The event also featured cultural performances organized by Manju Bhargava, President of the New Jersey Telugu Association, with Indian-American students showcasing traditional music and dance
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The program concluded with a networking reception, allowing attendees ample time to connect and discuss future collaborations
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin-North Jersey Chapter (GOPIO-North Jersey), in collaboration with the Indian Consulate in New York, organized the launch of the “India Collection of Books” at the Parsippany Library in New Jersey on September 29. This event was co-sponsored by Parsippany Rotary International, Heart and Hand for Handicapped, and Gandhian Society, with support from over a dozen community groups. The launch attracted a full house, with attendees standing along the sides and back of the room.
Pragya Singh, the Indian Consul for Visa and Community Affairs, inaugurated the event in the presence of key figures such as Library President Melissa Kuzma, Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, former Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah, New Jersey Commissioner Upendra Chivukula, and White House Policy Advisor on Energy, Jai Vaingankar.
The program began with a warm welcome from Rajendar Dichpally, Program Chair, and Director of the Gandhian Society. He highlighted how initiatives like these help strengthen the bond between India and the U.S. Santosh Peddi, Program Co-chair and President of Parsippany Rotary International, expressed Rotary’s pride in co-sponsoring the event as part of its community outreach efforts.
The event continued with the singing of the American and Indian national anthems, followed by a speech from Library Director Melissa Kuzma, who expressed her enthusiasm for hosting the India Initiative. She praised the collection for reflecting India’s rich and diverse culture. Kuzma also announced an upcoming Diwali celebration at the library in late October.
Mayor James Barberio welcomed the attendees and expressed pride in the contributions of the Indian-American community in Parsippany. He remarked on the cultural similarities between Indian and Italian Americans and emphasized the positive reception of the India Initiative in the town.
Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO International Chairman, shared the inspiration behind the India Collection, stating that these books offer valuable insights into India’s culture, democracy, political leaders, social reformers, and global relations. He mentioned that similar collections had been launched in libraries across Connecticut and New York, and he encouraged the community to donate more Indian classics and contemporary books for future library collections.
Former Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah, who once resided in Parsippany, shared a personal story about working in a library as a child to fund his education. He expressed joy at seeing his autobiography and other books he donated become part of the library’s collection
Consul Pragya Singh emphasized India’s diversity and the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties between India and the U.S. through initiatives like this. She also acknowledged the importance of these books in benefiting both the Indian diaspora and the wider American society.
Dr. Abraham remarked that this launch was one of the best India Collection initiatives due to its broad community participation. GOPIO continues to collect Indian classics and contemporary works in various Indian languages for donation to public libraries. Those interested in contributing can contact GOPIO directly.
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