DEDICATED to creating unity and building a strong network among People of Indian Origin (PIO), the secretary general of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), Ravindran Arjunan, was in South Africa mobilising local youth.
Arjunan, 62, a third generation Indian born in Malaysia, visited Durban this week, where he had been fervently championing for youth to become involved in growing a global network among Indians.
He said he was hoping that of the 300 spaces for youth of Indian origin from around the world, South African youth would occupy about 50 in a bid to create a strong business and cultural network in the country.
Arjunan, a father of four who retired as the head of department for student affairs at a private university, had been a founding member of GOPIO, when he was 29.
He previously served as Malaysia’s GOPIO’s president and was the president of Malaysian Association of Indian University Graduates (MAIUG).
Arjunan is also a member of Coalition of Indian Non-Government Organisations.
He said he was on a mission to drive a strong delegation in South Africa, especially among the youth, who were the target of the 15th GOPIO International Convention, which would be held in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia in September.
“We have successfully networked Indians globally in 20 countries since GOPIO was formed in 1990. We invite youth and academics to join to network on strategies to strengthen the relationships of PIO’s around the world. The objective is to set up meaningful platforms for PIOs globally, so that they could network for business, culture, value systems, religion and dance. Particular emphasis would be given to the new generation who needs to be nurtured and understand the value system that Indians nurtured for many years,” Arjunan said.
This year, five new countries joined GOPIO - Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Japan and Seychelles.
“Youth would be able to share ideas and talk about the challenges they face in their respective countries including being unable to network, education placements, cultural boundaries and language challenges where Indians are suppressed from using their mother tongue language in some countries,” he added.
Arjunan said there was a lack of the Indian value system in other countries.
“Preservation of Indian culture is important. Youth need to get involved in literature and business. Opportunities in some countries are limited for Indians and we are working to overcome this. But we have noticed that some countries are slow in their approach to build a network among PIOs,” he said.
Another challenge, Arjunan said, was that different groups of Indians kept to themselves in certain areas and were not effectively networking.
“We are trying to help them establish that we are all Indians, no matter our surnames, or where we now live. There are 30 million Indians outside of India and they are spread all over the world. Indians have the ability to network and become a formidable force. They just need to reach out to each other,” he added.
The biannual convention will be held from September 13 to 16 with four conferences which would target different aspects of networking.
“The convention would address challenges and opportunities in areas such as arts, culture, education, social welfare, business, investment, trade, economy, health and technology, promoting dialogue and cooperation among PIOs,” Arjunan said.
The social cultural conference would focus on cultural heritage and preservation, identity in society, professional and economic contributions, education and youth engagement, philanthropy and social impact and global connections and collaborations
The academic conference would highlight cultural adaptation and integration, government initiatives and support as well as intergenerational dialogues.
The youth conference will aim to enhance youth entrepreneurship and innovation, global citizenship and youth diplomacy, education and skills development as well as heritage arts and culture.
At the PIO CEO Conference, chief executive officers from around the world would deliberate on strategies to nurture the younger PIOs, network with them, and build and maintain relationships.
Arjunan said for academics and youth interested in joining the conference, accommodation and expenses would be paid for. Only flights would need to be booked.
A PIO Festival will be held from September 14 to 16 and will include cultural events, academic conferences, ayurveda, exhibitions of Indian culture, yoga, traditional games, Bharatanatyam and other traditional dances.
“We thank the High Commissioner of India in Malaysia, Mr BN Reddy, for his unwavering support. We encourage all high commissioners to support the initiatives of GOPIO.
“We also urge Indians to join and apply for the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, which was previously known as the PIO card. This card doesn't require one to have a visa, as you would have a lifelong visa to visit India,” he said.
“India has good leadership. They have built a great democracy and have a value system and culture that embraces everyone as equals. Indians must visit their motherland and experience this,” Arjunan added.
For more information or to join the conference, contact Ravendiran Arjunan on +6016 665 6599 or email secretariat@gopiointernational.com