GOPIO was founded at the First Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York City in 1989.
The initial thrust of GOPIO was fighting human rights violation against people of Indian origin.
Although this has been improved in the last decade, human rights violations continue to be a major issue for PIOs living outside India.
GOPIO has now set its priorities in pooling its resources, both financial and professional, for the benefit of PIOs, the countries they come from and India.
[1] GOPIO's Founder President is Dr. Thomas Abraham who served since inception till 2004.