By Thomas Abraham, Board Member of AAUC & Chair of GOPIO
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) successfully hosted its annual “Youth and Young Professionals Luncheon and Networking Event,” a highly engaging and informative program designed to support high school and college students as they prepare for academic, professional, and personal transitions. Held on Tuesday, December 24, 2025, at Hampton Inn and Suites in Stamford, the event featured a dynamic panel discussion titled “College and Beyond,” bringing real-world insights to students and families.
The event showcased an impressive lineup of college students, recent graduates, and seasoned professionals who offered practical guidance, shared personal experiences, and addressed student questions about college life, academic preparation, career development, and navigating early professional pathways.
The event’s sponsor, LCR Capital Partners Founder and Executive Chairman Suresh Rajan, delivered motivational remarks, highlighting the value of networking as a lifelong asset.
Preparing Students for Success – The program aimed to demystify the college admissions process, highlight the realities of university life, and provide strategies for academic success and professional growth. Panelists offered perspectives from leading universities and industries, helping students better understand how to make informed decisions and build a strong foundation for future careers.
Panel and Program Highlights – The discussion was moderated by Mrs. Subha Pandalai, Head of IT at J.M. Wright Technical High School, Stamford. Panelists included:
- Amika Chavan — Freshman, University of Maryland, College Park
- Nitish Gannu — Sophomore, Cornell University
- Aryan Wadhwa — Junior, Purdue University
- Brian Thomas — Junior, NYU Stern School of Business
- Jay Rathod — Senior, University of Connecticut
- Vedant Gannu — Master’s Program, Columbia University; Professional at Google, California
- Sandesh Gawande — CEO, ICEDQ.AI, Stamford, CT
- Mirat Joshi — Director and Global Strategic & Regulatory Initiatives Leader at Citibank; GOPIO-CT Secretary
