The stories of GOPIO are representative of the Diaspora’s success, and resilience. This is also reflective of India’s resilience itself—an India that has conquered hearts and minds without having to send soldiers to conquer lands. Within the GOPIO membership and echelons are stories of the descendants of the indentured workers who had to first free themselves of the shackles of colonialism before they could make their way up from tough, even hostile, conditions. There are also stories of the modern day immigrants who put their skills, ingenuity and enterprise to good use in free nations, and were able to scale the mountains of success.

The idea of the book first came from Mr Inder Singh, Chairman of GOPIO International, and someone very keen to document history as it unfolds. The idea was shared with Past Chairman Dr Thomas Abraham and President Mr Ashook Ramsaran, and the seeds of the book were sown. In all about 200 life members and 70 chapters worldwide were invited to be a part of the book. Not all could come forward, but to the ones who did, a special word of Thanks.