The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)’s Central New Jersey Chapter honored several key figures who advance the Indian culture and heritage during its 10th anniversary gala and community recognition awards banquet.
More than 350 guests, public officials, community leaders, GOPIO members and awardees from various fields visited Ember Restaurant in South Brunswick on June 3.
Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty, the Consul General of India in New York, was the chief guest. Other dignitaries included New Jersey Assemblymen Raj Mukherji and Andrew Zwicker, South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carley and West Windsor Mayor Hemant Marathe.
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-Middlesex, Monmouth) was inducted as a Friend of India. He has served co-chair of the Indian Caucus in the U.S. Congress.
Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, and H.R. Shah, received awards for their contributions in media. Parikh is a philanthropist and chairman and publisher of Parikh Worldwide Media Inc., the largest Indian-American publishing group in the United States, and is the new owner of ITV Gold. Shah, the chairman and CEO of TV Asia, supports social works, cultural, educational and related activities. Both individuals received an award from GOPIO Central Jersey as well as citation from New Jersey State Senate.
The Shri Krishna Nidhi Foundation was recognized for improving total well-being by addressing the physical, mental and cultural aspects through innovative forms of education and support.
Ashok Luhadia was recognized as an outstanding entrepreneur. He is the founder of US Pharma Labs and the recipient of awards from Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.
Amit Jani, the president and co-founder of the NJ Leadership Program, was recognized for his contribution to the Indian American community’s political involvement. He serves in Gov. Phil Murphy’s Administration.
Pinakin Pathak was recognized for his contributions to public service. He is a successful entrepreneur and community activist, a member of the Hindu-Jewish coalition, BAPS and the March of Dimes.
Rina Shah, the director and founder of AUM Dance Creations, was honored for her contributions to the performing arts.
A special award was presented to Sparsh Shah (aka Purhythm), a 15-year-old multi-talented singing prodigy who was born with an incurable disease called osteogenesis imperfecta. This condition makes his bones extremely fragile and brittle and since his birth, he has hundreds of fractures and went for various surgeries.
“These awardees are role models and recognition of their achievements will motivate our new generations to contribute to our community and society at large,” said Dr. Rajeev Mehta, GOPIO-CJ founder and president, who now serves as the secretary general of GOPIO International.
GOPIO-CJ is located at 1600 Route 130, North Brunswick.
For more information, call 732-666-5183 or visit www.gopiocentraljersey.org.