GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, who had the distinction of being honored with the two national awards, shared with the more than 100 people from the New York region, his experiences while working with the Indian American community across the globe. H said, he was humbled by the decision of the Government of India to choose him as one of the recipients of the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, which was presented to him by the President of India, Pratibha Patil, at the conclusion of the 6th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9th. Earlier on January 4th, former vice president of India, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, conferred the 3rd ‘Bharat Vanshi Gaurav Samman (Pride of PIOs award) on Dr Thomas Abraham, the founder of Global Organization of People of India Origin (GOPIO). The award has been instituted by Antar Rashtriya Sahayog Nays (foundation for international co-operation).

The event began with the welcome address by GOPIO-CT Chapter president, Sangeeta Ahuja, who said these awards to Dr. Abraham brought recognition to the Indian community organizations including GOPIO. "Dr. Abraham’s selfless work for the community along with his enthusiasm and commitment is very commendable and draws people together to involve community cause," Ahuja added.

Dr. Parmatma Saran, Professor of Sociology at the City University. Described Dr. Abraham as a person of "integrity and deep commitment to the people of Indian origin." He said, he had known Dr. Abraham since his student days at Columbia University in the early 1970s and that Dr. Abraham was responsible in bringing all diverse sections of our community together under one platform. "Pravasi Bharatiya Samman was long due for Dr. Abraham and I am pleased that the Goverment. of India finally recognized Dr. Abraham’s contributions to the global NRI/PIO movement," Saran added.
Jai Bhagawan Gupta, Trustee and Treasurer of Anthar Rashtriya Sahayog Parishad (ARSP) Foundation said that his organization was very pleased to honor a person of Dr. Abraham caliber, who has contributed so much to the Indian community and India.

Congressman Christopher Shays (Republican, 4th District, CT), who was the chief guest at the ceremony, lauded the many contributions of Dr. Thomas Abraham, and the Indian American community in The United States. Congressman Shays congratulated Dr. Abraham for being honored for his service to the Indian communities worldwide and his contribution to improve US-India relationship.He said, "For over three decades you have diligently worked to create organizations dedicated to brining Indian communities together both locally and internationally. Your role in improving relationship between the US and India is commendable and you have impacted countless lives through your efforts to make the world a better place." The Congressman presented him with a Plaque in appreciation of his contributions.

Nicknaming Dr. Abraham as "The Energizer Bunny" in motivating the people to work for the community causes, the group presented Dr. Abraham with an energizer bunny.

In his reply, Dr. Abraham thanked everyone, especially the hundreds of volunteers who have worked as a team for the various causes of the community and India. "Through these community groups, we will continue to make our contributions to the society we live in and India," Dr. Abraham added. He said, "With over 18 million people of Indian origin living outside India, a new global community of Indian origin has been developed. Most of the people of Indian origin have become highly successful in business and in their professions. If their professional expertise and financial resources are pooled together, it will benefit not only people of Indian origin but also their countries and India." He suggested that "the people of Indian origin could assume a new role in providing help in case of crisis to their communities around the world."

Dr. Thomas Abraham said, he believes that "the twenty-first century belongs to Indians. Indians, both in India and outside, could work together to make it happen. We do have some serious problems to take care of. However, if all of us put our acts together, no one in the world can stop us from achieving our goals and aspirations."Dr Thomas Abraham has been credited with the founding of NFIA, the Global Organisation of Persons of Indian Origin, which was started in 1989 and aims at being the voice of the large Indian diaspora. Dr Abraham, who has been involved in non-resident Indian community activities for the last three decades was re-elected chairman of GOPIO recently. Born in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, and having studied in the Catholicate College and Jaipur's Malaviya, he came to study at Columbia University, New York in the 1970s, and stayed on in the US. An expert in advanced materials, he is currently vice president of Business Communications Company, USA.

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