The Global Indian Organisation (GIO) has installed the new board of its Suriname Chapter at a special ceremony in Paramaribo. Presided over by Rajindre Tewari on behalf of GIO International and attended by Indian Ambassador to Suriname Subhash Gupta, the event brought together community leaders, professionals, and well-wishers to celebrate a moment of renewal for diaspora leadership in the country.

At the centre of the ceremony was the appointment of Varun P.S. Mahtabsing, LLM as Chapter President. Mahtabsing, a lawyer by training and also a Hindu priest, has worked extensively in Suriname, the Netherlands, and India. Joining him on the board are two prominent professionals: Shivash Mahespalsingh, Vice President and Interim Secretary, and Rashnie Ramlakhan-Chhatta, Treasurer.

Mahespalsingh, a BTech graduate currently completing his MBA, is widely respected for his technical skills and ability to connect professionals, youth, and civil society. He is actively involved in social projects.

Ramlakhan-Chhatta brings to the board her deep expertise in financial management and business operations. A Bachelor of Science graduate with extensive practical knowledge, she has also participated in numerous social and educational initiatives.

GIO’s Global Mission

GIO (Global Indian Organisation) is an international body committed to connecting and strengthening communities worldwide. Its mission is to promote solidarity, community development, and international cooperation, with particular emphasis on youth and future generations. Its vision is of a world where communities—regardless of background, culture, or geography—collaborate for sustainable development, equal opportunities, and mutual respect.

As a diaspora leader, Rajindre Tiwari has organized events bridging communities (including the first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Europe) and facilitated linkages between Indo–Surinamese communities and business and cultural networks. He is a Dutch national of Indian descent, based in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.

His family originally hailed from Suriname and held deep-seated traditions of seva (community service), Tewari is known for blending strategic leadership with cultural advocacy. He represents a unique blend of high-level finance acumen, international trade leadership, and diaspora advocacy. His career is deeply interwoven with both institutional excellence and heartfelt community service—making him a fitting choice as Global President of GIO International.

Priorities in Suriname

The Suriname Chapter has outlined five clear goals in line with GIO’s global mission:

Youth Participation: Creating platforms for young Surinamese to engage in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Education and Capacity Building: Supporting learning initiatives and training programmes that foster personal growth and knowledge-sharing.

Networking and International Connections: Linking local professionals, entrepreneurs, and students with opportunities across the Gio network.

Social Engagement: Encouraging the Suriname diaspora and local communities to participate in projects that strengthen social cohesion.

Cultural Promotion: Showcasing Suriname’s culture and traditions on international stages.

Strengthening Diaspora Ties

With its vibrant Indian-origin community, Suriname holds a unique place in the global diaspora landscape. GIO’s decision to strengthen its presence here underscores the country’s potential to contribute to international networks while drawing on its multicultural heritage. The Indian Ambassador’s presence at the installation highlighted the importance India places on engaging its diaspora not only for cultural ties but also for economic and developmental partnerships.

Ambassador Gupta praised the new leadership and encouraged the chapter to pursue initiatives that enhance youth participation, strengthen professional networks, and deepen cultural exchanges. Such programmes, he said, would benaefit Suriname while enriching the wider GIO community.

Leadership with a Vision

For President Mahtabsing, the installation represents more than a ceremonial beginning. His track record in both professional and social spheres points to a commitment to practical results. He has often spoken of the need to balance heritage with innovation, drawing on cultural roots while preparing young people for a globally connected future.

Similarly, Mahespalsingh and Ramlakhan-Chhatta bring complementary skills—technical, organisational, and financial—that together offer the chapter a strong foundation to deliver on its ambitious goals. The trio’s diverse backgrounds reflect GIO’s belief that diaspora leadership must be inclusive, dynamic, and future-facing.

A New Chapter

With its new board in place, GIO Suriname is poised to play a significant role in both national and international contexts. Its emphasis on youth, education, and cultural identity resonates strongly in a country where the Indian diaspora continues to shape society and contribute to its diversity.

The installation, therefore, was not just the launch of a new board, but also the reaffirmation of GIO’s mission: to connect and strengthen communities worldwide. As the Suriname Chapter embarks on its journey, it carries with it the hopes of a diaspora determined to make a meaningful difference—locally and globally.