The Consul General of India in New York , Binay Srikant, inaugurated the Thomas Abraham Library at Kerala Center in New York on Apr.7
The library is named after Dr Thomas Abraham, the founder president of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), currently serving as chairman, GOPIO International. It recognizes him his service to the Indian diaspora community over the past five decades.
The event was attended by Kevin Thomas, New York State Senator, Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner at the New York City Mayor’s Office, and prominent community leaders, who spoke about Dr.Abraham’s service and about commitment towards the community. The Senator also presented New York Senate’s Proclamation honoring Thomas Abraham.
Addressing the gathering the Consul General said, “I don’t see this as the inauguration of a library, but as a celebration of the work and achievements of Dr. Abraham and his contributions to the society.”
‘The gradual growth and changes in the Indian society can be seen through his life. This growth is exciting. People mentioned Dr. Abraham’s name when he visited Ohio, a state within the jurisdiction of the consulate. It means his work isn't limited to the New York tristate area. It is amazing how he shaped the brand India over half a century.” he added.
Connecticut’s senior US Senator Richard Blumenthal issued special recognition to Dr. Thomas Abraham Library. In his message, Senator Blumenthal said, “I appreciate all the work you have done for the NRI/PIO community, and indeed the State of Connecticut, including founding of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and GOPIO-CT, as well as numerous community institutions and nonprofit organizations you have supported.”
“The inauguration of the new library at the Kerala Center in your name is well deserved, and I am glad to hear that it will serve as a reference and research center for Indian Americans and the Indian Diaspora,” Blumenthal continued.
In a post on X, the Consulate wrote, “Consul General @binaysrikant76 inaugurated Dr Thomas Abraham Library at the Kerala Center in New York; CG, Senator @KevinThomasNY , NY Dy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan @dilipnewyork & many distinguished community leaders spoke about tireless work by Dr.Abraham for over 50 years in uniting Indian American community besides work in areas like education, culture and promotion of Brand India in the US.”
Consul General @binaysrikant76 inaugurated Dr Thomas Abraham Library at the Kerala Center in New York; CG, Senator @KevinThomasNY , NY Dy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan @dilipnewyork & many distinguished community leaders spoke about tireless work by Dr Abraham for over 50 years in… pic.twitter.com/tidHh7yzjD
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) April 7, 2024
Dr. Abraham is credited for coining the word PIO (people of Indian origin) in 1989, when he established the First Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York. He has been instrumental in building several NRI/PIO Indian community institutions including the Federation of Indian Association (FIA) of New York (1977); National Federation of Indian-American Associations (NFIA) (1980); Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center (1993); among others.
For his service towards the diaspora community he was presented with Bharatvanshi Gaurav (Person of Indian Origin Pride) Award by former Vice President of India Bhairon Singh Sekhawat on Jan.4, 2008 and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Overseas Indian Honor) Award by President of India on Jan.9, 2008.
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