Author: Ajay Ghosh

Sharada Shashidhar, Pavithra Nagarajan, Nushat Nur and Ksheeraja Sriram, are among the 12  Indian Americans declared among the 2016 YoungArts winners announced by the National YoungArts Foundation. Of the 819 students from 42 states recognized for their excellence in literary, visual, design and performing arts, 165 were named finalists and will participate in the 35th anniversary National YoungArts Week in Miami from Jan. 3 through Jan. 10. Each YoungArts winner is designated as a finalist, honorable mention or merit winner.

As per reports, at the weeklong intensive final, participants across 10 disciplines will take master classes and workshops with internationally renowned leaders in their field, YoungArts said.

Other Indian Americans recognized with honorable mentions, included, Sharanya Balaji, Anju Cloud, Swathi Jaisankar, Ravi Campbell and Rekha Sharma – and merits: Divya Nayar, Sita Vakkalanka and Dhruv Prasad.

Their work throughout the week will determine their award levels, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. In addition, finalists are eligible to become United States Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Each year, YoungArts nominates 60 winners to the White House-appointed Commission on Presidential Scholars, it said.

The more than 800 winners were chosen by a panel of highly-accomplished artists from more than 12,000 applications and will receive cash awards of up to $10,000, validation by renowned mentors, opportunities to participate in YoungArts programs, a strong professional network and guidance in taking steps toward achieving their goals, according to a YoungArts statement.

All the winners are eligible to participate in YoungArts regional programs next year: in Los Angeles from Feb. 16 through Feb. 21; in Miami from March 8 through March 13; and in New York from April 12 through April 17, 2016.

No one knows Indian food like Madhur Jaffrey. For more than forty years, the “godmother of Indian cooking” (The Independent on Sunday) has introduced Western home cooks to the vibrant cuisines of her homeland. Now, in Vegetarian India: A Journey Through the Best of Indian Home Cooking, the seven-time James Beard Award–winning author shares the delectable, healthful, vegetable- and grain-based foods enjoyed around the Indian subcontinent.

Madhur Jaffrey, 82, introduced Indian cooking to American audiences in 1973. She researches, tests recipes and writes all her books entirely herself. She has appeared in numerous films and television programs, and she considers herself an actor first.

Vegetarian cooking is a way of life for more than 300 million Indians. Jaffrey travels from north to south, and from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, collecting recipes for the very tastiest dishes along the way. She visits the homes and businesses of shopkeepers, writers, designers, farmers, doctors, weavers, and more, gathering their stories and uncovering the secrets of their most delicious family specialties. From a sweet, sour, hot, salty Kodava Mushroom Curry with Coconut originating in the forested regions of South Karnataka to simple, crisp Okra Fries dusted with chili powder, turmeric, and chickpea flour; and from Stir-Fried Spinach, Andhra Style (with ginger, coriander, and cumin) to the mung bean pancakes she snacks on at a roadside stand, here Jaffrey brings together the very best of vegetable-centric Indian cuisine and explains how home cooks can easily replicate these dishes—and many more for beans, grains, and breads—in their own kitchens.

With more than two hundred recipes, beautifully illustrated throughout, and including personal photographs from Jaffrey’s own travels, Vegetarian India is a kitchen essential for vegetable enthusiasts and home cooks everywhere.

Over more than four decades, Jaffrey has written more than 20 cookbooks introducing all aspects of Indian cooking to new audiences. Conceived after numerous trips to collect recipes from private homes from Mumbai to Karnataka, her newly released “Vegetarian India: A Journey through the Best of Indian Home Cooking” (Knopf, $35) focuses entirely on vegetarian recipes.

In her book, Jaffrey explores vegetarian cooking in India through regional and modern dishes, presenting uncomplicated recipes with flavor and history.

She is the author of many previous cookbooks—seven of which have won James Beard Awards—and was named to the Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America by the James Beard Foundation. She is the recipient of an honorary CBE from Queen Elizabeth II for her services to drama and promoting the appreciation of Indian food and culture. She is also an award-winning actress, having won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival, with numerous major motion pictures to her credit. She lives in New York City.

Ushir Pandit-Durant, an Indian-American woman judge became the first recipient of a US public service award in recognition of her contributions in the field of law. The Queens Senior Assistant District Attorney and newly elected Civil Court Judge Ushir Pandit-Durant was honored with the ‘South Asian Public Service Award’ by the Office of Immigrant Affairs under Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

“It is fitting that Senior Assistant District Attorney and Judge-Elect Pandit-Durant to be the first recipient of our office’s South Asian Public Service Award as she personifies the determination, strength and vitality of the Indian heritage,” Brown said in a statement.

Pandit-Durant and her family emigrated from India to the US when she was 10 and “went on to excel at school and in her legal career,” he said.  Earlier this month she became the first South Asian-American elected to a judgeship in Queens County.

In presenting the award, Brown said, “Diversity is one of America’s greatest strengths.

Leadership comes in all races and ethnicities…It is important in public service to have a diversity which reflects the makeup of the community that we serve. It helps to enhance credibility, confidence and trust and better serve our community.”

Nita and Kirtish Patel from Rockaway, Morris County in New Jersey, who own a mobile diagnostic testing company received more than $4.3 million from Medicare and private insurance companies over the past several years by providing fake patients’ medical diagnostic testing reports, and used the money for personal expenses, including buying luxury vehicles and multiple houses.

The couple pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William H. Walls in Newark federal court November 17. New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said that the couple owning and operating Biosound Medical Services Inc. and Heart Solutions of Parsippany provided diagnostic testing reports that were never interpreted by a licensed physician.

The fraudulent practice by the couple, both of them 53, had been going on since 2006. They were each charged with one count of healthcare fraud. According to the documents filed in the case and statements made in court, from 2006 through June 2014, Nita and Kirtish Patel owned and operated Biosound Medical Services Inc. and Heart Solutions, providing mobile diagnostic testing, including ultrasounds, echocardiograms and nerve conduction studies that were used to diagnose heart defects, blood clots, abdominal aortic aneurysms and other serious medical conditions.

Biosound technicians would travel to the office of a primary care physician in the New York and New Jersey area to conduct diagnostic testing. Biosound was responsible for sending the tests to a “reading physician”— an appropriate specialist who would interpret the results. After the reading physician prepared a report, Biosound was responsible for providing it to the referring physicians. Biosound was paid millions of dollars by Medicare and other payers for the diagnostic testing, the reading physician’s interpretation of the results and the reports.

Kirtish Patel admitted to fraudulently interpreting and writing diagnostic reports produced by Biosound despite having no medical license and knowing that the reports would be used by the referring physicians to make important patient treatment decisions.

Nita Patel admitted assisting her husband in forging physician signatures on the “fraudulently produced reports” to make them appear legitimate. Nita and Kirtish Patel also admitted falsely representing to Medicare that the neurological testing performed by Biosound was being supervised by a licensed neurologist.

According to the information, more than half of the diagnostic reports generated by Biosound between October 2008 and June 2014 were never actually reviewed or interpreted by a physician. The couple was paid more than $4,386,133.75 by Medicare and private insurance companies for the fraudulent reports, which they used for personal expenses, including multiple residences and luxury vehicles. The health care fraud charge to which Nita and Kirtish Patel pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for March 15, 2016.

Against the backdrop of last week’s terrorist strikes in Beirut and Paris, India has renewed its call for international action to deny finance and space to organisations like the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and the Islamic State (IS). The two attacks highlight the international failure to finalise the Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism (CCAIT), which would require countries to take action against terrorist groups and stop aiding them, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi told the Security Council on Tuesday last week.

“The price that we pay for procrastination is often in human lives,” he said. “All terrorist organizations — Daesh (Islamic State) or A1 Shabaab or Lashkar-e-Tayyaba or A1 Qaida-have an ideological basis that contradicts the basic tenets of humanity,” Bishnoi said. “Ideology alone, however, is not enough to sustain terrorists. They need financing and space to operate,” he said.

“That is, unfortunately, provided to them,” he added making the case for CCAIT. “And that is what needs to be addressed collectively.”

The CCAIT has been languishing for almost a decade because of disputes over the definition of terrorists as some countries claim that it should not apply to those whom they consider freedom fighters.

Speaking at the Security Council debate on “Maintaining of International Peace and Security,” Bishnoi questioned the assertions that poverty breeds terrorism. “The terrible events of last week, in Beirut and Paris, demonstrate to us that the greatest threat to peace and security comes from violent extremism and religious fanaticism, not from the absence of economic and social development,” he said. “It is the purveyors of hate and those who characterize others as infidels who are responsible for the violence that threaten our civilisational values.”

“We need to also acknowledge that it is the absence of state authority, or weak state authority, that provides the breeding ground for extremist organizations to operate,” he added.

Bishnoi criticised the Security Council as a non-representative and opaque body that was trying to infringe on the area of the General Assembly. “Just because the three pillars of the United Nations – namely, peace and security, development and human rights – are interdependent, it does not ipso facto mean that the Security Council must arrogate all these functions to itself,” he said.

“The Council will, however, have our full support in its efforts to curb dangerous and extremist trends,” he added. “The consolidation of political processes and solutions, while also building durable state institutions, will go a long way in addressing extremism and radicalization. “

(New York, NY) – In the wake of the high profile acts of terrorism in Nigeria, Beirut and Paris, the Sikh Coalition fully recognizes the increased public fear both at home and abroad as government agencies react to these heinous acts of violence.

Unfortunately, the Sikh Coalition also understands that much of this fear and subsequent backlash gets redirected towards minority religious communities, and we urge every Sikh to exercise extra vigilance and caution during this period of increased anxiety. Please notify law enforcement of any threats of violence and contact the Sikh Coalition at 212-655-3095 or legal@sikhcoalition.org.

“The Sikh Coalition is here to provide completely free legal assistance to any Sikh American who believes they are the victim of backlash and discrimination,” said Senior Staff Attorney, Gurjot Kaur. “We are here to protect your rights.”

This protection also extends to your air travel as we move into Thanksgiving and the busiest travel time of the year. The Sikh Coalition urges Sikh travelers to understand their rights by reviewing our Sikh Air Traveler’s Guide and Bill of Rights. This guide contains detailed information on airport screening procedures and your rights as a traveler.

“If you believe the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has committed an act of discrimination, please file a complaint directly from your smartphone by downloading and using our FlyRights phone application,” said Law and Policy Director, Arjun Singh. “These complaints combined with our relentless TSA advocacy insures that your rights are protected.”

Additionally, the Sikh Coalition continues to provide educational brochures that quickly introduce non-Sikhs to the Sikh faith and community. This resource is available in 13 different languages. To get copies, please email education@sikhcoalition.org.

Virginia Tech authorities say they are investigating a threatening message found inside a bathroom on campus. Local news outlets report the campus police received a report on November 9 concerning the graffiti inside a bathroom stall at Price Hall. The message read: “I will be here 11/11/2015 to kill all Muslims.”

The Virginia Tech Police Department have alerted the campus and are investigating the matter.

Mark Owczarski, a spokesman for the university, says the university hopes the notice sent to members of the campus community will help in the investigation

Bhadreshkumar Patel, who allegedly killed his wife in the back room of a Dunkin’ Donuts last spring is being searched by FBI, media reports here suggest. Acting on the belief that the 25-year-old Patel is in the New York metro area, the feds have unveiled a “wanted” billboard in Times Square to help solicit tips, NBC News reported. Authorities also released new surveillance footage of 21-year-old Palak Patel’s final moments on April 12.

The couple worked together at the store, and the video captures them in the back before disappearing behind baking racks just before midnight. Several customers were still out front waiting to be served, the FBI said.

Moments later, the footage shows only Bhadreshkumar Patel emerging from the back room. A customer later called police after no workers could be located, NBC New York reported in April.

Anne Arundel County police say Palak Patel was stabbed to death with a large kitchen knife. Her husband faces charges of first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and a weapons offense.

The Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) plans to hold its 6th annual conference in Bengaluru from January 9-10, 2016, where more than 300 delegates are expected including representatives from the United States, Australia, Canada and African countries, as well as from the United Arab Emirates and India.

Some 50 experts in varied fields are scheduled to address sessions on cardiology, diabetes, mellitus-Endo and bariatric surgery, neurosciences, gastro-intestinal medicine, organ transplant and oncology, child health and nutrition. Panel discussions include Patient Safety & Ethics; GAPIO Initiatives on Community Health; as well as Healthcare Outside the Hospital System and Telemedicine.

GAPIO has expanded considerably since its founding 6 years ago. “We have linked with Indian doctors in 31 countries, and growing,” Dr. Sanku Rao of Enid, Oklahoma, president of the organization said. “This is a platform for Indian doctors around the world to help the common cause of improving healthcare worldwide but especially in India’s rural and semi-urban areas,” Rao added. “We are also encouraging young physicians from the U.S. to go to India,” Rao said.

Secretary General of GAPIO and Group Medical Director of Apollo Hospitals Group Dr. Anupam Sibal said GAPIO’s goals were to  achieve the highest professional standards, provide affordable good quality healthcare, contribute to local and regional community development  thereby helping reduce health inequalities and alleviate suffering globally. “GAPIO is constantly and actively embarking upon various community service projects,” he said.

“The main agenda of the conference is to have networking among physicians and exchange ideas on how to increase philanthropy toward India and improve ongoing GAPIO projects as well as take on new projects,” said GAPIO Treasurer Dr. Sudhir Parikh, recipient of India’s Padma Shri award. “Particularly, we want to be in sync with the Indian Medical Association and local and state medical bodies and the state governments in India,” Parikh added. More than 25 Indian states are represented in GAPIO. “We also want to initiate exchange programs between different specialties in both countries and give (Indian physicians) exposure to state-of-the-art technologies,” he added.

He noted India’s Swachha Bharat Abhiyan initiative that GAPIO is part of and which connects doctors abroad to needy areas and specialties in India. Dr.  Prathap C. Reddy, founder and chairman of the Apollo Hospitals in India, is the founder president of GAPIO as well as emeritus advisor to the organization.

Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Sunday last week adopted a declaration on the bloc’s growth to 2025, mapping out a plan for further regional integration and community building efforts.

The declaration, titled “Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together,” is one of the key documents issued at the end of a two-day summit, which has drawn leaders from Asean’s 10 member-states and their dialogue partners — China, South Korea, Japan, India, New Zealand, Australia, the US and Russia.

Asean leaders welcomed the formal establishment of the Asean Community, agreeing that this declaration as well as the community vision 2025 – the Asean Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025, the Asean Economic Community Blueprint 2025 and the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 – constitute the Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together, said the declaration.

The leaders decided that Asean member-states, its organs and bodies shall implement the Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together in a timely and effective manner, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Asean Charter.

Asean ministers, secretary-general and other organs and bodies are tasked with mobilising resources needed to implement Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together, said the declaration.

The Asean secretary-general is directed to monitor and report the progress of implementation to the Asean summit annually, it added.

Established in 1967, Asean groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The imminent establishment of Asean Community on December 31 this year has been hailed as a milestone in the bloc’s decades-long efforts to integrate and cohere.

Anita Ashok Datar, was one of at least 19 people and the only Indian American killed in the November 20 terror attack carried out by heavily armed Islamic extremists at a Radisson hotel in the Malian capital of Bamako.

“We are devastated that Anita is gone,” her family said in a statement issued through the State Department. “It’s unbelievable to us that she has been killed in this senseless act of violence and terrorism,” the US State Department confirmed in a statement.

Datar, 41, was a senior manager at Palladium Group, an international development organization with offices in Washington, her family said. As a public health expert, she focused on family planning and HIV issues, work that took her to Africa often in the past 15 years. She also worked in Asia and South America, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Datar of Takoma Park, Maryland, has been a Peace Corps volunteer, expert in global health and the mother of a 7-year-old boy, has devoted her life to caring for and helping others, her family said.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was among those mourning her death.

“Anita Datar was a bright light who gave help and hope to people in need around the world,” Clinton said in a statement Nov. 21. “Anita represented the best of America’s generous spirit.” Datar was the former partner of David Garten, an attorney who worked as a senior policy adviser to Clinton in the Senate.

“Everything she did in her life she did to help others — as a mother, public health expert, daughter, sister and friend,” the family statement said. “And while we are angry and saddened that she has been killed, we know that she would want to promote education and healthcare to prevent violence and poverty at home and abroad, not intolerance.” The family said that of all her accomplishments, Datar was “most proud of her son.” Her Facebook page is filled with pictures of the boy.

Born in Massachusetts, Datar grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers, her family said. She worked in Senegal with the Peace Corps for more than two years and earned master’s degrees in public health and public administration from Columbia. In addition to her son, parents and a brother, she is survived by “many, many friends around the world,” the statement said.

Clinton said Datar’s death should strengthen Americans’ will to fight terrorism and radical jihadism. “We face a choice between fear and resolve,” she said. “Anita’s murder should deepen our resolve. America must lead the world to meet this threat.”

Anjali Datar graduated from Mount Olive High School, in Flanders, New Jersey, where she played both the flute and mellophone in marching band, was on student council all four years, made the National Honor Society and joined the school’s French club and Future Business Leaders of America, according to a report on nj.com.

Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, joined the Diwali celebrations organized by the Indian American Business Association of New York celebrated Diwali at Jackson Heights, Queens, NY here last weekend.

Joe Crowley, known to be a very good friend of India, conveyed Diwali greetings to the community and recognized and appreciated Indian businessmen’s contribution to the American economy and the contribution s of the community in general. He particularly mentioned about the contribution of Mohinder Verma, president of IABA, a Jackson Heights businessman involved with the Indian-American business community.

“We wanted to celebrate Diwali involving the community members, including Indian-American businessmen, as also people from outside the community. We are happy that lawmakers like Crowley and other joined the celebration,” Verma said.

Among those present at the event, included New York City Council member Daniel Dromm, Dilip Chauhan, Director of South East/Asian Affairs, Nassau County, and Nassau county Comptroller George Maragos and Mohinder Verma, president of the organization. The event started with National Anthems of India and the U.S. followed by Bollywood dance performances by students of Aparna Dance Academy.

Dromm, who also conveyed his Diwali greetings, however, touched an emotional chord when he said that he regretted that NYC did not grant a school holiday on Diwali. “I would fight to get Diwali holiday in schools of New York City,” he said, Verma welcomed the pledge as he did the presence of some 50-odd businessmen and entrepreneurs from New York and New Jersey attending the event.

The Indian American Business Association Inc. is formed with collective efforts of New York and -based businesses. The main objective of the organization is to provide a platform and disseminate information to and among businesses that are looking to grow and expand from India to the U.S. and vice-versa.

Based on our experience and the data, many businesses are interested to expand in New York. To advance such interests and help those businesses needing support, information, and a network, IABANY intends to bridge the gap,” Verma said.

RANA – Rajasthan Association of North America, organized Diwali celebrations on Sunday November 1 2015, where over 600 people packed the Grand Ballroom at the Long Island Marriott and were entertained by the sensational Music Trio from India – Dhwani accompanied by electrifying dance performances by the dancers of Sonalee Vyas Dance Company.

Manju Sharma, Managing Director of Eternal Heart Care Research Center, Jaipur; Rajeev Pandya, Managing Partner of Ashi Diamonds, New York;  and Prabha Golia, Vice – President of Perfume Center of America, New York, were among the distinguished Rajasthanis, who were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and achievements in their respective field, philanthropic activities and contributions to religious values and fundamentals of our traditions.

Comptroller of Nassau County, George Maragos and Bollywood actress, Preety Jhangiani were the guests of honor on the evening. Attendees were seen packing the dance floor and dancing to the pulsating beat of Bollywood songs till the wee hours of the morning. “We have never experienced such a fabulous show before” was the universal sentiment amongst all those who attended the celebrations on that evening.

Naveen C Shah, President of RANA in his address attributed the success of RANA’s Rajasthan Mahotsav & the Diwali celebrations to not just entertaining ourselves, but to enrich ourselves from the talent & wisdom which we all bring to this part of the world. Attendees also commended Naveen’s vision to spread the message of integration among various communities and created awareness amongst the new generation about our values, culture, traditions, food and festivities.

Respected members of the community were presented with plaques on this evening for their efforts in instilling Rajasthani culture, values, heritage & traditions in the current and future generations. “We can never thank our elders enough for what they have done for us. They are a shining example to our current and younger generation to emulate and follow” said Naveen.

Kanak Golia, Vice President of RANA informed the gathering that “the focus and objective of the Diwali event is also to continue RANA’s mission towards charitable and welfare causes. All excess proceeds from the event will be remitted to a residential orphanage devoted to the care of orphans. Our hope is that these children, who have nowhere to go will receive food, clothing, shelter and an opportunity for a better life”.

The evening’s entertainment was a mix of traditional Rajasthani Music and contemporary Bollywood songs by Dhwani, coupled with dynamic and lively dances by the dancers of the Sonalee Vyas Dance Company with colorful costumes and traditional props to showcase the rich and vibrant culture of Bollywood.

In her thank you address, Madhu Pareek, Secretary of RANA thanked all the Sun, Moon & Star sponsors for their support without whom this event would not have been possible. She also appreciated various vendors who worked behind the scenes to make this event successful. MC for the evening was Sangeet Sharma, the popular voice behind radio station Easy 96, Sound and Light effects for the event was provided by BD Sound, Catering was provided by Tandoor Caterers, Souvenir design was done by A-HA Designs, NJ and printing was done by Media Masters of Mineola, NY. Plaques for the honorees were provided by Crown Trophy, New Hyde Park and the honoree trophies were specially got fabricated in India by Patron member Haridas Kotahwala.

Twenty-seven retired U.S. generals were signatories to a letter delivered Nov. 11 to Defense Secretary Ash Carter, urging him to create a blanket policy that would allow Sikh Americans to serve in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces with their religiously-mandated turbans and beards intact.

Army Major Kamal Kalsi – one of the first Indian Americans who was allowed to serve in the U.S. military beginning in 2009 without having to remove his articles of faith – spearheaded the effort by the Sikh Coalition and the McDermott Will and Emery law firm. Kalsi told India-West that this week’s letter was part of a continuing effort that initially began with sending letters to members of the House. The community activists then sent a letter to the Senate and held a congressional hearing last year on the issue.

The U.S. military has had a ban on turbans and beards since 1981; Sikh American activists say the regulation amounts to a presumptive ban on Sikhs serving in the U.S. military. In 2009, various branches of the Armed Forces began admitting service members with turbans and beards, but only on a case by case basis. Currently, only three soldiers serve in the U.S. military with their turbans and beards: Kalsi, Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan, and Corporal Simranpreet Singh Lamba. Kalsi noted that the military has allowed accommodations for more than 100,000 soldiers to serve with medically-mandated beards.

The Sikh Coalition is urging Carter to create policy that would allow religiously-observant Sikh Americans to serve unilaterally without additional review. “The U.S. Department of Defense has taken important steps toward recognizing the importance of religious faith to the lives of our service members,” read the letter to Carter. “Nevertheless, obstacles remain for patriotic Sikh Americans who wish to serve in our nation’s military while maintaining their articles of faith.”

Kalsi said it took him a year and a half to go through all the procedural bureaucracy that has allowed him to serve in the Army with his articles of faith. “This is nothing new that we’re asking for,” stated Kalsi, noted that Navy SEALS and Special Armed Forces have served for years with beards.

Kalsi said he approached the retired generals one by one to enlist their efforts. “Once I shared my story – that I could wear a helmet and wear a gas mask without affecting my job – they all said ‘you’re right. This is a restrictive policy, and we need to change it.’” His first signature came from his old commanding officer in basic training, retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling.

In comments to the Wall Street Journal, Hertling said that when he heard about Kalsi joining basic training with his beard, he thought, “You’ve got to be kidding me; there’s no way.”

But he added that Kalsi “floored me. I realized I was pretty shallow in my approach of cranking out soldiers.” Hertling noted that Kalsi required no extra time for grooming and could seal a gas mask over his beard. Kalsi has been awarded a Bronze Star – the military’s highest honor – for serving as a medic in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, one of the ravaged nation’s most bloody regions.

“On Veteran’s Day, we honor Americans who have served our country, but it is also time to understand there are some Americans who still struggle for the basic right to serve,” said Hertling in a statement released by the Sikh Coalition.

“Sikh Americans have a proud history of honorable and selfless military service,” said retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Jeffrey Kendall in a press statement. “A person’s faith should not create artificial barriers to recruitment and retention, especially when simple accommodations are both easily available and proven in combat,” he said.

Rep. Joe Crowley, D-New York, who has been working with the Sikh Coalition on the issue, said in a statement Nov. 11: “The support for allowing Sikh Americans to serve in our military while adhering to their religious beliefs is overwhelming.”

“We are a stronger nation and a stronger military because of our rich diversity,” said Crowley, who last year led an effort with Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-New Jersey, to send a letter signed by 100 members of Congress to the Defense Department, urging the agency to update its appearance and grooming regulations to allow turbaned and bearded Sikhs to serve in the military.

A new initiative, the India Corporate Internship Program, benefitting young and aspiring physicians/professionals, has been launched during the 2015 Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Los Angeles, California, a celebration marking Indian diaspora contributions that help to spur India’s development, held on November 14-15, 2015.

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the US government and other members of the diaspora have collaborated to organize the event. Aspiring students of professional programs are asked to take advantage of be part of the India Corporate Internship Program, a prestigious, first-of-its-kind program of the Government of India, Ministry of the Overseas Indian Affairs, through the Overseas Indian Facilitation Center (OIFC) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the students of Indian origin pursuing Post Graduate Programs in Management, Engineering, and Science & Technology at premier universities of the world. The program invites them for paid internships in world class Indian companies for 2-6 months.

Some of the world’s best healthcare providers, including Apollo Hospitals, Narayana Health, and Max Group are only a few who are looking forward to our budding physicians to be part of thie great initiative.

One of the world’s fastest growing economics, India is a dynamic market with immense opportunities. With pioneering Indian companies offering a global work culture, India is becoming a preferred career destination for professionals looking for exceptional individual learning and unique growth opportunities.

This program offers students of Indian Origin an opportunity to re-connect with their roots and work in their areas of interest in a dynamic multicultural environment, through paid internships.

It is a unique and exciting opportunities for Indian Diaspora students to contribute and benefit from one of the world’s foremost, vibrant and increasingly global Indian business eco-system.

-US $2200 per month. Students could explore options such as a matching grant or support in some other way from their University.

The host company will either provide accommodation in a hotel/guest house or recommend suitable stay options. Interested candidates can apply to the program on the OIFC website (www.oifc.in/india-corporate-internship/about) or the University recruitment portal.

Submissions must include the complete student evaluation form, updated CV and passport size photograph. Students may apply to more than one company according to their interests. For this, they need to click on the individual company as provided on the program website and attach the required documents for each of them. Shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview, which will be conducted either at the university campus or online through video conferencing by the company.

Interviews will be conducted in the months of January/ February, 2016 depending on the recruitment sessions at the respective University. Final selections will be made by the company on the basis of the application and interviews. Selected interviews. Selected candidates will be informed by email. Students selected for the internships will be placed in the host company’s offices in major Indian cities depending on where the vacancy/opening is available and as per any other requirements or internal decision by the company.

New York, November 9, 2015. The art@telangana book was released at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York by the Consul General of India in New York, Dnyaneshwar Mulay. The event was attended by a large number of art gallery owners, art critics and art lovers.

The book, art@telangana, which had been published in October 2014, was initially launched in Hyderabad, India, during the World Metropolis Congress, then at the India Art Fair 2015 in New Delhi and the India Festival 2015 in Tokyo. The year-long promotion of the book had its finale at the Rubin Museum of Art.

The Consul General, Dnyaneswar Mulay, said, “many people think of India as monolithic. This work illustrates the diversity within India and highlights the tremendous contribution of Telangana artists.”

B.V.Papa Rao, one of the Trustees of the art@telangana Trust explained that the Trust is the instrument to bring in private funding and private participation for the promotion of art from Telangana. He gave an example of how a private initiative of people led to the formation of the Rubin Museum of Art, where the event was held. He said, “ it is my hope that such examples will encourage more private initiatives to promote Indian Art.”

Deepanjana Klein, the International Head of the Department for South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art at Christie’s, said the book made a tremendous contribution. “Telangana artists have a rich and long history. With this book, we get a feel for the depth and breadth of art from the region. As scholars, we see this compilation as invaluable,”  she commented.

Rasika Reddy, a prominent  artist from Telangana and a member of the board of the Rubin Museum of Art, said, “the book is a monumental achievement that does a fantastic job of highlighting important art and artists from Telangana.”

B.Narsing Rao, the chief editor of the book, explained the mammoth effort involved in producing the book, which features 152 artists. He also introduced the content author, Anand Gadapa, who was present at the event, as well as the photographer, Sharath Reddy—both of whom were instrumental in producing the book.

Eminent Artist, Laxman Aelay thanked the sponsors of the event  Ravi Reddy,  Rasika Reddy, Vikram Akula, and Prashanth and Shabri Mitta. He encouraged other individuals to undertake similar initiatives in promoting artists and art of Telangana.

ABOUT Art@Telangana Trust http://www.artattelangana.org

Art@Telangana is a not-for-profit Trust whose mission is to promote art and artists from the Telangana region.  The Trust organizes art workshops, camps, exhibitions, and publications.

ABOUT The Rubin Museum of Art http://rubinmuseum.org

The Rubin Museum of Art is an arts and cultural hub in NYC’s vibrant Chelsea neighborhood that inspires visitors to make connections between contemporary life and the art and ideas of the Himalayas, India, and neighboring regions. With a diverse array of thought-provoking exhibitions and programs—including films, concerts, and on-stage conversations—the Rubin provides immersive experiences that encourage personal discoveries and spark new ways of seeing the world. Emphasizing cross-cultural connections, the Rubin is a space to contemplate ideas that extend across history and span human cultures.

For more information, please email shabri_mitta@yahoo.com or call 518.542.4230.

More than 30 members of US Congress joined about 1,000 people at the annual Diwali event on Capitol Hill, the seat of US legislature, to celebrate the accomplishments of the Indian American diaspora.

The annual celebration, which attracts people and Indian American organizations from all over the US, was organised by Ami Bera and George Holding, Democratic and Republican co-chairs of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

It provides an opportunity to meet with members of Congress and other elected officials to celebrate the contributions of the South Asian community in business, technology, health care, arts, academics, and much more.

Attendees at the event in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress, included Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, and the Republican Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Ed Royce.

Diwali is celebrated by nearly a billion people around the world and more than two million people in the US, a media release from Bera’s office noted. “This event celebrates who we are and all our community has accomplished,” said Bera, the lone Indian American Congressman. “Over the next decade, I look forward to making DC the hub for connecting members of the community not just from the surrounding region, but across the country to celebrate our progress and talk about the future.”

“The United States and India have been building a partnership to make both our nations safer and stronger,” Bera said.

“The Indian-American Community has been playing a key role in building needed ties between our two countries, and I congratulate the volunteers who worked to make this year’s Diwali celebration in Washington a success,” he said. “In the coming year, I look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds between our countries.”

In a statement issued here, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, ““Across every state in our country and around the world this week, billions of people are joyously celebrating Diwali. I am grateful that President and Mrs. Obama are continuing this special White House tradition of honoring and recognizing Diwali with a celebration today at the White House.  According to spiritual tradition, Diwali is observed not only as a fun holiday; it is a time to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, truth over untruth and righteousness over wrong.  More importantly, it is a time of spiritual renewal. For Hindus everywhere, it is deeply meaningful to see such recognition of this celebration and its universal message of selflessness and righteousness.” US President Barack Obama celebrates Diwali at the White House later in the month.

Jaswant Singh Gill, an Indian American chief executive officer of Hayward, Calif.-based Sun Deep Cosmetics Jaswant Singh Gill has made a sizeable donation to his alma mater, Panjab University.

Gill, who graduated from the university in 1969, receiving a degree in pharmaceutical sciences, announced Nov. 4 he was donating $200,000 to the college. He went to the university courtesy of their funding.

The donation will be used to set up a corpus fund for the benefit of needy and meritorious students of the University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. It will be awarded to 13 students annually.

“I got a free education and scholarship at PU, and I am only trying to pay it back,” Gill said at his announcement made at the university in Chandigarh, India. “The university scholarship changed my life, and, in order to change the lives of students now, I want to help the needy students with this initiative of encouraging poor meritorious students to study pharmacy at UIPS.”

Originally from Gurdaspur, Gill enrolled at the university in 1964 on a scholarship. He earned a gold medal in the bachelor of pharmacy course at UIPS in 1967 and achieved his master’s in pharmacy in 1969.

In 1972, Gill immigrated to the United States, working in the pharmaceutical industry until establishing Sun Deep Cosmetics Inc. in 1987.

According to the company’s website, they believe customers will buy their first bottle because of the packaging but will purchase the second bottle because of the technology and quality.

Sun Deep, a private label manufacturer of personal care cosmetics, toiletries and OTC products, was started with a philosophy of making good products better and constantly raising the bar on natural ingredients. Sticking to that philosophy, the firm has nurtured consistent growth.

The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center honored six Indian American Malayalees for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the larger society during the Kerala Center’s 23rd Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, November 7th, 2015 at World’s Fair Marina in Flushing, Queens, New York.

This year’s honorees included, Dr. Navin Manjooran, Global Director (Energy) for Siemens AG ​ and ​​ responsible for the​ entire Siemens energy portfolio in Engineering; Dr. Sasi K. Pillay, Chief Information Officer, University Wisconsin System, Madison, WI and Former NASA CTO for IT and CIO, NASA Glenn Research Center for Information Technology; Dr. Prem Soman, Director of Nuclear Cardiology and Associate Professor of Medicine, and Clinical and Translation Science at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for Medicine; Dr. George M. Kakkanatt, a former US Air Force Captain, professional psychotherapist and Managing Director and Chief Editor of Azchavattom Malayalam News weekly for Journalism and Community Service; Ms. Leela Maret, Scientist at New York City’s Environmental Protection for Community Service; and Captain Jophiel Philips, Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Air Force for Service to the Nation.

The awardees were selected by a committee consisting of four members headed by Kerala Center Board Member and Trustee Dr. Thomas Abraham. While introducing the awardees to the audience, Dr. Abraham said, “Every year we invite nominations and the committee has to make a unanimous choice for a candidate in a category to be selected to receive the award and this year is no different from previous years in terms of their achievements.”

In his keynote address, chief guest, Ambassador Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Consul General of India in New York, congratulated the Non Resident Keralite community in the US and around the world. “The bridge you have built by contributing to the strengthening of the Indo-US relationship is outstanding. I thank you for making the Indo-US Nuclear deal a reality. The relationship needs to go on. And there are several more bridges to be built. And you are the cement between the two great democracies,” that binds us together, he said. After being highly successful in almost every area, he challenged them to take an active role in the political process of the nation.

Dr. Navin Manjooran was be honored for his outstanding contributions in Engineering. Dr. Manjooran ​is ​the Global Director (Energy) for Siemens AG ​ and ​​is responsible for the​ entire Siemens energy portfolio. He also serves as an engineering professor at Virginia Tech. Navin graduated with a BE degree from NIT (Warangal), a MS from University of Florida (Gainesville, USA), Ph.D. from Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, USA), all with the highest honors and later on completed MBA from University of Chicago. Navin has 11 patents/ disclosures, 9 books, 37 publications and 51 presentations at national/international conferences. He has received several awards including TMS Young Leader, ASM International Leadership Award ​and ​Siemens Performance Award. ​Navin is a Member of the US Technology Advisory Board and ​Virginia Tech Univ. Board and the Board of Trustees of Univ. of Chicago.

Dr. Sasi K. Pillay was recognized for Outstanding Contribution in Information Technology. Dr. Pillay serves as the CIO of the University of Wisconsin System comprising 26 campuses where he has started several initiatives such as the Innovation Program and Business Intelligence, while managing a portfolio of shared services totaling $45million. In his prior roles at NASA, Dr. Pillay oversaw the IT innovation program consisting of global crowd sourcing and the launch of the innovation program which have won several national awards. He is the recipient of the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the U.S. President’s Rank Award as a Meritorious Executive.

Dr. Prem Soman was honored for his contributions ion the field of Medicine. Dr. Soman MD, PhD, FRCP (UK), FACC is Director of Nuclear Cardiology, and Associate Professor of Medicine, and Clinical and Translation Science at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is internationally recognized for his research contributions to the field of nuclear cardiology, with more than 100 publications and text book chapters. He has coauthored national guidelines on imaging and Appropriate Use Criteria. Dr. Soman is the current chair of the Imaging Council of the American College of Cardiology, Vice-President elect of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, and Immediate Past President of the Cardiovascular Council of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Dr. George M. Kakkanatt was recognized in Journalism and for Community Service. Dr. Kakkanatt, a former US Air Force Captain is a professional psychotherapist. George is one of the founding members and former Global General Secretary of the World Malayalee Council (WMC), Green Kerala Foundation, and ALTIUS youth program. He is the President of the South Indian US Chamber of Commerce and also the President of the Houston Chapter of India Press Club of NA. George is the Managing Director and Editor in Chief of Azchavattom Malayalam News weekly published from Houston. George received several awards for his creative commitment to serve the global community.

Leela Maret was honored for her community services. Ms. Maret has been doing superb job as a volunteer in many community organization for the last three decades. Working as a scientist for last 29 years at New York City’s Environmental Protection, Leela is also adjunct lecturer in Bronx Community College. Leela serves as Recording Secretary of Local Employees Union 375 for the city, delegate for Central Labor Council, FOKANA National Women’s Forum Chair, Vice President of South Asians for Labor and Vice President of INOC. She had served as the President of Kerala Samajam and in other capacities of several other organizations including FOKANA. She has helped to organize Asian Heritage, Diwali function at New York City Hall, Kerala Piravi and other events in Indian Consulate, actively participated in Voter Registration, taught Malayalam at St. John’s University, and took part in the testimony of redistricting of Richmond Hill to unite South Asians. She is the recipient of various Community awards such as NYC Comptroller’s Community Service award, and two Pravasi awards.

Captain Jophiel Philips was honored for his services to the Nation. Capt. Philips was born in Queens, New York, were he developed a passion for football leading him to earn a football scholarship at St. Francis Prep High School. He went on to play four years of college football, where he started at Wide Receiver. After coaching football at the University level, Capt Philips went to law school where he won numerous academic awards and was chosen to give the commencement speech. Capt Philips is a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Air Force. During his recent deployment, he was awarded the Purple Heart, as well as the Bronze Star, for his actions in protecting service members from harm, after an insurgent attack- where eight of his comrades died.

In his welcome address, Thampi Thalappillil, President of the Kerala Center, said, “The Kerala Center annual gala awards are rated as the most prestigious award given from among the Malayalee community in North America. Recipients are chosen after a rigorous search and scrutiny. It has been our endeavor to honor the best, and those who are and can be role models to the rest of the community.”

E M Stephen, a founding member and the Executive Director of the Center, in his vote of thanks, said, “From a modest beginning 23years ago, the Center has come a long way to play a vital role in the life of the NRI community in the United States.” He praised the six honorees for “showing the way” to the rest of the community, and the awards committee for their commitment to the task assigned to them.

Elegant and enchanting performances by a group of talented young Indian Americans trained by Mayura School of Arts from m New Jersey, dressed in colorful Indian traditional attire, dancing to the tune of Bollywood music won the hearts and minds all present at the Banquet Hall.

Earlier during the day, a day-long Indian American Entrepreneurs Meet and Technology Summit for Kerala III, with participants consisting of Malayalee academics, scientists, technologists, engineers, entrepreneurs and businessmen was held at the Kerala Center, Elmont, New York. Ms. Daisy Babeendran eloquently emceed the awards ceremony.

Over the past two decades, The Kerala Center has become a focal point for Indian Americans, coordinating programs, activities, and services to the members and groups of the community in the New York region. The Center has outgrown its initial objectives for which it was founded, and has become a facility that serves the various needs of the larger Indian American community.

Thousands of Indian Americans came together to celebrate “Kumbh Mela USA 2015” at the grounds of Excelsior High School in Norwalk, California on October 24th with ritualistic prayers and chants for peace. The ancient Indian tradition was celebrated as nearly three dozen temples from the United States and Canada came together to organize the Kumbh Mela, which is Hinduism’s mass pilgrimage. A daylong schedule included several re-enacted elements of the Hindu pilgrimage, appearances by an activist and an author, and a rain dance.

Kumbh Mela is the greatest pilgrimage and festival in the Hindu religion. The event is a religious and cultural spectacle, which occurs once in three years attracting millions from around the globe to take a dip in the holy waters of rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Kshipra and the mythical Saraswati. This event is the largest congregation in the history of mankind with more than 100 million people participating in 2014. At its heart, the mega event celebrates the power of spirituality, and the pull towards higher states of enlightened consciousness.

The Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP) has been organizing the Kumbh Mela in India since time immemorial. It is the apex body of Hinduism, including all the 13 Akhadas (houses of monks) and over 1 million sadhus (spiritual seekers). For the first time ever, the ABAP organized the Kumbh Mela outside India.

Shri Nithya Mukthananda traveled to Norwalk from Seattle, Wash., and coordinates the North American operations of the Nithyananda Hindu Temple. He explained the Kumbh Mela as a journey of spirituality. “Kumbh Mela is one of the most unique festivals in Hinduism, and it’s one of the most ancient festivals of Hinduism. It’s the largest gathering of humanity in the world. It is a celebration of the highest possibility of humanity. Enlightenment is one of the highest possibilities,” Mukthananda said. “In the process, it is people who are spiritually inclined from all walks of life to come together to celebrate life.”

Attendees celebrated life from the very beginning of the event. The Kumbh Mela began with a fire ritual, which lasted about 30 minutes. The fire ritual was followed by chants for world peace, the rain dance and procession, and then a Grand Holy Bath with consecrated water.

A rain dance performed by Danza Azteca Xochipilli brought unique energy to the Kumbh Mela and galvanized the participating temples who followed the dancers on a quarter-mile circle around the Excelsior High School grounds as part of the opening procession.

Chapters of the Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple from Phoenix, Seattle, Houston, San Jose, Toronto, St. Louis, Oklahoma and Ohio participated in the procession. A dance troupe representing Mexican and Aztec culture donned colorful headdresses, costumes and footwear as they danced their way around the school grounds asking Mother Nature’s blessings for rain.

A handful of booths were erected in one corner of the school grounds, where Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant prepared food for visitors. The event was also highlighted by an aarti, bhajans and appearances by authors Rajiv Malhotra and Stephen Knapp. Guests were provided with free food. “Hinduism is a celebration of life,” Mukthananda said.

Sabeen Ali, founder and CEO of AngelHack, Subha Barry, vice president and general manager of Working Mother Media, Kaushal Dugar, founder of Teabox, Fiza Farhan, CEO of the Buksh Foundation, Don Mohanlal, executive director of the National 4-H Council,  M.R. (Madhavan) Rangaswami, co-founder of the Sand Hill Group, Punit Renjen, CEO of Deloitte Global, and Paul Shrivastava, Executive Director of Future Earth are the six Indian Americans are among eight South Asians joining former Secretary of State Colin Powell and Walmart founder Sam Walton on the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’s inaugural list of “100 Influential Leaders.”

“Throughout the past 100 years, business graduates can be found across all facets and levels of commerce — in large corporations, small business, the nonprofit industry, the public sector and government alike — pioneering change, fostering global exchange, and improving quality of life,” noted the AACSB, in its announcement of the list Sept. 22.

“The story of how alumni have positively influenced society through their actions and ideas is one that should be told,” stated the Tampa, Florida-based organization, which will celebrate its centennial next year. “If told, the success stories of all business school graduates would fill immeasurable volumes.”

“The Influential Leaders Challenge recognizes business schools for their work in developing exceptional leaders and industry innovators, and the 100 individuals announced today represent a global medley of alumni, with diversity across industry, background, position, culture, gender and age,” said AACSB president Thomas Robinson in a press statement.

“We congratulate our inaugural group, and thank their nominating schools for providing both a solid business foundation, as well as the encouragement for all alumni to engender dramatic community or social change,” he said. AACSB-accredited colleges were allowed to submit their nominations for the list from April to June 2015.