GOPIO-CT PARTICIPATES IN THE ETHNIC FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE STAMFORD DAY
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Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons with GOPIO-CT officials, from L to R.: Exec. VP Mahesh Jhangiani, Advisor Dr. Thomas Abraham, Mayor Simmons, Trustee Prasad Chintalapudi and Jayashri Chintalapudi
STAMFORD: The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) has been participating in the Annual Stamford Day Celebration for the last three years. Stamford Day is a celebration of Stamford’s history and diversity. Stamford was founded on May 16th, 1641, 383 years ago, and has grown into one of the most diverse cities in the country. Stamford Mayor’s Multicultural Council and Mill River Park Collaborative organized Stamford Day 2024, as a free, fun, family-friendly event celebrating the rich history and cultural diversity of Stamford through presentations, activities, art, music, and dance on Sunday, June 2nd at Mill River Park in Stamford.
Young Bollywood Dancers at the Celebration
Young Maharashtrian dancers
GOPIO-CT put together a fabulous program of dances from India performed by five dance groups and coordinated by Program Chair Mrs. Yaashi Jhangiani. Most non-profit civic, cultural, and educational groups from Southern Connecticut were at the festival. Indian American community had the largest participation with 40 dancers.
Gujarati Dancers at the Stamford Day Celebration
GOPIO-CT’s Exec VP Mahesh Jhangiani spoke about the chapter at the event. Jhangiani spoke about the chapter which has been serving the Southern Connecticut community for the last 18 years. This includes raising funds for various charities, sponsoring soup kitchens at the New Covenant Center of Stamford, and raising funds by participating in the annual walkathon for Bennet Cancer Center which provides help to Cancer patients and their families. Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons spoke at the event and thanked all community groups for their participation.
All dancers, parents with GOPIO officials
Mill River Park is located in Downtown Stamford and is like Central Park for Stamford. A large crowd attended the celebration which had ethnic dances from different communities.