Trump Picks Seema Verma to run Medicare and Medicaid

November 30, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Seema Verma, who has worked closely on healthcare with Vice President-elect Mark Pence in Indiana state, has been nominated by Donald Trump to be the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services overseeing government health insurance programs.

By assigning her “to the dream team that will transform our healthcare system,” a major campaign promise, President-elect Donald Trump by choosing Seema Verma for a high-level position in his administration, is on his way to revamp the system. Verma is the second Indian American to be on the new administration to be formed by Trump.

Announcing his intent to nominate them, Trump said: “Together, Chairman Price and Seema Verma are the dream team that will transform our healthcare system for the benefit of all Americans.” About Verma, Trump said: “She has decades of experience advising on Medicare and Medicaid policy and helping states navigate our complicated systems.”

“I look forward to helping him tackle our nation’s daunting healthcare problems in a responsible and sustainable way,” Verma said after Trump’s announcement.

Verma comes to the job with extensive Medicaid experience. Her consulting firm, SVC, Inc., worked closely with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence to design Indiana’s Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. The expansion, known as the Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0, went into effect early last year, and Verma’s involvement in it may prove important as Congress and the Trump administration, including the Vice-president elect, make decisions on the future of Obamacare.

Indiana’s unique Medicaid expansion was designed to appeal to conservatives. HIP 2.0 asks covered people to make a small monthly payment to access health insurance. A missed payment can result in six-month lockout from insurance coverage. Those provisions aren’t allowed under traditional Medicaid, but Indiana got a federal waiver to implement them.

With a track-record of developing Republican-friendly healthcare programs, Verma will play a crucial role in carrying out the high-priority Trump campaign promise of scrapping President Barack Obama’s healthcare program, popularly known as Obamacare, and replacing it with “something better.”

Although Verma’s job is not of cabinet rank now, it has great political importance and she will be in the national spotlight because she will be working on the controversial Republican vow to end Obama’s signature healthcare program, which attempts to make affordable health insurance available to all, and come up with a new model.

The Medicare program that she will oversee provides insurance for over 46 million retirees and senior citizens, who are a politically powerful block, and Medicaid, which covers the poor, has about 60 million people enrolled in it. Together they are about a third of the U.S. population. Additionally now, she will have to help shape a program for those who are outside of these two programs and do not get health insurance from their employers.

Her appointment has been widely welcomed by the growing Indian American community. Dr. Ajay Lodha, the president of the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin, said, “The Indian community of physicians is very excited by the appointment of an Indian American to this high-level position by Present-elect Trump. We will support her endeavors,” he added. “We expect her to make Medicare more patient-friendly, especially in reforming the part of it that provides medicines.” There are nearly 70,000 doctors of Indian descent working in the US, making them an important constituency for healthcare reforms.

Susan Jo Thomas, who heads the Indiana insurance advocacy group Covering Kids and Families, says Verma’s contributions to HIP 2.0 made Medicaid expansion possible in a Republican state. “She understood that in order to get expansion in this state, it’s more about what is palatable, what can get approved,” she says.

Rep. Charlie Brown, the ranking Democrat in the state’s public health committee. “She is a smooth operator, and very, very persuasive,” he says. Brown worked in opposition to Verma in crafting the Healthy Indiana Plan, but said she was effective across party lines at incorporating the Pence administration’s wishes. She’s very resourceful and intelligent,” says Brown. “But the question now becomes, ‘What will be her marching orders as they relate to Medicare and Medicaid?’ ”

Verma, who heads a healthcare consulting company, SVC Inc., helped develop a public healthcare system in Indiana for implementing Obamacare. Among other things, it requires those using it to make contributions to it, even if it is a dollar for the poorest, which is opposed by many Democrats. She has also consulted with other Republican-run states on healthcare issues. Verma was awarded the Indiana state award, Sagamore of the Wabash, by Pence.

Indian Americans urge NY City Council to declare Diwali an official holiday

November 30, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity, U.S. 0

Members of the Indian-American community in New York City have appealed to the New York City Council to support the idea of Diwali as a permanent official holiday in the city schools. A resolution calling upon the New York City Department of Education to establish Diwali as an official holiday for public schools is among issues to be discussed at the council’s Committee on Education meeting Nov. 22.

“We expressed in a letter to the mayor, sent on Feb. 19, 2014, our serious concern over the omission of Diwali, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, from the proposed public school closing holidays,” a petition filed by the Diwali Coalition says.

The Diwali Coalition of NYC was formed in February 2014 when Mayor Bill De Blasio announced that he was approving three new public holidays for Eid and Lunar New Year, but would not be issuing a holiday for Diwali.

According to the petition, there are approximately 2.5 million Hindus in the United States, and New York City is home to one of the largest within this population. According to the latest census, Asian Indians constitute 2.4 percent of the city’s population and celebrate Diwali. This percentage does not include the estimated 100,000 Hindus of Indo-Caribbean heritage, or countless Hindus of either mixed and other racial and ethnic ancestry, who also consider Diwali amongst their holiest of holidays.

Councilman Daniel Dromm whose district covers Jackson Heights and other areas where Hindus live in significant numbers, has been among those pushing for declaring Diwali a public holiday. The New York City Department of Education, with Carmen Farina as the chancellor, is the largest school district in the U.S., serving 1.1 million students in more than 1,800 schools.

In 2011 and 2013, the US Senate passed a resolution recognizing the historical and spiritual significance of Diwali for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. A similar Diwali resolution passed both chambers of Congress in 2007 at the urging of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). Both Presidents Obama and Bush have hosted annual Diwali receptions, and since 2011, the White House has cohosted with HASC the annual Hindu American Seva conference to recognize and share the many ways Hindu tradition, culture, and seva have helped strengthen our nation.

New York City Council honors Ranju Batra

November 30, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

The New York City Council honored Ranju Batra, a businesswoman, community leader and chairperson of Diwali Stamp Project, for her singular achievement in having a Diwali Stamp issued by the USPS on November 15th.

Batra’s journey to have the US postal department issue a Diwali stamp started in 2010. She discussed the idea of a Diwali stamp with community leaders only to learn that many had already tried only to fail. But this did not deter Ranju. She was able to get support from multiple members of Congress and collected thousands upon thousands of paper petitions.

Ranju Batra’s perseverance and single minded devotion bore fruit. On August 23, 2016, the announcement was made that the Diwali Stamp was approved. On October 5, 2016 at the Consulate General of India, history was made and Diwali Forever Stamp was unveiled at an official function of the USPS jointly with Consulate General of India and Diwali Stamp Project.

As this dream becomes a reality, Ranju Batra said, “The Postal Service has made history by giving us the Stamp. Now, we need to make history for the Postal Service by having the most amount of stamps sold on the first Day. This is a unique opportunity for our community to come together and buy sooo many Diwali Stamps that our community will be recognized forever as being together and united!”

Ranju Batra has dedicated her life to serving the public. Born in India, she immigrated to the United States in 1975. She has a successful business record and still finds time for social, civic, political and charitable activities, including working as a trustee of the Hindu Center in Flushing. She served as President of Association of Indians in America (AIA), New York Chapter in 2011-12.

“My heartfelt thanks also to all who supported me, especially our dear friend Carolyn Maloney who partnered with me and led the fight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama. Of special recognition are members of the media who documented the efforts and gave critical support over these many years,” Batra had said at the launch of the Diwali stamp.

FBI reports hate crimes on the rise

November 25, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity, U.S. 0

A Muslim teacher in a Georgia high school said someone left her an anonymous note in her classroom on Friday, telling her that her “headscarf isn’t allowed anymore.”
The note, scribbled in black ink, also told her to “tie” her headscarf around her neck and “hang yourself with it.” The note ended with the word “America” along with a drawing of the American flag.

Mairah Teli, a teacher at Dacula High School in Gwinnett County, located outside Atlanta, posted a picture of the note to her Facebook page Friday.

“As a Muslim, I wear a headscarf as a practice of my faith. I want to share this to raise awareness about the reality and climate of our community. Spreading hate isn’t going to ‘make America great again,’” she wrote. These incidents have become common, especially since the election of Trump to the Presidency.

This week, the FBI released its annual report on hate crimes, which for the very first time, includes reported hate crimes committed against Sikhs. According to the FBI, there were six hate crimes committed against Sikhs in 2015.

“We commend the FBI for including reported hate crimes committed against Sikhs in its annual report,” said Arjun Singh, Director of Law and Policy at the Sikh Coalition. “However, we believe this number is significantly under-inclusive, and urge the FBI to make hate crime reporting by law enforcement mandatory not voluntary.”

The Sikh Coalition worked closely with the FBI to ensure that hate crimes against Sikhs were included and reported by the FBI in its annual report. We have long believed that data helps drive change, and with better statistics, that law enforcement would be better able to target cities and localities acutely vulnerable to hate violence. We are now working with the FBI to ensure that they train local and state law enforcement on accurate hate crime reporting, and call for reporting to be mandatory not voluntary, so that the data is robust and complete.

The Sikh Coalition is one among the many that continues to provide free legal assistance to Sikhs who have experienced backlash and discrimination. While we cannot accept all cases, our legal team conducts dozens of intakes every year related to profiling, discrimination and hate violence.

The Coalition urged community members to review our FAQ guide on hate crimes, hate speech and on how to report incidents to authorities and the Sikh Coalition. Please also view our printable hate crime poster, which is available in both English and Punjabi. 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 15 different languages. To get copies, please email education@sikhcoalition.org.

Museum of the Moving Image, India Center Foundation Launch Fest Dedicated to Regional-Language Films

November 25, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment 0

New York’s Museum of the Moving Image and the India Center Foundation are starting a festival to show regional-language films from the Indian sub-continent.

Running Dec.8-11, India Kaleidoscope will show eight films, of which one is a classic and the rest are premieres at the Sumner Redstone Theater in Astoria, Queens. Kicking off with “India in a Day,” a doc initiated by Google and put together by Richie Mehta, the fest will show “Loktak Lairembee” (Lady of the Lake), directed by Haobam Paban Kumar in Manipuri language; Marathi-language “Lathe Joshe,” directed by Mangesh Joshi; “The Violin Player,” helmed in Hindi by Bauddhayan Mukherji; the Tamil “Sila Samayangalil” (Sometimes), helmed by Priyadarshan; Girish Kasaravalli’s classic “Ghatashraddha” (The Ritual) in Kannada; his daughter Ananya Kasaravalli’s “Harikatha Prasanga” (Chronicles of Hari), also in Kannada; and the Bengali “Tope” (The Bait, pictured) by Buddhadeb Dasgupta.

“Consistent with our mission to offer a platform for barrier-breaking and emerging work from the subcontinent, the films featured in India Kaleidoscope film festival are eye opening studies from all corners of India,” said Priya Giri Desai, a founding director of the India Center Foundation.

“The India Center Foundation is proud to present many of these new voices for the very first time in North America. The festival represents the kind of work we hope to continue: quality collaborations that result in exposure to new sights and sounds to inspire our audience.”

“India Kaleidoscope is an auspicious start to MoMI’s collaboration with the India Center Foundation,” said the museum’s chief curator, David Schwartz. “This dynamic partnership is proven by the quality of the Festival lineup and the participation of so many emerging and established film directors.”

“We are thrilled to turn the spotlight on Indian regional cinema, showcasing its diversity and richness,” added Christina Marouda, festival organizer and MoMI’s director of development.

The organizers said quoting producers that the footage came from all over India, from Rajasthan to Kerala, to the far reaching Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The resulting film offers a remarkable insight into the lives, loves, fears and hopes of people living in India today.

Nikki Haley nominated to be US Ambassador to UN

November 23, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he will nominate South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to be his ambassador to the United Nations. Her nomination will have to be confirmed by the Senate. In his statement announcing his decision, Trump called Haley “a proven deal-maker, and we look to be making plenty of deals.” He also said the governor has a “track record of bringing people together regardless of background or party affiliation.”

Haley, 44, a rising star in the Republican Party and a daughter of Indian immigrants, has led South Carolina since 2011. She is Trump’s first female appointee to a Cabinet-level post, and she would be taking on a position that requires intense diplomatic and navigational skills in an often-frustrating international bureaucracy.

The first Indian American chosen to have a Cabinet-level position in any US administration, Haley, who is the daughter of Indian immigrants, has already carved out a legacy for herself, serving as her home state’s first female and first minority governor.

Once considered a potential vice president pick, Trump’s tapping Haley further rises the profile of a rising star in a party whose leaders are increasingly attempting to attract more minorities and women.

Haley was also among those being considered by Trump for secretary of state. Her pick leaves former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani and a handful of others among those still in the running for the top diplomat position.

While on the stump during the campaign, Haley vocally disavowed Trump, appearing publicly on behalf of Marco Rubio and endorsing Sen. Ted Cruz after the Florida senator dropped out of the GOP primary race.

Relations between Haley and Trump have been far from cordial, with both vaulting verbal jabs at each other during the race for the White House.

Rep. Sean Duffy said Wednesday that the fact that Trump is even considering Haley after her criticism of the President-elect speaks highly of him. “I think it’s quite remarkable that he’s looking for talent and not trying to settle old scores,” the Wisconsin Republican told CNN’s Chris Cuomo on “New Day.”

Trump said in January that Haley’s stance on immigration was “weak” after the South Carolina governor welcomed properly vetted legal immigrants into her state, regardless of race or religion. He also tweeted in March, “The people of South Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki Haley!”

Haley, who once suggested that Trump was among “the angriest voices,” was jubilant by his election. “I’m just giddy, and if you talk to any of the governors here, we are so excited at the possibility and the opportunities that are going to be here,” she said after his win.

“The idea that now we can start to really govern — I have never known what it’s like to have a Republican president. I can tell you that the last five years, Washington has been the hardest part of my job,” Haley said. “This is a new day.”

The governor has long been a rising star in the GOP and was endorsed by former Republican Gov. Sarah Palin during her gubernatorial run. But Haley came to national — and international — attention following the Charleston church shooting in 2015, where a self-proclaimed white supremacist opened fire on a Bible study group at a predominantly black church, killing nine people. Haley became a highly visible presence in the days following the tragedy — particularly in the highly contentious battle to remove the Confederate Flag from the state Capitol grounds.

“These grounds are a place that everybody should feel a part of,” she said at the time. “What I realized now more than ever is people were driving by and felt hurt and pain. No one should feel pain.”

She was born in Bamberg, South Carolina, a small town with about 3,600 people, to Indian American parents. Growing up Haley helped with bookkeeping at the family clothing store before earning a degree in accounting from Clemson. She went on to marry Michael Haley, a National Guardsman who has served in Afghanistan, before having two children.

In the years following the economic downturn, Haley used her business background to brand herself as an advocate for bringing more jobs to a state that has seen many factories leave.

Despite her accomplishments, Haley is not known for having significant foreign policy experience — something Duffy said was not a major concern. “She’s a smart woman,” he told CNN. “I don’t think you need this great history of diplomatic experience to go in the UN and be successful.”

“I think what you want to do is find people who will share your worldview especially when they go and represent you from the administration to the UN or any other post,” Duffy added.

“She very, very successfully branded herself as the jobs governor,” Scott Huffmon, a political science professor at Winthrop University, has said previously. “But she kept her conservative credentials by railing against Obamacare and toeing the line on things that conservatives care about. She has been able to keep a foot in both worlds for a while. And now she is breaking away from being simply a Southern to becoming a national Republican.”

At the United Nations, Haley will have to deal with the heavy responsibilities involved in America’s role as a permanent, veto-wielding member of the Security Council, a role that has in recent years put the United States in frequent opposition to Russia, which holds similar rank.

Under the Obama administration, the U.S. has repeatedly clashed with Russia over how to deal with the conflict in Syria, with the Russians moving to block punitive actions against Syrian President Bashar Assad. But Trump has indicated he wants to find common ground with Russia on Syria and other fronts, and it’s possible such clashes may subside during his presidency.

Trump also has signaled he wants to scale back America’s overall role in the United Nations, an echo of anti-U.N. sentiment expressed by many Republicans during the George W. Bush presidency. U.N. officials are bracing for disputes with the United States over America’s dues to the world body. They also worry that the incoming Trump administration will move to undermine the Paris climate accord, the Iran nuclear deal and other major global agreements in which the U.N. plays a role.

Richard Gowan, a senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and close follower of the United Nations, said there will be a lot of relief around the institution that they’re not getting a person from the Bush-vs.-the-U.N. era. Diplomats feared the return of acolytes of former U.S. ambassador John Bolton, and there was speculation that Richard Grenell, the U.S. spokesman at the U.N. during that period, would be returning to Turtle Bay.

“Diplomats were expecting Trump to send an angry white man to the U.N. The mere fact that Haley is not an angry white man is good in terms of political optics,” Gowan said.

Nikki Haley has accepted Donald Trump’s offer to be his ambassador to the United Nations. In a statement Wednesdaymorning, Haley said “I always expected to finish the remaining two years of my second term as governor,” but added she was “moved to accept this new assignment” out of a “sense of duty.”

“When the President believes you have a major contribution to make to the welfare of our nation, and to our nation’s standing in the world, that is a calling that is important to heed,” Haley said, adding that she “remain as governor until the U.S. Senate acts affirmatively on my nomination.”

“Our country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally,”

Haley said in a statement accepting the nomination.

“I am honored that the president-elect has asked me to join his team.”

Ami Bera re-elected to Congress 3rd time

November 22, 2016 Ajay GhoshUncategorized 0

Nearly two weeks after the general elections, Democratic Congressman Ami Bera was declared winner in the Congressional election in California’s 7th district. The Indian American physician won his third term to represent a Sacramento-area district that national Republican leaders had targeted. The district has a nearly identical number of registered Republicans and Democrats.

Bera faced a tough challenge from Republican Scott Jones, the Sacramento County sheriff who raised his profile by criticizing President Barack Obama’s immigration policies. Bera and Jones emerged from Election Night Nov. 8, with the congressman leading by less than a percentage point in the CD 7 race. Jones attended “freshman orientation” in Congress last week, anticipating a possible victory in the hard-fought race.

The Associated Press declared victory for Bera, a Democrat on November 18th, when his lead over his Republican challenger, Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones, widened by more than two percentage points. As of November 18, Bera had amassed 129, 064 votes – 51.2 percent – to Jones’ 123, 056 votes – 48.8 percent.

The incumbent was a top target for Republicans after his father pleaded guilty to making illegal contributions to his son’s campaigns. In early October, Bera trailed Jones, Sacramento County sheriff, by 5 points in a National Republican Congressional Committee poll. Yet, the incumbent’s favorables, a key indicator of how people might vote, remained high. And Jones brought his own issues to the race, with him facing allegations of unwanted sexual advances.

The election had attracted national attention as Ami Bera’s father, 84-year-old Babulal Bera, was sentenced to begin a 10-month prison term for using straw donors to fund his son’s 2010 and 2012 bids for a seat in the House of Representatives.

Rep. Ami Bera, who was the lone Indian American serving in the House of Representatives, defeating Republican Scott Jones in his re-election bid from the state of California, he will be joined by three other Indian Americans in the US Congress. Californians elected Kamala Harris as the state’s first new U.S. Senator in 24 years, she also became the first Indian American ever elected to the Senate with her victory.

Fremont attorney Ro Khanna, in his second battle with incumbent Mike Honda and in his third attempt at a congressional seat, has emerged victorious against the eight-term congressman. Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi won the Illinois 8th Congressional District race against Republican Peter DiCianni. Krishnamoorthi and DiCianni were both trying to win the seat vacated by Tammy Duckworth, who won Illinois’ U.S. Senate seat. Pramila Jayapal defeated Brady Walkinshaw Tuesday in Washington’s 7th Congressional District.

“It’s been my honor to serve this community first as a doctor and for these past four years as a member of Congress,” said Bera, in a press statement announcing his win.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the hundreds of volunteers who knocked doors and made phone calls during this campaign because they believe in standing up for women’s access to health care, protecting Medicare and Social Security, and ensuring all of our Veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned. After months of a divisive national election, our job now is to bring our country back together,” said the congressman.

Bera is one of the few Democratic doctors in the 114th Congress. That distinction, along with a public commitment to bipartisan collaboration, has guided the start of his legislative career.

In 1999, he signed on as the chief medical officer for Sacramento County, and five years later he became an administrator and professor at the medical school for the University of California, Davis. As Bera tells it, a lack of progress on some of the more daunting policy questions facing the nation spurred him to become a candidate in 2010. He lost to Republican Rep. Dan Lungren, but won the rematch two years later.

Bera is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a more business-friendly part of his party’s caucus. But he has also tried to build a political identity around No Labels, a bipartisan group that aims to improve how Congress functions. He voted against all the partisan fiscal 2014 budgets that came to the House floor, and he has supported a handful of Republican bills designed to ease federal regulation.

In the 115th Congress, Bera will be joined by four incoming Indian-American members — fellow Californians Sen.-elect Kamala Harris and Rep.-elect Ro Khanna, Rep.-elect Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Rep.-elect Pramila Jayapal of Washington.

Nikki Haley, Bobby Jindal, Tulsi Gabbard meet with Donald Trump to discuss possible Cabinet jobs in Trump Administration

November 22, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Indian Americans, almost 1% of the country’s population, are increasingly stepping up their political involvement. After having already achieved considerable economic success and social mobility – the community has an average family income of over $100,000 (almost double that of white Americans) – the group is actively engaging in and influencing the politics of its new homeland.

Although nearly three fourths of Indian Americans Democratically leaning, with the victory of Donald Trump, several Indian Americans are expected to be appointed to key posts in the new Republican administration.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley met with President-elect Donald Trump November 17 at the Trump Towers in New York City, reportedly to discuss a Cabinet post in the new administration.

Haley, 44, the youngest governor in the country, gripped the nation’s attention after her meeting with Trump in Manhattan to discuss the possibility of a cabinet post. Often mentioned as a possible VP in future Republican administrations, the “rising star” of the GOP would bring fresh eyes and some ‘color’ to a Trump presidency facing flack nationwide from minority groups and others who supported Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. In a statement, Haley’s Deputy Chief of Staff Rob Godfrey has been reported to have said, “Governor Haley was pleased to meet with President-elect Trump. They had a good discussion, and she is very encouraged about the coming administration and the new direction it will bring to Washington.”

Haley was praised nationwide, with few detractors, when she took a stand to remove the Confederate Flag from Statehouse grounds. But on that front, her appointment may not sit well with the white supremacist groups which have latched themselves to Trump as his supporters.

Haley – a Republican – is being eyed for Secretary of State, according to various media reports. The first Indian American female governor in the nation was deeply critical of Trump during the election cycle, and never formally endorsed him, though she did pledge to support him towards the end of his campaign.

A Wall Street Journal report about President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team and potential Cabinet includes one extremely familiar name: that of former Gov. (and presidential candidate) Bobby Jindal. The Indian American had headed the Louisiana Department of Health at age 24, a position to which he was appointed by then-Gov. Mike Foster. As governor, he emerged as a national voice against the Affordable Care Act, which Trump has vowed to repeal. During his abortive bid for the GOP presidential nomination, Jindal put forward several plans, including one on health care, which includes planks on cross-state health insurance care plans, cracking down on fraud, establishing health savings accounts and several anti-abortion measures, including “strengthening conscience protections for businesses and medical providers.”

He won two successive elections to the U.S. Congress becoming the 2nd Indian-American elected after California Democratic Rep. Dalip Singh Saund in 1957; then on to Governor of Louisiana from 2008-2016, spanning President Obama’s tenure at the White House. The Indian-American community saw the young policy wonk turn into a hard-right conservative, but now may hope to see glimmers of the old Jindal back in Washington – a brilliant, data-spouting, non-ideological analyst tackling the challenges of healthcare.

“Once considered the smartest man in every room, Bobby Jindal ruined his own reputation along with his state,” claims New York Magazine, but recognizes the Indian-American’s name is being “heard most often” in connection with HHS and that “makes a lot of sense” in terms of his resume. But not for his work in Congress or in Baton Rouge, it qualifies. Jindal’s ambition for the presidency, the magazine says, led to his ruin as he tried to become the champion of the Christian Right. Indian-Americans also criticized him for what they saw as his dismissive views on ethnic identities and for abandoning his heritage.

Another prominent leader with Indian roots, Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team Monday, November 21st. Gabbard, who backed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary, is being considered for jobs at the Defense Department, State Department and the United Nations, a source told CNN.

Gabbard stepped down from her post as a vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee earlier in the year to support Sanders — and fight Hillary Clinton — in the primaries. She stood by Sanders through the Democratic convention, only announcing she would vote for Clinton days after the convention ended.

In a statement after the meeting, Gabbard, who has often challenged President Barack Obama on national security, said she held a “frank and positive” conversation with the President-elect, discussing Syria and other foreign policy issues.

Gabbard, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, also said she and Trump discussed legislation that she is pushing that would end what she described as “our country’s illegal war to overthrow the Syrian government.”

Regardless of party affiliations however, Indian-Americans are rallying behind the potential appointments from the Indian community. With a large majority of Indian-Americans supporting the Democratic Party, the community has become used to numerous highly qualified candidates being appointed to all levels of the Obama administration.

Amar D. Amar, founder of Indian Americans For Trump, confirmed the morning meeting at Trump Towers. “There was tension between Haley and Trump during the election cycle. She was very late in coming out in support of Trump,” he said.

Shalabh ‘Shalli’ Kumar, founder of the Republican Hindu Coalition, said, he would not speculate on Haley’s meeting with Trump. “We have a very deep bench. There are a lot of top people being vetted for the role,” said Kumar, who was influential in introducing Trump to the Indian American community during the election cycle. “The RHC is searching for good, Hindu American qualified candidates who have served Trump well during the campaign,” he said, adding that he could not name any, as the search had just begun.

Donald Trump’s meeting with Indian businessmen makes news-headlines across world

November 22, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s meeting last week in his office at Trump Tower with three Indian business partners who are building a Trump-branded luxury apartment complex south of Mumbai, has raised new questions about how he would separate his business dealings from the work of the government once he is in the White House.

The three Indian executives — Sagar Chordia, Atul Chordia, and Kalpesh Mehta — have been quoted in Indian newspapers, including The Economic Times, as saying they have discussed expanding their partnership with the Trump Organization now that Trump is president-elect. The Economic Times reported that the meeting occurred on Tuesday, November 15.

A spokeswoman for Trump had described the meeting as a courtesy call by the three Indian real estate executives, who flew from India to congratulate Trump on his election victory. In a picture posted on Twitter, all four men are smiling and giving a thumbs-up, media reports here suggested. “It was not a formal meeting of any kind,” Breanna Butler, a spokeswoman for the Trump Organization, said when asked about the meeting on Saturday.

One of the businessmen, Sagar Chordia, posted photographs on Facebook showing that he also met with Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump., Trump’s children, who are helping to run his businesses as they play a part in the presidential transition.

Sagar Chordia is reported to have confirmed that the meeting with Trump and members of his family had taken place, and that an article written about it in the Indian newspaper, which reported that one of his partners said they had discussed the desire to expand the deals with the Trump family, was accurate.

Atul Chordia and Sagar Chordia are well-known figures in real estate in Pune, a city of about three million people in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. Their father, Ishwardas Chordia, was born into a family of sugar traders, but as a young man forged a close friendship with Sharad Pawar, who became an important politician in Maharashtra and now sits in the upper house of India’s Parliament. Beginning in the 1990s, Chordia businesses built luxury hotels, corporate parks and residential projects in upscale neighborhoods in Pune.

Mehta is the managing partner of a real-estate firm named Tribeca, which is also a part of the Trump projects in India, which go by names including Trump Towers Pune and Trump Towers Mumbai.

Washington ethics lawyers said that a meeting with Indian real estate partners, regardless of what was discussed, raised conflict of interest questions for Trump, who could be perceived as using the presidency to advance his business interests.

Internationally, many properties that bear Trump’s name are the result of marketing deals — like the one in India — in which he is paid by someone for the use of his name but does not actually own the underlying property. He has such marketing agreements in South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, the Philippines and Turkey, according to a list published by his company.

AAPI congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump

November 22, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Trump Invited to AAPI’s Annual Convention in Atlantic City, NJ June 2017

“On behalf of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), I want to congratulate and offer our best wishes to our President-Elect, Donald Trump on his stunning and remarkable victory in the Presidential Election,” said Dr. Ajay Lodha, President of AAPI, in a statement issued here. Describing that AAPI is a non-political umbrella organization which has nearly 90 local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations. Almost 10%-12% of medical students entering US schools are of Indian origin. AAPI represents the interests of over 60,000 physicians and 25,000 medical students and residents of Indian heritage in the United States, Dr. Lodha, a prominent physician with decades of service to the country, said, “The mission AAPI, the largest ethnic organization of physicians, is to provide a forum to facilitate and enable Indian American physicians to excel at inpatient care, teaching and research, and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs. The new Executive Committee is working hard to ensure active participation of young physicians, increasing membership, and enabling AAPI’s voice to be heard in the corridors of power, and thus taking AAPI to new heights.”

Dr. Lodha has extended a warm welcome to President-Elect Trump to be the Chief Guest at the next annual Convention. “We want to invite President-Elect Trump to address the delegates at our next AAPI Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey from June 21-25, 2017. The convention provides a venue for medical education programs and symposia with world renowned physicians on the cutting edge of medicine. The 35th AAPI Convention will be held at the Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey from June 21-25, 2017,” Dr. Lodha said.

AAPI’s New York Chapter under the leadership of Dr. Raj Bhayani is working hard to make this convention a memorable one for all. Expected to have a record attendance of nearly 3,000 delegates including Physicians, Industry Leaders, CEOs, Academicians, Researchers and Medical students at the convention, the annual convention offers extensive academic presentations, recognition of achievements and achievers, and professional networking at the alumni and evening social events. We are expecting a large pool of international media representatives at the convention. Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country and internationally will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities for the coming year.

AAPI is also transitioning into a multiyear thinking and behavior by maintaining core continuity. By establishing AAPI PAC, we are now one step closer to exercise our right and assume our responsibility representing the collective voice of the Medical community. Under his leadership, AAPI is all set to make its voice heard and has initiated to present its policies on healthcare before the new administration.

According to Dr. Lodha, AAPI’s Legislative initiatives for 2016-17 include, addressing Physician Shortage, and urged the President Elect to increase Residency Positions across USA. “Our nation is currently experiencing a physician shortage, which will be exacerbated by retiring baby boomers. The result of such a shortage may affect thousands of patients’ access to a physician, and ultimately the health care they need. The only way to address this future crisis is to increase the number of residency positions available for future physicians to get trained, so that our nation can effectively manage the need for increased patient care. Increasing the size of medical school classes is not enough. There must be a simultaneous increase in the size of residency positions to train these future doctors. As Congress capped the number of residency positions in 1997, it is time for Congress to act NOW to remedy this critical situation. AAPI believes that ALL Americans have the right to see a physician,” Dr. Lodha said.

AAPI has appealed to the US Congress to increase the size of entering Medical School classes, Dr. Lodha said. Pointing out that from 1980-2005, while medical school enrollment remained flat, the U.S. population increased by more than 70 million people. Because the percentage of baby-boomer generation doctors (55 and older) rose from 27 percent to 34 percent during this time, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts that America will need 90,000 physicians by 2020, Dr. Lodha said, the number of physicians needed by 2025 according to the AAMC will reach a staggering 130,000. One way to address this shortage is to increase medical school class sizes to meet this future health care need. This issue is vital as it pertains to health care reform, as more physicians will be needed to provide quality health care to our nation’s uninsured patients.

Dr. Lodha urged the newly elected President and his administration to enact Medical Liability Reform. “AAPI supports a healthy doctor-patient environment by curbing aggressive litigation targeting physicians,” Dr. Lodha said. Such lawsuits have had a chilling effect and driven up the cost of health care, through extra testing and the practice of defensive medicine. In the 112th Congress, The “Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011,” (H.R. 5) limited the conditions for lawsuits and punitive damages for health care liability claims. It established a statute of limitations and limited noneconomic damages to $250,000. AAPI signed a coalition letter led by the American Medical Association to the Deficit Reduction Committee, which noted that the Congressional Budget Office estimated the cost savings from implementing medical liability reform, including limits on noneconomic damages, to be $62.4 billion over 10 years. Fewer physicians today practice in areas such as obstetrics and gynecology, surgery and emergency medicine, due to increased lawsuits and increasing malpractice insurance premiums.

AAPI supports federal and state legislation that places effective caps on non-economic damages, limits the use of joint-and-several liability, provides physicians with flexibility to negotiate settlements with medical insurers and further limits the statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice claims, Dr. Lodha said.

Endorsing President-Elect Trump’s call, Dr. Lodha said, AAPI supports the modification of the Affordable Care Act. “We believe that the current ACA could be improved upon greatly. To merely repeal the ACA would result in 20 million losing their health insurance coverage and that would be problematic to say the least. A more reformed system with emphasis on free-market while retaining the provisions protecting consumers with pre-existing conditions would be ideal.” According to Dr. Lodha, AAPI opposes MACRA and MIPS. These systems detract from the care of patients by adding an excessive amount of paper work. There is a tremendous burden to report all of these measures. For more information on AAPI and its programs and initiatives, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org and www.aapiusa.org

Kerala Center honors 5 NRIs for outstanding achievements

November 19, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Living in a land that is far away from our “home,” in the midst of another culture, busy with the day-to-day mundane work and home tasks, the Non Resident Indian (NRI) community in this “land of opportunities” has been yearning for a place of their own: just to come together, to discuss, share their thoughts and ideas and learn from one another, to have a platform which will pass on their culture and traditions to their children and grand children, and to nourish the feeling of belonging to a group.

These longings, shared by people, who have been endowed with a clear vision and commitment to generously share their ideas, skills, resources, and time, for the larger good of the community, gave birth to The Kerala Center. After a quarter century it was founded, The Kerala Center, now, come to be known as The Indian American Civic and Cultural Center, located in Elmont, Long Island, New York has come a long way, in living out these dreams and aspirations of a community that has made the United States their adopted homeland.

The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center honored five Indian American Malayalees for their outstanding achievements in their field of specialization or for their service to the society. The awardees were selected by a committee consisting of four members headed by Kerala Center Board Member and Trustee Dr. Thomas Abraham.

k-center-awardees-2016 — Kerala Center Awardees 2016, from l. to r.: Prof. T.V. RajanBabu, Manohar Thomas, Arun Kumar, Ram Menon and Dr. Jai Radhakrishnan

This year’s honorees were: US Assistant Secretary Commerce Arun M Kumar for Service to the US Govt.; Ram Menon, Partner at KPMG, a global network of professional firms providing Advisory, Tax and Audit services and serves as Global Head of KPMG’s Insurance Deal Advisory practice for Corporate Leadership; Dr. Jai Radhakrishnan, Professor of Medicine at Columbia University and Clinical Chief of the Nephrology Division at the New York Presbyterian Hospital in Medicine; Dr. T.V. RajanBabu, Professor and Kiberly Chair in Chemistry at Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) in Applied Sciences and Manohar Thomas, a Malayalam writer and community activist who had been very active for over 30 years in promoting Malayalam language and literature of Kerala in US for Promoting Literary Work and Community Service.

“Kerala Center has been honoring outstanding achievers since 1991 and 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,” said Dr. Abraham.
The awardees were honored at the Kerala Center’s 23rd Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, November 5th at the World’s Fair Marina in Flushing, New York City. The chief guest for the evening was Mr. K. Devadasan Nair, Consul for Community Affairs at the Indian Consulate, who praised the commitment of the Indian community in the US to teach the culture and languages of India to the new generation.

He said he was amazed at the unity of the community after three people died in a fire in New Jersey. People came forward to contribute to meet the expenses of the funerals. He suggested to set up a permanent fund to use when such tragedies happen rather than waiting for the tragedies to raise funds.

The keynote speaker was Arun Kumar, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service and leads the trade and investment promotion efforts of the U.S. Government. Kumar in his keynote address pointed out that the Indian American community represents the convergence of two important elements that will elevate US-India relationship. They are the professional and technology synergies and innovation between the two countries and also a vigorously engaged Diaspora that help to author the next chapter of the US India relationship.

These two elements, technology and people connections were the theme of a poem ‘Passage to India’ written by Walt Whitman, a century and half ago. President Obama quoted this at the dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan in January 2015: ‘The earth to be spanned, connected by network, the people to become brothers and sisters.’
The President noted how India and America are connected and networked by technology and by family including millions of Indian Americans. It is an important time for US-India relations. It is one that opens the door to a period of unprecedented cooperation, politically and commercially.

Our two countries are aligned across three dimensions: incredible growth potential, increasingly robust economic policies and newfound motivation in spurring greater trade and investment at the highest levels of both governments and among a broad set of stakeholders in both countries. Among these stakeholders are the Indian Americans..

E M Stephen, a founding member and the Executive Director of the Center, credited several individuals who have contributed their time, energy, talents and resources to the establishment and growth of the Kerala Center. He said, “From a modest beginning 18 years ago, the Center has come a long way to play a vital role in the life of the NRI community in the United States.” Over the past two decades, it 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.

According to Stephen, there are about 60,000 Keralites in the New York metropolitan area. A main objective of the Center has been to address the emotional and cultural, and political education of all the community members. “This Center, the way we have planned the growth of this institution, has a vision and tremendous responsibility to take care of emotional and cultural needs of our community and meanwhile prepare them to face the responsibilities of becoming a full fledged American Citizen.” Stephen, who is fully engaged in this responsibility, said, “We are perhaps a minority group now. But I feel, as a community member, we have to feel and act as a part of the mainstream by fully participating in all the activities. That is our ultimate goal.”

Every year, The Center honors nearly half a dozen Non Resident Keralites for their outstanding achievements and service to the society with the prestigious Kerala Center Annual Gala Award during a solemn ceremony. Dr. Thomas Abraham, an architect of the Kerala Center and currently a member, Boar d of Directors 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.”

Seminars are organized regularly on literary, social, and political them es at The Center. The seminars are not just a brain-storming and idea-sharing sessions, but, they challenge and invite participants to give back to the larger community. Dr. Abraham said, “While Kerala Center caters to the cultural needs of the Kerala community, its objective is broad to serve the civic and community interests of the larger Indian community. So we tailor many programs to involve the Indian American community.” Kerala Center was the venue to launch National Indian American Association for Senior Citizens in 1998 and South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) in the 2000. The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) also uses Kerala Center for its committee meetings as well as organizing several public forums with the center. The Kerala Center in turns serves the whole Indian community”

Photo 1: Kerala Center Awardees 2016, from l. to r.: Prof. T.V. RajanBabu, Manohar Thomas, Arun Kumar, Ram Menon and Dr. Jai Radhakrishnan
Photo 2: Kerala Center officials with awardees and dignitaries. Front row from l. to r.: Abraham Thomas, K. Devadasan Nair, Prof. T.V. RajanBabu, Manohar Thomas, Arun Kumar, Ram Menon and Dr. Jai Radhakrishnan, New York Cikty Councilman Peter Koo and Gopalan Nair

Indian Americans expand electoral gains across US

November 16, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Indian Americans have traditionally not been active in US politics, having minimum political participation and lower voter turnout compared to other minority groups. However, in recent times, their political influence is rapidly growing. With four Congressmen and a US Senator, Indian Americans have made their presence felt in Washington, DC.

Californians elected Kamala Harris as the state’s first new U.S. Senator in 24 years, she also became the first Indian American ever elected to the Senate with her victory. Rep. Ami Bera, who was the lone Indian American serving in the House of Representatives, defeated Republican Scott Jones in his re-election bid from the state of California. Bera will be joined by three other Indian Americans when he enters the chamber at the beginning of January’s new session. Fremont attorney Ro Khanna, in his second battle with incumbent Mike Honda and in his third attempt at a congressional seat, has emerged victorious against the eight-term congressman.

Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi won the Illinois 8th Congressional District race against Republican Peter DiCianni. Krishnamoorthi and DiCianni were both trying to win the seat vacated by Tammy Duckworth, who won Illinois’ U.S. Senate seat Tuesday night. Pramila Jayapal defeated Brady Walkinshaw Tuesday in Washington’s 7th Congressional District.

By winning the seat occupied since 1988 by retiring U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, Jayapal becomes the first Indian-American woman elected to Congress. The 52-year-old state senator, whose campaign carried the endorsement of former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, had 57 percent in Tuesday returns in the Seattle-area clash featuring two Democrats. Both candidates referenced the U.S. presidential contest Tuesday night. Jayapal said the result of her race means the 7th District can be “a light in the darkness” if Donald Trump emerged triumphant. “If our worst fears are realized, we will be on the defense as of tomorrow,” she told supporters. “We will have to fight for social justice as never before.”

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, although not South Asian American has had the support of this community due to her Hindu faith. She cruised to re-election Tuesday night, demolishing opponent Angela Kaaihue by more than 50 percent of the vote. Gabbard, the lone Hindu American in the House of Representatives, finished the night by collecting 82 percent of the vote. Kaaihue received 19,000 votes, or 18 percent.

Assemblyman Prasad Srinivasan (R) won 65% against Matt Saunig (D) 32% at the polls last week. Incumbent Prasad Srinivasan won the 31st District State House in race in Connecticut on Tuesday.

In statewide elections, Indian Americans Prasad Srnivasan, (R;CT); Ash Kalra, D-Calif.; Niraj Antani, R-Ohio; and Jay Chaudhuri, D-N.C., were victorious in their respective elections to statewide offices in the elections held on November 8th.

Dr. Prasad Srinivasan (Dr.S) is a long time resident of the town of Glastonbury. He has been practicing in Glastonbury and the Hartford area for over 30 years. He treats pediatric and adult patients with allergies. Prasad Srinivasan has diverse interests and accomplishments. On November 4th 2014, Prasad Srinivasan was elected to his third term as the State Representative of the 31st Assembly District. He is a member of the General Assembly’s Public Health, Finance Revenue & Bonding , and Planning and Development Committees. Prasad Srinivasan was chief pediatric resident at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. He did his fellowship in allergy and immunology at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. He is a graduate of Baroda Medical College in India. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

San Jose Councilman Ash Kalra told NBC Bay Area he became the first Indian American to serve in the California legislature, after his opponent, Madison Nguyen, texted him Friday to concede. Kalra, a law professor at Lincoln Law School of San Jose, had been leading in the polls since Election Day as the front-runner in the hotly contested race for the state’s 27th Assembly District. The two were competing to replace termed-out Assemblywoman Nora Campos. “We’ve had a great turnaround! Waiting for final results,” Kalra tweeted. “Friends, votes are being counted & we have a lead of over 4,000,” Kalra added.

Niraj Antani, 25, voted as the second most influential Republican under the age of 30 by Newsmax earlier this year defeated his Democratic rival Merris handily in the election, receiving 63 percent of the vote to Merris’ 37 percent. “I am truly honored to have been re-elected as the state representative for the 42nd Ohio House District,” Antani said following the victory. “I look forward to returning to the Ohio House of Representative as its only Indian American member, and continuing my fight for the American Dream. I am looking forward to continuing my fight in the Ohio House of Representatives so that all Ohioans can have the opportunity to achieve their American Dream,” he said in a statement.

A graduate of Ohio State University, receiving a bachelor’s in political science, as well as a juris doctorate degree from the University of Dayton School of Law, Antani was previously the communications director for the Ohio State University College Republicans during the 2012 presidential election, as well as the chair for the Young Americans for Romney in Ohio.

Jay Chaudhuri, a rising star in the Democratic party, is another Indian American who convincingly held his seat by defeating Eric Weaver 65 percent to 35 percent in North Carolina’s 16th District. “Yes, the last 48 hours have been really hard for Democrats. But, we must respect the integrity of our election process,” Chaudhuri said in a Nov. 10 Facebook post. “Let us move forward. And, let us roll up our sleeves to do the hard work on behalf of all Americans and all North Carolinians.”

Donald Trump elected 45th president of the United States of America

November 9, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Stunning defeat of Hillary Clinton proves to be repudiation of President Obama’s policies

Donald John Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States on November 8th, 2016 in a stunning election victory that has shocked Washington and the world.

The long Tuesday night after over a year of explosive, populist and polarizing campaign between Hillary Clinton, the Democratic party nominee and Trump, the Republican party nominee that took relentless aim at the institutions and long-held ideals of American democracy, is a searing rebuke to President Obama, who had pleaded with voters that his hope-and-change agenda was at stake in this election.

For the first time in many decades the Republican party is expected to have control over the Presidency, the US Senate and the US House of Representatives. The Republicans continue to have a 51 seat majority in a Senate which has a total membership of 100, while the grand old party of Lincoln will also have a majority in the House, holding onto at least 236 seats, with the Democrats winning 191 seats.

Donald John Trump defied the skeptics who said he would never run, and the political veterans who scoffed at his slapdash campaign. Hillary Clinton had been seeking to make history as the first woman to win the White House, but instead the 70-year-old Trump made history of another sort, becoming the first person elected to the top job without having held a high government office or military command.

The shocking outcome, defying almost all pre-election polls that showed Hillary Clinton with a modest but persistent edge, threatened convulsions throughout the country and the world, where skeptics had watched the triumph of Trump, a real estate developer-turned-reality television star with no government experience, was a powerful rejection of the establishment forces that had assembled against him, from the world of business to government, and the consensus they had forged on everything from trade to immigration.

The coming together of the Blacks, the Hispanics, and the Women was not enough to the decisive demonstration of power by a largely overlooked coalition of mostly blue-collar white and working-class voters who felt that the promise of the United States had slipped their grasp amid decades of globalization and multiculturalism.

Nationwide exit polls underscored America’s stark divide. Male white voters backed Trump, while women backed Clinton by a double-digit margin. Nearly nine in 10 black voters and two-thirds of Latinos voted for the Democrat. He fired up white, working-class American voters who were angry at the Washington establishment and felt left behind by globalization.

Analysts say, people of this oldest and greatest constitutional democratic nation have voted convincingly, expressing that they are fed up with eight years of a sluggish economy and a growing disconnect with their leaders in Washington, voting to send businessman and political novice Donald Trump to the White House, guaranteeing one of the biggest shakeups in political history.

His message resonated especially in the Midwest, where a stunning victory in Ohio helped give Trump the Electoral College votes he needed to win. Unexpected and upset victories in the states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin gave him enough projected electoral votes to win the White House. The battleground states of Florida and North Carolina cleared the way for his Brexit-style upset.

But his ultimate triumph was driven less by region than by race and class. His winning coalition consisted of restive whites and scarcely anyone else. He is projected to win 289 electoral college votes with Hillary Clinton winning 214 electoral college votes out of 538 electoral college votes needed to win the White House.

Trump has so far won 28 US states, smashing into Clinton’s vaunted electoral firewall in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, states that have not supported a Republican presidential candidate since 1988 and 1984 respectively. He also prevailed in Iowa, which has not elected a Republican since 2004. Trump held on to solidly Republican territory, including in Georgia, Arizona and Utah, where the Clinton campaign had invested resources in the hope of flipping the states.

Hillary Clinton, the former first lady, former senator and former Secretary of State, whose quarter-century in Washington — and the long list of stumbles, including a scandal over a secret email server — is reported to have made her anathema for too many voters.

Trump powered his campaign with a simple mantra to “Make America great again” and he vowed to live up to that charge as president, saying he would rebuild the country’s inner cities, improve care for veterans, double economic growth and forge alliances with other nations willing to work with him. He attacked the norms of American politics, singling out groups for derision on the basis of race and religion and attacking the legitimacy of the political process.

Trump ignored conventions of common decency, employing casual vulgarity and raining personal humiliation on his political opponents and critics in the media. In his triumph, Trump has delivered perhaps the greatest shock to the American political system in modern times and opened the door to an era of extraordinary political uncertainty at home and around the globe.

The son of a wealthy real estate developer in New York, Trump spent decades pursuing social acceptance in upscale Manhattan and seeking, at times desperately, to persuade the wider world to see him as a great man of affairs. Ridiculed by critics on the right and left, shunned by the most respected figures in American politics, including every living former president, Trump equated his own outcast status with the resentments of the white class.

The US president-elect took to the stage with his family at his victory rally in a New York hotel ballroom and said: “I just received a call from Secretary Clinton.

She congratulated us on our victory. “Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time, and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country.”

In an uncharacteristically gracious and conciliatory speech, US President-elect Donald Trump, in his post-win speech, first thanked opponent Hillary Clinton for her “service to the nation” and hinted at healing a country bruised by a grueling and divisive campaign season.

Even though he would later talk of putting America front and centre by “no longer settling for anything less than the best” and “reclaiming the country’s destiny”, he started his speech saying he “will be President for all of America”, even for those “who’ve chosen not to support me.”

“We are going to fix our inner cities, we are going to rebuild towns, schools, hospitals….which will become second to none…and we will put millions of our people to work. We will also finally take care of our great veterans. Everyone in this country will realize their potential, the forgotten men and women won’t be forgotten anymore,” Trump said. aving been accused of excessive protectionism and an inward approach to foreign policy, today’s post-win Trump also made sure to give a conciliatory shout out to the rest of the world. “We will put America’s interests first, but we will deal fairly with everyone,” Trump said. He added: “It is time for us to come together as one united people.” He pledged: “I am your voice.”

US elections result in historic gains for Indian-Americans

November 9, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Kamala Harris is 1st first US Senator of Indian Origin; Krishnamurthi, Jaapal, Khanna, Bera win Congressional seats

The coming of age of the Indian American community is evident all over with the tiny less than 1% of the US population leading in several areas of American life. With the record number of Indian Americans holding high jobs in the Obama administration, many more are even trying to take an active role in the politics of the country by

trying to get elected to public offices across the nation. They are the most affluent and best educated of any immigrant group in the country, according to Pew. They include doctors, engineers, tech entrepreneurs and educators, and form a rich donor base.

Now, many more Indian Americans are entering politics and seeking elected offices, cementing their place at the table of decision makers. The elections held on November 8th this year has sent One US Senator and three Indian Americans to the US Congress. Kamala Harris’ win Tuesday night makes her the first Indian American to serve in the U.S. Senate. She will also be just the second black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, and the first black senator from California.

No Indian-American had been elected to the Senate before, while there have been three from the community elected to the House of Representatives – Daily Singh Saund, Bobby Jindal and Ami Bera. Raja Krishnamoorthi on Tuesday night became the first Indian-American elected to Congress this election cycle, winning from Illinois. While

there were other four Indian-Americans in the fray for the House – Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Peter Jacobs and Ami Bera, three of them were elected to the US House of Representatives, while Peter Jacob lost his maiden bid from New Jersey.

Harris’ race and ethnicity were never a focal point of the contest, which she was projected to win handily. Many people focused more on the possibility that California might have elected the first Latina to the Senate if Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Orange) had won. Harris’ mother, Dr. Shyamala Harris, emigrated from India. Her father, Donald Harris, emigrated from Jamaica.

California Attorney General Kamala Harris defeated Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D) in Tuesday’s election for California’s open seat in the U.S. Senate, making her the first black woman elected to the upper chamber in more than two decades.

Harris will replace outgoing Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), who announced her retirement in 2014 after serving more than two decades in the Senate.

Rep. Ami Bera won from District 7 in the state of California with a 51% margin in a bitterly fought election, in a historic third race for re-election. Amerish Babulal “Ami” Bera is an American physician who has been the U.S. Representative for California’s 7th congressional district since 2013. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Bera won his 2014 election by a margin of just 1,475 votes winning 50.4 percent to his opponent’s 49.6 percent. Bera’s relatively independent streak in Congress compared to many other Democrats could be attributed to this narrow win. According to Ballotpedia, a non-partisan candidate tracking website, Bera’s voting ranking by different organizations show he “may break with the Democratic Party line more than his fellow members.”

In California’s Bay Area’s marquee congressional race, Fremont Democrat Ro Khanna was holding a strong early lead in his bid to oust Rep. Mike Honda from the South Bay seat the incumbent has owned for the past 16 years. With 18 percent of precincts reporting, Khanna led his fellow Democrat 58 percent to 42 percent in the bid for the

17th Congressional District seat. “I know it’s a deeply divided national election and it’s easy to become cynical these days, but let us remember our democracy is the most open political system in the world,” Khanna told a raucous crowd at the Royal Palace Banquet Hall in Fremont.

Krishnamoorthi’s 8th District in Illinois is heavily Democratic which makes his win among the most certain Nov. 8. Recently, he got a boost from President Obama who asked voters in a video to take advantage of early voting and support his “good friend Raja Krishnamoorthi.”

Krishnamoorthi has received the endorsements of major newspapers like the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Raised in Peoria, Illinois, he earned his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in mechanical engineering from Princeton University and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School.

He was Illinois’s Deputy Treasurer, and in 2006, was appointed by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to serve as Special Assistant Attorney General in her Public Integrity Unit. He also served as a member of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, where he was chairman of the Audit Committee.

Khanna, who served as deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Commerce Department during the Obama administration, has written a book about boosting the country’s exports, and teaches at Stanford University, got a boost this October when former President Jimmy Carter gave him a strong endorsement. He has also been able to get some big names in Silicon Valley behind him, according to news reports. Yet he has a tough job defeating a veteran lawmaker in Honda despite an ongoing Congressional ethics probe.

Khanna’s District covers the heart of Silicon Valley and encompasses portions of both Santa Clara County and Alameda County including the cities of Fremont, Newark, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, North San Jose, and Milpitas.

In another western state of Washington, Pramila Jayapal defeated Brady Walkinshaw Tuesday in Washington’s super-liberal 7th Congressional District. By winning the seat occupied since 1988 by retiring U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, Jayapal becomes the first Indian-American woman elected to Congress.

The 52-year-old state senator — an immigrant-rights activist who scored an endorsement from Bernie Sanders last spring — captured 57 percent of the vote, as of early Wednesday, in the Seattle-area clash featuring two Democrats. The battle between Jayapal and Walkinshaw, a 32-year-old state representative, was the only competitive congressional contest in Washington.

Jayapal, a life-long activist committed to immigrant rights and women’s issues, with experience on Wall Street as well, is pitted against fellow progressive Democrat Brady Pinero Walkinshaw in Washington’s District 7. She has built a multi-ethnic coalition with hundreds of volunteers going door-to-door and has raised $2.23 million

as of Sept. 30, according to the Federal Election Commission. Walkinshaw reported collecting $1.46 million. Though Walkinshaw and Jayapal were the top two winners in the August caucuses, the Indian-American won 42 percent of the vote to Walkinshaw’s 21 percent in a 9-way race.

Jayapal is a long-time Bernie Sanders supporter when the Vermont Senator was running for Democratic nominee against Hillary Clinton. She has toed the party line to rally behind Clinton in the run up to Nov. 8.

In the state of New Jersey, Peter Jacob, another Indian American running from New Jersey’s District 7 conceded with capturing only 43% of the total votes cast in the Garden state. Jacob, 30, a Masters in Social Work and strong Bernie Sanders supporters, had gained some traction over the last six months. He attracted attention in

June for elbowing his way to the Democratic nomination against the establishment choice. He continues to sound like a plausible alternative in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, to the comfortably ensconced Republican incumbent Leonard Lance.

South Asians who backed Hillary Clinton overwhelmingly are disappointed

November 9, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

Indian Americans, who are traditionally Democrats, were stunned by the outcome of the general elections in the United States, where Donald Trump crushed Hillary Clinton in the race to the White House on November 8th, 2016.

Democrats and Republicans had intensified their campaigns in the community for their presidential candidates on the eve of Tuesday’s monumental elections. Democrats took a broader approach reaching out to all South Asians over the weekend, while Republicans focused on Hindus.

A national online survey of Indian-Americans reveals that a whopping 79.43% of them would vote for Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, while 14.89% would vote for Republican candidate Donald Trump. Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson received 1.42% support from Indian-Americans. The survey was conducted during Oct. 21-26 after the third and final presidential debate.

The opinion poll, which was piloted by IndUS Business Journal and its sister publication INDIA New England News, also revealed that 46.43% of Indian-Americans are registered as Independents, while 38.57% are Democrats, and only 5% are registered as Republicans.

“The biggest surprise was that nearly half of the Indian-Americans are registered as Independents,” said Upendra Mishra, publisher of IndUS Business Journal and INDIA New England News. “The general assumption among Non-Resident Indians is that a vast majority of Indian-Americans are registered as Democrats.” Mishra said that despite an intense campaign by a small Hindu minority to support Trump, the campaign by the Republican Hindu Coalition has fallen on deaf ears.

“A vast majority of the NRI community in the United States is open-minded and beyond the pettiness of caste and religion,” Mishra said. “The strength in diversity and openness is one of the greatest strengths of NRIs in the United States and worldwide.”

Republicans have been trying to break into the Democratic Party base, with a campaign targeting Hindus. Last month Trump addressed a charity event organized by Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) that drew about 8,000 people in New Jersey. He vowed at the event to be a friend of Hindus and Indians.

Clinton has not made a similar direct appeal to Indian Americans given the wide margin of their historic support. Her Indian American and South Asian supporters have instead concentrated on mobilizing fellow Democrats to go out and vote, especially those living in key battleground states to her victory.

Both sides waged a battle on community televisions and on the digital media. Democrats ran a phone bank with volunteers calling up South Asians in the key states, urging them to vote for Clinton. The RHC blanketed voters thought to be Hindus with printed campaign material.

Amit Jani of South Asians for Hillary (SAHILL) told the media that about 200 volunteers were out over the weekend knocking on doors of South Asians and making phone calls to them to vote for Clinton, concentrating on the battleground states. The group prepared a list of South Asians by going through the master voters’ rolls to

help them campaign, he said. The Democratic Party commercials, on the other hand, focused on the future generations of South Asians and Indian Americans, according to Varun Nikore, the vice chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander Victory Fund (AAPIVF), which backs Clinton.

RHC sent out printed campaign material accusing Clinton of being “Best friend of Pakistan, China and Radical Islamic Terrorists” and of advocating an immigration policy that will make Indians “wait 50 years” for Green Cards. Focusing on Indian businesspeople and doctors, the RHC said that Clinton was “pro-labour” and will extend President Barack Obama’s health care program to force all medical professionals to work for the government.

It said that Trump is a friend of Hindus and was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and would increase trade with India at the expense of China and enable Indians to get more Green Cards.

Some of these themes played out on the RHC TV advertisements, which also alleged that Clinton’s aide, Huma Abedin, whose mother is a Pakistani, would influence Clinton’s foreign policy. The Republican Hindu Coalition released a new ad Nov. 2, attacking Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s top aide, Huma Abedin, for her Pakistani heritage.

The 30-second television spot, which is running on several Indian American television stations, including Zee TV, TV Asia, Times Now and Star TV, amongst other outlets, begins with an attack on Clinton for her alleged ties to Pakistan. The ad notes that the candidate has given “billions of dollars” and military equipment to

Pakistan, “to be used against India.” The spot also notes that Clinton “was instrumental” in blocking a U.S. visa for Narendra Modi for several years, until he became prime minister of India. The RHC spot also alleged that former U.S. President Bill Clinton supports “giving Kashmir to Pakistan.”

With the race for the White House tightening, Indian-American Democrats are making a push to get their community to turn out to vote for Hillary Clinton, saying she’s been a steadfast friend of Indians and India.

Leaders of “Indian Americans for Democrats and Friends of Hillary for President” appealed in particular to Indians living in states expected to play a key role in the presidential elections next week saying that despite its small size the community’s votes could have an outsize effect in a tight race.

Bhupi Patel, a community leader, spoke of the influence Indians steadily have built up in US politics and their impact on India-US relations. He recalled Indian American Center for Political Awareness founded by the late newspaper pioneer Gopal Raju and how it encouraged Indians to get involved in politics and helped India and the US develop closer ties.

Patel said that Clinton’s agenda for health care, immigration reform and improving the quality of and access to education meshed in with that of Indian Americans for whom these were crucial issues.

Diya lit at White House Diwali celebration

November 3, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Diwali celebrated across America

Recognizing the growing importance of India, Indian Americans and the rich culture of India, President Barack Obama celebrated Diwali Oct. 30 by lighting the first-ever diya in the Oval Office of the White House and hoped that his successors would continue the tradition.

While the festival of lights has traditionally been celebrated by the Indian-American community, especially the Hindus, this year it has attracted more attention of politicians across the board welcoming he festival that signifies triumph of good over evil.

Obama, who was the first president to celebrate Diwali personally at the White House in 2009, talked about this momentous occasion in a Facebook post soon after he kindled the diya in his Oval Office with some Indian Americans working in his administration.

“Michelle and I will never forget how the people of India welcomed us with open arms and hearts and danced with us in Mumbai on Diwali,” he recalled. “I was proud to be the first president to host a Diwali celebration at the White House in 2009, and Michelle and I will never forget how the people of India welcomed us with open arms and hearts and danced with us in Mumbai on Diwali,” Obama said.

“This year, I was honored to kindle the first-ever diya in the Oval Office — a lamp that symbolizes how darkness will always be overcome by light. It is a tradition that I hope future presidents will continue,” Obama said on the White House Facebook page, which became viral on social media. On behalf of the entire Obama family, I wish you and your loved ones peace and happiness on this Diwali,” Obama said.

“To all who are celebrating the festival of lights across America and around the world, happy Diwali. As Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists light the diya, share in prayers, decorate their homes, and open their doors to host and feast with loved ones, we recognize that this holiday rejoices in the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance,” said the president.

“It also speaks to a broader truth about our shared American experience. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we see beyond the differences that too often divide us. It’s a reflection of the hopes and dreams that bind us together,” he said.

Obama said that it is a time to renew the collective obligation to deepen those bonds, to stand in each other’s shoes and see the world through each other’s eyes, and to embrace each other as brothers and sisters — and as fellow Americans.

Both presidential candidates – Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton – have indicated their respect for the festival. At the Republican Hindu Charity concert in New Jersey, Trump lighted a diya on stage. Last week, his campaign released a video in which he wishes people a ‘happy Diwali’ ahead of the festival. Clinton issued a press statement in which she wished everyone a happy Diwali and “Saal Mubarak.”

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greeted Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains across the world on the occasion of Diwali. “On Sunday, nearly a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists around the world — including more than two million Americans — will celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. For members of these faiths, lighting the lamp (the diya) is a reminder that light prevails over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil,” Clinton said. “To those of you celebrating this joyous occasion, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak,” she said.

Senator Tim Kaine, who is also the Democratic vice presidential nominee, tweeted, “Diwali is a beautiful reminder of the ultimate victory of light over darkness. Saal Mubarak to all those celebrating!”

Senator John Cornyn, who is co-chair of the bipartisan Senate India Caucus said, “Diwali’s message of compassion is one that resonates with all Texans. Wishing you a joyous and prosperous new year.” Senator and a former Republican presidential nominee Ted Cruz said the central theme of Diwali reinforces the “shared hope and common outlook” the U.S. and India enjoy as “friends” and allies. “As we mark Diwali, may the United States-India alliance be a shining light of truth and peace,” Cruz said in a statement. Several Lawmakers from across the nation also issued statements, greeting people on the occasion of Diwali.

Also, joining Indians around the world, the United Nations celebrated Diwali for the first time this year. “Happy Diwali! UN celebrates Diwali for 1st time,” Syed Akbaruddin, India’s permanent representative to the UN, tweeted Oct. 29. Thank you president of the General Assembly for this initiative,” he said. From this year, Diwali was made an optional holiday at the UN and a message was displayed on the UN building, greeting the whole world, “Happy Diwali.”

Dr. Anil Kumar running for Congress in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District

November 3, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

The year 2012 turned out to be one for the books when it came to citizens of Indian origin running for — and winning — elected offices in the US, and 2016 may prove to be an encore as many more Indian Americans entering the general election. Another prominent Indian American seeking a berth in the US Congress is Dr. Anil B. Kumar.
He is running against incumbent Dave Trott, and an Independent (and former Republican Congressperson) Kerry Bentivolio. Kumar understands the uphill battle he is facing to win the 11th District to beat Trott and Bentivolio in the elections to be held on Nov. 8th.

A urologist, Kumar, 62, I is a critical fight for a seat in the US House of Representatives, from the 11th Congressional District of Michigan, which is a largely suburban area just outside of Detroit. Kumar, a Democrat, has made it known that the crux of his platform will be a drive to create jobs in the communities around Detroit to help bolster the city’s economy, and find ways to make healthcare more affordable for the area’s low-income citizens.

Born in Jaipur but raised in Mumbai, Kumar graduated from the University of Mumbai with his medical degree before moving to England, and then to the US. He completed his residency at Wayne State University, located in Detroit. He has been practicing for 33 years, has at least eight practice locations in an around Rochester Hills, and roughly 25 professional affiliations. He is a head member of the Oakland Physicians Medical Center LLC and was formerly a board member of the Oakland County Medical Society.

For the last decade, Anil has served as president of a surgical center in Rochester Hills. In addition to serving his patients, Anil also manages a small business and teaches at Michigan State University. Anil is deeply involved with community activities and is – most importantly – a family man.

According to Dr. Kumar, he has given vitality to 11th District residents as an expert surgeon, small business owner, teacher, and community leader. His three decades of experience in the medical field have made him an expert on healthcare, which he will use to strengthen Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. Because the Kumar Surgical Center provides quality healthcare for patients of all socioeconomic backgrounds, Dr. Kumar understands the dynamics of running a small business that serves the community—not personal financial interests. Dr. Kumar is also a member of the clinical faculty at Michigan State University, and so he knows the importance of making college and community college affordable.

When asked why people should vote for him, Dr. Kumar said, “People should vote for me because, one, I am not an established politician and the persons that ere in office, including Congress, their favorability is less than 20%. And look at the last two or four years, especially for healthcare, especially for our seniors, especially for our patients who have deductibles of $10,000, $12,000. They have done nothing to change their lives. I want to come out of my very lucrative practice where I’m serving people, to do something [through] which I can make a change…The other reason they should vote for me is I have ideas that will work.”

According to him, his first priority is healthcare reform with full prescription drug coverage for seniors, capping deductibles and copays, and to repeal laws which prohibit the CMS from negotiating with pharmaceutical companies. Another area, he wants to focus on is to institute debt free education and skills training using a tax credit program, and early head start programs, increase funding for education, and deliver policies back into the hands of teachers instead of bureaucrats. His common sense measures to prevent gun violence by instituting strict background checks, and close the loopholes which have allowed for catastrophes where innocent lives have been lost.

President Obama supports Raja Krishnamoorthi via video message

November 3, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Raja Krishnamoorthi, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Congress from Illinois’ 8th District who is already a front runner in the race, got a massive boost from the recent endorsement he had received from President Obama, with his urge to voters in the state of Illinois to get out and vote for his “good friend Raja Krishnamoorthi,” in a special video prepared for the Indian-American candidate.

The video begins with President Obama seated in a chair in the White House, saying, “Hi, this is Barack Obama asking you to vote for my good friend Raja Krishnamoorthi for Congress.” The President’s voice continues as scenes of Krishnamoorthi’s past interactions with him flash by as do scenes from the candidate’s campaign. “When I ran for the U.S. Senate, Raja helped me develop ideas for building an economy that works for everyone,” the President says. “Now Raja’s plans will help small businesses grow, raise wages, and help families pay for college.” The President returns to the screen to remind voters, ” The polls are open now, so don’t waste a minute. Vote Raja Krishnamoorthi for Congress. Thanks.”

As per reports, the video has gone out to tens of thousands of voters in the 8th District via email, and to multiples more through social media and the Internet, Krishnamoorthi said. “It’s pretty special,” Krishnamoorthi told News India Times. “At first we had just requested a voice recording. But he went ahead and made a video message. So it’s much more than we asked for,” Krishnamoorthi added.

Krishnamoorthi sees the 28- second video as a big plus for his campaign. “It’s directed toward people who are likely to vote. I want to get a chance to talk to those voters,” he said. Krishnamoorthi served as issues director for Barack Obama’s successful United States Senate campaign in 2004. He was raised in Peoria, Illinois, earned his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in mechanical engineering from Princeton University and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School.

He clerked for a federal judge in Chicago, was Illinois’s Deputy Treasurer, and in 2006, he was appointed by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to serve as Special Assistant Attorney General in her Public Integrity Unit. He also served as a member of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, where he was chairman of the Audit Committee. He was formerly Vice-Chairman of the Illinois Innovation Council. He currently serves as president of Sivananthan Labs and Episolar, Inc., small businesses that sell products in the national security and renewable energy industries.

Meanwhile, the Indian American community has been working hard to ensure his victory. In an event organized in support of the promising Indian American candidate, Sanhita Agnihotri invited Raja Krishnamoorthi along with the principal hosts Hanumanth Reddy, Iftekhar Shareef, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Ajai Agnihotri, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar and Ajeet Singh to join the lamp lighting ceremony and added saying that the lighting of the lamp symbolizes invocation of an auspicious outcome in the elections.

Raja Krishnamoorthi in his rare departure shifting from the standards electoral stump speech went on to deliver a passionate impromptu address on his progressive vision igniting fervor among Indian Americans who are energized to propel him to a place in the U.S. Congress. Raja connected intimately with each attendee and addressed them with great clarity and unmistakable conviction addressing a wide range of issues affecting the nation. Raja elaborated on his legislative priorities that includes shoring up Social Security, Medicare, raising the minimum wage nationally, making college more affordable, creating jobs, improving economy, reforming immigration system, improving American infrastructure among some major issues. Raja Krishnamoorthi also addressed businessmen and their causes; and allayed fears on harsh regulations and untenable tax burdens.

Raja Krishnamoorthi thanked the host of community, organizational, business and grass- root level leaders gathered at the event and assured them of his undying devotion to represent them and added saying “when I go to the Congress, you go with me” amidst sustained applause.

Ajai Agnihotri in his brief statement said Raja is a phenomenon that is likely to dominate the Capitol Hill with his refreshing voice of strength and conviction; while Dr. Vijay Prabhakar challenged the Indian Americans to seize this rare opportunity to rise up in collective strength of unity to help elect Raja and added that Raja will be a shining inspiration for many generations to come.

Proposing a vote of thanks, Sanhita Agnihotri was joined by Poonam Gupta-Krishnan, Nazneen Hashmi, Shirley Kalvakota, and Mrs. Inder Gauri who presented a flower bouquet to Raja. Some of the well-known attendees at the reception include Dr. Sriram Sonty, Babu [Marsha] Patel, Inder Gauri, Jitendra Digvanker, Harish Kolasani, John Trivedi, Dr. Hyder Mohhamned, Cecil Joseph, Satish Dadepogu, Baba Daljit Singh, Mitul Patel, Azhar Siddique & Emmanuel Neela.

With the current trajectory of the congressional race looking increasingly reassuring, this defining moment seems to bear promise to see their beloved Indian American son Raja Krishnamoorthi to be ushered into the hallowed halls of the United States Congress. Raja Krishnamoorthi remains the most widely acknowledged candidate to have received a wide spread mainstream newspapers ringing endorsements hailing him as the “best candidate hands down” and extoling him for his “enthusiastic grasp on issues” advancing “working families agenda”; with President Obama joining to give a testimonial push on TV — augurs well for him to cross the finish line on in the national elections on November 8th, 2016.

Picture Caption: Raja Krishnamoorthi seen here with the hosts [L to R seated] Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Iftekhar Shareef, Sanhita Agnihotri, Ajai Agnihotri, Keerthi Ravoori [Standing L to R] Shirley Kalvakota, Poonam Gupta, Nazneen Hashmi, Daljit Singh, Babu Patel & Dr. Hyder Mohammed.

Pramila Jayapal on way to win Congressional seat from Washington state

November 3, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Pramila Jayapal, the Chennai-born Democrat, who was endorsed by Sanders, running from Washington’s 7th district, is all set be elected to the US Congress, reports suggest. Armed with the notion that corporate special interests and anti-immigrant hysteria have sunk their talons far too deeply into the overarching body of American politics, Indian American Pramila Jayapal, 50, has set out to add her boldly progressive voice to Capitol Hill as a congressional representative from Washington state.

Jayapal — who emigrated from India as a teenager — is running for Congress from Washington’s 7th district in order to succeed incumbent Jim McDermott. The district, which includes most of Seattle, is considered to be one of the most reliably Democratic localities in the nation.

Jayapal, who originally hails from Chennai, is engaged in a primary battle with four others, including fellow Indian American Arun Jhaveri, who formerly served as the mayor of Burien, Washington.

After observing the hypocrisy and skewed nature of Wall Street first hand during the 1980s, Jayapal has spent the past 25 years advocating for both the middle class and immigrants across the United States. She now hopes she can bring that very same impetus to the House of Representatives if elected in November.

An adamant proponent of the American Dream, Jayapal recently spoke with the American Bazaar about her plan to keep the ethos alive for future generations of Americans regardless of race, creed, or socioeconomic status.

Jayapal, who is a strong supporter of Immigration reform, reminds of her work “for 15 years and I don’t think there’s anyone in the state who knows the policy and the politics of immigration reform better than I do, so that’s certainly a big thing.” Recalling that she came to the United States “when I was 16, my parents took all the money they had — about $5,000 — and put it into sending me here so that I could get what they thought would be the best education. I think the opportunity to have that and in a way, to live my version of the American Dream, has made me that much more committed to making sure that other people get their American Dream.”

“I started OneAmerica, formerly known as Hate Free Zone, right after 9/11 and it initially dealt with hate crimes against Arabs, Muslims, and South Asians, but within two weeks of that post-9/11 backlash was that we were fighting the U.S. government. It was the time of President George Bush and Attorney General John Ashcroft; they were detaining and deporting people simply for being Arab or Muslim. I felt I had to speak out about things going on that were completely wrong and antithetical to the American values that I had just sworn to as I had just become a U.S. citizen in 2000.”

Jayapal understands the need to contain the cost of higher-education, which has become a flashpoint for many post-grads who now find themselves stricken with unsustainable debt. “I would like to introduce a bill here in the state that would provide tuition-free college. I started here in the state with free community college just because our community college system is so accessible to so many people across the state as opposed to our four-year institutions. If we could increase transfer rates from two-year colleges to four-year colleges, I think that would be tremendous. I’d be looking to do something similar in the U.S. Congress for all institutions of higher education.”

A believer in clean energy, Jayapal is of the belief that it’s a great opportunity to invest in green jobs — to use the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy as the opportunity to actually invest in a whole new infrastructure, and that’s both jobs and the environment together. “To me, that seems like the smart thing to do.”
Pramila has major endorsements from every sector, such as 21 sitting members of Congress including Ami Bera and Keith Ellison; every major women’s group like NARAL, EMILY’s List, Planned Parenthood; every labor union that has endorsed in her race (over 50 now including the state’s labor council, AFL-CIO); the list goes on.

Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO, told this writer, “I want to tell you about a dynamic Indian American who is Washington State Senator Pramila Jayapal. I had known Pramila since she was running for the State Senate in 2014. She has been a community activist since 2001 who has campaigned for civil rights and served as the executive director of OneAmerica, a pro-immigration advocacy group.”

According to Abraham, Pramila, a strong progressive immigrant woman, who won her nine-way primary with 42% of the vote and is well on her way to being the first Indian American woman elected to Congress, is being attacked by her opponent – a fellow Democrat. We need to make sure that Pramila gets to Congress, and we must rally to raise the $250,000 she needs by November 1st, so she can call her opponent out on his negativity and keep her message from getting drowned out by his attacks. Let us support Pramila to become First Indian American Women Congresswoman.”

Rep. Ami Bera’s dad sentenced to 1-year prison term

November 3, 2016 Ajay GhoshUncategorized 0

Babulal Bera, father of Rep. Ami Bera, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for organizing a money-laundering scheme that helped fund two of his son’s campaigns, media reports here said.

It was a sentence that defense attorneys for Bera, 83, a retired chemical engineer who emigrated from India and watched his oldest son win election to the U.S. House of Representatives, argued was too severe, but one U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley said was appropriate.
“The defendant’s efforts were calculated,” Nunley said during the sentencing hearing in Sacramento. “This is more than just a naive person who doesn’t know how elections work.”

Babulal Bera allegedly funneled about $260,000 to his son’s bids for Congress in 2010 and 2012. Babulal Bera and his wife made the maximum allowable contribution of $2,400 each election cycle. He then asked family members and friends to also make the maximum contribution and said he would pay them back the full amount. In May, Babulal Bera pleaded guilty to two counts of violating federal campaign finance laws. His son is the sole Indian American in Congress.

Bera cannot appeal his conviction on campaign finance fraud or his one-year prison sentence, which begins on Nov. 18. The plea agreement notes that the maximum sentence would have been five years in federal prison.

In all, prosecutors said they were able to track at least $260,000 in illegal contributions funneled through donors but secretly paid by the elder Bera through multiple bank accounts used to further cover his tracks.

The 2010 incidents of money laundering did not end up helping Ami Bera win, as the Sacramento County physician lost a close race to former U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Gold River). But in the 2012 rematch, the second election cycle in which money was illegally funneled into Bera’s campaign, the Democrat defeated Lungren by about 9,000 votes.

Bera has remained a target of Republicans in one of California’s swing districts, having narrowly won reelection in 2014. His challenger in November, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, is seeking to link the congressman to his father’s money laundering conviction. On Tuesday, Jones proposed tightening federal campaign finance laws to make it harder for money to be funneled from one donor to another.

“This is one of the most difficult moments my family has ever experienced,” the congressman said in a written statement. “Of course I’m absolutely devastated and heartbroken for how today’s decision will impact our entire family. But my father’s accepted what he did was wrong, he’s taken responsibility and I love him more than words can express.”

Navnoor Kang, ex-official of NY Pension Fund charged with bribery

October 28, 2016 Ajay GhoshUncategorized 0

Navnoor Kang, an Indian origin former official of one of the largest pension funds, who oversaw the investment of $53 billion in pension funds, has been charged by federal prosecutors with accepting bribes of more than $100,000 in cash, cocaine, prostitutes, strippers, trips and concert tickets to steer lucrative business to two brokerage firms.

A director and strategist at the New York State Common Retirement Fund (NYCRF), Navnoor Kang “allegedly steered billions of dollars of business to broker-dealers who bribed him with luxury vacations, high-priced watches, drugs, cash and more”, Preet Bharara, the New York Federal prosecutor, said on Wednesday, last week.

Kang, 38, is a former tennis pro who played in international tournaments in 2005 and 2006.

From 2014 to 2016, he was the Director of Fixed Income and Head of Portfolio Strategy at NYCRF, the third largest pension fund in the US with $184 billion in assets. He was responsible for investing $53 billion in fixed income securities.

Court documents say Navnoor Kang, 38, started taking bribes almost as soon as he became director of fixed income and head of portfolio strategy for the NYS Common Retirement Fund in Albany in 2014.

The two companies, which were not identified, did not do any business with NYCRF in 2013. But by 2016 their combined annual volume of business was $2.557 billion after Kang had started sending them business, according to court documents. This netted the companies millions of dollars in commissions, prosecutors said.

NYSCRF is the third largest pension fund in the United States, with approximately $184 billion in assets in trust for a total of more than one million retirees and other beneficiaries, and at least two different people from different companies paid off Kang to get a piece of the pie. “This was an age old, very classic tale of quid pro quo corruption,” said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.

Bharara said the prosecution began with an investigation by the enforcement unit of the Securities and Exchange Commission which was alerted by one of the brokerage houses involved. Investigators found one of the brokerage houses went from handling no fixed income investments for the state pension fund to handling over $2 billion in two years. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Ayurveda, the new mantra for holistic health

October 18, 2016 Ajay GhoshHealth 0

Sreedhareeyam Brings Light Into The World Of Those Whose Lives Turned Dark

It was in December 2000, I was diagnosed with Uveitis with Vasculitis and peripheral neovascularization. After being treated with Prednisone, a steroid, upto 100 mg per day, though my vision had improved, it had inflicted several side-effects on my entire physical as well as mental health. My treatment at the National Health Institute in Maryland for nearly two years did not help in preventing the degeneration of my vision. Several surgeries that included a cataract and laser-surgeries, as well as Vitrectomy, did not help me contain the deterioration of my vision. Finally, in 2002, my eye specialist in Connecticut told me one day, “Ajay, you will lose your vision in right eye fully in the next 2-3 years.” I was completely shocked! I was desperate to find alternative treatment options to save my vision.

My search for restoring my vision led me to seek Ayurvedic treatment at Sreedhareeyam Eye Hospital, an endeavor by a Namboodiri family with traditional experiences and talents in Ayurveda treatment especially in the treatment of eye diseases.

After undergoing three weeks each of in-patient treatment four times in two years at Sreedhareeyam, my vision showed signs of improvement. The inflammation on the retina was substantially reduced and the damage to the optic nerve was contained, with the peripheral vision improving marginally, which I thought, was the biggest achievement of the treatment I had received at Sreedhareeyam. The cataract on my eyes and the pressure on my eyes remain elevated. Medical staff led by Superintendent at Sreedhareeyam, Dr. N P P Namboothiri, a famous eye physician and the mentor and guide at the hospital, helped me “restore” my vision. Since 2003, I have been visiting Sreedhareeyam every year and continuing to receive treatment on an ongoing basis.

At Sreedhareeyam, where more than two dozen trained eye-specialists with degrees in Medicine, the primary focus has been on Ayurvedic treatments for numerous eye diseases, but they also all types of illnesses. However, specialized treatments are given for the various diseases affecting the positions above the neck. Most of the eye diseases, which have got no treatment in modern medicine, have been successfully treated here. People come here from all strata of society and from all corners of the world. Most of the patients here at this nearly 200-bed hospital are those who have tried the regular Western medicines and have been given up as having no cure for their problems. Just like me, most of them choose to come here as the final resort, and hope that Sreedhareeyam is the answer to many of their eye diseases.

“Results from the treatment here are the only publicity we do,” says Dr. N P P Namboothiri. “Our ever-increasing number of patients is a witness to the impact of the treatment patients receive here. Our publicity is by word-of-mouth only of these success stories.”

There have been a number of instances at Sreedhareeyam where success was found while it was only failure that the patients met with in other systems of medicine. According to Dr. Narayanan Namboodiri, the Medical Director, it’s all miracles in the sense that all these helped manifest the capabilities of Ayurveda in an area of health care that needs specialization. A large number of such cases from the long history of the hospital stand testimony to the supremacy of Ayurveda system of medicine over other systems in treatment of eye diseases.

“At Sreedhareeyam, ours is a humble attempt to treat the disease and annihilate it through the way of nature,” says Dr. Narayanan Namboothiri, who treats patients from the same room in Naalukettu, where he was born over 40 years ago. “Patients from all over the world come here for various eye diseases, including those suffering from Cataract, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy. We strive to give them our best, trusting in God’s power to heal them,” the gentle-speaking Dr. Narayanan Namboothiri says.

Dr. Narayanan Namboothiri is highly popular for his accurate diagnosis of the problems his patients and the right kind of treatment he prescribes. While I was hospitalized at Sreedhareeyam, one of my childhood friends came to visit me. When I shared with him about the treatment there, he expressed interest in getting treatment for his eyes. During his first and only meeting with Dr. Narayanan, my friend told him about the constant pain in his eyes and the head ache he suffered several times a week. After examining his eyes with his hand-held tiny torch, Dr. Namboothiri told him that his eyes were in perfect condition and he had no need for any medication. “Do apply hair oil on your head before bath daily, and you will not have any pain in your eyes and no head ache.” It nearly eight since then, and my friend has had no complaints of pain.

All the treatments offered at Sreedhareeyam are unique in the sense that the medicines used for all these treatments are produced at the Manufacturing Unit of the hospital. “The ingredients of the medicine as well as the treatment procedures are all according to those parchments (‘thaliyolas’) and ancient books (‘grandhas’), which counts among the traditional and precious assets owned by the Mana,” Dr. N.P.P Namboothiri, the Chief Physician at the Hospital says.

“At Sreedhareeyam, we strive to maintain and cultivate the hospital into a shrine of hope for hundreds of people who seeks cure from their various and mysterious ailments. Fortunately, due to our long history of successes, we have an astounding number of patients coming in daily from the length and breadth of the country, seeking cure,” Dr. N.P.P. Namboodiri says.

“In the field of the treatment of eye diseases, we desire to rank ourselves from an international perspective. The history of the miraculous cures at Sreedhareeyam and our eminent panel of doctors proclaim our supremacy in this field. With all our expertise and resources, we foresee a wider dimension for our services to the society in the future,” the physician says with a sense of pride and hope. In the wake of the prevailing situation, Sreedhareeyam, according to Dr. Namboothiri, “aspires for a wider participation on a large scale in the battle to annihilate darkness of human eye from the face of earth.

The research center is studying several manuscripts on ayurveda, found all over the State and putting them in order. Most medicinal plants are grown in the Koothattukulam campus, where the ancestral home of the vaidyas. Medicines are also manufactured here under the supervision of Narayanan Namboothiri, the Chief Medical Officer of the hospital.

Ayurveda, the science of life, has brought true health and wellness to millions of individuals throughout the ages with simple changes in daily living practices. This ancient art of healing has been practiced continuously for over 5,000 years. Ayurvedic practices restore the balance and harmony of the individual, resulting in self-healing, good health and longevity. Incorporating just a few of these proven methods into one’s lifestyle has brought about radical changes in the lives of millions.

The understanding that we are all unique individuals enables Ayurveda to address not only specific health concerns but also offers explanation as to why one person responds differently than another. Ayurveda uses herbs and spices like basil, turmeric, garlic, ginger and aloe vera, as well as yoga exercises, to treat physical and psychological problems.
The interest in Ayurveda has grown steadily in the past few decades, and many more people from across the world are seeking Ayurvedic treatment in India and across the world. For too many, who have been “given up” by the Western medicine, the first choice of treatment, Ayurveda offers an “alternate” option of treatment and hundreds of thousands seek and find solutions to their physical and mental illnesses.

Interest in Ayurveda in the United States began in the 1970’s, largely as the result of efforts by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi organization of Transcendental Meditation. Interest continued to grow as Indian physicians came to the United States in the 1980’s. Among these physicians were Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Sunil Joshi and Dr. B.D. Triguna. In the late 1980’s Dr. Deepak Chopra wrote “Perfect Health”, his famous introductory book on Ayurveda for the general public. This opened the door of India ‘s ancient healing science for many Westerners. Furthermore, several American pioneers helped attract attention to Ayurveda and influence its growth.

They include Dr. David Frawley, of the American Institute of Vedic Studies, and Dr. Robert Svoboda, a Westerner who completed India ‘s BAMS program. As interest and awareness grew, training programs of various degrees emerged. In 1995, the California College of Ayurveda was founded and was the first State-approved practitioner training program in the United States.

The National Ayurvedic Medical Association is the major body in the United States representing the Ayurvedic profession. A non-profit association, it was founded in 1998 by four individuals: Dr. Marc Halpern of the California College of Ayurveda, Wynn Werner, of the Ayurvedic Institute, Kumar Batra, and Cynthia Copple. Indians trained Ayurvedic physicians who come to the United States on a work visa or through immigration may practice Ayurveda within a allowable scope.

Experts predict that hundreds of herbs used for centuries by traditional healers in India could soon be on western pharmacy shelves. With 15,000 plant species, India is well placed to increase its share of the $75billion global market in medicinal plants, which is growing by at least 7% a year. The Indian Council of Medical Research has launched a series of studies to test the health claims surrounding a variety traditional medicines. Clinical trials have shown that herbal remedies for asthma, diabetes and even sexually transmitted diseases may be effective. The council is looking at treatments for a range of other conditions used for over a thousand years by practitioners of Ayurveda and Siddha medicine.

Professor Ranjit Roy Chaudhury, a member of the council, said that in some cases the herbs may be more effective than Western-style medicines. “We have plants for bronchial asthma, hepatitis and arthritis,” he said. “We have other plants which have been shown to be effective for treating sexually transmitted diseases and they have been used in that way by tribal populations for centuries. We have herbs where you can relieve headache, fever, gastroenteritis, sneezing and coughing. These conditions can easily be alleviated.”

Professor Chaudhury acknowledged that in some cases the council will be unable to prove that the herbs work. This is because many of the remedies are based on a combination of plants which taken on their own would not be effective. “There are hundreds of herbs but we are unable at the moment to do very good testing for combinations of plants. “In the Ayurvedic system they use usually combinations. But testing combinations with modern technology is difficult.”

The world as a whole is switching over from chemical drugs to natural drugs because they are non-narcotic, they have no side-effects and are easily available. The world is interested in simpler and gentler therapies – especially for ageing, the problem of obesity, diabetes, neurological disorders, cardiac diseases and digestive problems.

Even as the ancient ayurveda science is becoming increasingly popular, it has encountered several hurdles too. Lack of funding for research has limited its growth and wider use. However, utilizing the available on going research, basing them on the ancient wisdom of the Rishis and Munis, and availing the few encouraging measures from the government of India,

The Ayurvedic profession is growing steadily in the United States of America, just as is in and around the world. Educational institutions are becoming more established and the Associations are working to give the profession a voice and address regulation issues. Ayurveda is likely to continue to grow in America and take its rightful place among the other licensed health care professions. And, institutes such as Sreedhareeyam continue to show the way in popularizing Ayurveda and continue to bring sight to millions like me, who are on the brink of losing their vision.

Dr. Jayesh Shah creates “WoundDoctor” App Credited with restoring AAPI’s strength, reputation, credibility, member engagement, sponsor commitment & financial stability

October 18, 2016 Ajay GhoshHealth 0

Jayesh B. Shah, MD, CWSP, UHM, the current President of South Texas Wound Associates, PA San Antonio, Texas where he provides clinical wound care services in San Antonio and the surrounding communities, is also the President of TIMEO2 Healing Concepts, LLC in San Antonio, Texas, which provides consulting and education services in wound care and hyperbaric medicine both nationally and internationally.

An evidence based approach, DR. Shah has been credited with creating “WoundDoctor” App, a comprehensive wound care resource tool for physicians, nurses and physical therapists for iPhone, Android and iPad.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, India’s Minister for Health being awarded with the Distinguished Leadership Award by Dr. Jayesh Sha during AAPI’s Global Healthcare Summit in Gujarat in Jan 2014

His degrees include MBBS from M. S. University, India and MD in Internal Medicine from St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University, New York. He is Board Certiﬁed in Internal Medicine, Board Certiﬁed in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, Certiﬁed in Wound Management, Certiﬁed in Hyperbaric Medicine, Past Chair of American College of Clinical Wound Specialists, Past President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Past Chair of American Medical Association, International Medical Graduates Section, 2016 President of the Bexar County Medical Society. Many in the wound care arena regard Dr. Jayesh Shah as a much-sought-after speaker on wound care and hyperbaric medicine while others in the community regard him as a visionary and a charismatic leader. Organizations, local and national, have commended him for his leadership and problem solving skills as they continue to seek advice long after he has ﬁnished serving his term.

To his credit, Dr. Shah has received awards not only for his academia but also for his community service and leadership. He has been the recipient of the Enterpreuner of the year award by the Alamo Asia Chamber of Commerce (2016); the Paul James Shefﬁeld Education Award for Lifetime Dedication to Education in the ﬁeld of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine (2014); Jefferson C. Davis Memorial Award for Excellence in Clinical Hyperbaric Medicine (2007 and 2011); Carolyn Sue Award (2009); Young Scientist/Medical Doctor Award (2008); Community Service and Leadership award by Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce (2008). Dr. Jayesh Shah has 18+ years of experience in wound care and hyperbaric medicine practice and 12+ years of experience as Program Director for continuing medical education courses.

Dr. Shah with Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India during Global Health Summit held in Gujarat earlier this year

As the Medical Director of the Wound Care Centers, Dr. Shah has helped such centers from startup through their growth up to their maximum potential ﬁrst being the Uvalde Memorial Hospital Wound Healing center in 1997, and Southwest Center for Wound Care in 2000, which was awarded a Center of Excellence in 2006. He currently serves as the Medical Director for the Northeast Baptist Wound Healing Center since 2010 which recently got accredited by the UHMS within its ﬁrst four years of inception.

He is also the Co-Medical Director for the Mission Trail Baptist Wound Healing Center since 2014. He has published 3 books- “Wound Care Certiﬁcation Study Guide” in 2011 with its second edition 2016, Textbook of Clinical Wound Medicine: He has authored over 40 chapters on various wound topics in 4 books in addition to 30+ scientiﬁc articles in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. As an Assistant Editor of the Journal of ACCWS, he regularly writes a column on certiﬁcation exam in wound care.

As the president of AAPI, Dr. Shah had devoted his time, resources and skills to navigate this organization to greater heights. AAPI Family/CME Cruise was an awesome way to bond with fellow AAPI members, Dr. Shah says. About 185 physicians and their families enjoyed a week of education, friendship, networking and bonding together.

As a past president of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). Dr. Dr. Shah has been right on task and has devoted years to lead AAPI to stability and greater heights.

“I am proud to report that the state of AAPI is strong. We have made significant progress; Our reputation, our credibility, our member engagement, our sponsor commitment & our financial status is stronger than ever,” declared Dr. Jayesh Shah, who is passing on the mantle of AAPI’s leadership to Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar during the convention in San Antonio, TX on June 28^th, 2014.

“I am humbled and honored for this opportunity bestowed on me to serve as the President of this esteemed organization,” he went on to add. “The current Executive Committee has been in office for the most eventful one year. During my inaugural address at the Chicago Annual Convention, I shared with you the major projects AAPI is undertaking this year.

The nine-city musical tour along with the regional conferences were successful by all measures, Dr. Shah recalled. Every regional conference attracted almost full attendance from each region. Educational conferences were very well attended. Childhood obesity awareness message was delivered to more than 20,000 people during the conference and to a wider audience around the world through the media. The multi-city mini-seminars are a novel concept for education and recreation that helped raise funds for the local chapters of AAPI, the national AAPI and the AAPI Charitable Foundation. AAPI was joined by the Indo-American Psychiatric Association in America and the Association of Cardiologists of Indian Origin. The seminars and workshops were led by accomplished faculty of leading Cardiologists, Cardiovascular Surgeons and Psychiatrists. I want to thank all the nine city conveners and hundreds of volunteers who worked very hard to make these conferences very successful.

At the first meeting for strategic planning (Vision 2020) in New York City on August 17, 2013, twenty AAPI members of the Executive Committee, Board of Trustees and other leaders met to give strategic direction to AAPI and developed the Vision 2020 document. The members who had convened discussed five main topics – Governance, Communications, Financial Health, Legislation and Focus on India, and concrete plans and practical guidelines for implementation of goals were developed. AAPI had a wonderful women’s conference with amazing speakers. This event was jointly organized by The Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin or AAPI, the AAPI New York City Metro Chapter, the New York County Medical Society on Sunday, August 18th in midtown Manhattan.

AAPI’s first ever Capitol Hill Health Care Symposium took on September 18, 2013 discussed immigration reform and healthcare policy became the main topics of discussion. Twenty US lawmakers addressed the dozens of AAPI delegates who had come from across the nation, pledging support to AAPI’s legislative agenda, Dr. Shah proudly declares.

The 8th annual Global Healthcare Summit (GHS 2014) held at Ahmedabad Medical Association from Jan 2-4, 2014 was great success. The summit concluded with the valedictory event and Research Contest award ceremony. Over 1,000 delegates that included a record 350 international delegates attended this event that was filled with dozens of educational workshops, CME Seminars and insightful interactive forums, cultural programs, laser show, awards ceremony, inaugural and valedictory events, and dinner receptions.

For the first time ever, a highly competitive Research and Poster Contest was organized. AAPI conducted several workshop including 1. ACLS/BLS 2. Advance Endoscopy workshop 3. Advance wound care workshop 4. Head and Neck Oncology workshop. AAPI- AHA partnership was started with opening international training center at Baroda Medical College. AHA Vice President, Mr. John Meiners attended the event.

AAPI’s Missions committee with AAPI Charitable foundation conducted the first health camp after global health care summit in Gujarat from Jan 5-9, 2014. Organized by the AAPI Charitable Foundation, more than two dozen physicians did pro bono services during the health camp, treating over 1,800 patients. Many volunteers also performed specialized surgeries at the RMS Hospital, which serves approximately 450 villages in the region. AAPI truly thanks all the volunteer physicians who took part in the camps. Health Camp in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh for three days, starting on March 1st, 2014under the leadership of Dr. Chander & Onaly Kapasi went very well being organized.

Dr. Shah led AAPI delegation to the PBD in New Delhi and presented on the topic of “Health Care Opportunities in India and Role of AAPI” on January 9th, 2014. He also represented AAPI at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) meeting on January 10th and presented to the FICCI on the topic of “Health Innovations and Medical Tourism.”

AAPI’s first YPS young physicians meet with over 150 delegates at Miami from Jan. 17-20, 2014 was a huge success, Dr. Shah says. Young physicians are excited to join AAPI. YPS and MSRF leadership is extremely dynamic. They want to work from grounds up. AAPI town hall was extremely productive. Young physicians brought great suggestions to make AAPI a force to reckon with.

Physician Shortage, J-1 Visa Waiver Program, Immigration Reform, Permanent Fix to the Medicare SGR, Medical Liability Reform, Tuberculosis Prevention and Funding, and Support for the Nomination of Dr. Vivek H. Murthy as Surgeon General of the United States were part of the Legislative Agenda for 2014 discussed during the highly successful annual Legislative Day on March 27, 2014. Over 120 members of AAPI and nearly two dozen US Lawmakers.

“The Childhood Obesity Committee of 15 AAPI physicians formed in Feb 2013 has come up with AaS-COAC (Adopt a School – Childhood Obesity Awareness Campaign) whose guidelines are on our website,” Dr. Shah says. The goal is to conduct school walkathons/events in at least 100 schools in 50 states in the nation. We hope to do most of them in the month of September as President Obama proclaimed September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness month.

Under Dr. Shah’s leadership, AAPI has launched educational networks of renowned thought leaders in the areas of Cardiology, Diabetes, and Stroke to foster education of AAPI physicians in these important areas which heavily impact the Asian Indian community. AAPI’s new “Oncology Network” to be formed in Cincinnati under leadership of Dr. Kirti Jain and Dr. Sateesh Kathula. AAPI, with the help of Dr. Vemuri Murthy, signed a memorandum of understanding that will help AAPI to develop international training centers in India to facilitate education of ACLS/BLS in India. First Meeting of AAPI- AHA was held on Nov 17, 2013 at Dallas, Texas during AHA symposium.

AAPI and ACP will work together for mutual goals of increasing membership, Observership Program and developing scientific session for ACP annual conference, ACP india meetings and AAPI annual Convention. AAPI with the help of Dr. Thakor Patel signed memorandum of understanding to expand Sevak Project in multiple villages in India. AAPI joined with National Medical Association and Several other associations of diverse American cultures to communicate our shared passion and resolve for addressing the critical need to improve “minority” representation in clinical trials data supporting marketing applications for products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Summarizing the year past and the years ahead, Dr. Shah says, “We still have few more challenges and lot many opportunities. AAPI has faced some turbulence from time to time and we have overcome those and have come out stronger. AAPI is developing e platform by end of the year with complete update of our website so we can provide e-learning experience to our members in chronic diseases. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the AAPI Executive Committee, Board of Trustees and AAPI Charitable Foundation for their help and support.”

Fireworks light up the Sky in New York as AIA celebrates Diwali

October 9, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

Spicy Indian treats, cultural shows, a colorful street fair, and foreworks were only some of the highlights of the annual South Street Seaport Deepavali festival in downtown New York on Sunday, October 2nd. As always, the occasion was a magnet for the Indian community in this neighborhood. It is amazing that Diwali is celebrated in such a big way in New York.

The Association of Indians in America, NY Chapter (#AIA-NY) held its annual 29th Deepavali Festival at the South Street Seaport in New York City on Sunday October 2nd, 2016 from 12 noon till 7pm, culminating with a spectacular display of Live Fireworks. This event is one of the largest in the tri-state area, attracting approximately 75,000 – 100,000 people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

The top attraction at the event was South Asian star Mickey Singh who performed live amid thunderous applause, especially by girls and young women who gathered by the hundreds to watch his show and danced around the open-air makeshift stage as Singh sang some of his popular Punjabi numbers. “The atmosphere on the ground turned electric as Singh called on stage one woman to dance along with his songs,” said H.P. Singh, an attendee to the event, describing the scene.

A big draw at the event was the highly sought-after, inter-collegiate dance competition, called ‘Naach Inferno’, showcasing dances fusing both East and West cultures. On another side of the venue people made a beeline to see and get autographs of Neel Sethi of Disney’s “The Jungle Book” fame who was one of the guests of honor.

The event was a full-day extravaganza, celebrating Indian tradition and culture along with food. There were numerous food and clothing vendors, corporate booths, and children’s area and health kiosks. The Kotak Mahindra stall drew a big crowd as it organized a raffle for children in which Sethi picked up the winner.

The organizers explained why they jumped the gun with their event while the actual festival of lights is still nearly three weeks away. “We’re living in the West. In the West, we have to keep in mind the weather, people’s convenience. It can only be on a Sunday,” says Arish K Sahani of the Association of Indians in America. “And we felt weather was okay only on the first Sunday in October. We have to have it on the day the city gives us the permit. We have to get a permit and we have to block the date way in advance,” he adds.

And what’s Deepavali without fireworks? Indians in this country can’t light fireworks at their doorstep like they do back home, but the spectacular finale to the event more than made up for that. When there’s food and music on the ground and sparkling fireworks in the sky, it doesn’t really matter if you’re in New Delhi or in New York – the festive spirit is the same for Indians everywhere.

Deepavali, which means ‘A row of lamps’ is also popularly known as Diwali, or ‘Festival of Lights’ and signifies thetriumph of ‘Good over Evil’. North America’s biggest Urban South Asian star Mickey Singh performed LIVE alongside DJ Ice. Withover half a million fans online and releases under some of the biggest labels such as Eros International, TSeries,Zee Music & Speed Records to name a few, Mickey Singh is definitely a treat to watch on stage.

Hollywood’s newest and youngest star, Neel Sethi of Disney’s “The Jungle Book” was on stage meeting and interacting with audiences at the Children’s Area. USA’s premier and largest Indian dance academy, Arya International made sure the entire audience learns some Bollywood moves and participates in our Open Dance Floor! Numerous local performing arts schools and academies showcased their talents on the two stages throughout the day.

This year, Deepavali also marked the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. There was a special tribute for Gandhiji along with an Essay & Drawing Competition for the youth to showcase the importance and meaning of Peace. The event culminated with a VIP Hour which was attended by top officials of New York and many other dignitaries.

This year, support from sponsors such as CheapOAir.com, Qatar Airways, Toyota, Pepsi, New York Life, SwanClub, MoneyGram, Kotak Mahindra, New York Life, HAB Bank, Navika Capital, Star Plus, Sony Entertainment,Jus Punjabi, TV Asia amongst many others have helped made this event possible.

The Association of Indians in America (AIA) is one of the oldest not-for-profit organization of Asian Indians inAmerica founded on August 20, 1967. It is the grassroots national organization of Asian immigrants in theUnited States. With chapters and membership spread across the United States of America, AIA represents thehopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian Heritage andAmerican Commitment. For more info, visit atwww.theaiany.org.

Politics and Corruption

September 30, 2016 Ajay GhoshEditorial 0

Is Corruption endemic to politics? With Politics front and center in both India and the US, US Attorney Preet Bharara discusses corruption in various avenues on October 9th at Rosenthal Pavilion, Kimmel Center, NYU.

On May 15, 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Preet Bharara to become the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Bharara’s nomination was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 7, 2009, and he was sworn in on August 13, 2009. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Bharara oversees the investigation and litigation of all criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States in the Southern District of New York, which encompasses New York, Bronx, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Sullivan counties. He supervises an office of more than 200 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, who handle a high volume of cases that involve domestic and international terrorism, narcotics and arms trafficking, financial and healthcare fraud, cybercrime, public corruption, gang violence, organized crime, and civil rights violations.

Under Mr. Bharara’s leadership, the office has experienced one of the most productive periods in its history. Early in his tenure, he formed the Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit, which has continued the office’s long history of prosecuting leaders and associates of global and domestic terrorist, narco-terrorist, narcotics, and money – laundering organizations. Its convictions have included major terrorists such as Usama bin Laden’s son-in-law Sulaiman Abu Ghayth, London imam Abu Hamza, and Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad, and international criminals such as arms trafficker Viktor Bout and Somali pirate Abduwali Muse.

Since Mr. Bharara’s appointment, the office has continued the tradition of being at the forefront of prosecuting financial misconduct, including securities fraud. The office has secured convictions of numerous insider trading defendants, including Galleon hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam, McKinsey managing director and Goldman Sachs board member Rajat Gupta, and hedge fund SAC Capital Advisors. The Civil Frauds Unit has brought a number of significant civil actions alleging financial and healthcare fraud and collected hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements, including from Deutsche Bank, CitiMortgage, and Bank of America for fraud relating to faulty lending practices.

Festival of Devon Ka Raja, to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi

September 22, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

Chicago IL: Ganpati Bappa Morya! Regal Foundation, a non-for-profit organization of Regal Jewels and Regal Sari, hosted its 3rd annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebration, concluding on Thursday September 15, 2016 in Chicago.

India is a land of Rajas and Maharajas, but mini-India Town on Devon Avenue that has thick Indian population, had none so far. A well minded community activist, inspired by the famous “Lal Bagh Ka Raja, event in Mumbai India, Regal Foundation started their community event as Devon Ka Raja (“King of Devon”) in response to the imminent need of a house of worship right on Heart Of Inida or Devom Avenue. The Raja was none other than popular Indian God, his highness, Shri Ganapati, designated as Sukh Karta (giver of happiness) and Dukh Harta (destroyer of unhappiness- impediments.)

Community activists were led by former president of Hindi Lovers Club, Mrs. Gurbachan Singh, current chief Vinita Gulbani, owners of Urus Swati couple Hansa and Kamal Chhabaria, and editor publisher of hi India Weekly, Hemant Brahmbhatt. They were joined by many Devon area businessmen, friends and well-wishers. They transported in a huge life size idol of Lord Ganapati, crowned it as Devon Ka Raja and placed it in a spacious Regal Jewels store on 2642 W Devon Avenue in Chicago for the occasion, the store was transformed in to the Hindu Temple where Shri Ganesh was installed on glorious decorated throne. For nonstop 11 days, it was literally festive ‘Mela’ every day for a huge numbers of Indians flocking in not only from suburbs but also from neighboring States of Indiana and Wisconsin.

Daily there were two prayers (Aartis) in the morning and evening with Bhajans, Garbas, special discourses and Prasads to everyone were other features of the celebrations. The last day saw a special finally or ‘Visarjan’ procession symbolized by immersing the idol in water after the Aarti.

Hundreds of devotees and visitors joined the pomp grand procession fir for the divine king of king, with live band. Throughout the procession of hundreds of worshipers were chanting and dancing as the festival sponsors hoisted the Lord Ganesh in decorated ‘Palakhi’ upon their shoulders. Along the route, King Shri Ganesh showered the surrounding businesses and homes with His blessings, pausing for a special prayer offering good wishes to Sahil Exclusive, Sukhadia’s Sweets, New Taj Appliances, Hindi Lover’s Club, Udapi Palace, Uma Sarees, Punjabi Dhaba, India Sari Palace, Resham’s Handicrafts, My Niketan, Hi-India Newspaper, Lakshmi Jewelers, Patel Handicrafts, Patel Brothers, Regal Traders, Fresh Farms International Market, Andaaz Jewelers, Joy Allukas, Kamdar Plaza, Raj Jewels, Vitha Jewels, NP Jewelers, Shewakramani Partnership, Uru-Swati, Regal Jewels, and Sari Sapne. After the procession the priest and worshipers bid Ganesh a final farewell as they submerged him into water. Local businesses along with countless volunteers dedicated hours of assistance, offerings of sweets, food and flowers, and praise to the Lord Ganesha, without whom this event would have been impossible.

After the overwhelming success and positive community response, Regal Foundation vowed to celebrate this event every year. The Ganesh Chauthurti has always been welcoming of participants of all faiths to come together and celebration of one of most well-known and revered Hindu gods. Ganesh Chauthurthi celebration next year will begin on Aug. 28, 2017. Visit their website for more information: www.devonkaraja.com

Breathtaking dances performed at AIA Group Dance competition

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment 0

By Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: Over 400 people gathered to witness talent of Illinois area with outstanding performances of talent by youth. Association of Indians in America, Inc. Illinois Chapter (AIA) proudly organized ‘Group Dance Competition Youth Talent Show on Saturday – August 27, 2016 at Harper College Auditorium, 1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL from 5:00pm to 8 pm. This was really a unique performance by the Best in the Business. High Voltage Dance Performances were presented by 19 top teams from Illinois. This was hailed by more than 400 strong appreciative Spectators. It was full house there was no place to seat including the audience where standing behind to get a glimpse of it. No one wanted to leave. The talent show consisted of performances by youth, as well as a talented group of elders between 60 to 65 years.

Program commenced by Beena Patel, 1st female President of AIA. She introduced additional AIA members, namely Vice President Neal Patel and Chairperson Santosh Pandey, past President Salil Mishra, Secretary Harish Kolasani, Joint-Secretary Dr. Hina Patel, Treasurer Sujata Sharma and Joint-Treasurer Nipa Shah.

Beena, in her welcoming speech, announced that as per tradition AIA will present three different events in 2016. 1st and foremost is the AIA Dance Competition being held today, 2nd, celebrating Gandhi Jayanti and finally Celebrating Asian American heritage month. She thanked both vice presidents Santosh Pandey and Neal Patel for helping organizing event.

Likewise she also thanked Secretary Harish Kolasani and Dr. Hina Patel for their eagerness to do whatever it takes to complete the task. Equally pertinent members Nipa Shah and Sujata Sharma received congratulation due their huge effort in promoting this event. Gratitude was also extended to Hina Trivedi’s and Lucy Pandey for their hard for making all these appreciation certificates for the participants. Beena Patel introduced members at large: Dr. Asish Sen, Lucy Pandey, Heena Trivedi and committee members: Om Dhingra, Sujata Sharma, Lucy Pandey, Prem Mehrotra, Manoranjan Mishra.

Santosh Pandey was the Emcee and conducted the program enthusiastically. He is also the Vice President was the brain child behind this spectacular show set the tone for the event. Throughout the show he kept the audience entertain and live with joke punches and taking skills. Sidharth Karnam began the program with” Shree Ganeshaaya Dheemahi”

Beena extended heartfelt congratulations to chorographers or Gurus of Dance Schools participating in today’s dance competition. Last but not the least, she acknowledged and thanked college students from Loyola University for participating in Acapella singing during intermission. All the performance team where given a beautiful participant certificate from AIA which was designed by Lucy Pandey.

At the end of contest, three top winners were announced. Beena Patel invited all the participating groups on stage and commended their performances and said it was difficult for the judges to decide who the best is. Due to very close and fierce contest, judges took more than 20 min to decide the winners. Every group which had performed had unique style and presence. There was varieties of dance in competition representing the entire colorful vibrant India. It nice to see our Indian American youth performing so well. This was one of the best performance of year 2016. Neal Patel from Medstar Laboratory presented the Trophies and the cash prizes of $750, $351 and to the winners as follows; 1st. Prize $750 to Jal – Soorya Dance School – Jinno Varghese; 2nd Prize 2nd prize 2nd prize of $351 to winner Agni – Bollywood Rhythms Choreographer Bhagya Nagesh; 3rd. Prize $$151 to the winner Nache Mayuri Dynamites Choreographer Mayuri Rajesh.

The Association of Indians in America (AIA) is the oldest national association of Asian Indians in America. It was founded on August 20, 1967 after the United States Congress passed the Immigration Act during 1965-66, repealing the Asian Exclusion Act of 1917. The Constitution of the AIA was adopted in 1970 and was incorporated in 1971. AIA obtained the IRS exempt status in 1973. AIA is the grass root national organization of Asian Immigrants in the United States, fostered on the democratic principles of “one member one vote”, with chapters and membership spread across the United States of America. AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian Heritage and American Commitment. Judges were Monica Kapoor, Madhra Sabe, Swapna pula, Chandrasri Das and Devi Annamalai.

Indra Nooyi is 2nd “Most Powerful Woman in US:” Fortune magazine

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshBusiness, Profiles 0

Fortune magazine unveiled its 51-person 19th annual “Most Powerful Women in the U.S.” list on September 8, with the Indian American CEO Indra Nooyi at No. 2, just behind General Motors Co. CEO and chairwoman Mary Barra.

Fortune points to Nooyi’s vision to diversify the soda giant’s beverage and food offerings, and including more healthy options, as moves that have inspired the renewed faith Wall Street investors are showing in the company.

Also, she’s yielded some pretty solid results. PepsiCo’s market cap has increased 18 percent over the last year, bringing it to a whopping $155 billion, under her watch. Nooyi, 60, is in her 10th year as the company’s CEO and back in April she appeared onstage at the Women in the World Summit in New York City and addressed the “unfinished business” of work-life balance.

She spoke candidly about her mixed feelings about being a successful businesswoman and the “huge number of sacrifices” she made as a mother to reach the top. Watch the video below where she talks about what she would say if she “had to write a letter to myself as a younger person.”

The list — compiled by Fortune editors considering size and importance of the business in the global economy, health and direction of the business, arc of the woman’s career and social and cultural influence — includes active corporate executives who run companies valued more than $1 trillion, collectively. The 60-year-old Nooyi, Fortune writes, “shows no signs of slowing down.”

Fortune added that experts believe PepsiCo is primed for more acquisitions in the health space soon as Nooyi — who ranked No. 2 on last year’s list — further diversifies out of the declining soda category. Lockheed Martin president and CEO Marillyn Hewson; IBM chairwoman, president and CEO Ginni Rometty, and Fidelity Investments president and CEO Abigail Johnson round out the top five.

In addition to the U.S.-based list, Fortune released its “International Most Powerful Women” list. Three Indian origin company heads — State Bank of India’s chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya, ICICI Bank’s chief Chanda Kochhar and Axis Bank CEO Shikha Sharma — cracked the top 20 of that list.

India loses WTO appeal in US solar dispute

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshIndia 0

India lost its appeal at the World Trade Organization in a dispute over solar power on Friday, failing to overturn a U.S. complaint that New Delhi had discriminated against importers in the Indian solar power sector.

The WTO’s appeals judges upheld an earlier ruling that found India had broken WTO rules by requiring solar power developers to use Indian-made cells and modules. The appeal ruling is final and India will be expected to bring its laws into compliance with the WTO rules.

“This report is a clear victory for American solar manufacturers and workers, and another step forward in the fight against climate change,” U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said in a statement.

U.S. solar exports to India have fallen by more than 90 percent since India brought in the rules, the statement said.

As in the earlier ruling, which was issued in February this year, the judges said India could not claim exemptions on the basis of that its national solar power sector was included in government procurement, nor on the basis that solar goods were in short supply.

There was also no justification on the grounds of ensuring ecologically sustainable growth or combating climate change.

The dispute, which the United States first launched in February 2013, involved an increasingly common target of trade disputes – solar power, with an increasingly common complaint – local content requirements.

The appeal ruling came just days after India launched a WTO complaint against subsidies for the solar industry in eight U.S. states.

Under WTO rules, countries are not allowed to discriminate against imports and favor local producers, but in the past five years countries keen to support their own manufacturers have frequently resorted to local content requirements, while keeping a sharp eye out for their use by others.

“We strongly support the rapid deployment of solar energy worldwide, including in India,” Froman said.

“But local content requirements are not only contrary to WTO rules, but actually undermine our efforts to promote clean energy by requiring the use of more expensive and less efficient equipment, making it more difficult for clean energy sources to be cost-competitive.”

Director, Producer & Actor Ajay Devgn & Bollywood Icon Kajol promote “Shivaay” in four U.S. cities

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment 0

By Jitin Jingorani

New York City, Dallas, Chicago and San Francisco residents will roll out the red carpet THIS WEEK to welcome Bollywood power couple, Ajay Devgn and Kajol, who will be in the U.S. to promote Devgn’s upcoming action thriller “Shivaay.” This is Devgn’s second directorial venture, and he has also produced and acted in the film, the trailer of which has already surpassed more than 25 million views on YouTube and social media, combined (click on the movie poster below to watch the trailer).

“I am thrilled by the overwhelming response to the trailer of my film by worldwide audiences,” said Devgn. “I have not been to the States in more than a decade, so I am really looking forward to reconnecting with our American fans and sharing a film that is near and dear to my heart. I could not be more pleased that my wife Kajol will be by my side throughout this journey.”

Produced by Ajay Devgn FFilms, Pen India Limited and NH Studioz, “Shivaay” will be distributed overseas by Reliance Entertainment. The press and public tours are presented by Reliance Entertainment and powered by Wells Fargo, Prria Haider Productions, Dembi Productions, Sahil, Desi Junction, Cine Grand and DFW South Asian Film Festival. The film will release worldwide on Friday, October 28, 2016 (Diwali Weekend).

President Obama Nominates Diane Gujarati to Serve on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York

WASHINGTON, DC – President Obama has nominated Diane Gujarati to serve on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. “I am pleased to nominate Diane Gujarati to serve on the United States District Court bench,” said President Obama. “I am confident she will serve the American people with distinction.”

Diane Gujarati, 47, of New York City, is among several Indian-Americans President Obama has nominated to judgeships during his administration. She will have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate which has several past nominations of President Obama on hold.

Diane Gujarati has been Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York since 2012, and she has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division since 1999. Prior to her tenure as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, from 2008 to 2012, she served as Deputy Chief and then Chief of the White Plains Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. From 2006 to 2008, she was Deputy Chief of the Appeals Unit in the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Prior to joining the United States Attorney’s Office, Gujarati was an associate in the New York office of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP from 1996 to 1999. She began her legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable John M. Walker, Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1995 to 1996.

Gujarati received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 1995 and her B.A. summa cum laude from Barnard College of Columbia University in 1990. She is the daughter of Ruth Pincus Gujarati of Scarsdale, N.Y., and Damodar Gujarati of Tarrytown, N.Y. Her father serves as professor of economics at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and is best known for writing the textbook, Basic Econometrics, which has been published in 5 editions over 21 years and is translated into several languages. Her mother taught social studies at Theodore Roosevelt High School in the Bronx. Gujarati married Charles Frederic Chesnut, an IT professional, in October 2000, and the couple was featured in the New York Times.

ISKCON yatra to mark its 50th anniversary

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

A 40-foot high, colorfully-decorated and hand-pulled cart—surrounded by thousands of chanting and dancing devotees—will roll down the streets of downtown Chicago on September 17 to kick off a national celebration of the 50th anniversary of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), better known as the Hare Krishna Movement.

The “Chariot Festival – Ratha Yatra Parade” begins at 2 pm at the Buckingham Fountain (Columbus Drive) in the downtown area and meander its way through Madison Ave., Michigan Ave., and State Streets.

The procession joins the “Hare Krishna Festival of India” at Daley Plaza for an afternoon of free vegetarian food; stage performances of classical Indian dance; a dramatic rendition of the ancient history connected with “Jagannath;” and multiple booths about reincarnation, meditation, and yoga.

“ISKCON’s founder, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, first came to New York City from India in September, 1965 to spread the teachings of Lord Krishna to the western world,” said Amrita Hari, spokeswoman for the Krishna society. “It’s very special for us to kick off the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON where he began right here in New York.”

Despite its humble beginnings, over the past 50 years, ISKCON has grown to a global community of over 600 temples, 110 vegetarian restaurants, and 65 farms and eco villages. The affiliated Bhaktivedanta Book Trust has sold 516 million books and magazines on Krishna consciousness.

Hare Krishna Food Relief programs feed a free vegetarian lunch to 1.2 million school children each day in India. Celebrations later this year will include dozens of Ratha Yatra parades in cities worldwide, including Washington, DC, Los Angeles, London, and Paris, and gala events at the Sydney Opera House, European Parliament, and other major venues.

Churches led by Indian Americans increasingly acquiring Churches in the West

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

In the past, Western missioners came to India to preach the Gospel, now Indian Christians are going to the West, taking over churches and preaching to the Westerners in their own language. The Indian Christians are not stopping at just a few churches. They are opening new dioceses with several churches under them, and, interestingly, all follow prayers of the Eastern traditions.

“We have got a great opportunity to open churches in the US, the UK, Europe and Australia. It is a welcome phenomenon,” said Father Paul Thelekkat, a prominent voice among the Catholic community in the country. The Indian fraternity is also acquiring old churches that were lying closed for ages in the Western countries.

In the acquisition process of the churches in the West, the earlier Anglican churches are now being affiliated to Indian Catholic church. Once acquired, these Western churches become Indian.

A recent example is that of Most Holy Trinity Church in Yonkers, US. Built by Slovak-immigrant congregation in 1909, it was affiliated to New York Archdiocese. But now it has become St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church and belongs to the Kerala-based Malankara Catholic church.

“With natives losing faith in religion and the Western churches getting closed, it is the migrant Indian community that is giving a new lease of life to churches there,” said Father Joas Kuryanikkal who has served as parish priest in two churches in the US. Western Catholics also attend masses in churches affiliated to Indian dioceses, he said.

Similarly, St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church on Chestnut Street and a former Methodist church on Park Hill Avenue have been acquired by the Indian Orthodox congregations. Indian churches have been opened in the UK too. The most recent was the opening of a church belonging to the Syro Malabar church in Presten, Lancashire, UK. The Syro Malabar fraternity at present has three dioceses in Melbourne and Chicago with many churches under it.

Computer program beats doctors at spotting brain cancer

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshHealth, Science & Technology 0

A computer program developed by a team of researchers led by an Indian American scientist has outperformed physicians in diagnosing brain cancer. The program was nearly twice as accurate as two neuroradiologists in determining whether abnormal tissue seen on magnetic resonance images were dead brain cells caused by radiation, called radiation necrosis, or if brain cancer had returned, reported a study published online in the American Journal of Neuroradiology Sept. 15.

“One of the biggest challenges with the evaluation of brain tumor treatment is distinguishing between the confounding effects of radiation and cancer recurrence,” said Pallavi Tiwari, an assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. “On an MRI, they look very similar,” she said. With further confirmation of its accuracy, radiologists using their expertise and the program may eliminate unnecessary and costly biopsies Tiwari said.

Brain biopsies are currently the only definitive test but are highly invasive and risky, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. To develop the program, the researchers employed machine learning algorithms in conjunction with radiomics, the term used for features extracted from images using computer algorithms.

The team trained the computer to identify radiomic features that discriminate between brain cancer and radiation necrosis, using routine follow-up MRI scans from 43 patients. The team then developed algorithms to find the most discriminating radiomic features, in this case, textures that cannot be seen by simply eyeballing the images.

“What the algorithms see that the radiologists don’t are the subtle differences in quantitative measurements of tumour heterogeneity and breakdown in microarchitecture on MRI, which are higher for tumour recurrence,” Tiwari said.

In the direct comparison, two physicians and the computer programs analyzed MRI scans from 15 patients from University of Texas Southwest Medical Center. One neuroradiologist diagnosed seven patients correctly, and the second physician correctly diagnosed eight patients. The computer program was correct on 12 of the 15, the study said.

Pakistan nearly placed on ‘List of State Sponsors of Terror,’ US official says

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshSports 0

A former CIA official has said that Pakistan was “nearly placed” on the list of state sponsored terrorism during 1993 to 1994. “At the start of the (Bill) Clinton administration, in 1993 and 1994, I was a special assistant to the Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, on loan from CIA, deeply involved in an annual terrorism review which nearly resulted in Pakistan’s being placed on the formal list of state sponsors of terrorism,” Robert L Grenier, a former CIA official told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during a Congressional hearing on Pakistan.

Grenier said that over the past five decades, the US has been willing, episodically to overlook its concerns with aspects of Pakistani behaviour and to subordinate those concerns in the face of what have appeared, at the time, to be overriding national security priorities – only to revert to a more contentious relationship when those interests no longer pertained.

“Thus, in the 1980’s, the US was willing not only to overlook growing evidence of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program in deference to joint US-Pak support to the anti-Soviet Afghan Mujahiddin, but also to provide Pakistan with generous economic and military rewards in the bargain,” he said.

In the immediate aftermath of 9/11 attacks, needing a platform for operations in Afghanistan and a partner to intercept Al-Qaeda militants fleeing that country, the US was again willing to subordinate its broader concerns with Pakistani-based militancy in Kashmir and with Pakistan’s ambivalent attitude toward the Afghan Taliban, he said.

Pakistan has clung stubbornly to its own perceptions of national interest, and refused to compromise them even when it seemed irrational or self-defeating to US eyes, he said. He also said the same has happened in the context of nuclear weapons doctrine, in its assessment of the threat from India, or in its calculus regarding both foreign and domestic militant groups.

Pakistani adherence to its perceived interests, in fact, has persisted, irrespective of US-administered punishments or inducements, Greiner said. However, the former CIA station chief in Islamabad, warned the lawmakers against taking any punitive action or sanctions against Pakistan. In fact he encouraged that the US should help Pakistan maintain a large conventional armed forces.

“Pakistan’s conventional military forces will need to be maintained if we are to avoid quick recourse to nuclear weapons at a time when Kashmir remains a social and political tinderbox, and the threat of Indo-Pak war still hangs like an incubus across the region,” he said. “The US dares not turn its back on Pakistan as it seeks to protect its serious national security interests in South-Central Asia,” Grenier said.

Indian Americans condemn Pakistan sponsored terrorist attack in INDIA

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshU.S. 0

The recent terrorist attacks in URI in India, reportedly by Pakistan sponsored terrorists has evoked world wide condemnation. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed hope that the perpetrators of the Uri attack will be brought to justice and all stakeholders in the region will meet their responsibilities to maintain peace and stability.

The U.S. expressed strong condemnation of the terror attack. “The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack on an Indian army base in Kashmir. We extend our condolences to the victims and their families. The United States is committed to our strong partnership with the Indian government to combat terrorism,” U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom “stands shoulder to shoulder with India in defeating terrorism and in bringing the perpetrators to justice.” The Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement condemned the Uri attack and said it is “concerned about the fact that, according to New Delhi, the army base was attacked from Pakistani territory.” It called for the “criminal act” to be investigated properly and that “its organizers and perpetrators be held accountable.”

“We strongly condemn the terrorist attack against an army base in Jammu and Kashmir’s Uri in the early hours of September 18, which killed 17 and injured 30 service personnel. We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and wish a rapid recovery to all those injured,” the Russian statement said. While condemning the terror act, China said it was concerned over the “rising temperatures” in its aftermath. Beijing also asked India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through dialogue.

Indian American community and Overseas Friends of BJP severely condemned the latest dastardly and cowardly act of Pakistan sponsored terrorist attack on an Indian Army Brigade headquarters at the town of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on Sep 18. It is reported that the attack was carried out by a banned terrorist organization, Jaish-e-Mohammad, (JEM) with the active support of Pakistani army and ISI.

In a statement, it stated that “It is confirmed that three suicide jihad squads were pushed by Pakistani army from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir three days ago. One of the squads attacked Uri, another one engaged with Indian security forces, and the third one targeted Srinagar highway. Pakistan has plotted this sinister act just ahead of Nawaz Sharif’s speech at the UN General Assembly as part of its proxy war against India and terrorism its State policy to create turmoil in the state of J & K.

Pakistan has been pursuing for almost 30 years the state sponsored terrorism as its strategic policy to further its sinister designs across its borders. In the process, Pakistan became a cradle and epicenter of global terrorism. At present it is totally isolated in the global community and turning into a rogue state.

OFBJP-USA believes that the attack at Indian Army in Uri by Pakistanis should not be termed as another incident of terrorism by infiltrators, but it should be considered as an act of war by Pakistan against India. And accordingly India must respond to teach a befitting lesson to Pakistan. At the same time India should continue the diplomatic efforts to further isolate and build world opinion against this rogue country called Pakistan. The time has come that Pakistan must be broken further and 1971 be repeated by freeing Baluchistan from the illegal occupation by Pakistan.

OFBJP-USA is firmly behind Prime Minister Modi and urge the Indian government to take an appropriate, strong and befitting action so that such incidents do not recur. Shudh Parkash Singh, Chairman of Indian National Overseas Congress has condemned the attack on India in URI by Pakistan trained soldiers and stated, “My heart goes out to the families and children of our soldiers. They bombed our army camps, now government must give a befitting reply by bombing terrorist camps.”

LAVIKA BHAGAT Singh lambasted the soft and sweet attitude of Mr. Modi towards his counter part. We would support the Prime Minister for any action he decides to take against against this heinous crime. Kalathil Varghese said that India should act firmly against any attacks against it and retaliate using all resources in its control (military, diplomacy and International good will) to corner Pakistan. Rajender Dichpally, general secretary of the Indian National Overseas Congress (I) released a statement condemning attack on Indian soldiers. “It’s an act of cowardice”, he said.

“We had more than 100 members of our organization protested in front of Pakistan Consulate under leadership of Shudh Ji, when they killed SARABJIT Singh. This time we will stage a bigger protest if no firm action is taken against the terrorists,” said Phuman Singh, senior Vice President of INOC.

“We are all together and united in fight against terrorism, SHER MADRA President of Haryana Chapter added. Tit for tats is the only way Pakistan will listen. Diplomacy will not work with Pakistan,” commented RAVI Chopra, Senior Vice President of INOC (I) USA. The Indian National Overseas Congress has condemned the attack against India and has urged the US Government to stop all aid and support to Pakistan till it completely stops aiding terrorist camps in Pakistan.

Indian National Overseas Congress, USA has also condemned the cowardly attack on an Army Camp in Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of September 18, which killed 17 and injured 30 service personnel. “We join the civilized people everywhere in condemning this dastardly attack across the border from Pakistan and offer our condolences and prayers to families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives,” said George Abraham, Chairman, INOC, USA. “We also call upon Pakistan to stop exporting terrorism and return the region to relative peace and tranquility,” Abraham added.

In a statement, it drew the attention to Smt. Sonai Gandhi, the President of AICC, who has expressed her outrage on behalf of all peace-loving people everywhere that the Uri attack is an attack on India’s national conscience and the perpetrators should be severely dealt with. “We also concur with a call from Shashi Tharoor, M.P. for an urgent review of India’s defense systems, preparedness, and firepower to strengthen the border and prevent infiltrations of terrorists. It is also time for the United States to take a serious look at the foreign military assistance to Pakistan and how those resources are being diverted to cross-border terrorism and other nefarious activities.”

Karan Mahajan nominated for National Book Award

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshUncategorized 0

Karan Mahajan, 32, is among the ten writers nominated for the prestigious National Book Award in the United States, according to an announcement made on September 15. The young Indian American author, born in Connecticut and once worked for the New York City government, tackles terrorism in New Delhi, the city where he spent the better part of his childhood, in his latest book, “The Association of Small Bombs.”

The book is about the members of a community that includes Hindus and Muslims, that juxtaposes the protagonists that include the Khurana family who lose their two sons to the bombing, and the terrorist, in the aftermath of a 1996 explosion.

When brothers Tushar and Nakul Khurana, two Delhi schoolboys, pick up their family’s television set at a repair shop with their friend Mansoor Ahmed one day in 1996, disaster strikes without warning. A bomb—one of the many “small” bombs that go off seemingly unheralded across the world—detonates in the Delhi marketplace, instantly claiming the lives of the Khurana boys, to the devastation of their parents. Mansoor survives, bearing the physical and psychological effects of the bomb. After a brief stint at university in America, Mansoor returns to Delhi, where his life becomes entangled with the mysterious and charismatic Ayub, a fearless young activist whose own allegiances and beliefs are more malleable than Mansoor could imagine. Woven among the story of the Khuranas and the Ahmeds is the gripping tale of Shockie, a Kashmiri bomb maker who has forsaken his own life for the independence of his homeland.

Exploring the minds of the characters and their lives after and before the fatal bomb, the book also examines the cynical reaction of the terrorist from Kashmir, Shockie, who sees his work as a job not well done.

This is Mahajan’s second book after “Family Planning,” which was more a social satire about a minister and his family made up of his wife and brood of 12 children. This second one is way beyond his first in terms of content, the approach, and the prose, according to the New Yorker which reviewed it Sept. 4.

“In the first few pages of his new novel, he renders the spectacle of the bombing with a languid, balletic beauty, pitting the unhurried composure of his prose against the violence of the events it describes,” notes reviewer Alexandria Schwartz of the New Yorker.

Karan Mahajan was born in 1984 and grew up in New Delhi, India. His first novel, Family Planning won the Joseph Henry Jackson Award and was a finalist for the International Dylan Thomas Prize. It was published in nine countries. Mahajan’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker Online, The Believer, NPR’s All Things Considered, The San Francisco Chronicle, Granta.com, Bookforum, Tehelka, and the anthology Stumbling and Raging: More Politically Inspired Fiction. He currently lives in Austin, Texas.The Association of Small Bombs is his second novel.

Harinder Bains leads US authorities to arrest NY/NJ bomber

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshU.S. 0

The multiple explosions of improvised explosive devices in downtown Manhattan that injured nearly 30 people, and the other crude bombs identified by the US security personnel on September 27th in New York and New Jersey have led to concerns about the safety of the people across the nation.

Nearly two days of intense search for Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Afghanistan, resulting in the apprehension of the “terror suspect” in Linden, New Jersey, following a shootout with police, Sept. 19 morning, was made possible because an Indian-American business owner alerted had the police.

Harinder Bains, the owner of a Deli and a bar in Linden, N.J., spotted what he thought was a homeless man sleeping in the hallway of the bar when he came to open his Deli, Bains told CNN. The massive manhunt in New York and New Jersey and the widespread, 24/7 publicity about Rahami’s physical appearance, and warnings from the FBI about the suspect being armed and dangerous, helped Bains recognize the suspect and call the police.

Harinder Bains, who said he had been watching CNN at another business across the street, recognized 28-year-old Rahami outside Merdie’s Tavern and alerted police. Rahami, who seemed to be napping, had let himself into the small enclosure outside the nondescript brick building.

Bains’ phone call led authorities to the bar, which is about three miles south of where police found a backpack containing bombs. The confrontation sparked a shootout that ended in Rahami’s capture.

At least two officers were injured and taken to local hospitals, where they are in stable condition. Rahami is wanted for questioning in this weekend’s bombings in New York and New Jersey. People who were in the area at the time gathered after the gunshots rang out and captured footage of Rahami, who looked dazed as medics wheeled him into an ambulance.

“I was watching CNN news on my laptop,” Bains said in a CNN interview. He thought to himself, “This guy looks like so much like the photo I saw on the news.” After giving it some thought, Bains, on the advice of a friend, called Linden police telling them there was a suspicious man “he was not looking good,” and they should come over. The police arrived within five minutes, Bains said. From inside his Deli, Bains witnessed the violent encounter, including how Rahami bolted away but kept shooting at police injuring two officers, before being brought down. “It’s something you never thought would happen in front of you,” he is quoted saying in the NJ.com news report.

“It was all surreal, very scary. I did my part: When you see something, say something. I’m not a hero, the cops are the hero,” Bains said. In their press conference, police acknowledged that a member of the public had alerted them to Rahami, without naming Bains. Rahami stands charged on five counts of attempted murder and two gun charges.

Rahami not only traveled to Afghanistan some years ago, but also to Pakistan several times, including in April 2013 when he stayed for one year, New York Times reported. A CNN report also said Rahami was married to a woman of Pakistani origin, that Rahami had applied for her passport in 2011. New Jersey Democratic Congressman Albio Sires, confirmed this when he recalled that Rahami had approached his office via email from Pakistan in 2014, requesting help to facilitate a visa for his wife. Rahami’s wife and their child, left the U.S. a few days before the bombings and were intercepted in the United Arab Emirates. The FBI is working with UAE and Pakistan to find out more about the wife, according to CNN

At first flush, news reports appear to indicate Rahami was radicalized in those trips abroad, typical of many other U.S. citizens influenced by outside Islamic terrorist groups. Police however, remain reluctant to say so outright at this time. Some of the details about Rahami dug out by media and provided by law enforcement reveal Rahami has previously had brushes with the law, including at least once, for a knifing episode involving a family member. His father told media stationed outside his restaurant Sept. 20, that he had reported his son to the FBI twice and that the agency had conducted a two-month investigation and told him his son was clean, NJ.com reported. Rahami was not listed on U.S. counterterrorism databases, three U.S. officials told Reuters.

President Barack Obama pays tributes to Pramukh Swami Maharaj

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshU.S. 0

By Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: President Barack Obama shared a personal message with BAPS tribute assemblies, “by paying tribute to a man who believed in the worth of all people and dedicated himself to serving those in need, we are reminded of the ways our common humanity will always bind us together.” President Obama lauded the late spiritual leader of BAPS by noting that Pramukh Swami Maharaj “was a trusted ear and revered voice for countless people, and the lessons of his humility stirred not only the hearts of his followers, but also of men and women across the globe who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”

President Obama’s statement reflected Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s role as a father, teacher, mentor, friend, advisor, and ally – he was a spiritual guide who empowered people to live morally upright lives rooted in devotion that would transform their character, attitudes, and outcomes to provide greater happiness for both themselves and their families.

“May the memory of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj continue to guide you, and may his legacy give us the courage to be our best selves”, concluded the President’s personal message. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Former U.S. President Bill Clinton also shared their thoughts on the late leader’s legacy, “Pramukh Swami didn’t just teach virtues – he lived them every day… His example helped his followers find more harmony – both with others, and within themselves. And we hope that humanity will build upon his legacy for generations to come.”

Over 90 BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Mandirs across the United States held tribute assemblies honoring the life and work of their late Hindu spiritual leader, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Community leaders, diverse religious figures, and public officials joined BAPS devotees in mourning this loss.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj lived by his simple but profound message, “In the joy of others lies our own.” This principle served as the core of his spiritual leadership. He had a tremendous capacity to extend his concern and support to those who sought his guidance and refuge. He counseled persons from all parts of the world, of different religions and languages, taking the time to understand their concerns and offering them solutions that would improve their personal and emotional well-being. From addiction, to illness, and even loss, Pramukh Swami Maharaj would guide, console and pray for their well-being.

Born on December 7, 1921, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was initiated as a swami (Hindu ascetic) on January 10, 1940. In 1950, at the age of 28, he became the administrator and President of BAPS. Upon the passing of his guru His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj in 1971, Pramukh Swami became the spiritual leader and steadfastly led the organization for the next 45 years, expanding BAPS throughout the world. His legacy of over 1,100 mandirs is matched only by his extensive humanitarian work, including building numerous charitable schools as well as hospitals, and mobilizing volunteers in response to natural disasters. Most recently, through community walkathons, volunteers helped The Nature Conservancy plant 70,000 trees throughout North America.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and spirituality has left an indelible mark on countless devotees, who will continue living his life’s message under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj (Keshavjivandas Swami), the sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Neel Sethi, Vidya Vox to be part of Grand Diwali Mela at South Street Seaport

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment 0

Fourteen-year-old Neel Sethi of Disney’s “The Jungle Book” fame will be one of the main draws at the 29th annual Deepavali Festival at the South Street Seaport in New York City on October 2. Sethi will meet and interact with audiences at the children’s area. Vidya Vox, an Indian-born American singer who has 53 million YouTube viewers, will perform live alongside Shankar Tucker and Jomy George at the event which will start from 12 noon and end at 7 P.M., culminating in a spectacular display of live fireworks.

Organized by the Association of Indians in America, N.Y. Chapter, the annual festival, is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people from the region, while showcasing Indian culture in the heart of New York City.

The annual event will be a full day extravaganza celebrating tradition, culture and oneness, with numerous food and clothing vendors, corporate booths, children’s area, health kiosk, performances and activities for the whole family.

The highly sought after inter-collegiate dance competition, Naach Inferno enters its 3rd year this year as it showcases dances fusing both East and West cultures. Presented by Life OK and Star Plus, the competition will be telecasted globally. Arya International will make sure the audience learns some Bollywood dance moves and participates in open dance floor. Numerous local performing arts schools and academies will also showcase their talents on stages throughout the day.

This year, Deepavali also marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. To mark the occasion there will be a special tribute to Gandhi along with an essay and drawing competition for the youth to showcase the importance and meaning of peace.

The event culminates with a VIP Hour which has in the past been attended by the governor and mayor of New York among others. This year, support from sponsors such as CheapOAir.com, Qatar Airways, Toyota, New York Life, MoneyGram, Kotak Mahindra, New York Life, HAB Bank, Navika Capital, Star Plus, Sony Entertainment, Jus Punjabi, TV Asia, amongst many others have helped made this event possible. For more information, please find AIA-NY on Facebook or visit its website at www.theaiany.org

Patel Scholars Program launched at N.J. City University

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshEducation 0

New Jersey City University has launched a scholarship program, called The Patel Scholars Program, supporting MBA students from Ahmedabad, India, as also the United States in their educational endeavors at the four-year public university in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The scholarship program has been made possible due to the generosity of its alumnus Chirag Patel, a 1989 NJCU graduate in Business Administration, covers the full cost of tuition, from admission to graduation, for students 5 each from Ahmedabad and the U.S.

The Patel scholars will take part in a program designed to meet their unique needs and engage in cultural activities, internship opportunities and rigorous academic initiatives, on their way to earning an MBA degree. The first batch of students, including 5 from Ahmedabad’s H. A. College of Commerce, and 5 from the U.S. started their classes last week.

While the U.S. students will study for two years for the degree, the students coming from India will have to pursue a 3-year course. The difference in course duration is because of issues relating to credit requirements and transfer of a portion of the credits of the Indian students from their home institutions depending on the NAAC criteria and assessment.

The Patel Scholars from India will take approximately 45 credits of pre-determined general business education studies, to address potential gaps in their general education requirements and knowledge base of the American economy and business climate.

“We are yet to make an official announcement about the Patel Scholars Program which will be done probably next month, but already there is a lot of excitement about this initiative both here and in India,” Daniel P. Elwell, vice president for university advancement, said.

Ramesh Raskar awarded $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion, Education 0

Ramesh Raskar, founder of the Camera Culture research group at the MIT Media Lab and associate professor of media arts and sciences at MIT, is the recipient of the 2016 $500,000Lemelson-MIT Prize. Raskar is the co-inventor of radical imaging solutions including femtophotography, an ultra-fast imaging system that can see around corners; low-cost eye-care solutions for the developing world; and a camera that allows users to read pages of a book without opening the cover. Raskar seeks to catalyze change on a massive scale by launching platforms that empower inventors to create solutions to improve lives globally.

Raskar has dedicated his career to linking the best of the academic and entrepreneurial worlds with young engineers, igniting a passion for impact inventing. He is a pioneer in the fields of imaging, computer vision and machine learning and his novel imaging platforms offer an understanding of the world that far exceeds human ability. Raskar has mentored more than 100 students, visiting students, interns, and postdocs, who, with his guidance and support, have been able to kick-start their own highly successful careers.

“Raskar is a multi-faceted leader as an inventor, educator, change maker and exemplar connector,” said Stephanie Couch, executive director of the Lemelson-MIT Program. “In addition to creating his own remarkable inventions, he is working to connect communities and inventors all over the world to create positive change.”

The Lemelson-MIT Prize honors outstanding mid-career inventors improving the world through technological invention and demonstrating a commitment to mentorship in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The prize is made possible through the support of The Lemelson Foundation, the world’s leading funder of invention in service of social and economic change. Over the next three years, Raskar will be investing a portion of the prize money to support the development of young inventors.

“We are thrilled to honor Ramesh Raskar, whose breakthrough research is impacting how we see the world,” said Dorothy Lemelson, chair of The Lemelson Foundation. “Ramesh’s femtophotography work not only has the potential to transform industries ranging from internal medicine to transportation safety, it is also helping to inspire a new generation of inventors to tackle the biggest problems of our time.”

Jenifer Rajkumar fails to make it to the General Elections

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

Jenifer Rajkumar, candidate for the New York State Assembly, has lost the race in the Democratic primaries held on September 13. She was against an array of strong candidates to fill the seat vacated by the powerful NY State Assembly Speaker, Sheldon Silver. Rajkumar, a long-time resident of the area and a Democratic District Leader for three terms, managed to split some of the voting blocks, to garner a second place finish.

“I am enormously proud of the campaign we ran, and very grateful for the outpouring of support I received from our Desi community everywhere,” Rajkumar told the media. “This was a tough race in a tough district.”

The winner, Yuh-Line Niou won 2,742 votes, 31.55 percent, and Rajkumar came in 2nd with 1,612 or 18.55 percent of the vote. Ranged behind her were Paul Newell with 1,381 (15.89 percent); Alive Cancel, 1,069 (12.30 percent; Don Lee, 984 votes (11.32 percent); and Gigi Li, 827 votes, 9.51 percent.

This heavily Democratic downtown Manhattan district made up of diverse ethnic communities and a mix of upper and lower income populations, assures a winner of the primary a seat in the state Assembly almost automatically. But just 8,692 Democrats cast votes in a district where registered Democrats number 43,094.

“With all of New York’s powerbrokers supporting other candidates, I still came in a very respectable second place in a six candidate field thanks to votes from throughout Lower Manhattan’s diverse neighborhoods,” Rajkumar said.

SKN Foundation’s Annual Gala Creates Support System For South Asian Families Affected by Cancer

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Health 0

Victims and survivors of cancer were honored through a special slide show at the SKN Foundation’s annual gala, on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at the Marigold Hotel (315 Churchill Avenue) in Somerset, New Jersey. Family and friends shared stories and photos of loved ones who have been affected by the life-threatening illness by visiting www.sknfoundation.org.

Cancer survivor and “thriver,” actor and author Lisa Ray, will share the story of her battle with Multiple Myeloma, in addition to walking the runway as the showstopper for international fashion designer to the stars, Joy Mitra. Fox News radio and television personality Vipp Jaswal will emcee the evening’s program, which will include entertainment by singer/songwriter Falu Shah.

“The amount of support we are receiving from activists and philanthropists in the New York and New Jersey communities is truly heart-warming and humbling,” said Sonalika Ahuja, President of Beyond Media and lead organizer of the event. “This is an issue that affects all of us, and the SKN Foundation’s goal is educate people about the disease, while creating an accessible support system for South Asian families.”

In addition to Joy Mitra’s fashion show, the evening will also spotlight “real people” who are creating change in their community and will walk the ramp in support of the cause. They include: Giving Back Foundation founder Meera Gandhi; NY1 and AVS host Joya Dass; Actor Sonny Chatrath; Actor Deepti Nair; Actor & Restauranteur Roni Mazumdar; and, Cancer Survivor Chiara D’Agostino.

All of the celebrities at the event will walk the red carpet and provide one-on-one interviews to select media. Media check-in will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the red carpet will begin promptly at 6 p.m. To reserve your spot on the red carpet, please email Jitin@JingoMedia.com.

Sikh Art Exhibition launched

September 21, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

The Sikh Coalition has launched The Sikh Project on September 17th. The groundbreaking free photography exhibition featuring portraits of Sikh American men and women provides a window into the challenges and resilience of the Sikh American community 15 years after 9/11.

“During this period of heightened divisive rhetoric and hate backlash directed at so many minority communities, we felt that there was no time better than the present to highlight the beauty of the Sikh faith, the strength of our collective spirit and to do so in a way that further educates the broader American public,” said the Sikh Coalition’s Executive Director, Sapreet Kaur.

The project, originally conceived by British photographers, Amit and Naroop, first launched to critical acclaim in London in 2014. The original exhibition featured British Sikh men and was called the Singh Project.

“We are excited to bring the new Sikh Project to America and there is no better partner than the Sikh Coalition,” said Amit and Naroop. “We believe that art can play such a valuable role in education, and this exhibition will go a long way to further the American understanding of the Sikh faith, community and traditions.”

In addition to the thousands who will visit the exhibition in person, media coverage of the Sikh Project has already reached millions more as the Sikh Coalition uses the project to further educate the American public through the news media.

Whether you live in New York or not, we still need your support to make the next ten days as successful as possible! Join the event page on Facebook and share the exhibition and news coverage with your classmates, colleagues and neighbors. Use #SikhProject and publicize the exhibition. We need your support!

The Exhibit will run Saturday, September 17 – Sunday, September 25. The exhibition is being heldat 530 Broadway, New York, New York 10012. The FREE Sikh art exhibition that is open to the general public with the goal of educating Americans about the Sikh community!
If you would like to schedule a group tour of the exhibition it’s not too late! Please email sikhproject@sikhcoalition.org.

Onam celebrations by MASCONN showcases Indian culture in Trumbull, CT

September 18, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

(Trumbull, CT: September 18th, 2016): Over 400 people from Fairfield County in the state of Connecticut participated in the 9th annual Onam celebrations organized by Malayalee Association of Southern Connecticut (MASCONN) at Madison Middle School, Trumbull, CT on Saturday, September 17, 2016.

Men, women, children and youth dressed in traditional attire, were welcomed with a colorful Pookoalm and the traditional lamp at the entrance of school, giving them a warm traditional Indian welcome.

Onam celebrations at the Madison Middle School auditorium began with the lighting of the traditional Nailavilakku or lamp by honored guests of MASCONN and the executive committee members. Legendary King Mahabali was welcomed to the stage with “Pancha Vadyam” and a warm traditional welcome by a dozen beautiful women dressed in traditional attire, who later on performed Thiruvathirakkali, a

folk dance, typically a Keralite dance, well known for its essence, grandeur and simplicity. In this traditional dance form, women clad in traditional Kerala attire with gold brocade attached to it and wearing jasmine garlands on their heads, rhythmically moved around a lighted Nilavilakku, singing and clapping their hands, to the tune of a particular genre of songs called Thiruvathirappaattu, which is meant solely for this graceful dance.

“Onam awaits one very special visitor, Kerala’s most loved legendary King Maveli. He is the King who once gave the people a golden era in Kerala. The King is so much attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily. It is in honor of King Mahabali, affectionately called Onathappan, that Onam is celebrated,” a young child on stage explained the story behind this cultural festival of Kerala, a southern Indian state.

The cultural events consisted of several live dances, classical Bharatnatyam, fusion, Bollywood, folk and contemporary dances, live music and songs, sung in Malayalam, a language spoken by Malayalees around the world. Children from the ages of five to older adults delighted the audience with their melodious voices, and several dances both cinematic and traditional, showcasing the rich variety of dance forms prevalent in India. Through “Ottam Thullal” another traditional art from Kerala, the evolution of MASCONN into a strong organization today, was explained.

“MASCONN an offshoot of the natural growth of the Indian-American especially Malayalee Community in the southern Connecticut region,” said Unni Thoyakkattu, President of MASCON, in his welcome address. “In a very short period, we have grown by leaps and bounds and we strive to meet the growing needs of our community.

In his Onam message, Mahabali told the audience that the “beauty of the festival lies in its secular fabric. People of all religions, castes and communities celebrate the festival with equal joy and verve. Onam also helps to create an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood by way of various team sports organized on the day,” he added.

The whole ambience was filled with nostalgia since it was an occasion for all the Malayalees in Connecticut to cherish their childhood memories, especially everyone enjoyed the sumptuous Onam Sadhya (meal), the most important and main attraction of the day with different traditional dishes and ”payasam” that was served on banana leaves.

Living in countries that are far away from their homeland, in the midst of different cultures, busy with the day-to-day mundane work and home tasks, the Non Resident Indian (NRI) community made this “land of opportunities” their home, have brought with them these cultural traditions and have sought to pass them on to their children, who are often born and raised here.

Onam is a festival celebrated in the south-western state of Kerala, India. The Keralites or the Malayalees, the illustrious people of the beautiful state are known around the world, celebrate the festival of Onam wherever they are.

The celebration of Onam festival provides them with a perfect opportunity to encourage the new generation of children of Indian origin to witness, learn and appreciate these rich traditions, even while it offers the first generation NRIs to stay connected and cherish the rich cultural heritage they hold so dear to them.

This fast growing presence of the Indian American community was evident when more than four hundred people from across the southern state of Connecticut came together to participate in and cherish their rich cultural heritage and be part of the annual Onam celebrations organized by the Malayalee Association of Southern Connecticut (MASCONN) on Saturday, September 17th, 2016 at Madison MiddleSchool, Trumbull, CT. The more than four-hours long cultural extravaganza was in many ways “reliving the culture and traditions” and a “cherishing the past with a view to pass it on to the future generation.”

Malayalee Association of Southern Connecticut (MASCONN) which was formed less than ten years ago, the cultural extravaganza was in many ways “reliving the culture and traditions” and a “cherishing the past with a view to pass it on to the future generation.”

Obama nominates first Muslim American to be a Federal Judge

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshU.S. 0

President Barack Obama hit another milestone when he tapped Abid Riaz Qureshi to serve on the US District Court for the District of Columbia. President Obama nominated Abid Riaz Qureshi of Maryland to serve on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on Septembere 6. If he’s approved by the Senate, Qureshi will be the first Muslim American to serve as a federal judge.

Muslim rights groups have heralded Qureshi’s nomination as historic. Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said the nomination “sends a message of inclusion” at a time of increased public animosity toward Muslims. “A judiciary that reflects the rich diversity of our nation helps ensure the fair and just administration of the law, and it is vital for American Muslims to be included,” said Farhana Khera, executive director of the legal group Muslim Advocates.

According to Muslim Advocates, Muslim Americans have served as judges at the state level but never at the federal or appellate level. As of this summer, Obama has appointed 120 minority federal judges, the highest number ever. This June marked the first time that the majority of circuit court judges were women and minorities. Eleven of Obama’s confirmed judges are openly gay or lesbian, compared with just one prior to 2009.

“I am pleased to nominate Mr. Qureshi to serve on the United States District Court bench,” President Obama is quoted saying in a Sept. 6 White House press release. “I am confident he will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice.”

Qureshi, who is Pakistani-American, attended Harvard Law School and is currently a partner at the Washington, DC law firm Latham & Watkins, where he specializes in cases involving health care fraud, securities violations, and the False Claims Act. He also serves on the DC Bar Association’s Legal Ethics Committee and heads uphis firm’s global pro-bono program, which has provided free legal assistance to unaccompanied children fleeing violence in Central America, Syrian refugees, and nonviolent American prisoners seeking clemency. Obama said in a statement that he is “confident [Qureshi] will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice.”

Qureshi still must be confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. That may be difficult, given that Senate Republicans have slowed the judicial nomination process to a near halt, creating vacancies in federal courthouses across the country. Qureshi is supposed to fill the seat of Rosemary M. Collyer, who retired four months ago. Two other nominees to the DC court have been awaiting confirmation since April.

The National Law Journal in 2012, recognized Qureshi as a legal “champion” for his pro bono work. His clients have included prisoners, foreign-educated physical therapists and the National Organization of Concerned Black Men. But ” Other clients would make Qureshi both a target and a potent symbol in a political season where presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump has called for a ban on Muslims entering the country,” the Journal noted when Qureshi was one of several candidates being vetted for the post. “Qureshi has represented a Saudi-funded Islamic school in a labor dispute and the California-based civil rights group Muslim Advocates in a First Amendment case.

He is the global Chair of Latham’s Pro Bono Committee since 2012, and previously served as Co-chair for the Washington, D.C. office Litigation & Trial Department. “I commend President Obama for taking this important step in continuing to pick the best and brightest from every community to serve as part of our nation’s judiciary,” Farhana Khera, former counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and executive director of Muslim Advocates. “A judiciary that reflects the rich diversity of our nation helps ensure the fair and just administration of the law, and it is vital for American Muslims to be included,” Khera added.

TIMES NETWORK powers India Day Parade and Festival of Globe in San Francisco

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

San Francisco, CA: Times Network, one of India’s largest television network, has been instrumental in crafting an association with Festival of Globe (FOG), an annual event held to empower and integrate global cultures and communities through Film Arts, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Folk Arts. Social Street, one of the leading new age marketing communications agencies, has also been an influential driver in this association which resulted in a grand event that took place from August 05- 14, 2016, in the Silicon Valley, San Francisco. TIMES NOW being the broadcasting partner for the event covered the awards night which will telecast in 5 countries – India, Middle East, Canada, USA and UK on TIMES NOW and ZOOM.

Naveen Chandra, Head of International Business of Times Network says, “Our leading channels TIMES NOW and ZOOM are now present in over 80 countries across 4 continents. We constantly seek to create and associate with high quality marketing platforms to engage with the Diaspora in the global markets. We are delighted to add FOG to our repertoire of great international events which we have been proud to partner.”

This year, FOG took up the cause of Empowering Youth to fight Sex Crimes. Festival of Globe – Silicon Valley & their Movie Fest was an enriching experience where they spoke about the film – ‘The Mother’ starring Raveena Tandon. Raveena was felicitated for her contribution towards empowerment of the girl child as part of the association.

Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder & Convener of FOG Silicon Valley said, “Association of The Times Network and Festival of Globe was long overdue. We were able to reach out to millions of people across USA, Canada, UK, Middle East and India through this association and take Festival of Globe to new heights.”

Pratap Bose, Founding Partner & Chairman of The Social Street, said “We’ve been privileged to be on the panel of the Advisory board of FOG. I am really proud of the fact that we at TSS are doing some clutter breaking work for our clients and hence it is even more exciting and rewarding to see partnerships like TSS-FOGsv flourish!”

The San Francisco Global Movie Fest last year spanned across 10 days and featured close to 75 films; included various workshops and panels, a series of social-dos featuring celebrities, investors and filmmakers, and concluded with a Hollywood and Bollywood Premier Night / Grand Closing Showcase, Grand Awards Night and the legendary India Day Parade of The Bay Area.

The festival last year had participation from over 15 countries and celebrities from across the globe making it a truly international event. This year too many eminent personalities like Randeep Hooda, Gulshan Grover, Raima Sen, Prosenjit Chatterjee among other attended the festival.

Watch the FOG Awards on TIMES NOW on 17th Sept and repeat on 18th Sept at 6.00 pm (PT)/9.00 (ET) and also on Zoom on 17th Sep at 5.30 pm (PT)/8.30 (ET) and repeat on 18th Sept at 11.30 am (PT)/2.30 pm (ET) . TIMES NOW and Zoom is available on Dish channel no. 709 and 715 respectively and on Sling International.

Indian Acid Victim Walks The Ramp At N.Y. Fashion Show

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

In the midst glamorous models, including Bollywood actress Sunny Leone, at the New York Fashion Week that began on September 8, a not-so-charismatic woman on the ramp seemed to draw a whole lot of attention of viewers.

Reshma Banoo Qureshi, a victim of acid attack in India that left her with a missing left eye and a badly-scarred skin, opened the show for designer Archana Kochhar who showcased the rural art of India. Qureshi wore an ivory gown, which was offset with digitally printed motifs, to create awareness of the initiative “Bring Beauty Back”.

“This is my first time in New York and I’m very excited,” she told The Independent, the evening before her appearance. “I think it’s important that people hear the story about the survivors of acid attacks and to know they can lead normal lives.”

Before the opening of the show, Ilaria Niccolini, producer of New York-based FTL Moda, that helped organize the show, said in a statement that it has been “a journey of discovery that led us to ‘Make Love Not Scars,” the most recognized entity supporting survivors of acid attacks in India. “We want to give voice to these amazing women, who have been silently suffering, hiding, and too often depriving themselves of the opportunity to declare how beastly, and cruelly they have been attacked,” the statement said.

Despite the attack and the defacing of the then 17-year-old, Qureshi has refused to hide behind closed doors. She began working with ‘Make Love Not Scars’, an NGO focused on providing acid attack victims with the “opportunity to regain their life.” Before coming to New York she said that she has realized that beauty is “not just about how we look in the mirror.”

Although as a Bollywood actor she is constantly under media limelight, Leone too was excited to be present at the show. “It’s unbelievable that I just walked at New York Fashion Week for designer Archana Kochhar, wearing her Banjara Collection. The energy here was superb and the response we received was phenomenal”, Leone said after the show. “I Love this gown, it looks so ethereal. Archana is my favorite Indian designer,’ Leone said, adding that although very few Indian designers have reached New York Fashion Week, Kochar has made it here.

The designer herself was overjoyed, describing her experience as surreal. “This is arguably, the largest fashion platform in the world. It is a great honor to be one of the few Indians to have showcased at New York Fashion week, for the second time. It is one of the most professionally- run events in the world. As the Nyfw organizers had told me, they don’t talk fashion – they own fashion”, Kochhar said.

“I am very grateful to Sunny (Leone), who’s a dear friend, and I think she looks stunning in whatever she wears. Also, I am very honored to have Reshma Qureshi walking the ramp and showcasing different facets of beauty to the world,” Kochhar said.

“Beauty should not be affirmed by a certain height, color or size, it is beyond that. It should be an all-inclusive concept. We need such acceptance in society and I think such endeavors of mine will increase sensitivity towards this concept in our society”, Kochhar added.

Kochhar’s fashion week collection showcases beautiful prints inspired by the carvings of Taj Mahal, with colorful embroidery representing the royal era. Promoting the concept of “all-inclusive beauty”, Kochhar is supporting the initiative “Bring Beauty Back” at the event.

Her creation, “A tale of Two Travels” imparts royal individuality of the surreal Taj and gleams in the colorful essence of Banjara. The first inspiration of the collection is by the nomadic tribe of India called Banjara, known for the craft of the vibrant mesmerizing colors and rustic mirror work in India.

The color pallet of this collection is ivory offset with colorful digitally printed motifs, which is further highlighted with multi-color thread work and mirror work. The second inspiration of the collection is by the magnificent Taj Maha

When she was told she had been invited to take her message to New York Fashion Week, Ms Qureshi said she had been thrilled. She said that just because someone’s face had been destroyed, they could could still carry within them inner beauty and soul. “That is all that should matter,” she said.

Pran Kurup dies of Cardiac Arrest

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshUncategorized 0

Entrepreneur and social activist Pran Kurup, who was best known for spearheading nascent Aam Aadmi party movement in Northern California, passed away last week in Thiruvananthapuram of cardiac arrest.

He released his third book just months ago in July, “Arvind Kejriwal and The Aam Aadmi Party: An Inside Look.” Kurup roomed with Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal at IIT Kharagpur, the book highlights how deep the bond was between the two, as well as Kejriwal’s influence on Kurup’s philosophy.

“Pran, IIT batchmate and a very dear friend, passed away due to cardiac arrest. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to his family,” Kejriwal tweeted on the day of Kurup’s death.

When the Aam Aadmi Party began to gain steam in the U.S. in 2012, Kurup was credited for having increased the movement’s visibility through social media and his popular column in The Economic Times. During a 2013 discussion forum at UC Berkeley that explored India’s changing political landscape, Kurup said: “Although the last thing India needs is a new party, it is unfortunately the only alternative for a young, aspiring secular India in the 21st century.”

In a blog post, Namit Arora, another close friend of Kurup’s, wrote: “Through his ups and downs, my most abiding memory of him is his optimism, his decency, his caring for a better India, and his infectious humor and laughter. I loved him dearly.”

University of California San Francisco cancer researcher Maya Vishwakarma, the former 2014 candidate for a Lok Sabha seat from Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh on the Aam Aadmi ticket, credited Kurup with being a mentor, teacher and beloved friend.

Kurup, who was born in Chennai, founded the e-learning company Vitalect in 1997. He additionally served as the president of the Silicon Valley Indian Professionals Association. Kurup, 49, leaves behind his wife and two children, all of whom reside in Silicon Valley.

Human Rights Watch honors Indian rights activist

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshUncategorized 0

Ratnaboli Ray from Kolkata is among the four 2016 recipients of the prestigious Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism by the Human Rights Watch. Ray is honoured for leading the fight – often at great personal risk – to move India toward a rights-based system of mental health care.

Ray has been a leading advocate for the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities in India, for more than two decades. In India, thousands are confined to government institutions where they often endure abuse behind closed doors. Ray, who has faced stigma, discrimination, and threats due to her own mental health condition, is working to change that.

Born into a family of committed social activists, Ray has worked with marginalized communities in Kolkata and West Bengal. After she had a breakdown in 1997, her employer forced her to resign. She has used her personal experience, including wrongfully being locked up in a mental hospital by union organizers trying to intimidate her, to push for a paradigm shift in government mental health institutions.

In 2000, Ray founded Anjali, a small nongovernmental organization that provides skills training to people with psychosocial disabilities living in government institutions. Additionally, Ray co-founded a national alliance for access to justice for people with mental health conditions. Ray and her organization are key partners for HRW in its work on the rights of women and girls with disabilities in India.

The other three recipients of 2016 awards are Kalpona Akter, a former child worker in Bangladesh garment factories who organized fellow garment workers to demand fair labor rights; Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, who has dedicated his life to denouncing rights violations against prisoners, activists, and people from all social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds in Burundi; and Yonous Muhammadi, who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan, was granted asylum in Greece, and has become a leading defender of refugee rights there.

“The Alison Des Forges Award honors people who have spent their lives defending some of the world’s most oppressed and vulnerable people,” said Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch. “The honorees work courageously and selflessly every day, often under the most difficult and dangerous conditions.”

The award is named after Dr. Alison Des Forges, senior adviser at Human Rights Watch for almost two decades, who died in a plane crash in New York State on February 12, 2009. Des Forges was the world’s leading expert on the 1994 Rwanda genocide and its aftermath.

Poverty cut by growth despite policy failure

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshFinance/Economy 0

By Jomo Kwame Sundaram

At the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000, world leaders committed to halve the share of people living on less than a dollar a day by 2015. The World Bank’s poverty line, set at $1/day in 1985, was adjusted to $1.25/day in 2005, an increase of 25% after two decades. This was then re-adjusted to $1.90/day in 2011/2012, an increase by half over 7 years! As these upward adjustments are supposed to reflect changes in the cost of living, but do not seem to parallel inflation or other related measures, they have raised more doubts about poverty line adjustments.

The number of people living on less than $1.90 a day in developing countries is estimated to have fallen from close to two billion in 1981 to 1.95 billion in 1990 to just under 1.4 billion in 2005 and 902 million in 2012, projected to 702 million in 2015. The share of poor people has thus declined from 44% in 1981 to 37% in 1990, 24% in 2005 and 12.8% in 2012, projected to 9.6% in 2015.

Much of the progress has been due to sustained rapid growth in several large developing countries, notably China and India, and higher commodity prices for over a decade until 2014. However, outside of East Asia, progress has been modest, with actual setbacks in some countries and regions. For those earning just above the extreme poverty line ($1.90 a day), progress can be temporary as economic and other shocks threaten hard-won gains, forcing them back into poverty. Progress in reducing poverty has been generally slower using higher poverty lines. Over 2.1 billion people in the developing world lived on less than $3.10 a day in 2012, compared to 2.9 billion in 1990.

Extreme poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa has hardly declined, standing at around 42.6% in 2012. Moreover, many of the poor in this region are estimated to be very far below the poverty line as the average consumption of Africa’s poor is only about 70 cents a day—barely more than twenty years ago. Thus, even 20 more years of progress at recent rates will not end poverty in Africa, with a quarter of Africans expected to still be deemed poor in 2030.

Besides income, wide ranging deficits in the human condition remain widespread, not only in most low income countries, but also in many middle income countries. Access to basic education, healthcare, modern energy, safe water and other critical services — often influenced by socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity and geography — remain elusive for many.

There is little evidence that the professed commitments by the global community to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and what was done in the name of the MDGs was critical to poverty reduction. This does not bode well for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially with the protracted economic slowdown since 2008, the declining commitment to economic multilateralism and the constrained fiscal and policy space most developing countries have.

In decoupling poverty reduction from economic development, various ‘silver bullets’ – microcredit, ‘bottom of the pyramid’ marketing, land titling, ‘good governance’ – were touted, but failed, as miracle cures. In most developing societies, economic reforms and policies imposed or advised by international financial institutions, did not deliver promised growth, but instead often exacerbated growing inequalities, both within and among nations. And even where economic growth – typically despite, rather than because of the conventional wisdom – lifted most boats, it often did not raise the leaky, fragile ones of the poor.

This nuanced record of poverty reduction challenges the conventional policy prescriptions identified with the Washington Consensus – the norm outside East Asia since the 1980s. Reductions in public investments – in health, education and other social programmes – have adversely affected billions. The poor have also been more vulnerable to economic downturns, as unskilled workers tend to lose their jobs first, while job recovery generally lags behind output recovery.

The counter-revolution against development economics, and the ascendance of the Washington Consensus since the 1980s, significantly transformed the development discourse. Reforms such as macroeconomic stabilization, defined as low single digit inflation, as well as microeconomic market liberalization, associated with structural adjustment, were all supposed to accelerate economic growth and poverty reduction, presumed to follow from growth. These typically failed on both counts – to spur growth and to eliminate poverty.

Little attention was given to structural causes of poverty, including gross inequalities of resources and opportunities, and the consequences of uneven development. While the Washington Consensus economic reforms were supposed to unleash rapid growth, social protection was reduced to social safety nets targeted at a few supposedly falling between the cracks, often victims of temporary setbacks such as natural catastrophes and economic crises.

The Washington Consensus reforms, often imposed as conditionalities, have significantly constrained policy space for national development strategies. Failure to sustain growth, regressive tax reforms and reduced government revenues have also constrained developing countries’ fiscal space. Developing countries also significantly reduced state capacities and capabilities while under pressure to liberalize and globalize on unequal and debilitating terms. Such reductions of both fiscal and policy space have undermined sustainable and equitable development.

Conventional policy approaches to poverty eradication are clearly insufficient, if not worse. Meanwhile, obstacles to reducing global poverty remain formidable, numerous and complex. Targeting – often demanded by many donors – is not only typically costly, but also inadvertently excludes many who are deserving. Furthermore, many poverty programmes favoured by donors have not been effective in reducing poverty, although some have undoubtedly helped ameliorate poverty.

The 2008-2009 global financial and economic crisis has prompted some reconsideration of appropriate economic policies, even by the international financial institutions. There is now greater recognition of the need for inclusive, pro-growth and counter-cyclical macroeconomic policies as well as prudent capital account management, but institutional prejudices and prescriptions have been slow to change at the country level.

The overall global economic situation and prospects have deteriorated with the ongoing economic slowdown. While the timing and sustainability of economic recovery remain uncertain, job prospects and work conditions continue to deteriorate, with adverse consequences

Michelle Obama calls out budding Indian American poet at White House event

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshU.S. 0

First Lady Michelle Obama was moved to tears after hearing a group of young poets share their work at the White House on Thursday, last week. Standing underneath a portrait of Abraham Lincoln in the State Dining Room, the five 2016 National Student Poets read their work as Obama sat in the audience listening. Their poems touched on a wide range of subjects, including the effects of Hurricane Katrina, the loss of a native language and the false pretenses of religious radicalism.

Michelle Obama gave a shout-out to an Indian-American student, one of two from the community, to be recognized in the 2016 National Student Poets Program, a national competition that celebrated the winners at the White House Sept. 8.

The class of 2016 young poets included five students, two of whom are 17 year old Indian-Americans, Maya Eashwaran of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Gopal Raman of Dallas, Texas.
This is the fifth year of this program initiated by the Obama White House. Over the five years, the program received more than 70,000 submissions from applicants, the First Lady said, noting that “competition is fierce.”

Recognizing that it needed hard work and “a whole lot of courage” to let out one’s inner thoughts and rawest emotions, Michelle Obama singled out Eashwaran.

“Maya – where’s Maya? You put it best. These are your words, I’m told: “On the stage, there is no way to leave unnoticed.” Did you say that?” Obama asked. Eashwaran replied in the affirmative.

“… if you can summon that courage and go through draft after draft of writing — which is painful, I know – and then finally stand up on this stage and speak your truth – well, here is what we know: After all of that, you are ready for anything. That’s the beauty of it,” Obama said, adding, “You’re ready to graduate from high school and go to college, and chase after whatever dream you have. If you can be here, you can do anything, right? Small steps. And I believe that every young person in this country deserves those kinds of opportunities.”

After the Class of 2016 read their work, poets who had the honor in previous years gave a group performance on how the National Student Poets Program had changed them. When it was over, Obama came to the lectern and said, “I’m going to cry.”

“If we ever wonder whether what we do makes a difference, it does,” she said, holding back tears. “Thank you, everyone, for all of this, thank you guys, I’m so proud of you.”

During her introductory remarks, Obama spoke about the power of poetry, even reminding the students that before Lin-Manuel Miranda opened the hit musical “Hamilton,” he performed a number from the show at a White House poetry event in 2009.

For the first time, the annual event for the National Student Poets also highlighted the work of the Spoken Word Ambassador Program, meant to “recognize students who demonstrate an exceptional ability to tell stories, to critically and creatively analyze their worlds, and to present that information in a way that is accessible to large and diverse audiences,” according to the White House.

Obama said the students were “living, breathing proof of the power of poetry to transform people’s lives. We all know that being a kid today can be a little hard. It can be tough, especially when you’re a teenager and you’re dealing with emotions and experiences that can be overwhelming, to say the least,” she said. “It’s tempting at this age to just close down and shut out the rest of the world, especially when the world can feel so ugly at times. But for so many people, poetry can help them open up.”

The National Student Poets Program recognizes five poets in grades 10 and 11 and their original work each year. The program’s website describes it as “the country’s highest honor for young poets.” Obama said Thursday that the program had received over 70,000 submissions and chosen 20 poets since 2011.

Punjabi American Heritage Society launches Sikh Pioneers Digital Archive

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Punjabis immigrated to the United States nearly a century ago. Many had settled down in the western state of California. Their stories of bravery and heroism are unknown to the rest of the rest of the world. Now, the Punjabi American pioneers’ memorabilia will be housed in a digital archive to be launched jointly by the University of California, Davis, and the Punjabi American Heritage Society.

The Punjabi American Heritage Society was founded in 1993 with the purpose of promoting friendship and understanding with other communities and helping our younger generation getting connected to their roots. The Punjabi American Heritage Society is a nonprofit, non-political and secular organization. Sutter County is comprised of a significant number of residents having Punjabi roots. The Punjabi American Heritage Society tries to work towards meeting the diverse needs of our local community. One of our primary annual events is the Punjabi American Festival during Memorial Day weekend at the Yuba Sutter fairgrounds. People of all cultural backgrounds come to perform and take part in the festivities from many areas across California.

The archive – called the Pioneering Punjabis Digital Archive – draws upon private collections of letters, diaries, interviews and photos from many Indian American families in the Yuba/Sutter County area of Central California, Nicole Ranganath, a curator and historian at UC Davis’ Middle East/South Asia Studies program.

71st United Nations General Assembly opens with reform issue still hanging Celebrating every woman every child

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshUncategorized 0

World leaders gathered for the 71st United Nations General Assembly on September 13th to address Earth’s most agonizing problems. If they leave without a single answer, fingers will point again to the entrenched dysfunction in the 193-member world body. The same handicap lies ahead for members during the General Debate, starting September 20, most of all when they discuss UN reform.

India’s push to achieve urgent reforms of the U.N. Security Council last year and secure a permanent seat has suffered a setback when the General Assembly decided to roll over discussions on reforming the world body’s top organ to its next session. India along with the G4 nations said it is “unfortunate” that momentum could not build up over the issue in the current session.

For 2016-2017, the array of problems includes refugees, all of the conflicts that trigger massive population flight, climate change, the Zika virus scare and the renewed Palestinian push for more than de facto sovereignty. The 71st session is the last for Ban Ki-moon as Secretary-General. The exiting UN chief plans to use his last term to push for a global agreement on resettling 10 per cent of refugees annually.

A 2014 BBC look at the reform issue asks why the United Nations hasn’t done more to end the violence in Gaza, Syria, Iraq, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Libya, Afghanistan or Ukraine. The broadcaster observes that the UN has so far failed to secure anything more than a few hours of quiet in Gaza. A common thread in possibly hundreds of analyses of UN structural problems over the decades is that the competing interests of members impede solutions, with accusations directed mainly at the 5-member UN Permanent Security Council. Each of the five – the United Kingdom, Russia, the United States, France and China – has veto power that it uses to protect its own and its allies’ interests. The veto power also protects the veto.

Many draft resolutions do not even make it to a vote, because of the threat of veto. Any consensus on Ban’s global refugee resettlement proposal faces the same obstacle. Most sources agree that the rivalry between Russia and the United States prevents effective movement to stop the fighting in Syria. They also agree that the long-standing U.S.-Israel bond stands between the Palestinians and the sovereignty they seek almost 50 years since Israel took over the West Bank and Gaza Strip as a prize of the Six-Day War.

The late Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat proclaimed a Palestinian independent state in 1988, and the United Nations approved the de facto recognition in 2014 – with 138 votes out of 188 in favour. France, the United Kingdom and the United States were among the nine countries voting against. As the three have veto power, they were able to quash further moves toward independence.

This year at the UN General Assembly, Every Woman Every Child will celebrate results achieved, acknowledge champions for the movement and highlight the importance of keeping women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health and wellbeing at the core of sustainable development efforts.

EWEC partners will emphasize the main messages deriving from the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, launched in 2015 along the Sustainable Development Goals as a front-runner platform to help implement Agenda 2030.

From 18-22 September, a social media relay will cover topics of relevance for the movement, to ensure that key issues highlighted in the Global Strategy are not only visible, but also help set the agenda and drive the conversation forward about its centrality for a more sustainable, peaceful and prosperous future for all.

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who had addressed the past two General Assembly sessions, has decided against attending it this year. Sushma Swaraj, India’s Minister for External Affairs will address the United Nations this week. India will continue to pushing for completing reforms of the U.N. Security Council in the 71st session of the General Assembly, which opened on September 13, 2016.

Prof. Sujit Choudhry protests 2nd investigation into sexual missconduct

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshUncategorized 0

Sujit Choudhry, an Indian-American professor at University of California, Berkeley, who was disciplined for violating the university’s sexual harassment policies has lashed out at a new review of his behavior, calling it an unjust attack on his legal and academic rights.

Sujit Choudhry, who resigned as dean last month but remains on the faculty, has asked the disciplinary committee of Berkeley’s Academic Senate to drop the second review, according to documents released by his attorneys Monday. Depending on the findings, Choudhry’s tenure and continued employment at Berkeley could be in jeopardy.

This Sept. 5, Sujit Choudhry, former dean of the law school at Berkeley, sent another grievance letter to the university faculty committee, which decided to launch a second investigation into his conduct earlier this year after his former executive assistant Tyann Sorrell filed the lawsuit in March this year.

In his Sept. 5 letter, Choudhry decried the second investigation saying it violeted his right to free and equitable treatment, the Dailycal.org news outlet reported quoting from the letter. “The disciplinary proceedings against him (Choudhry) concluded in 2015 with agreed upon punishment which he accepted,” Choudhry’s attorney William Taylor, told News India Times. At that time Choudhry apologized profusely and accepted sanctions the university proposed, Taylor said. The second investigation “is a grotesque violation of his rights” and a violation of the agreement reached, Taylor added.

In a university investigation last year, Choudhry admitted he repeatedly hugged, touched and gave kisses on the cheek to his former executive assistant from September 2014 to March 2015. Then-Provost Claude Steele, in consultation with Chancellor Nicholas Dirks and others, privately ordered the law school dean to take a 10% pay cut, undergo behavioral training and apologize to the assistant, Tyann Sorrell.

But University of California President Janet Napolitano intervened in the case after it came to light in a civil lawsuitfiled by Sorrell last month. In a March 11 letter to Dirks, Napolitano ordered that disciplinary proceedings be launched in the Academic Senate.

Tributes paid to Mother Teresa at UN event

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

Ambassadors to the UN from Albania, India, Macedonia and Italy spoke of the saint’s impact on their countries.

Friends, colleagues and ambassadors from countries most closely associated with Mother Teresa’s lifetime of ministry recounted the saint’s efforts during an event to mark her canonization.

The program titled, Leaving No One Behind: Mother Teresa’s Enduring Message for the International Community Today, was held on September 9th at the UN headquarters in New York.

Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Holy See’s permanent observer to the United Nations, called St Teresa of Calcutta the human face of eternal hope who embodied the founding principles of the world body.

The saint offers an enduring example of what the UN can achieve, he said. Mother Teresa was perhaps the first person since St Francis of Assisi who was considered saintly by people of so many countries and religions, Archbishop Auzaadded.

Other presenters contrasted Mother Teresa’s diminutive stature with her can-do attitude. Alan Sears, president of ADF International, a co-sponsor of the event, said Mother Teresa used joy as a net to catch souls and demonstrated courage by giving up her anonymity to speak out for those who could not.

“She was completely normal and at the same time completely extraordinary,” said Fr Leo Maasburg, an Austrian who was a close friend of Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa never imposed her ego on others and her intention was to bring a little light to the darkness of the human condition, Fr. Maasburg added.

British author Kathryn Spink, who worked with Mother Teresa, traced the biographical details of the saint’s life and her persistent mission to minister with love to the unwanted and alone. Spink recalled Mother Teresa’s December 1985 “Miracle in Manhattan” where New York Governor Mario Cuomo granted her request to release dying prisoners to a hospice she established to care for people afflicted with AIDS.

“Mother Teresa was one of the most countercultural people of the 20th century,” said Fr Daniel Jones, associate professor of theology at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and a retreat leader for the Missionaries of Charity.

Ambassadors to the UN from Albania, India, Macedonia and Italy spoke of the saint’s impact on their countries.

Ambassador Besiana Kadare of Albania said that after Mother Teresa received international recognition for her work, the “quintessence of an unspoken drama” played out in her “unusual and rather tragic relationship with her country.” During the communist control of Albania before 1990, Mother Teresa’s “name was received in profound silence and she was not allowed to visit her mother and sister.”

It is a “sad paradox” that a woman who ministered to dying strangers in other countries “could not offer solace or comfort to her own mother before she died,” Kadare said.

In the years since the fall of communism, an airport, university and main square in the country’s capital have been named for Mother Teresa.

Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin of India said Mother Teresa was remembered and valued as “one of our own” and personified the Indian worldview, “All the world is our home and all humanity is our kin.” While most of India did not share her faith, she was considered a saint in India in her lifetime, he said. Sister Clare Roy, a Missionary of Charity in the Bronx, said Mother Teresa did not love from a distance and demonstrated a mother’s love and tenderness by leaving no one behind.

Horsetown in California debates Hindu Temple plans

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

The Southern California city of Norco markets itself as “Horsetown USA,” and it’s not unusual for cowboy hat-wearing residents to head out for lunch or run errands on horseback in its Old West-styled downtown.

Local leaders celebrate that rural, equestrian lifestyle and are protective of it. Those who build must ensure their property includes Western architectural features such as a metal roof or overhang.

But some Indian-Americans are questioning the sincerity of that standard after the City Council rejected a proposal for a Hindu cultural center on a hilltop partly on grounds that the large, domed building wouldn’t fit in. They think the decision — which came after residents urged the city to keep its culture and questioned why proponents chose the site — is discriminatory.

Dr. Krupali Tejura, a radiation oncologist who grew up in nearby Corona and works at an area hospital, got involved in the debate because she was offended by those who argued the center didn’t fit. “How does a community or a city decide it doesn’t fit in with their lifestyle? How far does this go?” she asked.

Out of Norco’s 27,000-odd population, Asian-Americans, including Indian-Americans number just 59, according to 2010 census data. Nonetheless, the Indian-Americans have been seeking to assert their constitutional right by insisting they be allowed by the City to build a 3,700 square-foot structure.

The City has not agreed, ostensibly because officials feel that the structure will create drainage and parking problems and with its large dome would not be a fit in the “western aesthetic” of the city, known colloquially as “Horsetown USA”.

News reports said that there is a Sikh temple in Norco inside a grange hall and Indian movies are shown at a Corona theater. Some local people like Bonnie Slager, president of the Norco Horsemen’s Association, were quoted by news agency Associated Press as saying that while the Hindu community is welcome, a big-domed building with potential drainage problems is not welcome.

“Not that, things have to look like a Western fort. We just really don’t want things that are all glass and metal and look kind of like something from Disneyland’s Tomorrowland,” she was quoted as saying by the agency.

Indian-American CEO charged with abuse for forcing domestic worker to sleep in garage alongside dogs

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshBusiness 0

An Indian-American CEO of an IT staffing and consulting firm has been charged in the US with callous treatment of a domestic worker who had come from India to work for her. The Department of Labor in its complaint alleges that Himanshu Bhatia, the CEO for Rose International and IT Staffing, paid her domestic service worker USD 400 a month plus food and housing for work being performed during 15 and half hours a day seven days a week at her home in San Juan Capistrano and other luxury residences in Miami, Las Vegas and Long Beach, California.

She was forced to sleep in the garage on a piece of carpet alongside Bhatia’s dogs when she was ill, and being left without food when Bhatia leave her residence for days, the complaint alleged.

Additionally, Bhatia confiscated Ningwal’s passport, restricting her free movement and only made available to the domestic service worker when she had to travel to perform domestic service duties at Bhatia’s penthouse in Miami, it said.

Bhatia terminated Ningwal in December 2014 after catching her researching the topic of “labor laws” on line and after the domestic service worker refused to sign a document Bhatia authored, stating that she was being paid an adequate salary and had no employment dispute with Bhatia, the complaint said.

The department’s Wage and Hour Division found that Bhatia violated the Fair Labor Standards Act’s minimum wage and record keeping provisions from July 2012 to December 2014, as well as the act’s anti-retaliation provision. Rose International and IT staffing and consulting firm had more than USD 357 million in revenue in 2011.

NADAM to showcase India’s Classical Dance & Music Forms

September 13, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment 0

East West School of Dance and Ananda Ashram are presenting a special glamorous and unique variety of Indian Dances on Friday, September 16th 2016 at the Blue Sky Center, Ananda Ashram, 13 Sapphire Road, Monroe, NY.

Produced by, NADAM, which was founded in the year 1997 by Nandini K Mehta & K Murali Mohan – the well-known Kathak exponents of Bangalore. Since its inception, it has witnessed a rise in its popularity in leaps and bounds. The academy works to showcase India’s Classical Dance & Music Forms and helps preserve them as living traditions. Our annual music & dance showcase, “Kala-Nadam”, is one of the leading events on Bangalore’s Cultural Calendar, featuring amazing national & international talent since 16 years consecutively.

Nadam also holds a Classical Dance Festival for children below 13 called “Chinna Kala-Nadam”, since the year 2009.The academy imparts training in the fields of Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Classical Music to aspiring students. The students are given intensive training to become professional dancers. Apart from training, the company has its own performing unit specializing in Classical and different Folk- forms of India. Nadam ensemble has performed extensively in many prestigious festivals in India, USA, Canada, France, Switzerland and the Middle-East.

Nadam ensemble toured the USA & Canada with a troupe of 10 dancers and gave successful performances in different cities in September- October, 2012 winning rave reviews from connoisseurs and the press.

Nandini Mehta an established danseuse proficient in the fields Kathak and Bharatanatyam, Nandini received her initial training in Bharatanatyam under renowned gurus Smt. Chandrabhaga Devi and Prof. US Krishna Rao, Guru Smt. Narmada, Guru Smt. Bhanumati. Her passion for dance attracted her to train in Kathak.

She had the good fortune to come under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Maya Rao and Smt. Chitra Venugopal of NATYA Institute of Kathak and Choreography (NIKC) Bangalore. She pursued her training in Kathak from Maulik Shah and Ishira Parikh, Ahmedabad. Nandini holds a degree in Choreography from NIKC, Bangalore.

Nandini has also received formal training in Karnatic music from her mother Smt. Manorama Mehta. She is well versed with the various folk forms of India. Dance has taken Nandini to perform extensively in India, US, France, Switzerland, Middle East etc.

She is the recipient of the central government fellowship in Kathak for the years 2000-2002. She is an A grade artist of Doordarshan and is a soft skill trainer and a French lecturer in various colleges in Bangalore. She is the founder director of NADAM an academy of dance and music based in Bangalore. She imparts training in Kathak to aspiring students from India and abroad.

Nandini was awarded the title-“KALA ARATHI RATNA”, by the Arathi School of India Dance-Phoenix, USA in September 2006. She recently received the title-“GUNA NIDHI”, in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the magazine-“GunaGrahi” for her contribution to Kathak. She is also a recipient of the titles “Natyasri”, “Swar Kala-Gaurav”.

Murali an established Kathak exponent has created ripples in the art circles. Devotion, dedication and innovation being his first nature, winning encomiums and accolades from the audiences and the press have become a way of life. The dancer – an epitome of grace, creativity and authenticity, incessantly portray elegance and élan in every performance. He is a senior disciple of Guru Shri Dharmashi Shah, Padmashree Guru Kumudini Lakhia, and Pt. Arjun Mishra. Murali’s grace, vivacity and versatility in dance have beckoned him to perform at prestigious dance festivals globally. Being a natural dancer, it is a real treat to watch him perform be it pure nritta (pure Dance technique) or abhinaya (nritta). Fast and precise pirouettes and intricate footwork are the hallmark of his dance.

Murali has to his credit a Bachelor’s degree in music and Visharad in Kathak from the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai, and is also well-versed in the Folk-Forms of India. He is a recipient of the central government scholarship in Kathak awarded by department of culture New Delhi for the year 2000 – 2002. He is a graded artist of Doordarshan – the national network channel of India, and performed for the National Network. He has performed at most of the Major festivals in India viz, the Uday Shankar Festival, Nishagandhi Festival, Konark Festival, Vasantotsav, Kinkini Festival, to name a few. Murali has been awarded the title-“GUNA NIDHI”, “Nrutya Nipuna” and received the Uday Shankar award for his contribution to Dance. He has been touring the US since the year 1999 for conducting workshops and rendering performances.

Murali also has had the opportunity of working with big wigs like Shobhana, Anuradha Sriram, Vikram Ghosh, Selva Ganesh, Malathi Iyengar of Rangoli Foundation USA, Lata Pada- Sampradya Canada, Sujatha Venkatesh- Omkara.

Baba Sehgal dedicates song to Donald Trump

September 13, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Politics 0

Rap star and singer Baba Sehgal never failed to entertain with his hilarious songs and videos. This time, he’s taken a dig at none other than Donald Trump. Baba’s latest video Trump Ka Mania, dedicated to the US presidential nominee, has gone viral and is the latest talk of the town.

Baba Sehgal is best known for his work in Indipop and Telugu films. The 50-year-old, whose career began in the 90s, is known for his funny, silly songs. Some of them include his tribute to Rihanna in the song “Rihanna Oh Rihanna,” his display of love for food in “Aloo Ka Paratha” and “Chicken Fried Rice.”

In all seriousness, it’s a nod to Sehgal’s creativity and ability to rap about the U.S. political election in a way that has users sending the song to all their friends. The lyrics blend Hindi and English so that you can understand the song even if you don’t speak Hindi, for the most part, at least. If you can’t completely, all you have to understand is the song is about Trump’s mania spreading worldwide.

Sehgal himself has said he couldn’t resist doing a song about him because of the “je ne sais quoi” Trump possesses that earns the presidential candidate so many so-called fans.

While many celebs are either making fun of or rallying against the controversy-ridden US presidential candidate, Baba Sehgal, in his video, marvels at all the support he has been garnering with lines like: New York Chicago Orlando mein, Log khadey hain ghar ke verandon mein, Louisiana se panju boston se bong, Rally uski day by day is getting strong…

However, Baba clarifies that he has no political agenda, saying, “I have no political agenda. This song was not meant to support or diss him. It was made purely on his personality, temperament and attitude. I mentioned it in the description of the video too.” If you gain nothing but a good laugh from the video, you can appreciate the well-timed release of a song that is marketing gold.

Sonam Kapoor headed to Hollywood

September 13, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment 0

After Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, now, it’s the turn of Sonam Kapoor. The ‘Neerja’ actress has inked a deal with popular Hollywood talent management company United Talent Agency, for representation in the United States. This deal will mark Sonam’s first professional outing in the US and it remains to be seen which Hollywood projects does this beauty bag. In Bollywood, Sonam Kapoor is working on two major projects. Sonam will be seen in ‘Veerey Di Wedding’ as well as an onscreen adaptation of novel ‘Battle For Bittora’.

Kapoor hails from a popular filmy family with father Anil Kapoor conquering, not just Bollywood, but Hollywood as well. In an Instagram post, the actress has shared a screenshot of a Deadline news report exclusively confirming her project.

“Super duper chuffed to sign on with #unitedtalentagency ! I know this is going to be an epic partnership!,” Sonam Kapoor wrote on Instagram. For the uninitiated, UTA is a California-based talent agency. Some of their internationally well-known clients have been Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Alicia Vikander, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo.

The last time Sonam Kapoor appeared in an international project was on Coldplay’s music video, Hymn For The Weekend where she was in the frame for merely a few seconds. Her father, Anil Kapoor has worked in well known Hollywood projects like Slumdog Millionaire, Brad Bird’s Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and even did a cameo in the popular American television series The Simpsons.

Sonam Kapoor had made her debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, Saawariya, alongside Ranbir Kapoor in 2007.

With various films like Aisha, Delhi 6, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Sonam Kapoor’ acting abilities were seriously doubtful despite being from a family connected to the Bollywood industry. Until this year, when she proved her potentials with moving performance in the film Neerja.

Sonam Kapoor is one of the brand ambassadors of Loreal, if she gets the right role, she can probably prove she is more than the fashionable woman at the red carpet of Cannes.

Kabir Akhtar wins Emmy for ‘Best Editing’

September 13, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment 0

Indian American television director-editor Kabir Kabir has won an Emmy Award, a prestigious honor in the category of Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. He was awarded at the 68th Creative Arts Emmys held Sept. 10-11 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The 41-year-old is an American television director and editor best known as the creator of The Tool Page, the oldest website dedicated to the band Tool.

Kabir is the son of Salman Akhtar, and nephew of Shabana Azmi’s husband, and lyricist Javed Akhtar. He is the first cousin of filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar too. This was the third time Kabir got an Emmy nomination. The first one happened in 2012 for Outstanding Picture Editing For Short-Form Segments And Variety Specials. He had directed a segment of the 84th Academy Awards, starring host Billy Crystal and Melissa McCarthy which was well-received. The second nomination came the very next year for Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series for an episode of the American sitcom Arrested Development. However, he finally managed to walk with the trophy this year. Kabir had also worked on British comedy series Mumbai Calling. He had edited the pilot episode of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend titled “Josh Just Happens to Live Here!” which aired in October 2015.

Kabir Akhtar has shown his editing-directing finesse working on episodic comedies, commercials, documentaries, short films, trailers, reality, and multi-camera shows, including “Arrested Development,” “Unsolved Mysteries,” “New Girl” and Comedy Central shows such as “The Daily Show.”

Based in Los Angeles, Akhtar is a Philadelphia native, holding an M.F.A. in Motion Picture Production from the University of Miami and a B.A. in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania.

After 8 months of foster care in US, infant reunites with NRI couple

September 13, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

An Indian American couple were reunited with their infant son in New Jersey Sept. 1, after an eight-month grueling U.S. court ordeal, in which they were accused of child abuse. Ashish and Vidisha Pareek had moved to Jersey City, New Jersey, in August 2015, so that Ashish could take up an assignment with TCS. Their son, Ashvid, was born two months later.

Ashvid was born on October 21 last year in New Jersey, where Ashish had been sent by his company. The baby reportedly fell accidentally and suffered head injuries on December 23.

Jersey City’s Department of Child Protection and Permanency stepped in and took Ashvid a week later, after a court determined the baby was suffering from Shaken Baby Syndrome. Ashvid was then placed in foster care. Shaken Baby Syndrome refers to child abuse resulting in head injuries from severe shaking or throwing the baby.

Ashish and Vidisha Pareek told authorities that Ashvid’s head injuries were the result of his accidental fall, but they were nevertheless accused of neglect. At issue was a clot on Ashvid’s retina, which DCPP concluded was the result of Ashvid being thrown.

Ashish had then sought help from external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and also appealed to chief minister Vasundhara Raje, the Prime Minister’s Office and governor Kalyan Singh. After a month, a US court gave the custody of the child to an Indian family living in New Jersey. Many months of pleading and fight have finally resulted in the child being returned to his parents.

Ten-month-old Ashvid’s first visit to India has triggered celebrations in his family, especially after US authorities separated him from his parents Ashish and Vidisha Pareek for seven months over alleged abuse.

“I cannot express my feelings in words. After all that happened in the last seven months, I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped us,” Vidisha said, adding that Ashish would join them after completing paper work in the US.

NRI leaders pay glowing tributes to Rep. Danny Davis on his 75th Birthday celebrations

September 13, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

By Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: The 7th Illinois Congressional District’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force hosted a historic grand rousing reception to honor United States Congressman Danny K. Davis on his 75th birthday on September 6th at Captain Hard Times Banquet in Southside of Chicago. Political luminaries, business leaders, church pastors, civil rights figures, community activists and Physicians, all joined in unison to pay glowing tributes to Congressman Davis for his illustrious 51 yearsof public-service leadership .

The packed birthday felicitations was highlighted by the presence of a galaxy of political leaders including Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Deputy Mayor of Chicago Andrea Zopp, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown, Illinois State Senator Napoleon Harris and many ethnic medical and community leaders – who each took to the podium to pay glowing encomiums to the Congressman Davis for his fierce devotion to the beliefs of public service spanning over five decades as Chicago Alderman, Cook County Commissioner and now the United States Congressman.

Presiding over the birthday celebrations luncheon, Dr. Vijay G Prabhakar, Executive Vice-Chair of the Multi-Ethnic Advisory Task Force introduced the ranking officials and described Congressman Danny Davis as a man of great virtue, piety and unparalleled faithfulness to serving the people. Dr. Vijay G Prabhakar said that the tributes and greetings have been pouring in from all across the political spectrum as Congressman Davis is widely esteemed inside the beltway.

Harish Kolasani, President NRI SEVA and his members performed aarti and garlanded Congressman Davis on his arrival. Ms. Leontine Horne, Vice chair, New Hope Community Service presented a bouquet of 75 red roses while Mr.Sohan Joshi, Chairman of New Hope Community Service presented Rep Davis with a golden silk shawl.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan who received a rousing introductory welcome from Dr. Vijay G Prabhakar, eulogized Congressman Danny Davis as a mass leader who continuosly serves people with commitment and conviction. Attorney General Lisa Madigan gave an inspiring address listing the achievements of Representative Davis. Kishor Mehta,Task Force Chair presented a floral bouquet and Gerard Moorer, Task Force Director presented a shawl to Ms. Madigan.

State Senator Napoleon in his opening remarks said that Congressman Danny Davis served him as an inspiring mentor and his aspirations remain to be like him serving the people of the country for many years.Eddie Newell Of Jordans Dreams presented a floral bouquet and Vijender Doma of United Telugu Christians Association presented a sha wl to Senator Harris.

Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp conveyed the City Of Chicago and Mayor Rahm Emmanuel’s birthday greetings to Congressman Davis. Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp said that Congressman Davis’s role in building a vibrant and strong City of Chicago will go down in history. Mr. Keerthi Ravoori presented a floral bouquet and Mr Nagendran Sripad of End Point Graphics presented a shawl to Deputy mayor Zopp.

Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown in her greetings, praised for Congressman Davis for his pioneering national legislative initiative to pass the ‘second-chance’ bill to the prisoners/offenders and added this has inspired her to launch the expunge initiative which is providing legal relief especially to the young who have committed offence.

Rep. Danny Davis presented the Golden Eagle Award 2015 to Dr. William O.P. Dorsey, CEO, Jackson Park Hospital, Chicago for his singular contribution to the development of Jackson Park Hospital. Dr Pratap C Kumar, past President, Indian American Medical Association-Illinois introduced Dr. Dorsey and recalled his contributions to the Hospital from 1981.Dr Kumar added that the previous recipients of the Award include Governor Pat Quinn in 2012 for abolishing death penalty in Illinois. Dr Tapas Dasgupta presented a silk shawl to Dr Dorsey on behalf of the Task Force. Ms. Shirley Kalavakota, Reception Chair presented a floral bouquet to Dr Dorsey.

Replying to the felicitations, Congressman Davis recalled the role of his parents, Church and Martin Luther King in shaping his destiny. Rep. Davis said that the celebration of his 75th birthday is a celebration of his constituents, the people of Illinois and his fellow democratic leaders who have all collectively worked hard to build a strong City of Chicago, a united County of Cook and a prosperous State of Illinois. He personally thanked the fellow democratic leaders present, the Community leaders and the organizers for this wonderful celebration of life, love and unity.

Kishor Mehta, Task Force Chair in his closing remarks highlighted the role of Mother Josephine Wade, President of Captain Hard Times Dining Banquet and her team for hosting the luncheon event. Mehta also called for nominations from the Community for those individuals or organizations that have successfully managed to make a difference in people /community lives,and achievers to be honored at the Sixth Annual Congressional Awards Gala to be hosted on Sunday October 30 at Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows.

Sixth Hindi Lovers Club raises love for Hindi

September 13, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

Chicago IL: On Saturday, September 3rd 2016 at Ashyana banquets the Hindi Lovers Club with the World Hindi Foundation celebrated the rich heritage of Hindi language by promoting awareness of Hindi worldwide. Around 300 people attended the event.

On the occasion of the 6th Hindi Diwas, the President Vinita Gulabani expressed how in few years, with a small executive committee the Hindi Lovers Club has aroused individual participation of children and adults to learn Hindi, dialog in Hindi and perform in speech and cultural programs. In addition, the club by partnering with Indian organizations in Chicagoland aroused partners in Hindi language via events –cultural, educational and social.

Gurbachan Kaur Shewakramani one of the founders and the strength behind the club for all these years welcomed all and took pride in introducing all acquired activities and plans of the club and its vision. She individually has elaborated and implemented programs and services.

The Consul General of India in Chicago Ausaf Sayeed and Vice Counsel O.P. Mena eloquently emphasized how Hindi is the third most spoken language in the world and should be nurtured and be spoken widespread. Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister has declared January 10th as World Hindi Diwas. On October 30th we will have the first time Indian Diwali stamp issued in USA

The president and secretary of Vishwa Hindi Nyas and its Chicago director Kam Gupta support classes in higher educations, endowment of Hindi chairs at Universities and unifies all outreach endeavors for nationwide dialogue and communication in Hindi in States.

Poets, writers, including acclaimed writer Mridula Behari highlighted the importance of Hindi language, its richness and vastness. Non Hindi speakers spoke how Hindi language has brought strength in their lives. Six children ages 6-12 wrote essays and read them. The topic was, “Aap bade hoker kya banna chahte hain aur kyon?” Barnes and Noble certificates and trophies were given as awards. Ms. Bhargava, Behari and Mr Mena were judges. Anika Dikshit won the top prize.

A host of young and old performers presented a variety of dances, comedies and music. All performances were skillfully and beautifully done-two young performers Sanjana Kumar and Laksha received special mention. The girl Sanjana Kumar stole the heart of everybody present with her masterly fusion dance combining Bharatnatyam and Gymnastics through an electronic Indian classical fusion song

The audience got a fair-sized entertainment with a one person comedy show by Ranjoy Gangubly, a Bengali youth who mimicked top notch Bollywood artsits like Keshto Mukherji, Shatrughna Sinha, Dharmendra, and politician like Laloo Prasad Yadav. Audience really enjoyed his skit. The whole evening confirmed what Gurbachan and Kam emphasized in their thank you speech, wonders were done today but more than that, the words of Hindi are so precious that it must be spoken at all occasions when appropriate and kept alive! The culmination was Kavi Sammelan where, quality and contents of the recitation were hugely appreciated by those sitting through the program

4th annual IndiaFest held in Milwaukee

September 13, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

By Asian Media USA ©

The life of an immigrant involves integrating oneself into a new home, while also maintaining ties to his own culture and heritage. Indians in America are not an exception. Grand Celebration of 4th annual IndiaFest Milwaukee was held on August 20th, 2016 at Humboldt Park in Wisconsin, exemplifies this. The objective of this event, which was orchestrated and presented by Spindle India organization, was three fold: to connect to their roots, to pass on their unique traditions to new generation, and to promote intercultural competence, empathy and business growth.

The event from 10 am to 10 pm, with free entry, was well attended by over 15,000 attendances of Indian Americans; and people belonging to different nationalities. It saw multigenerational families dressed in traditional garb. Festival was inaugurated by Tom Barrett – Mayor City of Milwaukee, Clair Zautke – office of Chris Abele Milwaukee County Executive, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed – Consulate General of India – Chicago, Katherine Thorat – Air India Chicago, Steve Ponto – Mayor Brookfield, Shawn Reilly – Mayor Waukesha, Stephen Scaffidi – Mayor Oak Creek, Banga “Ginger” Kollmansberger – Regional Director Office of Senator Ron Johnson, Ossie Kendrix – Deputy State Director Office of US Senator Tammy Baldwin, John Chistholm – Milwaukee County District Attorney. Traditional lighting ceremony, Indian flag hoisting, short-but-sweet motivating speech by the guests captivated audience. Mr. Darshan Dhaliwal – president of Dhaliwal Enterprises, Cardiologist Dr. Iftekhar Bader, businessman Mr. Laxman Kailas were some of the influential figures were seen at the venue.

The event had such attractions as flagship programs introduced by Spindle India – flag hoisting, Wisconsin Indian Singing Idol, Unity in Diversity fashion show celebrating diversity and modernity, Kid’s Parade, Indian Classical/Bollywood Dances, Traditional Dhol etc. It gets competitive with Wisconsin Indian Singing Idol, Rangoli and kids Painting. The entire event was an all-day retreat, which was enjoyed thoroughly by people along with their families and friends.

A flatearth ensemble ‘Misty Trails’, a fusion of eastern, middle-eastern and western instruments, was presented by Abhishek Lahiri in Sitar, George Lawler in Drums, Ronnie Malley in Oud and Subrata Bhattacharya in Tabla. ‘Rang-E-Ghazal’ was introduced to this celebration by renowned classical singer Sandip Bhattacharjee, accompanied by Manny Bedi in Tabla. ‘Desi Beats’ – a medley of popular Bollywood numbers were presented by well-known singer Purnima Nath with her Lotus band.

No festival is complete without delicious and authentic food; and there was plenty of it at IndiaFest! People savored non-stop, from the time they got there to the time they left. Homemade Indian snacks, main dishes, and cool drinks definitely helped them enjoy the hot afternoon. Samosa, Puri, Paratha, Golgappa, Dosa, Biriyani, Tandoori Chicken, Curry, Chai, Sugar Cane juice, ice cream, slushies – snacks to full course, hot and cold, street eats to gourmet, there was something authentic to munch on for everyone. Famous local eateries to vendors from Chicago were seen in festive mood and enjoy serving people.

The rangoli-making, that gorgeous folk art we see created in courtyards during festivals, attracted the attention of people at the IndiaFest in a big way. The rangolis were drawn on tarps with colored sand and white salt. To the surprise of many spectators, quite a few men too took an active part in creating rangolis. And their rangolis too turned out beautifully!

A few Sikh men, who set up a booth, encouraged festival-goers to let them tie a turban on their head, and then wear it for an hour for an authentic experience. For the people belonging to countries other than the Indian subcontinent, it was a pleasant surprise to learn about the Sikh religious practice in which men do not cut their hair or beards in order to show respect for the perfection of God’s creation. The free blood pressure tests were offered by a local hospital run by doctors and Nurses from local hospital.

Bringing quintessence of India was the major focus of the event. Entry arches were placed depicting ancient architectural pillars usually seen in temples around India. Focal point of the event, a day-long non-stop 660 minutes of cultural program was skillfully executed in the carefully decorated stage at the bottom of the natural amphitheater that anchored the entire festival, directed by Saravanan Pichandy and Manjunath Patil. Design, background and relevant backdrops brought the essence more close to the experience of India.

Indian costume was a real treat for the eyes. Gorgeous designs, color, vibrancy was visible in every corner. Another activity people very much enjoyed was taking their family photo against the amazing backdrop of Taj Mahal, India Gate, Konark Temple, and many more iconic Indian locations. Palm reading, past and future telling of a person based on the lines ones palm is extremely popular in India. Authentic palm reading was seen at the venue, engaging people keenly. Indian clothing, bangles to jewelries to threading and henna – many activities and shopping at the market place kept guests occupied.

Consul General of India, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed extended warm greetings “I sincerely appreciate and commend the welfare and organizational work being done by Spindle India Inc., in reaching out to a large segment of society. “There is no better way to learn about Indian culture,” said Purnima Nath, Organizer, Producer and Chairwoman of IndiaFest Milwaukee, and President of Spindle India. “We are weaving happiness as we bring people together through collaboration. Our goal is to weave India’s colorful cultural threads into the rich multicultural tapestry of American culture”, says Purnima Nath. She specially appreciated sweat and hard work of the volunteers, who had dedicated unlimited time and effort for months, to make this festival happen.

“Wisconsin hasn’t seen anything like this in this grand scale, before. We are setting a new boundary. We have created history” ~says Suresh Krishnaiah, Program Director, IndiaFest Milwaukee. Spindle India a 501 3(c) organization, strives to make IndiaFest even better next year, raising the bar another notch, setting examples of accountability, transparency and quality.

One World Trade Center: 15 years of rebuilding a landmark

September 13, 2016 Ajay GhoshU.S. 0

Tears, vows and memories marked emotionally charged ceremonies Sunday, September 11 at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon and a rural field in western Pennsylvania on the 15th anniversary of the most deadly terror attack in U.S. history.

Bells tolled across much of the nation at 8:46 a.m. ET, the moment the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Thousands gathered here as family members, after a moment of silence, solemnly said aloud the names of the almost 3,000 victims. The presenters each read about 30 names, ending with a few words about their own loss.

Fifteen years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the World Trade Center is still one of the world’s most scrutinized construction sites. Developers have had to balance honoring the dead while reviving some of the most valuable real estate in the world.

The twin towers of New York City’s World Trade Center were iconic. They stood tall as a testament to the strength and abilities of the humans who built them, and to both the city and country that they called home.

The north and south towers officially opened in 1970 and 1971, respectively. The nearly-identical buildings were the tallest in the world until being surpassed by Chicago’s Sears Tower in 1973. The north tower stood just six feet taller than its counterpart.

The towers were destroyed in the September 11 attacks, killing over 2,000 people that were within their walls or in the area at the time. In addition to the tragic and unfathomable loss of life, the collapse of the towers caused health issues, worldwide financial problems and severe damage to the surrounding World Trade Center buildings.

The process of cleaning up the rubble of the collapsed towers was a tedious one, and cleanup efforts were deemed complete on May 30, 2002 — nearly nine months after the attacks. From there, decisions had to be made on what kind of structures would fill the vacant space left by the twin towers as Lower Manhattan was rebuilt.

For years after the 9/11 attacks, nearly all the activity at Ground Zero was downward—digging through the piles of debris, excavating a vast pit to restore the ruined transit lines, preparing the foundations for the new buildings that would emerge there.

The new World Trade Center needed to be a public response to 9/11 while providing valuable commercial real estate for its private owners, to be open to its neighbors yet safe for its occupants. It needed to acknowledge the tragedy from which it was born while serving as a triumphant affirmation of the nation’s resilience in the face of it.

“It was meant to be all things to all people,” says Christopher Ward, who helped manage the rebuilding as executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “It was going to answer every question that it raised. Was it an answer to the terrorists? Was the market back? Was New York going to be strong? That’s what was really holding up progress.”

A 1,776-foot-tall skyscraper, initially called the ‘Freedom Tower,’ was pitched as the new One World Trade Center (a title formerly held by the north tower). A ground-breaking ceremony was held for the building on April 27, 2006.

Eight years later, on November 3, 2014, the new One World Trade Center was completed, a shining beacon of the hope and resilience of the American people in the wake of tragedy. The skyscraper, which is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, overlooks the reflecting pools and museum of the 9/11 memorial, as well as the rest of the new World Trade Center area.

You can see the names of almost 3,000 victims of the Sept. 11 attacks — including those killed in Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon — on the panels around the memorial pools. But it’s hard to find many remnants of that day’s destruction on the World Trade Center’s new plaza.

Seven stories below the plaza, visitors at the National Sept. 11 Memorial Museum can see a crushed fire engine and a memorial wall behind which the unidentified remains of Sept. 11 victims are stored. Aboveground, developers say they’re constructing living memorials through new skyscrapers. Their business strategy has shifted toward tenants from the tech and creative industries. When the Westfield shopping center opened at noon today at the World Trade Center, it marked the first time there has been a shopping mall at ground zero since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Somewhere between 50 and 60 of the fully leased center’s 113 retail tenants will be open for business today in the 365,000-square-foot shopping complex, while the rest are set to open before the holiday season, reports CNBC.

The latest addition now open to the public is a $4 billion, marble-floored train station. Every day, thousands stream through the World Trade Center Transportation Hub on their way to their new offices, shopping malls or the National Sept. 11 Memorial Museum. Above them are soaring, white steel arches that have been compared to a rack of whale bones.

Sunday marked the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The attacks and the reaction to them have shaped U.S. policy for the last 15 years, leaving a nation that is far more vigilant and jittery about terrorism. Yet for all of the talk about 9/11, many elements of the attacks and the actions leading up to them have receded from the public memory. To the families, friends and colleagues of the nearly 3,000 victims who lost their lives on that dreadful night, these painful memories will stay with them for the remained of their lives.

Obama appeals to embrace Diversity on 9/11

September 13, 2016 Ajay GhoshU.S. 0

President Barack Obama on Sunday, September 11 marked the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks attacks by calling on Americans to embrace the nation’s character as a people drawn from every corner of the world, from every religion and from every background. He said extremist groups will never be able to defeat the United States. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that day as a result of the planes that crashed into New York City’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in a Pennsylvania field.

Obama spoke to hundreds of service members, and relatives and survivors of the attack that occurred at the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into the Defense Department’s headquarters, killing 184 people. The youngest victim was only 3 years old.

The president said extremist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and al Qaeda know they can never drive down the U.S., so they focus on trying to instill fear in hopes of getting Americans to change how they live.

“We know that our diversity, our patchwork heritage is not a weakness, it is still and always will be one of our greatest strengths,” Obama said. “This is the America that was attacked that September morning. This is the America that we must remain true to.”

Obama spoke on warm, mostly sunny morning, noting that the threat that became so evident on Sept. 11 has evolved greatly over the past 15 years. Terrorists, he said, often attempt strikes on a smaller, but still deadly scale. He specifically cited attacks in Boston, San Bernardino and Orlando as examples.

In the end, he said, the enduring memorial to those who lost their lives that day is ensuring “that we stay true to ourselves, that we stay true to what’s best in us, that we do not let others divide us. How we conduct ourselves as individuals and as a nation, we have the opportunity each and every day to live up to the sacrifice of those heroes that we lost,” Obama said.

Obama’s comments also came in the heat of a presidential election in which voters will weigh which candidate would best keep America safe. Republican nominee Donald Trump said he would suspend Muslim immigration into the United States, a policy he later amended by saying he would temporarily ban immigration from “areas of the world where there is a proven history of terrorism against the United States, Europe or our allies, until we fully understand how to end these threats.” Obama’s speech Sunday reinforced themes he has emphasized in recent months when he has described Trump’s proposals on Muslim immigration as “not the America we want.”

Obama also marked his final Sept. 11 observance as president with a moment of silence inside the White House to coincide with when the first plane hit the Twin Towers. Atop the White House, the American flag flew at half-staff. Obama invited governors, interested organizations and individuals to follow suit.

Obama said he has been humbled by the people whose 9/11 stories he’s come to learn over the past eight years, from the firefighters who responded to the attacks, to family members of those who died, to the Navy Seals who made sure “justice was finally done” in the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. He said the nation’s security has been strengthened since 9/11 and that other attacks have been prevented.

“We resolve to continue doing everything in our power to protect this country that we love,” he said, facing the benches that are a hallmark of the Pentagon Memorial.

Behind the president, a U.S. flag stretching some three stories tall hung on the section of the Pentagon that was struck on Sept. 11. The president said 15 years may seem like a long time, but he imagined that for the families, it can seem like yesterday. He said he has been inspired by their efforts to start scholarship programs and undertake volunteer work in their communities. “In your grief and grace, you have reminded us that, together, there’s nothing we Americans cannot overcome,” Obama said.

Mumbai’s acid attack survivor to walk at New York Fashion Week

September 12, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

A 19-year-old from Mumbai whose face was brutally disfigured in an acid attack will walk the ramp in New York next month in her first trip overseas. Reshma Qureshi was attacked by her brother-in-law and pinned down by his friends who doused her face in acid in 2014.

Her face was damaged and she lost sight in one eye, but Ms Qureshi has been determined to build a life for herself. She is the face of a campaign to end open sale of acid in India and appears in videos on YouTube offering beauty tips and make-up advice.

FTL Moda, a fashion production company, invited her to take part in New York Fashion Week, the bi-annual style frenzy that brings together models, fashion editors, buyers and designers from across the world.

“I am both ecstatic and nervous. I had never in my wildest dreams thought of going abroad let alone walking at a major fashion show. I am yet to sink in the feeling,” Banu, who was left depressed and suicidal from the attack two years ago, told Daily Mail. “I do not know about the brand. I do not know what I am going to wear or how I will walk. I am not prepared for all that. I am just

happy to have been invited for a big event like this and show the world that beauty lies in the soul and not in looks.”

Bano, who does beauty tutorials on YouTube to raise awareness about the dangers of acid attacks, was on her way to an exam center May 19, 2014, with her sister, who had left her husband after reportedly being subjected to abuse and torture, when the estranged husband attacked them, the report adds. According to Bano, he was angry that her sister had taken their son. Bano, who stepped in to protect her sister, was unaware that he was carrying a corrosive substance.

The fashion show is part of a campaign called #IAmNYFW, which aims to increase diversity in fashion. Bano told Daily Mail that she is ‘proud’ to get the opportunity to help others and ‘give a voice’ to women like her who have been suffering alone. “I am hoping my participation will give them a confidence that they do not need to hide behind the veils,” she said.

SKN Foundation’s Annual Gala Creates Support System For South Asian Families Affected by Cancer

September 12, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

By Jitin Hingorani

(Hillsborough, New Jersey – September 1, 2016) Victims and survivors of cancer will be honored through a special slide show at the SKN Foundation’s annual gala, taking place from 6 p.m. onwards on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at the Marigold Hotel (315 Churchill Avenue) in Somerset, New Jersey. Family and friends can share stories and photos of loved ones who have been affected by the life-threatening illness by visiting www.sknfoundation.org.

Krishna Leela staged in NY

September 12, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

A dance drama on Krishna leela was presented by the East-West School of Dance in traditional Kathak style, bringing Vrindavan to the Blue Sky Center auditorium of Ananda Ashram, a yoga retreat and spiritual educational center In Monroe, New York, Sept. 3.

Over 25 trained dancers and children of East-West dance school families got together for the two-hour event that also coincided with the Krishna Janmashtami festival period. The program, directed

by dancer-choreographer Pt. S.N. Charka, a disciple of Pt. Shambhu Maharaj, was attended by close to 200 people, according to Charka.

The production came alive with colorful scenes from the life of Krishna: from his mischievous childhood through miraculous early years to the culmination in Maha Raas, his cosmic dance with thegopis. The cast and crew included Rinil Routh, a former East-West Dance school student who made her foray into Bollywood with writer-director-producer Vivek Kumar’s upcoming film ‘Rhythm.’ Routh

played the role of Radha in the dance drama while Kavita Mohini Tajeshwar, a senior dancer, played Krishna.

Woman of Bangladeshi origin killed in a hate crime attack in Queens, NY

September 12, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

In a City that boasts of diversity and considered home to the most number of immigrant groups from around the world, a Muslim woman was shot dead here on August 31st. Nazma Khanam, a 60-year-old woman, a retired school teacher from Bangladesh, was killed near her home in Jamaica, Queens as she walked back from a neighborhood grocery, where she and her husband worked, in the evening along with her husband.

Within three days of the killing of Nazma Khanam, aunt of a New York transit policeman, on Normal Road in Jamaica, police arrested Yonatan Galvez Marin, 22, of the same neighborhood. Marin was charged by the Queens District Attorney with two counts of second-degree murder, first-degree attempted robbery and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison. He was expected to be arraigned this week.

Surveillance video showed Khanam walking with a bag of groceries. Her husband, who was walking with her, but somewhat slowed down reportedly due to asthma, heard screams and ran to the scene to find her on the sidewalk.

District Attorney Richard Brown said that her husband, 75-year-old Shamul Alam Khan, was a few steps behind her wife when the assailant, now identified as Marin approached her and demanded money. When Khanam refused, he stabbed her in her torso and fled. She died in a local Queens hospital where she was pronounced as brought dead.

The traditional Muslim attire that Khanam wore at the time of her murder prompted initial calls by members of the community for a treating the murder as a hate crime. The NYPD’s fate crime task force assisted in the investigation. But even after he was charged with murder, many continued to believe that the woman was killed because of hate crime, and not robbery as nothing had been taken from her.

The Daily News quoted her transit cop nephew Humayun Kabir, 35, who immediately reached the crime scene, was quoted as saying that when he broke the news to his uncle he started screaming and crying. ‘My wife just came to this country to just get killed! We had a better life in Bangladesh!,” he was quoted by the report as having been told by his uncle. “The family doesn’t deserve to be going through this,” added Kabir, who has been on the force since 2005.

At the Jamaica Mosque Sept. 2, where hundreds of people gathered to mourn her death, including dozens of NYPD officers, and at the press conference after the prayer, Shamul Alam Khan broke down sobbing. ““What can I do? I have three kids now. I cannot take care of the kids without her,” he said. He was present along his children and nephew Kabir.

A high-ranking police official told Daily News that NYPD’s best guess is it was a psycho who ran at her. “This was not a robbery and though we do not know all the facts, the reality is this is happening too often,” public advocate Letitia James said to cheers from the crowd at the mosque Sept. 2. before Marin’s arrest.

Assemblyman David Weprin issued a statement before Marin’s arrest saying he is aggrieved by the death of Khanam. “Our community is one that stands together against each and every possible bias incident, and together we mourn the passing of one of our neighbors. I send my condolences to the family of Nazma Khanam and urge the New York Police Department to investigate this attack as a possible hate crime against the Muslim-American community.”

NRI teens win at 2016 US Open

September 12, 2016 Ajay GhoshSports 0

Two teens of Indian origin shone at the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows, N.Y., defeating their opponents and moving forward in the rankings. Natasha Subhash, 15, won an exciting match in the US Open Juniors against 12th seed Katarina Zavatska of Ukraine, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, on Sept. 5. Pranjala Yadlapalli of India beat Wiktoria Kulik of Poland, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. She goes on into the round of 32.

Subhash came into the limelight last year when she got a Wild Card from the U.S. Tennis Association and became the youngest Indian-American to play a Grand Slam, American Bazaar reported. She earned three straight wins last year beating higher ranked players and moving up to the 2nd round which she lost due to an injured knee.

Subhash is currently the number one ranked player in the under-16 girls in the U.S. and in the top 60 in the world in singles and doubles. She lost the French Open and Italian Open qualifying rounds this year.

Born and brought up in the U.S., Subhash trains at the 4 Star Tennis Academy in Washington, D.C. Pranjala Yadlapalli, 17, is from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh and is the 2015 Asian Tennis champion. was selected to the International Tennis Federation Touring Team soon after in May 2015, competing in a series of junior tournaments in Europe. She is coached by Ilyas Ghouse at GVK Tennis Academy in Hyderabad, according to a Press Trust of India report.

Before meeting with Poland’s Kulik on Sept. 5, Yadlapalli qualified for the Junior main-draw with a decisive straight sets victory over American Kariann Pierre-Louis, 6-4, 6-4. In the first set the Indian was 2-4 down before winning the next four games and the set.

AAPI’s new Executive Team led by Dr. Ajay Lodha wants to “restore AAPI’s image and enhance cohesiveness”

September 12, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Health 0

A new Executive Committee led by Dr. Ajay Lodha as President, assumed charge of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) during the 34th annual convention in New York, NY on Sunday, July 3rd, 2016 In his inaugural address, Dr. Lodha, who rose through the ranks of AAPI after being a member of AAPI and in almost every body of AAPI in the past 10 years, stated that he wants AAPI to be “more vibrant, united, transparent, politically engaged, ensuring active participation of young physicians, increasing membership, enabling that AAPI’s voice is heard in the corridors of power, and thus taking AAPI to new heights.”

Along with Dr. Lodha, Dr. Gautam Samadder as President-Elect, Dr. Naresh Parikh as Vice President, Dr. Suresh Reddy as Secretary, and Dr. Manju Sachdev as Treasurer of AAPI, assumed charge in the presence of leading luminaries from across the nation at the annual convention of AAPI in New York. Dr. Madhu Agarwal assumed charge as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Aditya Desai as YPS president and Atul Nakhasi as MSRF President along with a diversified group of regional directors. “AAPI is fortunate to have a very congenial team this year of like-minded people who believe in working together, and bringing cohesiveness in AAPI. Their leadership will help us move forward with our current and future initiatives, I salute to the new leadership of AAPI,” Dr. Lodha said.

In his capacity as President of the largest ethnic organization of physicians in the United States, Dr. Lodha vowed to take the more than three decades old organization to the new heights and “bring all the AAPI Chapters, Regions, Members of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees to work cohesively and unitedly for the success of AAPI and the realization of its noble mission.”

Acknowledging that leading AAPI is a daunting challenge, Dr. Lodha said, “I’m very honored, privileged and consider myself fortunate to announce that I have an excellent group of dedicated, hardworking, and loyal officers and executive committee members who are with me to take AAPI to new heights.”

The New York-based physician and leader, who was honored with the prestigious Ellis Island Medals of Honor on May 7th, is a recipient of Lawrence J. Scherr Award of Excellence for being an Outstanding Physician. He has also been honored for Outstanding Contributions to Research & Hypertension Department at the Flushing Hospital, NY. In 2008, he was bestowed with the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation Physician of the Year Award.

Dr. Ajay Lodha, a past President of AAPIQLI hides a power house of entrepreneurial skills. Dr. Lodha has extensive background of overseeing quality assurance and quality improvement. A graduate of RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, completed his residency at Flushing Hospital, NY, and Founder and President of Queens Medical Services, a primary care practice with two locations serving Queens, NY, Dr. Lodha is the past President AAPIQLI, RAJMAAI, RANA. He is also credited with founding the COO of NYS Elite ACO, as well as being a partner in two skilled nursing facilities on Long Island.

Soon after assuming office as the President of AAPI, Dr. Lodha declared that he will make every possible effort to restore AAPI’s image and enhance cohesiveness among different Chapters and Regions of AAPI. “When our founders first conceived of AAPI, they could not have imagined how well it would grow and develop. Let us not forget the achievements of those who have come before me. Their hard work and dedication serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to me,” he stated with gratitude and appreciation for the founders of this noble organization.

Dr. Lodha is committed to upholding and further augment the ideals for which AAPI stands. “I am confident that my experience, work ethic and firsthand experience in organizing Conventions and fundraisers are best suited to carry on the responsibilities and lead this noble organization to new heights.”

Dr. Gautam Samadder, AAPI’s President-Elect, built his career on hard and dedicated work in the private and public sectors. His passion for knowledge, determination and perseverance brought him to the United States for higher education. After graduating from Government Medical College in Jabalpur and completing residency in internal medicine and Fellowships in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine from Medical College of Pennsylvania, he founded and serves as the President/CEO of Columbus Sleep Consultants. He spearheaded the formation of Indian Sleep Society and is actively involved in promoting Sleep Research and Awareness both nationally and Internationally including India. He recently collaborated with Fisher & Paykel to establish diagnostic centers in major Indian cities.

“In my capacity as the President-Elect of National AAPI, I want to support the growth of global and Indo-US relationship and to support and promote charitable activities through AAPI both in the US and India,” Dr. Samadder says. “As I have shown over the past decades in my roles as a Regional Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and now President Elect of AAPI, I will continue to work to create advocacy and community services, escalating profitability, productivity and popularity of AAPI. I will also promote globalization of education as well as work towards creating awareness and promote the level of involvement of the Indian American Medical Community and to foster the increasing strength and grown of our beloved Nation.

While working in close cooperation with AAPI at all levels, we will together address the issues affecting the physicians at the state and national level. I envision promoting health care advocacy and community services, escalating profitability, productivity and popularity of AAPI,” he adds.

Dr. Samadder wants to “amplify participation among young physicians and medical students, strengthen AAPI’s financial security through profitable corporate sponsorships and facilitate collegial cooperation between local and state chapters, as this will increase AAPI’s global stature and eminence, which will ultimately make healthcare more efficient and effective in USA and India.”

His “work ethic, integrity and self-reliance will help propagate AAPI’s mission and instill renewed energy and participation. My leadership experience demonstrates in the private and nonprofit sectors will be advantageous in increasing participation, chapter cooperation and awareness of exchange programs. I am dedicated to helping chart a course toward AAPI’s true mission.”

It’s been a gradual journey for Dr. Naresh Parikh from being an ordinary member to a local leader of AAPI to being elected to be an executive member of the national AAPI. Graduated from Nagpur Medical College in 1972 and a cardiologist by profession, Dr. Naresh Parikh is serving as the CEO of Georgia Clinic, a multi-specialty organization, founded in 1998, with 11 locations, Dr. Parikh was instrumental in starting IPA in 2016 with 53 participating providers and is active in DRS ACO. Dr. Parikh is also involved with Cigna Health Spring as a counsel to improve Hedis score and improve MRA scoring for Georgia Physicians. He started Atlanta’s first Charitable Medical Clinic in 1996 and was the Medical Director for 10 years. He was the Chair and Convenor for the AAPI annual convention in 2006. Has been leading many health fairs and contributed in fund raising events for AAPI in their mega shows by Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal and Hema Malini.

Dr. Parikh says, “It’s been an honor and privilege for me to be associated with AAPI because I recognize the tremendous role that is being played by AAPI in promoting friendship between India and the United States. As members of AAPI, we have not forgotten our roots and are engaged in several activities such as conducting Indo-US Healthcare Summit that has shown us a new trail in healthcare sector in India and will continue to pave way for new frontiers in public private partnership.”

As the Vice President of AAPI, “I would devote time to maintain integrity of membership database and scrub data. With an effort to increase membership, I will give my time and energy to encourage physicians and dentists to join AAPI, while providing enhanced membership benefits including liability insurance carrier, billing, collection company, cardiac remote monitoring, and credit card transactions through reputed banking services. One of my goals is also to be actively engaged in the SEWAK project in India.” And, Dr. Parikh will “carry forward my duties of AAPI Office and keeping transparency, accountability and branding of AAPI. “Under the current dynamic and decisive leadership of Dr. Ajay Lodha and his team of executives, we strive to achieve standards for AAPI and chosen agenda. I am committed to working with the AAPI Team to establish AAPI’s image in the US and globally.”

Dr. Suresh Reddy, the Secretary of AAPI, earned his medical degree from Kakatiya Medical College, Andhra Pradesh, India in 1988 and underwent residency training in Diagnostic Radiology at Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad and the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He completed research and clinical fellowships in diagnostic Neuroradiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX and spent a further two years at State University of New York at Stony Brook, pursuing a fellowship in Diagnostic

Neuroradiology with an emphasis in Neuro-interventional training. Dr. Reddy is extensively trained in Neuroradiology and Interventional Radiology and Interventional Neuroradiology.

Dr. Reddy, honored with the Resident Research Award at the (RSNA) Radiological Society of North America’s 2000, has presented widely at national meetings. Dr. Reddy is also honored with several other awards especially for his excellent teaching interests including “Fellow of the Year” award for the year 2001, “Faculty of the Year” and, “Excellence in Teaching the Harvard Medical Students” awards for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004. Dr. Reddy holds the distinction of winning these prestigious awards in three consecutive years. He also mentored several Harvard Medical School Students and Residents. Dr. Reddy was the Chief of Interventional Neuroradiology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center / Harvard Medical School for more than ten years. He is always committed to do the best he can to provide quality care to patients while looking for ways to forge bonds with other disciplines to help the overall health care delivery to those who need it the most.

Dr. Reddy says that one of his goals for future is to strengthen ties between the “sub chapters” and AAPI, His vision for AAPI includes, “bridging the next generation of physicians of Indian origin with the current members of AAPI and to serve as a link between AAPI and people of other ethnic origin.” He is committed to “showcasing unity in diversity” for AAPI, and wants to work towards making AAPI a “purely an academic and research society.”

Dr. Manju Sachdev, Treasurer of AAPI, was born and raised in Newfoundland, Canada where she completed her education, and obtained her MD. After meeting her husband, Dr. Harish Chandna, she moved to the United States in order to pursue her residency in Pediatrics, and subsequently began a private practice in Victoria, Texas. Actively involved in the local media as a medical host, writer and producer of numerous health segments and television programs — most notably, “Health is Wealth” and “AAPI and Your Health” for TV Asia, Dr. Sachdev’s involvement in AAPI began when she became a Patron Member in 2002, and since that time “I have continued to serve in many different capacities, including: Chair for Women’s Physicians Committee, SW Central Regional Director, and Board of Trustees. I was extensively involved in the planning and organizing for the Annual Women’s Conference in Dallas, TX (2011) and the Annual AAPI Convention in NYC (2011), as well as serving as an Emcee for subsequent conventions.”

Dr. Manju Sachdev says, “I am deeply honored to have been elected as the AAPI Treasurer for 2016-2017, and to be given the opportunity to serve alongside my esteemed Officers, the Executive Committee, and the Board of Trustees. My primary goal in AAPI will be to work for the organization with utmost respect, dignity and humility.”

Dr. Sachdev says, she “derives genuine pride from my Indian heritage, which will remain a part of me forever. My inherent diverse background motivates me to work and strive for an AAPI which is all encompassing – regardless of one’s age, gender, race, or religious views. As the newly elected Treasurer, my focus will be to maintain accountability and transparency while overseeing all income and expenses. I sincerely encourage our organization to have greater involvement in charitable causes and to influence legislative decisions which impact our physicians, residents and medical students. Collectively we have the will and the power to make our voices heard and to unite as a people for the greater good of the organization!”

Dr. Madhu Aggarwal, the chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, AAPI, is a board certified practicing OB GYN. She has been actively involved with AAPI for over 25 years in different roles, including her roles as the Committee Chair; Regional Director; Trustee and now, chir of the AAPI’s BOT. in her current role as the Chair of AAPI Charitable Foundation, Dr. Aggarwal is entrusted with the task of initiating and overseeing AAPI’s charitable programs across India and in the United States.

According to Dr. Aggarwal, “AAPI is the largest ethnic physicians organization, and we can make big impact in health care policy and decisions. Our members are well qualified over achiever and passionate about their work. Our local chapters of AAPI are involved in various charity activities for the local communities. AAPI charitable foundation runs many free clinics in India and our goal is to have a clinic in each state as well as to organize free health camps here in United States and in India.”

Dr. Aaditya Desai, President of the AAPI-YPS, is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Jersey with a major in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry in 1999. He completed his medical school from Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2003. He then went on to form and be first graduate of the combined Emergency Medicine/Family Medicine residency program in Chicago, IL from Midwestern University/CCOM – Olympia Fields/Cook County Hospital in 2008. Having received his board certification in Family Medicine in 2009 and Emergency Medicine in 2011, Dr. Desai is a practicing emergency medicine physician at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ and at St Peters University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. In addition, he is also a member of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physician and other various organizations. He has been a member of AAPI for the past 20 years.

As a President of the AAPI-YPS , Dr. Desai’s “goals are to promote a strong bond between physicians and other healthcare providers of Indian origin in the country, and to help promote a balance between professional life and personal life.” He wants to help physicians branch out to other areas of society outside of medicine and “help steer parent AAPI into a global leader for all Indian physicians in many fields of advocacy, health, and charity especially for the next generation of leaders.”

Dr. Atul Nakhasi, AAPI-MSRF, president is a current resident physician at UCLA Ronald Reagan hospital in internal medicine. He originally hails from Iowa, born and raised, and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa. During this time, he led the movement to galvanize youth voters in the historic US Presidential Election of 2008. His leadership was recognized by the Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America, ABC World News, and BBC. After Iowa, Atul attended Johns Hopkins School of Medicine for his medical degree and Harvard Kennedy School of Government for his policy degree. He is deeply passionate about engaging physicians in healthcare advocacy within their local communities and helping mentor aspiring physician advocates. Atul currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

“The Medical Student, Resident, Fellow Section (MSRF) looks forward to hosting their 4th Annual Winter Medical Conference in February 2017 to continue investing leadership training for physicians,” says Dr. Atul Nakhasi. “The MSRF also hopes to host another successful research symposium this year, build its grassroots activism on critical healthcare policies, and spur membership engagement in communities across the country.”

The growing influence of doctors of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in the healthcare, academic, research and administrative positions across the nation. With their hard work, dedication, compassion, and skills, they have thus carved an enviable niche in the American medical community. AAPI’s role has come to be recognized as vital among members and among lawmakers. AAPI is also transitioning into a multiyear thinking and behavior by maintaining core continuity. Physicians of Indian Origin in the United States are reputed to be leading health care providers, holding crucial positions in various hospitals and health care facilities around the nation. Leading an organization that represents more than 100,000 physicians and Residents of Indian Origin in the US, and being their voice and providing a forum to its members to collectively work together to meet their diverse needs, is a major challenge. American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI has made its presence felt and is now set to take this largest ethnic group of physicians in the United States to the next level of continued growth and stability.

Dr. Lodha urges all AAPI members to join in this historic journey: “AAPI’s mission is clear, our programs will continue to strive and our impact is infectious on benefiting society. Today I ask you to set aside your differences, and join me in this noble journey to make our mission possible. A new era has begun. AAPI will continue to discover her own potential to be an active and vital player in shaping the landscape of national healthcare delivery system with a focus on health maintenance than disease intervention,” Dr. Lodha said.

Dr. Chander Mukhi Kapoor Kapasi recognized by Harvard

September 12, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Education 0

Dr. Chander Mukhi Kapoor Kapasi, a graduate of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has been recognized by the school’s Legacy Magazine for giving back to her alma mater by creating gift annuity for the school.

Mukhi, who has a master’s in public health from the school in 1975, was featured in the fall issue of the magazine in which the newest member of its alumni society was recognized for her giving back to the school. It noted that Kapasi has always wanted to make a healthy impact on others’ lives. “Dr. Kapasi feels strongly about giving back, and this is why she and her husband have created a gift annuity for the School,” the magazine noted.

“I think it’s about the community, and the need to make a difference in the community. There’s always a joy, a love of giving. It doesn’t have to be too much – whatever you can give,” Kapasi said. “There’s always a joy, a love of giving,” she added. “It’s always good to give to your alma mater. There are new people with new vision, and they have the abilities to do things better now than before, because the paradigm is shifting. Everybody can give something.”

Her graduate education in public health at Harvard was enhanced by her residence in the International House. “It was really the best experience. We [her husband, Dr. Onaly Kapasi, and newborn child] met so many people there from different countries, and I learned so much. Mr. and Mrs. Napier were our ‘house parents.’ They were so helpful.”

Dr. Kapasi feels strongly about giving back, and this is why she and her husband have created a gift annuity for the School. “I think it’s about the community and the need to make a difference in the community. There’s always a joy, a love of giving. It doesn’t have to be too much—whatever you can give. But if you give for the right cause, and if that can make the change, that will be a legacy.”

She continues, “It’s always good to give to your alma mater. There are new people with new vision, and they have the abilities to do things better now than before, because the paradigm is shifting. Everybody can give something.”

Sikh Art Exhibition Starts Sep. 17th

September 12, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

The Sikh Coalition is just two weeks away from launching the first-ever Sikh photography exhibition in the United States. The Sikh Project, our collaboration with talented British photographers, Amit and Naroop, captures the beauty of the Sikh faith and the depth of the Sikh American experience.

As we reflect on 15 years since 9/11 and commemorate the 15th anniversary milestone for our organization, we believe it’s an important moment to celebrate the Sikh experience and identity. The Sikh Project includes 38 new portraits of turbaned men and women that embody the diversity of the Sikh American community and recognize the challenges and triumphs of what it means to be Sikh in America.

In addition to the thousands who will visit the exhibition in person, media coverage of the Sikh Project is reaching millions more as the Sikh Coalition uses the project to further educate the American public about the Sikh faith, experiences and traditions.

The exhibition will be open from 10am-8pm EST with extended hours on the weekends, starting on Sep 17 through 25th at 530 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. The space is easily accessible by train and subway, with the nearest stations being Bleecker Street/Broadway–Lafayette Street and Spring Street. Parking is also available with multiple parking garages in the vicinity.

Sikh art exhibition that is open to the general public! If you would like to schedule a group tour of the exhibition, please email sikhproject@sikhcoalition.org. Interested in attending the opening night reception? If you would like to join us for the Sikh Project exhibition opening on September 15th, you can purchase tickets here. The event will give you a sneak preview of the exhibition and celebrate our 15-year anniversary. Hurry, tickets are going quickly!

1000 RUPEE NOTE, directed by Shrihari Sathe opens September 23rd at New York’s Village East Cine

September 12, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment 0

By Rohi Pandya

Winner of over 30 awards from film festivals around the world, the critically acclaimed motion picture 1000 RUPEE NOTE opens theatrically on September 23 in New York. Directed by Shrihari Sathe, the Maharashtra-set film about a widow who comes across a small fortune won both the Special Jury Award (Silver Peacock) and Centenary Award for Best Film at the International Film Festival of India. It also swept the Maharashtra State Film Awards winning Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress (Special Mention), and Best Supporting Actor. International critics have raved about 1000 RUPEE NOTE with the Times of India remarking “the director has struck gold with his first film!”

Budhi, a widow, lives in a small village in Maharashtra, India. Her only son, a young farmer, has committed suicide. Though poor and left alone in the world, she leads a cheerful life. She is particularly fond of her neighbor, young Sudama with whom she shares the small pleasures of life. A local politician gives her a few 1000 rupee notes at an election rally. She and Sudama go shopping to the nearby market with her newfound wealth, but fate has other plans for them.

Shrihari Sathe is a New York and Mumbai-based independent filmmaker and producer. Sathe produced Eliza Hittman’s It Felt Like Love which world premiered at 2013 Sundance Film Festival and 2013 International Film Festival Rotterdam to great reviews. He is a 2015 Independent Spirit Award nominee and is a 2013 Sundance Institute Creative Producing Fellow. Sathe’s latest production Elisabeth Subrin’s A Woman, A Part world premiered at 2016 IFF Rotterdam. He recently finished post-production on Ed Blythe’s Man With Van (2011 Film Independent Producers Lab). Sathe teaches at Columbia University’s School of the Arts. He is a member of the Producers Guild of America, Indian Motion Picture Producers Association and Film Writers Association – India. Directed by Shrihari Sathe, casts include: Usha Naik, Sandeep Pathak, Shrikant Yadav, Ganesh Yadav, and Pooja Najak. 1000 Rupee Note – Official Trailer is available at: https://youtu.be/3VBedDCBkC8

Sikh Art Exhibition Starts Sep. 17th

September 8, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

September 2, 2016 (New York, NY) – The Sikh Coalition is just two weeks away from launching the first-ever Sikh photography exhibition in the United States. The Sikh Project, our collaboration with talented British photographers, Amit and Naroop, captures the beauty of the Sikh faith and the depth of the Sikh American experience.

RSS, BJP and India’s Independence Struggle

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshIndia 0

By George Abraham

“Even during the British times, the Congress party would not have faced so much adversity that we, our dedicated workers, have gone through in 50-60 years,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the event laying the foundation stone of the new party headquarters in New Delhi.

Congress response to the latest Modi swipe was swift and sharp. The senior spokesperson for the Congress party, Anand Sharma, responded during an urgently called press conference: “It does not behoove the Prime Minister of India to lower the dignity of his office by making a statement which is factually incorrect and an insult to the freedom fighters… It is a shocking untruth that the Prime Minister has publicly uttered. He has made a shocking comparison, trivializing the freedom struggle, insulting our national heroes for which he must not only withdraw that shameful statement but apologize.”

Ever since the ascendance of BJP to the center of power in New Delhi two years ago, it appears that a carefully crafted strategy is in place to appropriate icons and legacies that the party is sorely lacking. It is as if the party is so embarrassed by the lack of pedigree that they are even willing to go out and create some history of their own. With unlimited resources at their disposal, they get hold of some hired hands that are ready to scan every nook and corner to find any missing comma or invisible gaps in crumpled pieces of history to recreate a story to fit their narrative.

The recent efforts to diminish the contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru to the development of a modern India and to redefine Sardar Patel’s role during the independence struggle and to recast him as anything but pluralistic is quite evident to all those keen observers of the fast moving political dynamics in the country. One may also witness the rush by the ruling class to embrace Ambedkar as one of their own while engaged in policies that continue to marginalize the Dalit community – all part of a public relations campaign to build a new image for the party and it’s faithful.

Despite their best efforts, RSS has failed miserably in proving that they have played any meaningful role to liberate India from the British colonialism. On the contrary, RSS only tried to disrupt the anti-imperialist struggle of the people of India. In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi had called upon the people to break different laws as part of the resistance to the British rule. In the context of these efforts, Gandhiji himself launched the famous Salt Satyagraha. However, Dr. K.B. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS, sent information down to his cadre not to participate in the Satyagraha.

The historical records show that Hedgewar himself participated in the Satyagraha in an individual capacity. However, he had an ulterior motive in doing so. According to the biography published by RSS, “Dr. Saheb had the confidence that with a freedom-loving, self-sacrificing and reputed group of people inside with him there, he would discuss the Sangh with them and win them over for its work.”

It became quite evident to the Congress leaders that Hedgewar went to jail not because he was committed to the freedom struggle but rather to break and disrupt the ranks of the Congress cadres who were united under the non-cooperation movement regardless of their religious affiliations. To thwart the sectarian and communal influence over the cadre, the All India Congress Committee passed a resolution in 1934 forbidding Congress members from becoming members of RSS, the Hindu Mahasabha, and the Muslim League.

The tradition of RSS keeping aloof from the freedom struggle that started by the founder Hedgewar continued under his successor M.S. Golwalker. As a matter of fact, he has taken it a step further by religiously complying with all the instructions from the government, disbanding RSS military department and not cooperating with the ‘Quit India’ movement.

Golwalker was also vehemently opposed to the very concept of a ‘Secular State’. In ‘We. Or our nationhood defined’, Golwalker praised the Nazi campaign against Jews and Gypsies and stated categorically that it was “a good lesson for us in Hindustan to learn and profit by.” He also excoriated the Chinese for eating pigs, dogs, and rats and said: “Such men cannot be expected to have human qualities.”

Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh which evolved into today’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), wrote a letter to the Bengal Governor Sir John Hobart as to how to respond to the ‘Quit India’ movement. In his letter dated July 26. 1942, he wrote: “Let me now refer to the situation that may be created in the province as a result of any widespread movement launched by the Congress. Anybody, who during the war, plans to stir up mass feeling, resulting internal disturbances or insecurity, must be resisted by any Government that may function for the time being.”

Then there was a mercy plea by Veer Savarkar, leader of the Hindu Mahasabha to the British Government that “if he is released, then he would be loyal to the British Government and was also ready to serve it.”He also opposed the ‘Quit India’ movement and asked Hindus to stay active in the war effort and not to disobey the government.

The words and deeds of these erstwhile leaders of RSS and BJP clearly indicate that they were not only non-participants in the freedom struggle where hundreds of people were risking their lives on a daily basis but also collaborators who supported the British on critical occasions. The British acknowledged that the RSS had “scrupulously kept itself within the law, and refrained from taking part in the disturbances that broke out in August 1942.”

It is quite a sad day when a prime minister of India belittles the sufferings of the freedom fighters under the courageous leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru while asserting that BJP faced much more adversity during the post-independence era compared to the Congress party during the freedom struggle. Political discourse is often riddled with hyperbole. However, the memory of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom deserves much more gratitude and respect from all of us.

If we would like to take a peek into the individual and collective sacrifices, there would be a page to write: Pandit Nehru was sent to jail about nine times and spent a total of 3,259 days; Mahatma Gandhi served time in prison for a total of 2,338 days, and that is equivalent to 6.4 years. Conventional histories have counted, at the minimum, about 100,000 Indian soldiers who were slaughtered in severe reprisals by the British forces desperate to impose order. Also, the death toll at the Jallianwala Bagh massacre alone was around 1,000. Then there was the famine in the East that was exacerbated by British ruthlessness and took millions of lives. Even Ghadar, the first organized movement of overseas Indians, who primarily lived in Canada and the United States, played a role in the struggle for independence for their homeland, and many hundreds paid the ultimate price with their lives.

If the ‘adversity’ Modi refers to is the ban on the RSS after the assassination of Gandhiji, one needs to pay attention to Sardar Patel, the first Union Home Minister, who wrote to Golwalker on September 11, 1948, commenting on the RSS activities: “As regards to RSS and Hindu Mahasabha..our reports do confirm that as a result of the activities of these two bodies, particularly the former (RSS) an atmosphere was created in the country in which such ghastly tragedy became possible”.

Patel’s letter continued as follows: “Apart from this, their opposition to the Congress, that too of such virulence, disregarding all considerations of personality, decency or decorum, created a kind of unrest among the people. All their speeches were full of communal poison. It was not necessary to spread the poison and enthuse the Hindus and organize for their protection. As a final result of the poison, the country had to suffer the sacrifice of the valuable life of Gandhiji. Even an iota of sympathy for the Government or the people no more remained for the RSS. In fact, the opposition grew. The opposition turned more severe when the RSS men expressed joy and distributed sweets after Gandhiji’s death. Under these conditions, it became inevitable for the government to take action against RSS”.

If the erstwhile Jan Sangh was kept at bay by other secular political parties till the late 70s, Patel’s letter clearly shed light on why it happened. I honestly doubt that if it were not for the Emergency rule imposed by Indira Gandhi, the Jan Sangh would have been rehabilitated so quickly and become the force that it is today.

The BJP, undoubtedly, is the biggest beneficiary of the stable institutions built by the Congress Party, under the stewardship of Gandhi and Nehru, which paved the way for the preservation of democracy and the rule of law. The BJP is the guardian of those institutions now, with little or no investment, and Indians everywhere would like to see them protected and preserved for generations to come!

(Writer is a former Chief Technology Officer of the United Nations and Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA)

MIRZYA: DARE TO LOVE

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment 0

By Gitesh Pandya

The long awaited MIRZYA title track has made its world premiere. CINESTAAN Film Company and ROMP Pictures proudly present Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s – MIRZYA, a film inspired by the legendary ‘Mirza Sahiban’, a tragic tale of star-crossed lovers. Accompanied by heightened drama and action packed sequences, the film plays out in two parallel worlds – the legendry folklore and modern day in Rajasthan, India.

As the lovers grapple with forces that seek to keep them apart in both avatars, they discover that a moment of true love together is worth sacrificing lifetimes apart. The film introduces Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher, along with Anuj Chaudhary, all of whom make a dramatic entry into the world of cinema in this untold love story of estranged soulmates. Along with them are the screen masters, Om Puri, Art Malik, K. K. Raina and supported by Anjali Patil.

The timeless epic is brought to life by the director of Rang De Basanti, Delhi-6 & Bhaag Milka Bhaag, in his inimitable vision, in the words of famed poet and lyricist Gulzar. The musical craft of Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Polish director of photography Pawel Dyllus, and National Award winning editor P.S Bharathi. All of whom come together to create a cinematic masterpiece that is unrivaled in Indian Cinema.

Songs are credited to Daler Mehendi, Sain Zahoor, Akhtar Chinnal & Nooran Sisters, while Chorus was provided by, The Salvation Singers, Nikita Deshpande & Sapna Pathak. MIRZYA Releases Worldwide on October 7th 2016

Mukesh Ambani offers free Voice Calls via Reliance Jio

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshBusiness 0

Mukesh Ambani has announced free voice calls and free national roaming along with rock-bottom data prices on his new Reliance Jio network that debuted on September 5. Devoting two-thirds of his 90-minute speech at Reliance Industries’ shareholder meet to make a slew of announcements on Jio, he took competition head-on by announcing free services on Jio for four months beginning Sept. 5.

Voice calling will be free on Jio phones for life and post Dec. 31, 10 data plans will be offered starting at Rs 19 a day for occasional users, Rs 149 a month for low data users, and Rs 4,999 a month for heavy data users.

He also announced 25 percent more data for students, 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, “best-ever international calling rates,” unlimited subscription to the Jio app and special solutions for enterprises.

Reliance Jio has set a target to bring onboard 100 million customers in the “shortest possible time,” Ambani added. Jio will compete head on with players like Bharti Airtel and Vodafone.

Dr. Chander Mukhi Kapoor Kapasi recognized by Harvard

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshEducation 0

Dr. Chander Mukhi Kapoor Kapasi, MPH ’75, has always wanted to make a healthy impact on others’ lives. After receiving her MD, finishing her postgraduate work, and teaching in India, she spent years in Nairobi, Kenya, with the International Planned Parenthood Federation, where she supervised 19 mobile clinics and trained health workers in family planning and gynecology.
Her graduate education in public health at Harvard was enhanced by her residence in the International House. “It was really the best experience. We [her husband, Dr. Onaly Kapasi, and newborn child] met so many people there from different countries, and I learned so much. Mr. and Mrs. Napier were our ‘house parents.’ They were so helpful.”

Dr. Kapasi sees violence by both the public and police as public health threats, a matter of public health concern with public health implications. Her passion is to develop educational programs for both the public and police, which can make a positive difference in the communities we live in.
She continues, “It’s always good to give to your alma mater. There are new people with new vision, and they have the abilities to do things better now than before, because the paradigm is shifting. Everybody can give something.”

1000 RUPEE NOTE, directed by Shrihari Sathe opens September 23rd at New York’s Village East Cine

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshUncategorized 0

By Rohi Pandya

SKN Foundation’s Annual Gala Creates Support System For South Asian Families Affected by Cancer

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

By Jitin Hingorani

Victims and survivors of cancer will be honored through a special slide show at the SKN Foundation’s annual gala, taking place from 6 p.m. onwards on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at the Marigold Hotel (315 Churchill Avenue) in Somerset, New Jersey. Family and friends can share stories and photos of loved ones who have been affected by the life-threatening illness by visiting www.sknfoundation.org.

Krishna Leela staged in NY

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion, Entertainment 0

Over 25 trained dancers and children of East-West dance school families got together for the two-hour event that also coincided with the Krishna Janmashtami festival period. The program, directed by dancer-choreographer Pt. S.N. Charka, a disciple of Pt. Shambhu Maharaj, was attended by close to 200 people, according to Charka.

The production came alive with colorful scenes from the life of Krishna: from his mischievous childhood through miraculous early years to the culmination in Maha Raas, his cosmic dance with the gopis. The cast and crew included Rinil Routh, a former East-West Dance school student who made her foray into Bollywood with writer-director-producer Vivek Kumar’s upcoming film ‘Rhythm.’ Routh played the role of Radha in the dance drama while Kavita Mohini Tajeshwar, a senior dancer, played Krishna.

Woman of Bangladeshi origin killed in a hate crime attack in Queens, NY

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

In a City that boasts of diversity and considered home to the most number of immigrant groups from around the world, a Muslim woman was shot dead here on August 31^st. Nazma Khanam, a 60-year-old woman, a retired school teacher from Bangladesh, was killed near her home in Jamaica, Queens as shewalked back from a neighborhood grocery, where she and her husband worked, in the evening along with her husband.

NRI teens win at 2016 US Open

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshSports 0

Hope as IUCN Environmental Congress Opens

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshEnvironment 0

Described as the world’s largest ever to focus on the environment has opened to warnings that our planet is at a “tipping point” but also with expressions of hope that governments, civil society and big business are learning to work together.

The 10-day IUCN World Conservation Congress hosted by the United States in Hawaii has brought together 9,500 participants from 192 countries and communities, IUCN Director-General Inger Andersen told reporters.

“The world must move from random acts of kindness to strategic conservation.” — Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior “Ambitions for this conference are very high…It is the largest environmental gathering ever,” she said after the Sep. 1 opening ceremony.

The Swiss-based International Union for Conservation of Nature was founded in 1948 by British biologist Julian Huxley, and brings together its members – including governments, NGOs, scientists and the business community – in a congress every four years where motions and resolutions are put to a vote. Although they might not carry the weight of international law, the findings of the IUCN have gone on to form the basis of legislation in member states and international bodies.

Focused on the theme of “Planet at a crossroads”, speakers at the opening ceremony held in a Honolulu sports arena reminded participants that the main goal was to come up with concrete proposals and measures to help implement the two historic international agreements forged last year – the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

IUCN president Zhang Xinsheng, a senior Chinese politician and former senior UN official, set the tone of collaboration by praising U.S. President Barack Obama for establishing the world’s largest nature sanctuary – more than half a million square miles – in the waters and islands of the northwest Hawaiian archipelago. “President Obama has set a high bar,” Zhang said. This congress, he added, was not just about “avoiding tragedy” but working together.

His comments followed remarks made by Obama at a meeting of Pacific leaders in Honolulu on Wednesday night, raising expectations that China and the US may soon announce they intend to formally join the Paris Agreement. China opens a meeting of the G20 industrialised nations on Friday.

Erik Solheim, head of the UN Environment Programme, noted the warnings that mankind is destroying its only home but went on to dwell on the progress being made. Brazil, he said, had dramatically reduced its rate of deforestation while Costa Rica had doubled its tree cover. As for Obama and his marine reserve, Solheim simply said, “How much we will miss this president when he leaves office.”

Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of Interior, suggested that the Papahanaumokuakea example could be followed by similar initiatives for the territories of indigenous people’s on the U.S. mainland. “The world must move from random acts of kindness to strategic conservation,” she added, noting research showing that a “football field” of natural areas disappears every two minutes in the U.S.
“Around 100 motions are expected to be adopted by this unique global environmental parliament of governments and NGOs, which will then become IUCN Resolutions or Recommendations calling third parties to take action,” the IUCN said.

The world’s super-polluters – the United States and China – have formally joined the Paris Agreement on climate change in a symbolic show of unity. At a ceremony in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, where China is hosting a summit of G20 industrialised nations, President Barack Obama and President Xi Jinping handed their documents of ratification to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
The joint move by the U.S. and China, which account for nearly 40 percent of global carbon emissions, paves the way for the Paris Agreement forged last December to enter into force, most likely by the end of the year. For the agreement to enter into effect and start to be implemented, at least 55 countries representing at least 55 percent of global emissions need to formally join.

The UN Secretary General praised Obama for his “inspiring” leadership. He said Obama and Xi had both been “far-sighted, bold and ambitious”. Under the Paris Agreement, countries are required to set national targets for reducing or reining in their greenhouse gas emissions. Those targets aren’t legally binding, but countries must report on their progress and update their targets every five years. India is home for 1/5th of world population. Yet they have been denied peaceful use of atomic energy. India”s entery into NSG is linked to endeavors in protecting climate, India complained.

The White House has attributed the accelerated pace to an unlikely partnership between Washington and Beijing. To build momentum for a deal, they set a 2030 deadline for China’s emissions to stop rising and announced their “shared conviction that climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity.” The US has pledged to cut its emissions by at least 26 per cent over the next 15 years, compared to 2005 levels.

Combat Hate With Love This September

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

In a time of escalating hate and division in America, Divided We Fall (90 minutes) tells a story of how to combat hate with love and relentless optimism. As we approach the 15th anniversary of 9/11, we are collaborating with the Revolutionary Love Project to bring this message to campuses and communities across the country.

Each year in America, hate violence often occurs around the anniversary of 9/11. As we witness one of the most vitriolic campaign seasons in U.S. history, we know we can preempt hate when we bring communities together in acts of healing, storytelling and action.

The award-winning film Divided We Fall (2008) chronicles the heart-wrenching stories of Sikh and Muslim Americans who have responded to hate and violence with love since 9/11. It provides context to the current escalation of hate and is also a source of hope. The Sikh Coalition has joined in support of the new Revolutionary Love Project to put the film and dialogue tools in your hands for free.

Many communities have already signed up to host film screenings across the nation. Will you be next? The goal is at least 100 film screenings between now and Election Day. Signing up is simple! You can watch the film and sign up here, and the Revolutionary Love team will send you everything you need, including a Dialogue Guide and Lesson Plans. We hope you will join the discussion. As always, it’s your voice in your community that plays such a pivotal role in changing the dialogue and making a lasting difference.

USCIS proposes Rule to welcome International Entrepreneurs

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshBusiness 0

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is proposing a new rule, which would allow certain international entrepreneurs to be considered for parole (temporary permission to be in the United States) so that they may start or scale their businesses here in the United States.

Read the advance version of the notice of proposed rulemaking: International Entrepreneur Rule. Once the notice of proposed rulemaking is published in the Federal Register, the public will have 45 days from the date of publication to comment. To submit comments, follow the instructions in the notice.

“America’s economy has long benefitted from the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs, from Main Street to Silicon Valley,” said Director León Rodríguez. “This proposed rule, when finalized, will help our economy grow by expanding immigration options for foreign entrepreneurs who meet certain criteria for creating jobs, attracting investment and generating revenue in the U.S.”

The proposed rule would allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use its existing discretionary statutory parole authority for entrepreneurs of startup entities whose stay in the United States would provide a significant public benefit through the substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation. Under this proposed rule, DHS may parole, on a case-by-case basis, eligible entrepreneurs of startup enterprises: Who have a significant ownership interest in the startup (at least 15 percent) and have an active and central role to its operations; Whose startup was formed in the United States within the past three years; and, Whose startup has substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation, as evidenced by: Receiving significant investment of capital (at least $345,000) from certain qualified U.S. investors with established records of successful investments; Receiving significant awards or grants (at least $100,000) from certain federal, state or local government entities; or, Partially satisfying one or both of the above criteria in addition to other reliable and compelling evidence of the startup entity’s substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.

Under the proposed rule, entrepreneurs may be granted an initial stay of up to two years to oversee and grow their startup entity in the United States. A subsequent request for re-parole (for up to three additional years) would be considered only if the entrepreneur and the startup entity continue to provide a significant public benefit as evidenced by substantial increases in capital investment, revenue or job creation.

The notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register invites public comment for 45 days, after which USCIS will address the comments received. The proposed rule does not take effect with the publication of the notice of proposed rulemaking. It will take effect on the date indicated in the final rule when a final rule is published in the Federal Register.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis), Facebook(/uscis), and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

CRY Walk 2016 to take a step forward and help fulfill children’s dreams

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

By Reema D’souza

New York, September 1st, 2016: CRY, Child Rights and You America Inc. (CRY America), a 501(c)(3) non- profit that works towards ensuring children their basic rights to live, learn, grow and play will host the 13th CRY Walk for Child Rights across 16 cities. The annual walk brings together people from varied walks of life, who feel passionately for children’s cause. The event provides them a platform to help children secure a better future and reinforces the belief that the ability to change lives lies within each one of us.

Walkers and runners alike, across New York, San Diego, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, Orange County, Bay Area, Atlanta, Pheonix and Raleigh are invited to participate in 5k walks and runs along with 1k kids dash. Events across cities will include fun activities for both adults and children like yoga, Bollywood dancing, jugglers, music, food stalls and face painting. The participants will also be able to buy funky CRY merchandise like T shirts to support the cause for child rights. The annual event is not just a space for families to have an outing but also to support and ensure opportunities are provided to all children and bring lasting change in their lives. The CRY Walk series commences on September 11 at Irvine, Orange County and concludes on November 13 at Bay Area.

The national sponsors of the Walk 2016 are Star TV, TV Asia, Air India, Stratus, Shani International, Mera Sangeet and India Abroad. We appreciate the generous support of our event sponsors, media sponsors and donors in enabling this event. The volunteers, fundraisers and team leaders across 16 cities who have relentlessly worked to organize this event in aid of underprivileged children, deserve a special mention.

Speaking about the event, Shefali Sunderlal, President, CRY America said, “Only when children are given the right opportunities, do they realize their full potential, aim for their dreams and achieve them. Raising awareness and fund support by participating in CRY Walk is a step forward in ensuring that children get these opportunities and a chance at a healthy, successful life.”
CRY America has thus far ensured that 618,915 children living across 3,084 villages and slums have access to education, healthcare and are protected from violations through support to 70 Projects in India and the USA.

“The continued support of our donors and volunteers has helped us uphold children’s rights. It is this support and belief in our work which propels us and will allow us to ensure many more children get access to quality education, health services, essential nutrition and are protected from child labor, child marriage, abuse, and discrimination”, Sunderlal concluded.

CRY, Child Rights and You America Inc. (CRY America) is a 501c3 non profit that is driven by its vision of a just world in which all children have equal opportunities to develop to their full potential and realize their dreams. With the support of over 25,153 donors and 2,000 volunteers, CRY America has impacted the lives of 618,915 children living across 3,084 villages and slums through support to 70 Projects in India and USA.

For more information about CRY America or CRY Walk 2016, visit www.america.cry.org, email support@cryamerica.org or call 6179591273.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Seniors in New York

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

By Bonnie Kwong

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 1, 2016 – The Asian American Federation, with primary funding support from AARP, released a new report, Asian American Seniors in New York City: An Updated Snapshot, highlighting the demographic changes and economic challenges facing New York City’s fastest-growing senior population. Asian Americans represent 16% of all seniors ages 50 years and older, yet programs and resources available to Asian seniors have failed to keep pace with this growth. When it comes to New York City’s social service funding, for example, only 2.7% went to senior programs focused on Asian seniors.

Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director of the Federation, said, “Since our 2003 report on Asian elders, the size and composition of our senior population have changed dramatically. Our updated report underscores the reality that the current capacity of social services is not nearly enough to meet the needs of this population. What we hope this report offers is some concrete ways in which our city and state leaders can begin to build real infrastructure to serve our seniors.”

“AARP proudly supports the Federation’s report revealing insights into the rapidly-growing community of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders age 50-plus. We hope this report will continue to debunk the model minority myth and be used by individuals, community-based organizations, nonprofit groups, media, funders, and policymakers to build the case for funding, policies, legislation, and advocacy to improve their lives,” stated Daphne Kwok, AARP’s Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American & Pacific Islander Audience Strategy.

Key findings of this report include: Growth in the Asian senior population in New York City is driven by Asian seniors immigrating late in life and by Asian immigrants aging into senior status.
Major shifts in demographics are changing the ethnic mix of the Asian senior population in New York City. South Asian and “Other” Asian groups have senior populations that have more than tripled in size from 2000 to 2014.

The high rates of limited English proficiency among Asian seniors contribute to increased social isolation. The diversity of languages spoken in the Asian community makes outreach and provision of services a great challenge Asian seniors in New York City are less well-educated than Asian seniors nationally and other seniors in New York City. As a consequence, Asian seniors are more likely to be poor and low-income than Asian seniors nationally and other seniors in New York City.

Because some Asian seniors immigrated later in life, they are less likely to have health insurance coverage and to receive Social Security benefits than other seniors. In order to address the increasing needs among Asian seniors, the Federation makes the following recommendations to the City: Increase the resources available for programs serving Asian seniors.
Build capacity within Asian-led senior programs, which are more likely to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services for Asians seniors. Ensure that outreach to Asian seniors is conducted in-language and through trusted information sources for each community, including ethnic media and community-based social service organizations.

Alleviate poverty by increasing access to social safety nets for more recent arrivals.

Increase access to adult literacy and job skills programs for low-income Asian seniors who are still active in the labor force.
Offer employment and volunteer opportunities for Asian seniors in order to increase their income and decrease their social isolation. Create affordable senior housing, including culturally-appropriate assisted living facilities.

“We have seen the Asian senior population double since 2000,” said Howard Shih, research and policy director of the Federation. “With Asian seniors now comprising 16% of New York City’s senior population, we can no longer ignore their needs. We must address their language, health, and housing needs – among all the others – if we hope to support their longevity.”
Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director, added, “Like the Federation, AARP is fighting to increase funding for transportation services and improve job opportunities and affordable housing for older city residents while combatting social isolation and elder abuse. We need our leaders to acknowledge changing demographics and implement policies that make New York a better place to live, work, play, and age. The City would be wise to heed the recommendations of the Federation’s report.”

Established in 1989, the Asian American Federation works to raise the influence and well-being of the pan-Asian American community through research, policy advocacy, public awareness, and organizational development. As a nonprofit leadership organization, the Federation strengthens the capacity of community-based social services by supporting nearly 60 Asian-serving and Asian-focused member agencies and other grassroots organizations in the fields of health & human services, education, economic development, civic participation, and social justice.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into ‘Real Possibilities’ by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org

Migrant remittances worldwide drop in 2015 for first time since Great Recession

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshFinance/Economy 0

Worldwide, an estimated $582 billion was sent by migrants to relatives in their home countries in 2015, a 2% decline from 2014, when the amount was $592 billion, according to economists at the World Bank. This is the first drop in global remittances since 2009, when they fell by $28 billion amid the global financial crisis. Despite this recent decline, remittances sent by migrants are still about double what they were a decade ago, before the sharp decline in the global economy during the late 2000s. And, with the exception of 2009, migrant remittances worldwide have steadily climbed since the World Bank began releasing estimates in 1970.

The volume of migrant remittances is closely tied to the increase in migrant populations. The number of international migrants (people who live in a country other than their birth country) has grown from about 191 million in 2005 to more than 243 million today even as the share of the world’s population that are migrants has remained steady at about 3%. The U.S., which has more migrants than any other country, is also the source of more remittances than any other country. Migrant remittances from the U.S. continue to go up even though migration to the U.S. from Mexico has slowed and possibly reversed. (Mexico is the largest receiving country of remittances from the U.S.)

Oil prices are affecting the global level of remittances. For example, some top remittance-sending countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar are oil-rich nations that saw their economic growth slow in 2014 and 2015 as oil prices fell. This has left thousands of migrants jobless. As a result, preliminary evidence suggests remittances to India fell between 2014 and 2015. Overall, an estimated 8 million Indian-born migrants (or about half of all of India’s emigrants) live in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE as of 2015.

Migrant remittances can also move up and down as the economies of countries that are highly dependent on migrant labor fluctuate. For example, remittances sent by the large number of migrants in Russia have fallen sharply recently. In particular, remittances from Russia to neighboring countries like Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan dropped by nearly half between 2014 and 2015. This decline is particularly significant since remittances were equivalent to about a quarter or more of some Central Asian countries’ gross domestic products in 2014.

One of the unknowns of remittance trends is how the recent refugee crisis in Europe and the Middle East may affect the sending of money around the world. Given that nearly one in 100 people are displaced worldwide within and outside their countries of birth and 9% of all international migrants are refugees, estimates for flows of money back to or from their home countries are largely unavailable.

Sonam Kapoor joins GEMS Education Drive

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshEducation 0

UNICEF, Reliance, Global Goals Campaign launch world’s largest Lesson India Program

Marking the first anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to end poverty, reduce inequalities and combat the threat of climate change by 2030, world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are set to popularize World’s Largest Lesson, a project that provides a unique opportunity for children and young people to engage with the SDGs.

Launched in September 2015, lessons have taken place in 160 countries. Participating schools used original learning materials about the Global Goals that were translated into 25 languages. The materials included lesson plans, comic books and an animated film introduced by Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, tennis champion Serena Williams and international football star Neymar Jr. In India alone, the World’s Largest Lesson reached an estimated 3 million children who watched an animation film on the Global Goals.

On the occasion of National Teachers Day, 250 eminent educationalists, UN Global Goals champions, members of civil society, UN bodies, corporates, youth groups, students, teachers and one of the esteemed ambassadors of the World’s Largest Lesson, Indian Actor and youth icon Sonam Kapoor, gathered at GEMS Modern Academy, Gurgaon, to launch The World’s Largest Lesson India,the India chapter of the program, which aims to teach every child in India – nearly 360 million – a lesson about the Global Goals.

Sonam Kapoor, The World’s Largest Lesson India champion, said: “We learn vital lessons every day in our lives and many of these lessons were taught during our childhood. Children are the future of today’s world – they must not only be nurtured but be empowered to be the change they wish to achieve for themselves and others in this world. And this is what The World’s Largest Lesson India programme sets out to do; it will engage children in the effort to achieve the UN’s Global Goals, educating them of the challenges impacting their futures and encouraging them to drive change in their own communities. With India having the world’s youngest population, India has the potential to lead this change and be a global benchmark country that eradicates poverty. But this can only happen if children join this effort which means they must be made aware of the goals that were agreed by our leaders, if inspired to act, they can truly be a super-heroic force of positive change. I pledge my commitment to add further momentum, to spotlight the Global Goals and find opportunities to educate children of this, through everything I do.”

Powered by India partner GEMS Education, the world’s largest K-12 private education provider, and implemented in partnership with UNICEF, The World’s Largest Lesson India will encourage schools to teach at least one lesson on the Global Goals, to make sure children understand and are empowered by the commitments their country has made to ending poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030. Schools are then encouraged to support students to take action to help achieve the goals.

India is a global leader economically and in technology, and has every potential to become a front-runner in ending poverty. The country is at the crossroads of transformation and several strides have been made to address national and global issues, but more can and needs to be done. With over a quarter of the world’s population being under the age of 14 years old and with India having the largest youth population in the world, children and young people will be most affected by the implementation of the goals. The World’s Largest Lesson India initiative aims to engage children and young people in the ambitions of the goals and encourage their participation in this process of change.

The World’s Largest Lesson is an initiative by Project Everyone, an organisation conceived by Writer, Director, Comic Relief Cofounder &UN SDG Advocate Richard Curtis to make the Global Goals famous, so that they stand the greatest chance of being achieved. Speaking about the launch of World’s Largest Lesson India, he said, “We are delighted to launch the World’s Largest Lesson India and are grateful to our foundingpartner GEMS Education for making this happen. We are overwhelmed with the incredible support of partners such asReliance Group, tGELF, the very talented Sonam Kapoor and countless others for helping us to engage children inthe Global Goals.

Children and young people are right at the heart of the Global Goals agenda. The World’s Largest Lesson is based on the idea that if children right across the world grow up knowing about the goals and feeling positive that this is practical plan with a deadline that they can fight for,then I truly believe that this will help them become the first generation to end extreme poverty, the most determined generation to fight inequality and injustice and the last generation to be threatened by climate change. The World’s Largest Lesson is just the first step in this but it’s a very important one and we’re delighted that India’s children can take part. “

GEMS Education is the founding strategic partner for The World’s Largest Lesson India campaign and powers all activities in India. Speaking about their association, MrAmreesh Chandra, Group President of GEMS Education said: “With India accounting to nearly 17% of the world’s population, we have a strategic and resourceful advantage to reshape the world’s priorities, provided we are equipped to understand and execute them effectively. Through the World’s Largest Lesson initiative in India, we are leveraging the GEMS network – 175 schools, over 70,000 children and over 6,000 teachers in India – to spread knowledge of the global goals, pivotal to pursuing national and world development.

With 17 global goals for sustainable development to be achieved in the next 15 years, GEMS Education sees this as a priority to teach the next generation of world leaders. As a value driven institution, GEMS Education has already been encouraging students across its international campuses to embrace responsibility for over the last 55 years; and today we are looking beyond us, and reaching out to the country as a whole to help propagate the world’s priorities – the UN global goals”.

UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said: “The World’s Largest Lesson will do more than teach children about the global goals. It will engage them in the effort to achieve those goals – educating them about the challenges that are shaping their futures and encouraging them to drive change in their own communities. Young people can help achieve the global goals by holding their leaders accountable for the promises they are making – and by holding themselves accountable for building a better future for everyone.”

During the event a number of individuals, corporates and organisations confirmed to take action to support the World’s Largest Lesson India initiative by spreading awareness of the lesson plans through their distribution channels, networks, media reach, the children and teachers they support, and employees.

Leading the support is Reliance Group, one of India’s largest business conglomerates who were also the first corporate partner for the 2015 India campaign. This year, the group shall promote The World Largest Lesson India initiative through its various customer-facing platforms.Other notable pledges came from NGOs; AkshayaPatra, the world’s largest free midday meal programme reaching over 1.4 million children in India, Save the Children; and youth and education empowerment organisations such as The Global Education & Leadership Foundation (tGELF).

With GEMS Education’s support, The World’s Largest Lesson Indiaprogramme has produced new comics and animated shorts specifically created for India’s children. Based on the popular animated superhero characters Chakra the Invincible and Mighty Girl, created by legendary icon, Stan Lee, Chief Creative Officer at POW! Entertainment andSharad Devarajan, Co-Founder & CEO of Graphic India.The comics will bring to life through creative storytelling four key issues impacting India today : Goal 6 – clean water and sanitation (WASH), Goal 5 – gender equality, Goal 4 – quality education, Goal 13 – climate action.

The comic books will be translated into English and five regional Indian languages – Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telegu and Tamil – and will be available to download and view for free from 15thOctober 2016 from The World’s Largest Lesson India website.The involvement of high-profile personalities who will co-edit some of the comic books, will add further appeal for the lesson programme amongst children. If you are interested in partnering with The World’s Largest Lesson India, please email wllindia@sterlingmedia.co.uk. More information is available at: https://www.globalgoals.org/worldslargestlessonindia/ and at: www.youtube.com/theglobalgoals

‘Unschooled’ Mumbai teenager Malvika Joshi makes it to MIT

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshEducation, India 0

Seventeen-year-old Malvika Raj Joshi doesn’t have a class X or XII certificate but has made it to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), thanks to her computer programming talent. Her’s is a story about a mother’s conviction to break stereotypes and the self belief of her teenage daughter, who showed why “merit” has more weightage than “marks”.

The Mumbai teenager has been provided scholarship by MIT as she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree after getting a seat for being a three-time medal winner (two silver and a bronze) at International Olympiad of Informatics or commonly known as Programming Olympiad. The MIT has a provision for accepting students who are medal winners at various Olympiads (Maths, Physics or Computer) and it was Malvika’s medals that ensured that she can fulfil her aspirations of pursuing research work in her favourite subject — Computer Science.

Malvika recalls those early days during an emailed interaction from Boston. “When I started unschooling, that was 4 years back, I explored many different subjects. Programming was one of them. I found programming interesting and I used to give more time to it than to other subjects, so, I started liking it at that time,” she says.

Malvika found it difficult to get admission in elite Indian institutes like IIT, which has strict rules as one needs to pass class XII exams. In fact only institute where she got admission was Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) where she was enrolled into M.Sc level course as her knowledge was on par with B.Sc standard.

“There is absolutely no question that Malvika’s admission to MIT is based on her superlative achievements at IOI. It is a credit to MIT’s flexibility that they can offer admission to a student who demonstrates excellent intellectual potential despite having no formal high school credentials,” says CMI’s Madhavan Mukund, who is also National Co-ordinator of Indian Computing Olympiad.

However, Madhavan made it clear that Malvika is not a product of the system but despite it. “This is possible only for a student whose academic achievements are outstanding, which is the case with Malvika’s performance at IOI,” he has a word of caution. But this young Mumbai girl’s fascinating story starts about four years ago when her mother Supriya took an unbelievably tough decision.

She was in class VII at Dadar Parsee Youth Assembly School in Mumbai and doing exceedingly well in academics when her mother decided to pull her out of school. “We are a middle class family. Malvika was doing well in school but somehow I felt that my children (she has younger daughter Radha) need to be happy. Happiness is more important than conventional knowledge,” Supriya told PTI explaining her decision.

“I was working with an NGO that takes care of cancer patients. I would see students who are in 8th or 9th standard being affected by cancer. It affected me deeply and I decided that my daughters need to be happy.” The decision no way was an easy one. “In India, people are still not very aware about the term “home schooled” or “unschooled” as it is commonly referred. It also took sometime to convince Malvika’s father Raj, an engineer who runs his own business.

“My husband Raj wasn’t convinced initially as it was a risky proposition. The kids won’t have a 10th or 12th standard certificate and there was bound to be fear. I quit my NGO job and designed an academic curriculum for Malvika. I created a simulation (classroom like situation) at home. The confidence I had as a mother was that I am capable of imparting knowledge in my daughter’s.” But it worked. “Suddenly I saw that my daughter was so happy. She was learning more than ever –from the time she woke up to the time she was off to sleep. Knowledge became a passion,” the proud mother recalls.

For three consecutive years, she was among the top four students who represented India at the Programming Olympiad. Madhavan, who prepared Malvika for all three Olympiads, spoke about her brilliance. “During the past three years she spent extensive periods at CMI acquiring the background in mathematics and algorithms that she needed to excel at Informatics Olympiad. As part of this training for IOI, she had to fill in unexpected gaps in her education arising from the fact that she had not been formally enrolled in school.

“For instance, she had never studied matrices. She was never intimidated even when faced with a mountain of things to learn, and went about achieving her goals very methodically.” When Supriya was asked if more parents want to know about her daughter, she laughs as she says, “They are all interested in knowing how to get into MIT. I just tell them that we never aimed for her admission in MIT. I tell parents to understand what their children like.”

Mary Thomas loses Florida Congressional primary

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

Mary Thomas, an Indian American attorney, running to win the Republican Party nomination, narrowly lost her bid to enter the US House of Representatives in the Florida primary held here last Tuesday. The 38-year-old Thomas lost the party’s primary by 1,700 votes, to surgeon Neal Dunn in what was a nasty GOP primary for the Congressional District 2 of Florida currently held by Democrat Gwen Graham, who chose not to run because the district became more solidly Republican.

“Congratulations to our next Congressman Neal Dunn. Together we will work to Make America Great Again. Thank you to our many volunteers who were so passionate about our conservative cause,” Thomas wrote on her Facebook page after conceding her defeat.

The Florida 2nd district is likely to see a Republican win in November, meaning Neal Dunn is probably the next member of the House to represent Tallahassee in Congress. Thomas, whose parents arrived in America from India in 1972 and settled in Pinellas County, would have made history as the first Indian American woman to serve in Congress, if elected.

Mary Thomas, who wanted to stop Common Core, immediately repeal Obamacare, and supported term limits, was endorsed, amongst others, by the conservative Club for Growth, House Freedom Caucus chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio (A, 94%), and the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List. Dunn was endorsed by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. (F, 38%) and supported by the ESA Fund, the same establishment PAC that targeted Tim Huelskamp in Kansas this year.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Thomas has been a member of Governor Rick Scott’s administration since he was sworn into office in January 2011. Currently, she serves as the General Counsel at the Department of Elder Affairs where she manages and oversees the legal department of an agency that administers a $900 million budget.

As Mother Teresa becomes Saint, her followers serve the poorest in USA

September 5, 2016 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

New York: While hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world came to Rome on September 4th to be part of the historic event, the canonization of Mother Teresa, as Pope Francis declared her Saint Teresa of Calcutta on the world famous St Peter’s Square, her followers around the world continued to serve the poor, the needy, the unwanted, the unloved and those with terminal and other illnesses.

The making of Teresa of Calcutta did not stop them from “doing God’s work.” Saint Teresa may be adored across borders, but there were several pockets in St Peter’s Square where India let the world know that the Macedonia-born nun belonged a little more to Kolkata and India. Hundreds of Indians came armed with the Tricolour, and the flags were held higher and got an extra wave each time Pope Francis mentioned the places on the Indian map that had been blessed by Saint Teresa’s presence and work. “She may belong to the world but we are celebrating the fact that destiny brought her to India,” said Shanti from Kerala as she helped her friends unfurl a huge Tricolour.

Mother Teresa, who was declared a saint by Pope Francis on Sunday, has been hailed as the “Saint of the Gutters of Kolkata”. But her sisters find they are needed as much in New York, the richest city of the US. Suffering and want know no national boundaries. And neither do compassion and charity as the international brigade of Mother Teresa’s sisters bear witness here.

Barely five miles from New York’s fabled “Billionaire’s Row” overlooking Central Park, sits the nation’s poorest area, the South Bronx where Park Avenue sheds its glitz for grit. Clad in blue-bordered white cotton saris, Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity toil there tending to New York’s poorest. Considered the poorest area in the US, census figures have pegged the percentage of people below the poverty line in the South Bronx at 38 per cent — and it rises to 49 per cent for children.

“We do feel Mother Teresa’s presence here in these sisters,” Nancy Rivera, who grew up in the area, told the media. Rivera has since moved up and now lives in a well-off area, but still returns to her childhood neighborhood to volunteer at a church near Mother Teresa’s sisters.

She said that when she sees them pick homeless people off benches on the streets to clean and feed them, she senses “the invaluable presence of Mother Teresa. I am one of the lucky ones to have met her in person.”

Sister Regipaul, the head of the convent in the South Bronx, said that 20 sisters from the US, Canada, Poland, France, Argentina, the Netherlands and India work there running a shelter for 18 homeless men, a soup kitchen that provides ready meals for the needy and a service that distributes food supplies to about 200 poor families, many of them immigrants adrift in an alien land.

Another convent in Manhattan’s Harlem has a shelter for homeless women with a soup kitchen, and in Brooklyn the sisters provide a home for unwed mothers, she said. A more remarkable service is the home run by the sisters for AIDS patients in downtown Manhattan. The sisters were among the first to step in to care for AIDS patients in the early 1980s when the newly-discovered disease spawned fear and prejudice. The sisters clean, feed and provide for the patients at the centre, Regipaul said.

The Missionaries of Charity are organised into three regions in the US. In the East Coast province headed by a Korean, Sister Rose Clara Lee, over 100 sisters work in 17 centres, three in Canada. Mother Teresa began the New York mission in 1971 and the late Sister Nirmala, who succeeded her, worked here for a while. As in India, the sisters say they do not work to convert people and only see Jesus “in the broken body” they help as Mother Teresa once said.

Regipaul, who hails from Thrissur in Kerala, worked in Kolkata and Mumbai before coming to the US 35 years ago. A difference between India and here is that the poverty of the spirit is greater in the US, she was quoted to have said.

The sisters work in “little ways” to help alleviate this malaise of a fragmented society, Regipaul said. They organise group activities for them to socialise, visit the isolated and shut-in people to talk to them and cook for them, she said.

But like in Kolkata, here also they come across people marked by the deepest stigmata of physical suffering. Like in India, the sisters follow an austere regimen that includes not watching television. But on Sunday they have a special dispensation to watch a live telecast of Mother Teresa being sainted, Regipaul said. “It will remind us that our mother waiting for us in heaven.”

“The rich people are very generous and they volunteer to work with us” at the soup kitchen and the shelter, she said. “They humbly do all the work, they sweep the floor, wash dishes, they clean. Americans are great people,” she said. “And the Americans volunteering to work with us are White, Black, Latino, Indian, Chinese, Korean, African — people of all ethnicities who make America.”

“In India, it is easier,” she said, adding “If the people are hungry you give them bread to eat, and it satisfies the need. Here the poverty is greater; they need food, but they are also very lonely. The loneliness is greater suffering than poverty.”

Ash Kalra gets multiples endorsements in bid to win California Assembly seat

August 31, 2016 Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

Ash Kalra, an Indian American city councilman in San Jose, Calif., in his bid to win the State Assembly Seat for the 27th District, has bagged endorsements from civil rights leader Dolores Huerta, Rep. Zoe Lofgren and a former opponent, Kalra’s campaign recently announced.

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren declared her support for Ash Kalra in the open seat race for the Assembly in District 27. As the only Congressional member in this district, Zoe’s support holds enormous weight in this contentious race.

” I am proud to endorse Ash Kalra for California State Assembly and I urge you to join me in supporting him. Over the years, when I’ve advocated for Human Rights, Ash was there with me. When we fought for immigration reform, Ash was there. When we fought for housing opportunities so our sons and daughters could live in the communities they grew up in, Ash was a leader. When it came to improving education, Ash stepped forward. In short, Ash Kalra has been a stand out leader while serving on the City Council. He is smart, articulate and will be an effective leader in Sacramento. I believe he will represent our community instead of special interests. In my experience with him, he is honest, committed to the public good and a hard worker. Voters have a rare opportunity to select this outstanding individual to represent them in the California Legislature,” said Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren.

The campaign received additional good news as the lone Republican in the June Primary, ESUHSD Trustee Van Le, formally endorsed Ash Kalra, joining two other Primary opponents, Democrats ARUSD Trustee Esau Herrera and community activist Cong T. Do.

“I am so grateful to Congresswoman Lofgren for her support in this race and for the years of leadership she has shown in this district. She is a national leader on pushing comprehensive immigration reform and has led our California Congressional delegation with honor,” commented Ash Kalra, “I am further humbled to receive the support of three of my former opponents. They are all outstanding community leaders and have proven their strong support from the community by garnering over 20,000 votes accounting for over 26% of ballots cast. Their confidence in my ability to represent our city well in Sacramento is a great source of pride as we continue our movement towards Election Day.”

Zoe Lofgren has represented San Jose in the United State Congress since 1995. As the Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation and the highest-ranking Democrat and former chair of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, Lofgren is recognized as a leader within the party and a champion for immigrants’ rights in San Jose. She is the only Congressional Member representing Assembly District 27.

In 2008, Ash Kalra was elected to the San Jose City Council. Ash is one of two candidates in the open seat race for California State Assembly that will be vacated by termed-out Assemblyperson Nora Campos. For a full list of organizations and individuals who have endorsed Ash Kalra, please visit AshKalra.com.

Indian-American couple raise $100,000 for Sikh, Punjabi culture research

August 31, 2016 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

Harkeerat and Deepta Dhillon, an Indian-American couple has donated $100,000 to a top American university to support graduate students studying Sikh and Punjabi culture there.

The endowment by Harkeerat and Deepta Dhillon to University of California, Riverside, will help attract graduate students with an interest in Sikh and Punjabi culture, and support fieldwork on Sikh communities in the United States, the univestity said in a statement.

“This gift is a testament to their commitment to higher education, their passion for the arts and humanities, and their desire to expand the knowledge base about Sikh and Punjabi culture,” said Milagros Pena, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

The Harkeerat and Deepta Dhillon Endowed Research Award for Sikh and Punjabi Studies in the Arts and Humanities will provide much-needed support for dissertation research and writing on arts and humanities topics that relate to Sikh and Punjabi culture, said Pashaura Singh, professor and Jasbir Singh Saini Endowed Chair of Sikh and Punjabi Studies and chair of the Department of Religious Studies. Dhillon, a prominent Riverside orthopaedic and hand surgeon, had earlier helped raise funds needed to launch the endowed chair in Sikh Studies in 2008.

“We are grateful to Dr. Dhillon and his wife, Deepta, for their generous gift. This award will help UCR attract new graduate students interested in Sikh and Punjabi music, history of Sikh settlers in California, film and media studies, and ethnographic fieldwork on various Sikh communities in the United States,” he explained. “Dr. Dhillon has contributed energetically in many ways to build the new program in Sikh Studies at UC Riverside. His selfless and untiring support has put the field of Sikh Studies on the academic map of North American universities.”

Dr. Dhillon, a prominent Riverside orthopedic and hand surgeon, and Deepta Dhillon, who worked as an architect in India and London, said the graduate student research award will raise the profile of UCR nationally in the field of Sikh and Punjabi studies.

“UCR is justly proud of and known nationally for its diverse student population,” said Dr. Dhillon, who has been a member of the UCR Foundation Board of Trustees for 14 years and helped raise the funds needed to launch the endowed chair in Sikh Studies in 2008. “We believe that establishing this award will enhance the belief that this is an educational institution that recognizes diversity and teaches diversity. The fact that an institution with the reputation of UCR’s is supporting this kind of research will give the Sikh community in the United States confidence that mainstream America wants to know about us.”

The fifth-largest organized religion in the world, Sikhism has more than 25 million adherents. About 80 percent of the world’s Sikhs live in the Indian province of Punjab. More than 500,000 live in the United States, about half of them in California. Sikhs have lived in the U.S. for more than a century, but their culture and religious practices remain unfamiliar to a majority of Americans.

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab province of India about 500 years ago. Sikhs believe in the equality of all people, emphasize the family, and advocate service to others and living in the world without being worldly.

Dr. Dhillon said he hopes that graduate-level research supported by the award over time will embrace all aspects of Sikh culture, from music and history to the Sikh diaspora and the influence of Sikhs in global politics.

“It’s important to add this dimension to Sikh Studies,” he said. “We hope this gift will spread the global influence of UCR and stimulate more positive energy for the university. When you fund something like this, you can see what our graduate students can do, and their potential. We want to give back to this community, and pass something on to the next generation of teachers and leaders.”

Deepika Padukone on world’s highest paid actresses list Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar among the top 10 for male actors

August 31, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment 0

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone is the only newcomer to the World’s Highest-Paid Actresses ranking and the only Indian star to make the cut, FORBES magazine reported here last week. Of the 10 listmembers, 30% including Padukone hail from outside the U.S.; Chinese actress Fan Bingbing makes the cut for the second consecutive year, while Charlize Theron, a dual South African/American citizen, returns to the list for the first time since 2013.

Padukone has already landed a spot in a list of the world’s highest paid actresses, with earnings of $10 million even before her Hollywood debut. The list also features heavyweights like Hollywood stars Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston.

Deepika, daughter of India’s celebrated badminton player Prakash Padukone, who will soon be making her Hollywood debut along “Fast and Furious” star Vin Diesel in “xXx: Return of Xander Cage”, she earns far less than her Hollywood counterparts for roles, but compensates with over a dozen lucrative endorsements.

The magazine also put the spotlight on the gender pay gap in the Indian film industry, stating that “though a top male star might earn close to $5 million a movie, prominent Indian actresses rarely clear $1 million a film”, adding that “it’s a discrepancy not uncommon in Hollywood”. Other names to feature in the list include Mila Kunis, Amy Adams and Scarlett Johansson.

The Forbes annual list again highlighted the pay gap between men and women in Hollywood. Earlier this week the magazine named “Hunger Games” star Jennifer Lawrence the world’s highest paid actress for a second straight year, with an estimated 2016 take of $46 million. Forbes said 18 actors banked more than $20 million in its June 2015-June 2016 scoring period, compared with four actresses.

Jackie Chan, who has not had a big U.S. box office hit for years but is a prolific actor and producer in the burgeoning Chinese entertainment market, was second on the list with $61 million. Matt Damon came in third with $55 million, largely due to the success of his 2015 space film “The Martian.”

“Iron Man” Downey fell from top spot, despite reprising his comic book hero role in “Captain America: Civil War.” He ranked eighth, tied with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, with $33 million.

Harrison Ford crept onto the list for the first time since 2009 thanks to his return as Han Solo in the blockbuster new “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” movie and video game. Ford, who also is to reprise his role as adventurer Indiana Jones in 2019, ranked 20th with earnings of about $15 million.

Forbes estimates earnings, before taxes and management fees, from movies, TV and commercial endorsements. The rest of the Top 10 were: Tom Cruise with $53 million came 4^th, while Johnny Depp with $48 million came 5^th. Ben Affleck who made $43 million comes 6^th; Vin Diesel with $35 million comes 7^th. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan with his $33 million earnings comes 8^th; Robert Downey Jr. also made $33 million. Another Bollywood star on the list with his $31 million earnings is Akshay Kumar.

TheUNN Corporation

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