Controversy erupts in organization based in the US.
By The American Bazaar Staff
WASHINGTON, DC: The most active and vibrant of the Indian American community organizations in the US, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has run into controversy, with some members being expelled for some ‘illegal meetings’ they conducted in India, earlier this month.
A press release sent on behalf of the current chairman of GOPIO International, Inder Singh, read: “As a result of the illegal meeting organized and actions taken by Sunny Kulathakal and others at an unapproved meeting held on January 6, 2015 in Ahmedabad, India, in violation of GOPIO by-laws and contrary to explicit directives of GOPIO, the Executive Council of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) decided at an extra-ordinary emergency meeting on January 16, 2015 to expel Sunny Kulathakal and others involved. This extra-ordinary action by GOPIO has been taken after due deliberations with the intent to protect the good standing, integrity and by-laws of GOPIO, consistent with our obligations in the best interest of the organization.”
The resolution by GOPIO Executive Council on January 16, 2015 states as follows: “For violation of GOPIO’s explicit directives and by-laws, for willfully reneging on his agreements made during the Executive Council meeting of January 1, 2015, for contributing to adverse media publicity and maligning the reputation of GOPIO, and for abuse of his position as Executive Vice President of GOPIO, Sunny Kulathakal is hereby expelled from GOPIO with all rights and privileges forfeited and is hereby directed not to represent GOPIO in any manner or communicate with GOPIO and its membership on behalf of GOPIO, and neither seek or nor hold any position in GOPIO henceforth”.
Others who became members in the January 6, 2015 illegally organized ad hoc committee, including Lord Dilgit Rana, have also been expelled by GOPIO.
GOPIO is a secular, non-political, not-for-profit, international organization based in the US with chapters in various countries, representing the interests and aspirations of People of Indian Origin (PIOs), and promoting awareness and understanding of issues of concern to global NRI/PIO community including social, cultural, educational and economic, as well as enhancing cooperation and communication among groups of Indians living in various countries and with India.