Mehen Poinoosawmy

Global Indian Organisation (GIO) Regional VPresident – Europe
GIO International Life Member
Former President – GIO France

Mehen Poinoosawmy, IT Engineer by profession, is a distinguished community leader and one of the founding members of the Global Indian Organisation (GIO), currently serving as the Regional V.President for GIO Europe. With a strong commitment to uniting and uplifting the Indian diaspora, Mehen has played a transformative role in shaping GIO’s presence and influence, particularly in France.

During his tenure as President of GIO France, Mehen led the organization which is a melting pot of diverse talents and experiences to unprecedented heights. The new leaders of GIO France have continued this journey in maintaining the values of togetherness, connecting fellow members, building lasting friendship, performing the cultural celebration, educational & women empowerment, and social unity.

Mehen continuously encourage his team to organize monthly flagship events that resonated deeply within the community, starting from the festive Makar Sankranti and Pongal celebrations in January to the glittering New Year’s Eve galas. Notably, Mehen was the first person in France to introduce the Festival of Colours, Holi on such a grand scale, attracting an astounding 32,000 attendees, marking it as one of the largest Indian cultural gatherings in the country every year.

Among his most impactful initiatives is the GIO France–India Scholarship Programme, through which approximately 50 scholarships are awarded annually to highly talented Indian GIRLS who are unable to complete their studies due to financial constraints. This initiative reflects Mehen and GIO France dedications to education and gender empowerment. The celebration of the International Women’s Day is always on the annual calendar of the chapter.

Recognizing the challenges faced by Indian students in a foreign country, Mehen and his GIO team has also spearheaded student support initiatives, welcoming newcomers, and providing crucial guidance on internships and job placements in France.

One of the most prominent aspects of Mehen’s legacy is his consistent leadership of the French delegation to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), the flagship event organized by the Government of India to connect with its diaspora. For several years, Mehen played a pivotal role in ensuring the active participation of Indian-origin citizens living in France and territories at the PBD, advocating for their contributions and helping strengthen the global Indian identity. He led dialogues, facilitated networking between entrepreneurs and cultural ambassadors, and raised awareness about the unique challenges and contributions of the Indo-French community.

Mehen demonstrated a deep understanding of historical legacy and cultural preservation. Recognizing the need to honour the early pioneers of the Indian diaspora, he initiated a project to commemorate the arrival of the first Indian on the 06 th May 1853 to Martinique, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean. His initiative culminated in the successful inauguration of a memorial that now stands as a testament to the resilience and contributions of the Indian indentured workers.

In 2022, Mehen was bestowed with the Bharat Gaurav Award, one of the most prestigious accolades honouring individuals of Indian origin who have made significant contributions internationally. The award ceremony, held at the illustrious Palais du Luxembourg, the seat of the French Senate, was a fitting recognition of Mehen’s extraordinary efforts to uplift the Indian diaspora and nurture Indo-French cultural relations.

Beyond his organizational efforts, Mehen is a strong advocate of reconnecting European born Indian youth with their heritage. He actively promotes government-led programs such as the “Know India Programme (KIP)” and Tamil Nadu’s “Reaching Your Roots”, which encourage young people to explore their ancestral land and cultural roots.

Through his tireless efforts, activism, leadership, and vision, Mehen Poinoosawmy stands as a beacon of inspiration for diaspora engagement worldwide in continuing to build international bridges of solidarity and progress.