The much-hyped Pravasi Bharatiya Divas does not interest Charan Gill much. Which is why one of the recipients of the GOPIO 2007 Community Service Awards left to meet some acquaintances in Chandigarh on the very first day of the event.

Gill feels the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin has much more to offer than PBD. The founder of British Columbia Organisation to Fight Racism does not waste a minute to say, "GOPIO has no backing, no godfather and very little support. Yet it is doing wonderful service to the community."

Gill is thrilled to be honoured by the organisation he takes so much pride in and he has no qualms in admitting that the award will go a long way in encouraging him "build more bridges for the Indian community in Canada."

Asked why an event as 'big' as PBD does not attract him much, Gill is quick to put in, "PBD is a convention of people who can afford to spend Rs 200,000 to Rs 300,000 to come here annually and spend their valuable time. But GOPIO, though small, is more personal -- it has a human touch.

"Moreover, PBD has a lot to do with government and each government takes advantage of it and utilises it for its vested interest."

Having developed seniors' housing project, this Indian-Canadian feels GOPIO needs to take in more fresh blood to infuse dynamism into the organisation. "No group can survive without the fervour of the youth."

As a community leader, therefore, Gill's next tasks will be to create more opportunities for the younger generation, narrowing the gaps between Indians there and here, improving their lives abroad as also inspiring them to stay rooted.

"It's a hard task no doubt, but I have every reason to be optimistic," Gill signs off.