GOPIO Cairns celebrates India’s Independence Day

GOPIO Cairns Inc. celebrated India's Independence Day on 13th Aug 2023 and had a formal inauguration by Umesh Chandra OAM from GOPIO International at Fogarty Park Esplanade, Cairns. The celebrations started by hoisting of the Indian and Australia flags followed by national anthem.

Aju J Mathew – Joint Secretary was the host and he introduced the GOPIO Cairns Inc. team as follow:

1. Subash Chetry – President

2. Dr Suresh Kesavan -Vice President

3. Jess Kumar -Secretary

4. Aju J Mathew – Joint Secretary

5. Manish Mathew – Treasurer

6. Gurdip Singh – Vice Treasurer

7. Jatinder Singh -Executive member

Subash Chetry, the president delivered the welcome speech, acknowledging the traditional owners and introduced GOPIO and its objectives as below: Cairns being a bit far north, misses some of the benefits and exposure like larger cities and there was a need for an organisation which is well connected and can take Cairns to wider communities across the globe especially in Indian diaspora.

GOPIO Cairns Chapter envisions promoting the well-being of People of Indian Origin (PIOs) and enhancing cooperation and communication between PIOs living in Cairns and surrounding areas.

Independence Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a symbol of our unity, resilience, and the unbreakable bond that binds us together. It's a day to remember the struggles, to acknowledge the achievements, and to reiterate our commitment to upholding the ideals that our nation was built upon.

The event was attended by over 150 people and included dignitaries like:

• Ms. Seema Chauhan from GOPIO Gold Coast

• Mr Ravin Nair from Community Laison Officer, Department of Home affairs

• Ms Amy Eden from Division 5, Cairns Regional Council

• Ms Yolonde Entsch – LNP Candidate for Cairns

• LSC Luke Balestriel, Australian Federal Police

• Sergeant Brian Mcalonan, Australian Federal Police

• And various community leaders and members.

This was followed by cultural programs like Bhangra and Bharatnatyam dance.

The program was supported by Cairns regional Council and Mahindra and the morning tea was provided by SpicyBite Restaurant.

Jessica Kumar – the secretary delivered the vote of thanks speech for all the dignitaries and supporters.

For queries please contact Subash Chetry – 0469217141 (President); gopiocairns@gmail.com