been improved in the last one decade, human rights violations continue to be a major issue for PIOs living outside India. GOPIO has now set its priorities in pooling our resources, both financial and professional, for the benefit of PIOs, the countries they come from and India. Toward this goal we welcome you to join in this international effort.

GOPIO accredited by the U.N. as an NGO to participate in the World Conference Against RacismAn unofficial estimate of the total number of people of Indian origin living outside India is about 22 million people. Whether they come from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Australia, the Caribbean or Europe, they are Indians in body and spirit. Almost all of them maintain their Indian cultural traditions and values. They seem to have meaningfully integrated in their countries without losing their ethnic identity. To have a better understanding of our communities in different parts of the world, it is essential to know and share the history of the migration as well as their experiences in various countries.

With over 22 million people of Indian origin living outside India, a new global community of Indian origin has been developed. Most of the people of Indian origin have become highly successful in business and the profession. If their professional expertise and financial resources are to be pooled together, it will benefit not only people of Indian origin but also their countries and India. In addition, people of Indian origin could assume a new role in providing help in case of crisis to their communities around the world. India Associations worldwide have been doing a great job in providing community service to our communities and to project a good image of India and the countries they live in.