Stamford, Connecticut — The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has launched a dedicated task force to document and combat rising hate campaigns and civil rights violations targeting Indian Americans across the United States. Formed in response to increasing anti-Indian and anti-Hindu sentiment, the initiative represents a coordinated civic response grounded in constitutional values and democratic principles rather than confrontation.
The task force will collect discrimination reports, support affected individuals, and coordinate constructive public engagement with policymakers and community partners.
Key Facts
• Task force chaired by Rajender Dichpally with members Nagaraj Subbarao Sarma, Pankaj Sharma, Miraj Joshi, and Jayashri Chintalapudi; community members can report incidents via email at gopio@gopio.net or call 203-329-8010
• Indian Americans contribute an estimated $600 billion annually to the U.S. economy and account for approximately 20% of Silicon Valley startups, reflecting deep community integration
• Strategic response emphasizes civic engagement, voter participation, coalition-building with minority and faith-based groups, and institutional dialogue rather than confrontation
GOPIO USA Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham outlined key challenges during a January 19, 2026 community leaders meeting where the action plan emerged. Prakash Shah, President of GOPIO International, emphasized that recent hostility stems from a small fringe group on the extreme right and does not reflect mainstream American values.
Leaders underscored that the Indian American community is peaceful, law-abiding, and socially constructive, with no history of organized violence. The community holds significant leadership positions across major Fortune 500 companies spanning technology, medicine, finance, hospitality, education, and entrepreneurship.
The rise in online hostility and bias incidents is driven largely by economic anxiety, politicization of skilled immigration, and amplification of stereotypes through digital platforms. Participants stressed these challenges require measured, strategic engagement with media organizations and civil society groups rather than confrontational responses.
Beyond incident monitoring, GOPIO's strategy includes strengthening voter participation, expanding civic education, encouraging youth leadership, and deepening bipartisan outreach. Community members are encouraged to increase involvement in local communities, interfaith initiatives, and charitable efforts to reinforce social trust and cultural pride.
Coalition-building with other minority and faith-based organizations emerged as a key focus to promote shared values of pluralism, inclusion, and social harmony. This collaborative approach aims to counter digital hate while protecting free expression and democratic norms fundamental to American society.
GOPIO reaffirmed its role as a unifying platform for Indian American organizations, emphasizing coordination over duplication of efforts. The organization called on community members to actively participate in civic institutions and democratic processes as part of a long-term integration strategy.
— GOPIO Leadership Statement
The task force's establishment signals a pivotal moment for Indian American civic engagement at a time of heightened polarization. Community members facing discrimination are now encouraged to report incidents through official GOPIO channels to ensure coordinated documentation and support.
Organizations and individuals can expect continued updates on coalition-building efforts, voter engagement initiatives, and media engagement strategies as the task force develops its comprehensive action plan moving forward.
Do You Know?
Indian Americans hold leadership positions in several Fortune 500 companies and represent one of the fastest-growing and most economically successful demographic groups in the United States, yet they remain underrepresented in discussions about American diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Key Terms
• Civil Rights Violations: Actions that deny individuals equal protection or violate constitutional rights based on protected characteristics such as ethnicity, religion, or national origin
• Hate Campaigns: Organized or coordinated efforts to promote discrimination, harassment, or violence against a specific group through various communication channels
• Civic Engagement: Active participation in democratic processes, community affairs, and institutional dialogue by citizens to influence policy and social change
• Coalition-Building: The process of uniting diverse groups with shared interests to achieve common goals and increase collective influence on policy decisions
Asia91 Original