidays and proudly recognise the festival. Local councils and governments are increasingly embracing Diwali, bringing vibrant cultural expressions and community unity to cities far and wide. I cannot recall ever seeing so many Diwali events organised with such energy, reach, and attendance. This global momentum speaks not only to the richness of our shared heritage but also to the growing appreciation for its values—light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and compassion in action.

This month has kept me wonderfully busy, representing GOPIO International at a variety of events. I will share updates on these engagements later in the bulletin, but I want to pause here to acknowledge some notable milestones: Congratulations to the GOPIO Gold Coast team on their newly formed committee. Your leadership and momentum are precisely what our network thrives on.

A special mention to GOPIO Sydney Northwest for their successful Caring and Sharing event, showcasing how we translate cultural heritage into tangible community service.

GOPIO Queensland for organising the annual Gandhi Jayanti in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Queensland, supported by many organisations. This observance highlights the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles in today’s world.

If you would like us to publish your letters, feedback, comments on any of our stories or suggest ideas columns or features, please send your submissions to: ceo@chantex.com.au

20 NOV 2025

15 NOV 2025

Email: ceo@chantex.com.au

Our online webinar series has proven to be a significant success. The international nature of these programs presents scheduling challenges across time zones, but the value they bring—information exchange, cross-cultural dialogue, and global connections—remains extraordinary. I want to reiterate the importance of timely submissions of articles. I know many chapters and councils have newsworthy events and initiatives; please be forthcoming with your stories. Our reach is expanding, and your contributions help us reflect the breadth and depth of GOPIO’s impact.

As we move deeper into Festival Month and beyond, I invite you to submit your news, reflections, and feature stories. Share your celebrations, community projects, profiles of volunteers, or insights from your planning committees. Together, we can paint a comprehensive picture of our global family and its work.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Wishing you all a joyful and enlightening reading experience this October—happy Diwali to all, and until next month, warm regards.

With best wishes,

—Umesh Chandra OAM

Editor-in-Chief, GOPIO International News Bulletin

Congressman Frank Pallone Calls for Early US-India Dialogue to Remove Current Hiccups

The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) held a special Webinar on October 4th, 2025, on “H-1B Visa Storm, Current Challenges and Pathways Forward.” The event brought together four immigration attorneys as moderators and panellists with an interactive discussion with the audience.

On September 19th, 2025, a thick fog of misinformation enveloped many members of the Indian community in America who are on an H-1B visa. This created confusion, uncertainty, and anxiety for

applicants, U.S. companies, and the global Indian diaspora. People scrambled, trying to understand what this meant for themselves, their families, and their careers.

The program started with a welcome by GOPIO’s Associate Secretary and Chair of the Webinar Series, Sunil Vuppala. Vuppala told the audience that, unlike the monthly Webinar Series, this was organised as a special Webinar due to the confusion caused by the announcement, which included a fee increase of $100,000, amounting to 67 times the current fee.

He then introduced the GOPIO Chairman, Dr Thomas Abraham.

Dr Abraham said, “When President Trump announced $100,000 fee for H-1B Visa on Sept. 19th, we were shocked. We wrote our concerns to President Trump. We got a reply back from him, but it was a standard reply which didn’t touch upon the issue we had raised.”

Dr Abraham further said that he asked ChatGPT to provide information on the US benefits and costs of the H-1B Visa program, which was supplied as a bar chart.

Estimated Annual US Benefits and Costs of H-1B Visa Program

The economic contribution is over $200 billion annually, while the associated fee is $8.5 billion. The net contribution is overwhelmingly significantly positive, demonstrating the critical role of skilled foreign professionals in sustaining U.S. innovation.“The technology sector has grown in the USA because of the H-1B visa program, and there is a strong correlation between H-1B and US innovations as patent output,” added Dr Abraham.

The Moderator for the panel discussion was New York Immigration Attorney Dilli Batta, who had also worked earlier in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. The panellists included Immigration Attorney David Nachman, who is a managing attorney of the New Jersey Offices of the NPZ law group, also known as Visaserve;

"When President Trump announced $100,000 fee for H-1B Visa on Sept. 19th, we were shocked. We wrote our concerns to President Trump. We got a reply back from him, but it was a standard reply which didn’t touch upon the issue we had raised."

— Dr Abraham

Immigration Attorney Stephanie Dy, who is an attorney with the Parikh Law Group in Chicago; and New York Immigration Attorney Prashanti Reddy with her law firm.

Attorney Nachman noted during the session that the situation created what could only be described as a “torrential rainstorm,” leaving many unsure of the future. Nachman outlined three critical changes currently affecting the H-1B program: 1.) The $100,000 fee will affect certain new H-1B petitions. This measure is limited to applicants subject to the cap, primarily those outside the U.S. who have never held an H-1B visa. Renewals, extensions, transfers, and amendments are not affected. While the administration claims the fee is designed to prevent abuse,

the speakers warned it may discourage highly skilled global talent from contributing to the U.S. economy.

2. Changes are being proposed in how the H-1B lottery is conducted, with priority given to employees receiving higher wages (Wage 1, Wage 2, Wage 3, as determined by the Department of Labour). Small businesses, which cannot afford to pay top-tier salaries, are effectively pushed to the bottom of the priority system. This shift means that H-1Bs will increasingly be decided based on money rather than merit or skill, undermining innovation and opportunity.

3.) The government is signalling more rigorous site visits and compliance checks under the new framework, investing heavily in monitoring employers. This demonstrates that H-1B filings will be scrutinised like never before, creating further uncertainty for companies seeking top talent. “H-1Bs are going to be decided on money and economy instead of the toils of the mind,” Nachman remarked, underscoring the disconnect between policy and the actual value of skilled professionals.

According to Prashanti Reddy, Esq., the proclamation primarily impacts new H-1B applicants outside the U.S. who are subject to the cap, particularly those who have never been employed in sectors such as hedge funds. Renewals, transfers, and amendments remain unaffected. She also raised

Immigration Attorney Shephanie Dy said the new proclamation would make it burdensome for employers to hire new employees, thereby reducing opportunities for smaller companies.

a crucial question regarding bipartisan movements in Congress addressing these policies. While the H-1B fee may not be the most pressing issue nationally, it is significant for the Indian American community.

Immigration Attorney Shephanie Dy said the new proclamation would make it burdensome for employers to hire new employees, thereby reducing opportunities for smaller companies. For those in the outstanding level category, one must provide more evidence. Just a bachelor’s degree may not be sufficient; one has to be at the Master's or PhD level. TN professionals, such as computer system analysts and computer engineers, may explore the E2 with an investment in their own company.

While the administration claims that the new $100,000 fee is designed to prevent

abuse, the speakers warned it may discourage highly skilled global talent from contributing to the U.S. economy. One of the panellists said that he had hardly seen any abuse. The number of resumes he had seen was as long as 25 pages, featuring numerous publications and patents. This action will make the US miss out on the technology race, the panel agreed.

The speakers at the session further emphasised that the current policy upheaval extends far beyond H-1B visas, affecting tariffs, lottery mechanisms, and international competitiveness. They highlighted that the combination of fees, enforcement measures, and lottery changes could have lasting consequences for U.S. innovation and global leadership, stressing the urgency of proactive community engagement and informed advocacy.

GOPIO President Prakash Shah then introduced the Chief Guest of the event, Senior US Congressman Padma Bhushan Frank Pallone Jr., who is serving his 18th full term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pallone represents New Jersey's 6th Congressional District and is a founder of the India Caucus in Congress.

The session highlighted concerns that the Trump administration is focusing on the wrong priorities. Rep. Pallone emphasised that instead of investing in training programs to develop locally qualified talent, billions are being spent on a fee that does

not address the root problem. Linking the $100,000 H-1B fee to tariffs, adjusting the lottery to favour higher-paid employees, and disadvantaged small businesses create economic distortions.

“This policy shifts focus from building local skills to simply generating revenue,” Pallone noted, stressing that small businesses and innovative sectors may be unfairly impacted. He also warned that in the global talent competition, countries like Germany and China are ready to attract highly qualified professionals, which could ultimately weaken the U.S. economy instead of strengthening it.

Rep. Pallone said, “Meanwhile, India’s pivot toward countries such as Russia and China - partially in response to U.S. policyraises additional strategic and economic concerns.” Rep. Pallone called for an early USIndia Dialogue to remove the current hiccups.

Rep. Pallone’s presence at the session was both symbolic and practical, reflecting his longstanding commitment to the Indian American community. He had kept his promise to establish the Congressional India Caucus, ensuring that the Diaspora’s voice was represented in national policymaking and that their contributions to U.S. innovation and growth were recognised and protected.

The session underscored the urgent need for informed dialogue, proactive community engagement, and

Meanwhile, India’s pivot toward countries such as Russia "and China - partially in response to U.S. policy - raises additional strategic and economic concerns."

— Rep. Pallone

bipartisan advocacy. GOPIO International continues to champion the Indian diaspora, ensuring that the U.S. remains a destination for top global talent, while fostering stronger integration of the community into the economic and civic mainstream.

Looking ahead, the session underscored the urgent need for informed dialogue, proactive community engagement, and bipartisan advocacy. GOPIO International continues to champion the Indian Diaspora, ensuring that the U.S. remains a destination for top global talent, while fostering stronger integration of the community into the economic and civic mainstream.

Congressman Pallone pointed out that there was a broad bipartisan support in Congress for continuing the H1B Visa program. He felt that the Indian American community and organisations

like GOPIO should engage with Members of Congress to develop a consensus on preserving the benefits of the H1B Visa Program, which has led to positive outcomes for the US Economy.

Rep. Frank Pallone with GOPIO officials and speakers at the Webinar, From l. to r., Top Row: Dilli Battu, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., Prakash Shah; Middle Row: Dr Thomas Abraham, Prashanti Reddy, David Nachman; Bottom Row: Stephanie Dy, Siddarth Jain and Vatsala Upadhayay

GOPIO General Secretary Siddharth Jain gave the vote of thanks. Ms Vatsala Upadhyay, Founder & CEO of AI Junoon, provided technical support. GOPIO plans to continue the engagement with congressional leaders.

About GOPIO - Founded in 1989, GOPIO is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit, secular organisation with Individual Life Members and chapter delegates from over 100 chapters in 36 countries. GOPIO’s volunteers are committed to enhancing cooperation and communication between NRIs/PIOs and local communities, building networks, bonds, friendships, alliances, and fostering camaraderie among citizens and colleagues alike. GOPIO volunteers believe that by helping to network the global Indian community, they contribute to making tomorrow a better world for the Indian Diaspora, the countries they live in, and India.

Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes Supports GOPIO’s Stand on H-1B Visa Issue

The Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) held a virtual meeting with Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes (CT 4th District) on October 9th, 2025, on “H-1B Visa Fee Hike of $100,000.” The meeting was attended by GOPIO-CT and GOPIO International officials, as well as members and businesses affected by the new decision from the Trump Administration.

The meeting was held at the initiative of GOPIO Chairman Dr Thomas Abraham, who also serves as Trustee and Advisor to the chapter. In

his remarks, Dr Abraham said that, according to public information from Chat GPT, the H-1B program annually benefited the USA with over $200 billion while the cost was only $8.5 billion.

Dr Abraham said, “By making it difficult for highly qualified people to work in the USA, the country will lose out in the long run if they take employment in Canada, Germany and China, which have offered to take them.”

Dr Abraham also addressed the community’s concerns about the delay in the US-India dialogue to resolve bilateral issues.

GOPIO-CT President Mahesh

Jhangiani highlighted the negative impact of the H-1B rules on small businesses, noting that while larger corporations can afford the $100,000 fees, the cost is unbearable for small and medium enterprises. Jhangiani also expressed his concerns about the anti-India policies of the Trump Administration.

Two GOPIO-CT members, Panzer Solutions Founder Prasad Chintalapudi and Cameron Engineers President Shailesh Naik, highlighted to Congressman Himes that the new fee hike will harm small companies that hire highly qualified tech people.

Panzer Solutions

employs H-1B visa holders. Chintalapudi, who is also a trustee of GOPIO-CT, said that many small and medium companies that have H-1B visa holders on their payroll have been creating local employment and keeping jobs in the USA. He also said that many CEOs of large companies, including Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella and Aravind Krishna, emerged from the H1B program.

Attorney Nandita Ruchandani, who spoke on behalf of Cameron Engineers, said that H-1B holders included doctors and other healthcare professionals in underserved areas, teachers, accountants, engineers, and tech workers. H-1B immigrants pay into the social security system, but can never access that money until they become permanent residents. They own houses and pay taxes that bolster school systems and other social services. H-1B holders are often employed by American businesses that may have to shut down because the profit margin is insufficient to justify paying the $100,000 fee. For example, small engineering firms that build and repair municipal water systems are limited in their pay by the rates they can charge the local government.

“The chaos caused by the sudden imposition of this huge fee has already disrupted many lives and businesses,” Ruchandani added.

Also, speaking at the virtual meeting was Dr S.K. Lo, Chairperson of the Asian

GOPIO-CT

President Mahesh Jhangiani highlighted the negative impact of the H-1B rules on small businesses, noting that while larger corporations can afford the $100,000 fees, the cost is unbearable for small and medium enterprises. Jhangiani also expressed his concerns about the antiIndia policies of the Trump Administration.

American Unity Coalition (AAUC), who said that such issues have to be addressed collectively, and AAUC is willing to support.

GOPIO-CT’s Virtual Meeting with US Congressman Jim Himes, Top Row: Attorney Nandita Ruchandani, Rep. Jim Himes. Bottom Row: l. to r.: Prasad Chintalapudi, Shailehs Naik, Dr S.K. Lo and Dr Thomas Abraham

Congressman Himes, who is in his ninth term, serves as Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and on the House Financial Services Committee. In his reply, Congressman Himes said that he fully supported our views and that the issues in US-India Relations have to be resolved soon. Rep. Himes also agreed with Dr Abraham that many highly qualified people would leave the USA, which would be a significant loss for our country.

In response to an audience question about the current status of the USA's relations with India, Rep. Himes said that cooperation with India continues in Commerce, Trade, and Defence.

Over the last 20 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International, has become an active and dynamic organisation. It hosts interactive sessions with policymakers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and collaborates with other area organisations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT –Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community service organisation – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of people of Indian origin through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.

GOPIO International Appeals to President Trump to Reconsider or Substantially Reduce the New H1-B Fee for America’s Interest

(New York, NY: September 23rd, 2025)

The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has written to the White House to reconsider the proposed fee hike for the new H1-B Visa and, at the very least, to reduce it substantially in the interest of America’s long-term economic vitality and global leadership. GOPIO International Chairman Dr Thomas Abraham and President Prakash Shah jointly sent the letter.

“Our U.S.-based members, as American citizens, are committed to supporting policies that advance the nation’s economic strength, competitiveness, and global leadership,” GOPIO wrote.

“The H-1B visa program has long been an essential driver of American growth and innovation, and we urge the Administration to reconsider this significant fee increase, which we believe would run counter to the best interests of the United States,” said GOPIO Chairman Dr Abraham.

GOPIO’s letter described the benefits of the H1-B program in the USA, with Key Contributions of H-1B Visa Holders to the United States as follows:

1. Boosting Innovation and Competitiveness

4 A large proportion of H-1B professionals work in STEM fields—particularly technology, biotech, and engineering—where U.S. companies often face talent shortages.

4 Their expertise has helped U.S. firms remain global leaders and has contributed directly to new patents and groundbreaking technologies.

4 Patents issued to the F-1 students who apply for an H1-B work visa lead to revenues for the USA. Failure to safeguard these patents will cause research to move away from the US and deprive US citizens of their rightful access to such patents.

2. Supporting the U.S. Labour Market

4 H-1B professionals complement, rather than displace, American workers by filling highly specialised roles.

4 Their contributions spur business expansion, creating additional jobs for U.S. citizens across industries.

4 Research shows that regions with higher concentrations of H-1B workers enjoy stronger wage growth for both native and immigrant workers.

3. Strengthening Key Industries

4 From major technology companies like Google and Microsoft to hospitals, universities, and research institutions, American industries depend on H-1B talent.

4 These contributions reinforce U.S. leadership in science, medicine, and innovation.

4. Encouraging Entrepreneurship

4 Many H-1B professionals later become successful entrepreneurs, founding companies that employ thousands of Americans.

4 Iconic U.S. firms such as Google, Tesla, and Intel were co-founded by immigrants who began their journey through visa programs like H-1B.

5. Driving Economic Growth

4 H-1B visa holders pay billions in federal, state, and local taxes while contributing to Social Security and Medicare.

4 Their consumer spending on housing, education, and services further stimulates local

September 24, 2025

Dear Dr. Abraham,

Thank you for taking the time to express your views regarding immigration policy.

As President, my most sacred duties are to protect the safety of American citizens, defend the interests of American workers, and uphold law and order in American communities. These are the obligations that guide my approach to border security and immigration policy.

Following the passage of the historic One Big Beautiful Bill in July, my Administration is now executing the strongest immigration overhaul in modern American history. This landmark legislation dramatically expands the operations of the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, unleashes a massive surge in Border Patrol personnel, and equips law enforcement with the tools and resources they need to arrest and remove dangerous illegal criminals from our streets and dismantle drug and human trafficking networks. The bill also authorizes the construction of hundreds of miles of new border wall and empowers federal agents to detain and deport at least one million illegal immigrants every year.

By restoring strong and secure borders, my Administration is also protecting American jobs, raising wages, and ensuring that our public resources serve our own citizens first. I am steadfastly committed to safeguarding federal public benefits for American citizens who are truly in need not illegal immigrants who have no right to be here. With my America First economic vision, my immigration policy is lowering costs, creating jobs, and fueling an explosion of American economic growth.

Enforcing the rule of law at our borders is delivering safer neighborhoods, protecting public resources, and providing more jobs and opportunities for American citizens. As President, I will continue fighting to ensure that our glorious American sovereignty is fully restored and that the United States has the safest and most secure borders of any country in the world.

Thank you again for writing. May God bless you, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.

Sincerely,

economies.

6. Strengthening America’s Future Workforce

4 With an aging population, skilled immigrants help offset workforce shortages.

4 They also build valuable global ties that

enhance America’s economic and diplomatic relationships.

“America has always thrived by attracting the best and brightest from around the world, and to continue making America great, it is vital to preserve policies that draw talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship to our

shores. A prohibitively high H-1B application fee would undermine these goals and weaken our competitive edge,” said GOPIO President Shah.

GOPIO has suggested that community members write to the White House at https:// www.whitehouse.gov/ contact/

GANDHI JAYANTHI 2025

CELEBRATED IN BRISBANE WITH COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Brisbane, Australia — A day of reflection, unity, and vibrant cultural exchange marked Gandhi Jayanthi 2025 in Queensland, as GOPIO Queensland, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Brisbane, GSML, and FICQ, hosted a commemorative event at Gandhi Statue Gate, Roma Street Parkland. The celebration brought together dignitaries, community leaders, and volunteers from across

South Asian and Australian communities to Honour Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of peace, nonviolence, and service.

Organised under the auspices of GOPIO Queensland and the Consulate General of India in Brisbane, with the support of GSML and FICQ, the program featured a thoughtfully curated run sheet underscoring inclusivity, cultural exchange, and public engagement. The venue—an iconic Gandhi statue landmark at Roma Street

Parkland—provided a fitting backdrop for a day centred on reflection and action.

The event opened with a warm welcome from MC Umesh Chandra OAM, who set the tone by acknowledging Indigenous elders and the broader Australian audience, emphasising the shared values of peace, dignity, and community service.

A solemn wreathlaying segment featured a distinguished lineup of speakers

and dignitaries, including MPs and local representatives. The order of appearances was coordinated to honour both political and community leadership, reflecting the event’s cross-community spirit. Among those acknowledged were Cameron Dick MP, Charis Mullen MP, Mark Furner MP, Grace Grace MP, Peter Russo MP, Julie Ann Campbell MP, Councillor Sarah Hutton, and other dignitaries. The choreographed procession and podium moments highlighted the collaborative ethos of the day.

The event’s strength lay in its collaborative backbone. GOPIO Team, GOPIO Gold Coast, FICQ Team, GSML Team, MGM Team, and Power of Us Team each contributed to the day’s orchestration, with specific coordinators and team leads ensuring smooth execution. Notable contributors included Usha Chandra (Chairperson) and Hemant Naik (Coordinators and MC support), with Umesh Chandra guiding key moments

as MC and lead on stage management.

Gandhi Bhajans provided a musical thread throughout the proceedings, enriching the commemorative atmosphere. Hemant Naik performed bhajans, interwoven with moments of reflection and poetry by Madhu Khanna.

Archana Singh delivered a meaningful address, enriching the program with insights aligned to Gandhi’s principles and contemporary relevance. Neetu Bhaagotia Ji delivered the keynote, emphasising ongoing community leadership and service. Madhu Khanna contributed a thoughtful poem, further enriching the evening’s contemplative spirit. Jim Varghese AM also offered remarks, signalling broader community bridges and interfaith collaboration.

The event included a symbolic tree planting segment, underscoring Gandhi’s environmental ethics and the importance of sustainable action in today’s world. The program also

acknowledged communitydriven environmental initiatives, aligning with Gandhi’s enduring legacy. A reception segment provided refreshments and an opportunity for attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss ongoing collaborations among Brisbane’s diverse communities. The postevent group photo with the Consulate General of India captured a moment of unity and shared purpose.

Gandhi Jayanthi 2025 in Brisbane stood out as more than a ceremonial tribute. It was a deliberate effort to translate Gandhi’s ideals into contemporary action through communal service, cross-cultural dialogue, and partnerships that span national and local levels. The collaboration between GOPIO Queensland, the Consulate General of India, GSML, and FICQ signalled a robust model for diaspora engagement in Australia, reinforcing the social and cultural ties that

strengthen democratic values, humanitarian engagement, and peace-building.

The event’s success rested on meticulous planning and a clearly defined governance structure. The run sheet outlined roles for MCs,

floor management, AV, and coordinators, with careful coordination of dignitaries and partner teams. The event featured a blend of on-site sound checks, stage management, and ceremonial proceedings, with careful

attention to cultural protocols and operational safety. The preparation and execution reflected a coordinated effort from multiple organisations, each contributing its strengths to ensure a dignified and memorable celebration.

As communities reflect on Gandhi Jayanthi’s themes, Brisbane’s 2025 observance serves as a blueprint for how diaspora organisations can collaborate with host

institutions to advance shared values. Organisers may consider expanding future events with deeper youth engagement, more interactive workshops on nonviolence and social service, and continued partnerships that celebrate Australia’s multicultural landscape while honouring Gandhi’s universal message.

GOPIO Gold Coast Announces New Committee for 2025–2027 Term

Gold Coast, Australia — The GOPIO Gold Coast Inc. Chapter 2025–2027 has announced its newly elected Executive Committee, following the chapter’s Annual General Meeting held on October 4 at Tandoor and Curry Hut in Labrador.

New leadership for the 2025–2027 term includes:

• President: Manish Saini

• Vice President: Dr. Malabika Sarma Barman

• Second Vice President: Pushpinder Oberoi

• Secretary: Namita Bansal

• Joint Secretary: Kanwaljit Sethi

• Treasurer: Rita Rao

• Joint Treasurer: Jesse Kaurah

• Cultural Coordinator: Kapil Sachdeva

• Youth Coordinator:

Simardeep Sethi

• Advisor: Seema Chauhan

• Foundation Members: Pushpinder Oberoi, Mannu Kala, Raj Haikerwal

The newly elected executives expressed enthusiasm about the term ahead, emphasising a commitment to strengthening the Indian community on the Gold Coast and upholding GOPIO’s core values of promoting unity, cultural heritage, and civic engagement.

“It’s an honour to lead our vibrant community at this pivotal time,” said President Manish Saini. “We look forward to fostering connections, celebrating our rich culture, and contributing positively to the Gold Coast area.”

The chapter’s leadership

outlined objectives to enhance community outreach, cultural initiatives, youth engagement, and collaboration with partner organisations to further GOPIO’s mission of worldwide networking and advocacy for the Indian diaspora.

GOPIO Gold Coast invites members and supporters to stay engaged as the term unfolds, with plans to roll out programs and events that reflect the diverse interests and talents of the Gold Coast Indian community.

GOPIO Gold Coast was officially inaugurated on 11th December 2015 by Umesh Chandra (GOPIO International Coordinator at that time), and Pushpinder Oberoi was elected the first President.

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

A SERIES OF FUNCTIONS AND EVENTS, WITH FORMAL INVITATION AND OFFICIAL PRESENCE FROM THE GOPIO INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

A SERIES OF FUNCTIONS AND EVENTS, WITH FORMAL INVITATION AND OFFICIAL PRESENCE FROM THE GOPIO INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

A SERIES OF FUNCTIONS AND EVENTS, WITH FORMAL INVITATION AND OFFICIAL PRESENCE FROM THE GOPIO INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

IN ACTION

A SERIES OF FUNCTIONS AND EVENTS, WITH FORMAL INVITATION AND OFFICIAL PRESENCE FROM THE GOPIO INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Spectacular 16th Annual ‘Caring and Sharing’ Event by GOPIO Sydney North-West

The glamorous and dazzling event, organised by the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Sydney North-West Chapter, was held at the Sapphire Function Centre, Auburn, on 11 September 2025. The GOPIO Sydney North-West Chapter team has been conducting Caring & Sharing events for the last 16 years, raising much-needed funds for the underprivileged children in India and needy persons/ organisations in Australia. Previously, the chapter helped victims of the Blue Mountains fire, the Fiji cyclone, the Nepal earthquake, FoxG1 and

the underprivileged kids in Nigeria, apart from the needy school children of India.

GOPIO Sydney North-West Chapter team (Baljit Singh Pelia, Prof. Balkar Singh Kang, Harmohan Singh Walia, Sumit Joshi, Kamal Joshi, Paramjit Multani, Rosie Multani, Ravi Singh, Neeru Singh, Raj Mangat, Aman Singh Mangat, Jyoti Phaugat and Gurjinder Singh) has worked passionately towards the success of the 16th Caring & Sharing event. Such events are a result of the spirit that we all have in us to care for the underprivileged and needy. Therefore, the funds raised

through these events become a symbol of hope for the disadvantaged.

Dr S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India, Sydney and Umesh Chandra, Executive Vice President, GOPIO International, with his wife, Usha Chandra, President GOPIO Queensland, graced the occasion.

During the night of great cause and unlimited entertainment, there were scintillating performances of Bhangra and Giddha teams that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. Vinod Kumar Rajput sang two popular songs of Kishore

Kumar’s era, which were highly applauded. Other attractions of the night, Antakshari, and an energetic DJ, attracted the zeal and enthusiasm of all the guests present at the event.

Generous offerings from the sponsors in Australia and the support of the dedicated individuals in India have made it possible for the team to extend a helping hand to over 13500 less privileged primary school children in India for the last 16 years. A few necessities that will be provided again

to the primary school kids include warm clothes, shoes, socks, ceiling fans in classrooms, hand pumps for drinking water, water coolers, RO filters, inverters with batteries, furniture, Daris, sound systems for prayers, sports items, stationery and other basic commodities as per the requirements of the remote area schools. The Caring & Sharing event not only raised funds for kids in India, but also gave donations to the Cancer Council of Australia, the National Heart Foundation of

Australia, the NSW Rural Fire Service and Kids in Nigeria for their righteous causes.

GOPIO Sydney North-West Chapter thanks its main sponsors:

• Yogesh Manav & Jasbir Kang of Auburn Sapphire Function Centre,

• Kewal Kalra of Kalra Group of Companies,

• Sumit Joshi of RyRo Loan Centre,

• Garry Kalra of UltraTune Auto Service Centre, Seven Hills, B Town Wheels & Tyres of Blacktown and Ozzy Tyres,

• Parminder Singh (Perry) of Versa Homes

• Raj Mangat of Laing + Simmons Rouse Hill-Box Hill,

• Jagjit Singh of Sunbeam Services,

• Harvinder Kaur of Wisdom Conveyance,

• Parm & Soni of Pixie Photo Booths,

• Gaganpreet Singh of Nobility Care Australia and

• Baljit Singh Pelia of Vista Home Loans.

India introduces an electronic e-arrival card

New Delhi — The Bureau of Immigration, under India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, has rolled out an electronic e-arrival card designed to collect essential arrival information from international travellers. Accessible through the official portal, the form is described as separate from visa applications and intended to support smoother border checks and faster processing upon arrival.

Travellers are asked to provide basic personal and contact details, including full name as in the passport, nationality, passport number, email, and a mobile number for verification. The form also requests an emergency contact, arrival date, purpose of travel, and a brief recent travel history, including countries visited in the last six days. Additionally, travellers must supply an Indian address, state, and district information.

A verification and a formal submission confirm the data, with the page noting that the system is “Content managed by Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs” and designed by NIC. Officials caution that all information must be accurate; false or misleading data can lead to denied entry or legal consequences. Travellers are advised to verify details with their airline or official portals if issues arise.

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