Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 4 CITY VIEWS June 6, 2025 GOPIO-Connecticut Hosts Seminar On Girls Education, Donates For Building Girls’ Toilets In India T he Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) has been supporting Society for Human and Environment Development (SHED, https://shedindia.org/ ) in Maharash- tra, an organization that runs schools in Mumbai’s Dharavi slums and tribal areas as well as provides health services in the rural areas. SHEDVice President and SHED Trustee Asad Latif and Executive Council Mem- ber Prakash Kundalia spoke at a seminar organized by GOPIO-CT Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Stamford Hampton Inn and Suites on the topic “Promoting Girls Education, Hygiene, Health & Nutrition andWomen Empowerment in Rural Ma- harashtra’ sharing SHED experiences. The seminar was moderated by GOPIO Life Member Biru Sharma, a press release from GOPIO-CT said. According to SHED, Akshara Founda- tion in collaboration with SHED, launched a Computer Literacy program in four slums of Mumbai—Dharavi, Mahakali, Saphale, and Palghar—making employ- able over 50,000 individuals, including 30,000 women. In the tribal regions of Ma- harashtra, SHED has established Health Centers to provide primary care, with re- ferrals to the hospitals like Bhaktivedanta Hospital, Meera Road. Asad said, “Over the past five decades, SHED’s vocational training initiatives have empowered 1.5 million women to become self-reliant and support their families.” Kundalia said that to improve sanita- tion and reduce school dropout rates among adolescent girls, SHED has con- structed 42,000 hygienic toilets till date. SHED is presently in the process of final- izing the construction of the toilets in 10 Municipal schools in Maharashtra. GOPIO-CT President Mahesh Jhangi- ani presented a check of $25,000 for the construction of toilets for girls at these Municipal schools. Present at the program were GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and Secretary Sid- dharth Jain, GOPIO-CT Vice President Nandu Kuppuswamy, Boards Member Meera Banta, and Past Presidents Shailesh Naik and Ashok Nichani. The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) is a non-profit organization which aims to promote the well-being and advancement of people of Indian origin worldwide. Over the last 19 years, GOPIO-CT has hosted interac- tive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future, the press release said. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:GOPIO-CT SHED Vice President Asad Latif (left) speaking at GOPIO-CT Seminar. Sitting next to him is Trustee and EC Member Prakash Kundaliia. SHED being presented a check for $25,000 from GOPIO-CT. Gandhian Society Hosts Smt. Rajashree Birla, Announces Launch Of Eternal Gandhi Peace Center In New Jersey T he Gandhian Society (USA) hosted a Meet and Greet event on Monday, May 26, at Royal Albert’s Palace in Edison, New Jersey, in honor of Smt. Ra- jashree Birla, Chairperson of the Birla Group. The evening also served as the formal announcement of the Society’s new initiative — the Eternal Gandhi Peace Center, to be established in Central New Jersey. The event brought together community members, civic leaders, and dignitaries in support of the promotion of Mahatma Gandhi’s values. The Eternal Gandhi Peace Center is envisioned as a community hub focused on education, dialogue, and programming centered around non-violence, social justice, and harmony. Cultural performances were presented during the event, featuring local artistic talent and emphasizing themes of unity and peace. Remarks were delivered by local officials, including Mayor Sam Joshi (Edison), Mayor John McCormac (Woodbridge), and Consul Ms. Pragnya Singh, who each emphasized the relevance of Gandhian principles in contemporary society. In her keynote address, Smt. Rajashree Birla offered reflections on the importance of peace, compassion, and service, and acknowledged the Gandhian Society’s work in maintaining the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi through community initiatives. The Society also outlined its vision for the Eternal Gan- dhi Peace Center, highlighting planned activities aimed at engaging youth, encouraging cultural exchange, and promoting civic responsibility. The Gandhian Society expressed gratitude to Smt. Rajashree Birla, the participating dignitaries, volunteers, performers, and attendees for their role in the successful launch of the initiative. The organization described the event as the beginning of an ongoing effort to promote peace and understanding in the region. By a StaffWriter Smt. Rajashree Birla pays tribute before a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, joined by event organizers during the Gandhian Society’s celebration in Edison, New Jersey. PHOTOS:The Gandhian Society (USA)