GOPIO Convention gets underway

Manama : GOPIO Bahrain Convention and Pravasi Sammelan organised by The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) got underway yesterday. 

The three-day event will feature discussions about India, its economy and people, with many well-known personalities from India participating. The opening was attended by delegates including Raj Purohit Cabinet Minister of Maharashtra and Dr Chandan Mitra, Editor of The Pioneer. 

In his speech, Purohit outlined how India has progressed over the years, lauding the progress made by the nation. “We have achieved tremendous progress over the years. The image of India and Indians have changed dramatically. Years ago when Indians travel to the west, we were asked too many questions at the airport, now this has changed we are warmly welcomed, this represents how our image has changed,” he said.                                    

Soman Baby, Chairman, Reception Committee, said, “Over the next two days you will see what we have been preparing for in the past 2 to 3 months.” Calling Bahrain “a great land of religious tolerance, and a graceful country” he thanked HM the King, HRH Prime Minister and HRH the Crown Prince. “I would also like to thank Shaikh Khalifa bin Daij Al Khalifa President, Court of HRH the Crown Prince,” he added

Rahul Gandhi, President of Indian National Congress will be visiting Bahrain on 8 January 2017 to address the concluding session of the event. “Considering the close and cordial relations between India and Bahrain, Rahul Gandhi will have an audience with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Khalifa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He will be accompanied by Sam Pitroda, Chairman, overseas congress AICC, Milind Deora, Ex-Minister, Govt. of India. The visit is coordinated by Dr Arathi Krishna, Deputy Chairman, NRI Forum, Govt. of Karnataka and Madhu Yaskhi, Secretary, AICC,” GOPIO said in a statement.