Author: Staff Reporter

White supremacist group distribute racist fliers in Connecticut

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, India 0

Racist fliers by white supremacist groups targeting non-White communities are proliferating in the United States. After some fliers targeting Indian families were reported from Texas, more has been found distributed in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Police said several printed fliers were found on driveways and in mailboxes on Newtown Avenue in Norwalk on Monday. The fliers read, “We must secure the existence of our race and a future for white children. Make America White Again.”

Officials say the fliers also list a link to a white supremacist website, reported NBC News. Norwalk residents placed a complaint with the police department. Norwalk Police Spokesman Lt. Terry Blake said detectives are investigating the fliers.

Last week, ABC News reported a threatening racist flier was found by an unidentified Indian family living in the Riverstone community in Fort Bend, Texas. In November, close to Thanksgiving, similar racist fliers targeting Indians and Indian Americans were found in McKinney, Texas.

The unidentified family in Fort Bend found the flier left at their home in the middle of the night. The opening sentence was “Our new President, Donald J Trump is God’s gift to the white nation.” It added: “we need to get rid of Muslims, Indians, and Jews,” telling them to “get out of Texas and go back to where you came from.”

The family is too frightened to report it to police, much less discuss it publicly. They don’t know if they were specifically targeted, or if their house was selected at random, reported ABC News, quoting a family friend of the family.

“It is literally spewing in word form hate for everybody who isn’t white Anglo Saxon,” the family friend was quoted as saying. “That’s basically what this letter says.” More than 1,000 incidents of hateful intimidation and harassment were reported nationwide from November 9 through December 12, many of them apparently committed by supporters of President Donald Trump, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).

7,000 Jains from all over the world to attend 2017 JAINA Convention in New Jersey

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, India 0

About 7,000 Jains from all over the world are expected to gather in New Jersey later this year when the 2017 JAINA Convention takes place in the Garden State. The June 30-July 4 convention will be addressed by eminent Jain scholars and leading members of the community coming to attend the convention from different parts of the world, including India. Besides eminent Jain acharya, Dr. Lokesh Muni, who is the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, the five-day convention will also be addressed by founder of Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

A meeting took place between Muni and Ravi Shankar last week in India during which the latter was invited by Muni to the convention. The two spiritual leaders also discussed the details of the convention. An AVB media handler said several other spiritual masters, both Jains and non-Jains are expected to address the convention. “We are yet to finalize the list of speakers as also the location of the convention in New Jersey,” Kenu A. Sharma, AVP media secretary, told Desi Talk over phone from India.

The convention will have a series of seminars and lectures relating to Jainism. JAINA is the largest Jain organization outside India and represents 150,000 Jains in the U.S. and Canada. JAINA was established in 1981 to provide a forum to foster friendship and unity among all Jains from North America.

Muni said that members of JAINA work together to advance principles of non-violence, vegetarianism, charitable and humanitarian volunteerism and academic and cultural interchanges.

The theme of convention is ‘Jainism and Science’. A stimulating program is being developed to meet the interests of all segments and age groups attending the convention. “The convention will seek to drive home the point about the scientific nature of Jainism and how best the humankind can benefit by embracing it in their lives. Though the five day discourses and seminars, the convention will seek to decide on a plan of action for the future in order for it to be spread among more people,” Sharma said.

According to Muni, Jain religion has always made important contributions towards establishing non- violence and peace in society, adding that the Jain community has always worked for the development of different sections and areas of society. He noted during his meeting with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar that whenever people faced problems like flood, or earthquake, the Jain community came forward for welfare activities. He expressed the hope that like in U.S., the Jain community in India also will come together to work for social welfare in a more organized manner.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar maintained that while all religions teach the values of humanity and the need for all religions to work together to establish world peace and harmony, peace is necessary for development. “Interfaith and inter-religion harmony is necessary to end war, violence and terrorism from the world. Jainism peaches the principles of Ahimsa (nonviolence), Anekant (unity in diversity) and Aparigrah (renunciation) and shows us the path towards establishing world peace and harmony.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also appreciated the fact that acharya Lokesh Muni has been making efforts towards mutual brotherhood, communal harmony, nonviolence and character-building not only in India but also in different parts of the world.

New Jersey on verge of becoming first state in US to prohibit marriage before the age of 18

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, U.S. 0

New Jersey is on the verge of becoming the first state in the United States to prohibit anyone younger than 18 from getting married. At present, children ages 16 and 17 may marry with parental consent. Also, children under 16 may marry if they obtain parental consent and a state judge’s approval.

The New Jersey state Senate committee approved a bill on Monday to that effect. If passed, the bill (A3091) would make New Jersey the first state in the nation to remove all exceptions to the law that says people must be 18 years old to get married, reported NJ Advanced Media. The measure passed the state Assembly, 64-0, in November, and Monday’s action sets up a vote for final passage in the full Senate.

Fraidy Reiss of Westfield, founder and executive director of Unchained At Last, a non-profit organization that helps young women and girls leave forced marriages, was quoted as saying the problem is more widespread than people think. Between 1995 and 2012, 3,500 minors got married in New Jersey — some as young as 13. “Some had an age difference (large enough) to make it statutory rape,” Reiss told the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The practice is driven by some religiously conservative parents “who do not want their child to have boyfriends or to go to college unattended,” Abed Awad, a legal expert from Hasbrouck Heights who is an expert in religious law, testified. “They want control and decide who their child marries at a young age,” rather than allowing their child to mature and decide, ‘I’m in New Jersey, I’m an American, I’m going to college. I am going to decide who I marry.”

There is some opposition to the measure. State Sen. Michael Doherty (R-Warren), who voted against the bill, insisted there should be exceptions to the law, arguing for people enlisting in the military, saying they often marry young. He also raised the possibility of teenage girls who get pregnant before the age of 18, want to tie the knot, and would find it hard to get health insurance on her own. However, the committee voted 10-1 to pass the bill, with state Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth) abstaining.

Pratibha Jairath’s Bollywood Sargam presents Valentine’s Day Party

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion 0

Chicago IL: Pratibha Jairath’s Bollywood Sargam presented Valentine party at Ashton place in a romantic style with red roses at the entrance of the banquet hall, and was attended by over 200 guests. For couples, romantics and sky-watchers, Valentine’s Day 2017 was perfect. A full moon greeted lovers and sweethearts on this special day. Saint Valentine’s Day, also known as Valentine’s Day observed on February 14 each year

The evening started with welcome from Anoop Walia. He introduced the host of the evening, Pratibha Jairath as a person who brings community together by her persona, her energy and her desire to touch everyone’s heart. He spoke of her journey, as to how she started planning Sangeet and choreographing dances for her close circles. He eluted to her recent successful NYE show.

With romantic old and new numbers by Pratibha Jairath, who was joined by Raju Bankapur, a well-known singer, charming the audience. The party was in full swing with numbers like Baby Doll, Chittiyaan Kalaiyan, Om shanti Om and Deewangi, Gulabi Aankhen and so on. The duets like Tum hi ho, Soch Na sake, Tere sang yaara brought lovely couples to floor for waltz dancing. This was then followed by some very nice listening numbers by Dr. Manohar Jethani such as Pal Pal dil ke paas, Ek ladki ko Dakha and so on. People requested some more wonderful unique numbers from Dr. Jethani.

Ashika Kalra sought help with her project to help schools back home through her Vidya Dan project. Loomba of Home Mortgage Loan Solutions was the grand sponsor for Vidya dan project and he said he will take care of the first part of her project and students will have a great library of books.

The sumptuous dinner was followed by an interesting surprise like Belly dancer with Candalbra and folks cheered her on at Mahiya mahiya song’s fusion dance. Jairath presented the audience with the Bollywood dress up and fashion walk which was loved by the audience.

Shobhana Patel, said, “I am happy to be here on this occasion as this gives me an opportunity to impress my boyfriend.” “Due to our hectic schedule, we hardly get quality time to spend with each other,” Sonia Shah, an IT Engineer from Schaumburg IL. “Valentine’s Day is a good excuse to make that time and get the romance back.”

New US report exposes India’s mistreatment of minorities

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, India, U.S. 0

India fails to comply with international standards on freedom of religion leading to the discrimination and persecution of religious minorities, said a new report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.

The report, “Constitutional and Legal Challenges Faced by Religious Minorities in India” said that, although the country’s Constitution guarantees equal rights to religious minorities, the government fails to comply with international standards.

US Commission on International Religious Freedom
(http://www.uscirf.gov/) has asked newly-appointed President Donald Trump to put
“religious freedom and human rights at the heart of all trade, aid, and diplomatic
interactions with India” and urge the Government of India “to push Indian
states that have adopted anti-conversion laws to repeal or amend them to
conform to international norms.”

In an unusually sharp critique of the BJP-led NDA government, the USCIRF
wants the US administration to identify and act against “Hindutva groups
that raise funds from US citizens and support hate campaigns in India”,
adding, “Such groups should be banned from operating in the US if they are found
to spread hatred against religious minorities in India.”

Referring to the March 2016 amendment to the FCRA, introduced “to legalize
funding by foreign entities to political parties”, the USCIRF states, “
The amendment enables foreign Hindu organizations to send money to
India-based radical Hindu organizations”.
It insists, these radical groups “have been seeking funds for the
controversial Ghar Wapsi campaign ”, launched by Hindutva groups to aggressively
oppose the right to convert to religions like Islam and Christianity.

Especially citing a report prepared by US-based South Asia Citizens Web
(SACW), “Hindu Nationalism in the United States”, USCIRF says, the report
refers “policies and actions of Hindu radical groups in the US, and covers
tax records, newspaper articles, and other sources on the NGOs in the US
affiliated with the Sangh Parivar … and BJP.”

USCIRF approvingly quotes the SACW report as saying, “India-based Sangh
affiliates receive social and financial support from its US-based wings, the
latter of which exist largely as tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the
US.”

SAWC, says USCIRF, identifies US-based organizations which carry out these
activities. These are “Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of
America, Sewa International USA, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation-USA, and the
Overseas Friends of the Bharatiya Janata Party-USA.”

USCIRF regrets, “While the Indian government continues to use the FCRA to
limit foreign funding for some NGOs, Hindutva supporter organizations have
never come under the scrutiny of the FCRA”, adding, “With the new
amendment to the FCRA, these foreign-based radical Hindu organizations will be able
to send funds to India, without restriction, to support hate campaigns.”

At the same time, the report states, the FCRA is being used against
organizations which take up human rights of minorities, pointing to how the Modi
government has been blocking funds “to hamper the activities of NGOs that
question or condemn the government or its policies”.

It also enumerates India’s failure to ensure the rights of Dalit people, those from socially and economically poor castes, once considered untouchables. “Religious minority communities and Dalits, both have faced discrimination and persecution due to a combination of overly broad or ill-defined laws, an inefficient criminal justice system, and a lack of jurisprudential consistency,” the report said.

Hindus form the majority 80 percent of India’s 1.2 billion people while Muslims form some 15 percent. Christians, the second largest religious minority, form just 2.3 percent. Dalits and tribal people make up 70 percent of India’s 27 million Christians.

In 2016, at least 10 Christians were killed and over 500 members of the community were attacked for their faith or for allegedly converting people to Christianity, said a report by the Catholic Secular Forum in January 2017.

“Symbolic and structural violence has increased in the country since 2014. The government needs to respond to such violence in a much more sensible way rather than denying it,” said Samuel Jaikumar of the National Council of Churches in India, a union of all Protestant and Orthodox Churches.

The U.S. report said that seven of the 29 states have adopted laws banning religious conversions, which has resulted in inequitable practices. The report said that state governments have described church humanitarian aid and development “as a cause of improper and unethical conversions.”

The report also said that India’s law to regulate foreign funding has consistently been used against civil society organizations, charities and other non-governmental organizations that question government policies.

In June 2015, India put the leading Christian charity, Caritas International, on its watch list. The charity, which is the social arm of the Vatican, was scrutinized for alleged “anti-India activities,” the report said.

With a special reference, in this context, to the clampdown on human
rights activist Teesta Setalvad for “violating” FCRA, the report praises her
for “campaigning to seek criminal charges against Indian officials, including
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their alleged involvement in the
anti-Muslim riots.”

Referring to the Indian Divorce Act 2001 that restricts inheritance, alimony payments, and property ownership of people from interfaith marriages, the report said the law is “problematic.”
“The act also interferes in the personal lives of Christians by not allowing marriage ceremonies to be conducted in a church if one of the partners is non-Christian,” it added.

The cow protection laws in India which restrict or ban cow slaughter are “often mixed with anti-Muslim sentiment,” the report said. Cow slaughter “has remained a perpetual source of tension between Hindu, Muslim and Dalit communities.”

In recommendation, it said that India should stop harassing groups, reform anti-conversion laws, and establish “a test of reasonableness” surrounding prohibitions on cow slaughter. It also asked India to adopt the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

 

Indian American Muslim Council condemns inaction of Indian lawmakers

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, India 0

A whopping Rs. 333 crores of development funds unspent due to MP inaction

Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC – iamc.com) a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding India’s pluralist and tolerant ethos, today expressed dismay over the shocking indifference of Members of Parliament from UP, as demonstrated by a report it released yesterday. The report, titled “Uttar Pradesh Members of Parliament Performance Report,” shows Lok Sabha MPs, 71 of them from the BJP are responsible for over 333 crores of development funds lying unspent, only due to their inaction and indifference.

The study, conducted by US-based news portal TwoCircles.net and commissioned by IAMC, finds that 71 crores of the unspent funds were in 17 Dalit-majority constituencies and over 64 crores unspent in 16 other constituencies where Muslims are over 20% of the population. The MPs in both cases are from the BJP. Every MP is given Rs 5 crore per annum for development works in their respective constituencies.

BJP’s claim of inclusive development, as articulated in their slogan of “sabka saath sabka vikaas,” rings hollow in the face of such indifference and inaction. It is also an indication of what UP can expect, given BJP’s penchant for granting election tickets to criminals.

“Elected officials have a duty to serve their constituents through every possible mechanism made available to them by the system,” said Mr. Jawad Khan, President of IAMC. “Funds allocated for development lying unspent due to MP inaction is highly deplorable,” added Mr. Khan.

In the face of upcoming elections in UP, the BJP’s strategy of unleashing fierce Hindutva through shutting down of slaughterhouses and threatening to use vigilantes, is cynical and dangerous. It also points to the party’s desperate efforts to deflect attention from the demonetisation disaster.

Indian-American Muslim Council is the largest advocacy organization of Indian Muslims in the United States with chapters across the nation. For more information, please visit our website at: http://iamc.com

Hindu temple opens in California’s Santa Clarita

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, India, U.S. 0

Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple Santa Clarita (SSVTSC), where the main deity is Lord Ganesh, had its grand-opening on February nine evening in Valencia neighborhood of Santa Clarita (California).

Mission of Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple of SSVTSC, a non-profit organization, is “to serve Santa Clarita community by offering a place to worship, practice spirituality, celebrate festivals and cultural activities”. It plans to have Ganesh Puja (worship) and other services every Saturday, besides various activities/programs for everyone round the year, including programs for children and charity food donations.

Temple opening puja was performed by priest Cherukupalli Narasimhacharya and Tyger White of Santa Clarita Valley Interfaith Council also participated in the celebrations. Temple leaders/volunteers reportedly include Mano Dhana, Suman Dutta, Prakash, Deepthi Rajaraaman, Gautam Deepthi, Kavitha Muru, Aparna Kiran, Vijay Sharma and Ritu Khadiya.

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

In Hinduism, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world has about one billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

Incorporated in 1987, City of Santa Clarita is claimed to be “one of the best places to live in California”. Notable people associated with it include Oscar winner filmmaker Tim Burton, Olympian gold medalists track-field sprinter Allyson Felix and swimmer Anthony Ervin, etc. Cameron Smyth and Dr. Kenneth W. Striplin are Mayor and City Manager respectively.

A.R. Rahman Teams Up with Toronto-based Production House for Maiden Directorial Venture

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Award-winning composer, producer, and singer-songwriter A.R. Rahman can also add director to his list of credits thanks to Canada’s newest film and music production company, Toronto-based Ideal Entertainment.

Rahman is collaborating with Canadian company Ideal Entertainment to put forth three films, including “Le Musk.” The other two are “99 Songs” and “One Heart-The A.R. Rahman Concert Film.” Rahman was in Toronto last week for Ideal Entertainment’s media launch. He told host George Stroumboulopoulos it was his dream to produce quality movies based on music. And after writing his first script, he wanted to find financiers that believed in his vision.

Talking about his association with Ideal Entertainment, Rahman said: “I’m looking forward to continuing my collaboration with Ideal Entertainment because they truly understand the sensibilities of the audiences I’m trying to reach through my projects. On a personal level, I know the people at Ideal Entertainment have worked hard to come up in life, so they share the value, I put on hard work.”

Toronto’s Mayor John Tory was also present at the event, and he not only raved about Rahman and his talent but also asked him to consider “establishing a third home in Toronto.”  Tory said: “Mr. Rahman is a living music legend, whose talents have been celebrated worldwide, which inspire several lives. His endeavors span among local and international artistry music, dance and theater and his iconic work reinforces the need to celebrate the art and the entertainment scene in Toronto. Our industry in Toronto continues to look for opportunities to collaborate with him. We want him to visit often and even consider establishing a third home here,” he added.

 

Prakash Patil is ‘Mr. United Nations 2016’

Staff ReporterEntertainment, Profiles, U.S. 0

Extraordinary talented and handsome International Model/Actor – Prakash Patil was nominated as Mr. USA from USA at United Nations Pageant World finals and brought home the winning title the “MR. United Nations 2016”. Pageant was held in Knutsford Court Hotel, Kingston, Jamaica country with contestants participating from many different countries across the world.

The United Nations Pageant has been conceptualized as a prestigious international event, bringing together representatives of a wide range of communities and cultures from all over the Globe; from the world’s most culturally diverse state, the delegates aim to share common values and foster international friendship and understanding. The pageant’s principal objective is to identify and showcase the world’s best tourism cause ambassadors; those who have the skills, talents and personalities best suited to promote their respective countries in furtherance of tourism, international goodwill and cultural harmony. Apart from a strong emphasis on goodwill tourism protection programs and destinations promotion.

Prakash was judged on different rounds namely High Fashion Wear, National Costume, Evening wear, Sportswear and Interview (Question and Answer) and charity work. During Interview round Prakash articulated with excellent social and conversational skills. He expressed himself clearly, diplomatically, and projected a pleasant personality, and approachable at all times. At National costume he worn outstanding Shervani (Sponsored by Vasavi Collections) a national symbols/heritage of his country. Prakash dignified spirit, energy, creativity and the own personal interpretation with sense of style. In Fashion Wear round Prakash had enlightening costume (Sponsored by Designer Mischka Velesco),his fashion & style on the runway was memorizing. He won Best High Fashion Award.

He is very well-renowned and commercially successful model as compared to other Indian Models in USA. He has accomplished so much in such a short span of time.

Prakash had worked on main stream American Modeling runway such as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Couture New York Fashion Week, NYC Fashion Week, IIFA preview runway, Brooklyn Fashion Week and had been show stopper for high scale designers. Prakash has been featured in top notch magazines like Floss magazine, Moetic Magazine, Alize La Vie Magazine, Vicissitude Magazine, Black Tie International Magazine, globalfashionwire.com etc.

The recent title of Mr. United Nations has undoubtedly added another feather in his already decorated cap, which gives a moment of pride, not just to Prakash but to each and every one of us. Patil stands out from other models; because he has expanded his brand into other forms of entertainment, is professional under any and all circumstances; has incredible talent, class, and poise. Prakash is known not only for being attractive but also for knowing how to work all the angles. In addition, his talent, skill, looks; accomplishments, personal traits, and overall brand make him commercially more marketable and most successful amongst his Indian Model Peers in the USA.

As an Actor Prakash played a lead role in music video album for famous Bollywood singers Shreya Ghoshal and Pankaj Kumar which has more than 164,0000 views on youtube. Patil played a unique role as actor in films like The Other Side of New York, Spices of Liberty, They always Win and currently Brand ambassador for Lejubon Ties.

Prakash’s air fare around trip was sponsored by Aeroworld travel agency (www.aeroworldtravel.com) and is one of best travel agency to make your travel destinations a great pleasure. Prakash added, “I am very thankful to Mohinder Singh and Arora K Simi sponsoring and believing in me.”

The humble and soft-spoken Prakash gives all the credit of his success to his parents who live in India and Special thanks to Mr. Leon Williams (CEO & President of United Nations Pageants). After winning the most coveted title of Mr. United Nations, Prakash adds, “I wish to thank everyone for giving me such a great opportunity to showcase my talent across the globe. It is a great moment of glory as I am honored at such a prestigious event in front of such illustrious guests. I look forward to using this opportunity to achieve greater heights and giving back to those who have showered their love on me and believed in me. I will utilize my achievements for the welfare of people in the world and towards world peace.”

DFW South Asian Film Festival Unveils Closing Night Premiere & Entire Festival Lineup

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(Dallas, Texas – February 10, 2017) Now in its third year, the Dallas/Fort Worth South Asian Film Festival (DFW SAFF), taking place from March 3rd to 5th at the Perot Museum (downtown Dallas) and AMC Village on the Parkway 9 (Addison), will showcase 19 shorts, documentaries and feature films, over a three-day-period.

The closing night film will be the North American premiere of Ananth Mahadevan’s Marathi biopic “Doctor Rakhmabai,” starring Tannishtha Chatterjee, the queen of independent cinema, in the title role. It is the story of India’s first practicing lady doctor, social rebel and medical pioneer who paved the way for a fight against gender discrimination. “Not only will this be our closing night film, it will also nicely round out the women’s programming at our festival,” said founder and director, Jitin Hingorani.

The entire festival schedule is as follows: Friday, March 3rd – Opening Night Screening, Red Carpet & VIP Reception at Perot Museum (downtown Dallas) from 6 p.m. to midnight.

On Saturday, March 4th – Shorts, Documentaries, Centerpiece Programming at AMC Village on the Parkway 9 (Addison) from 11 a.m. to midnight: And, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Youth Programming; “India in a Day” (documentary) will be followed by winning videos of Parish School’s  “One Minute Smartphone Video” contest & scholarships.

“The highlights of our programming this year are a focus on Marathi regional cinema with one short and two feature films in that language,” said Ambica Dev, the festival’s artistic director. “You’ll also notice themes of Indo-Pak (Hindu/Muslim) programming sprinkled throughout, given that 2017 is the 70th anniversary of India and Pakistan’s independence. Finally, we are proud to say that almost one-third of our films have a child as the central or prominent character.”

Actors, Directors & Producers in attendance at the festival include Satish Kaushik – actor/producer/writer/director; Viveck Vaswani – actor/producer/writer; Tannishtha Chatterjee – actor; Sayani Gupta – actor; Rupak Ginn- actor; Mehreen Jabbar – director; Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy – director; Mian Adnan Ahmed – director; and Sami Khan – director.
JINGO Media, a Dallas and NYC-based, public relations and events management company, produces the annual festival of South Asian independent cinema in North Texas. The third iteration of the festival boasts 19 curated shorts, documentaries and feature films (over a three-day period), which will focus on issues affecting South Asians and explore the lives and stories of the Diaspora working and living in the United States.

“All-access” festival passes, which provide admission to all of the films, networking events and after parties, are currently available for the early-bird price of $150 before February 15th, after which the price increases to $175. Trailers, synopses and ticketing information are all available on the festival’s web site, www.dfwsaff.com. ;

Lawmakers of Indian Origin critical of Trump’s immigration policy

Staff ReporterIndia, U.S. 0

Indian-American lawmakers have slammed US President Donald Trump for signing executive orders to reshape the country’s immigration policies, describing the move as “anti-immigrant” that will “tear apart” families.

Trump has escalated his anti-immigrants stand with a series of executive orders that will “tear families apart,” while weakening the public safety and national security, said Senator Kamala Harris, the first Indian-American to be elected to the upper chamber of the United States Congress.

Indian-American Senator Kamala D. Harris, D-California, a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, introduced her first piece of legislation Feb. 9, the Access to Counsel Act, that would guarantee those detained while attempting to enter the United States, access to legal counsel. It is doubtful this bill would be passed in a Republican-majority Senate. She was joined in the House of Representatives by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, who introduced companion legislation.

Harris said the reports of refugees, Green Card holders, and even U.S. citizens—many of whom women, elderly, or children— held for long periods of time, and denied access to volunteer lawyers, spurred her to introduce her first piece of legislation since she took office early january.

Despite temporary restraining orders against holding Legal Permanent Residents, accounts of protracted holding at ports of entry still came in, even after the reversal in the agencies’ policies, Harris said.

Rep. Jayapal’s companion legislation was co-signed in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. John Conyers, D-Michigan, Zoe Lofgren, D-California, Jerrold Nadler, D- New York,  Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas, Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, Judy Chu, D-Ca., Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, Eric Swalwell, D-Cal., Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Cal., and Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-New Mexico.

“Creating a deportation force to target immigrant families who are contributing to our society is not a show of strength. Asking taxpayers to pay for an unrealistic border wall is not a solution. And telling cities to deny public safety, education, and health services to kids and families is irresponsible and cruel,” said Harris.

She said that the US was now “less safe” because of the “anti-immigrant” policies followed by the President. “Immigrants will report fewer crimes, more families will live in fear, and our communities and local economies will suffer,” Harris said.

Indian-American Seattle representative Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who has earlier announced not to attend Trump’s presidential inauguration, slammed the President for moving forward with his “divisive agenda” that will do nothing to solve the real immigration issues.

“He has doubled down on his agenda that pits mother against mother, neighbour against neighbour, tearing up the fabric of our communities,” Jayapal said.

“We must take on enacting comprehensive and humane reform of our broken immigration system – to support our economy, our communities and our families – but the President offers zero leadership in this area,” she said. “Instead of building walls, we should address the underlying systemic issues that drive immigration and fix our own outdated immigration system. Instead of banning refugees and people based on their religion, we should welcome them with open arms,” she said.

Jayapal said that as a world superpower it is US’s moral responsibility to provide a sanctuary to all who need it most. The lawmakers were also joined by Senator Chuck Schumer and Democratic Whip Congressman Steny H Hoyer in opposing Trump’s immigration policies.

“President Trump’s plans are based on alternative facts and do nothing to keep us safe or fix our immigration system in a humane, pragmatic and effective way,” Schumer said.

Kareena Kapoor Khan Is ‘Feel Alive’ Ambassador for Sony BBC Earth

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Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has come on board as a ‘Feel Alive’ ambassador for soon-to-be launched factual entertainment channel Sony BBC Earth. Kareena Kapoor has been chosen as she is known to have a spirited, ‘full-of-life’ personality both on and off screen, said a statement issued on behalf of the channel.

Her vibrant persona coupled with her love for the natural world were the key factors in opting for the actress to represent the most awaited channel of 2017, the statement added. Saurabh Yagnik, Executive Vice President and Business Head, English Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India, said: “We are excited to have Kareena Kapoor Khan as the ‘Feel Alive’ Ambassador for Sony BBC Earth.”

“Her personality perfectly resonates with our brand proposition and channel content, which will be revealed soon. I am confident that this unique association will take the factual entertainment experience to a whole new level for our viewers in India.”

Madhuri Dixit launches Indian Academy Awards in California

Staff ReporterEntertainment, India, U.S. 0

Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit joined entertainment executives at a news conference to announce details of the first-ever Indian Academy Awards in July this year. Known for its entrepreneurship and technological innovation, Silicon Valley may soon find itself in the global spotlight courtesy of another industry — entertainment. India-based Cineyug and Brainstorm Entertainment have joined forces to bring to the audiences the first Indian Academy Awards.

With an aim to take Indian film industry closer to its global dream, at a press conference held Jan. 27 at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara, Calif., the organizers announced the unique selling proposition of these awards along with unveiling the flashy ‘Golden Knight’ trophy.

“Where else to do it than here in the Silicon Valley where Indians have put India on the global map? They have created so many disruptive things that have changed the way things work in the world and the way society and everything else is percieved,” said Dixi. “I’m so glad that we’re doing it here.”

Promising to bring “the best of Hollywood, Bollywood and Tollywood together to create history in the entertainment world,” the award ceremony is to be organized by Los Angeles-based Brainstorm Media.

“We wanted to create a platform for Indian cinema and world cinema,” said Vandana Krishna, co-founder of Brainstorm Entertainment. “The whole idea came when we were looking at cinema and how it was going global; we figured out that the Indian film industry is going global today. Therefore, the awards are a celebration, a dedication to this democratic academy. These awards are for the people, by the people and of the people.”

Announcing an open voting system, Krishna stressed that the voting process would be a “transparent, honest and an absolutely credible” one. “We will be doing a global voting to engage viewers across the world who are cinema lovers to vote and choose their favorite stars,” she said.

Global audiences will be a part of the jury, she said, inviting the fans to register and participate on www.indianacademyaward.com, where very soon they will be able to vote for their favorite films and stars in over 17 categories. A credible certifying agency will be auditing the entire process.

The awards, which will be hosted by none other than Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, will be a two-day extravaganza of live performances featuring top stars from Bollywood, South Indian cinema and Hollywood, which will be choreographed by contemporary dance guru Shiamak Davar along with music and fashion shows.

Former RBI Chief Raghuram Rajan is back in Chicago

Staff ReporterIndia, Profiles 0

After returning to academia following a controversial stint as the RBI Governor, Raghuram Rajan has said it felt ‘great to be back’ riding his bike in Chicago. He added that he hopes to do it as long as he can.  “Taking my bike out and riding the bike path along Lake Shore Drive, that’s one of the great experiences in my life. And I hope to do it as long as I can. It’s great to be back,” Rajan said in an interview with the media team of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Rajan was governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 2013 to September 2016. His tenure was marked by both bouquets and brickbats but saw severe criticism from some political quarters towards the end, including personal attacks.

In a letter to the RBI staff, he had said he plans to return to academia but said “I will, of course, always be available to serve my country when needed.” He was accused of refusing to lower rates to boost growth, though Rajan often cited data to the contrary.

Previously, he served as the chief economist and director of research at the International Monetary Fund (from 2003 to 2006).

“This (Booth School of Business) has been my home for 25 years. It’s a great city. I have great colleagues. And it’s a wonderful school. It’s different every time you come back. If it wasn’t different, it wouldn’t be doing its job,” Rajan said.

Rajan was governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 2013 to September 2016. His tenure was marked by both bouquets and brickbats but saw severe criticism from some political quarters towards the end, including personal attacks.

He is currently Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, which he joined in 1991.

BAPS celebrates Indian-American culture at the Texas capitol building in Austin

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, India, U.S. 0

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha hosted a celebration of Indian-American culture at the historic Texas State Capitol in Austin earlier this month. The celebration was sponsored by State Representative Matt Rinaldi of House District 115, who represents a BAPS temple in Irving, Tex.

On the morning of Feb. 1, a group of BAPS representatives were recognized during the 85th Legislative regular session, where a resolution commemorating this inaugural event was read. The resolution also noted the myriad of contributions by Indian-Americans to the Lone Star State and lauded BAPS’ commitment to community service in Texas and across the nation, a BAPS press release said.

Throughout the day BAPS members from across Texas met with their respective state representatives and senators to share the background on the Hindu faith and on the Indian-American community’s history and growth.

Hosted by BAPS, at the historic Texas State Capitol on Feb. 1, State Representative Matt Rinaldi of House District 115 fondly spoke of the contributions of Indian-Americans to the Lone Star State.

“This event is not only a chance for Indian-Americans to learn about government, but also for their government to learn about Indian culture and to provide a learning experience for senators and representatives,” the press release quoted Rep. Rinaldi as saying.

Throughout the celebration, speakers shared their thoughts on the diverse contributions of Indian-Americans to the economic and cultural fabric of Texas. “We value what BAPS has done for our community, from its Walkathon to its Health Fair…BAPS works tirelessly to make Irving, Texas and our district a better place,” Rep. Rinaldi continued.

“I am honored to be here this evening. I know firsthand from my work and relationship with BAPS about what a great job it does and how it impacts thousands of lives across the state,” Chris Wallace, president of the Texas Association of Business said. His remarks highlighted the importance of nurturing and advancing the relationship between the growing population of over 275,000 Indian-Americans in Texas and the state government, the press release noted.

The program also touched on the role of the BAPS temples. “Inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, places of worship, such as the beautiful, hand-carved stone mandir in Stafford, Texas, reflects the diverse culture of our state and demonstrates that the contributions of the Indian-American diaspora go beyond simply the economic realm,” said Ketan Inamdar of Missouri City, Tex.

The current spiritual leader, Mahant Swami Maharaj, as always inspired the Indian- American community to celebrate our shared culture and develop a sense of identity and pride in our heritage, he said.

AARP Foundation offers Tax assistance

Staff ReporterCommunity, U.S. 0

WASHINGTON, February 9, 2017 – Beginning today through April 18, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 49th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, offering free tax preparation help to anyone, especially those who are 50 and older, who cannot afford a tax preparation service.

Some locations offer assistance in additional languages, including Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese. For more information or to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site, visit aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). An appointment may be required.

“Our bilingual volunteers generously give their time to help taxpayers who don’t speak English or speak English as a second language prepare their returns,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “We need more bilingual volunteers so if you can help translate, please join our Tax-Aide volunteer team so that we can expand our services to Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.”

Tax-Aide, which is offered free of charge, is available to AARP members and non-members and includes more than 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers nationwide. Since 1968, Tax-Aide has helped nearly 50 million low- to moderate-income taxpayers.

In 2016, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped 2.7 million people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions and file their federal and state tax returns. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.41 billion in income tax refunds and more than $240 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income older adults have nutritious food, affordable housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem-solving. Supported by vigorous legal advocacy, we create and advance effective solutions that help struggling older adults transform their lives. AARP Foundation is the affiliated charity of AARP.

“Growing Up Smith” Expands Theatrical Release to Additional Cities in Second Week

Staff ReporterEntertainment, U.S. 0

(New York, NY – February 3, 2017)  Due to an overwhelming response to advance ticket sales during opening weekend (February 3rd), the heartfelt family comedy Growing Up Smith, directed by Frank Lotito, and starring Jason Lee (My Name is Earl) and Anjul Nigam (Bad Words and True Detective), has been slated to release in several additional markets on February 10th, including Philadelphia, Hartford, Boston and Detroit.

With major rave reviews, the film has reached new heights. The New York Times Review stated, “The film has accidental topicality now with the debate over immigration swirling, but you don’t need to burden it with politics to be touched by its tale of a child who is pulled by two very different cultural worlds.”

Fort Worth Star Telegram calls the film “charmingly amusing and surprisingly timely…like an extended episode of ‘The Wonder Years.'” Josh Hurtado, ScreenAnarchy wrote, “Growing Up Smith is a solid watch for kids of a certain age, or really anyone who has ever been a little bit different from those around them.”

Directed by Frank Lotito, the film is produced by Anjul Nigam, Frank Lotito, Steve Straka, and the story was written by Anjul Nigam, Paul Quinn, Gregory Scott Houghton. In 1979, a family from India moves to America with hopes of living the American Dream. While their 10-year-old boy Smith falls head-over-heels for the girl next door, his desire to become a “good old boy” propels him further away from his family’s ideals than ever before. A tribute to childhood heroes, first love and growing up in Small Town, America… in simpler times.

The film has the following stars performing. Jason Lee (“My Name Is Earl”), Anjul Nigam (“Bad Words”), Brighton Sharbino (“The Walking Dead”), Hilarie Burton (“One Tree Hill”), Jake Busey (“From Dusk Till Dawn”),  Tim Guinee (“Iron Man 1 and 2”), Alison Wright (“The Americans”), Poorna Jagannathan (“Delhi Belly”), Samrat Chakrabarti (“Waiting City”) and introducing Roni Akurati as “Smith”

Distributed by Good Deed Entertainment and inspired by a true story set in the year 1979, Growing Up Smith is about a family from India that moves to America with hopes of living the American Dream. While their 10-year-old boy, Smith, falls head-over-heels for the girl next door, his desire to become a “good old boy” propels him further away from his family’s ideas than ever before.

Whether he is impersonating John Travolta from “Saturday Night Fever” or cleverly dodging bullies, or secretly crushing on his neighbor, 14-year-old Roni Akurati, who makes his feature film debut with “Growing Up Smith,” totally gives the grown-up actors a run for their money with his acting skills and charm.

After a 25-festival run winning accolades and awards along the way, Indian American actor/filmmaker Anjul Nigam’s personal and poignant tale of a 10-year-old boy struggling to find his place in the United States in 1979 in a small town of America, “Growing Up Smith,” is finally making its way to the theaters.

So mark your calendar as there is more than one reason to watch “Growing Up Smith,” a story filled with heart and emotion. Replete with humor, top-notch acting by an incredible cast comprising of Jason Lee, Brighton Sharbino, Poorna Jagannathan, Samrat Chakrabarti, and Akurati, and a relatable storyline, the film, which opens in theaters Feb. 3, is sure to keep you engaged.

Akurati plays the title role of Smith, the 10-year-old son of India-born-and-raised parents Bhaaskar Bhatnagar (Nigam) and Nalini Bhatnagar (Jagannathan) in this clash-of-the-cultures comedy.

As a child who immigrates to the U.S. with his family, and navigates his new life in America, as his family, especially his father, tries to straddle the line between embracing the American Dream – starting with his American-sounding name – and preserving their Indian heritage, Akurati is a sheer delight to watch.

This little resident of Lake Zurich, Illinois, was in India when the auditions were happening for the role. Nigam had previously told India-West that the director and the producers had to make do with Skype calls. After several times of auditioning through Skype, he came to Los Angeles for a screen test with Brighton Sharbino, who plays Amy, his neighbor’s daughter.

Working on the film was a “great experience,” Akurati said in a statement. “I had lots of fun, and I also learned a lot about how films are made,” he said.

Akurati, truly a natural talent, has starred in shows like Comedy Central’s “Another Period” and Nickelodeon’s fantasy horror series, “Deadtime Stories.” Akurati, who was 11 during the shoot, brought in his expertise that came from performing at theaters like Goodman Theater in Chicago, Illinois, and Huntington Theater in Boston, Massachusetts. “The Jungle Book” and “A Christmas Carol” are just some of the productions that he has been associated with.

The young Indian American actor also added that any acting project would be fine by him, but comedies interest him the most. “In light of the recent immigration concerns in our country, this film highlights a positive immigrant experience in the late 70s and reminds us that love does not see race or creed,” said Scott Donley, CEO & Founder of Good Deed Entertainment.
Actor/Writer/Producer Nigam says that “the movie is a tribute to childhood heroes, first love and growing up in Small Town, America. We’re proud to say that it’s a film with no explosions, no profanity and no violence,” which is the unspoken mantra at Nigam’s production company, Brittany House Pictures.

CUNY Professor Sangeeta Pratap awarded Mexico’s top Prize for Economics

Staff ReporterFinance/Economy, Profiles 0

Professor Sangeeta Pratap of the Economics Department has been awarded the Banamex Prize, an annual award recognizing the best research, analysis, and solutions to the economic problems in Mexico. This international prize, Mexico’s highest and most distinguished economic award, is administered by the Banco Nacional de Mexico, the largest commercial bank in Mexico.

For more than 60 years, this award has selected and championed the work of some of the most notable minds in economics in and around Mexico, including writer and intellectual Grabriel Zaid, Governor of the Bank of Mexico Augustín Carstens, economist Santiago Levy, and former Secretary of Finance and Public Credit Luis Videgaray Caso. Now, Professor Pratap – and her co-authors, Carlos Urrutia and Felipe Meza – joins their ranks, earning the prize for their paper, “Credit, Misallocation and Productivity Growth.”

Jointly written with colleagues from the Instituto Tenológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), where she worked for 8 years before coming to Hunter, Professor Pratap’s paper analyzes the linkages between the cost and availability of credit and the efficiency of different economic sectors. The authors found that economic growth is possible – even in a macro-economic crunch, when general credit availability is low – if credit is carefully allocated towards certain sectors of the economy that are primed to use it most effectively and increase productivity. Economic growth, the authors determine, depends on strategic resource management.

This paper, which uses novel data sets and state of the art macroeconomic models, is well in line with the rest of Professor Pratap’s interests and research, which include macroeconomics, development economics, and econometrics. She was born in India and studied at universities in India, the UK, and the United States, earning her Ph.D. in Economics from New York University. She joined the Hunter Faculty in 2006, and has since published several other scholarly articles, in economics journals such as the Journal of Monetary Economics,  European Economic Review, and Review of Economic Dynamics, among others. In addition to her previous professorship at ITAM and her current one at Hunter, Professor Pratap has also held visiting positions at the European University Institute in Florence and the Paris School of Economics.

“I have worked for several years analyzing the processes of economic development in Mexico, a country very dear to my heart,” says Professor Pratap. “I am thrilled to receive the Banamex prize along with my co-authors recognizing our work.”

She traveled to Mexico City for the award ceremony on December 13th, where the prize was given by Mexican Minister of Finance Jose Antonio Meade. Congratulations to Professor Pratap on this outstanding honor.

Preet Bharara to take on corruption in NY City Hall

Staff ReporterProfiles, U.S. 0

Preet Bharara, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, is scheduled to meet with Mayor Bill de Blasio, in connection with investigation into possible corruption at City hall, news reports said. The Indian American Preet Bharara’s meeting with de Blasio, which will be held in the next two weeks without the protection of immunity.

The feds first began zeroing in on the mayor last October when they subpoenaed thousands of ­e-mails and documents from his office pertaining to his 2013 campaign and nonprofit group, the Campaign for One New York, the New York Post said in a report Jan. 27.

It said that the nonprofit was shut down and “is charged with promoting the mayor’s progressive agenda,” including eliminating income ­inequality, gentrification and police brutality.

According to the Post report, it allegedly funneled money from wealthy donors into de Blasio’s campaign coffer. The nonprofit’s campaign finance director, Ross Offinger, has been under scrutiny for his role in the operation.

The Post report said that sources told the station that the mayor is convinced he can prove to investigators that he has not traded government favors for political donations during his time in office.

 

Kal Penn thanks fans for raising over $800,000 for Syrian refugees

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‘I’m so speechless. Thank you for continuing to share our stories on social media’

Kal Penn has thanked fans for raising over $800,000 for Syrian refugees, after beginning a fundraising page late last month. The Harold and Kumar actor – who was later appointed as a public engagement advisor to Barack Obama – started the campaign after Tweeting a picture of an abrasive comment from Instagram.

Penn, who was born to Indian parents in New Jersey, shared the image with the fundraising page link on the social media site, along with the message: “Donating to Syrian refugees in the name of the dude who said I don’t belong in America.

To the dude who said I don’t belong in America, I started a fundraising page for Syrian Refugees in your name. https://t.co/NOR5P48fBipic.twitter.com/jtJOsK9GrU
— Kal Penn (@kalpenn) 28 January 2017
“We are better than the hateful people who tell us we don’t belong in our own country, that American can’t be a beacon of freedom and hope for refugees from around the world,” he wrote on the page. We will turn their bigotry, along with the President’s, into love.”

Penn, 39, is a US citizen, born to Gujarati immigrant parents in Montclair, New Jersey. The actor has starred in various TV shows and films such as “Harold & Kumar” and “House”.
After a weekend of nationwide protests following President Donald Trump’s immigration order indefinitely banning Syrian refugees and temporarily banning nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries, Penn, a former White House staffer, expressed his dismay at the executive order on Instagram with a post stating: “Families are being torn apart. Shame on us. This is un-American. What Donald Trump and the Republican Party are doing is wholly unAmerican.”

The initial goal was set at $2,500. But funds are pouring in for the cause. In two days, at the last count, the campaign had raised $632,485 and showed no signs of slowing down.
Fans began donating money in their own name, but also on behalf of Steven Bannon, Melania Trump, Kellyanne Conway and – of course – Donald Trump.

In his fourth update on the fundraising page, Penn thanked fans for all their donations, writing: “I just want to keep it short and let you know that so far, you have raised a total of $813,533 and counting for Syrian Refugees through Internation Rescue Committee (‘in the name of the dude who said I don’t belong in America’, haha)!
His tweet read: “To the dude who said I don’t belong in America, I started a fund raising page for Syrian refugees in your name.”

Here is the link to Penn’s fundraising page: https://cdn.crowdrise.com/donating-to-syrian-refugees-in-the-name-of-the-dude-who-said-i-dont-belong-in-america/fundraiser/kalpenn

Author Bharati Mukherjee dies at 78

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Bharati Mukherjee, an Indian-born American writer who explored the internal culture clashes of her immigrant characters in the award-winning collection “The Middleman and Other Stories” and in novels like “Jasmine,” died on Saturday, January 28th in Manhattan. She was 76.

The cause was complications of rheumatoid arthritis and takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a stress-induced heart condition, her husband, the writer Clark Blaise, said.

Mukherjee, a native of Calcutta, attended schools in England, Switzerland and India, earned advanced degrees in creative writing in the United States and lived for more than a decade in Canada, affording her a wealth of experience in the modern realities of multiculturalism.

“The narrative of immigration is the epic narrative of this millennium,” she wrote in an autobiographical statement for the reference work Contemporary Authors in 2005.

Mukherjee’s other works include novels “The Holder of the World” (1993), “Leave It To Me”(1997), Desirable Daughters” (2002), “The Tree Bride” (2004), “Miss New India” (2011); and short stories “Darkness” (1985), “The Middleman and Other Stories” (1988) for which she received the National Book Critics Award, “A Father” and “A Management of Grief”. Mukherjee also published some non-fiction work – “The Sorrow and the Terror: The Haunting Legacy of the Air India Tragedy, that she co-write with Blaise; “political Culture and Leadership in India (1991); and “Regionalism in Indian Perspective (1992).

In many of her novels and stories, a young woman — shaped, as she was, by a patriarchal culture — strikes out for the unknown, sometimes by choice and sometimes not. In the existential crisis that ensues, a new self emerges — or a series of selves, with multiple answers to the question “Who am I?”

In “The Middleman and Other Stories” (1988), which won the National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction, Ms. Mukherjee served up the immigrant experience in all its rich variety, told through the voices of newcomers from the Caribbean, the Middle East, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, all of them both daunted and intoxicated by the strange possibilities of life in the United States.

The title character and narrator of “Jasmine” (1989), a novel that quickly won a place on high school and college reading lists, is a poor Punjabi who makes her way to Florida and undergoes a series of transformations. Taking on a new identity and a new name as she moves from one job to the next, “greedy with wants and reckless from hope,” she draws ever closer to the dream of shedding her old identity and achieving the American dream of self-definition.

“I feel at times like a stone hurtling through diaphanous mist, unable to grab hold, unable to slow myself, yet unwilling to abandon the ride I’m on,” the narrator writes. “Down and down I go, where I’ll stop, God only knows.”

Loreto & Hazel Kudera sentenced to 2 years for visa fraud

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Loreto Kudera, 45, and Hazel Kudera, 43, who admitted to giving false information to U.S. immigration authorities when applying for H-1B visas for foreign nurses and previously forfeited $1 million were sentenced to two years of probation.

U.S. District Judge J. Garvan Murtha sentenced attorney Loreto Kudera and Hazel Kudera, the owner of several medical staffing agencies, to two years of probation as well as separate $25,000 fines, according to documents filed in the federal court docket.

The couple pled guilty on June 9 to conspiring to commit immigration fraud by falsely stating to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in St. Albans, Vermont, that foreign nurses whom the pair were helping to secure work in the U.S. would be working in specialty occupations, as required by the H-1B visa program. Later that month, the pair agreed to forfeit $1 million in illegal proceeds from the scheme.

“As Judge Murtha recognized, Loreto Kudera is a good and decent man who exercised mistaken judgment in doing a bad and foolish thing with honest intentions,” Loreto Kudera’s attorney told the media. “We’re grateful for the judge’s wisdom and compassion in realizing that Mr. Kudera has suffered enough — especially where the scheme’s acknowledged ringleader and mastermind escaped prosecution entirely.”

Hazel Kudera’s attorney, Richard Willstatter of Green & Willstatter., said that Judge Murtha carefully considered the facts and the arguments of both sides. “His thoughtful and reasoned decision to sentence Hazel Kudera to probation and a fine reflected his consideration of all the facts before him and the goals Congress set for sentencing,” Willstatter said. “Hazel Kudera is a good person, but she made a terrible error in judgment in committing a crime. The court recognized that imprisonment was neither necessary nor appropriate.”

Prosecutors say that Hazel Kudera owns multiple staffing agencies in New York that specialize in providing nurses to hospitals, outpatient and skilled nursing facilities. According to the government, during the course of the scheme, she and Loreto Kudera, who was formerly an attorney at the New York immigration and real estate firm the Law Offices of Barry Silberzweig PC, submitted at least 100 fraudulent applications to authorities, and profited from the filing fees they collected from the nurses and from the health care facilities that paid Hazel Kudera’s staffing agencies.

Hazel and Loreto Kudera, prosecutors say, seeking to game the limited number of H-1B visas that are available each year, falsely stated that the foreign nurses would be working in specialty occupations at prevailing wage rates when in actuality they were going to work as licensed practical nurses or registered nurses at much lower rates of pay, mostly at nursing homes. LPN and RN are not considered to be specialty occupations by USCIS, according to the office of Eric S. Miller, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont.

During the scheme, Hazel Kudera was the owner of NYC Healthcare Staffing — formerly known as P&K of New York Management Services Inc. — and LHK Consulting, which were medical staffing companies that share the same Fifth Avenue address in Manhattan, court records show.

As part of the alleged scam, Hazel Kudera falsified a staffing agreement between NYC Healthcare Staffing and Dewitt Rehabilitation, which operates rehabilitation and nursing care facilities, listing job positions that didn’t exist, such as clinical coordinator and health care quality assurance manager, in order to prop up the false job titles she provided to USCIS, according to prosecutors. Loreto Kudera, among others, knew that information was false, but used it anyway when applying for H-1B visas, according to the government.

Pramila Jayapal Named Co-Chair of Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform

Staff ReporterIndia, Profiles, U.S. 0

 

Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., has been named as co-chair of the Congressional Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform. “Women and children bear the brunt of our inhumane and broken immigration system. Yet, they have no seat at the table,” said Jayapal in a statement. “I’m honored and humbled to be appointed as co-chair of the Women’s Working Group.

“As an immigrant woman of color, I’ve been fighting for justice in our immigration system for years,” Jayapal added. “I pledge to bring the same passion and commitment to the group as we work to reform our nation’s laws. I’m proud to be working with a leader like Congresswoman Roybal-Allard to defend and protect immigrant families from this president’s policies.”

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), made the announcement during the group’s 2017 kickoff meeting held at her Capitol Hill office with several Women’s Working Group members, including congresswomen and representatives of immigration groups, in attendance.

“I am so excited to have Congresswoman Jayapal join me as a co-chair of the Congressional Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform,” said Roybal-Allard in a statement.  “As an immigrant to America herself, a longtime civil rights activist, and the first Indian American woman in the House of Representatives, her experiences and dedication will enrich our group and our mission,” she added.

The Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform was formed in 2013 to ensure that women’s voices are heard in the immigration debate, and that America’s immigration policies reflect the interests of women and children.

Heart-to-Heart with a Texas Cardiologist

Staff ReporterHealth, Profiles 0

Texas Cardiologist-Designed A Free App To Help Patients Navigate Complex Heart Conditions & Treatments

By Seema Govil

This valentine’s gift yourself a healthy heart. February marks American Heart Month, which is a perfect opportunity to start a healthy living. How about educating ourselves regarding heart diseases and get on the right track right now.

According to the federal declaration, “cardiovascular disease — including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure — is responsible for one out of every three deaths. It is the No. 1 killer of American women and men, and it is a leading cause of serious illness and disability.”

This is why Dr. Manish Chauhan, a practicing, a board-certified cardiologist in Austin, TX has been in clinical practice, focusing on providing compassionate, comprehensive and current cardiovascular care to his patients. While cardiologists and other health care providers are the trusted source of information and guidance on these problems, patients often need a reliable, supplemental resource to fully understand their medical conditions and make informed decisions to manage these chronic ailments.

He felt the challenge and launched CardioVisual, first-of-its-kind multimedia app, to make patients understand and engage with the doctors and to make things just a lot more convenient – and comprehensive – for everyone involved: patients, their caregivers, and doctors. Moreover, it not only allows healthcare professionals to easily inform heart patients about their conditions and treatment options at the time of their interaction but also provide patients clear and simple information after their visit.

CardioVisual is a game-changer in the patient-professional engagement and communication realm. It addresses everything you need to know about heart health in one free app that is available both for providers and patients with more than a hundred easy-to-understand animation videos and graphic illustrations that explain complex cardiac procedures and treatments in simple terms, free of jargon. It empowers doctors and patients to have more engaged, high-level conversations with less anxiety, aided by the app’s simple and precise animation videos and, interactive visual illustrations, all from the convenience of their smartphone or tablet. The visual component of the app, especially the graphics really sells on accepting the doctor’s diagnosis. Having it, all explained in terms that a layperson can understand is hugely beneficial.

Until now, patients have had to strictly rely on memory from doctor’s visits or surf the Internet for information—or, worse, misinformation. Healthcare professionals are also pressed for time to spend with their patients and caretakers to explain details of these complex problems. CardioVisual changes all of that, allowing patients to easily have guided discussions with their physicians, as well as refer to consistent information anytime, anywhere, and as frequently as desired.

So, this February, raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and fight this wave for a better and healthy future, as it is never too late to take action to protect our health.

CardioVisual is available to both patients and healthcare professionals for free. For more information, visit www.CardioVisual.com.

The CardioVisual app is a multimedia content delivery platform that provides brief educational videos and illustrations showing all aspects of cardiovascular problems.  The app is designed to enhance the interaction between healthcare professionals and patients.

CardioVisual is a simple yet powerful educational tool that allows healthcare professionals to engage and easily inform and educate their patients with accurate and unbiased information about their cardiovascular ailments and treatments. CardioVisual saves physicians time and increases efficiency while improving the quality of their communication. This mobile app can be used through the continuum of a patient’s care, (from initial interaction in clinic or hospital; before and after procedure or surgery while allowing patients access to the same easy-to-understand information on a mobile device. It provides patients with the maximum level of reliable information in a very convenient, current and easy fashion and to assimilate at their own pace.) CardioVisual is accessible on any IOS or Android mobile device or tablet. For information visit www.CardioVisual.com.

CardioVisual app has been downloaded by doctors, nurses, trainees as well as patients in 150 countries. The goal is to provide professionals with and educate patients, around the globe, to help counter the growing incidence of heart disease, with unbiased, reliable and trusted information for free using mobile technology.

 TIMES NOW marks its presence in 100 countries

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~Hrithik Roshan celebrates TIMES NOW’s century~

Mumbai, February 07, 2016: TIMES NETWORK – of India’s largest media conglomerate, The Times Group is set to launch its No.1 English News Channel in Europe, marking its presence in 100 countries. This momentous occasion was celebrated in Mumbai today.  Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan was present at the function. The expansion, closely followed on the heels of Times Now’s launch in UK, will enable TIMES NETWORK to add a potential audience of 1.4mn Indians in mainland Europe in countries like Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, taking the international footprint to 10 million on 5 continents.  The network will launch TIMES NOW with the support of Bobbles Media GmbH DTH and OTT platforms in Europe.

Recently, the TIMES NETWORK’s International Business received the ‘Porter Prize for Strategy 2016’ from the Institute of Competitiveness, affiliated to the Harvard Business School for ‘Creating Distinctive Value’. Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan joined in the celebrations by cutting a cake on the occasion.

M K Anand, MD & CEO, TIMES NETWORK said, “Today, with India’s growing participation in international affairs, engaging the Indian diaspora is equally important towards our economic development. I feel, as India’s leading English broadcast network, it’s the right time for us to create a global presence for ourselves and for our country. Through our approach towards television news journalism, which revolutionised the way news was presented in the country, we plan to represent a modern, vibrant, successful and vocal India to the world.”

Bollywood Actor Hrithik Roshan said, “TIMES NOW, thank you for having me here to celebrate TIMES NOW reaching 100 countries. This is an exceptional achievement. Supplying objective and unbiased news to the world to make them aware of their environment is one of the noblest services that we can provide and I wish the entire team of TIMES NOW for this milestone hope that the entire team of TIMES NOW reaches more than 183 countries in the coming year. Finally, I personally believe and admit that no success is achieved solely but by the efforts of an entire team and that’s what TIMES NOW has managed to do.”

Naveen Chandra, Head International Business, TIMES NETWORK added, “This is truly a landmark achievement considering we were the last Indian TV network to begin international operations and have reached 100 countries in just a little over 5 years. From Times Now’s commercial launch in Australia in early 2011 to its launch in Western Europe in December last year, it has been an incredible journey. We have been a part of some of the largest global Indian events and built some of very effective enabling platforms for the Diaspora’s engagement with India and for Indian brands to expand internationally. We are all set to launch our first local content initiatives in Europe and look forward to growing aggressively in the future.”

The flagship channel of TIMES NETWORK, the broadcast arm of Bennett Coleman & Co—TIMES NOW has consistently been the most watched English News Channel over the last nine years and continues to dominate the market. It commands 43% market share in the English News category, and 58% overall market share during prime time English News, according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India.

TIMES NOW has been India’s No. 1 English News channel for over 8 years now. It is a channel that stands for credibility and unbiased approach in bringing news and reportage to the viewers. Sharp, incisive and direct, Times NOW is the nation’s voice in news. Its distinctive style and fearless approach makes it different from the others. TIMES NOW engages with viewers in 100 countries across the globe.

The High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017 doubles salaries for H1-B visa holders

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Indian IT firms’ stocks stumble amidst H-1B Visa concerns

The High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017 introduced last week in the House of Representatives by Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a Democrat from California’s Silicon Valley area, aims to end what it calls the “abuse” of the work visa program, which it says has “has allowed replacement of American workers by outsourcing companies with cheaper H-1B workers.”

If enacted the legislation would raise the minimum salary for those applying for H1-B visas to $130,000 from the current $60,000.

“My legislation refocuses the H-1B program to its original intent — to seek out and find the best and brightest from around the world, and to supplement the U.S. workforce with talented, highly paid, and highly skilled workers who help create jobs here in America, not replace them,” Lofgren said on her website.

The H1-B program allows high-tech companies to hire foreigners with technical skills in the U.S. for three to six years. The proposed bill comes as the tech industry is already reeling from an executive order on immigration from President Donald Trump that bars nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.

The shares of top Indian IT companies sank upto 4% in a single day  in response to news of proposed U.S. legislation that would require salaries for H-1B visa holders to be doubled. The new legislation intends to make it harder for companies to replace American workers with those from countries like India.

Shared of the major IT companies, like Infosys, Wipro and Tata Consultancy Services, had fallen drastically on the Bombay Stock Exchange. The IT sub-index on the exchange, which comprises all the tech firms trading on the stock exchange, shed more than 3 percent on January 31st, reports stated.

The stock of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) fell by 4.47%, the biggest single-day loss on Tuesday in last two months. HCL Technologies’ shares too registered their biggest single-day loss since April 2016 by dropping 3.67% on January 31. The stock price of other IT firms like Infosys, RS Software India, Mindtree, Wipro fell between 1.6% and 3.3%.

The U.S tech industry relies on foreign engineers and other technical experts for a sizeable percentage of its workforce.

While the tech industry insists the H1-B program is crucial, critics say it puts American programmers and engineers at a disadvantage. Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Sen. Jeff Sessions, has long opposed the program.

Ashok Amritraj appointed India Goodwill Envoy for UN Goals

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Award-winning Hollywood film producer and Wimbledon tennis player, Ashok Amritraj has been appointed the United Nations in India Goodwill Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Chairman and CEO of the Hyde Park Entertainment Group, Mr. Amritraj is the first Ambassador for the UN in India.

An internationally-renowned iconic filmmaker, Ashok Amritraj has made over 100 films during the span of his 30-year extraordinary career garnering global acclaim as well as worldwide revenues in excess of $2 billion. He has been a pioneering force in bridging India and Hollywood through film and media.

Accepting the honour, Mr. Amritraj said “I look forward to working with the United Nations in India to amplify awareness about the SDGs. It is a tremendous opportunity that brings together my personal desire to serve the country of my birth, and my passion to leverage the power of the media for the creation of diverse, socially-relevant content”.

Welcoming Mr. Amritraj to the UN Family, Yuri Afanasiev, UN Resident Coordinator said, “We look forward to working with Mr. Amritraj as a powerful advocate for the SDGs, and to his support in showcasing innovations and cutting-edge solutions to development challenges that are being generated in India”.

In September 2015, at the UN General Assembly, 193 countries adopted arguably the most ambitious global agenda of our times, The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – a plan of action for people, planet, prosperity and peace. India played an important role in shaping the global agenda and is critical to its success.

Communications and advocacy which engage governments, organizations and rights holders in a constructive dialogue to advance the SDGs is important. UN Goodwill Ambassadors aim to generate momentum and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and to foster engagement of new stakeholders in the implementation of these Goals.

A passionate believer in the power of the media to effect social change, Mr. Amritraj produced and hosted the acclaimed series, ‘Chance of a Lifetime’ in partnership with the UNHQ in which young filmmakers from Asia competed to create original, short stories highlighting issues related to water, HIV/AIDS, gender equality, migration and education. The winners were feted at the Cannes Film Festival.

The United Nations has a long history of close co-operation with the Government of India and today the United Nations system in India includes 26 organisations that have the privilege to serve in the country.

Ashok Amritraj will be in conversation with Mr. Yuri Afanasiev, United Nations Resident Coordinator at the UN Young Changemakers Conclave on Saturday, 28 January, details of which are available at http://www.youngchangemakersconclave.in/

Asia Society captures Asian Voices on Trump administration

Staff ReporterPolitics, U.S. 0

During the 2016 general elections, exit polls suggested that despite Hillary Clinton’s defeat to Donald Trump, Americans of Asian descent supported the former secretary of state by a 65 to 29 percent margin. In the aftermath of the election result, Asia Society decided to give Asian Americans a chance to give advice to the 45th president — on camera.

“We recently asked Asian Americans in New York to offer their advice to President Trump. Here’s what they had to say. the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Asian American voters made their preferences clear,” a statement issued by the Society stated.

During two days of filming, the participants — who traced their ancestry to several different Asian countries — discussed a wide variety of specific topics, from LGBT rights, tension in the South China Sea, and climate change. But there were also sentiments shared across several responses, such as a strong desire for President Trump to govern on behalf of all Americans, particularly immigrants and religious minorities. Though the interviews were filmed prior to the president’s inauguration, these issues have assumed a special relevance to the infancy of his presidency.

Asia Society is the leading educational organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among peoples, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States in a global context. Across the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, the Society provides insight, generates ideas, and promotes collaboration to address present challenges and create a shared future. Founded in 1956, Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational institution with offices in Hong Kong, Houston, Los Angeles, Manila, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Washington, DC and Zurich.

Tributes paid to Vanitaben Atmarambhai Patel

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Chicago IL:  Vanitaben Patel passed away, on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 in Chicago at the age of 80 (August 21, 1936 to January 31, 2017) after 6 years of illness. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends. Her funeral was on Friday, February 3rd, 2017 11:00 a.m. until time of cremation 1:00 p.m. at the Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 950 South Bartlett Rd , Bartlett , IL .

Vanitaben was an astonishing person, a true matriarch of her extended family possessing all the attributes of Matriarch Mother namely loving, caring, compassionate providing leadership, unconditional love, self-sacrifices to anyone who came in touch with her. Speaking in her memory, one of the close individuals who knew her well for years from India , summarized her life as religious, filled with compassion for all living life. Result of successful careers of her children and grandchildren can be clearly seen, due to her teaching of basic significance of hard work, moral values, honor, simplicity, and ethics.

She is survived by Dr Kamal Atmaram Patel (son), Chhayaben K Patel (daughter in law), Ashka K Patel (granddaughter), Ishika K Patel (granddaughter); Kiran Atmaram Patel (son), Preetiben K Patel (daughter in law), Krushna K Patel (granddaughter), Karan K Patel (grandson); Kunjlattaben C Patel (daughter), Chitrang S Patel (son in law), Phenil C Patel (grandson)

Kamal Patel, with a heavy heart said, “I was very close to my mother for the last seventeen years. These last 6 years were very crucial because of her health. She had recurrent hospitalization, recovering, and gradual declining in health.  She was an inspirational figure for me. We always feel so much pain when we lose our parents, no matter how old or how sick our parents are. We are feeling that pain to day. “

“My mother was very spiritual, strong, kind, and a caring person. She would do anything for anyone. She had a heart of gold, the courage of a lion and love for everyone. Despite all illnesses and hospitalizations, she fought her illnesses and lived a good and positive life. I and my family were very fortunate to spend the last seventeen years with my father and her under the same roof. She cared and worried for everyone throughout her life. May your soul rest in peace. I want to thank all of you for taking your time and coming here for the final tribute and giving us emotional support during this difficult time”.

Narendra Patel from Kadva Patidar Samaj, expressed his feelings about wanting to spend time with Ba in her last moments.  “I could not spend time with her in her last moments. We are all gathered here today for Ba’s last tribute. So, we will talk and pray today about Ba’s achievements of her life. We will pray to God that Ba’s soul will go in heaven and she will rest in peace. “

During the last seventeen years, Dr. Kamal Patel participated in leadership role with the KPS (Kadva Patidar Samaj of Chicago ), FIA, and the Indian Medical Association of Illinois. Through these contributions; Dr. Kamal Patel has established himself as a prominent community leader. Besides this, he participated in lots of community health fare conventions.

In his special message, Kamal Patel MD mentioned, “Many of you attended the funeral for my mother Vanitaben and paid respect and glowing tribute to the departed soul. Our heartfelt  thanks to the more than 300 people who attended her funeral services as well as many more who attended Basnu (Pratha Sabha), called, text messages and email to us. On behalf of large south Asian Diaspora including members of Asian Media USA Chicago, we like to express our condolences. We pray God Almighty to give courage and strength to bear such loss

Flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of 68th Republic Day of India

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Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: The Consulate General of India in Chicago organized the 68th Republic Day Celebration at its premises on Thursday 26th January, 2017, at 10:00 AM, with traditional enthusiasm and gaiety. The venue was decorated with Indian flags, flowers and Indian cultural symbols to reflect the festive atmosphere of this important occasion.

The Indian nationals, persons of Indian origin and friends of India attended the festivities in huge numbers. Their patriotic fervor was evident from the fact that they braved the freezing cold, especially on the working weekday, to participate in the celebrations.

  1. B. Bhati, Consul (Political, Commerce & Visa) introduced the new Consul General Ms. Neeta Bhushan to the gathering. Ms. Neeta Bhushan in her introductory speech highlighted the steps taken by the Government of India for the welfare of the Persons of Indian Origin and the Non-resident Indians. She said that the government attaches very high importance to the Indian diaspora. She assured the gathering that the Consulate would keep rendering prompt consular, visa and passport services to the community. She also called upon the Indian-Americans to proactively participate in all the ambitious development-centric initiatives of the Government of India.

The Consul General, unfurled the National Flag which was followed by singing of the National Anthem of India by all. Thereafter, Consul General read out President’s Message, both in Hindi and English, addressed to the Nation on the eve of 68th Republic Day of India. During the celebration, Consul General met with all members of Indian community to ascertain their welfare.

United Punjabis of America celebrates Lohri festival with flavors of Punjab

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, India, U.S. 0

Chicago IL: United Punjabis of America (UPA) celebrated Lohri on January 28th 2017 at Ashton Place, Willowbrook, IL. The event started with lighting the lamp and national Anthems sung by Nipa Shah and Aavni Limdi.  The UPAeExecutive board members Madhu Uppal and Dharam Pawani introduced the UPA core team Brij Sharma, Om Dhingra, Ramesh Malhan, Shammi Mittal, Girish Kapur Rosey Bhasin, Shikha Tandon, Kumkum Kumar, Atul Wahi and Vishal Dutt. The event was anchored by the famous emcee and founder of Desi Junction Radio Jassi Parmar.

The Introduction was followed by a variety of singing and Dance items brought by varipus dance schools of Illinois. Jagoo folk by Sangeeta Singh, Rosey Bhasin & Group from Sant Nirankari Mission added a traditional color to the event. Madhu Chawdhary’s school Danceology brought a kid’s dance performance on Sadi Gali Aayo Karo. Prachi Jaitly’s Bollywood Arts Acdemy presented a kid’s talent show with boys and girls performing on a mix of songs like Singh is King, Tutak Tutak Tootitayaan, Radha Teri Chunri and Aun wala Sama tere bhai da. Boys Group Dance by Gauri Mittal performed on the famous Daler Mehandi song Hayo Rabba, Hayo Rabba. Sheetal Dhanani,s Tarana Kathak gave a stupendous performance on Bajirao Mastani – Diwani Mastani. Shalini Dixit,s dance school  Nashe si Chadh Gaye and Love Letter, Nach De ne Sare – Cuite Pie and Phuttey Chuck De and Kala Chashma.

The UPA board honored three business leaders Shalabh Kumar, Hersh Ketharpal and Rahul Wahi for their contribution to Indian community as well as the entire society at large. Shalabh Kumar, “Shalli” is the CEO of AVG Group of companies with headquarters in Chicago and operations all over the world. AVG, established in 1975, has produced over 500 innovative hardware, firmware and software products He is an active supporter of the Indian community in the US.

Hersh Ketharpal, Distinguished Punjabi Spiritual & Community Leader and the founding director of the Yog Sadhna Ashram of Chicago, West Chicago, IL For 25 years she has been serving the community by sharing her knowledge of Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Pranayam, Mediation & and Yogic Cleansing not only at the Ashram but also at other locations, including Naperville, Oakbrook, Lemont etc.  Rahul Wahi, Distinguished Young Punjabi Entrepreneur Rahul Ji is the founder and CEO of LLT Group, a digital marketing company operating in Naperville, IL and Boston MA. LLT Group donates $50,000 per year to the College of DuPage for scholarship for creative art students.

UPA members Shammi Mittal, Rosey Bhasin, Girish Kapur & Atul Wahi gave a vote of thanks to all the sponsors with special thanks to GOLD sponsors Karl Kalra of Live2U and Om Dingra of Wholesome Health Pharmacy and media partners. The cultural program continued and another talented singer Sanjay Amin sang some evergreen songs like Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye Roop Tera Mastana, Dil Kya Kare Jab, Kuch Na Kaho. Sukhdev Singh presented a Punjabi Skit by depicting Mast Malanga, a hilarious Punjabi Character. The Famous Punjabi Singer Maddy Singh made the audience dance on some fabulous Punjabi numbers. The grand finale performance Gidha was brought by Prachi Jaitly’s Bollywood Arts Academy and the dance floor was opened to the entire audience followed by BonFire.

Hindus urge California’s Leaf Group withdraw items disrespecting Hindu gods

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Hindus are urging Santa Monica (California) headquartered Leaf Group Limited to immediately withdraw some of the products sold on its marketplace Society6 which mock-distort-disrespect various Hindu deities, calling it highly inappropriate. They are also urging its Board Chairman James R. Quandt and Chief Executive Officer Sean Moriarty to offer a formal apology.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that such depicted Hindu deities—Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Krishna, Durga, Lakshmi, Kali, Saraswati, Parvati, Radha, Manasa Devi—were highly revered in Hinduism and were meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be mocked at or to put your feet on or touch with your feet or sleep on. Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the faithful.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that products like Kali as “Mistress of Chaos”, Shiva as cartoon character Popeye, Lakshmi like a belly-dancer, Kali as “Collie Kali”  with dog-face and dog-feet, “Funky Female Shiva”, “Pink Krishna”, “mutant Ganesh”, Shiva with a nose-ring, Krishna as skateboarder, “Ganesh Loves Selfies – Two at a Time!” showing Ganesha taking selfies with two cell-phones,  “Durga Carrying Tiger” instead of traditional riding on the tiger, Ganesha holding cowboy lasso, cartoonish Lakshmi, Ganesha in cropped trousers, etc.; highly trivialized the greatly revered Hindu deities. There was a print of Hindu Sloth also.

Other products, deemed disrespectful by Hindu devotees, included: yoga mats, bed sheets, rugs and duvet cover depicting Hindu deities Shiva, Balaji Vishnu, Ganesha, Krishna, Durga, Saraswati, Parvati, Radha and Manasa Devi; Rajan Zed stated.

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Zed indicated.

Moreover, distorted images of Hindu deities created further misinformation and confusion among non-Hindus regarding Hinduism; Rajan Zed noted. Zed further said that such trivialization of Hindu deities was disturbing to the Hindus world over. Hindus were for free artistic expression and speech as much as anybody else if not more. But faith was something sacred and attempts at trivializing it hurt the followers, Zed added.

Leaf Group Limited, listed in New York Stock exchange, claims to be “a diversified Internet company that builds platforms across its media (eHow andLIVESTRONG.COM) and marketplace (Society6 and Saatchi Art) properties to enable communities of creators to reach passionate audiences in large and growing lifestyle categories”.  Society6, which claims millions of “products from Wall Art and Apparel to Tech Accessories and Home Décor” designed by “artists from around the world”, was founded in 2009

As foreign students fear new US regulations, varsities try calm Indian students’ fears

Staff ReporterEducation, India, U.S. 0

Saaedah Shiravany, an Iranian MBA student at a top US business school, says news of President Donald Trump’s executive order banning citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US left her feeling “empty”.

Shiravany (not her real name) worries that she will be unable to graduate because the ban, covering Iraq, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Somalia as well as her homeland, would prevent her from participating in an overseas corporate assignment that is a requirement of her course. She fears that if she were to leave the US for the assignment, she may not be able to re-enter the country to complete her studies. “This ban has robbed me of the experience I came here to have,” she says. Leaving the US would mean saying goodbye to completing her MBA next year.

Shiravany is only one among the thousands of students in the USA from abroad, who have expressed and experienced such fears in the past week. Allaying fears of such international students following US President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order targeting immigrants, several American universities are mailing prospective students to let them know that that they are welcome to their campuses, regardless of what the Trump government says.

While these mails are an attempt to reassure immigrant students, these may have also become necessary since the US remains the hub for Indian students. Mubarak Kader, who applied for the engineering management program at Duke University in North Carolina, received a mail from the university this week. “We know many members of the global community are… concerned about the new policies,” wrote the university, adding links to statements from the institution president who promised to bring these concerns “to the attention of policymakers and public”. The president of our university sent out a similar message to us, international students, on the campus. He told us how the university will always be a place for people of different cultures to come together and engage in dialogue,” said a student pursuing law at the University of Miami. Other institutions, like the

University of Michigan and Northeastern University, too, have sent out similar mails to students who may be apprehensive about being subjected to discrimination while at university or being detained at immigration points as witnessed at several US airports over the week.

Anupama Vijay, an education consultant, said: “Indians pursuing professional courses will have no issues as their student visas entitle them to a five-year optional practical training period. Only after this period does securing an H-1B visa become a concern. Their status as students in the US will be untouched by the new policy,” she says.

Subba Rao Kolla, Puneet Ahluwalia to make bids to Virigina Assembly

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Subba Rao Kolla, an Indian-American Republican from Washington DC, announced he will run against incumbent Democrat John Bell for the Virginia House of Delegates 87th District seat, the media reported.

Another Indian-American Republican leader from Virginia Puneet Ahluwalia is contesting for Virginia’s House of Delegates for the 34th district against incumbent Kathleen Murphy. Ahluwalia, 10th District Representative on the Virginia Republican State Central Committee, served as a financial chair of the Asian American presidential inaugural ball in January.

Kolla, a real estate businessman and a community activist, if elected, will become the first Indian-origin member of the Virginia House of Delegates, American Bazaar reported. Kolla immigrated to the U.S. in the 1990s and became an American citizen in 2008.

“Whether helping new citizens navigate the area and become citizens or volunteering as I have for the past three years on the Loudoun County Board of Equalization, I understand the importance of having accessible, hands-on help from our elected officials.

“My top priorities as a member of the State House will be education, transportation and working with small businesses and taxpayers to reduce government interference and regulation. As a conservative Republican, I believe the government that governs least, governs best,” he added.

The success of our community demands us to be active and participate in mainstream politics. It is our responsibility to strengthen the diversity of our nation,” he said. “We should be supporting President Trump and Republican leadership in creating and promoting American jobs with strong emphasis on balanced trade between US-Indo Pacific Region. We should not lose focus on eradicating terrorism and enemies of democracies,” he added.

Ahluwalia said that he would work to strengthen the Republican Party’s base in Virginia, among other things. “We will watch our allies’ back and it is important that communities, including the Indian-American community that has benefited most from this great nation, play a pivotal role in the revival process. I had a choice but I chose to stand up and participate in the political process and serve the public of 34th district,” Ahluwalia said. “Our nation is at a crossroad where we will take new positive direction as we embark on a journey to make our nation stronger.”

He added: “I have the support of my wife, kids and friends, and supporters and very importantly the leadership of the Republican Party, especially Barbara Comstock.” A Delhi Public School (DPS) alumni, Ahluwalia heads consultancy and IT businesses in the Washington DC area, along with active participation in the US politics, since 1998-99.

Kolla is a realtor in Loudoun County, having worked in real estate for over 10 years, and is well-known among the local Telugu community. He holds an M.Tech degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and owns his own real estate firm, Advin Realty.

He is also engaged with the Indian-American community, both at the local and national level. His work with the community has been lauded by former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell as well as by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA). Kolla was one of the delegates during the Republican National Convention held in Cleveland last July.

‘Visa denial to Kashmiri athlete not linked to US ban’: US Embassy

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The U.S. has said that denial of visas to a Kashmiri athlete and an official accompanying him has nothing to do with President Donald Trump’s executive order banning immigrants from Muslim-majority countries and was “a standard adjudication based on the merit of the case”, a senior Indian government official said Feb. 2.

“We have seen reports about the denial of U.S. visas to the two Kashmiri sports persons,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekly media briefing .
“The US Embassy in Delhi has categorically denied that it has any linkage to the executive order. We have also been told that it was a standard adjudication based on the merits of the case,” he stated.

Kashmiri snowshoe athlete, Tanveer Hussain Parra, on Jan. 31 claimed he was denied a visa by the U..S Embassy here, with officials citing the “current policy” under the Donald Trump administration.

Parra, 24, was scheduled to attend the World Snowshoe Federation (WSSF) World Championship on Feb. 25 in Saranac Lake, New York.

President Trump last week signed an executive order banning immigrants from seven Muslim-majority nations and placed Pakistan under “extreme vetting”, an action which has led to widespread protests.

Parra told media that he was denied the visa despite having completed all formalities, and that his documents were in order and checked by a US embassy official. “However, the official later told me she was ‘sorry’ and added that ‘under the current policy, we cannot issue you visa’,” Parra said.

Parra said he had got invitation letters for the US event from WSSF and the Mayor of Saranac Lake Village, New York. He was being accompanied by Abid Hussain Khan, Secretary General, Snowshoe Federation of India, for the US event. Last year, Parra represented India at the World Snowshoe championship that was held in Vezza de Ogglio, Brescia, Italy, where he finished 31st in the senior category.

Evelyn Sharma prays for unity and peace at ‘National Prayer Breakfast’

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Bollywood actress Evelyn Sharma, who represented the Christian faith at President Donald Trump’s ‘National Prayer Breakfast’ at the Hilton’s International Ballroom in Washington, D.C., on February 2nd, prayed for unity and peace. The annual event attended by the leaders of the nation, representing all major faiths and political affiliations in the nation and from around the world, was attended by more than 3,000 guests, including politicians, religious leaders and other international invitees from over 130 countries.
She addressed the august gathering after King Abdullah of Jordan and was followed by Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe from Uganda. Sharma was probably one of the few Indian faces at the event. In delivering her first international speech, Sharma, of Indian and German descent, joined the high ranks of leadership from various countries and religious backgrounds, who gave inspirational speeches, at the massive event hosted by members of the U.S. Congress and organized on their behalf by The Fellowship Foundation, a Christian organization.
“Evelyn shared the story of her own faith, urging the world for acceptance, unity and peace, which brought her a standing ovation by the thousands of guests present at the event,” said Dale Bhagwagar, her publicist. “From a PR point of view, the Indian actress has bypassed many, by opting for an intellectual speech at an event for world unity of religions, instead of a flashy photo-op.”
The actress, who has starred in films like “Main Tera Hero” and “Yaariyna,” later took to Twitter to share her “overwhelming experience.” She wrote: “What an honor and humbling feeling to be standing in front of the world’s leaders of all kind in Washington DC to share my story of faith ❤ Thank you so much for inviting me! Praise God!”

National Sikh Campaign Plans New Strategy to Reach Conservative Americans

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The National Sikh Campaign Jan. 30 announced it has partnered with marketing firm FP1 Strategies to raise awareness of the Sikh religion in the United States.

The firm will develop and implement a strategy to improve the perception of Sikhism throughout the country, the Sikh organization said in a statement.

NSC and FP1, a Washington-based marketing firm with clients such as Facebook and Ford, will launch a major marketing campaign that will focus on increasing the Sikh American community’s presence in national and local news outlets, as well as social media.

FP1’s relationship with conservative media and organizations will also help NSC reach and educate Republican and right-of-center audiences, the NSC said.

AKPD, former President Barack Obama’s media team founded by David Axelrod and the Hart Research Associates, whose clients include the World Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Harvard University, have already been working closely with NSC to develop a media strategy to create awareness about Sikhs and the Sikh identity in America, the organization noted.

The marketing campaign is scheduled to launch in the spring through television advertisements, an innovative website, public relations efforts, targeted digital media and community events to affect change, it added.

“Engaging FP1 was a crucial decision in making our entire strategy complete, and their expertise in reaching conservative Americans will be valuable in expanding our reach beyond our target audience of millennials and progressives,” said NSC co-founder and senior adviser Dr. Rajwant Singh. “This is perhaps the first time that any U.S. Sikh community has undertaken a major, proactive effort to reach out to Americans nationwide.”

NSC was created to reduce the hate crimes and violence Indian Americans of the Sikh faith have faced since 9/11, and their mission has become increasingly important in today’s political and social environment.

Through research conducted in early 2015, it has been verified that when Americans learn about the key tenets of the Sikh religion, their feelings become far more positive, the NSC noted.

“The professional approach of our different advisers to tackle this difficult issue facing the Sikh American community is very impressive,” said NSC national outreach director Inderpal Singh. “Hiring agencies like FP1 Strategies is offering us a new way to understand and explain our religion among our neighbors.”

The National Sikh Campaign has continued to gain momentum in the past few months as it steadily reveals its sophisticated ads, website and cutting edge research to select cities across the country, it added. These materials will lay the foundation for their new, public education initiative set to launch in 2017.

FIBA Announces Positive Step in Headwear Policy

Staff ReporterSports 0

February 3, 2017 (Washington, D.C.) – FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, has announced that it will reconsider and possibly eliminate its ban on religious headwear. This week’s announcement is promising for observant Sikh athletes and other religious minorities who have been forced to choose between their faith and their professions.

For years the Sikh Coalition has been publicly pressuring FIBA to lift its ban on religious headwear. Together with our allies, the campaign to update the discriminatory rule received worldwide support and attention. On January 30th, the basketball organization issued a statement saying it “favored a modification of the rule and issued a mandate for the Technical Commission to come forward with a proposal” for further review.

“We look forward to reviewing the policy and the steps for approval, and we’re optimistic that this announcement represents positive progress,” said Sikh Coalition Senior Religion Fellow, Simran Jeet Singh. “If approved, this policy will set a powerful precedent that opens doors for religious minorities including Sikhs and Muslims.”

The revised policy will be presented to a FIBA body in May. “I’m thrilled that the board has endorsed a change that, if adopted, will let Sikhs and other athletes who wear articles of faith play,” said Congressman Joe Crowley.  “There is no evidence that turbans or religious headgear pose a threat to players, and FIBA’s policy has been not only outdated, but discriminatory.”

LION ROARS WITH SIX OSCAR NOMINATIONS INCLUDING BEST PICTURE

Staff ReporterEntertainment 0

The film earned nominations for Best Motion Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Cinematography

January 24, 2017 – New York, NY – The Weinstein Company’s (TWC) film LION was nominated for six Academy Awards® this morning by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the following categories: Best Motion Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Dev Patel, Best Supporting Actress for Nicole Kidman, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Cinematography. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will hand out their awards at the 89th Academy Awards on Sunday, February 26th, 2017.

LION marks the 26th Best Picture nomination for legendary film producer Harvey Weinstein, and has been hailed as this year’s crowd pleasing awards contender. The six nominations for the studio, across major categories, put them back in the awards race.

TWC plans to expand the film on February 3rd in the hopes of benefiting from the historical boost in box office typically associated with an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

Dev Patel made history today with his Best Supporting Actor nomination, a first for the actor, and the third ever for any actor of Indian decent. Patel, who plays the adult Saroo, is currently back in India filming his next project, HOTEL MUMBAI, for TWC.

Patel commented: “Ok, so I just received a call to say that I’ve been nominated for an Academy Award…To be totally honest, the news hasn’t made its way into my brain yet, but I’m looking at these beautiful smiling faces around me… Faces of the ones I love. And I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. What makes this moment so much more poignant is that I’m in India right now. This enthralling country holds such a deep place in my heart, and it is where Saroo’s journey was born. This film would be nothing without Garth Davis. Without his love, commitment and vision this “Lion” wouldn’t have been able to roar. To that extent I want to share this incredible feeling with Luke, Grieg, Jenny Kent, Iain, Angie, Emile, Sunny, Nicole, David, Rooney, Divian, Priyanka, the Brierley family as well as the Weinstein Co. team. Lion reaffirms the message that love is not dictated by the color of your skin, not by race, gender, sexuality, social status, or origin. It is a message I am proud to be spreading during these uncertain times. This will forever be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.”

Nicole Kidman, who received her fourth Academy Award nomination this morning, commented: “I want to tha

…

Republic Day Celebrations at Indian Embassy

Staff ReporterIndia, U.S. 0

​The Embassy of India in Washington, D.C. observed India’s 68th Republic Day at its premises. Ambassador Navtej Sarna paid floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of the Embassy, after which he unfurled the national flag.

Ambassador Sarna addressed the guests and read out the address by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. This was followed by singing of patriotic songs by a young Indian American. Over 200 members of the Indian-American community attended the celebrations. Documentaries titled “A Day in the Life of India” and “INDIAN ARMY: An Instrument of National Power” were screened on the occasion.

Picture Caption: Ambassador Navtej Sarna reads out the Republic Day message of President Pranab Mukherjee at Republic Day celebrations at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., Jan. 26.

Indian American partnership with Capitol Hill continues

Staff ReporterPolitics, U.S. 0

Indo-American Community Services (IACS), a national non-profit supporting the South Asian Community is continuing its annual partnership connecting collegiate students with Congressional internships in Washington, D.C. The non-partisan organization places exceptional students in Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle. This program continues the organization’s efforts to encourage civic and political engagement within the Indian-American community.

For eight weeks, both graduate and undergraduate students are exposed to policy making in the nation’s capital, firsthand. Along with gaining unparalleled insight into public service, legislation construction, and constituent care, selected interns are awarded a $2000 stipend after successful completion of the program. Congressman Bill Foster, Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce, Senator Dan Sullivan Senator Mark Kirk, Congressman Danny Davis, and Congresswoman Robin Kelly advocate for and hosted IACS interns in their D.C. offices.

IACS is excited to see the growth of Indian-American service in government, with this year’s election of five Indian-American representatives to Congress. In its sixth year, the IACS internship program is looking to expand the reach of this enriching opportunity to more students across the country. “We have already begun outreach efforts to Indian-American student groups across the country, in hopes of shedding greater awareness to this program,” said Joy Dhar, co- IACS internship liaison. “Sruthi Rao and I are looking forward to continuing our correspondence and helping place candidates with an interest in public service in Congressional internships.”

The summer 2017 internship program application is live & will be accepted through January 31st, 2017. For more information, please visit www.iacsinfo.org

Shantiniketan Tavares, FL

Staff ReporterCommunity 0

By Rajeshwar Prasad

ShantiNiketan (SN), a retirement community based in Tavares, Florida, about an hour Northwest drive from Orlando. This is an age-restricted community where at least one of the residents should be above 55 years of age. Guest of any age can visit and stay with the residents. Children below the age of 18 can stay only for a maximum of 30 days in a year. Phases one and two of SN are operational with 174 condos – 54 in phase one and 120 in phase 2. The two phases are within a mile on the same boulevard. The gated complex with full security was initiated around 2011 though the concept of developing such a community was floated by Iggy Ignatius, Founder & Chairman, ShantiNiketan Retirement Communities, in 2004. The complexes are closer to shopping area, hospital, YMCA, and about an hour drive to Disney World, and it is about 45 miles from the Orlando International airport.

This is the first retirement community where Indian Americans can spend their golden years among the peers; get rid of loneliness; have clear conscience not to burden their children; and live free of daily chores around the house and if desired to avoid cooking and maintaining kitchen décor. It does not mean that you have no role in SN! Besides the full-time staff, such as cook, landscaper, manager etc. the SN depends heavily on volunteers to keep the residents involved. In short, Condominium Owners Association runs the project through a duly elected Board of Directors under a non-profit entity. The Board is also responsible for the upkeep of the complex and to undertake number of religious, cultural and social activities throughout the year. Celebration of festivals, national days such as Independence Day and Republic Day of India and USA; special presentations on matters of interest such as wills; Durable Power of Attorney etc., presentations by special guests on diversified subjects covering management of assets, pharmaceutical services, transportation services, rehabilitation services etc. are routinely arranged. SN also carries many indoor activities for residents to take advantage of and keep them occupied: these include pool table, table tennis, playing cards, carom, chess, yoga, daily exercise on treadmill, meditation and prayer in the prayer room and discussion groups on pertinent subjects such as Home Health Care. There is also an informal arrangement in case bereavement services are needed and residents in such situations, in particular, consider SN as a large family.

Moving forward, the future plans include development of five more ShantiNiketans. The land has been purchased, and work on phase three has already commenced. So far about half of the condos have been sold in phase 3 & 4. This complex of five SNs will be called ShantiNiketan Village with all amenities on an100 (one hundred) acre area. There will be one SN with single bedroom with no garage where frail elderly people can stay; and in most of the cases free of any charge with their Supplemental Security Income paying for expenses. It will be called ShantiNiketan and will be developed under Tax-exempt Corporation. It will provide seniors a dignified, peaceful and happy environment where they can spend their golden years. The Ashram will help seniors who are unable to support themselves financially, in part or full, and will seek donations from philanthropists and in addition seek financial support from residents if they get Supplemental Social Security (SSI) and Medicaid.

Protest March at Austin Airport against President Trump

Staff ReporterU.S. 0

By Tania Romero & Seema Govil

The protest on Sunday this week against President Trump’s executive order at Austin Bergstrom International Airport began with a Facebook post.  The night before, activist John Burleson saw that only 19 people were interested in going.  But by Sunday morning, that number had reached almost 300+ people on the Facebook page. At the start of the protest at 2pm, a near 500 protesters gathered outside of the arrival area, as an outcry against president Trump’s executive order, imposing temporary restrictions on immigrants and refugees entering the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority countries.

The mass shockwaves of disapproval could be seen in the assembly of diverse crowds at international airports across the nation.  Attorneys and local political leaders were among protesters who perceive this present mandate as a violation of the first amendment in the Constitution, fueling the increasing discriminatory fervor against Islam religion.

Several crowd members at the protest in Austin took turns speaking into a megaphone to share their own stories. A young Sudanese Muslim-American woman, with her child strapped across her chest, recounted her uncertainty as to whether her husband visiting family in Sudan will return safely next Friday.   She told the crowd “No ban on Muslims.  No walls.  We need to be united.”

Her words struck a chord with other participants, who proceeded to share their own immigrant family stories in solidarity.  One man held a sign in support that read “6thGeneration Immigrant”, and a retired Army officer stated, “this is not what my family fought for in this country.”

The Austin community continues to deliver a welcoming message to Muslims and refugees, by organizing a gathering at the First English Lutheran Church on Monday night and at the Texas Muslim Capitol Day on Tuesday, January 31st.

 

Trump’s ban on 7 Muslim nations affects businesses across US

Staff ReporterBusiness, U.S. 0

Using his newly-acquired executive fiat, President Donald Trump declared a ban on immigrants from seven Muslim majority nations, including Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen blocking all refugees from entering the US for 120 days. In Syria’s case, the suspension is indefinite.

The Executive Order on “Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Attacks by Foreign Nationals,” by President Donald J. Trump has been described by many as a war on Muslim refugees around the world. While civil libertarians reacted with fury to what was seen as a strike against American ideals of welcoming refugees and immigrants, concern in Silicon Valley centered on the fallout of the executive order on its globalized work-force, particularly if the orders are enforced randomly.

In television interviews explaining the ban, Trump said travelers from Muslim-majority countries left out of the ban — Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia — will face what he called “extreme vetting,” while dismissing concerns that his actions will inflame tensions in the Muslim world.
“The world is as angry as it gets,” the President countered. “What, you think this is going to cause a little more anger?”

The US tech industry, substantially staffed with immigrants, was thrown into a tizzy last week. Immigrants make up much of the workforce in Silicon Valley, including many executive roles, and the tech industry has long advocated for more open immigration laws in the U.S., saying they need more skilled foreigners to fill technical jobs.

The new restrictions will have a major impact on American technology companies that hire skilled staff from all over the world on special H1B visas, mostly used by Indian IT firms.

“There have already been reports of green card holders, who are allowed to work in the U.S., being prevented from getting on flights. However, green cards are not specifically mentioned in the executive order,” the Wall Street Journal said. After pressure from across the nation, the White House has stated that Green Card holders will be allowed entry into the country.

Although the move appeared to affect the tech industry only marginally, it was criticized among others by the chief executives of Facebook and Google — Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai — besides many lawmakers and civil liberties activists because of possible wider fall-out.

As per reports, Google recalled scores of its immigrant staffers from foreign travels who are from countries cited by the Trump administration, amid reports of US-bound passengers being off-loaded from planes in some of the affected countries.

“We’re upset about the impact of this order and any proposals that could impose restrictions on Googlers and their families, or that could create barriers to bringing great talent to the US,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai, an immigrant from India himself, wrote in a “Get Back to US Now” memo to employees. “It’s painful to see the personal cost of this executive order on our colleagues… We’ve always made our view on immigration issues known publicly and will continue to do so.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, at least 187 Google employees who normally live and work in the US have been affected by the ban. “Our first order of business is to help Googlers who are affected,” Pichai wrote while recalling employees who are currently abroad and might be at risk. “If you’re abroad and need help please reach out to our global security team.”

Facebook’s Zuckerberg also wrote in a post that that he’s “concerned about the impact of the recent executive orders,” while recounting that his great grandparents came from Germany, Austria and Poland, and his wife Priscilla’s parents were refugees from China and Vietnam.

“We wouldn’t wish this fear and uncertainty on anyone—and especially not our fellow Googlers,” he wrote. “In times of uncertainty, our values remain the best guide.” Microsoft has also warned its shareholders that curbs on immigration could have a material impact on its business.

Hindu mantras to open both Wyoming Senate & House

Staff ReporterUncategorized 0

Both Wyoming Senate and Wyoming House of Representatives in Cheyenne will start their day with ancient Hindu prayers on February third. These invocations will contain verses from Rig-Veda; the oldest existing scripture of the mankind still in common use.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed will deliver these prayers from Sanskrit scriptures before the Senate and House. After Sanskrit delivery, he then will read the English translation of the prayers. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and root language of Indo-European languages.

Zed, who is the President of Universal Society of Hinduism, besides Rig-Veda, will also recite from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures. He plans to start and end the prayer with “Om”, the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work.

Reciting from Brahadaranyakopanishad, Rajan Zed plans to say “Asato ma sad gamaya, tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, mrtyor mamrtam gamaya”, which he will then interpret as “Lead us from the unreal to the Real, Lead us from darkness to Light, Lead us from death to immortality.” Reading from Bhagavad-Gita, he proposes to urge the legislators to keep the welfare of others always in mind.

Zed is a global Hindu and interfaith leader. Bestowed with World Interfaith Leader Award; Zed is Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, on the Advisory Board of The Interfaith Peace Project, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families, etc. He was invited by President of European Parliament in Brussels (Belgium) for a meeting to promote interfaith dialogue. He also leads a weekly interfaith panel “Faith Forum” in a Gannett publication for the last nearly six years.

According to “Dress Code in the Chambers During Sessions” (as described in Management Council Policy 12-03), “Business formal (for men is defined as a suit, or dress slacks, jacket, tie, dress shirt and dress shoes or dress boots. Boots must be polished.) dress is expected on the chamber floor during legislative sessions”. But Rajan Zed’s attire; who wears saffron colored robes, a ruddraksh mala (rosary), and traditional sandalpaste tilak (religious mark) on the forehead; has been reportedly approved by the Wyoming Senate President for February three.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

In the 64th Wyoming Legislature, Eli D. Bebout is President of the Senate, which has 30 members; while Steve Harshman is Speaker of the House of Representatives, which has sixty members. Matt Mead is the Governor of Wyoming, whose nickname is “Cowboy State” and tagline is: “Some things can’t be explained. Only experienced.”

Sen. Kamala Harris leads women’s march in DC

Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Women march globally for rights for everyone

 

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-California) was “walking on a cloud” after speaking to thousands at the women’s march in Washington, media reports here stated. Her message: All issues are women’s issues. We will not retreat when being attacked. We will stand up and we will fight.”

California’s newest Democratic senator reflected on Trump’s inauguration speech just the day before, calling it a “dark” message for Americans.”

As the Women’s March on Washington had swelled in support, attracting attention and supporters in the lead-up to Saturday’s demonstrations on January 21, its name has become something of a misnomer. Women traveled from all over the country to be at the D.C. march, including many from across the nation. To them, and all people who were hoping for a different outcome, she expressed hope and the need to fight for equality and justice around the world.

Similar marches have been organized in all 50 states, several U.S. territories and countries around the world. They have tried to express solidarity with the aims of the original march: opposition to President Trump’s agenda, and support of women’s rights and human rights in general. In Sydney, London, New Delhi, and other cities, demonstrators broke out their signs and pink hats before even their compatriots in D.C. could.

While some protests were principally marching to express solidarity with the demonstrators in the U.S., others are directly raising issues of misogyny on a more local level. In New Delhi, protesters carried signs reading “I will go out,” to protest sexual harassment in public spaces.

“I am concerned that we are on a path to appeal to our lesser instincts instead of our better selves,” the first ever Senator of Indian origin, said. She went on to echo something Trump emphasized in his inauguration speech: The people have the power.

“There are thousands and thousands of people here today. And I think everyone should take note, that this is a very powerful voice – they’re activated and they must be taken seriously.”

The senator spent about 45 minutes backstage greeting people before her speech. Along the way she said she ran into someone who was best friends with her mother when they were students at UC Berkeley during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. “This is absolutely personal to me. This is absolutely personal to me.”

“The fight for civil rights will be fought and won with each generation. Whatever gains we make will not be permanent,” she said. “That’s the nature of it, so let’s not be dispirited.… Let’s just get up, pick ourselves up and get out there and fight. Fight for equality, fight for fairness, fight for justice.”

Trump talks to Modi

Staff ReporterIndia, U.S. 0

Donald Trump tells Narendra Modi he considers India a ‘true friend’

President Donald Trump is reported to have invited Modi to visit the United States later this year, during a phone call on Tuesday, four days after the Republican President took oath as the 45th President of the US. During the call, “President Trump emphasised that the US considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world,” the White House said in a readout of the call.

Trump spoke with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a call last week, one of the few world leaders the new US President has spoken to since taking office on January 20th.

According to a White House statement, Trump emphasized that Washington considers India a “true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world.”  The new US leader also said he was looking forward to welcoming Modi in the US later this year.

Modi’s a frequent visitor to the US; he’s made four official visits since he assumed office in 2014. Last June marked the seventh time he had met former President Barack Obama.  On the call, Trump and Modi were said to have discussed opportunities to strengthen their partnership on the economy and defense, though no details were given. They also discussed security in south and central Asia, a region that encompasses Pakistan and Afghanistan, and resolved to “stand shoulder to shoulder in the global fight against terrorism.”

The leaders discussed economic and defense co-operations and regional security issues, the White House said in a statement. He was the fifth word leader President Trump spoke to after coming to office. The two men expected to find common ground going forward on terrorism and security, particularly in regard to the terrorist threat from neighboring Pakistan, experts said.

PM Modi was one of the first leaders to congratulate President Trump after his victory in the November elections and the inauguration last week. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister had said he looked forward to working with President Trump to “further deepen” India-US ties and “realise the full potential of our cooperation”.

President Trump, whose “Buy American, Hire American” policy and plans to clamp down on H-1B visas has caused some unease in the Indian IT industry, has so far been positive about India. During his election campaign, he mentioned India as the only other nation besides Israel, with which he wanted to strengthen ties. Expressing personal admiration for PM Modi, Trump had called him a “great man” who was “very energetic in reforming India’s bureaucracy”.

Trump also said he had “great confidence” in India. “Generations of Indian and Hindu Americans have strengthened our country…your values of hard work, education and enterprise have truly enriched our nation.”

 

Dimple Ajmera to become city’s first Asian-American Charlotte City Council member

Staff ReporterCommunity, Politics, U.S. 0

Dimple Ajmera was named to Charlotte City Council on Monday night and will become the city’s first Asian-American on the council.  Ajmera, 30, was appointed to finish the term of Democrat John Autry in District 5, which covers much of east Charlotte. Autry stepped down from the seat in January to become a member of the North Carolina House.

The Charlotte City Council appointed Dimple Ajmera to the District 5 seat vacated by John Autry. The Charlotte Housing Authority  Ajmera works at TIAA in University City as a project manager. Without knowing English, she immigrated with her family to the United States from India when she was 16. She graduated from Southern High in Durham and then the University of Southern California. She has served on the Charlotte Housing Authority board.

Five other people applied for the position: Ariel Chambers-Woodruff, Johnell Holman, Marjorie Molina, Matthew Newton and Queen Thompson. Ajmera was a unanimous choice.

But before the vote, Democratic council member Al Austin nominated Matt Newton, an activist who has worked to reform the Citizens Review Board. Democrat Claire Fallon said Newton was her choice, but that she was going to support Ajmera because she would “go with the majority.”

Newton came to the meeting with a vocal group of supporters. Austin told him that Monday’s vote was “not the end but the beginning.”

Ajmera will be sworn in later this week. Her term ends in December.

In deciding whom they should appoint, council members said they preferred someone who would not run for the seat this year.

“I told them I will fill the term for 11 months,” Ajmera said. “I’ll support whoever decides to run for the district.”

Chicagoans robustly represented at Global Indian Diaspora conference in India

Staff ReporterBusiness 0

Chicago’s Indian American Business Council’s [IABC] domineering presence at Pravasi Haryana Divas [PHD] was manifestly conspicuous with four prominent Chicagoans Poonam Gupta-Krishnan, Harish Kolasani, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori and Chacko Kurian actively participated and interacted as official representatives at this glittering global diaspora conference hosted on a grand epic scale with all the fanfare at the Kingdom of Dreams venue in Gurgaon in Haryana near Delhi.

The enthused Chicagoans of the Indian American Business Council actively interacted with ministers and several high ranking government officials to complement their efforts and discussed laying out of a preliminary road map on ways to inspire investors to make India the investment destination.   Poonam Gupta-Krishnan, CEO of Iyka International and IABC Chairperson said the Pravasi Haryana Divas served as a momentous opportunity for Chicago’s IABC to serve as an effective catalyst to garner investors in Haryana and other states in India from the United States — that which seeks to benefit both the countries. Poonam Gupta-Krishnan led the team to interact with the officials, corporate heads and other entrepreneurs in forging this alliance of collaboration.

Harish Kolasani, IABC President IABC said Pravasi Haryana Divas has opened sluice gates of investment opportunities in wide range of sectors and added that IABC would play a substantive role in leveraging its organizational business-acumen capital to build bridges of partnerships to encourage a mutually-beneficial business opportunities especially in the area of information technology.

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, IABC Vice President outlined several initiatives to be undertaken by IABC with a goal of serving as ambassadors promoting business and investments opportunities between India and the United States and enable a robust exchange of business prospects between the two countries.

Connected by roots and united by vision, the state of Haryana in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry [CII] hosted this grand scale 2-day diaspora summit that was replete with sectoral sessions and business seminars on information technology enabled service, education, sports, tourism, media and entertainment to usher a paradigm shift in the development of the state of Haryana. The 2-day conference also encompassed colorful cultural programs in the evening culminating with a grand awards presentation attracting the diaspora elite showcasing the best of Haryana and its global class city making the city as a ‘Preferred Investment Destination’

Earlier, the executive team of IABC also actively participated in Pravasi Bharitya Divas [PBD] in Bengaluru, India. Chairperson Poonam Gupta -Krishnan and President, Harish Kolasani held high level trade discussions at Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in Bengaluru. Discussions with Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah and his high-level team was productive especially the meeting with B. K. Shivkumar, MD Department of Industry and Commerce; Gaurav Gupta, Commissioner for Industrial Development ; Dr. K. Muralidhara, Secretary, NRI Forum, Government of Karnataka.

Other well-known Chicagoans who joined at this global Indian diaspora conference include Dr. Sanhita Agnihotri, Dr. Hyder Mohammed and Hina Trivedi.

DuPage Senior Citizen Council celebrates 68th republic day

Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Chicago IL:  DuPage Senior Citizen Council organized 68th Republic Day Celebration at Shahi Banquets, North Avenue, Lombard IL. Various local artists entertained the seniors and celebrated republic day. Program started with US and Indian National anthem.

Prachi Jaitly, Director, Bollywood Arts Academy performed semi-classical dance on a Bollywood medley paying tribute to the legendary actresses Asha Parekh and Saadhna. She performed on Raat Ka Sama, Khat Likh De Sawariya Ke Naam and Jhumka Gira Re.

A famous local singer Ishaan Ahmed sang patriotic songs like Ye desh hai veer jawano ka, Mere desh ki dharti.  Another singer, Avni Khanna sang beautiful numbers like Chalta Chalte from Pakeeza and Dama dam Mast kalander. Another local artist Hema Shastri danced on Yashomati Maiya se bole nand lala. The program featured flag hoisting and cake cutting by the founding president of FIA Sunil Shah. The entire program was very well coordinated by Moneek Khan.

Indian Consulate In New York celebrates Republic Day

Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The Consulate General of India in New York celebrated India’s 68th Republic Day with a flag hoisting ceremony held Jan. 26 morning at the consulate premises. Consul General Riva Ganguly Das unfurled the Indian tricolor and read Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the nation. In the evening, the consulate hosted a reception for members of the community. Ganguly Das highlighted India’s development initiatives and the India-U.S. relationship and their strategic partnership. “No country can come close to the range, quality and intensity of the partnership between India and the U.S.” she said.

In attendance was Shashi Kant Sharma, the comptroller and auditor general of India, took over as the chairman of the United Nations’ Board of Auditors from Jan. 1 for a period of two years.

The world’s biggest stock exchange, NYSE lists more than 2,400 companies with a market capitalization of over $19.3 trillion. Eight Indian companies, including Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Wipro, InfoSys and ICICI, are listed on it. Nine India-oriented exchange traded funds also trade there.

Ganguly Das rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, marking the end of the day’s trading. With the President of the exchange, Thomas Farley, standing next to her and members of the Indian-American community gathered around them on the balcony overlooking the trading floor, Das brought the day’s trading to a close by banging the gavel after sounding the bell.

New York Asian Women’s Center (NYAWC) Changes Name to Womankind

Staff ReporterWomen 0

(New York, NY – January 26, 2017) The New York Asian Women’s Center, a leader in providing innovative and award-winning multilingual and culturally responsive services to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual violence and later in life abuse, officially changed its name to Womankind at a press conference in Manhattan on Tuesday.

“We changed our name to create an identity that speaks to the power of our unique ways of thinking and doing – changing paradigms, building and healing,” said Larry Lee, executive director of Womankind. “And to show that we are more inclusive and transforming. We changed because we had outgrown our name.”
For 35 years, Womankind has helped Asian women and their children rise above trauma and build a path to healing through counseling, safe and confidential emergency housing, immigration and legal services, economic empowerment programs and so much more.

Representatives from the organization also revealed the trailer of a short film by director Benjamin Ross called “Rise Above,” which premiered during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, last weekend. The virtual reality (VR) film focuses on Brittany, a South Asian youth survivor of sexual violence, and was produced by Oculus’ “VR For Good” initiative.

“It was great to be able to tell my story of abuse through the medium of virtual reality and to be able to share the film through social media,” said Brittany. “I hope the film encourages more people from my generation to report abuse and speak out against violence.” The “VR for Good” initiative will make its rounds through the film festival circuit and will, eventually, be available to view in its entirety on the organization’s recently revamped web site, www.iamwomankind.org.  The organization also announced the opening of a new community office in Brooklyn, which will allow advocates to provide services for double the number of victims from that community. The Brooklyn Center makes for a total of THREE community offices and TWO emergency residences that Womankind manages in New York.

Indie rock artist Queen V ended the press conference on a high note by performing her rendition of “Broken Wings,” which is now available on I-tunes. Proceeds from the sales will benefit Womankind.

The India Association of Greater Boston hosts Antakshari competition

Staff ReporterEntertainment 0

 

As part of the Republic Day 2017 event, an intensely contested Antakshari event resulted in four teams consisting of Surili Iyers, Burmaniacs, Lets Nacho With Cheese and Atom Bomb competing in the finals. Congratulations to Namita Deshpande and Parag Singh of Atom Bomb, who won the competition.

This was the first time competitive Antakshari was conducted at this scale in the New England region. Kudos to the IAGB team lead by Aditi Taylor to create and execute a wonderful event. It was professionally done.

Grand Finale Teams are: Team Atom Bomb – Namita Deshpande and Parag Singh – Winner; Team Burmaniacs – Anish Desai and Krishna Desai – 1st Runner Up; Team Let’s Nacho With Cheese – Santosh Rao and Yogitha Parayil Team – 2nd Runner Up; and, Team Surile Iyers – Vidya Iyer and Prakash Iyer – 3rd Runner Up.

 

Habib Chaudhry arrested in $200 Million Credit Card fraud scheme

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Habib Chaudhry, a New Yorker, has been detained after remaining a fugitive for nearly four years in a case alleging to have been involved in more than $200 million credit card fraud schemes, one of the largest ever charged by the Justice Department.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman made the announcement on January 23, stating that Chaudhry, 49, of Valley Stream, New York, was initially charged by complaint in February 2013 and then by indictment in September 2013. He was expected to make his initial appearance Jan. 23 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court, Fishman said.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court. Fishhman said in a press note, Chaudhry was indicted as part of a conspiracy, led by Tahir Lodhi, Babar Qureshi, Ijaz Butt, and others to fabricate more than 7,000 false identities to obtain tens of thousands of credit cards. Since then, 19 people have pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme.

The scheme involved a three-step process — the defendants would make up a false identity by creating fraudulent identification documents and a phony credit profile with the major credit bureaus, then pump up the credit of the false identity by providing bogus information about that identity’s creditworthiness, and finally borrow or spend as much as they could without repaying the debts. The scheme caused more than $200 million in confirmed losses to businesses and financial institutions.

The scope of the criminal fraud enterprise required the conspirators to construct an elaborate network of false identities. Across the country, the conspirators maintained more than 1,800 “drop addresses,” including houses, apartments and post office boxes, which they used as the mailing addresses for the false identities.

 

Nita Ambani honored in New York

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Nita Ambani, Reliance Foundation chairperson, has been honored by the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) here for her philanthropic efforts. Ambani’s philanthropic work in the areas of education, sports, healthcare, rural transformation, urban renewal, disaster response, women empowerment and promotion of the arts, has been recognised with the honour. She is said to be be the first South Asian to receive the accolade.

Delighted and humbled by the honour, Ambani said in a statement: “It is truly gratifying that our efforts, especially in education, sports, health and rural transformation, are bringing smiles to millions of people.

“This recognition from a distinguished global institution like The Met is a tribute to our commitment towards sustainable development and social empowerment, and will inspire each one of us at Reliance Foundation to constantly do the best to make the world a better place for the next generation.” The Met is recognized as one of the most iconic museums, and it houses over 5,000 years of art from around the world.

NYC charges firm with discrimination against Muslims​

Staff ReporterU.S. 0

The New York City Commission on Human Rights filed religious discrimination charges against a wheelchair assistance service company on January 25 for allegedly discriminating against Muslim employees by repeatedly denying their requests for break time to pray and break fast during Ramadan.

The company, Pax Assist Inc., providing service at JFK International Airport was charged Jan. 25 with violating NYC Human Rights Law. The complaint also alleged that supervisors at Pax Assist Inc., which serves 32 airlines and employs more than 250 workers at Terminal 4 at JFK, publicly harassed Muslim employees over a radio system when they requested break time.

The commission has notified Pax Assist Inc. of these charges and is awaiting its response.
“Discrimination does not just happen on the street, it can touch every part of our daily lives, including in the workplace,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

“Now more than ever, it is important for everyone to stand up against discrimination and hate, and to protect the rights of Muslim Americans. The Commission is working hard to ensure that every community understands their rights and is legally protected against discrimination and bigotry,” the mayor said.

“As New Yorkers, we must all must be vigilant and stand up for what is right.”

The commission, which filed the religious discrimination charges on behalf of the City rather than requiring individual victims to file claims, also alleged that the company’s employee break policy has a disparate impact on employees of every faith who may be deterred from requesting religious accommodations to pray at work consistent with their religious practices.

Babar Qureshi from NJ sentenced for role in Credit Card scam

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TRENTON, N.J.: Babar Qureshi, an Iselin, New Jersey, man of South Asian origin, was sentenced Jan. 25, to 46 months in prison for his role in one of the largest credit card fraud schemes ever charged by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Babar Qureshi, 63, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge at a Trenton federal court Anne E. Thompson to Count One of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Qureshi to five years of supervised release.

He was originally charged in February 2013 as part of an 18-person ring which fabricated more than 7,000 false identities to procure tens of thousands of credit cards. The scam spanned at least 8 countries including Pakistan, India, China, Romania, and Japan, and spread over some 28 states in the U.S., and about 80 fake companies.

Several of those accused and charged were of South Asian origin. The scheme involved a three-step process that included making up a false identity by creating fraudulent identification documents and a fraudulent credit profile with the major credit bureaus; pumping up the credit of the false identity by providing false information about that identity’s creditworthiness to those credit bureaus; and finally, run up large loans.

His co-conspirators and Qureshi constructed an elaborate network of false identities and maintained more than 1,800 “drop addresses,” across the country which included houses, apartments and post office boxes, which they used as the mailing addresses of the false identities.

Qureshi’s role in the conspiracy was to take the phony cards and charge large amounts at complicit merchants, who would then pay him a portion of the charge. He used phony bank accounts to conceal his involvement and receive proceeds from the fraud, which he used for personal expenses, including his mortgage, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Paul Fishman.

FBI questions Rutgers student about massive cyber attack

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The FBI has interviewed a Rutgers University computer science student who has been identified by a well-known cyber security blogger as the likely author of the malicious code that caused a massive Internet disruption in October. The expert said the student also may be linked to repeated attacks on Rutgers’ computer system starting in late 2014.

While he says he does not know who may have actually launched the massive “denial of service” or DDoS attacks last fall, the security researcher said the coding language used and other anecdotal evidence seemed to point to the 20-year-old-student, Paras Jha, as an author of the malware used to shut down hundreds of computer servers.

The student’s father, Anand Jha, confirmed that federal investigators have questioned his son, but he adamantly denied he had any knowledge of the attacks or was involved in any way.

In an interview with NJ Advance Media at his Fanwood home, Anand Jha said his son is one of the principals at ProTraf, a company he said helps clients avoid online attacks. But he said his son had nothing to do with the attacks that caused widespread disruptions.

“I know what he is capable of,” Anand Jha said. “Nothing of the sort of what has been described here has happened.” He said the FBI has been in touch with his son more than once. Initially, the family believed authorities were trying to help their son, but they now believe the FBI is trying to build a case against him.

“It is tough. He is just a college kid who doesn’t know what is going on,” the father said. ‘The truth will come out.” Attorney Robert Stahl, a former assistant U.S. attorney who has been retained by the family, said the younger Jha has not been charged with any wrongdoing and was innocent. He said the focus on the student largely stemmed from the apparent findings of Brian Krebs, a former Washington Post reporter who writes a highly influential computer security blog.

“The Krebs alleged investigation makes several leaps of logic,” Stahl said. “We’ll be conducting our own investigation and are looking forward to clearing this young man’s name.”

A Rutgers spokeswoman, Karen Smith, said she could not comment on the status of the investigation.

“We continue to cooperate with all appropriate law enforcement authorities in connection with the ongoing investigation of the DDoS attacks,” Smith said. “This is a very serious matter and we will have no further comment while this matter is under investigation.”

Neil Patel expected Trump Administration job

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Neil Patel, an Indian American White House veteran who worked as a policy adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney during the George W. Bush presidency, is in talks with President-elect Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner about a potential role in the White House.

As per a CNN report, the discussions between Patel and Kushner Jan. 19, citing sources with knowledge of the transition. The source told CNN that Kushner informally offered Patel a position, and both agreed it’s contingent on them meeting in person to discuss the details, the report said.

Additionally, a transition official said that Patel had met with Kushner, but it was one of many meetings Kushner has had. Patel, a lawyer, is considered by members of the GOP Party as “extremely smart and capable,” and said he is a “serious policy person” who would be an asset to Kushner and the Trump White House, CNN reported.

Following his time as adviser to Cheney, Patel co-founded conservative news blog “The Daily Caller.” He also previously served as Cheney’s adviser Scooter Libby’s deputy. He was also nominated by the Bush White House to run the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, but he was not confirmed.

A graduate of Worcester Academy, Patel received his Bachelors’ from Trinity College. Patel also has a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the Georgetown University Law Center, where he was an associate editor of the Journal of Law and Policy in International Business.

These were the two best years in India-US ties, says Ambassador Richard Verma

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US ambassador Richard Verma described the period he has been serving as US Envoy in New Delhi as “the two best years we’ve ever had. Our leaders have met nine times, held three summits, rolled out 100 new initiatives and over 40 government-togovernment dialogues,” Verma told the media. “This has led to big things – the Westinghouse nuclear contract, Paris climate agreement, major defence partner elevation… We are doing more with each other than ever before.”

As outgoing US President Barack Obama and PM Narendra Modi held their last official conversation on phone reviewing the progress in bilateral relations since the BJP-led government came to power last week.

After clearing the nuclear liability hurdle, India and Westinghouse are on the verge of signing the commercial contract for nuclear reactors, Verma said. “We have set a goal for this summer to complete commercial contract with Westinghouse. Thus far, we have met our milestones to submit commercial offer, teams met to discuss financing … Now it’s a matter of getting the final terms of the contract signed. The land has been allocated, we’re excited,” the outgoing ambassador said.

However, NSG membership for India has eluded the grasp of bilateral diplomacy .”This is part of a larger commitment President Obama made in 2010, that India should have a seat in international institutions and regimes that is consistent with its role … This is not 1945 any more.We have worked with India to get entry into MTCR, the membership process to Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement are moving well,” he said.

The NSG talks may slow down due to the transition in the US, but the Rafael Grossi process (former NSG chief ‘s initiative to facilitate India’s membership) is more or less complete. “It looked at how to handle non-NPT countries entering the NSG process …We have come to a consensus on the criteria,” he said.

He said in the past few years, the defence relationship has jumped to a whole new level. “Prime Minister Modi told the US Congress last year that it is in America’s strategic interest for India to be strong and prosperous. President Obama believes in it. We are trying to bolster capabilities across sectors like cyber, defenc etc. These are engines of job creationboth in India and the US,” Verma said.

“Secretary Ashton Carter proposed new projects – one for vertical lift helicopter that we would co-develop and a ground combat vehicle. Now, with the LEMOA signed, our two militaries can interact with each other with greater ease,” he said. The US, Verma said, is consulting with India on an aircraft carrier.

The Indian Ocean strategic vision document signed by Obama and Modi in January 2015 changed the strategic outlook for India. Verma said, “It’s foundational to the work we’ve done. It’s actually a collective vision for the Asia-Pacific, where we see a leadership role for India. As a result of this statement, the governments of India, Japan and US elevated their trilateral to the ministerial level, Japan was re-inducted into Malabar exercises, there has been greater intelligence cooperation and sharing of information, we have stood up together for free flow of commerce, respect for UNCLOS, freedom of navigation.”  The movement against terrorism, the US ambassador said, has continued apace.

Rupen R. Shah confirmed to be judge in Virginia

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Rupen R. Shah, an Indian American prosecutor who was the chief deputy of the Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office in Virginia, has been confirmed as a judge of the 25th Judicial District. According to a report on newsvirginian.com, Shah’s six-year term will begin Feb. 1.

Making the announcement Jan. 19, the local assembly delegation noted that Shah is the first Indian American judge elected in the Commonwealth, according to a report in the Augusta Free Press. “It was an honor for us to put forward for consideration and to vote for the confirmation” of Shah, the delegation said in a statement, adding, Shah’s “commitment to serve the people of the Commonwealth in this manner is to be commended.”

Tim Martin, the Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney, said Shah is deserving of the judgeship. “The bottom line is he is an excellent choice,” Martin was quoted as saying on the website. “I will miss him both personally and professionally. Our office’s great loss is the judiciary’s gain.” Shah has worked as a prosecutor in Augusta County for more than 20 years, Martin said.

In 2015, Shah was named a “Leader of the Law,” an award from Virginia Lawyers Media that recognizes attorneys for serving their community, changing the law, and improving Virginia’s legal system, according to a report on nbc29.com.

Shah said at that time he was proud of the work he has done to change laws for synthetic marijuana and making financial institutions more open to law enforcement. Shah has served on the executive committee and council of the Virginia State Bar and also as chair of the Diversity Conference of the Virginia State Bar.

He was recognized by the State Bar as a local leader of the year 2009 and also served as president of the Augusta County Bar Association from 2008-2009. The Indian American also has extensive experience in teaching law. Shah, who has a law degree from New York’s Syracuse University, founded the non-profit Valley Children’s Center, which helps law enforcement and Child Protective Services workers interview abused and neglected children.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar charged with drug trafficking

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Dr. Sanjay Kumar, a 50-year-old Indian-origin doctor in North Carolina has been charged with drug trafficking and money-laundering, according to federal authorities. According to reports,  Kumar was charged with conspiracy to unlawful distribution of opioids such as oxycodone and alprazolam, which can be misused as addictive drugs, the federal prosecutor’s office for Eastern North Carolina announced on Jan. 17.

As per prosecutors, Kumar conspired to illegally dispense Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Hydromorphone and Alprazolam. The charges were filed against him after a grand jury, a panel of citizens that makes the initial determination to prosecute, indicted him. That is the first stage in the U.S. justice system and he will next be tried in court.

If convicted, the maximum penalties for each charged drug count are imprisonment for 25 years and a $1 million fine. Kumar is from Bern in North Carolina. A local newspaper Sun Journal said he was a specialist in physiatry and headed a sports medicine practice.

He was arrested in June at a traffic stop and according to authorities “trafficking levels” of drugs were found when his house was searched with a warrant. According to the newspaper, when Kumar was produced before a judge at that time he said: “I am going to fight all these charges, humbly and boldly.” He has also faced charges of stalking his neighbors, Sun Journal said.

Priyanka Chopra wins People’s Choice Award

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Indian actress Priyanka Chopra made India proud yet again when she was chosen as the Favourite Dramatic TV Actress over American actresses Ellen Pompeo, Kerry Washington, Taraji P. Henson and Viola Davis at the People’s Choice Awards 2017.

It is Priyanka’s second People’s Choice Award as she bagged her first one in the Favourite Actress in a New TV series category last year for “Quantico”, in which she plays Alex Parrish. The role has given her unprecedented popularity in the US as it even paved the way for her to become a star presenter at the Oscars and Golden Globes ceremonies.

Looking subtle and elegant in a peach tube dress with minimal make-up for the gala, Priyanka was overwhelmed when her name was announced as the winner in the Favourite Dramatic TV Actress category here on Wednesday night.

After winning, the 34-year-old former Miss World, who was recently injured on the set of “Quantico”, said: “Every single woman that was nominated with me today… All of these incredible actresses were the reason that I joined television.

“They were the reason that I wanted to be the actor that I am here today, receiving this award, and being in the same category as them is just so overwhelming.” The actress also thanked the entire cast and crew of “Quantico”, her first Hollywood project.

“I am really psyched. Can I do a little wiggle? I am sorry it’s the concussion talking… This (award) means the world to me,” added the actress, whose “Baywatch” co-star Dwayne Johnson cheered for her.

The People’s Choice Awards, held at the Microsoft Theater and hosted by actor-comedian Joel McHale, celebrated the best and the brightest in music, film, television and social media.

Singer Britney Spears and 2016 3D computer-animated film “Finding Dory” emerged as the big winners at the gala, where popular Indo-Canadian online personality Lilly Singh also won an honor.

Rupen R. Shah confirmed to be judge in Virginia

Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Rupen R. Shah, an Indian American prosecutor who was the chief deputy of the Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office in Virginia, has been confirmed as a judge of the 25th Judicial District. According to a report on newsvirginian.com, Shah’s six-year term will begin Feb. 1.

Making the announcement Jan. 19, the local assembly delegation noted that Shah is the first Indian American judge elected in the Commonwealth, according to a report in the Augusta Free Press. “It was an honor for us to put forward for consideration and to vote for the confirmation” of Shah, the delegation said in a statement, adding, Shah’s “commitment to serve the people of the Commonwealth in this manner is to be commended.”

Tim Martin, the Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney, said Shah is deserving of the judgeship. “The bottom line is he is an excellent choice,” Martin was quoted as saying on the website. “I will miss him both personally and professionally. Our office’s great loss is the judiciary’s gain.” Shah has worked as a prosecutor in Augusta County for more than 20 years, Martin said.

In 2015, Shah was named a “Leader of the Law,” an award from Virginia Lawyers Media that recognizes attorneys for serving their community, changing the law, and improving Virginia’s legal system, according to a report on nbc29.com.

Shah said at that time he was proud of the work he has done to change laws for synthetic marijuana and making financial institutions more open to law enforcement. Shah has served on the executive committee and council of the Virginia State Bar and also as chair of the Diversity Conference of the Virginia State Bar.

He was recognized by the State Bar as a local leader of the year 2009 and also served as president of the Augusta County Bar Association from 2008-2009. The Indian American also has extensive experience in teaching law. Shah, who has a law degree from New York’s Syracuse University, founded the non-profit Valley Children’s Center, which helps law enforcement and Child Protective Services workers interview abused and neglected children.

UAE-based Kehkashan Basu wins Children’s Peace Prize

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An Indian schoolgirl based in UAE has won this year’s International Children’s Peace Prize for her fight to save the planet. Kehkashan Basu, a 16-year-old schoolgirl, was presented the award by Nobel Peace laureate Mohammad Yunus at a ceremony held in The Hague Dec. 3, Gulf News reported.

At the age of eight, Basu organized an awareness-raising campaign for the recycling of waste in her Dubai neighborhood. In 2012, she founded her own organization, Green Hope, which carries out environment-focused campaigns. Basu went on to become the youngest ever Global Coordinator for the Major Group for Children and Youth of the UN Environmental Program.

Basu has addressed various international conferences and her organization Green Hope was now active in ten countries with more than 1,000 young volunteers.

“It is a great achievement for such a young person to already have such reach and impact with her important message,” said Yunus. “Kehkashan teaches us that we all have a responsibility to work towards a sustainable future,” he added.

The schoolgirl won because she had proved her ability to start a movement with real impact, said Marc Dullaert, the founder of the Kids Rights Foundation. The Amsterdam-based global children’s aid group runs the award program, which started in 2005.

After receiving the prize, Basu said she would “keep campaigning to encourage children and adults to create a more sustainable future.” Basu currently divides her time between the UAE and Canada, where she has moved to study.

“I call upon everyone to think of how they can contribute to the preservation of the environment… Time is not on our side – we have to act now, or we will have polar bears under palm trees,” she said.

GOPIO Convention in Bangalore a huge success

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The two-day convention of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) in Bangalore, India struck the right note in articulating the problems faced by the Diaspora. PIOs/NRIs from over 60 countries who gathered in Bangalore under the shadow of demonetization had the opportunity to exchange views on the diverse issues dogging Pravasis. Speaker after speaker mentioned the problem of cash crunch following the demonetization of Rs.1000 and 500 notes.

Through several sessions GOPIO managed to put across to the government the difficulties faced by NRIs/PIOs due to note ban. A resolution passed by GOPIO specifically requested the government to make the exchange of demonetized notes held by NRIs trouble-free.

Another issue that figured prominently in the discussions was the inadequate representation of GOPIO in the PBD event. GOPIO President Niraj Baxi and Global Ambassador Sunny Kulathakal aired GOPIO’s disappointment over the development. Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar who inaugurated the two-day convention promised to look into the complaint.

The idea ‘GOPIO Means Business’ got a boost in Bengaluru, brightening the prospect of broadening the business linkages of the Diaspora with the Motherland. Two sessions on start-ups while touching on the emerging scenario in the fastest growing sector, explored the possibilities of partnerships and investments by NRIs. The participants got a thorough briefing on the impending launch of GOPIO International Chamber of Commerce (GICC).

Minister M. J. Akbar inaugurated the convention on January 5. Addressing the gathering, Akbar appreciated the role of non-resident Indians (NRIs) and person of Indian origin (PIO) in strengthening relations between India and other countries. “India will have its first-ever strategic discussion with UAE on January 20 and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, will be our guest at the Republic Day,” he said.

The external affairs ministry will soon launch portals to help Indians who are travelling abroad in search of jobs, he said. On demonetization, Akbar said, “A single, historic move by the Prime Minister has converted black money into white and this will now be used for the nation’s development.” Highlighting the significant role that global Indians had played in strengthening international relations, Akbar said, “Once, we had the song, ‘Mera jota hai Japani’. India no longer buys shoes from Japan. We are, in fact, in talks with Japan to build high-speed railway corridors. Nor is India buying Lal Topis (Red hats) from Russia. Instead, we are strengthening our defense, space and nuclear ties with Russia, besides becoming a major defense partner for America. This has materialized largely because of the global Indians in these countries,” Akbar said. He also referred to the bilateral agreements signed with Gulf countries to ensure a better deal for Indian workers. In this connection, he lauded the initiatives taken by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to solve problems faced by Indians abroad.

Thomas Abraham, chairman of the organization, raised the issue of provisions for NRIs to exchange old currency. “We are thankful that the deadline has been extended to June 30. However, notes can be exchanged only in certain branches of the Reserve Bank of India. For a few thousand rupees, people cannot travel to a different city.” To ensure that the money does not go waste, he requested the government to make provisions for NRIs to exchange notes in other banks.

President of GOPIO Niraj Baxi told Akbar that the body had played a vital role in helping the government formulate the idea of PBD. “We have requested the government to allow our members to speak on this occasion, since we will be able to present the problems faced by the Diaspora in a more convincing manner,” Baxi added. Akbar said that he had received a complaint in this regard, and would look into the same.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar MP, in his keynote address, said that non-residential Indians (NRIs) were a powerful asset to the country. “The process of institutionalizing the NRI and PIO communities is a long one. Many problems they are faced with today are very old. However, the principle of ‘leaving no Indian behind’, which the Centre has espoused is starting to yield results,” Chandrasekhar added.

Justice Gopala Gowda too called for empowering the Indian Diaspora, which, he said, would, in turn bolster the country. Raj Purohit, MLA and Chief Whip of the BJP in Maharashtra, used the occasion to praise demonetization which he described as a fight against corruption. He wanted the expatriate Indian community to back the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his efforts to transform India through various programs like Make in India and Swach Bharat.

Describing himself as a soldier for the GOPIO, motivational speaker and author Shiv Khera stressed the relevance and importance of the three P skills – people skills, persuasive skills and prioritizing skills. Khera opined that the reservation policy in the country had outlived its utility and needed to change. “Reservation should not be based on caste, but education and economy. GOPIO should work with the government, and press for these changes,” said Khera.

On January, 6 there were different sessions devoted multiple topics of interest to the Diaspora. Sessions on women empowerment, social Indian with focus on rural India, underprivileged, GOPIO Chamber of Commerce, Start-up India and Startup pitchathon saw interesting presentations.

The winner of the Pichathon was Siddartha Goel from Bengaluru. At the valedictory function, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the GOPIO community service awards to six eminent NRIs who have excelled in their professions and/or contributed substantially to the cause of Indian community and society at large. They are Dr. Abraham M George (USA and India), Chandu Patel (USA), Naliandra (Jay) Naidu (Durban, South Africa), Dr. Ram Buxani (Dubai), Dr. George Cherian (Bahrain) and Vinod Patel (Fiji). A special recognition Pravasi Mitra Award was presented to Karnataka Police DGP Om Prakash for his service excellence in helping and recovering money of NRI’s cheated by a real estate developer in Bengaluru.

While appreciating GOPIO’s role in promoting the interests of Pravasis, the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged Non-Resident Indians to build schools and hospitals in their native states. He also referred to the new NRI policy unveiled by Karnataka government that aims to help residents from the state working abroad. Arathi Krishna, Deputy Chairman, NRI Forum of Karnataka Government extended all support to GOPIO convention.

GOPIO Convention passed resolutions including one on Demonetization in which NRIs/PIOs are left with over Rs. 15,000 crores of old currencies in small amounts at an average of Rs. 5000 per person. GOPIO resolution calls upon the Government of India to provide the NRIs and PIOs an opportunity similar to the one given to Indian nationals; that is, allowing them to deposit up to Rs. 250,000.00 of Indian currency in either the Reserve Bank of India or the State Bank of India or any bank where the NRIs keep their NRO account.

Both evenings, during the convention, had superb cultural programs students of Monisha Arts and other artists and put together by Monisha Arts director Sreedevi Unni. The meeting ended with an outing and a luncheon at a farm at the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The convention was hosted by GOPIO-Bengaluru Chapter and under the direction of GOPIO Global Ambassador Sunny Kulathakal with support from Convention Convener Dr. J. Alexander, GOPIO International Coordinator Shaji Baby John and GOPIO- Bengaluru Secretary George Varghese. Mr. Rajesh Johny served as the Chairman of Conference Program Committee.

Photo left: from l. to r.: Minister M.J. Akbar, Maharashtra Assembly chief Whip Raj Purohit, MLA, Justic Gopala Gowda, GOPIO Intl Coordinator Issac John, GOPIO Life Member Manu Kumar and GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham

Photo left: GOPIO Convention – Karnataka DGP Om Prakash is presented Pravasi Mitra Award for his service to the NRI community settled in Bangalore

GOPIO Convention passes resolution on demonetaization for NRIs

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GOPIO officials have been receiving hundreds of telephone calls and e-mails from OCI and PIO card holders that they are being turned away from depositing their demonetized Indian currencies at the Reserve bank of India branches. Govt. of India had extended the date for depositing these notes to June 30th for NRIs. However, Diaspora Indians with foreign citizenship are not included in GOI’s definition of NRIs for depositing these notes. GOPIO plans to make a major campaign to include all OCI/NRI card holders and Diaspora Indians with foreign citizenship to be included so that they can deposit all their demonetized notes, press release issued here stated.

According to GOPIO leaders, Diaspora Indians with foreign citizenship and OCI/PIO card holders are being turned away by Reserve bank of India from depositing their demonetized currencies, although govt. had announced that it has extended the date for NRIs to deposit their currencies till June 30th. However, Diaspora Indians with foreign citizenship after standing outside the gate for several hours and when they reach the gate, they have been told that only NRIs with Indian passport can go inside. It is a major issue to be corrected. GOPIO has now taken up this issue and has sent an appeal to Prime Minister Modi. Please provide the maximum publicity so that Govt. must correct this situation.

“GOPIO (Global Organization of People of Indian Origin) Executive Council had an emergency meeting last week since GOPIO officials have been getting hundreds of telephone calls and e-mails about OCI/PIO card holders as well as Diaspora Indians with Foreign Citizenship not being allowed to deposit or exchange their demonetized Indian currencies at the Reserve Bank of India,” Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO, said. “The Executive Council unanimously agreed to make an appeal to Prime Minister Modi to correct this issue.”

The appeal as follows: Global Organization of People Indian Origin (GOPIO) fully supports demonetization of the higher end Indian currencies so as to curtail black money and terrorism funding. However, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) requests that:

Diaspora Indians with Foreign Citizenship, and PIO and OCI card holders be given the same opportunity for depositing old and obsolete currency notes as given to NRIs (Indian Passport holders), allowing them to deposit up to Rs. 250,000 of Indian currency in the Reserve Bank of India instead of notified amount of Rs. 25,000;

Some of the NRIs, and PIO and OCI card holders have old currency notes safely kept in their residences in India for reasons such as education of their children in India, supporting old age parents, helping family members, etc., so allow RBI and Banks having NRO accounts to accept the old currency notes up to Rs. 2,50,000;

Diaspora Indians with Foreign Citizenship, and PIO and OCI card holders are not able to visit India and hence be permitted to deposit in their bank account in India through an authorized agent, the amount certified by the foreign branches of State Bank of India or Indian Missions in the country of their residence or in RBI / NRO accounts with various banks in India.

Finally, since all Diaspora Indians with Foreign Citizenship, PIO and OCI card holders may not be able to visit India prior toJune 30, 2017, they should be allowed to deposit old currency notes at either the Reserve Bank of India/NRO Accounts maintained with various banks in India up to December 31, 2017.

The esteemed GOPIO leaders have urged the Indian government, which has always acknowledged the role of NRIs/PIOs and expatriates in the resurgence of India and their record annual remittances to India which is the highest compared to any country in the world, to agree to the requested concession for goodwill of thirty million NRIs and PIOs and amend the Notification # RBI/2016-17/2005/DCM/(Plg) No 2170/10.27.00/2016-17 dated 31st December, 2016.

GOOD NEWS FOR PIO CARD HOLDERS

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The Government of India is encouraging all PIO Card holders to convert it to OCI and has extended the deadline to June 30, 2017. If you convert your PIO to OCI before this deadline, you do not have to pay the Consular Fee of $275.

If you need assistance to convert your PIO Card to OCI, call 516.680.8037 or visit our website CLB Visa Center (www.CLBVisaCenter.com)

“ Until June 30, 2017, PIO cardholders can travel to India with their PIO and US Passport.

Please forward this email to all your friends who may benefit from this information.

If you do not wish to receive any more emails, please reply with DELETE in the subject line,” said Ratna Bhalla, Executive Director, CLB Visa Center.

GOPIO Washington DC welcomes Ambassador Sarna

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GOPIO Washington DC region joined with other Indian American community groups to organize a welcome reception last month in Fairfax, VA for the newly appointed Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna and farewell to Deputy Chief of the Mission TaranJit Singh Sandhu.

Over 350 people packed the elegant ballroom of the Waterford at Fair Oaks on a Sunday evening for a sparkling community reception spearheaded by activist Dr. Yogendra Gupta. Ambassador Sarna extolled the Indian-American community which he noted forms only one percent of the US population, but its members make up 9 percent of physicians, 30 percent of start-up founders in Silicon Valley, and 50 percent of the hospitality industry. These are awe-inspiring figures given the size of the community.

GOPIO’s Washington DC Regional Coordinator Jaisingh Bhandari, in his welcome speech, complimented the outgoing DCM Sandhu and his contribution to strengthening relations between US and India. A plaque was presented to Ambassador Sandhu and well wishes for his tenure at SriLanka High commissioner.

Bhandari speaking at the occasion emphasized how Indian community supported the embassy in many occasions to bring both countries together. He further assured the Ambassador that Indian community will support, cooperate and do everything to make efforts in strengthening US-India relations.

Photo: – GOPIO Coordinator Jay Bhandari welcoming Ambassador Sarna. Sitting from l. to r.: DCM Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Ambassador Navtej Sarna and Dr. Yogendra Gupta; Bottom” Some of the organizers with Ambassadors Sarna and Sandho. From l. to r.: Sunil Singh; Satish Korpe; Jay Bhandari; Indian Ambassador Navtej Sarna; Dr. Yogendra Gupta; Kumar Singh; Ashok Batra; and DCM Taranjit Singh Sandhu

#LetSikhsServe Adds 5 New Accommodations

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In 2017, the U.S. Army has granted five additional observant Sikh American soldiers enduring religious accommodations, permitting each of them to serve with their religiously mandated turbans and beards. This new wave of accommodations is the largest increase in Sikh soldiers since the Department of Defense banned visible articles of faith in 1981.

The decision comes just after the U.S. Army updated their rules governing religious liberty that significantly improve the standards for Sikhs and other religious minorities who seek to serve their country with their articles of faith intact. The new rules, made public on January 4th, eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that had previously discriminated against Sikhs.

Private Shabaddeep Singhjammu, an Infantry Recruit who was born and raised in Elk Grove, California, vowed to follow a path of service after tragically losing his brother in 2013.  “I’m thankful to the Sikh Coalition for securing my right to serve my country and faith because it has been a lifelong goal,” said Private Singhjammu. “I’m now honoring my brother while pursuing a career that serves our nation without compromising my beliefs.”

This development brings the new total to 14 Sikh Army soldiers for whom the Sikh Coalition has secured religious accommodations. Under the previous policy, these accommodations involved a burdensome case-by-case process; were brought up the chain of command to the secretary-level; and were subject to annual review and possible revocation. Now, they can be granted at the brigade-level and can only be revoked if the Army identifies a specific, concrete hazard. This policy does not apply to the other branches of the U.S. military.

Since 2009, the Sikh Coalition and pro bono counsel, Amandeep Sidhu, with his team from the law firm McDermott Will & Emery, have led relentless advocacy efforts to end religious discrimination by our nation’s largest employer. In 2014, we also added Becket Law to our legal team. In the last year, the Truman National Security Project has also been an instrumental partner on this campaign, adding critical government connections and policy expertise.

“After a 35-year presumptive ban on observant Sikhs, our nation’s largest employer has taken a vital step in embracing policies that reflect the rich diversity of our nation,” said Sikh Coalition Legal Director, Harsimran Kaur. “We look forward to permanent policy changes across all branches of the military so that all religious minorities can freely serve without exception.”

To learn more about why the Sikh Coalition continues to advocate for the policy change, please check out our military FAQ and blog post by Sikh Coalition Co-Founder and Board Member, Prabhjot Singh. As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.

The Sikh Coalition is a community-based organization that works towards the realization of civil and human rights for all people. The Coalition serves as a resource on Sikhs and Sikh concerns for governments, organizations and individuals.

Flying 40, Sky Bird Travel Celebrates its 40th Anniversary in New York

Staff ReporterBusiness, Profiles, Travel 0

“We have a great future ahead of us,” declared Arvin Shah, Chairman & President of SKY BIRD TRAVEL & TOURS, one of the largest national Airline Consolidators in the United States during his address to hundreds of airline industry executives at Sky Bird’s gala 40th anniversary and Holiday party celebration at the prestigious St. Regis Hotel in New York City on Wednesday, December 6th.

With total dedication, hard work, solid customer base, and visionary ideals, Sky Bird Travel & Tours is recognized as a world renowned award winning Airfare Consolidator working with more than 90 airlines around the globe. “We have been in business for over 40 years. We can truly say that we are your global partner. We value your needs. Our customer service team makes sure you come first,” Arvin confidently stated to the party’s attendees.

Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, served by nearly 300 employees, with 12 satellite offices in the US and many abroad, Sky Bird Travel & Tours has come a long way since Arvin and his wife, Jaya, first started their travel agency, Jaya Travel Inc., in 1974 in Windsor, Canada, working from home. “We literally worked from the kitchen table,” he recalls.

In 1976, the Shah family established Sky Bird Travel & Tours, Inc., alongside with Jaya Travel, in Southfield, Michigan, to cater to the growing South Asian ethnic community throughout the US and Canada by developing a full service leisure travel agency which offers airline tickets, hotels, car rentals and customized tour packages to valued customers.

In 1982, Raj Patel joined the family business as its Vice President. From there, the company was able to grow with its wisdom and experience coupled with innovative and creative ideas which became the hallmark of the success story of Sky Bird Travel & Tours. According to Raj, “We believe there are two elements vital to every company’s success: a great product and great service. Since our founding in 1976, Sky Bird has amassed active contracts with over 90 airlines which has given us the ability to offer you a wide range of options for our clients.”

Arvin’s son Akshay joined the business after his college graduation. Together father and son are working to build and grow more business, challenging all the negatives in the industry. “With Sky Bird Travel, it’s not just about maximizing profits—it’s about becoming a part of our team where we value your needs,” Akshay, while giving an overview of the company’s 40 years of journey through a beautifully made visual presentation, told the airline executives who had come in to celebrate the success story of Sky Bird.  “Our customer service is the reason for our success,” he said.

Within the first decade, Sky Bird Travel & Tours gained a reputation for quality and dependability and continues to provide its clientele with professional quality services along a diversified array of travel destinations, with the highest standards of excellence.

“We did not want to limit ourselves in business and wanted to handle the complete international airline ticketing to India and China, as well as Europe, the Middle East and Far East, Africa, Asia, South Pacific and Latin America from all major cities of origin in the USA”, said Akshay. From there, the Shah’s made the idea feasible and started to manage the task of expanding Sky Bird into the major global travel management business.

Not satisfied with handling just issuing tickets and making reservations, the company created its own tour company Sky Vacations.  Sky Vacations has formed preferred alliances with partners in destination management companies all over the world. It provides a “local presence” and infrastructure within various regions. “Our clients get the advantage of established land package rates combined with our competitive airfares which makes for a very well-priced experience for our customers. This has made us a one-stop-shop for virtually any type of travel program we wish to provide,” Akshay says.

Sky Bird Travel has grown with the changing times and the needs of the tech savvy customers and industry. Its fares database is updated daily to make it easy for travel agencies to provide their clients with instant quotes and to give them the flexibility of adding one’s own markup.

In order to constantly grow in the business, the company concentrated on new challenges in the new technology during a period of major upheaval in the travel business in the late 1990s. Sky Bird became a SolarNet LiveLinx client, which hosts a travel vendor’s database and information search capabilities and accessibility on the Internet as well as four Global Distribution System (GDS) networks: Sabre, Apollo/Galileo, Worldspan and Amadeus and online through its business-to-business web portals.  By embracing technology at an early stage, Sky Bird was well positioned to handle a greater amount and variety of business as well as serve customers worldwide.

With a view to better serve his large clientele and offer a competitive advantage through its customer-driven advanced technology solutions to optimize travel agents’ needs, Arvin and his management staff continue to make technology accessible and affordable to the greatest number of users, by delivering innovative, popular fare distribution systems that are easy to use and access for travel agents. Sky Bird offers fares less than 40-70 percent than most of the competitors, and its tickets are less restrictive than published and/ or web fares. .

With Sky Bird, travel agents also get access to ‘Wings’, their in-house booking system which searches the major GDS systems to give instant net fares on over 90 airlines. With the latest in technology along with a pure passion for helping travel agents, Sky Bird Travel Tours remains one of the top Airfare consolidators in the US.

As a first generation immigrant from the sub-continent of India, Arvin Shah and his company Sky Bird are a true story of the American Dream achieved through determination, hard work and persistence.  “It was no easy task and demanded grit, self-confidence and vision. It also meant working under a heavy load of management skills and taking financial risks to gamble in the unpredictable travel business”, he said. “We had our share of ups and downs, until we started thinking more seriously about taking a different approach in the competitive travel industry, while exploring other alternatives like the travel consolidator market. It was an expensive move and involved a lot of risk-taking challenges.”

“Whether it’s dealing with global events, changing economies, or even weather-related difficulties, Sky Bird has managed to consistently provide top-tier customer service, low net fares, and commission checks to travel agents on time. Our commitment to excellence, unparalleled customer support, and travel industry wisdom has undoubtedly helped take their

Arvin feels that Sky Bird success is more like the success of a travel management organization than a travel agency, with all of its various departments IT, customer services, analytics, finance, sales, marketing etc. working in sync. Arvin says, with a sense of joy and pride, “Thank God I came to America – this is the right place. The land of opportunities. I had nothing when I came here. If you work hard, you can achieve anything you desire.”

Arvin’s vision for Sky Bird is to make it into a Billion Dollar Company. “I am confident with the kind of dedicated staff we have and the continued support from our customers, airlines, and tours, Sky Bird will soon be a Billion Dollar Company.” business to new heights in recent years,” Arvin says with a sense of pride and optimism.

Arvin and his company have won the praises and laurels from across the travel industry.  “Congratulation to Mr. Arvin Shah on the success of Skybird Travel excellent customer service and its 40th year celebration,” stated Daryl Yu, Manager of Eva Air. “Standing strong against the competition and by the sides of its cherished partner – EVA Air, Skybird under the leadership of Arvin Shah has set a benchmark on travel experience with customized packages and tours.  A true consolidator that combines fares and savings in one.  We are very pleased to have Skybird Travel as our partner.”

Throughout its 40 years, Sky Bird Travel has been bestowed with hundreds of national and international awards by numerous airlines and leading travel industry platforms. This high standard was recognized early and rewarded by various segments of the travel industry, involving major awards and citations from numerous international airlines. Air India, Lufthansa, British Airways,  Delta Airlines, Air France, Singapore Airlines are just a handful of the many carriers who have recognized Sky Bird as one of the world’s best serviced for reaching their annual sales target consistently.

In addition to managing Sky Bird Travel and its entities, Arvin and his family are extremely active in the community.  The family has been in the forefront supporting numerous community events in Detroit. Whether it be natural calamities or man-made, they have spent substantial amount of resources to ease the needs of the South Asian as wells the larger society through its non-profit charitable organization, Jaya Foundation.

Jaya Foundation has been a major donor for the Jaya Rehabilitation Institute and Research Center at Bidada Sarvodaya Trust in Bidada, Gujarat in India has been doing amazing work in helping with the rehab process of thousands of people in the region. Jaya Rehabilitation Institute was awarded the Best Rebab Center Award by the President of India for its innovative and dedicated services to its customers.

Since 2005, Jaya Foundation has supported a Maternity Clinic in one of the most remote rural areas, providing much needed healthcare services to the local community. There are numerous other causes across the United States, the Shah family has promoted, including education, training and leadership.

For further information on Sky Bird Travel, please visit www.skybirdtravel.com.  You can learn more about Jaya Foundation atwww.jayafoundation.com.

Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy remembered on Long Island

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion 0

Just as Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and civil disobedience had changed the fate of India and shook up the British Empire in the same manner Dr. Martin Luther King’s movement had a profound effect on America and its people. Other parts of the world that changed the course of their country’s history include South Africa, Poland, Myanmar etc. and civil disobedience is used in many parts of the world on a daily basis with tremendous success.

Dr. King said no person is free until we are all free. He dedicated his life to create a just society where no one was discriminated based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religious belief or political persuasion.

Hundreds of people came to pay tribute to Dr. King at the Marriott Hotel, Uniondale on January 16. 2017 so that his dream and legacy of a society free of human and civil rights violations can be achieved.

Many political, judicial,  religious and community leaders who came to pay their tribute included President and Founder Julius and Joysetta Pearse who pioneered Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Committee in New York thirty two years ago, Bishop Phillip Elliott who also introduced  County Executive Ed Mangano who received standing ovation for his work to improve civil and human rights on Long Island.

Comptroller George Maragos, Justices: Anthony Paradiso, Gary Knoble and Andrea Phoenix, several legislators from County and towns, Executive Chairperson Mr. Rodney Mcrae, Board Director and Finance Chair Dr. Parveen Chopra who also served as Chairperson and Commissioner of Human Rights for twenty years and was previously awarded Dr. Martin Luther King Award, Rabbi Bruce Ginsburg who was Master of ceremonies, Rabbi Art Vernon, President Rabbinical Assembly of Nassau, Suffolk and Queens, Nassau County Police Commanding Officer Gary Shapiro, Mr. Mohinder Taneja,  Dr. Isma Chaudhry, President Islamic Center of Long Island, Dr. Hubert Keen, President Nassau Community College and many others were some of those who had participated and addressed the audience.

Dr. Martin Luther King Committee awarded several scholarship awards to winners who will attend universities this year of their choice and also honored distinguished civil and human rights leaders who have made significant contributions to society to realize the dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King.

South Asians hold a fundraiser for New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy

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Leaders of the South Asian business community in New Jersey joined together to hold a fundraiser for New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy. Murphy, who was recently the United States Ambassador to Germany under the Obama Administration and an executive at Goldman Sachs, declared his candidacy in 2016.

Murphy is viewed as the likely Democratic nominee for the position, and has been endorsed by a number of business, labor and community groups, as well as each of the 21 democratic county chairs throughout the State.

The event was held at the home of Jagdish Patel, an entrepreneur and business owner based in Colonia, who is a current trustee and past President of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). Other co-chairs of the event were Prakash Shah, former chair of the New Jersey Development Authority and an appointee of President Clinton on the Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund Board of Directors, and prominent South Asian American attorney Rajiv D. Parikh, Esq., a partner at Genova Burns LLC and General Counsel to the New Democratic State Committee.

Murphy spoke at length about his commitment to renewing economic growth within New Jersey and ensuring that all residents are treated fairly in every way.  He also discussed his many visits to India during his life in business and public service.  Most importantly, Murphy recognized that South Asians are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in New Jersey, and a group that contributes to the economy, education and culture of the State at every level and in virtually all professions.

Patel noted that he was “honored to host Ambassador Murphy in my home and proud to support a candidate that was committed to growing economic opportunities in our State.”  In introducing Murphy to the group, Shah stated that “Phil is the most qualified candidate to lead New Jersey after eight years of a lack of growth under Chris Christie’s Republican administration.”

Following the event, Attorney Rajiv Parikh discussed Murphy and his team’s vision for improving life and creating equality for all residents, concluding that “Ambassador Murphy’s energy, enthusiasm and progressive values are exactly what we need to improve things for our families, friends and communities.”

Also in attendance was Assemblyman Raj Mukerjhi from Jersey City, and Essex County Freeholder Brendan Gill, who also serves as the Chief Executive of Murphy’s gubernatorial campaign.  Assemblyman Mukerjhi noted Murphy’s support of the South Asian community around New Jersey and the country, and discussed Murphy’s own personal commitment to many of the same cultural values that are prevalent in the South Asian community, including family, education and hard work.

Prominent community members, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, H.R. Shah and Ramesh Patel were also part of the organizing committee. Dr. Parikh noted that he “has a lot of faith in what Ambassador Murphy can do for New Jersey and the community after failures of the Christie administration.”  Mr. H.R. Shah urged Mr. Murphy to ensure that his administration looks at all issues, including disproportionate revenue sharing for lottery vendors, many of whom are from the community.  Mr. Ramesh Patel, in his role as Chairman of FIA extended an invitation to Mr. Murphy to march in FIA’s annual India Day Parade in New York City, and Mr. Murphy expressed his gratitude and interest.

Over forty community leaders attended the event including members of law enforcement, the medical field, law, business and finance.  The hosts will be holding additional events with Mr. Murphy in the future.

Anita Bhat elected President of GOPIO-CT for 2017

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Anita Bhat, a well known community activist has been elected new President of the Connecticut Chapter of GOPIUO. Also elected along with her are: Exec VP – Pradeep Govil, VP – Bhavna Jhuneja, Secretary – Prasad Chintalapudi, Treasurer – Biru Sharma, Trustees: Sanjay Santhanam and Varghese Ninan.

GOPIO-CT held its annual General Body Meeting and Holiday Party on Friday, December 9th at the Hampton Inn and Suites, Stamford, CT. President Shelly Nichani in his report said that GOPIO-CT had its most active year in 2016 with its Awards Banquet attended by US Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes, Stamford Mayor David Martin, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rillings and several other CT state legislators. GOPIO also hosted US Senator Chris Murphy. Consul General Riva Ganguly Das, Congressman Himes and Mayor Martin with interactive sessions.

GOPIO-CT also increased the scholarship from one in 2015 to four in 2016 and hope to increase it further in 2017. The Holiday Party followed which was also a fundraiser for Women’s Mentoring Network. A sum of $2,000 was donated to this organization which does mentoring service to single woman.

Contact: Anita Bhat, President, GOPIO-CT, TeL: 203-324-2935, e-mail: abnewyork71@gmail.com

GOPIO-CT holds Youth and Young Professionals Networking Luncheon

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The GOPIO-CT Annual Youth and Young Professionals Networking Luncheon and Holiday Party was held on December 24th, 2016 at the Hampton Inn and Suites, Stamford, CT. The guest speaker at the event was Mr. Nitesh Banta, Co-Founder and CEO of B12, Forbes 30 under 30, who shared his path of career and his experiences in the business world.

Several young achievers including college students were also present and shared their experiences in college admissions. Speakers were Priya Gada (George Washington University), Mahir Nichani (Wake Forest University), Ashish Ramachandran (New York University) and Sanjana Chintalapudi (Lehigh University).

The event was organized by the Youth Coordinator, Siyan Shaikh along with the youth co-coordinators, Rahat Nichani, Amit Ramchandran, Vedant Gannu, Rahul Kahurana and Yuv Nichani.  The next annual youth networking event will take place on December 24th, 2017.

Contact: Louella D’Silva, Youth and Young Professional Coordinator, GOPIO-CT, e-mail: ldsilva@yahoo.com

Congrats To Trump For Excellent Speech, God Bless America!

Staff ReporterEditorial, Politics, U.S. 0

(Editorial Note: “Where is the Capital of United States of America?” I remember asking this question, to kids and friends, pretending I knew a great deal. That was when I was studying journalism at Marquette in the 1950es. You all know where the capital is. And most of them, not all, told me: Its in Washington DC. Then I would retort and say: It is not! Then some would retort, some nicely, some furiously and ask: “Then where is it?” And my simple reply used to be: “It is all over the world!” America has been making the whole world rich! American capital took flight and got deposited itself in all the countries of the world. Now the new president Trump wants to bring back all that capital to US to make America rich again. That was the sum and substance of the President’s  inaugural speech. I don’t blame him at all for that. Instead to him, goes all my praise!

 In my question at the outset, by ‘capital’ I was referring to: “Das Capital” of the Commies, meaning, “wealth, investment resources in dollars”(Not the headquarters of US).  America has been and still investing in other countries to have a foothold everywhere, but  not so much, at least to the extend needed at home in US itself, in health, education, homes for homeless, poverty alleviation areas etc. of their other own people. Charity begins at home. Put your own home in order first, the homes of the poor in America first, before becoming the top Good Samaritan of the world, or the Super policeman fighting some one else’s war in foreign lands, or  an exporter of American version of Democracy to countries infested with illiteracy. Hasn’t this election prove beyond all doubt how faulty and crippling is American democracy trying to prop itself up on two crutches – electoral college votes and popular votes? Which country wants this kind of voting system?

 Of course  American Capital (wealth) must be shared but not at the cost of starving to death its own children, its own citizens, white or black, WASP or otherwise. On this point, is not the New President hundred percent correct? I quote from the President’s  own speech: “We’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has disappeared over the horizon. One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind. The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed across the entire world.”(Recall what is said above:Capital of US is all over the world!)

The whole speech of President Trump could have  a come from the mouth of an Indian president or prime Ministers like Manmohan or Modi, with small changes of few names to suit India and the whole world would have applauded. The problems facing America and India are almost identical: a corrupt and corrupting political class looting the poor to fatten themselves! Three cheers to the newly elected President and congrats to his speech writer. Only one problem! Now the President is on record. He has bound himself in so many knots in public view of the whole world  with ever so many promises. He can’t now wriggle out  without performing, without implementing every one of his solemnly given promises, assurences!

 Here comes the  serious duty of all Americans which Obama your former president of beautiful mind and heart, reminded you in his farewell speech, quoting Thomas Paine: “The duty of a true patriot is to protect his country from its government.” So wake up all Patriotic Americans, your new government is President Donald Trump as unfolded before you in his inaugural speech. Each of you are to be the watchman/woman to make sure that he does not deviate one bit from the path he has marked out for himself and his government. That will make America  truly the greatest country in the world, truly the city seated on the mountain top, to the envy of nations! God bless the new president! God bless Great Ameria, the Greatest! james kottoor, editor)

President’s Speech

Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: Thank you.

We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people.

Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to come.We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done.

Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent.

Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another, or from one party to another — but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People.

For too long, a small group in our nation’s Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. Washington flourished — but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered — but the jobs left, and the factories closed.

The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories; their triumphs have not been your triumphs; and while they celebrated in our nation’s capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land.That all changes — starting right here, and right now, because this moment is your moment: it belongs to you.

It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America. This is your day. This is your celebration. And this, the United States of America, is your country.

What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people. January 20th 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.

Everyone is listening to you now.You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement the likes of which the world has never seen before. At the center of this movement is a crucial conviction: that a nation exists to serve its citizens.

Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves. These are the just and reasonable demands of a righteous public.

But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists: Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge; and the crime and gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential.

This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.We are one nation — and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams; and their success will be our success. We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny.The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.

For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry; subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military; we’ve defended other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own; and spent trillions of dollars overseas while America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay. 

We’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has disappeared over the horizon. One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind.The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed across the entire world.

But that is the past. And now we are looking only to the future. We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power. From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land.From this moment on, it’s going to be America First.

Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength.

I will fight for you with every breath in my body — and I will never, ever let you down. America will start winning again, winning like never before.We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. And we will bring back our dreams.

We will build new roads, and highways, and bridges, and airports, and tunnels, and railways all across our wonderful nation. We will get our people off of welfare and back to work — rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor. We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and hire American.

We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world — but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first. We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow.

We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones — and unite the civilized world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth.  At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other.

When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity.

When America is united, America is totally unstoppable.There should be no fear — we are protected, and we will always be protected.We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement and, most importantly, we are protected by God.

Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger.In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving.We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action — constantly complaining but never doing anything about it.

The time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action.Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America.We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again.

We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow.A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions.

It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American Flag.

And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams, and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty Creator. So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these words: You will never be ignored again.

Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way. Together, We will make America strong again.We will make wealthy again. We will make America proud again.We will make America safe again.

And yes, together, we will make America great again. Thank you. God bless you. And God bless America.

FIA accords warm welcome to Ambassador Navtej Singh Sarna Envoy Lauds Community For Growing Ties With U.S.

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FORDS, New Jersey: The Indian community in the tristate area accorded a ceremonial welcome to India’s new Ambassador Navtej Singh Sarna under the leadership of the Federation of Indian Associations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut (FIA) at the Royal Albert’s Palace on January 12.Representatives from several India-American organizations, as well as several community members attended the event held at the Royal Albert’s Palace here in Fords, N.J.

“So naturally all of you carry a weight much bigger than your pure numbers of three million,” India’s new Ambassador to the United States, Navtej Singh Sarna said here on January 12, at the reception hosted by the Federation of Indian Associations of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The strength and the standing of the Indian-American community has changed over the years and the community has come of age according to India’s new Ambassador to the United States, Navtej Singh Sarna. Although Indian-Americans make up only one percent of the population of the United States, they constitute about 13 percent of the start-ups, 50 percent of the motels, and 8 percent of the doctors, he noted.

Each one is invested in a different way in their adopted country, Sarna noted, adding that all of us will recognize that “the strength of the Indian-American community is the fact that it is a knowledge-based community.”

Prior to taking over from Ambassador Arun Kumar Singh, Sarna was the High Commissioner of India to Britain, He previously served in Washington, D.C. as Minister for Press, Information and Culture between 1998 and 2002.

Elaborating on the changes he’s seen in the last 15 years, Sarna noted that the India-U.S. engagement, as well as in politics, trade, security and defense had moved forward. “I can assure you the Government of India recognizes your strength, your excellence, “ he said.

In all his previous postings, Sarna said he has observed the increasing participation of the Indian diaspora in local and national politics. The recent swearing-in of five Indian-Americans to the U.S. Congress, was a “proud” moment for all Indian-Americans, he acknowledged. They include Kamala Harris of California the first India-American senator; Ami Bera, of California, who was the only Indian-American in the 435-member House of Representatives and re-elected in the November elections; Rep. Ro Khanna , also from California; Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois and Rep. Pramila Jayapal from Washington state.

Three important factors ensure a diaspora’s success outside its homeland, Sarna observed, including its engagement with its adopted country plus the success it achieves there; its engagement with the homeland; and the passion the Diaspora shows in bringing these two engagements together. “It is no doubt that if you take all these three standards, the Indian-American community is a huge success here,” he said. He also attributed easy travel, the media, and India’s development and technological advances as factors which have helped bring the two countries closer.

The Indian government is “very confident that the India-U.S. relations will be in a very good place as we move into the transition,” Sarna said, as the core logic of this relationship in imminent to everybody. “We will continue to seek your assistance, we will continue to solicit your inputs in getting across the India story,” he told the gathering, amid applause.

Andy Bhatia, Presidsent of FIA welcomed the Ambassador and the participants. FIA Executive Vice President Srujal Parikh, H.R. Shah, chairman of TV Asia, introduced Sarna, who is also the author of many fiction and non-fiction books, the most recent being ‘Second Thoughts: On Books, Authors and the Writerly Life’ that was released last year. Others who spoke at the event were FIA Chairman Ramesh Patel, Air India Regional Manager Vandana Sharma, FIA President Andy Bhatia, and Consul General of India in New York Riva Ganguly Das.

Dr Ajay Lodha, president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, spoke about the recent health summit held in India. Albert Jasani, of Royal Albert’s Palace, Philippose Philip, general secretary of Federation of Kerala Associations in North America (fokana) Kenny Desai, president TAK Group and vice chair of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Srujal Parekh, executive vice president of FIA, Dr Sanjay Gupta, Pyare Singh of the Carteret Gurdwara, Neal Modi, president of the Association of Indians in America, and Anil Monga, founder of heavenly Palace in Punjab and trustee of America India Foundation were among the speakers. FIA President Andy Bhatia introduced HR Shah, chairman of TV Asia and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Shah spoke about the many faceted personality of the ambassador – as a diplomat who served in UK and Israel and also as a renowned author.

Long Island Town Celebrates India Republic Day

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North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board joined with members of the India Association of Long Island (IALI) and the India American Forum (IAF) celebrated India Republic Day on January 11 prior to the Town Board meeting at Town Hall in Manhasset.

India Republic Day, celebrated on January 26, is the day that marks India’s transition toward an independent republic. Aron Govil, CEO of Ducon Technologies, provided the keynote remark for the ceremony. Supervisor Bosworth recognized Govil and presented a proclamation and declared a special day of recognition in the Town for India Republic Day.

On Tuesday evening Town Hall at North Hempstead in Manhasset wad being decorated in green, white and orange., Occasion was the being > Town of North Hempstead celebrated First India Republic Day on January 10th, 2017 at Town Hall, Town of North Hempstead, and Manhasset New York. Town Supervisor Honorable Judi Bosworth and Council members Vivian Russell, Peter Zuckerman, Angelo Ferrara, Anna Kaplan, Lee Seeman, Dina De Giorgio and town Clerk Wayne H Wink, hosted this event. It was a moment of pride for all of us that Town of North Hempstead also started celebrating India Republic Day Several members of Indian American Forum and India Association of Long Island attended the event.

This event was made possible with the support of Mrs.   Indu Jaiswal Chairperson IAF and Bina Sabapathy, President of IALI. Program started with greetings from Honorable Supervisor Bosworth, followed with keynote speaker Aron Govil, Chairman and CEO of Ducon Group of Companies. Mr Govil spoke on importance of India Republic Day and Constitution of India, progress made by India American in USA. Several members  from the Indian American community Kirit Panchamia from Apna Ghar, Dr Yashpal and Urmilesh Arya, Executive Council of India Association of Long island, Mohinder Singh Taneja and many others from   main stream   attended the Republic Day function on January 10 evening at the Town Hall.

Supervisor Bosworth presented Proclamation to Key note speaker Mr Aron Govil and also declared January 10, 2017 as Aron Govil day in Town of North Hempstead… India Day Proclamations was also presented.

Chairperson of Indian American Forum Inc. Indu Jaiswal welcomed everybody, thanked the management of North Hempstead Town Hall and Hon. Supervisor Judi Bosworth for hosting the First Republic Day Celebrations in North Hempstead. On Long Island. Indu also thanked all volunteers and participants. Patriotic medley was presented by Jyoti Gupta and group. Program was followed with refreshments.

 

Aziz Ansari is set to make history as 1st South Asian American, hosting Saturday Night Live

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Aziz Ansari, the co-creator of “Master of None,” is scheduled to make his “Saturday Night Live” hosting debut on Jan. 21, becoming the comedy sketch show’s first host of South Asian descent.  “Saturday Night Live” is scheduled to resume its 42nd season when it returns from its winter break on Jan. 14.

Comedian Aziz Ansari will host “Saturday Night Live” on Jan. 21, the NBC show announced Tuesday, and in doing so, he will make history as its first host of South Asian descent.

The gig comes on the heels of a big year for Ansari. The standup comic and television star won his first Emmy (outstanding writing for a comedy series) after earning a total of four nominations for his Netflix series “Master of None.”

His nomination for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series was the first for an Indian American. “I’m very happy but it’s a very specific accomplishment,” he laughingly told USA Today about the historic nod.

More than 90 percent of SNL’s hosts have been white, and only two celebrities of Asian descent — Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu — have hosted the show before, according to IndieWire’s demographic breakdown of all of the show’s hosts (that doesn’t include Fred Armisen and Bruno Mars, who both have some Asian ancestry). Most non-white hosts have been black, IndieWire found.

SNL has faced controversy in recent years over diversity issues. In 2013, the lack of a black female cast member led to executive producer Lorne Michael holding special auditions to hire one. He ended up hiring Sasheer Zamata, as well as Leslie Jones (who was initially brought on as a writer).

Melissa Villaseñor joined SNL this year, becoming the show’s first Latina cast member. Nasim Pedrad, on SNL between 2009 and 2014, was the show’s first female Middle Eastern cast member.

An argument in favor of increased racial diversity in SNL’s cast is that it better positions the show to effectively comment on and satirize pop culture, politics and whatever else is in the zeitgeist at the moment. It can be fraught to mount a Michelle Obama impersonation or present the biting and viral “Black Jeopardy” sketches without nonwhite cast members.

But the hosting gig is perceived differently; the hosts sometimes drive the sketches, but often they just slip into the flow of the show. Hosts come on because they’re plugging some new big project, like a show or movie. Or maybe they’ve just had a major star-making moment (Felicity Jones of “Rogue One” will host Jan. 14, for instance). Or maybe the host has such an outsized personality that he or she serves as a big draw. (Donald Trump hosted in 2015, earning big ratings and terrible reviews; Dave Chappelle’s eagerly anticipated 2016 episode marked his comeback to television.)

So if there are fewer Asians landing big roles or getting opportunities to see their stars rise to A-list status, it follows that there wouldn’t be as many booked to host SNL over the years.
But things are starting to change in Hollywood, as we’ve seen more and more Asians rising through the ranks of the entertainment industry and breaking typecasting molds. There’s Mindy Kaling’s books and TV series; Priyanka Chopra adding to her international fame with her role on the U.S. series “Quantico”; Constance Wu and Randall Park on “Fresh Off the Boat”; and Dev Patel starring in box office smashes.

Chicago Bids an Emotional Farewell to Dr. Ausaf Sayeed- An Exceptionally Successful Indian Diplomat

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One of the Few Indian Diplomats to Receive a Number of Official Letters of Appreciation in the US Midwest

A large number of eminent persons from the entire Indian Subcontinent in Chicago, irrespective of nationalities, religions, and regions, including their community organizations, demonstrated a first-of-its-kind show of unity to bid a fitting farewell to Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, the outgoing Consul General of India in Chicago on January 13th, 2017, at 7:00 PM at Monty’s Banquets. The presence of leading Americans and their elected representatives at the event was very refreshing.  The function, which was attended by over 300 renowned persons from different walks of life, despite inclement weather, was a proof of Dr. Sayeed’s widespread popularity, considering the fact that in the contemporary society welcomes are common and farewells are rare.

In his address, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed paid rich tributes to the 500,000-strong Indian-American Diaspora in the US Midwest, who has been contributing magnificently in the domains of Education, Science & Technology, Trade, Culture, etc. He expressed his gratitude to them for their unflinching support to the Consulate and its activities during his tenure.

Dr. Sayeed stated that with the conceptualization and execution of such innovative flagship measures by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Digital India, Clean India, Make in India, Skills India, and Green India, and his commitment to bring about 100 Smart Cities and to lay down world-class infrastructure, India has witnessed an economic paradigm shift and thereby emerged as one of the hottest destinations for global investors.

Dr. Sayeed mentioned that the efforts of the Consulate during his tenure were directed towards strengthening the political, economic, cultural, educational, and people-to-people relationships between India and the US Midwest.  As part of this process, he added, the Consulate established a close working relationship with the offices of the Governors, Lt. Governors, elected representatives and Mayors, besides senior officials of the Economic Departments of various States and leading Chambers of Commerce. “This proactive networking resulted in a number of high level trade delegations, signing of a number of MoUs, and a boost to the volume of mutually beneficial business transactions”, he added.

Mr. Hardik Bhatt, Chief Information Officer, State of Illinois said that the charismatic leadership of Dr. Sayeed resulted in signing of MoU for Smart State cooperation between the State of Illinois and Government of Telangana. He said that Dr. Sayeed has been facilitating the State of Illinois for concluding similar agreements with the Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. Mr Bhatt handed over the Official Letter of Appreciation from Governor of Illinois Bruce Rauner to Dr. Sayeed, Mr. Bhatt also praised Mrs. Farha Sayeed, who is an accomplished egg artist, a social activist, and a philanthropist – all rolled into one.

Mr. Mickey Straub, Mayor of Burr Ridge stated that Dr. Sayeed has succeeded not only in diversifying and enriching the Indo-US Midwest relations but also in establishing extremely cordial relations with people at large, across all religious denominations. “Building relations with Government as well as general public are two different ball games and success on both the fronts proves that Dr. Sayeed is an exceptionally talented diplomat”, he added.

Mr. Marijus Gudynas, Consul General of Lithuania in Chicago described Dr. Sayeed as a very close friend and “a brother in Sanskrit”. He said that despite the tenures of Consuls General being very short, the volume of achievements of Dr. Sayeed is really mind-boggling. 

Ms. Michelle Mussman, State Representative of the 56th District stated that the recognitions that are being showered on Dr. Sayeed are on account of the unique fusion of his competence and commitment. 

Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, Mayor of Oak Brook had great appreciation for the success of Dr. Sayeed in forging unity among different organizations run by the Indian-Americans. “The unity among the Indian-Americans turned out to be worth-emulating phenomenon for other nationalities in the US Midwest”, he opined and added that Dr. Sayeed has raised the bar too high for his successors to reach. Dr. Gopal Lalmalani thanked Dr. Sayeed for working closely with the Village of Oakbrook for introducing friendly Polo matches between Delhi Polo Club and Oakbrook Polo Club. He handed over a Proclamation of Oak Brook to Dr. Sayeed and Ms. Farha Sayeed for their services to the community.

Swami Ishatmananda, Minister-in-Charge, Vivekanda Vedanta Society of Chicago, who was one of the distinguished speakers in the event, said that he was greatly impressed by Dr. Sayeed’s deep knowledge on Indian history, culture and religion and recalled his participation in the Conference marking the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Ishatmananda presented a book on Swami Vivekanda to Dr. Sayeed.

Mr.Sampath Ramesh, Adjunct Professor in Global Management, Kellogg School of Management, and Northwestern University said that the number of events that have been organized by the Consulate during the tenure of Dr. Sayeed is a record in its own right. “Through a rare combination of his technical, conceptual, and people-related skills, Dr Sayeed succeeded in successfully networking with the Government and corporate sectors for the Indo-US Midwest relations”, he added.

Mr. Syed Shanawaz Khan, Vice Chair, Council of Islamic Organization of Greater Chicago said that Indo-US Midwest relations present multiple challenges. “Dr. Sayeed succeeded in protecting the interests of India in a dignified and honorable fashion”, he opined.

Mr. Imran Dhatwani, President, His Highness the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the Midwestern USA said that Dr. Sayeed provided ample opportunities to Indian-Americans to contribute their optimum best to further enriching the socio-cultural fabric of the US Midwest.

Mr. Rajinder Singh Mago, Community Outreach, Public & Media Relations Coordinator for Sikh Religious Society said that unlike the diplomats in general who confine themselves to the four walls of their chambers, Dr. Sayeed was a people’s diplomat. “His doors, ears, heart, and mind were always open. He followed the open doors policy of ‘Every Hour–Visiting Hour – (24 Hours)’”, he added.

Ashfaq Syed, Ms. Ayeisha Osman, and Key Speakers presented Plaques of Appreciation to Dr. Sayeed.  Dr. Ausaf Sayeed & Mrs. Farha Sayeed cut the cake prepared by Mrs. Huma Mirza. Earlier, the event kick started with the singing of the National Anthems of the United States and India by Dr. Narayan S, Tata, Mr.  Iqbal Mirza Baig, Vice President, Glory of Hyderabad and a childhood friend of Dr. Sayeed welcomed the gathering. Mr. Krishna Bansal, Planning and Zoning Commissioner, Naperville City and Chairman– Indian American Outreach, Naperville Mayor’s office proposed a vote of thanks. Dr. Prem Rupani was the Master of Ceremonies.

Kavita and Lalit Bahl donate $13.75 million to Stony Brook Cancer Research Center named after Indian American

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Indian American couple, Kavita and Lalit Bahl had donated two generous gifts totaling $13.75 million, according to the university news release. And now, the Stony Brook University Cancer Center unveiled a transformative cancer research center, a state-of-the-art facility, named the Kavita and Lalit Bahl Center for Metabolomics and Imaging, last month at the Stony Brook University Hospital.

The new facility will enable experts to probe the metabolic dynamics of tumors and pioneer new approaches in cancer research, detection, treatment and prevention, the university said in a statement. Lalit Bahl is an employee of East Setauket, N.Y.-based Renaissance Technologies.

“Through continual research and discovery, Stony Brook is on the leading edge of discovering the next generation in cancer care,” said university president Dr. Samuel L. Stanley Jr. in a statement. “One of our most ambitious goals is to make significant breakthroughs in cancer research.”

Added Dr. Yusuf A. Hannun, director of the Stony Brook University Cancer Center, “Today is a momentous occasion for the Cancer Center.” Hannun, in expressing his gratitude to the Bahls, said the center is ideal “because it capitalizes on Stony Brook University’s strengths in three major areas: research, treatment and imaging.”

Lalit Bahl explained his family’s personal motivation for propelling cancer research forward in the unveiling, according to the report. “Cancer has claimed a very large number of people in my family,” he said. “It is really what drives us to get us involved in the center. In our lifetime, we have seen a lot of progress in cancer treatment but there is a still long way to go toward the final goal that nobody should die from cancer. It is really toward this goal that we hope and also expect this center to provide new discoveries and new treatments that will get us closer and closer to where we want to be.”

Hannun and Dr. Lina M. Obeid, dean for research at the Stony Brook University School of Medicine, will serve as co-directors of the Bahl Center. “Drs. Hannun and Obeid have a very long record of research in cancer, and we are thrilled to be able to support their work at Stony Brook,” said Kavita Bahl. “Our hope is that metabolomics and imaging research will result in significant progress toward finding new treatments.”

Current Stony Brook University School of Medicine laboratories and other university scientific laboratories will conduct research for the center. Permanent physical space for the center and its laboratories will be located in the Medical and Research Translation building upon opening of the MART in 2018.

Additional initiatives supported by the Bahls’ gift include an Innovation Award for pilot projects that study the role of nutrition in preventing and treating disease, and an Experimental Therapeutics Program that will focus on ways to accelerate the trajectory of research from the bench to the bedside.

NYAWC Marks 35th Anniversary By Revealing Transformative Brand Identity, Virtual Reality Film & Expanded Services.

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The New York Asian Women’s Center is a leader in providing innovative and award-winning multilingual and culturally responsive services to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual violence and elder abuse. For 35 years, it has helped Asian women and their children rise above trauma and build a path to healing through counseling, safe and confidential emergency housing, immigration and legal services, economic empowerment programs and so much more.

NYAWC representatives will make major announcements about the organization’s remodeled brand, expanded advocacy efforts and a virtual reality short film, produced by Facebook and Oculus, which will have its public premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, this month. They will also announce the opening of a brand new community office in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, where they will be providing their innovative services to more women, children and families in need.

One-on-one interviews, photo opportunities and video clips will be provided upon request at this invitation-only press conference. Media RSVP is mandatory. You must present valid photo ID to building security.

New York Asian Women’s Center (NYAWC) Media luncheon featuring Larry Lee (Executive Director), Karen Elizaga (Board Chair), Benjamin Ross (Film Director), Queen V (Indie Rock Artist) and Brittany (South Asian survivor of sexual violence and subject of short film) is planned for Tuesday, January 24, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kirkland & Ellis Law Firm, 601 Lexington Avenue, 50th floor (between 53rd and 54th Streets in Manhattan).

Nakul Mondal’s solo exhibition in NYC

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A solo exhibition from Indian artist Nakul Mondal: Ankita, on view from January 8 to February 9, with an opening reception on the afternoon of Sunday, January 15 at Gitler &_____ is located in Hamilton Heights, New York City. Ankita is Mondal’s third solo show with Gitler, as well as a clear departure from the previous two. Here the artist presents eight new portraits of girls and young women; vivid, up-close and melancholy, each one is a tender ode to the mother figure and a primal scream for peace in an unjust world.

Mondal’s devotion to his subjects is equaled by his love of country, yet there is a current of mourning that informs each portrait, made evident by his deft application of color – rich skin tones that appear fed by fire and gray-blues that lend some subjects a ghostly quality – and haunting gazes that seem both somber and contented. While each of Mondal’s subjects consumes the foreground, chaos dances on the horizons, floods of fire and smoke loom ominously, yet contented looks remain.

These women have been wounded. They are victims of a turbulent world, of men whose love and desire for women has been perverted. Ankita’s physical scar is an echo of the conflagration that commences behind her. “These people are not strangers,” says Mondal. “The pangs of destruction of this world have engrossed me.”

Nakul Mondal (b.1982, Burdwan, West Bengal, India) completed his MFA in painting from the historic art school Kala-Bhavana, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, where he was exposed to the rich traditions of India’s modernists.

Twenty-five percent of proceeds from Ankita will go to benefit the Indo-American Arts Council. For more info please visit www.iaac.us. Gitler &_____ is located in Hamilton Heights, NYC. The gallery is dedicated to showcasing rising artists from around the world. For more info visit www.gitlerand.com.

NYPD Announces Major Turban, Beard Policy Update

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The New York Police Department (NYPD), the largest police force in the country, announced on Wednesday it will now allow Sikh officers to wear beards and turbans while in uniform.

According to NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill, officers who are granted a religious accommodation will be allowed to have beards that extend up to one-half inch from the face and wear turbans in place of the police cap. However, no written policy has been shared that specifies the beard accommodation and the guidelines for how it applies.

“We look forward to reviewing the written policy before determining whether this is a complete fix, but we’re hopeful about what this announcement represents in the way of progress,” said Sikh Coalition Legal Director, Harsimran Kaur.

Since 2003, when the Sikh Coalition first sued the NYPD over a Sikh Traffic Enforcement Agent’s right to wear a turban, we have been fighting to end religious discrimination in the NYPD. If this new policy fully allows for Sikhs to maintain their unshorn hair, then this will become a widely celebrated announcement. However, if this new policy specifies limitations that further restrict Sikhs from serving with their articles of faith fully intact, then we are prepared to continue the necessary work to end religious discrimination in the nation’s largest police force.

“The devil is in the details and we hope the NYPD recognizes that any trimming of the Sikh beard is in direct violation of the Sikh faith and would continue a policy that forces officers to make the false choice between their religion and service to our great city,” said Kaur.

The Sikh Coalition is communicating directly with the NYPD and other New York City officials as we seek a copy of the written policy. We continue to work closely with other public officials, Sikh community leaders and Sikh police officers who have worked tirelessly with us on this issue.

A special thank you to the NYPD Sikh Officers Association and the leadership at the Richmond Hill Sikh Cultural Society, Gurdwara Sant Sagar, and the Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center, along with past and present Sikh Coalition staff and board members.

Culture of the Streets by 11 Indian Artists on display in New York

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Aicon Gallery is presenting Culture of the Streets, an exhibition examining eleven artists’ interpretations of the role landscapes and cityscapes play in shaping the cultural history and contemporary lives of the people that inhabit them. The exhibition takes its title from an iconic series photographs on display by M. F. Husain, exploring the richly textured urban landscapes of the modern Indian city and its multiplicity of inhabitants. The artists included represent an eclectic mix of both Modern and Contemporary South Asian and diaspora artists working across a wide range of styles and mediums over the second half of the 20th century. The exhibition features work by M. F. Husain, Sanjeet Chowdhury, Abir Karmakar, Paresh Maity, B. Prabha, Raghu Rai, Jamini Roy, Bernardo Siciliano, Salman Toor, Santosh Verma, and Waswo X. Waswo.

The centerpiece of this exhibition is a selection of rarely exhibited yet iconic photographs done by M. F. Husain, perhaps India’s most widely-known modern artist, in conjunction with Chester and Davida Herwitz, who built the largest collection of Modern Indian art in the United States, and worked directly with Husain on many projects throughout their lifetimes.

The photography in this series is inspired by Husain’s early years as a billboard painter for Indian cinema during its explosion in the mid-20th century, and often present stunning, yet playful, juxtapositions with the large glamourous cinematic images forming a backdrop to the frenetic life and crowds of the modern Indian streets. Chester Herwitz commented on the revelations of these images by stating “there are discoveries to be made in Husain’s integration of the people beneath, beside, and in front of the hoardings, in the rich contrast of colors, the similarity of movement on the street and in the hoardings, in the contradictions that can be read in the scrawled graffiti…and the peeled and faded paintings.”

A second and similar cornerstone of this exhibition is the work of Raghu Rai, perhaps India’s pre-eminent photographer. Rai’s prolific and internationally acclaimed career has spanned nearly half a century and has focused on candid snapshots of India that masterfully capture the country’s continuing regional, cultural, and political transformations. Nominated to the world’s most prestigious photographers cooperative, Magnum Photos, by the legendary photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, his work challenges viewers to confront a country where temporalities merge, and people, objects, animals, and buildings collide in a majestic visual symphony.

Following in the steps of Husain and Rai, Sanjeet Chowdhury began taking photographs during his college days in Kolkata in the late 1980s. A filmmaker by profession, he shoots on black & white film, but his involvement with photography, however, goes beyond taking pictures. He is a collector of albumen and silver gelatin prints, glass negatives and daguerreotype plates. His other interests include collecting 19th and 20th century Indian prints (lithographs and oleographs), which were exhibited at the Birla Academies of Art and Culture, Kolkata and Mumbai, in 2006.

Representing a more formal or journalistic approach to the camera, the internationally published photographer, Santosh Verma has shot for The New York Times, Bloomberg, International Herald Tribune and TIME Magazine, among others. Focusing on the collective experience of both subjective and objective elements, Verma is able to reveal a starkly intimate moment through his personal experiences.

Acting as a bridge in the exhibition between these photographic representations of cityscapes, and their counterparts in painting and the plastic arts, is the work of Milwaukee-born, Udaipur-based, artist Waswo X. Waswo. Over the past decade and a half, he has been amassing a vast personal collection of Indian prints, etchings, miniature paintings, linocuts and woodcuts. Part of his artistic process, which also includes complex, large-scale installation works, is working in collaboration with master artisans and miniature painters to meticulously layer and hand-color black and white photographs from the artist’s personal collections. The result are hypnotic and often haunting hybrids of both images and techniques from the past and the present.

Among a younger generation of Contemporary artists, all exploring urban cultures and cityscapes through the medium of painting are Salman Toor, Bernardo Siciliano, and Paresh Maity, whose subject matter spans the cities of the New York, Lahore, New Delhi, and many other cities throughout South Asia and Europe. Brooklyn and Lahore-based artist Salman Toor’s recent work consists of complex figurative paintings, depicting his split-existence between the urban cultures of the U.S. and Pakistan, and range in subject from autobiographical constructs to art history, post-colonialism, and pop culture. His paintings often depict surreal gatherings of people, romances and adventures in imagined homelands and scenes of conflict in places designated as both East and West.

The work of Indian master-painter Paresh Maity ranges from cloudy Calcutta streets, swollen rivers in Kerala, pastoral scenes in France and agrarian villages in Rajasthan all populate his work in saturated planes of color. While technically a resident of Delhi, Maity paints all over the world, spending a maximum of two or three months every year at his studio there.

Consummating his role as a nomad, the artist travels the globe armed with his paints, canvases and array of materials, to capture his response to magical and unpredictable experiences along his journey. The sand dunes of Rajasthan, the backwaters of Kerala, the canals of Venice, to the lakes of Geneva, Maity’s works capture everything in his distinctive style. Notably, Maity says that it was his time in Rajasthan that made his works explode with color, and there has been no looking back since.

Congressman Keith Ellison Pledges to Do More for Hindus in South Asia

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Democratic lawmaker Keith Ellison, who is set to become the new face of the Democratic Party post-election, has pledged to highlight the persecution of Hindus in South Asia and do more to integrate the concerns and aspirations of the Indian American into his work.

Congressman Ellison, a top candidate for the Democratic National Committee chairman position, made the commitment in a letter to the Hindu American Foundation days after he participated in a conference call with Hindu leaders from across the country to listen to their concerns and answer their questions.

He said that he will ensure renewed outreach to the Hindu and Indian American communities to foster their greater participation. Ellison added that he will give the community “well-deserved” and “much-valued” representation in the Democratic Party.

“As we discussed, I will do more to integrate the concerns and aspirations of the Hindu community in India into my legislative work,” Ellison said in a letter to Suhag Shukla of the Hindu American Foundation.

“I also pledge to highlight the persecution of Hindu minority communities throughout South Asia. If elected DNC chair, I will ensure renewed outreach to the Hindu and Indian American communities to foster greater participation and more well-deserved and much-valued representation in the Democratic Party,” Ellison said in the letter dated Dec. 16, which was released to the press on Dec. 23.

The conference call on Dec. 12 included Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and representatives of nearly 30 Hindu and Indian American groups. Leaders on the call queried Ellison as to how, should he be elected DNC chair, he would work with the incoming four Hindu American Democrats in Congress to increase engagement and involvement of the broader Hindu and Indian American communities.

“It goes without saying that Hindu Americans and Indian Americans enrich our nation every day. I am proud to work with colleagues such as Senator-elect Kamala Harris, Representative Tulsi Gabbard, Representative Ami Bera, and Representatives- elect Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthy, who represent the best values of the Democratic Party,” Ellison wrote.

Responding to a question during the call regarding his focus on the Gujarat riots of 2002 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was governing the state, Ellison said that he viewed the issue as a “closed matter” since the Indian Supreme Court has issued its ruling.

Ellison stated that India is a key strategic partner and friend to the United States and he looks forward to build a “constructive and congenial relationship with the Indian government and Indian American community.”

He also said he will continue to urge Congress and the Administration to work with India on key areas of shared importance..

Mongol Foundation celebrates Holiday Spirit “Powered by Trust & Sponsored”

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By Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: The Talented Mongol Foundation celebrated a cultural extravaganza on the evening of December 24th, 2016 at Meadows Club 2950 Golf Road Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. Gandalger Batjarga beautifully conceptualized the entire event with the goal of bringing the entire Mongolian community of Chicagoland together. Over 700 people attended the event during which a team of over 30 artists gave performances that were a treat to eyes. The audience was spellbound by the amazing stage set up which was put together by a construction crew which specializes in theater.

The foundation has organized three events so far since inception; the first being the volleyball championship supported by B. Batbaatar U. EnkhErden. The second was Senior Day Supported by B. Tserenbat B. Ganzorig and the current one, the third event which was “Bayariin Misheel” (Holiday Spirit) New Year celebration with help of B. Tserenbat D. Adilzaya B. Mijee. The foundation’s goal and vision for 2017 is to setup a community center where kids would learn about the Mongolian Culture. The envisioned community center would have a library comprising of books in Mongolian language. The community center would also provide a place for the elderly Mongolian community to sit and talk; and offer a time-honored tradition of storytelling to the young ones.

Gandalger Batjargal in his interview to Asian Media Staff Editor Prachi Jaitly said “I believe that together we are stronger.  The foundation wants to give back to the community by providing a community center for its members. Also, it wants to help people back in Mongolia facing serious health issues impacted from environmental hazards. I would like to thank the sponsors of the event – Express intel co., S.B. Express Inc., LCH Construction Inc., Amerifreight, KGI Group, American Family Insurance and Jackie QS Beauty Salon. I would like to thank Biju Varghese and Vishal Patel from The Meadows Club team for their help with the stage and audio/visual set up too”.

“Over 700 people attended the Mongolian Association’s spectacular dinner theater musical on Saturday. It is gratifying that The Meadows Club is fast becoming a hub for international music, culture and cuisine, a realization of the vision for this Club. We are looking forward to another year of celebration of international cultures”, said Madan Kulkarni CEO of The Meadows Club.

Partnerships for Sustained Growth in an Emerging Global Economic Order

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By Sumani Dash, Director and Country Head, USA and Canada

CII in partnership with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the State Government of Andhra Pradesh is organizing the 23rd edition ofThe Partnership Summit 2017 from 27-28 January 2017 at The APIIC Grounds, Harbour Park, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister for Commerce and Industry is the Chair of this most prestigious initiative and under the leadership of Shri N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, State Government of Andhra Pradesh will be the Partner State for the Summit.

India Inc. has been gathering at the Partnership Summit since the last few decades making it “the” forum underlining convergence of thoughts and ideas among Heads of States and Governments, Ministers, policy makers, CEOs, academicians and thought leaders paving the way for collective and inclusive global progress.

Resonating the constructs of all previous editions, the forthcoming edition of the Summit too will feature Policy Makers, CEOs, Academicians and thought leaders from all over the world. The programme includes Plenary Sessions specially designed for the Summit as well as ‘thematic’ interactions with G2G Ministerial Groups, Global and Indian CEOs to name a few. The presence of renowned Global Commentators, Economists and Global Social icons is also expected.

Plenaries will focus on discussions surrounding topics such as:  Towards Achieving Sustained Economic and Trade Growth: Can India Lead?; Innovating Partnerships for Sustainable Development; Industry 4.0: Leveraging for Efficiency, Adaptability, Productivity (LEAP); India-US Relations: What Does the New Administration Have in Store?; India’s Integration with South and Southeast Asia; Industrial Corridors along the Coast : Paving the Way for Special Blue Economic Zones; Going Sub-regional: Is it the new formula for unlocking potential?; Global Financial Architecture: Financing for Growth and Stability; Trade in Services and other Instruments for New-Age Trade Negotiations

There will also be sector specific deliberations and structured B2B meetings in the areas of Aerospace and Defense; Textiles and Apparel; Automobiles; Agriculture and Food Processing; Biotech and Pharma; Electronics among others. For more details regarding online registrations you may please log onto www.partnershipsummit.com

 Sikh Doctor Stands Up To Employment Discrimination

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The Sikh Coalition filed a lawsuit last week in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee on behalf of Dr. Jaswinder Pal Singh.  The suit alleges that Dr. Singh – an observant Sikh physician and father who keeps a religiously mandated turban and beard – was denied a neurology job after the employer and recruiter inquired into his religious appearance.

The suit further alleges that as part of the 2014 hiring process, the employer, Premier Medical Group, P.C., and its recruiter, Arthur Marshall, Inc., expressed interest and concern about the way Dr. Singh looked. Although in phone interviews the recruiter praised Dr. Singh’s credentials, he was abruptly denied further interviews after he submitted photographs of himself, along with additional information on Sikhs and Sikhism. The job then remained vacant.

“It was very clear to me that I was denied employment because of my ethnic background and religious appearance,” said Dr. Singh. “I contacted the Sikh Coalition because nobody is better at holding companies accountable for their discrimination.”

In 2015, the Sikh Coalition represented Dr. Singh in filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  After the EEOC issued a right to sue notice, we established a legal partnership with the reputable Tennessee plaintiff attorney, Douglas B. Janney III, to file the anti-discrimination lawsuit against the employer, Premier Medical Group, and its recruiter, Arthur Marshall.

“Whether you are a doctor in Tennessee or a truck driver in California, we will always protect and defend your right to practice your faith fearlessly,” said Sikh Coalition Legal Director, Harsimran Kaur.

Last month, the Sikh Coalition announced a massive legal victory on behalf of four Sikh truck drivers who were denied jobs by one of the largest trucking companies in America. This new lawsuit, on behalf of Dr. Singh, seeks to secure a court order requiring that both defendants implement anti-discrimination policies, practices and training to ensure that they do not discriminate against any future applicants.

“No Sikh in any job or profession should ever be denied employment because of their religion,” said Dr. Singh.  “By speaking out and taking action, I know that we will continue to hold employers directly accountable.”

Sikh Community of Chicago bids good bye to Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed

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By Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: Sikh Community of Midwest Chicago organized a farewell evening for the outgoing Consulate General Dr Ausaf Sayeed on January 1st, 2017 at Viceroy of India Restaurant, 233 E Roosevelt Rd, Lombard, IL. Mr. Darshan Singh Dhaliwal was the host of the evening and Dr. Harjinder Khaira was the master of ceremony (MC). Mr. Sayeed joined Chicago office in 2013 and he was honored for being the most involved and most respected of all Consulate Generals in the history of Chicago. It was this love and respect that he had fostered during his stay in Chicago that had forced so many dignitaries of the Sikh and Indian community to thank him and wish him well. Some highlights of Mr. Sayeed’s contribution and support were shared with the audiences through a PowerPoint presentation that included his visits to various Gurudwaras and Sikh festivals.

Dr Balwant Singh Hansraj thanked the host Mr. Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, and the master of ceremony Dr Harjinder Khaira. “Mr. Sayeed’s contribution to the entire Indian community has been tremendous. He made several visits to Gurudwaras and through his service, made many Sikh lives better. The purpose of his role is to serve and with service comes contentment. He wholeheartedly lived up to the expectations of his role. I would like to quote a famous line here. It goes like ‘it is only by chance that we meet.’ Wherever you went you touched hearts. I extend my best wishes for your next adventure” Said by Dr Balwant Singh Hansraj.

Pakistan Consulate General Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi also added grace to the evening with his presence. In the opinion of the Asian Media editor Prachi Jaitly, this may have been the first time that the Consulate General of India and the Consulate General of Pakistan were under the same roof for Sikh Community of Midwest Chicago event.  The presence of both the dignitaries turned it into one of historical events. It was the significance of the Sikh diaspora that had both dignitaries present.  Mr. Tirmizi praised Mr. Ausaf Sayeed and called him an embodiment of service who built bridges and brought people together. Dr Gopal Lalmalani, Mayor Village of Oakbrook was also one of the distinguished speakers at the event. He mentioned the amount of work Mr. Sayeed has done. Per Dr. Lalmalani, since 1973, the year he came to the USA, there has never been such an engaging and connected Consulate General.

Dr Lalmalani who is the current mayor of Village of Oakbrook talked about the Polo team and how Mr. Sayed facilitated in bringing the Indian team back along with captain Vikram Singh.  In Mr. Lalmalani’s words, Mr. Ausaf Sayeed brought many diverse organizations together. He also thanked Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consulate General, Pakistan. Mr. O.P. Meena was also thanked for always supporting the community.

Mr. Ausaf Sayeed while addressing the audience, talked about his experiences working in the Chicago office. He assumed office in 2013 after serving as Indian Ambassador in Yemen from 2010-2013. He explained how he always emphasized the channelization of the Indian communities. He was a given standing ovation by everyone present. Mr. Sayeed quoted from the Holy book of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib. He also talked about the sayings of many great saints specifying the role that Sikhism plays in being able to serve communities and their own diaspora at large. Teams from Indiana, Milwaukee were also present to say thanks and goodbye to the Consulate General.

In Mr. Sayeed’s words,” I am humbled by all the lovely words spoken about me. I have received so much love during my tenure in this office”. He talked about Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji and Baba Mardana. He quoted Guru Nanak dev Ji’s words “Vasde Raho” and explained how traveling across the world helps all of us in discovering new meanings of life. During his inspiring speech, Mr. Sayeed explained the significance of turban and Guru Granth Sahiband concluded his speech by saying “Wahe Guru ji da Khalsa, Wahe Guru ji di Fateh”.

Happy Singh, extended his vote of thanks with famous lines “Wo aaye hamare ghar, khuda ki kudrat……”. He thanked everyone including most the Punjabi Social and Sikh religious societies from all over Midwest that participated in this farewell dinner like Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago, Sher -E -Punjab Sports Club Midwest Chicago, Punjabi Americans Organization, Chicago, Punjabi Heritage Organization, Punjab Sports & Cultural Club, Crowne Pointe, Indiana, Palatine Gurdwara, Wheaten Gurdwara and so on. The beautiful event would not have been possible without the active help and support of Mr Jaskaran Dhaliwal and Dr Harjinder Khaira. The host of the evening Mr. Darshan Singh Dhaliwal presented memento to Mr. Ausaf Sayeed and the event concluded with a scrumptious dinner. Truly, the outgoing Consulate General will be missed by all the Midwest. During his tenure, he has changed the landscape of involvement of the Consulate General into the local Indian community and the heights of what a Consulate General can achieve for the community.

Dr. Krishne Urs Donates $500K to Richmond University Medical Center

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Dr. Krishne Urs, a philanthropist and orthopedic surgeon made a hefty donation to a New York-based university medical center on December 16th. According to the University, the Indian American physician provided the Richmond University Medical Center with $500,000 for its emergency department construction project, according to an silive.com report.

Dr. Urs’ pledge, which will go toward the medical center’s $65 million project, was made during a ceremony in the hospital’s MLB conference room. Daniel Messina, president and CEO of the hospital, accepted the donation from Dr. Urs, and thanked him for his generosity. “We would like to celebrate a very dedicated physician of the RUMC family and recognize Dr. Krishne Urs,” Messina said.

Dr. Urs received his medical degree with distinction from the University of Mysore in India. He arrived in New York City in 1962 and studied to become an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Urs began his practice at St. Vincent’s Medical Center — now Richmond University Medical Center — in 1970. From 1986 to 2001, he served as chief of orthopaedic surgery at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

Richmond University board chairwoman Kate Rooney, and Joe Torres, who chairs the capital campaign for the ER project, discussed Dr. Urs’ passion for philanthropy.

“Those of us who know Dr. Urs know that philanthropy and generosity are part of his soul and we at the hospital are so fortunate that he and his family have been so generous to our medical center,” said Rooney.

“I’d like to focus on what I feel is the greatest asset Dr. Urs has given us and that’s inspiration,” added Torres. “He told us, and I’m paraphrasing, when an opportunity arises to invest in infrastructure that is linked to such a vital community cause, it gives the donor an opportunity to have a lasting impact on the lives of their children and their grandchildren.”

Dr. Urs discussed the significance of the new emergency department project and what it means to give back to the community.  “As many of you know, our community continues to grow and demands have been put on our hospital, especially our emergency room,” he said. “We have been treating over 65,000 patients a year in a space originally designed for 22,000 patients.

“I have spent my entire career in this hospital and it has been part of the fabric of my life and livelihood and I’m so grateful to give back to this organization and the people that it serves.”

Arvin Batra, Hamza Rizvi die in  accident on Christmas eve tragedy

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Arvin Batra of Hicksville and Hamza Rizvi of Bethpage on Long Island, NY were killed early Christmas Eve when Rizvi’s 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee crashed on Woodbury Road in Hicksville around 6 a.m. on December 24.

Arvin Batra, 19, is the son of Ajay Batra, the owner of IVSTV. Hamza Rizvi, is a Pakistani-American.  The young Batra was known as a local entertainer participating in cultural events and television.

The cause of the crash remains to be determined by a police investigation, a CBSLocal news report said. The Nassau County Police Department Second Squad said that the men were traveling eastbound on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 6:06 a.m. when Rizvi apparently lost control of the Jeep, which struck a tree and caught fire near Wilfred Road. Batra and Rizvi were pronounced dead at the scene.

Arvin Batra had St. Johns University and while still a freshman, started ArvinBatraPromotions (later renamed ABNYGroup) and started hosting various parties in New York City, later expanding around the tri-state area. Batra also started a clothing line, Pharaoh Threads, which drew inspiration “from the decadence and prestige of Ancient Egypt and street-hustle culture of New York today to create a line of clothing that symbolizes ambition and royalty,” which according to the profile, was Batra’s “philosophy and attitude to the masses.

The two young men of South Asian origin are being mourned by family and friends. As per reports, a large number of Indian American community members visited Mr. Ajay Batra‘s home in Hicksville” to offer their condolences. Also, many from the Indian American community as also a large number from Pakistani community visited Mr. Rizvi to share the family’s grief over the tragic and untimely death of Hamza.

Detectives continue to investigate the accident and ask anyone with information to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-8477. All callers will remain anonymous.

Bernhard Laufer sentenced for 20 years for attempted hate murder of New York Muslim

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Bernhard Laufer, a 59-year-old man from Queens, NY has been sentenced to 20 years of prison for attempted murder of a Muslim man in 2012. Laufer had stabbed and bit the nose of a worshiper at a Flushing mosque. He was found guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of attempted murder as a hate crime by a jury at the defendant’s trial, Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said on December 14. The sentence was announced by Queens Supreme Court Justice Barry Schwartz.

Brown said that he has reiterated many times in the past that crimes fueled by hate will never be tolerated in Queens County, the most diverse urban area in the entire nation.

Bernhard Laufer from a Rego Park neighborhood was described as a man who waged a war of terror against Masjid Al-Saaliheen Mosque. Before this vicious attack, he repeatedly “called the mosque and threatened to kill all Muslims,” the prosecutor said.

The man vandalized the door of the mosque, and when the victim was opened the mosque for morning prayer, he stabbed Bashir Ahmad, 57, in the head, arm, back, hand and bit his nose, leaving the victim with permanent scars and a daily reminder of the attack that was described by the attorney as heinous and unprovoked.

The defendant was convicted of second-degree attempted murder as a hate crime, first-degree attempted assault as a hate crime, second-degree assault as a hate crime, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime. Ahmad at the time was up the stairs leading into the mosque. As Ahmad unlocked the front door, the defendant stabbed him over and over again.

According to trial records, Laufer was arrested after dropping his eyeglasses at the scene during the attack, leaving vital DNA evidence behind. The defendant’s DNA matched that found on the spectacles. Investigators also testified at trial that the threatening phone calls made to the mosque in the days before the attack were placed from the defendant’s home phones.

New York Police Allows Sikh Officers to Wear Turbans, Restricts Beard to Half-Inch

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The New York Police Department will now allow Sikh officers to wear turbans and beards, although it restricts the beard size to half-an-inch. Announcing the change in uniform and appearance policy, City Police Commissioner James O’Neill said: “We want to make the NYPD as diverse as possible.”

Welcoming the change, the Sikh Officers Association tweeted: “This is a proud moment for Sikh Community.” But because of the half-inch beard restriction, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, a human rights organization, appeared to give new policy a qualified welcome.

“We look forward to reviewing the policy in depth to ensure that Sikhs can serve with their turban and beards intact and with no limitations or restrictions to either,” said board member Kavneet Singh.

But Singh added: “We commend Commissioner O’Neill on this positive step to make the NYPD a fully inclusive department.” Till now Sikh NY police were allowed to wear only a small head covering, the patka, under their regulation hats or caps. Now they can wear a full blue turban.

“We’ve been working with the Sikh officers to try to make sure we get this done,” O’Neill said after a ceremony for graduating class of the police academy. “I had the opportunity to make the change and I thought it was about time that we did that.”

A group of Sikh officers wearing blue turbans with the NYPD badges accompanied O’Neill when he made the announcement. Two Sikhs, who were among the 557 graduates, had earlier received permission to keep their beards but not wear full turbans.

O’Neill estimated that there are about 160 Sikhs in the 34,500-strong force in the city of 8.5 million people. The new policy seemed to apply to traffic police who are officially called traffic agents and wear white hats. Last week a Sikh police traffic agent was seen directing traffic near the United Nations wearing a white turban.

In April, the U.S. Army expanded its policy of permitting Sikh personnel to wear turbans, although it was in the nature of a waiver rather than a policy change. It was restricted to non-hazardous duties because of concerns with using gas masks.

The U.S. Army was facing a lawsuit by a soldier alleging the ban on turbans amounted to religious discrimination. The change in NYPD policy on beards may also allow Muslims police officers to keep their beards. But Muslim officers are demanding that they should be allowed two-inch beards and one of them has filed a discrimination suit.

In 2012, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority which runs the city’s metro and buses allowed Sikhs to wear turbans without the agency’s medallion everywhere on the job settling a case against it by the Sikh Coalition and the federal government.

The MTA also agreed to pay $184,500 to eight current or former employees who had objected to wearing the MTA symbol on their turbans claiming it violated their religious beliefs. However, New York police officers will be required to wear the police medallion on their turbans and so far Sikh officers have not objected to it.

Comptroller Maragos’ Office Receives Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting

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Mineola, New York – Nassau County and Comptroller George Maragos’ Office were presented with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).  This prestigious GFOA award is for exhibiting excellence in the financial reporting of Nassau County’s 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), issued in 2016. This is the seventh consecutive year that the Comptroller’s Office under George Maragos has received this recognition.

The Certificate was presented to Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos as the individual primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning year-end financials (CAFR).  According to the GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

“I congratulate the accounting staff of my office for their expertise and dedication, who every year meet and exceed the highest professional standards in financial reporting,” said Comptroller George Maragos. “ I am proud that the GFOA continues to recognize their extraordinary efforts in  providing to the residents of Nassau County an accurate and timely accounting of how their money has been spent.”

Nassau County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) includes general-purpose financial statements, as well as the independent auditor’s report prepared by RSM US LLP. The Nassau County CAFR can be viewed at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16924

Dr. Karthik Ram honored with Special Proclamation in New York

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Dr. Karthik Ram, a leading plastic and reconstructive surgeon from India, recently appointed international member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, was honored with a special proclamation by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano on December 20th in New York.

The honor comes on the heels of Ram being recently appointed as an international member of American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Bina Sabapathy, a Long Island, N.Y., Indian American community leader, while presenting the Nassau County special recognition, said Ram’s induction into the American society was a proud moment for global Tamils, according to a news release.

At a Dec. 20 event organized by the America Tamil Sangam in Queens, a book for laymen, titled “Liposuction – Big Fat Story”, brought out by Dr Ram’s Chennai Plastic Surgery Group and authored by Sunitha Raj, was released by Dr. Rajivee Madan Raj, a Long Island gynecologist.

The book focuses on the advantages of undergoing liposuction for weight reduction. The first copy was given to John Joseph, chairman, and Jaya Sundaram, senior vice president of the Sangam. Raj is the CEO of Chennai Plastic Surgery Group and an expert in the field.

Presenting the Nassau County special recognition, Long Island community leader Bina Sabapathy said Dr. Ram’s induction into the American Society was a proud moment for global Tamils.

John Joseph said the honor was a proof that young Indian surgeons such as Dr. Ram have branched off into new areas such as plastic and reconstructive surgery and had indeed made a global mark. He also presented America Tamil Sangam’s Excellence Award for the recent recognition.

Dr. Ram answered questions from the audience in an interactive session and explained in detail on tummy tuck, liposuction, hair transplant, male chest reduction and said these treatments are available in India and on par with the same offered in the U.S.

Dr. Ram was in New York to attend the annual conference of American Society of Plastic Surgeons and interacted with surgeons across the US. He discussed with them the formation of Indian chapter to promote the medical discipline in India.

Dr. Ram is the Managing Director Cosmoglitz International Pvt. Ltd, chief cosmetic surgeon of Chennai Plastic Surgery among others. He did his DNB in Plastic Surgery with a gold medal from Apollo hospitals, Chennai, had his MRCSE from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh; DNB (General surgery) from Stanley Medical College, Chennai, and MBBS from Dr. MGR Tamil Nadu State Medical University, Madras.

John Joseph, chairman, and Jaya Sundaram, senior vice president of the Sangam, added that the honor bestowed to Ram was proof that young Indian surgeons have branched off into new areas such as plastic and reconstructive surgery and had indeed made a global mark. Joseph received the first copy of the book, which covers the advantages of liposuction for weight reduction.

Mina Malik resigns from NYPD Watchdog

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Mina Malik, the executive director of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, the New York Police Department’s watchdog group resigned from this crucial post here late last month. As per reports, no official reason was cited for resignation from the agency where she had spearheaded many initiatives, earning Mayor de Blasio’s compliments, but also drew flaks at times from others for different reasons.

As per an New York Daily News report quoting unidentified sources said, the underlying reason for her departure was a struggle with City Hall over control of the agency, but it added that the spokesmen for Malik and the mayor insisted that she left of her own accord. The report said that she was to take a teaching job at Harvard Law School and will advise the university’s Fair Punishment Project.

Malik released a statement after announcing her resignation in which she thanked the mayor for his support and commitment to civilian oversight and for his leadership on reform. “It has been an honor to serve the city during his tenure.” Mayor de Blasio praised Malik, saying she worked “tirelessly to ensure that the people of New York City had an advocate who listened and investigated any complaints they had against the NYPD.”

CCRB Chair Maya Wiley echoed the mayor’s comments. “Mina spearheaded many initiatives that improved the Agency broadly, including improved investigations, increased targeted outreach, better data collection and report writing, and the CCRB’s new Data Transparency Initiative. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Mina for her commitment and service to the people of the City of New York. We wish her the best in the future,” Wiley said.

The report quoted two other sources as saying, however that Malik wore out her welcome by alienating employees and unfairly firing people. Several people filed complaints against her with the city Department of Investigation, the sources were quoted in the Daily News report as saying.

Appointed in early 2015, Malik’s tenure was largely overshadowed by her lawsuit against former board chairman Richard Emery. She accused him of using an expletive to describe her and a co-worker. The two sparred for months, with Malik trying to seize more power for herself, though her job required that she follows the board’s direction.

Malik and a second CCRB official Robia Charles filed the lawsuit against Emery in April, for the remark he allegedly made six months earlier. Emery stepped down from the chairman’s post a day after the suit was filed. Malik thanked de Blasio “for taking swift and decisive action in responding to our concerns” and the suit was dropped.

“She cast a pall on the agency,” Emery was quoted by the Daily News as saying. “Now that she’s gone, there should be a great sense of optimism because it should make a huge difference in the morale, creativity and energy of the people who work there.”

Vin Gopal seeks community support in effort to win NJ Senate seat

Staff ReporterCommunity, Politics, U.S. 0

Vin Gopal, 31, who has been described as “a dynamic Democrat in a Republican Combat Zone” while announcing his candidacy for the New Jersey state Senate has sought Indian American community to support him in his efforts to win the senate seat.

Gopal, a rising star in the New Jersey Democratic Party was among those in the list of ‘40 Under 40’ by NJPolitico. Gopal, a small business owner will be facing off against Republican incumbent Jennifer Beck, 49, who was elected to the Senate ten years ago and has since won with resounding victories, including after the 2011 redistricting. Gopal hopes support from the Indian-American community around the state will bolster his chances.

“I hope Indian-Americans will get excited about my race,” Gopal told Desi Talk. According to his math and that of another Democratic source who did not wish to be named, Gopal’s chances are good despite a secure incumbent Republican (Beck won her last election with 60 percent of the vote). “Hillary Clinton won by 8,000 votes,” in the presidential race Nov. 8 Gopal says. Also, Gopal is credited with securing a victory against considerable odds in 2015, for the two current incumbent Democratic Assembly members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey in a Republican district, who will be running for re-election this November. “Also, there are South Asians who live in Freehold and Ocean Townships who could help,” Gopal said.

According to 2010 U.S. Census figures, District 11 has a population of 205, 526, of which more than 79 percent are of voting age. Unlike some other parts of New Jersey where Indian-Americans or Asian-Americans make up a sizable part of the population, District 11 is 76 percent White and barely 2.74 percent Asian. Blacks make up a little over 14 percent. While racial or ethnic breakdown of the population may have changed since 2010, Gopal will need outside help for what is expected to be a $2 million dollar campaign all-told for the three Democrats. An extra Democrat on the state Senate would be a definite plus for liberals.

“Indian-Americans and South Asians outside the district could also be a help,” said Gopal, a small-business owner, founder of the communications company Direct Development in Hazlet, N.J., which has 14 employees. In his statement announcing the candidacy, Gopal said he has gone without taking a paycheck in order to make the payroll.

Born and brought up in Monmouth County, Gopal says he has felt the impact of Trenton’s “over-regulation, suffocating taxation, and red-tape.” In his statement he lashed out at his GOP opponent and in so many words described Beck as an opportunist, a “lobbyist and professional politician” and Gov. Chris Christie’s “foot soldier,” who has  backed down on gun regulations, women’s access to healthcare and marriage equality, and has lost touch with her constituents, all of which he hopes to  overturn if sent to the state Senate which currently has a Democratic majority (24 of the 40 seats.)

Monmouth County Democratic chairman Vin Gopal, who has led his organization to some of the state’s most startling upset victories in recent years, saw disappointing returns for his Democratic county slate during this year’s presidential election, Democratic State Assembly members Joann Downey and Eric Houghtaling pulled off the most surprising victory of 2015’s sleepy Assembly elections when they unseated Republicans Caroline Casagrande and Marypat Angelini.

Beck has announced her intention to run for reelection, and has endorsed Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon’s State Senate bid in the neighboring 13th district. According to polling from the Monmouth County Democrats, Hillary Clinton won the 11th district’s presidential votes by roughly 7,000. Whether Gopal and the Democrats can drive that same turnout in a quieter gubernatorial year remains to be seen.

INOC, USA vows full support to Captain Amarinder Singh and the Congress Party in Punjab elections

Staff ReporterIndia, Politics 0

New York: At an annual meeting comprising over forty  members held on December 30, 2016, at Sohna Punjab Restaurant in Queens, New York,  the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA unanimously adopted several important resolutions and other measures which would not only bring up to date its by-laws, rules, and procedures but also emboldened the hands of its leadership.  The promotion of several of its officers within the ranks and recruited from outside, including youth, is expected to bring new dynamism, energy and success to the Organization in the near future. This move, which was long awaited, has immediately invigorated everyone especially in the face of upcoming Punjab State elections expected to take place at the beginning of February 2017.

Recounting the accomplishments of INOC, USA, the Secretary-General, Mr. Harbachan Singh applauded the effort of all the leaders and its rank and file.   Playing a major role in hosting the visit of Capt. Amarinder Singh to New York was no small matter.  The words of praise and admiration received from the Captain made so many of his supporters happy, validated and inspired.  Similar recognition by visiting Congress leaders such as Hon. Sushilkumar Shinde during 2016 had the same positive effect of uplifting their mood and resolve.

In announcing the promotions, Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of INOC, USA said that former President of Punjab Chapter, Mr. Tejinder Singh Gill was promoted to the rank of Sr. Vice President and in his place, Mr. Satish Sharma was designated as Chairman and Mr. Jasvir Singh Nawanshahr was designated as the Punjab Chapter President.  Mr. John Joseph, Ms. Malini Shah, Dr. Dayan Naik and Mr. Jagjeet Singh were each promoted to the rank as Vice Presidents.  Mr. Neil Trevidi. Mr. Prasad Kambhampaty and Ms. Megha Mehta were each promoted to the rank of Joint Secretary.  Mr. Koshy Oommen and Ms. Gunjan Rastogi were designated as an executive members of the National Council. Ms. Jaya Sundaram was designated Acting President of Tamil Nadu Chapter, Ms. Leela Maret was designated as Chairperson Women’s Forum and Mr. Sawaran Singh was designated as Chairman of Disciplinary Committee.  Mr. Girish Vidya was nominated to be a member of the Advisory Council together with Mr. Krishnan Arora.   No changes were made to the positions of other officials.  Both Mr. George Abraham, Chairman and Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of INOC, USA congratulated those who received the promotions and wished them good luck.  Mr. Harbachan Singh stated that the decisions were reached after very careful review and that the candidates promoted were of high caliber and enjoyed respect in the society.

Two resolutions were also passed at this meeting viz: one to demonstrate INOC, USAs unflagging support and admiration of Captain Amarinder Singh as the most outstanding leader of the Punjab Congress Committee and vowed its full support to him and his designated candidates in the upcoming State elections in Punjab.

Secondly, INOC, USA deplored the format and unconventional manner the demonetarization  scheme was introduced which has not resulted in any significant results but instead has nevertheless caused untold misery and suffering to the masses of people in whole of India including reported deaths in the vicinity of hundreds and is continuing to have detrimental effects on the people.

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