Special correspondent

VIENNA, VA (TIP): Eminent Indian Americans were on Sunday, October 3, recognized for their excellence in community service by Virginia State Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO).

Dr V K Raju was presented the award for excellence in the field of medicine, Dr Vikram Raya in entrepreneurship, Ram B Gupta in education, Korak Ray in innovation and research, Inderjit S Saluja in journalism, Nilima Mehra in media, Vinita Tiwari in arts and culture and Jenetha Reddy in philanthropy in advocacy.

“Indian Americans have significantly contributed to building strong relationships between India and the United States towards economic, social, educational, and cultural progress of both these great nations,” said GOPIO Virginia president Jay Bhandari.

“Today we are honoring eight brilliant individuals,” he said addressing a select gathering in a Virginia suburb of Washington DC.

Congressman Don Beyer who was accompanied by his wife, congratulated the awardees and praised the Indian Americans for their contribution in socio-economic development of the United States.

“Your work to honor and raise awareness of the important contributions made by people of Indian origin to our nation’s economy, and their contributions to medicine, science, and the arts, fosters unity and inspires even greater achievements by the Indian Diaspora in the United States,” Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said in a message on the occasion. Other dignitaries who attended as guest of honor included Congressman Gerlad E. Connolly and Ambassador of Mauritius to the US Purmanund Jhugroo.

The packed room of guests appreciated the presentation of classical Indian dances and songs which added color to the graceful formal part of the event.