Author: Ajay Ghosh

Rath Yatra Celebrated In New Jersey

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

An 18-feet wooden chariot seating newly-arrived idols of Jagannath (Sri Krishna), his elder brother Balarama and their younger sister Subhadra from India, the three gods central to Rath Yatra (chariot festival), an annual religious rite for Hindus, was pulled by scores of devotees at the Wayne Hindu Temple in New Jersey during the annual July 18 event.

Hundreds of people, both young and old, took part in the procession, including from New Jersey, New York, and also some from Pennsylvania. Men and women in colorful attire gathered early on to the scene for the festival organized by ICS-NJ Mahatma Gandhi Center & Lord Jagannath devotees.

Devotees pulled the chariots on each side of the Rath with great feelings of devotion. It was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and experience the great festivity. The sanctity of the festival is such that even a touch of the chariot or even the ropes with which these are pulled is considered enough to confer the results of several pious deeds or penance for ages.

A devotee associated with the event said that this year was very special for devotees due to Nabakalebara, the periodical renewal of the wooden images of the gods at Puri Temple in Odisha, India, the original abode of the4 gods. Devotees witnessed the rare Nabakalebara Rath Yatra, which comes every 12 years.

Rath Yatra festival marks the annual journey of three deities Lord Jagannath, brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from the temple in a splendidly decorated wooden chariot.

Mahapuja (worship) began with sacred yagna (fire ritual) around in late noon by priests Arvind Sastri and Pitambar Sarangi.

Temple officials like Dilliswar Sahu, Dhiren Das, Akhil Patel, Kaushik Patel and Jayesh Patel participated in the Nabakalebara puja. More than 600 hundred devotees attended the puja and the pahandi (ritual journey of the gods) followed by Chera Panhara (symbolic cleansing around the chariot) and pulling of the beautiful chariot.

“The devotees pulled the chariots with great tempo. It was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the festival. The sanctity of the festival is such that even a touch of the chariot or even the ropes with which these are pulled is considered equal enough to several pious deeds or penance for ages,” the devotee who identified himself as Pradeep, said.

Tota Singh, Minister for NRI Affairs in Punjab State Government Heckled in New York

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics 0

Tota Singh, Minister for NRI Affairs in Punjab State Government, was the target of wrath by hundreds of Sikhs in Richmond Hill, Queens, NY on July 19 who hurled him abuses as well as shoes for his alleged inaction to convict police officers involved in extra-judicial killings of thousands of innocent Sikhs during counter-insurgency operations in early 1990s

Tota Singh and other leaders from his Akali Dal Party were scheduled to address a meeting at Richmond Hill. But before that could take place hundreds of Sikhs protesting the visit and chanting slogans gathered at the venue, surrounding surrounded the area, according to group Sikhs for Justice, a Sikh rights monitor. New York police took to people to custody.

According to newspaper reports, the standoff between the Sikhs and Singh’s delegation continued for more than three hours and a heavy contingent of the New York Police was summoned at the scene.

“The North American Sikh groups are opposing the Akali Dal party for its failure to convict police officers involved in extra-judicial killings of thousands of innocent Sikhs during counter-insurgency operations in early 1990s,” SFJ legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said.

Tota Singh led a delegation to the United States and Canada to garner support of the Punjabi Diaspora for the 2017 state Assembly elections.

“We will not allow Akali leaders to visit America and challenge those Sikhs who oppose Akali policies and have taken political asylum for their political views,” organizer of the protest rally Himmat Singh said, according to Indian newspaper reports.

The ruling Akali Dal said in a statement in state capital Chandigarh that the attack in New York was an act of “frustration” by some “vested interests” who do not want the Akalis to paint a true picture of Punjab abroad. In an apparent bid to get political mileage the opposition Congress party described the incident as “manifestation of the anger that NRI Punjabis, particularly the Sikhs, have against Badal (current state chief minister) and his government for their hollow promises and failure on all fronts.”

Indian Govt. Rejects Devyani Khobragade’s Plea for Dual Citizenship for Her Children

Ajay GhoshCommunity, India, Politics 0

The Government of India has rejected IFS officer Devyani Khobragade’s plea seeking dual citizenship for her children, who are American nationals, saying Indian law does not allow this. Khobragade, who was India’s deputy consul-general in New York when she was arrested and charged with visa fraud, had recently approached the Home Ministry officials with the plea.

“We have conveyed to Khobragade that her children are not eligible for dual citizenship and hence her plea cannot be processed,” a senior Home Ministry official said. Her daughters were born in India but accepted U.S. citizenship as Khobragade’s husband is an American national. The IFS officer is accused of suppressing this fact to her employer, Ministry of External Affairs. The children held Indian passports, too.

After coming to know that Khobragade’s daughters held American passports, the MEA revoked the children’s Indian passports. She has challenged the decision in the Delhi High Court. The government took the action as dual citizenship is only applicable to those children who were born outside India. Khobragade’s daughters were born in Mumbai. Children of foreign diplomats, who are born in India, are given dual citizenship till the period of their parents’ service in India.

The government recently told the Delhi High Court that Khobragade obtained U.S. and Indian passports for her two daughters in violation of Indian law, without informing the MEA. This, it argued, raises serious questions about her “trustworthiness and integrity.” “Devyani Khobragade’s submission that the U.S. passports were only used for travel to U.S.A. does not in any way dilute the gravity and seriousness of her misdemeanor and are blatant violations of Indian Passports Act,” it said.

Ali Najmi Declares Candidacy For New York City Council

Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Ali Najmi, a South Asian American, has declared his candidacy for New York City Council. Ali, a Democrat, is running to win from District 23, in this section of Queens — heavily populated by South Asian families, many of which have immigrated from India.  It’s a tight-knit community, an ethnic enclave, and should Najmi win the race this fall, he will become the first elected official of South Asian descent in the history of New York City. The district’s seat became vacant this June after Councilman Mark Weprin resigned to take a position in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration.

Najmi — a 30-year-old defense attorney who previously served as Weprin’s legislative director and recently nabbed an endorsement from 2014 gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout — is hoping his résumé and strong ties to the community will help him win what is expected to be a crowded Democratic primary in September. And in this community, being a South Asian kid from the neighborhood does indeed go a long way.

Ali Najmi said he is running for the City Council to make sure that all communities are respected and included in the City’s public holidays, and for this Diwali should be acknowledged as an important holiday

“I urge Mayor Bill de Blasio to demonstrate to our community the respect we deserve by adding Diwali to the public school holiday calendar. Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddist communities should have their holiday recognized. It is right thing to do and it is the New York thing to do. New York has a wonderful tradition of adapting to the needs of new and growing communities. Let’s continue that tradition by adding Diwali to the school calendar,” he said July 13.

New York is home to well over 250,000 adherents to these faiths, and recognition of Diwali as a public school holiday will be an important acknowledgement of their countless contributions to this great city, the campaigners said last week.

“Ali Najmi will be a Council Member that fights for all communities to get the recognition that they deserve. We are proud to stand with him today to call on the Department of Education to recognize Diwali as a school holiday,” said Pam Kwatra, Founder and Chair of South Asian 4 Better Choice.

Ali Najmi, a defense attorney, was honored by the New Kings Democrats for his work as a community organizer. Ali has led successful efforts to increase funding for youth programs in his community and he has r​allied to improve local public schools and expand library service.

He has worked closely with labor unions as the political director of the Alliance of South Asian American Labor (ASAAL) . Ali is a co-founder of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York and is the past president of the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club.

Bhavuk Uppal Could Face 50-year Sentence for Drunk Driving

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

New York, NY: Bhavuk Uppal, an Indian American, accused of driving with suspended license and allegedly killing three people in a New Jersey road accident, faces up to 50 years in prison if convicted on the second degree multiple count charges, media report said here last week.

Bhavuk Uppal, 22, was driving drunk and allegedly hit a car that, in turn, crashed into an SUV, on July 10. The car had three occupants – a young pregnant women, her husband and their infant child. Uppal who has a long history of motor vehicle violations, has been charged with three counts of death by automobile, two counts of assault by automobile, causing death or injury and possession of drug paraphernalia as well as driving while intoxicated, media reports stated.

“He has infractions for speeding, unsafe driving, driving without a license, fictitious plates, reckless driving, driving while suspended and has been involved in multiple crashes,” prosecutor Matthew Brown was quoted as saying. The authorities were awaiting results from the blood alcohol levels tests.

“If the charges are to remain at second degree, he could be jailed for 50 years. If upgraded, it could be life,” added chief assistant prosecutor Matthew Troiano. Meanwhile, Morristown Superior Court Judge William McGovern has increased Uppal’s bail from the initial $300,000 with no 10 percent option to $750,000 with no 10 percent option. Uppal is currently in the Morristown County Correctional Facility and the next court hearing is set for August 11.

Stars of New York City Ballet, Indian Kathak Dance, and Chinese Kunqu Opera Share Stage

Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Women 0

Renowned former ballerina Wendy Whelan, explosive dynamo Indian Kathak dancer Parul Shah, and effervescent Kunqu opera star Qian Yi came together on stage in New York last month to explore the connections of their performing arts forms. The program took place as part of Asia Society’s annual View points series, which highlights new ideas in the creative world.

Each of the three performers represented a rich classical tradition. Ballet is the quintessential Western classical dance form; Kathak is one of eight classical forms of Indian dance which originated with Sanskrit storytellers in ancient India; and Kunqu opera, one of the oldest forms of classical Chinese opera, combines dance, music, and theater. Each form incorporates rigorous physical training, requires incredible aestheticism and aesthetic understanding, and embodies the history of power in its respective culture over hundreds of years.

For the program, the three performers each gave demonstrations of their respective forms, including two presentations of exquisite footage featuring Qian and Whelan in Slow Dancing, a video installation by photographer and videographer David Michalek. The demonstration finale included all three performers on stage together.

Viewpoints: Classical Connections explored aesthetic beauty, the female form, and innovation as manifested across cultures: from Qian’s serious performance and humorous anecdotes, to Whelan’s rendition of the 18th century French courtiers putting on airs and stuffy walks in well heeled feet that was the precursor of ballet, to the Persian influence of the Mughal Court where the dynamic Kathak dance was born.

The three women who shared the stage have shaped the dance world and now use their art to redefine dance. For those who might have wondered how their dance forms could ever be related, it became clear in their strict classicism, rigorous technique and aesthetic language.

The program was followed by a patron dinner, where the conversations continued. Attendees included choreographer Shen Wei, dancer Rajika Puri, and American Dance Festival Founder (and 1960 curator of performing arts at Asia Society) Charles Reinhardt, capping off an evening in which the history of the Asia Society’s work in the world of dance was vividly on display.

Classical Connections takes a global perspective in comparing classical performance traditions, featuring three of the finest interpreters of these forms: Wendy Whelan, former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet; Parul Shah, celebrated performer of India’skathak dance; and Qian Yi, Chinese kunqu opera star. Each of these dancers has dedicated their lives to the study and performance of their form, and now are pushing the boundaries to explore new territory inspired by tradition. How will the future of these classical connections be influenced by these new directions? The program will consist of short dance demonstrations and screenings of footage from Slow Dancing by photographer/videographer David Michaelek, followed by a panel discussion with these three extraordinary artists.

Parul Shah is an internationally acclaimed Kathak dancer and choreographer
Parul Shah is an internationally acclaimed Kathak dancer and choreographer

Parul Shah is an internationally acclaimed Kathak dancer and choreographer whose work is expanding the classical medium beyond cultural boundaries. With a dedication to excellence, Shah preserves the form’s aesthetic integrity while developing a unique and powerful vocabulary. Behind Shah’s work is decades of rigorous Kathak training under the world-renowned guru and choreographer, Padmashree Kumudini Lakhia. Ms. Lakhia’s pioneering work revitalized the form for 20th century audiences, and her training has produced forward-thinking Kathak artists with original voices. “Parul Shah …. brought the house down. Her sources are splendidly hybrid: contemporary dance, the Kathak technique of north India, the female temple-court artists of south India. ‘” – New York Times

Her work includes both traditional and contemporary solo and group choreography. Parul’s New York studio is home to both the parul shah dance company and her training facility. With an M.A. in dance education from Columbia University specializing in Indian classical movement, Parul has been teaching Kathak in the pure form for over 20 years. She has presented her solo and group works at major venues around the world, including City Center’s Fall for Dance Festival in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C, Asia Society in New York, Jacobs Pillow in MA and at the Japan Forum Foundation in Japan. She has collaborated on numerous international projects and presented in Asia, Europe, and North America.

UC Irvine Computer Scientist Wins $250K Award for Young Scientists

Ajay GhoshBusiness, Science & Technology 0

IRVINE, Calif. — Syed Ali Jafar, a University of California-Irvine computer scientist who has changed the world’s understanding of the capacity of wireless networks, last month won the 2015 Blavatnik National Award for Young Scientists in physical sciences and engineering.

One of three winners chosen from among 300 candidates from highly ranked American universities and research institutions, Jafar will receive a $250,000 unrestricted cash prize and a medal in September at New York’s Museum of Natural History.

A professor of electrical engineering and computer science, Jafar explores the fundamental performance limits of wireless communication networks. Determining network capacity — the maximum data rates that can be reliably supported — is the holy grail of network information theory, according to Jafar and others.

And with the rapid growth of wireless communication networks, the quest has taken on unprecedented urgency. Jafar’s research group has gained worldwide recognition for its numerous seminal contributions to this topic, including its groundbreaking work on interference alignment in wireless networks.

This research found that data rates are not limited by the number of devices sharing the radio frequency spectrum, a discovery that changed the thinking about how wireless networks should be designed.

“This is a truly remarkable result that has a tremendous impact on both information theory and the design of wireless networks,” one of the judges, Paul Horn, senior vice provost for research at New York University, stated in a UCI press release.

Jafar became interested in science in high school. “Einstein’s E=mc2 captured my imagination,” he said. The equation made him wonder about how something so profound could be so simple and beautiful – and it became his lifelong dream to pursue beauty through science.

As a graduate student studying information theory at the California Institute of Technology, Jafar found similar elegance in the formula describing the capacity of an information channel. He realized that much about the capacity of communication networks was still unknown and made it his life’s work to solve the mystery.

Jafar earned a B.Tech. degree at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, an M.S. at Caltech and a Ph.D. at Stanford University, all in electrical engineering. He’s a fellow of the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, and he recently received the UCI Academic Senate’s Distinguished Mid-Career Faculty Award for Research.

Jafar was also recognized as a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher and included by ScienceWatch among the World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds in 2014.

Devendra Fadnavis Keynotes 2015 Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal Convention

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Over 4,000 people packed the Anaheim Convention Center here July 3-5 to attend the 17th biennial convention of the Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal, which was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Fadnavis, who was on a visit to the U.S., told his audience — greeting them in Marathi — he was pleased with the theme of the convention, “Maitra Peedhyanche,” as there were many generations of Maharashtrians living in the U.S. now, and it provided an occasion to celebrate the “sanskriti” of all generations.

The chief minister said he wished to connect the different American Marathi generations with the different Marathi generations back home in Maharashtra. During his speech, which was heartily applauded by the attendees, Fadnavis spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, and stressed that it will succeed only if “we embark on ‘Make in Maharashtra’.”

Urging the Indian Americans in the audience to invest in Maharashtra, the chief minister spoke of how “India is young” and that it can provide human resources to the entire world, adding that the average age of India’s population is only 25. There will be a “red carpet” for investors, he emphasized, not “red tape.”

Inviting the audience members to come and visit Maharashtra, Fadnavis said the state has many unexplored tourist spots, from beaches to jungles, and offered a 25 percent discount to anyone booking through the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.

On the occasion, the chief minister also unveiled the convention’s Smaranika, or souvenir book, as well as a tri-monthly magazine by the Maharashtra Government — Maharashtra Unlimited.

The three-day convention actually began July 2, termed a pre-convention day, that included many seminars such as a Business seminar for accomplished Marathi businessmen wishing to network. Among the main speakers were Harsha Bhogale, a well known cricket commentator, and his wife Anita Bhogale. Also featured was a business plan competition.

Among other features of the convention were Continuing Medical Education provided for physicians, and a panel, “La Cinema,” which offered an opportunity for discussions on the movie industry. Several Marathi film personalities took part in the discussions, along with those from Hollywood, such as the team from “Outsourced.”

Phone notifications kill concentration: Study

Ajay GhoshScience & Technology 0

Mobile phone notifications can ruin your focus even if you do not actually pick up the phone to respond to them, a study says. “Although these notifications are generally short in duration, they can prompt task-irrelevant thoughts, or mind wandering, which has been shown to damage task performance,” lead study author Cary Stothart was quoted as saying.

“We found that notifications alone significantly disrupted performance on an attention-demanding task, even when participants did not directly interact with a mobile device during the task,” Stothart said. Study authors, Ainsley Mitchum, and Courtney Yehnert ran volunteers through an attention-monitoring test to reach their conclusions.

Participants were found to perform significantly worse on a task when their phones were buzzing or ringing. In fact, they were three times more likely to make mistakes. The level of distraction was comparable to actually answering a phone call or writing a text message.

“If you really want to keep your mind on a task, just ignoring your phone notifications is not enough. You need to disable them altogether,” the researchers said. An earlier study from Rice University found that phones can be detrimental to learning process. The research said while users initially believed the mobile devices would improve their ability to perform well with homework and tests and ultimately get better grades, the opposite was reported at the end of the study.

Sunita Viswanath Honored As ‘Champion of Change’

Ajay GhoshEnvironment, Women 0

Sunita Viswanath was among 12 faith leaders who was honored as “Champion of Change” on July 20 for their continuous efforts towards climate change. Viswanath, who has worked in women’s and human rights organisations for almost three decades, “is being honored for her work to encourage Hindus in protecting environment and communities from the effects of climate change,” the White House said in a statement.

Viswanath is co-founder and active board member of the 14-year old women’s human rights organisation Women for Afghan Women (WAW).

“Sunita is also co-founder and board member of Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus, living and building a Hinduism that prioritises social justice, and upholding the Hindu principles of ekatva (oneness), ahimsa (non-violence) and sadhana (faith in action).”

Through our grassroots green project, Project Prithvi, we mobilize Hindus, especially the youth, to live out the principle of ahimsa by taking care of the environment. We have adopted a beach in Jamaica Bay, New York, where Hindus worship almost every day. Devotees place their offerings into the bay, but the offerings wash up on shore and become entangled with all the other litter lining the beach – beer bottles, Styrofoam containers, used condoms. It is deeply painful to see our religious offerings, broken idols, trays of flowers and fruits, fabrics that had adorned the deities, washed up on the beach as garbage. We reach out to local Hindu temples, and we enlist priests to help us advocate to devotees that it is important to worship in more environmentally friendly ways. We mobilize temple-goers to come to the beach with us on a monthly basis, and together we clean up the beach. At every beach cleanup, devotees tell us how hurt they are to see broken idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi lying face down in the dirt. Rivers and oceans are considered sacred by Hindus, as are trees, all life forms, and the Earth herself.

 “I have always been secure in my identity as a Hindu,” she told the media. “Growing up, I thought a lot about faith and religion, but I also had a very strong sense of social justice, what was fair. I imbibed profound lessons of love and justice from my religious upbringing, from the stories we were told, the prayers we learned, the texts we read. I went on as an adult to devote my life to advancing social justice causes, particularly women’s human rights. If Hinduism cares deeply about all people and all living beings, then there must be an active, vocal Hindu movement for social justice and human rights today.”

Through our grassroots green project, Project Prithvi, we mobilize Hindus, especially the youth, to live out the principle of ahimsa by taking care of the environment. We have adopted a beach in Jamaica Bay, New York, where Hindus worship almost every day. Devotees place their offerings into the bay, but the offerings wash up on shore and become entangled with all the other litter lining the beach – beer bottles, Styrofoam containers, used condoms. It is deeply painful to see our religious offerings, broken idols, trays of flowers and fruits, fabrics that had adorned the deities, washed up on the beach as garbage. We reach out to local Hindu temples, and we enlist priests to help us advocate to devotees that it is important to worship in more environmentally friendly ways. We mobilize temple-goers to come to the beach with us on a monthly basis, and together we clean up the beach. At every beach cleanup, devotees tell us how hurt they are to see broken idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi lying face down in the dirt. Rivers and oceans are considered sacred by Hindus, as are trees, all life forms, and the Earth herself.

Through our grassroots green project, Project Prithvi, we mobilize Hindus, especially the youth, to live out the principle of ahimsa by taking care of the environment. We have adopted a beach in Jamaica Bay, New York, where Hindus worship almost every day. Devotees place their offerings into the bay, but the offerings wash up on shore and become entangled with all the other litter lining the beach – beer bottles, Styrofoam containers, used condoms. It is deeply painful to see our religious offerings, broken idols, trays of flowers and fruits, fabrics that had adorned the deities, washed up on the beach as garbage. We reach out to local Hindu temples, and we enlist priests to help us advocate to devotees that it is important to worship in more environmentally friendly ways. We mobilize temple-goers to come to the beach with us on a monthly basis, and together we clean up the beach. At every beach cleanup, devotees tell us how hurt they are to see broken idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi lying face down in the dirt. Rivers and oceans are considered sacred by Hindus, as are trees, all life forms, and the Earth herself. Born in Chennai, Viswanath is known as a fierce leader whose passion for women’s rights and faith-based activism has made her a beacon of hope for the people of New York City.

Sunita Viswanath
Sunita Viswanath

A central component of Sadhana is Project Prithvi, which is an environmental initiative.

As part of Project Prithvi, Sadhana is involved with cleaning up a beach in Jamaica Bay, Queens which is a place of worship for Hindus.

Sadhana has officially adopted this beach, conducts regular clean-ups, and also does outreach through Hindu temples to advocate that Hindus worship in environmentally conscious ways, said the interfaithcenter.org. Viswanath was a 2011 recipient of the “Feminist Majority Foundation’s Global Women’s Rights Award” for her work with WAW.

She lives in Brooklyn in New York with her husband Stephan Shaw and their three sons — Gautama, Akash and Satya.

U.S. Company To Pay $20 M To Exploited Indian Guest Workers

Ajay GhoshBusiness, Community 0

It took 7 long years to get justice for some 200 Indian guest workers defrauded by a major U.S. company, but they stuck it out say their American lawyers, and victory was theirs’ when on July 14, Signal International, a Gulf Coast marine services company decided it would rather pay a total of $20 million to them than face 11 more lawsuits pending in southern courts, media reports here say.

In February this year, Signal International had to cough up $14.4 million in a jury ruling to five Indian guest workers, one of the largest settlements of its kind in U.S. history. The ruling was based on the finding that the company and its agents engaged in labor trafficking, fraud, racketeering and discrimination. The jury also found that one of the plaintiffs was a victim of false imprisonment and retaliation.

In a video posted on the SPLC website, Daniel Warner, SPLC senior supervising attorney in the case described the “dangerous” working conditions for these skilled men in the bowels of the oil rigs and pointed to the huge profits Signal made off their backs after bringing them to this country on false promises. The case was the first of the dozen lawsuits against Signal to go to trial. Now with this an additional settlement of around $6 million to resolve the 11 pending cases, the total of more than $20 million makes it one of the largest labor trafficking cases in U.S. history settled in workers’ favor.

The 11 pending cases were also spearheaded by the Southern Poverty Law Center against Signal along with the leading law firm Crowell & Moring, LLP, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Coschignano & Baker, and the Louisiana Justice Institute.

Signal, based in Mobile, Alabama, will issue an apology to guest workers who also sued in Texas and Louisiana. The agreement has yet to be approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court as the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. “We are happy to have reached an agreement and hope to see it quickly approved by the court,” Jim Knoepp, SPLC deputy legal director is quoted saying in a release. “These workers have waited seven long years for justice.”

The settlement, he said also serves as a warning to companies that might exploit guest workers.

2 Indian-Americans Help US Win Math Olympiad Championship

Ajay GhoshCommunity, Sports, Youth 0

Shyam Narayanan, 17, and Yang Liu, 18, two Indian-American youth, along with four other teenagers, took the U.S. mathematics team to the top at the 56th International Mathematical Olympiad, IMO, after a gap of 21 years. They competed against teams from 100 countries.

Glowing with pride at the victory ceremony July 14 after the gruelling competitions in Chiang Mai, Thailand which lasted from July 3 to 13, the young team is an epitome of what America means – a multicultural society whose immigrant populations have enabled it to gain recognition around the world. The six-member team had 3 Caucasians, one Chinese, one part Chinese and Indian, and 1 of Indian origin. “That diversity is a part of our culture,” Po Shen Loh, the national coach of the team, an associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA, told News India Times.

Shyam Narayanan and Yang Liu are special people, their coach said. While both Narayanan’s parents are of Indian origin, Liu’s father is Indian whose last name is Patil, and Liu sometimes uses that as his last name as well, and his mother is of Chinese origin. The parents’ names were not available by press time. Narayanan is a student at Blue Valley West High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and is enrolled in the Program for Research in Math, Engineering and Sciences, PRIMES-USA, at the Center for Advanced Professional Studies, CAPS, based in Augusta, Georgia.

Members of the U.S. team included Ryan Alweiss, Allen Liu, Yang Liu, Narayanan, and David Stoner, all of whom were awarded gold medals, and Michael Kural, who earned a silver medal, just one point away from the gold. The last time the U.S. team took first place was in 1994.

India highest recipient of US economic assistance: USAID

Ajay GhoshBusiness, Finance/Economy, India, Politics 0

Washington, DC: India is tipped to be the second largest economy in the world with the GDP going to be second only to China by 2050. Today, it is the third largest economy in the world after the US and China. However, the US, the largest economy in the world today has been providing assistance to India more than any other nation in the world.

The US provided $65.1 billion as economic assistance to India between 1946 and 2012, according to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) statistics.

It was the highest among the economic assistance provided to 200 countries and regions by the US during the period. USAID is the lead US government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realise their potential.

The data, which was inflation adjusted, shows India received $65.1 billion in economic assistance, followed closely by Israel, which got $65 billion. Pakistan, which received a total of $44.4 billion from the US, was among the top five countries of the total 200 nations and regions getting the economic assistance.

Indian economic aid was spread over various sectors and programs, including child survival and health, development assistance, HIV/AIDS initiatives, migration and refugee assistance, food aid and narcotics control. Some $26 billion of the total aid was provided for various USAID programs.

In comparison, of the total economic assistance provided to Pakistan, $13.8 billion was given for USAID programs, while $13.7 billion was attributed to the Economic Support Fund and Security Support Assistance.

Companies in India create thousands of U.S. jobs

Ajay GhoshBusiness, Science & Technology 0

Arun Singh with President ObamaA remarkable story that has often escaped public attention in the overall context of the vibrant India-U.S. relationship is that Indian companies have been pouring investment dollars into businesses in the U.S. and creating tens of thousands of American jobs. A new report from the Confederation of Indian Industry and the accounting firm Grant Thornton reveals that not only is Indian investment in the U.S. large, it’s also extremely widespread and clearly growing.

The 100 Indian-based companies surveyed for the study have made an aggregate $15.3 billion investment in their U.S. operations. That, in turn, has created 91,000 jobs in the U.S., which by any measure is a substantial contribution to the American economy. Those jobs are scattered throughout the country. In fact, the survey found that Indian companies have a presence in all 50 states.

The U.S. isn’t just a favored destination for the time being; it is likely to remain attractive for Indian investors for years. When asked if they plan to invest in the U.S. in the next five years, 84.5 percent of the Indian companies surveyed said yes. Only 4 percent said no. Asked if they plan to hire more employees locally in the U.S. over the next five years, 90 percent of the companies answered in the affirmative.

The survey also challenges the greatest stereotype about the kinds of Indian companies in the U.S. They are not all information technology companies. Far from it. In the U.S., IT comprises 40 percent of Indian-company investment, according to the survey. The rest is highly diversified. Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and health care companies make up 14 percent of Indian investment here. Another 14 percent are manufacturers and mining companies. 16 percent offer financial, engineering, construction and entertainment services. The remainder is companies in the automotive, energy, hospitality and food businesses.

The average investment received from Indian companies per state is substantial: $433 million. The top five states with the highest volume of investment – $1 billion or more – are Texas ($3.85 billion), Pennsylvania ($3.56 billion), Minnesota ($1.8 billion), New York ($1.01 billion) and New Jersey ($1 billion).

In terms of employment generated by Indian companies, the top five states are New Jersey and California, each with about 9,000 jobs, Texas (6,000 jobs), Illinois (5,000 jobs) and New York (4,000 jobs).

Arun Singh with NRIsAll of these numbers have been rising steadily, a sign that the U.S. market is among the strongest investment destinations in the world. These substantial investments are also a testament to the trust and openness that India and the U.S. enjoy both at the people-to-people and government-to-government levels. According to Select USA, India is now the fourth-fastest growing source of foreign direct investment into the United States. The significant and growing contributions of Indian investments in the U.S. remain a vital component of the bilateral relationship.

American firms, of course, have long been major investors in India. Foreign direct investment by U.S. firms in India has been more than $1 billion a year. Efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make economic growth a hallmark of his administration have accelerated U.S. investment there.

India has been lowering barriers to investment and encouraging business expansion. For example, the Indian government has over the past year raised limits on foreign investment in sectors such as insurance, medical devices, railways and defense. This will no doubt provide myriad opportunities for U.S. companies to increase their presence in India and will strengthen Indian companies so that they can enlarge their footprint in the U.S.

The exchange is good for both nations and should be encouraged. The U.S. and India have much in common. They are the largest democracies in the world. They are also economic powerhouses that are helping each other grow in a dynamic global marketplace. We have a stake in each other’s economic future – and that future is very bright.

Arun K. Singh is India’s ambassador to the U.S.

US committed to take partnership with India still higher: Joe Biden

Ajay GhoshFinance/Economy, India, Politics, U.S. 0

“We are committed to take this relationship further” for the well being of both the US and India as also for the advancement of the international community, Joe Biden said suggesting that the world was “at the cusp of another sea change decade.” To seize this “historic moment, Biden said “the US was pursuing a strategy of rebalancing to the Asia Pacific region” and “America’s deepening friendship with India is an indispensable part of our Asia rebalance strategy.”

“US-India partnership has reached a new level” under President Barack Obama, he said last week in keynote speech on the future of the US-India partnership to mark the tenth anniversary of the landmark India-US civil nuclear deal. The nuclear deal “removed the single largest irritant in the relationship between the two greatest democracies,” he said on the conclusion of a conference hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

“Together we transformed the bilateral relationship into a global partnership based on shared values, interests, responsibilities,” he said. “All of these will go to shape the next century if we stay the course. India’s Act East and US Rebalance in Asia is good news for the region as well as good news for the partnership,” he said.

The joint strategic vision for the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean region that Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had issued in January “serves as a beacon,” Biden said. “And every day we are working to try to make this vision a reality,” he said recalling that Obama had during his January visit to India had “declared that the US can be India’s best partner.”

“That’s our goal,” he said. “Change is taking place,” Biden said. “It’s a historic moment in the world, let’s seize it. We have a chance to bend history just a little bit,” he said. “This is one of those moments when our common interests are going to continue to converge and our countries have the potential to reach new heights.”

Earlier, addressing the Conference, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Nisha Desai Biswal recalled that “Ten years ago, access to nuclear, space, and other forms of high technology were among the most contentious issues between India and the United States.”

“Today those issues are part of the foundation on which we’re building a lasting partnership,” she said.

“In defence, the US is now India’s largest supplier, and we are launching new co-development and co-production projects that will expand our ties and advance Prime Minister Modi’s Make in India initiative,” she noted.

“Clearly, our relationship with the US has transformed rapidly in the last ten years to become a full-spectrum relationship, covering virtually all fields of human endeavour,” said the Indian ambassador Arun Singh.

Indian ambassador Arun Singh
Indian ambassador Arun Singh

“It is now embedded in the larger vision of a global strategic partnership,” he said asserting “that no relationship between India and another country can today match the range, depth, quality and intensity of the India-US partnership. Going forward, I see the US continuing to play a role in India’s transformation, and see India and the US joining hands to make the world a better place for our two nations and the rest of the world,” Singh said.

Eid-Ul-Fitr Celebrations Bring Over 8000 Devout Muslims Naperville

Ajay GhoshCommunity, Social Media 0

Naperville, IL: On Friday July 17th, 2015 Muslims from all over the Naperville and suburb areas joyfully bustled into the Ashyana Banquets to join the celebrations of Eid Ul-Fitr. While there were various venues that held Eid prayers throughout the region, the largest turnouts were at the Ashyana Banquets where arrangements for Eid prayers were made by the Islamic Center of Naperville (ICN) in three spells, at 8:30 am, at 10:00 am, and at 11:30 am. The Imam for the first session of the Eid prayers was Dr. Omar Hedroug, for second session, Mr. Rizwan Ali, and for the Third session, Dr. Wali Khan.

Over 8000 devout Muslims, including Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, with family , Mr. Aadil Farid, President, ICN, Mr. Ashfaq Hussain Syed, a committed social activist, Mr. Sami Siddiqi, Mr.Shoaib Khadri, Mr Zahyr Siddiqi, Dr Aqeel Mohiuddin, Dr Adil Ahmed Mohiuddin, Dr Kaleem Khan, Dr Muzafar, Mr Masood Quadri and prominent Businessmen, Professionals, and Community Leaders, attended the Eid prayers .

Women in vibrant colored dresses, men in ethnic outfits and children, smiling and laughing, filled the parking lots and poured into the Ashyana Banquets . Volunteers of the Eid Committee of the ICN open-heartedly welcomed the incoming persons so as to ensure that every one of them was able to partake in the Eid prayers, without any inconvenience. Despite the large numbers, the volunteers of the ICN, the Glenbard Security Inc, and the staff of the Ashyana Banquets were able to direct the crowds effortlessly and efficiently.

Imam and Residential Scholar of the ICN, Mufti Rizwan Ali, delivered an inspiring talk on the good deeds performed by the Muslims during the month of Ramadan and the generous rewards promised by Allah SWT to them. He stated that in the present day world, which is characterized by widespread immorality, the practice of giving and taking of interest, intake of intoxicants, etc., the Muslims, across the globe, engaged themselves in fasting, praying, and the reading of Qur’an. “This is, therefore, an occasion to rejoice and celebrate as Allah SWT has enabled us to be on the right path as shown by Him in the Holy Qur’an, despite multifarious distractions”, he added.

Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, the Consul General of India, while extending his warmest wishes to Muslims in the United States and around the world on the occasion of the Eid-Ul-Fitr, stated that while Eid marks the completion of Ramadan, it is an occasion to celebrate the common values that reinforce the obligations that people of all faiths have towards each other. “Ramadan is not only a special occasion for fasting and praying but also a month-long rigorous training program for inculcating the values of discipline, patience, caring for the poor, and respect for the fellow beings, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion”, opined Dr. Ausaf Sayeed. He urged that the values learnt during the month of Ramadan should by diligently practiced throughout the year. “Ramadan is simply about loving one another, offering friendship to fellow beings, and living in peace and harmony”, he added.

Mr. Aadil Farid, President, ICN , stated that the month of Ramadan is considered a blessed month in which the Holy Quran was revealed. He stated that the month of Ramadan is an occasion for spiritual uplifting, softening the heart and humbling oneself, sharing and caring, seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT, extending forgiveness to others, and seeking mercy of Allah SWT and praying for the same to others. “ The ICN community, which comprises over 3500 families, representing India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Somalia, Iraq, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and various other countries,addresses the needs of Muslims as well as those who belong to other religions. ICN works very closely with people of other faiths to serve humanity, and encourages its members to follow the principles of Tolerance, Justice, Peace and Progress”, added Mr. Aadil Farid.

“The sacred month of Ramadan is a time of sacrifice and reflection. Ramadan offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to peace and justice through the power of faith. Ramadan reminds us that our common bonds far outweigh our differences. I wish everyone a blessed and meaningful Eid-ul-Fitr.  I extend my warmest wishes to the Muslim community of Illinois on this occasion”, said Mr. Ashfaq Hussain Syed, a committed social activist.

Doctor sentenced to 71 months in federal prison for health insurance fraud

Ajay GhoshCommunity, Health 0

Dipak Desai, 65, an Indian-origin doctor has been sentenced to 71 months in a federal prison and ordered to repay over $2.2 million for health insurance fraud, the Federal Bureau of investigation announced last week.

Desai, who ran an endoscopy centre, overcharged the US health insurance systems for senior citizens and for the poor as well as private health insurers for providing anesthesia services, according to Daniel G. Bogden the Nevada federal prosecutor. The Las Vegas doctor, who had pleaded guilty to conspiracy and health care fraud, was sentenced by federal Judge Larry R. Hicks. Desai.

“Dr. Desai intentionally defrauded the federal health care system for his own personal enrichment,” Bogden said. “We are hopeful this closes a long and sordid chapter of harm caused to the people and businesses of Nevada.”

An FBI press release said that Desai and his endoscopy company’s chief operating officer Tonya Rushing “imposed intense pressure on the endoscopy center employees to schedule and treat as many patients as possible in a day, and instructed the nurse anesthetists to overstate in their records the amount of time they spent on the anesthesia procedures.” Rushing was earlier sentenced to a year in jail for her role in the scam.

Nikki Haley For Vice President?

Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S., Women 0

There are rumors across the nation that the GOP is actively considering South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to be its vice presidential candidate after her handling of the June 17 Charleston shooting and its aftermath. Politicians and pundits alike applauded Haley, a 43-year-old Indian-American, for raising bipartisan support to take down the controversial Confederate flag from state grounds. Some predicted the buzz could carry over into a 2016 nomination.

David Beasley, the last Republican governor who took on the Confederate flag, which had fluttered in front of the 19th-century capitol building for 54 years, in 1996 “lost his job,” noted Politico, an influential Washington news site, but “Nikki Haley may get a promotion.”

“Her VP stock is probably on the rise again at the moment,” Republican analyst Ford O’Connell told the Hill, going on to say that she could appeal to young, female and minority voters — groups the GOP has historically had trouble capturing. “She could stop the bleeding of women to Hillary Clinton,” he added.

The move attracted praise immediately, but it also fed speculation about Haley’s future. Her term in South Carolina runs through January 2019, though many have wondered if she’ll cut her time short to run in 2016.

Haley herself has remained quiet on the issue. After winning re-election last year, she wrote a statement that “speculation is just that.” In 2013, at a campaign stop attended by GOP contenders Rick Perry, Scott Walker and Bobby Jindal, she was more specific, telling reporters her campaign for governor didn’t mean “something national.”

“Haley’s decisive action to drive the final removal of the banner from statehouse grounds quickly and relatively cleanly in the glare of the national spotlight proved a well-timed audition for higher office ahead of the 2016 Republican veepstakes,” it suggested. “Nikki showed leadership in this instance, and she represents a new Republican face in the South,” strategist Steve Schmidt, who managed John McCain’s 2008 presidential bid, told Politico.

“Campaign 2016 has already devolved into theatre and absurdity,” wrote Doug Heye, a former communications director for the Republican National Committee, in the Wall Street Journal but “Haley recently showed that politics and government can still live up to our best ideals.”

“Haley’s words, actions, poise, and determination-her courage-over the past month have helped her state heal,” he said noting “Speculation has increased about her potential as 2016 vice-presidential nominee.”

“Other state figures had faltered when confronting the legacy of the Confederate flag and pushing for its removal. But Haley’s quick call for it to be taken off has allowed her to bask in glowing reviews,” said CNN.

“The once-rising star, whose shine had faded after her 2010 gubernatorial victory, has emerged from the flag battle as the face of the ‘new South,’” it said. Shortly after the removal of the Confederate flag from statehouse grounds, Haley told CNN that placing the flag there in 2000 was a poor decision.

“I think the more important part is it should have never been there,” she said. “These grounds are a place that everybody should feel a part of. What I realized now more than ever is people were driving by and felt hurt and pain. No one should feel pain.”

Haley, the youngest current governor in the US and the first woman and the first Indian American to serve as Governor of South Carolina, had previously been a supporter of the flag as a symbol of Southern heritage honoring residents’ ancestors.

But it was after a week of funerals for the nine churchgoers who were gunned down by a white man in a historic black church in Charleston with the alleged intent of “starting a race war” that Haley said she decided that the flag had to come down.

“The biggest reason I asked for that flag to come down was I couldn’t look my children in the face and justify it staying there,” she was quoted as saying.

“Now there’s more reason to come to this state. I am proud to say that it’s a new day in South Carolina.”

Shreya Patel, 9-year-old girl impresses Obamas with ‘garam masala’ burger

Ajay GhoshHealth, Youth 0

Shreya Patel, a 9-year-old Indian American girl left the Obama couple awestruck when she served a ‘garam masala’ Quinoa Burger with ‘raita’ to them — and won a chance to dine with the First Lady at the White House. Hailing from Schaumburg, Illinois, Shreya Patel was among 55 young cooks who were given a red carpet welcome at the White House during the fourth annual “Kids’ State Dinner” recently.

The competition was to create a recipe for a healthy lunch, the Chicago Tribune reported.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 10: U.S. President Barack Obama drops by and greets attendees during the annual ''Kids' State Dinner'' in the East Room at the White House July 10, 2015 in Washington, DC. President Obama dropped by the "dinner" as the first lady hosted the 2015 winners of the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, a nationwide recipe challenge for kids that promotes cooking and healthy eating. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 10: U.S. President Barack Obama drops by and greets attendees during the annual ”Kids’ State Dinner” in the East Room at the White House. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle savoured her dish at the event and praised her effort, the daily said. Patel’s garam masala quinoa burger with raita was chosen as the winning recipe from Illinois. She was invited for the lunch with Michelle Obama at a flower-bedecked table in the East Room on July 10.

“I have watched my mom and grandma make all sort of delicious food in the kitchen with an Indian twist since I was born,” Patel was quoted as saying on www.letsmove.gov.

“I have been helping them cook since I was three. I love to mix, measure, chop, and even clean up afterwards,” she posted. “My grandma and I came up with this recipe together because we both love sandwiches. We make this recipe often to take to school for lunch or even on picnics with friends,” said Patel who aims to become a pharmacist like her father.

Her Quinoa Burger dish was enhanced with garam masala, cumin, ginger and grated serrano chilies. The “Kids’ State Dinner” contest was open to children aged eight to 12 and nearly 1,000 recipes were submitted. The menu featured Mediterranean rockin’ roasted vegetables, vegetable confetti spring rolls and a California rainbow taco — with that famous “Barack-amole” married with “Mic-kale Obama Slaw,” the report added.

Dinesh D’Souza ordered psych counseling

Ajay GhoshCommunity, Politics, U.S. 0

A New York Judge has ordered Dinesh D’Souza, an Indian-American conservative scribe and Obama critic filmmaker, to do community service for four more years for breaking campaign-finance laws and undergo further counselling.

Judge Richard Berman clarified on Monday July 13th that under the sentence he handed down after D’Souza pleaded guilty last year, he has to do eight hours each week for the entire five years he’s on probation and not just the eight months he was confined to a halfway house.

The Manhattan federal court judge also read aloud a report from a court-appointed psychologist who called D’Souza “arrogant” and “intolerant of others’ feelings,” according to the New York Post.

“In my mind it was never contemplated that the eight hours only applied to the period of home confinement,” Berman was quoted as telling defence attorney Ben Brafman.

He later read out a report from a psychologist who saw D’Souza, the maker of the anti- Obama film “2016: Obama’s America”, and then ordered him to continue attending weekly sessions, the Post said.

“The client tends to deny problems and isn’t very introspective,” the psychiatrist wrote. “The client tends to deny problems and is arrogant and intolerant of others’ feelings.” But so long as D’Souza stays on track with his community service, he will be allowed to visit his daughter in London and his elderly mother in India later this year, Berman said.

D’Souza pleaded guilty last year to illegally shelling out $20,000 in contributions in the name of others for Republican Wendy Long’s failed 2012 bid to defeat Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

North Carolina to have Hindu Temple on 7.6 acres

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Ground Breaking Ceremony (Bhoomi Puja) for “Winston Salem Hindu Temple” in Clemmons (North Carolina) was held on June 11; which included pujas, aaradhana, havan, kalasha pradakshina, samprokshnas, etc. Besides worship services, this 3,600-square-foot Temple will also organize festivals, celebrations, special events, etc., and besides sanctuary, will also include classrooms and a community center, reports suggest.

To be built by Om Hindu Organization of North Carolina and Sri Mata Shaktipeetham, 7.6 acres have reportedly been purchased for this purpose. Construction, after consultations with temple architects in India, will start later this year.

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada, commended efforts of Temple leaders and area community for realizing this Hindu temple complex.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new Temple would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

It plans to have the shrines of Lalithaambika, Kaameshwara, Ganapathy, Balaji, Aditya, Shirdi Sai, Ram Parivar, Radha Krishna, Valli-Devasena-Subrahmanya, Ayyappa, Hanuman, Dhanvantri, and Navagraha; besides a Dwaja Sthambam. Estimated Cost for Lalithaambika shrine at $75,000 is highest among all of the shrines.

This will be the first Hindu temple of Forsyth County, where about 500 Hindu families reside. In the absence of a temple, the area Hindus have been travelling to Charlotte and Cary, besides worshipping at home shrines.

“A Hindu Temple stands for Tranquility, Education, Meditation, Purification, Love and Engagement”, according to Temple website. Dr. Sudhakar Pandit, Swami Rajendran and Krishna Surabhi are Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary respectively. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

Asia Society Policy Institute To Work For India’s Membership in APEC

Ajay GhoshCommunity, Politics, U.S. 0

Despite having a population of 1.2 billion and the world’s ninth largest economy, India remains excluded from several regional economic organizations like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) — a situation experts say is detrimental to both India and the international community.

India’s economy is only partly integrated into the global economy, particularly regional trade arrangements in a dynamic Asia-Pacific. The emergence of regional trade agreements such as the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) threatens to further distance India from the global supply chains critical to Prime Minister Modi’s “Make in India” initiative.

Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) has convened a high-level, international task force to develop a strategy for India’s membership in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. To be chaired by Kevin Rudd, ASPI will develop the case for India’s membership in APEC, identify the benefits and obstacles to it, and seek to generate support for India’s membership in India and among APEC members.

Rudd served as Australia’s 26th Prime Minister and as Foreign Minister. As Chair of the Independent Commission on Multilateralism, Rudd is leading a review of the UN system.

Ajay Banga, co-chair of ASPI, is President and Chief Executive Officer of MasterCard and a member of its board of directors. He serves as a member of President Obama’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Amb. Shyam Saran, another co-chair of ASPI,  was Foreign Secretary of India from 2004 to 2006 and currently serves as Chairman for the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), a think tank specializing in studies on economic and trade issues.

The task force will include members from India, the United States, and key APEC member economies from Asia. ASPI will share a report of the task force with the Government of India, APEC member economies, and business communities in all those economies in early 2016. The Confederation of Indian Industry is partnering with ASPI on this initiative.

Rudd noted that India’s delayed entry is as much about the negotiation process as internal economic issues. “The dynamic of any negotiating room at the top is always in the direction delay, it is rarely in the direction of decision,” Rudd said. “There are two things that are eternal: the kingdom of heaven and the bureaucracies of our various countries.”

“Business globally, and especially in the U.S., should be delighted by the prospect of India joining APEC,” said Banga. “An India that’s much more open, much more aligned with the trade protocols and practices of APEC members, is an India that is way better positioned for integration into global supply chains.”

Shyam Saran, one of several panelists appearing via Skype, emphasized that his country realizes the importance of international economic associations. “Let me say very categorically that India is very keenly interested in becoming part of APEC,” he said, adding that the country has in fact applied in the past but was stopped by a moratorium on new members.

Asia Society Policy Institute To Work For India’s Membership in APECPanelists pointed out that some member countries remain skeptical of India’s ability to conform to APEC trade norms and culture. “The U.S. reluctance to embrace India into APEC for these many years has been a fear that India would slow down the process of moving toward greater trade facilitation and liberalization,” Fred Bergsten, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said. “India, along with some other countries, has sometimes caused problems for global trade negotiations.”

Bergsten added that if India were to join APEC, it could pave the way to membership in the even more exclusive Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Being part of an organization like this, according to Peterson Institute estimates, could expand India’s exports by as much as $500 billion per year by 2025.

Sunil Kant Munjal, joint managing director and chairman of Hero MindMine Institute Ltd., said that it’s hard for India to institute the needed reforms as quickly as countries like China did. “There’s literally not one other large economy in the world that has given civil liberties first and has tried to turn itself into a market economy and a global market economy,” he said. “It is a fairly unique experiment in that sense, so some of the things have been slower than we’d like, but it’s also because of the complex and extremely diverse society that we have in India.”

India’s entry into the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC), which accounts for nearly 60 percent of global GDP, would provide a pathway for greater integration into the region’s economy. It would also ensure that trade remains a unifying force in the region, where competing trade regimes are straining ties.

Dr. Seema Jain Highlights AAPI’s Initiatives At World Congress on Preventive Healthcare 2015

Ajay GhoshCommunity, Health 0

Houston, TX: Dr. Seema Jain, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), highlighted the numerous initiatives on preventive healthcare, AAPI, the largest ethnic association of medical professionals in the United States, has initiated here in the US and in India, during the First World Congress on Preventive Healthcare 2015 at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Friday, July 10th, 2015. Dr. Eduardo Sanches, President of American Heart Association was another speaker who was a special guest to address the delegates at the World Congress.

Dr. Jain emphasized the need for Exercise, Healthy Eating, and Energizing oneself through Meditations and Yoga to be the best means for preventing health risks and staying healthy.  She praised the AAPI members who have been in the forefront researching, educating and discovering ways to prevent risks and find healthcare solutions to world’s healthcare problems.

 “There is a plethora of Physicians of Indian Origin working globally who have their roots in India,” Dr. Jain, said. “It is estimated that there are 1.2 million Physicians of Indian Origin working not only in India, but also, in most of the countries around the world. Their contributions to the world of healthcare is enormous. AAPI has taken numerous initiatives in preventing health risks and bringing the best healthcare to millions of people.”

Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI, addressing the audience at the World Congress ON Preventive Healthcare 2015
Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI, addressing the audience at the World Congress ON Preventive Healthcare 2015

Dr. Jain pointed out that Indian-Americans constitute less than one percent of the population in the United States, but they account for nearly nine percent of the nation’s physicians in the United States, having a very powerful presence across the nation, while serving in almost all parts of the country. They are estimated to provide healthcare to over 40 million patients in the US.

“It was truly an honor to have you endorse and inaugurate the First World Congress on Preventive Healthcare 2015 hosted by the 35th NABC here in Houston,” said Dr. Sumita Chowdhury, Chairperson for the World Congress on Preventive Healthcare, said. “Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to come and make this a historic event. Your speech was unforgettable and the message was so soulful that it touched the hearts of all the thousands of attendees who were spellbound! I certainly look forward to working closely with AAPI under your leadership with our mission.”

In addition to several workshops on ways to preventive healthcare, the Congress brought medical testing, diagnosis and knowledge about high mortality causes to the fore during the Congress held from July 10-12th. The historic World Congress was part of the North American Bengali Conference (NABC) 2015, organized by Tagore Society of Houston. An overflowing crowd of about 8,000 registered attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, distinguished guests and walk-in visitors to the fair and exhibitors’ area thronged the nook and corner of the sprawling complex.

Bollywood celebrity and music director Jatin Pandit was the Brand Ambassador for the World Congress on Preventive Healthcare 2015. This Congress will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston from July 10th to July 12th, 2015.

Free screenings for clinical cardiac risk parameters, blood tests for advanced lipid parameters, diabetes testing, cardiac rhythm evaluations, and endothelial function tests were some of the services offered to participants during the Congress.

The Congress was an initiative to create global awareness about preventive healthcare to make it a sustainable priority with a mission to: Educate communities on risk factors and preventive strategies; Enact healthy lifestyles, best practices, and equity in access, and empower each individual to implement early intervention and resuscitation because knowledge is power.

A forum to bring together all stakeholders in healthcare to formulate a shared vision towards prevention of disease, The Congress combined the collective wisdom of world leaders in healthcare policy and delivery will create sustainable measures for prevention that can be adapted worldwide and integrated into the fabric of our daily lives.

The Congress was aimed at preventing heart disease, diabetes, and premature death for all. This forum was a way to evaluate the factors contributing to the increased disease risk among South Asians and will help to formulate awareness campaigns to help modify risk factors that are specific to this ethnic group.

The total number of people with diabetes is projected to rise from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million in 2030. In 2012, 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3% of the population, had diabetes and 13% of Asian Indians had diabetes. $245 billion: Total costs of diagnosed diabetes in the United States in 2012.  South Asians have a one in three lifetime risk for developing diabetes.

South Asians living in America carry a very heavy load of coronary disease – one that is much higher than any other ethnic community. While the occurrence of coronary disease has doubled in the last few decades, it is now growing exponentially. Although South Asians comprise a quarter of the world’s population, they carry 60% of the burden of cardiovascular disease.

The Congress brought to the attention of the world that one American dies every 40 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular diseases. A disproportionate burden of this risk is seen in the 3.4 million South Asians that live in the United States. The risks for heart attacks and cardiovascular death can be up to five times higher for South Asians when compared to other ethnic groups. At the event, Dr. Chowdhury appealed to the South Asian community to unite and conquer the epidemics of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and called on each member of the community to join the South Asian Cardiovascular Registry and contribute to the advancement of science.

Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI, addressing the audience at the World Congress ON Preventive Healthcare 2015
Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI, addressing the audience at the World Congress ON Preventive Healthcare 2015

“There is a need for greater visibility and cohesion of these Physicians. Their combined intellectual and technical strength can also be a vital force in the development of the healthcare sector, including research and academics. Indian physicians both in India and abroad excel in their fields and have a passion to provide quality care. AAPI through this new initiative, brings their collective power on one platform to help shape healthcare in under served areas and work towards quality healthcare for all,” added Dr. Jain.

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