AAPI Launches Global Obesity Awareness Campaign 2020 (AAPI GOAC) – Obesity Revolution – Targeting 100 Cities in USA; 100 Cities in India; and, 100 Cities Around the World

March 10, 2020 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Health 0

“As a professional organization that represents the interests of over 100,000 physicians of Indian origin, who are practicing Medicine in the United States, one of our primary goals is to educate the public on diseases and their impact on health,” Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), said here. “With obesity proving to be a major epidemic affecting nearly one third of the nation’s population, we have a responsibility to save future generations by decreasing childhood obesity. And therefore, we at AAPI are proud to undertake this national educational tour around the United States, impacting thousands of children and their families.”

“American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has embarked on an ambitious plan, launching Global Obesity Awareness Campaign 2020, making this a global event by 10-10-2020 with goal to cover 100 cities in USA, 100 cities in India and 100 countries around the World,” Dr. Uma Koduri, AAPI’s Childhood Obesity Awareness Campaign (COAC) Committee Chair, who has been in the forefront of the obesity awareness campaign for years now, explained.

Obesity causes early death as it leads to hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart attacks, strokes, some kinds of cancer and adversely affects almost all organs in the body. World Health Organization states that prevention is the most feasible option for curbing this obesity epidemic. Hence AAPI is trying “To Educate to Empower” as “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure”.

Major contributors for the success of AAPI’s obesity awareness campaign over the years was Dr. Uma Koduri, who had organized the pilot programs for childhood obesity in USA in 2013, childhood obesity in India in 2015 and Veteran obesity in USA in 2017 with the help of Drs. Sanku Rao, Jayesh Shah, Aruna Venkatesh for childhood obesity, Vikas Khurana, Satheesh Kathula for Veteran obesity, and Janaki Srinath, Uma Chitra, Avanti Rao for childhood obesity in India.

Presently, AAPI Obesity Committee’s Chair is Dr. Uma Koduri and co-chairs are Drs. Padmaja Adusumili (Veteran obesity), Pooja Kinkabwala (Childhood obesity) and Uma Jonnalagadda (Adult obesity) with chief advisors Dr. Kishore Bellamkonda and Dr. Lokesh Edara.

“People of Indian origin are recognized for their great innovation and professional skills. We at AAPI want to create awareness on health issues that are of importance to India, and the entire humanity, particularly on Obesity, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, Trauma & Head Injury, and Mental Health issues, including Depression. Bridging the gap between clinical research and medical practice is central to AAPI’s mission, while working towards sustaining & securing financial growth. We, the physicians of Indian origin in the United States, have a duty to nurture the present for a prosperous future,” Dr. Reddy added.

Dr. Seema Arora, current Chair of AAPI’s BOT, stated, “Obesity is a major public health problem in the United States. Changing one’s diet is not something that happens overnight. An important first step is helping a children, youth and adults recognize the problem. What had started off in 2011 at 11-11-11-11-11-11 seconds as AAPI Health Walkathons were held in 5 Continents – Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe and North America was successfully completed in 2020 by Obesity Walkathons by Dr. Suresh Reddy in the remaining 2 Continents – South America and Antarctica.”

Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President-Elect of AAPI, who wants to carry on the mission to newer heights under his presidency starting in July 2020, said, “The impact and role of AAPI in influencing policy makers and the public is ever more urgent today. AAPI being the largest ethnic medical organization in USA and the second largest organized medical association after AMA, we have the power and responsibility to influence the state and the public through education for health promotion and disease prevention,” he added.

AAPI’s fight against obesity was inaugurated with Yellow theme on 12-12-12. Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Vice President of AAPI, said, “Since the launch of the Obesity Awareness Campaign in 2012, AAPI has come a long way in this wear yellow for obesity awareness campaign educating thousands of people, by more than 100 school events across 15 major States in USA, 12 major school events in India, 12 major events for our Veterans and countless number in USA and in India at conventions, meetings, festivals and other gatherings.”

May 25, 2020 is being observed as the Global Wear Yellow Day for Obesity Awareness & Health, showcasing Yellow for Energy, Motivation, Hope, Optimism, Joy and Happiness. AAPI’s theme and campaign around the world is to: “Be Healthy, Be Happy.” And, the “Secret to Living Longer is to Eat half, Walk double, Laugh triple and Love without measure.”

According to Dr. Ravi Kolli, Secretary of AAPI, “AAPI has physicians in almost every city and town of USA. With this extensive network we should be able to spread message on childhood obesity by following the template plan. We are also exploring the use of social media and phone ‘apps’ as healthy lifestyle tools.” Dr. Raj Bhayani, Treasurer of AAPI, called obesity a form of “terror” from within us. “If we do not run, obesity will run behind us,” he said.

AAPI members and their family and friends all over the world will organize obesity walkathons with yellow theme on May 25, 2020 (If not feasible, do any time until 10-10-2020). Choose major monument or highlight of the city as location of the event and take group pictures there with AAPI banner/logo.

They will provide educational handouts on obesity including the 5210 concept: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, one hour or more of physical activity and zero sugary beverages.

Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. According to Center for Disease Control Prevention, the percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012, while among adolescents aged 12–19 years, the obesity rate increased from 5% to nearly 21% over the same period. In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese, having excess body weight and fat, which are the result of caloric imbalance and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.

Moving forward, AAPI plans to organize such Obesity Walkathon events in at least in 100 schools in India and eventually the world making it an Obesity Revolution to educate and empower everyone to prevent obesity and lead healthy lives and make positive contributions to their communities.

Today, more than one-third of the entire adult population in USA is classified to be obese. What’s even worse is that almost one in every three children is obese or overweight before reaching 5thbirthday. Consequences of childhood obesity include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes, which can shorten the lifespan of our children. American society has become characterized by environments that promote increased consumption of less healthy food and physical inactivity leading to this childhood obesity epidemic.

The enormous cost, $200 Billion a year, is being spent spent in addressing the obesity problem in the country. This new initiative by AAPI and its partners is a way to educate AAPI members of the problems and create awareness among them and enable them to work towards preventing obesity among veterans and the larger population.

According to Dr. Koduri, in the years to come, “As Yellow stands for energy, motivation, hope, optimism, joy and happiness, AAPI has chosen this color to promote obesity awareness similar to how American Heart Association chose Red for heart disease. We believe that tackling the Childhood Obesity problem is like “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Dr. Suresh Reddy says, “In partnership with local governments, non-governmental agencies and schools around the nation, AAPI plans to embark on this campaign that will identify high prevalence, with the objective of promoting awareness of Childhood Obesity and offering educational resources to promote healthy lifestyle. In addition, it will also work towards advocating policy changes to help build a healthier community.”

AAPI is a forum to facilitate and enable Indian American Physicians to excel in patient care, teaching and research and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs. For more details on AAPI’s Global Obesity Awareness Campaign, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

Ambassador Richard Verma is keynote speaker at South Asians for Biden launch in Washington, D.C.

March 10, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Rich Verma, former U.S. Ambassador to India in the Obama administration, the first ever Indian American to serve as the American envoy to New Delhi in the second term of the Obama administration, was the keynote speaker at the launch of South Asians for Biden in the Washington, Maryland and Virginia area, held at the Oval Room Corporation’s Penthouse in downtown D.C., Feb. 28.

Verma, in a scathing indictment of President Donald Trump and his close aides — during and after their recent trip to India last month–laying claim to being the protagonists behind elevating U.S.-India relations to the next level, declared, “It was a rewriting of history.”

He said, “I was shocked to see the delegation,” that accompanied Trump to India, particularly “people that have spent the last three years trying to keep people like all of us, and our parents and our relatives, out of this country. Or to make the lives of people who happen to have a different background, a different religion, different skin tone, much harder — harder not easier.”

Former Air Force veteran, Retd. Lt. Col. Ravi Chaudhary, the coordinator behind South Asians for Biden, reminiscent of South Asians for Obama, in his welcoming remarks to the dozens of local Democratic leaders and activists who attend the event, said, also spoke of how Biden was instrumental in helping veterans, especially South Asian veterans.

Chaudhary, a former Commissioner on the White House Advisory Council on Asian American and Pacific Islanders(AAPI) in the Obama administration, recalled that “as a member of the President’s AAPI Commission, I’ve had personal experience “of his (Biden’s) support for the accommodation of religious freedom in the U.S. military so that South Asians, especially Sikhs with turbans could serve unabatedly and that wave has now traveled and is continuing and it all traveled with Joe.”

“We are at a dangerous time in our democracy…It’s really a dangerous time, and it’s not just because of this past week with the collapse of the stock market and the spread of the (Corona) virus…It’s really an important time for the immigrant community,” Ambassador Verma said.

Verma said that it was an outrage to watch the likes of “Stephen Miller taking selfies in front of the Taj Mahal and then talking about how great the trip was and how Trump did it all.”

Verma, ripping into Trump and his entourage pushing the visit as a grand success, even though it was heavy on optics and symbolism and light on tangibles — like a much touted trade deal — and substance, said, “That trip was built on the backs of people that came 50, 60 years ago and labored so hard and faced a lot of discrimination and fought every single day to have a better life for their kids.”

“And, they acted as if history started yesterday with their trip and they tarnished and exploited all of what has come before them,” he added. Verma asserted that “it was an outrage of unprecedented proportions” and warned that “we have to recognize what they were doing. It was a rewriting of history and these people are so dangerous to the American experience, the American dream.”

Verma said Trump’s recent thrashing of the likes of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a Ukranian American, who testified before the House Intelligence Committee about Trump’s conversations with Ukraine’s president, his repeated demands earlier that U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, whom he called “a Mexican” appointed by Obama(even though Curiel was born in Indiana to Mexican parents who had immigrated to the U.S.), “and the same with President Obama, whom he (Trump) alleged was not born in the United States, and you can go down the list” was to divide the nation by implying that they were all “lesser Americans.”

“That somehow, we are not as American as they are,” he said. “They are trying to define what it means to be Americans,” and reiterated “it is indeed a dangerous time in our democracy.” Verma also recalled several of his interactions with and inspirational stories of Biden and how hard the former vice president has worked to ensure the American dream is a reality for all, and especially his commitment to veterans.

“Once while flying on an aircraft, we were tired from a long day, I turned around and Joe was in the back of the plane, chatting with an Air Force Master Sergeant, listening to his feedback, and understanding veteran challenges. It went on for three hours. That’s the type of caring leader Joe will be as our President…” he said.

“But I’m telling you, three weeks ago when I saw Lt. Col. Vindman get walked out of the White House and this Purple Heart veteran being treated the way he was, I knew immediately about what I need to do next.”

Protests in 21 US varsities against Delhi violence

March 10, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, India, Politics 0

A student-led group from the Yale University has called for demonstrations across 21 varsities in the US against the violence in Delhi, which has claimed the lives of 46 people in the Indian capital, a media report said.

“A Holi Against Hindutva” demonstrations have been organised by Students Against Hindutva, a South Asian student activist group, the American Bazaar newspaper said in the report on Monday.

In a statement on Monday, Shreeya Singh, founder of the group, said: “This fight is the most patriotic fight I have ever fought for, and I believe it is the diaspora’s duty to stand behind the protesters risking their lives day after day for India’s secular soul.”

On the demonstration plans, the organisers said that they will ask participants to be dressed in black as opposed to Holi’s traditional white attire and will also supply only white coloured powder.

“The goal of this symbolic use of black and white is to signify that we are not in celebration but in condemnation. Raising awareness about recent events in India among people in the US and students on campuses across the country is of utmost importance to our mission,” they added.

The universities where the demonstrations will take place are Yale University, Cornell University, UCLA, Claremont Colleges, UC Davis, Harvard University, Princeton University, Brown University, Dartmouth University, Purdue University, American University, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, University of Pennsylvania, Northeastern University, Columbia University, Wellesley College, University of Illinois, Chicago, Rutgers, UC San Diego, Michigan State and Duke.

Besides the 46 fatalities, the violence that erupted in northeast Delhi last week also injured over 260 people (IANS)

India defends citizenship law as UN rights chief joins legal challenge

March 10, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, India, Politics 0

India defended its contentious citizenship law as an internal issue Tuesday as the UN rights chief sought to join efforts challenging the legislation in the country’s highest court.

The law, which makes it easier for religious minorities from three neighboring countries to get Indian citizenship — but not if they are Muslim — was the spark for last week’s deadly riots in New Delhi.

More than 40 people were killed and hundreds wounded in the worst sectarian violence to rock the capital in decades.

That followed street demonstrations that have occasionally turned deadly across the Hindu-majority country since the law was approved by parliament in December.

“The Citizenship Amendment Act is an internal matter of India and concerns the sovereign right of the Indian parliament to make laws,” foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.

“We strongly believe that no foreign party has any locus standi on issues pertaining to India’s sovereignty.”

Dozens of petitions filed in the Supreme Court, including by social rights activists and political parties, are challenging the law’s constitutionality.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet informed India on Monday of its application to be a third party in one petition brought by a former civil servant, Kumar said.

The court is hearing all the petitions together. Kumar said the government was confident in the legality of the law, which was approved by parliament in December.

The UN application came as the government Tuesday summoned the Iranian ambassador over tweets by Foreign Minister Javad Zarif condemning the “wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims” in the Delhi riots.

Kumar said a “strong protest was lodged against the unwarranted remarks”, adding that they were “not acceptable”.

— Agence France-Presse

As India counts dead, brutality of Hindu-Muslim riot emerges

March 10, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The wounded came in waves. First in ones and twos, limping up the steps and staggering through the aluminum doors, and then in wheelbarrows, with bleeding skulls and stabbed necks. Finally, the motorcycles and auto-rickshaws arrived, their seats stained with the blood of as many as they could hold.

As the Mustafabad neighborhood of India’s capital was ravaged by communal riots for three days this week, the Al-Hind Hospital turned from a community clinic into a trauma ward.

Doctors like M.A. Anwar were for the first time dealing with injuries such as gunshot wounds, crushed skulls and torn genitals.

“I wanted to cry and scream,” he recalled. “Something inside of me died during those three days.”

Almost a week after the clashes between Hindus and Muslims began, a clearer picture of the horrors inflicted during New Delhi’s worst communal riots in decades has begun to emerge.

On the eve of President Donald Trump’s first state visit to India last Sunday, Hindus and Muslims in the Indian capital charged at each other with homemade guns and crude weapons, leaving the streets where the rioting occurred resembling a war zone, with houses, shops, mosques, schools and vehicles up in flames. At least 42 people were killed and hundreds more wounded.

Authorities have struggled to identify some of the bodies because of the gruesomeness of the injuries.

While both sides behaved brutally, most of the victims were Muslim.

Authorities haven’t given an official account of what sparked the riots, though the violence appeared to be a culmination of growing tensions that followed the passage of a new citizenship law in December.

The law fast-tracks naturalization for some religious minorities from neighboring countries but not Muslims. Opponents say it violates India’s secular constitution, and further marginalizes the 200 million Muslims in this Hindu-majority nation of 1.4 billion people.

The law spurred massive protests across India that left at least 23 dead. But what unfolded in Mustafabad this week was far more brutal, with mobs hacking individuals with swords, burning people alive and bludgeoning people to death.

A Hindu intelligence bureau officer was repeatedly stabbed and his dead body thrown into a sewage drain that divides Hindu and Muslim residential areas. A Muslim man had his legs spread so far apart that the lower half of his body tore. His condition remained critical.

Questions have been raised about the role of the New Delhi police and whether they stood by while the violence raged or even aided the Hindu mobs.

A New Delhi police spokesman, Anil Mittal, denied that police had aided rioters.

Al-Hind hospital’s doctors said authorities kept ambulances from reaching certain riot-hit places.

A little after midnight on Wednesday — more than 72 hours after the violence began — a New Delhi High Court passed an extraordinary order directing the police to provide safe passage for ambulances.

It was too late for many victims.

With streets taken over by the mobs and no way through for ambulances, Anwar knew early on that his clinic would soon be overcome with wounded.

Some slumped in plastic chairs as they draped gunshot-riddled arms and legs over tables.

Others just lay on the floor, bleeding.

Those who were there described the blood and chaos, but also shared oddly uplifting stories of teamwork and grit.

“We didn’t sleep. We didn’t eat anything. All we wanted to do was save lives. And we did,” said Aanis Mohammad, a volunteer at the clinic. “No patient of any religion was turned away.”

By mid-afternoon Wednesday as the violence came to an end, Anwar and his overwhelmed colleagues had treated more than 400 people and referred almost 100 to larger hospitals. Dozens, however, remained at the clinic in critical condition.

The hospital also gave refuge to those fleeing the violence, providing more than 50 people with food, bedding and safety.

Clean-up efforts in Mustafabad are underway but the scars are still visible.

At Guru Teg Bahadur hospital along New Delhi’s eastern border, 18-year-old Salman Ansari waited for his father’s body to be handed over.

Ansari’s father had gone out to collect scrap for money as there was no food in the house. After seeing police assurances on the news, he thought it would be safe. It wasn’t.

Ansari said he was sleeping when two strangers dumped his father outside their home last week. He carted his father 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) on the family’s rickshaw to a private clinic. The doctors demanded 5,000 rupees ($69). His pockets were empty. By the time Ansari managed to reach a public hospital, his father was dead.

For Anwar, the doctor, he said he eventually grew numb to the carnage. Yet he’s still coming to grips with how fellow Indians could do what they did to one another. “It’s as if evil had pervaded and housed itself in the hearts of the mob,” he said.

___ Associated Press writer Aniruddha Ghosal contributed to this report.

India Republic Day Celebrations on Long Island, NY

March 10, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Hemstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and his colleagues on the Town Board gathered with members of the Indian-American community to enjoy the Town of Hempstead’s 17th Annual India Republic Day Celebration at Town Hall. The festivities, complete with Indian food, traditional music and dancing, recognized the foundation of the Republic of India as well as local Indian-American leaders for their work supporting the religious, civic, and cultural life of Hempstead Town.

“The Indian-American community is such an intrinsic part of both the United States and Long Island,” said Supervisor Clavin. “I am happy to join with members of the community in celebrating the foundation of the Republic of India as well as the important contributions Indian-Americans make to our hometown.”

Supervisor Clavin honored two local Indian-American leaders for their work serving the community: Nachiketa Mitra and Bharti Desai. Nachiketa Mitra, a longtime devotee at the New York Kali Temple and a key member of the Mandir’s Working Committee, helped turn the Temple into a thriving, financially stable institution. Bharti Desai, a renowned artist, teacher, performer and actress, was the first female president of the Gujarati Samaj of New York and a dedicated volunteer known for teaching Indian culture to students through traditional Guajarati folk and Bollywood dances. The keynote speaker who helped recognize the honorees was Jessica Kalra, a local Indian-American attorney with a long history of public service and involvement in local charitable organizations.

“This celebration of Indian culture right here at Town Hall is a testament to the diversity found in America’s largest township, and the great multicultural communities that comprise our hometown,” said Councilman Dennis Dunne, who attended the event. “I am thankful for the contributions made by the honorees, as well as my Indian-American friends and neighbors, to Hempstead Town.”

The Tuesday, February 18th celebration was preceded by the raising of the National Flag of India over Town Hall in January by Supervisor Clavin, Town Board members and Indian-American leaders.

“The amazingly positive impact Indian-Americans have on our township cannot be understated,” Supervisor Clavin stated. “I am committed to furthering the great friendship between Hempstead Town and the Republic of India, and look forward to working with community leaders on ways we can strengthen this bond.”

7th Annual Winter Medical Conference by YPS/MSRF Held in Las Vegas

February 26, 2020 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Health 0

The young physicians sections of Indian Americans, YPS and MSRF, under the umbrella of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) jointly organized the popular 7th annual Winder Medical Conference at the MGM GRAND, Las Vegas, NV from Feb 14th to 17th, 2020.

The entire AAPI leadership, led by Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI, was present at the conference. Prominent among those who had attended the conference included Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President-Elect of AAPI; Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Vice President; Dr. Ravi Kolli, Secretary; Dr. Raj Bhayani, Treasurer of AAPI; and Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, Vice Chair of AAPI’s BOT, and Dr. Uma Jonnalagadda, who had graciously donated the T-shirts for the Obesity Walk.

Put together by Dr. Stella Gandhi, President of YPS; Dr. Ami Baxi, President-Elect of YPS; Dr. Soumya Neravetla, Vice President of YPS; Dr. Smila Kodali, Secretary of YPS; Dr. Jorawar Singh, Treasurer of YPS, Dr. Chethan Patel, Convention Chair of YPS, Dr. Pooja Kinkhabwala, President of MSRF; Dr. Kinjal Solanki, President-Elect of MSRF; and Ayesha Singh, MSRF VP, the conference was attended by hundreds of young Physicians of Indian Origin from across the nation.

The Medical Conference, an effective platform for networking, was packed with Continuing Medical Education (CMEs), Research Poster Symposium, Seminars/Workshops on Social Media, Healthcare Laws, Physician Wellness and Leadership Issues.

Arathi Shahani and Dr. Poonam Alaigh, Former Undersecretary of HHS, VA were the keynote speakers at the conference. Shahani, a former NPR correspondent, enthralled the audience with a reading from her book “Here We Are,” which is about her upbringing as the daughter of undocumented immigrants who became legal, but then got mired in the convoluted justice system when her father mistakenly sold goods to a Cartel.

Dr. Poonam Alaigh spoke about the importance of being authentic. In her brief remarks, she encouraged young physicians of Indian Origin to “follow one’s passion, even if it takes you on an unconventional track.” Her message to the delegates at the conference was: “Never doubt that a group of Thoughtful, Committed Citizens Can Change the World: Indeed, It’s the Only Thing That Ever Has.” The young physicians had an enriching experience on “Effectively Using Social Media to Enhance Your Career” by Aman Segal. “Aman Segal is a social media guru/producer who talked/walked us through the do’s and don’ts of a good social media post and the impact of effective social media for physicians,” said Dr. Soumya Reddy Neravetla.

Dr. Amit Sachdev, a White House Fellow enlightened the delegates on Leadership Issues. The Academic Performance Panel was led by Dr. Aditi Singh, Dr. Oriaku Kas-Osaka, Dr. Jennifer Baynosa, and Alan Cheng. Health Care Q&A was led by Attorney Ashwin J. Ram.

Moderated by Dr. Stella Gandhi and Bruno Van Tuykom, Dr. Saya Nagori educated the delegates in the “Creating a Healthcare Startup” Panel. For the first time, delegates were able to get CME for the popular leadership panel run by Dr. Jay Bhatt and Dr. Atul Nakhasi. The newly elected BOT Chair of AAPI, Dr. Sajani Shah Kapasi addressed the delegates on the “Business of Medicine.” A CME seminar on Physician Wellness was led by Dr. Jay Bhatt, Dr. Vipan Nikore, and Dr. Pooja Kinkhabwhalla.

Continuing with the tradition of creating awareness on Obesity, Dr. Pooja Kinkhabwalla addressed participants on the importance of proper diet as AAPI leadership led the delegates on the AAPI Obesity Awareness Walk, wearing Yellow shirts and hats, spreading the message of HOPE.

YPS was formed with the objective of promoting, upholding and maintaining the highest standards of ethics in the practice of medicine and in medical education; AAPI – YPS provides a channel of networking, support and open communication among its members. MSRF is a national organization which promotes the professional, political and social goals of Indian American medical students and resident physicians today and in the future.

Dr. Suresh Reddy, while congratulating the young physicians for organizing a fabulous medical conference, invited all delegates to come and attend “the historic 38th Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) to be held from June 24th to 28th, 2020 at the famous Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.” For more information about AAPI and the upcoming convention, please visit www.aapiusa.org or www.aapiconvention.org

Miss World America WA Shree Saini nominated for “The Best Dance Talent” in the Oscar awards of pageant world

February 26, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Fashion 0

At the 2020 “Global Beauty Awards”, thousands would be considered for the best in pageant world awards. A few hundred will be selected for preliminary nominations and then after a rigorous screening, a few will be given the honor of becoming a final nominee.

Shree Saini won “Best Pageant Titleholder” last year. Miss Universe was in that same nomination. This time, Shree shared on her social media that she has been nominated for BEST TALENT, which was given to her for her dance performance. Her recent dance routine earned her the award of “Miss World America Best Talent 1st RU award”.

“My dance journey began when I was only 3 years old, but a substantial part of my dance journey was filled with both physical and emotional hardships. When I was 12, I was diagnosed with a complete heart block. I had to get a pacemaker surgery. The average age of a pacemaker recipient is age 80. Cardiologists told me I could never dance again,” Shree noted on her social media.

Instead of giving up, Shree Saini went back to dance class with her left arm tied up in a cast and practiced up to 6 hours a day in order to regain her strength. Saini noted on media that even though “dance is a very competitive, cut-throat, high stakes sport”, she wants to “encourage teachers, students, parents to always be uplifting, emphatic, especially when it’s difficult. Real Love takes courage.”

The Global Beauty Awards – The GBAs (“Awards”) are under the jurisdiction of NW Productions, LLC, an entertainment and media production company founded by David and Maureen Francisco. The Awards represent members from EVERY pageant system and the beauty, fashion, entertainment, sports, educational and business industries. Just like the Emmys, Grammys, etc., the Awards celebrates individuals including delegates, titleholders, producers, directors, stylists and others that strive and achieve excellence in their respective fields. This annual production is the pinnacle of pageantry recognition.

“The Global Beauty Awards is the most exciting, cherished and memorable night for the entire pageant world. My favorite part of the show is being reunited with my pageant family and being inspired to DO MORE, SERVE MORE. I salute you both!” Saini said.

Ekal’s Monumental “Parivartan Kumbh” With 110,000 Delegates

February 26, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

From February 16th to 18th, Lucknow, India witnessed the most monumental public Convention in its history that was attended by over 110,000 delegates on expansive ‘Ramabai Park’ grounds. Headlined as “Parivartan Kumbh” (meaning, ‘Transformation’), it was hosted by “Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation” (‘Ekal’, as it is popularly known) to highlight the ‘Parivartan’ (change) it has brought to over 105,000 rural and tribal areas across India.

Although rooted in education, in past 31 years, Ekal has significantly come a long way and evolved into economic empowerment of rural folks, village development, social-life improvement and digital connectivity. Initially, the rural-tribal children struggled to incorporate basic functional literacy in their daily chores. There wasn’t any trace of modernity either, affecting their lives. Now, the little ones, with digital ‘Tablets’ in hand, are aspiring to touch the Moon in their routine folklores. The main objective of this historic gathering was not only to highlight this willful reformation, but also, to emphasize villager’s confident strides towards contemporary ‘main stream’.

February 16^th, saw a mammoth rally comprising representation from most of the Ekal villages in day-long awe-inspiring various village artistry sessions. The unprecedented gathering was also addressed by Didi Ma Sadhvi Ritambharaji. Currently, Ekal has 105,000 schools in the same number of rural regions all over India, including Jammu-Kashmir & Nepal, that are grooming 2.8 Million children each year. Internationally, it has presence in ten countries – biggest among them is in USA. Ekal-USA provides, not only financial assistance, but also, gives active support in fields of ‘technology-transfer’ and healthcare.

February 17th was the inauguration day of this congregation and it was officiated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Hon. Adityanath Yogiji at the huge ‘Ambedkar Auditorium’ in ‘Ram Lohiya College’ in presence of capacity crowd. This day was devoted to honoring outstanding achievements of Ekal alumni who brought social, economic or cultural transformation to their own lives under most hardship conditions and had managed to become the toast of the ranking society. Board members of Ekal’s international chapters, generous Donors and special-project initiators were also felicitated. This entire event was organized and conducted by village youths. There were numerous stalls on the grounds displaying products from Ekal villages that are now integral part of its cottage industries.

The closing ceremony on February 17th was presided over by Defense Minister, Hon. Rajnathji. During this entire event there were deliberations on where Ekal wants to be in Yr.2025? In 2017, Ekal had already resolved to reach out to all of India’s 650,000-plus rural tribal regions. So, in addition to its main objectives, it was decided on this momentous occasion to make rural areas more ‘women & youth-centric’ to develop village’s and villager’s full potentials. On the social front, Ekal wants to create alcohol-free environment and overcome downside of caste, creed & religion, so that Gandhiji’s dream of ‘Su-Swaraj’ (ideal Admin – life) becomes a reality.

With this task in mind, Ekal has decided to create units of 10 youths in each village, called ‘Swaraj Senani’ (comprehensive nation building teams) that would keep track of progress and development in their village and also tap into governmental schemes & entitlements for the benefit of their brethren. Accordingly, the steps are already being taken at every level of Ekal to handover the baton for the new age to younger generation. A ceremony representing the new dawn was performed by ‘Ekal Abhiyan’ Chairman, Bajrang Bagraji, by handing over the Parivartan-flag to a youth group that defined rural and urban areas. Ranjani Saigal, Executive Director of Ekal-USA, confirmed that this entire 3-day event had pronounced presence of youths and every aspect of it was flawlessly administered, managed and executed by them.

As a departure from usual Bollywood-singers for its fund-raising events, Ekal-USA this year, has invited an array of diverse rural entertainers with exceptional artistry, as the headliners for the concerts. Their performances under the banner of ‘Bharat Ke Rang, Ekal Ke Sang’ have already started in southern parts of USA. This unique concert is a spectacular splendor of ethnic music, dances and dramas by enormously talented rural-tribal artistes. In 2017, if one can recall, the similar variety programs were sold-out wherever they took place. For performance in your town, kindly visit www.ekal.org.

Houston is priming up to welcome the most prominent face of Yoga

February 26, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Health 0

Patanjali Yogpeeth USA President Shekhar Agrawal recently announced that none other than Yogrishi Swami Ramdev himself will be in Houston on the 18^th, 19^th and 20^th June to personally conduct a 3-day Yoga Chikitsa (Therapy) and Meditation Camp at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.

The last time Swami Ramdev held a camp in Houston was in 2008 where more than 3,000 people attended the 5-day yoga session. A recent survey revealed that there are 40 million “yogis” in the US and the number is growing exponentially. The resounding interest in the practice of yoga since June 21 was declared the International Day of Yoga in 2015 is expected to attract substantially more crowds this time.

Organizers say the camp will include pranayama (breathing techniques) asanas (physical poses) for fitness and meditation to declutter the mind. This will be done through demonstrations, guided practice and commentary by Swami Ramdev. Trained yoga teachers and interpreters on the floor will assist the attendees in following the exercises.

For over three decades, Swami Ramdev, with his supple body and gravity defying poses, has been guiding legions of people to take charge of their health with the practice of yoga. Millions of people flock to his yoga camps or tune in to his YouTube videos or daily telecasts to follow his simplified instructions in their own living rooms. Steeped in ancient yoga wisdom, he has helped millions cure themselves of various ailments and if not cure, at least, control their blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, obesity and medication by practicing yoga, natural healing and herbal remedies.

Patanjali Yogpeeth USA will be working in unison with other organizations in the city to reach out to a wider section of yoga seekers and enthusiasts so they can obtain the benefit of Swami Ramdev’s presence in Houston.

The 5000 year old practice, according to Swami Ramdev, can play a critical part in shaping a healthy body and mind and calls for no expensive equipment other than the willingness of an individual to practice it consistently. Incidentally, this Brand Ambassador of yoga hasn’t missed a single day of practice since he was 9 years old. His Divya Yog Mandir Trust and Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar, India, established in 1995 and 2006 respectively, along the banks of the holy river Ganga, are world renowned institutions for scientific research and treatment with Yoga, spiritualism and Ayurveda, and cater to about 10,000 patients every day.

Since 2008, under the guidance of Swami Ramdev, Patanjali Yogpeeth (USA) Trust has conducted 12 Yoga Teacher training workshops in cities across the US and trained more than 700 teachers. Many Patanjali Yoga teachers conduct free yoga classes in temples and community centers.

Scientific research is now backing what Swami Ramdev has been saying all along. “Good health, he is fond of quoting, is the birthright of every human being and yoga and meditation can make the world disease-free.” With this goal in mind, the organizers are encouraging yoga aspirants to take full advantage of the three day camp that is “scientific, secular and universal” and use this tool to transform one’s own health.

For more details, visit www.pyptusa.com or contact Shekhar Agrawal at pyptusa@gmail.com

Dr. Sampat Shivangi, A Veteran AAPI Leader, Among NRIs To Accompany President Trump During India Visit

February 19, 2020 Ajay GhoshCommunity, India, Politics, U.S. 0

Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a physician, an influential Indian-American community leader, Chair of Mississippi State Board of Mental Health, and a veteran leader of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) , along with several high profile Indians will be accompanying US President Donald Trump during his visit to India. Dr. Sampat Shivangi was recently appointed by the US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M Azar to serve on the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Council.

Dr. Shivangi was instrumental in lobbying for first Diwali celebration in the White House and for President George W. Bush to make his trip to India. He had accompanied President Bill Clinton during his historic visit to India.

Other Indian Americans who are expected to accompany the US president are: Rita Baranwal Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Prem Parameswaran, Member, Asian Americans Advisory Commission; Bimal Patel, Assistant Secretary, Treasury for Financial Institutions; Manisha Singh, Assistant Secretary, Economic & Business Affairs Bureau; Ajit Pai, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission; Seema Verma, Administrator, Centers for Medicaid Services; and, Kash Patel, Adviser, National Security Council.

Indian-Americans in top government positions view Trump’s India visit as an opportunity to send a message to the immigrant community in the US. This is an election year for Trump and he is likely to use the optics around his Delhi and Ahmedabad visits to reach out to the Indian-American electorate back home.

“For the Indian prime minister to visit the US and do a joint event with the president, followed just five months later by the president visiting India and doing a joint event with the PM is unprecedented. This is certainly a new high for the relationship between the two nations and Indian Americans will relish this,” says Niraj Antani, a state representative in the Ohio House and the first Indian American elected in the state.

Vanila Singh, who was chief medical officer in the US department of health from 2017 to 2019, too says Indian Americans in top government positions will see Trump’s India visit as an opportunity to send a message to the immigrant community in the US. “The president has a team which is driven to produce results. Many of his team members of Indian origin are certainly advising him on his strategic engagements in India in trade, entrepreneurship and health,” she told the media.

Dr. Shivangi has held high offices in USA including as a member of the Mississippi state Board of Health by Governor Haley Barbour, and as a Chair of the State Board of Mental Health by the Governor Phil Bryant, a strong supporter of President Trump.

A conservative life-long member of the Republican Party, Dr. Shivangi is the founding member of the Republican Indian Council and the Republican Indian National Council, which aim to work to help and assist in promoting President Elect Trump’s agenda and support his advocacy in the coming months.

Dr. Shivangi is the National President of Indian American Forum for Political Education, one of the oldest Indian American Associations. Over the past three decades, he has lobbied for several Bills in the US Congress on behalf of India through his enormous contacts with US Senators and Congressmen.

Dr. Shivangi is a champion of women’s health and mental health whose work has been recognized nationwide. Dr. Shivangi has worked enthusiastically in promoting India Civil Nuclear Treaty and recently the US India Defense Treaty that was passed in US Congress and signed by President Obama.

Dr. Sampat Shivangi, an obstetrician/gynecologist, has been elected by a US state Republican Party as a full delegate to the National Convention. He is one of the top fund-raisers in Mississippi state for the Republican Party. Besides being a politician by choice, the medical practitioner is also the first Indian to be on the American Medical Association.

Dr. Shivangi has actively involved in several philanthropic activities, serving with Blind foundation of MS, Diabetic, Cancer and Heart Associations of America. Dr. Shivangi has been carrying on several philanthropic works in India including Primary & Middle Schools, Cultural Center, IMA Centers that he opened and helped to obtain the first ever US Congressional grant to AAPI to study Diabetes Mellitus amongst Indian Americans.

Dr. Shivangi has been at the forefront of the powerful American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and has served as the Secretary and Vice President of the Association, besides representing it at the American Medical Association.

A member of the Executive Advisory Board of the Washington, DC, – based conservative think tank, International Leaders Summit, Joel Anand Samy, who co-founded the International Leaders Summit along with Srdoc, welcomed Shivangi to the group’s Board.

“Dr. Shivangi’s commitment to advancing America’s first principles, his distinguished career as a physician, and a leader at the state and national levels has made a profound difference in the lives of many,” Joel Anand Samy said. “We look forward to working with Dr. Shivangi in his new capacity as an Executive Advisory Board Member of ILS in advancing principled policies in America and strengthening the US-India ties on the healthcare, economic and security fronts.”

Dr. Shivangi, from Ridgeland, Mississippi, is one of the most plugged in and savvy Indian Americans in the South, who has cultivated strong bonds with governors, senators and members of the House and been a fixture at GOP conventions.

Dr.Sampat Shivangi was awarded a highest civilian honor, Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Sanman award for the year 2016 in Blengaluru, by the Hon. President of India, Shri Pranab Mukhejee. He was awarded with the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in New York in 2008. He is married to Dr. Udaya S.Shivangi, MD, and his children are: Priya S.Shivangi, MS (NYU); Pooja S. Shivangi who is an Attorney at Law.

Stamford Mayor David Martin Inaugurates GOPIO-CT Activities For 2020

February 19, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

“Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) is one organization which not only helps its Diaspora community but all other communities,” said Stamford Mayor David Martin at the launch of GOPIO-CT 2020 activities on Friday, February 7 at the Stamford Hampton Inn and Suites.

“Just by the mere presence of several organizations which provide services to the larger society such as Women’s Mentoring Network, Future 5 and Children’s Learning Center, shows how GOPIO-CT is helping the Fairfield County community and I thank you for the same,” added Mayor Martin.

The inaugural event was chaired by GOPIO-CT Vice President Prasad Chintalapudi who said in his initial remarks said, “GOPIO-CT is a group of like-minded individuals with a commitment for community services.”

GOPIO Internal Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham who is also an advisor and trustee of the chapter said that of all 100+ GOPIO chapters worldwide, GOPIO-CT is number one in organizing the largest number of activities in the last several years and complimented the chapter officials for their new initiatives every year, adding new programs in its schedule.

The new team was introduced by Ms. Bhavna Juneja, Chair of GOPIO-CT Trustees as follows: Ashok Nichani, President; Srinivas Akarappu, Executive Vice President; Prasad Chintalapudi, Vice President; Raj Misra, Secretary; Meera Banta; Jt. Secretary, Biru Sharma, Treasurer; Anita Bhat; Immediate Past President; Board Members: Jaya Daptadar, Ravi Dhingra, Udaya Neelam, Ramya Subramanian, Prachi Narayan, Fr. Sudhir DeSouza; Trustees: Bhavna Juneja (Chair), Thomas Abraham (Secretary, Comptroller), Shailesh Naik, Totty Narang, Joe Simon and Shelly Nichani.

Mayor Martin administered the Oath of Office to the new team. The newly elected GOPIO-CT President Ashok Nichani in his formal welcome said that his team would continue the programs from the previous years plus new initiatives. CT State Representative Matt Blumenthal was a honored guest who thanked GOPIO-CT for its arrays of activities in his Assembly District.

GOPIO-CT Executive Vice president Srinivas Akarappu highlighted the major events planned for this year which include a Health and Wellness Seminar on March 13^th, Holi Festival of Color at Mill River Park in April, the signature event the Annual Awards Banquet on June 6^th, India Festival and Kite Flying on August 9^th, Welcome Dinner for new UConn and other university Indian students in September, Fall Seminar in October, Diwali Festival of Lights in November, Tax and Investment in December and Annual Holiday Party and Election of New Officers in December.

Ms. Laurissa Berk, Associate Director of University of Connecticut (Stamford Campus) Risk Mgmt. Program thanked GOPIO-CT for hosting networking welcome dinner for UConn’s new students. “In addition to the welcome dinner for new students, UConn and GOPIO-CT will jointly host a talk by a prominent speaker this year,” Berk added.

Special guests at the event were Stamford Dollars for Scholars President Bjorn Bumactao, Women’s Mentoring Network Exec. Director Lana Gifas, Future 5 Founder Clif McFeely and Children’s Learning Center of Fairfield County CEO Marc Jaffe. They thanked GOPIO-CT for its continued support of their activities. The event was concluded by GOPIO-CT Secretary Rajneesh Misra with a vote a thanks to all those assembled. Misra said, “I want to thank the political and social leadership of the region, with whom we work closely, for their support without which we cannot achieve our ambitious goal of social service”.

The program ended with a networking dinner. Over the last 14 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of PIOs through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.

Valentine Day at Shantiniketan in Tavares, Florida

February 19, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

By Rajeshwar Prasad, President, Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan in Tavares, Florida celebrated Valentine Day with some 75 residents and guests in the Club House decorated with balloons and streamers and hearts.

Indian snacks, various kinds of chocolates and mixers were served during the celebrations along with Wine, soda, juice. Three bollywood romantic songs were sung by: Manjula Patel, Asha Masters and Hansa Parikh.

Indu kumar read about Love and Valentines Day, Geeta Chandran asked 10 quiz questions related to valentines day. Kedar Verma projected a 5 minute clip on “Goddess of Valentine’s prayer: on the Club House TV. Participants played 2 musical games…one was passing the Valentine’s heart/cushion..Sneh Kheterpal was the winner; and the other was musical grouping with 2 winners..Tara Chokshi and Nina Raval. Geeta Chandran coordinated the entire program with immaculate choreography and professional touch. Rajeshwar Prasad thanked Geeta and the entire audience with a flavor of love and blessings.

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.

Young Indian American Geniuses Honored With ‘2020 Global Child Prodigy Awards’

February 19, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Education, Youth 0

(Adapted from GOPIO-International News)

After a rigorous process, two exceptionally gifted Indian American children and one Indo-Canadian kid were handpicked from 15,000-plus nominees across 45 countries for the 2020 Global Child Prodigy Award.

Tiara Abraham of Sacramento, Calif.; Akash Vukoti of San Angelo, Texas; and Advait Kolarkar of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, were honored alongside 97 other talented kids on Jan. 3 at a gala event in New Delhi, which was attended by several senior parliamentarians, music stalwarts and luminaries from the political and economic world.

Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi was the chief guest at the event where Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi handed out the awards to 100 child prodigies from 18 countries.

The Global Child Prodigy Awards event is a platform to celebrate a child’s talent and power in different categories such as dancing, music, arts, writing, acting, modeling, science, innovation, sports, etc.

Only three percent of the child prodigies can take their talent to the next level and become successful in their domain, so Global Child Prodigy Awards strives to recognize those talents, support them and provide them the global exposure to help them excel in their respective fields.

Soprano prodigy Tiara Abraham, 13, was honored in the ‘singing’ category. Having won numerous national and international solo singing competitions, Abraham, who was recently also honored by the Vatican, released her debut CD when she was 10. The album has nine songs in six different languages.

In April 2019, she wowed a crowd of more than 25,000 when she sang the national anthem at a San Francisco Giants game. The young singer, who has been a college student since she was seven years old, and has completed 42 college semesters in foreign languages, music and dance, had earlier told India-West that when she was six, she started to sing “simple songs” like “Happy Birthday” or the American national anthem in a vibrato style.

Spelling prodigy Akash Vukoti was felicitated for his prowess in the ‘languages’ categories. In 2016, then six, Vukoti became the youngest competitor in the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition. He competed in the 2018 and 2019 editions of the competition as well.

According to his website, he can read and write three languages – English, Hindi and Telugu. He started reading and writing at a very early age and competed in his first spelling bee when he was just 2 years old. He became a member of Mensa at three and a Davidson Young Scholar at the age of 5 years.

In 2018, the ‘spellebrity’ became the youngest celebrity competitor on “Dancing with the Stars: Junior.” Vukoti has been featured on several shows such as “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Steve Harvey Show” and “Fox and Friends.” He has also appeared in many documentaries, including “Breaking the Bee.”

In the ‘arts’ category, five-year-old artistic prodigy Kolarkar, said a press release, has left the world stunned with his art. His abstract paintings have been displayed at exhibitions in Canada, the U.S. and India. In 2018, he became the youngest artist to exhibit at the ArtExpo fair in New York.

His fascination with art, according to his website, began when he was merely three months old. “He would keenly gaze at black objects—wardrobes and curtains — an observation that soon turned into demand,” his website says. Consequently, he took a fascination to art and would spend hours with his sister as she drew on paper.

Originally from Pune, Maharashtra, he now lives in Canada with his parents, software engineer Amit Kolarkar and commercial artist Shruti Kolarkar, and his elder sister Swara. Kolarkar, who began painting when he was eight, said the awards press release, has the talent that “far surpasses the professionals in his domain.

The awardees, who will get to meet eminent leaders, will also be part of other significant international events as speakers or influencers. The “100 Global Child Prodigies Award 2020” book, featuring its awardees, will be distributed to all the “top libraries” of the world. The award is supported by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation, and Oscar-winning music director A.R. Rahman, among others.

Dr. Amit Chakrabarty – A Multi-Talented, Visionary and Generous Physician

February 12, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Health 0

It’s been a very long journey with American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) for Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, from being an ordinary member of the largest ethnic medical society in the United States to a Regional Leader, currently serving as the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of national AAPI, and now looking forward to lead the organization that he calls as his second family and has come to adore. “Since my membership to AAPI In 1997, for more than two decades I have been a dedicated foot soldier for the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin,” Dr. Amit Chakrabarty a Consultant Urologist, Poplar Bluff Urology, Past Chairman of Urologic Clinics of North Alabama P.C., and the Director of Center for Continence and Female Pelvic Health.

In his endeavor to play a more active role and commit his services for the growth and expansion of AAPI that represents the interests of over 100,000 Indian American physicians, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, the Alabama-based Indian American Physician wants this noble organization to be “more vibrant, united, transparent, politically engaged, ensuring active participation of young physicians, increasing membership, and enabling that AAPI’s voice is heard in the corridors of power.”

Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, who was honored with the National AAPI Distinguished Service Award 2018 and the President’s Award for Services in 2019 by the Indian American Urological Society, says, “I consider myself to be a leader and shine in the fact that I can get people motivated. I lead by example that motivates people. I am fun loving and have always striven to brush off any obstacles that come in the way.”

Dr. Amit Chakrabarty is a Board certified urologist who received his medical degree as a best medical graduate with honors in Anatomy and Surgery from MKCG Medical College in Berhampur, India in 1980, and had his Master of Surgery Degree from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India in 1984. He did his Fellowship in Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) at Edinburgh in 1987.

He completed his residency in Urology and fellowship in Uro-Oncology (Research) at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 1995. He practices adult and pediatric urology since 1995 in Huntsville Metro area. Dr. Chakrabarty is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Scotland and the International College of Surgeons. He is an active member of the American Urological Association (www.auanet.org), in addition to various memberships of societies related to his specialty.

After being in Solo Utology Practice in Huntsville, Alabama he moved to Missouri, where he continues to be a busy practicing Uroligist and with his research and teaching activities. He was an ANU by Faculty for the University of Birmingham, Huntsville Campus when he lived there. In addition, he is being invited to being a surgical proctor to several premier institutes in India and elsewhere he is also an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Medical Science,Kansas City.

A Patron Member of AAPI for 25 years, Dr. Chakrabarty has been an active AAPI Governing Body Member for over a decade. He has served AAPI in several capacities. He has served with distinction as an AAPI Regional Director from 2004 to 2006. There is hardly any Committee of AAPI that he was not part of in the past two decades. He was the Chair of AAPI Ethics and Grievances Committee in 2011-2012, and had served as the Chair of AAPI Journal Resource Committee in 2012-2013. He has served as a Member of AAPI IT committee, Journal Committee, Website Committee, Bylaws Committee, Alumni Committee, Ethics and Grievances Committee, and AAPI Charitable Foundation. “I have attended more than 100 AAPI events including Annual conventions, Governing Body meetings, Global Summits and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in the past 20 years,” he recalls.

Having graduated as the Best Medical Graduate of his medical college, Dr. Chakrabarty thanks God for the blessings all his life, including for the opportunity to do Post Graduation in surgery from one of the e premier institutions in India. He was a Leader of Indian Delegation to Japan on a Socio-Cultural tour along with representatives of 12 other countries, and had the opportunity to meet PM Nakasone and Crown Prince of Japan. “I have a successful practice in urology where I can combine my passion for clinical diversity, teaching and research. I am a speaker and international surgical proctor and researcher in several milestones medications and devices.”

Dr. Chakrabarty is a surgical proctor for American Medical Systems, BARD urological, Medtronics (Interstim) and Urologix (Cooled thermotherapy) and regularly conducts cadaver and live workshops both nationally and abroad. He has been a primary investigator for various pharmaceutical agents and, as a primary investigator for Longwood Research and Accelovance research, still continues his research interests.

He is a pioneer in the state for newer modalities of treatment for urinary incontinence being the first in North Alabama to offer interstim therapy (Medtronic) and in-office Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (Urgent PC) for intractable Overactive bladder symptoms, Advance Male Sling for male urinary incontinence and minimally invasive therapies for BPH with Cooled Thermotherapy (Urologix), Transurethral Needle Ablation of the prostate (Medtronic) and Greenlight XPS laser vaporization of the prostate (American Medical Systems).

A multi-talented physician, Dr. Chakrabarty has not only showcased his musical talents at almost every major AAPI event, he was the Founder and Creator of AAPI’s Got Talent, at AAPI Annual Convention 2010 in Washington DC. He was the Founder and Conductor of “Mehfil” @ AAPI Annual Convention in Atlanta 2008, and has been conducting the ever popular AAPI’s Got Talent and Mehfil every year at Annual Conventions.

Dr. Chakrabarty attributes his talents and skills to “My father, who was an accomplished surgeon and teacher in India and my mother, who was a great singer. I get my talent for both of them, my surgical prowess and teaching skills that I inherited from my father leads me to be a surgical proctor all around the globe and be a CME speaker on various topics for AAPI and other professional organizations. I have been a topper in school and college and always wanted to be a surgeon like my father and a singer like my mother. My parents have always encouraged me to pursue extra-curricular activities.”

Dr. Chakrabarty has been a dreamer and devoted his talents for charity and noble deeds from childhood onwards. “Since my childhood I have been motivated for philanthropic activities that includes several school fund raising activities, organizing inter college meets in college forming a musical group in India and here primarily for fund raising.” And, as an ardent and active member of AAPI, Dr. Chakrabarty has continued these noble deeds as an adult.

One of the major goals for AAPI in recent years has been the financial stability of AAPI. Describing fund raising as his strength, he points out to his special talents and skills in raising money for AAPI in the past two decades. He says with pride that “I have been a leader in Fund Raising for AAPI and the several causes we have committed to support.”

He organized and raised funds during AAPI-Mahadevan show in Atlanta, raising almost $300,000 for AAPI in 2013. Other concerts/events he has helped organize and raise funds include: The 10 city Sukhwinder Singh Tour, 9 City Talat Aziz Fund, Pankaj Udhas Show, Hema Malini Concert, , as well as towards AAPI Hurricane Harvey Fund by conceiving and organizing “musical performance by my group Geetanjali Music.”

In addition, “I had spearheaded a fund rising in 2013 at Huntsville, Alabama collecting almost $80,000 for AAPI scholarship fund and National AAPI childhood obesity awareness program. Many of these events/concerts I had organized myself, spending my own money for travel and logistics.”

Contributing his personal money as seed money for AAPI, he had single-handedly spearheaded planning a fund-raising tour called “DADA vs DADA” for AAPI Charitable Foundation in 2005. The show did not take place due to Hurricane Katrina devastating the region.

He led the Indian American Urological Association (IAUA) 2008-2010 as its President and was the President of Alabama Association of Physicians of Indian Origin 2012-2014. During his Presidency, Dr. Chakrabarty brought the Alabama Chapter of AAPI to a sound financial footing with more than $60,000 in working capital and had spearheaded the Alabama API fund raising for the tornado victims in Alabama in 2011. He helped raise more than $ 200,000 for the Indian American Urological Society during his presidency of this organization.

Realizing how hard it is for the physicians in India to come to the US for training, Dr. Chakrabarty “raised almost $100,000 for the Society of Indian American Clinical Urology for a scholarship fund for Clinical Indian Urologists to come for a month training in US.”

He participated in two back to back fund raising shows 2015 and 2016 for the Hindu Temple of St. Louis raising more than $ 300,000 each year, featuring Geetanjali musical group’s performance.

A physician with compassion, brilliance, and dedication, Dr. Chakrabarty has excelled in every role he has undertaken. As an educator at AAPI’s CMEs and Workshops, he has authored several articles/publications in Medical Journals, Chair of Entertainment Committee, and as a Founder member of Geetanjali Music Group (www.geetanjalimusic.com) that performs fund raising shows in several AAPI governing body and state chapter meetings, this AAPI leader has given his best for AAPI.

Amit has been the President of two legitimate AAPI subchapters namely Alabama Association of Physicians of Indian Origin 2012-2014 and Indian Medical Council of St Louis 2018-2020 reviving them from obscurity and inactivity to make them one the most vibrant chapters of AAPI. Under his leadership Alabama API produced 13 out of the last 15 Regional directors and the St Louis Chapter hosted the most productive and successful AAPI governing body within 3 years of its revival from 10 years of inactivity!!

He also serves as the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Huntsville India Association and was the President, Indian Cultural Association of Birmingham, and led an Indian Delegation to Japan at the International Youth Year in 1985.

A Gandhian at heart, Dr. Chkarabarty says, “I have always believed in Gandhiji’s principles “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth always wins). I am a Bengali from Odisha and have lived in small AAPI subchapters like Alabama and Missouri, I have no special state or chapter affiliation, I take pride in reaching across the aisle and have friends from all states and backgrounds not only in AAPI but also in my personal life participating in all ethnic festivities as my friends from Huntsville can testify.”

Acknowledging the many challenges he would face in leading AAPI, Dr. Chakrabarty says, “AAPI leadership has lost the vision of service. When yozu place your goal ahead of AAPI’s, there is always conflict and infighting that undermines the real purpose of being a leader. I intend changing all that.

Thankfully we have seen over the last few years that this is changing for the better. Being in AAPI all these years, I have worked for the organization irrespective who the president has been or if I was given any role/portfolio.”

Recognizing the role of Young Physicians in AAPI, Dr. Chakrabarty wants to invest heavily in Medical Student/Residents and Young Physician (MSR/YPS) section of AAPI and in giving them leadership roles in mainstream AAPI, which will create more enthusiasm in our young members towards their parent organization. Without them there will be no AAPI in 20 years. “Give some prime time slots in the main convention to AAPI YPS, at least one night main stage should be devoted to and managed by them,” he suggests.

Another goal he wants to pursue is to “Continue partnership in health care education and provide economic and material aid across the globe, working towards making AAPI, along with Indian physicians in other countries, a global health leader. I want AAPI to be a part of the decision-making process of World Health Organization and United Nations health policies especially those affecting south Asians.”

Dr. Chakrabarty understands that infighting has deterred any progress that AAPI leaders could have made. “Most of our leaders have good intentions for AAPI but have a tunnel vision and do not get a democratic opinion. Every president seems to be intent in changing the by-laws. I will work hard and coordinate with all to have a cordial and affable relationship among the executive members amongst ourselves and with the Board of Trustees to be able to move forward with constructive policies for AAPI’s future. This is important that the membership understands who can do this better before casting their votes.

Dr. Chakrabarty says, he wants to have AAPI Charitable Foundation to be the main frame of AAPI make it more accountable. Making our noble efforts known to the society is important, he says, “We need to make their services more prominently advertised. Anytime we do press conference we use primarily them as example of what we are doing but we do not give them the support that they need.”

Acknowledging the many challenges in unifying AAPI, the veteran AAPI leader says, with an open mind, he will strive to bring AAPI together to work for a common goal: solving issues that the members face, providing them with a platform that AAPI was built upon. Sure we do not have rampant discrimination issues that AAPI was formed for, but there are different issues facing us now, most importantly Green Card and Residency issues many of our Indian IMGs face, he points out.

As a leader of AAPI, Dr. Chakrabarty wants to “form a separate political action committee (PAC) and make it financially sound so that AAPI can hire lobbyists on Capitol Hill who will help to move forward policies that are important to AAPI. VISA issues for our colleagues should top the list.”

“I love people and having good times,” he describes self. “I rarely get depressed or feel down with any failures and bounce right back. I believe in seeing the silver lining in each cloud. If life gives me lemons, I make lemonade!”

“I have the diverse experience to achieve each of these goals,” Dr. Chakrabarty says with confidence. “Having been a member and leader of AAPI for over two decades, I have perfected the skills necessary to move AAPI forward through the office of AAPI’s national Secretary. My mission/goal in life is to leave back a legacy of work that people will remember me fondly and proudly after I am gone.”

Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s New Ambassador to the US – “Commitment to work towards strengthening strategic partnership between India and the United States”

February 12, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Politics, Travel 0

Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s new Ambassador to the United States, has presented his credentials to President Donald Trump at a special ceremony held in the White House on Thursday, February 7^th, 2020. The envoy was accompanied by his wife and peer Reenat Sandhu, currently serving as the Indian Ambassador to Italy.

According to a statement released by the Indian Embassy in Washington, Trump warmly welcomed Sandhu back to Washington and wished him success in his new role as New Delhi’s top diplomat in America. President Trump also fondly recalled his friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and their several interactions.

Ambassador Sandhu said in a statement that the vision and guidance provided by Prime Minister Modi and President Trump in the last three years have moved India and the United States towards greater strategic convergence.

Ambassador Sandhu affirmed his commitment to work towards strengthening strategic partnership between India and the United States, which is anchored in mutual trust and friendship, democratic values and people-to-people ties.

At the State Department, Alice Wells, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, welcomed Sandhu back to Washington and said in a tweet that the new envoy was a “strong champion of US-India ties”.

Addressing a 200-plus strong gathering of senior US administration officials, lawmakers, business leaders, educators, Indian-American community activists including a good number of Sikhs, press and media persons, at his official residence in Washington, Thursday evening, Sandhu said: “It is like coming back home.”

With more than 2,000 US companies present in India and over 200 Indian companies in the United States, India-US bilateral trade last year hit $160 billion, said Taranjit Singh Sandhu, newly-appointed Indian Ambassador to the United States.

Speaking at a reception hosted by US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), Ambassador Sandhu said that than 2,000 US companies have a presence in India today. “Over 200 Indian Companies have invested US$18 billion in the US, creating more than 100,000 direct jobs,” Ambassador Sandhu said in his remarks. “Two-way investment, between India and US reached, US $60 billion in 2018. Bilateral trade is growing at 10 percent, on a year-to-year basis, and reached $160 billion in 2019.”

He said bilateral numbers made him bullish about Indo-US relationship. “The best is yet to come. When US capital and expertise meets the Indian market and Indian mind, we should aim for nothing less, but the sky,” Ambassador Sandhu said. “I look forward to working with, USISPF and each one of you, in this endeavor of taking our relationship to new heights.”

Here are other highlights from his speech:

India has one of the youngest populations in an aging world. India is a land of 800 million young people. By 2020, the median age in India is just 28, compared to 37 in China and the US, 45 in Western Europe and 49 in Japan. The youth have the ability to think big, think out of the box, innovate, and bring, transformational changes. They are forward looking, and are hungry, for development. They are full of hope, and optimism.

The youth are the drivers of, the new start-up, ecosystem in India. India is the third largest, start-up base in the world. India added 13,00 tech startups last year.

India is home today to around 27 unicorns, i.e. startup companies, valued at over $1 billion. Companies like Zomato, Swiggy, Big Basket, are home-grown, and have revolutionized lives in India.

India is also home to more than 2 million social enterprises, companies which cater to diverse social causes. In the last eight years, over 1.2 billion Indians have received their biometric IDs — Aadhaar, as it called.

Aadhaar is also the largest and most successful IT project ever undertaken in the world, with 1.1 billion people (92% of the population) having a digital proof of identity. In 2016, India overtook the US in terms of internet users. India’s internet user base is now the second largest in the world. There are about 1 billion, mobile users today.

In mobile data consumption today, India is in the first position, ahead of US and China put together. India is the fourth largest automobile market in the world, and the 7th largest for manufacturer of commercial vehicles.

Indian educational institutes have produced the minds, that now lead the global corporations, like Google, Microsoft, MasterCard, Nokia, IBM. India is fast becoming an Artificial Intelligence Hub in the world, with reports suggesting, that 60% of India’s GDP by 2021 will come from AI.

India is the also, largest cinema producer in the world. More Bollywood films are watched by people than from any other industry. There are more Bollywood and Hollywood collaborations now.

Prime Minister Naredra Modi has set the goal for India to grow from a $3 trillion economy today to a $5 trillion economy by 2024 and a $10 trillion economy by 2030. In this journey, Prime Minister Modi has made it clear that the US is a preferred partner for trade and business.

The potential for co-operation between United States and India is limitless. The relations between two governments has found a new momentum, getting its energy from the warm friendship between President Trump our Prime Minister Modi.

Sandhu, who has replaced Harsh Vardhan Shringla, had previously served as the deputy chief in the Indian embassy in Washington.

AAPI Spring Governing Body Meet Held On Long Island, NY – Dr. Sajani Shah, a second generation physician of Indian Origin elected as Chair of BOT, AAPI for 2020-21

February 12, 2020 Ajay GhoshBusiness, Community 0

(Long Island, NY: February 10, 2020) “I am excited to announce that Dr. Sajani Shah, a second generation physician of Indian Origin, and the first ever from the Young Physicians Section, has been elected as the Chair of BOT, AAPI for the year 2020-21,” Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI announced here. “I am so proud that this historic milestone by AAPI has occurred during my Presidency,” the young and dynamic President of AAPI declared here.

Dr. Sajani Shah was elected Chair of Board of Trustees, AAPI during the AAPI Spring Governing Body Meeting held on Saturday, February 8th, 2020. Organized by the AAPI-QLI Chapter, the GB Meeting was conducted smoothly with informative reports & healthy discussions.

AAPI Spring Governing Body Meet Held On Long Island, NY - Dr. Sajani Shah, a second generation physician of Indian Origin elected as Chair of BOT, AAPI for 2020-21

Attended by over 150 AAPI Members and leaders of AAPI from across the country, was led by the Executive Team led by AAPI President, Dr. Suresh Reddy and was coordinated by Dr. Ravi Kolli, in his capacity as the Secretary of AAPI. Dr. Aravind Goyal, a veteran AAPI leader served as the Speaker for the GB Meeting, ensuring a smooth flow of agenda.

During his inaugural address, Dr. Reddy gave an overview of accomplishments under his leadership of AAPI in the past 200 days. “As I look back to the past 200 days since we assumed office, leading American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), representing over 100,000 enthusiastic and cohesive group of Physicians and Fellows of Indian Origin, I am extremely happy to state that we have accomplished several and are on way to fulfill our promises and commitment to take AAPI to the next level,”

“In my inaugural address, I had promised to align all the energies to make AAPI an enormous force, committing to take the more than three decades old organization to the new heights and bring all the AAPI Chapters, Regions, Members of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees to work cohesively and unitedly for the success of AAPI and the realization of its noble mission, bringing in increased dignity, decency, professionalism and eliteness into the organization, and thus elevate the already existing stand,” Dr. Reddy reminded AAPI members.

Dr. Reddy highlighted the historic Global Health Care Summit held in Hyderabad, Continuing Medical Education, active involvement/participation of Young Physicians, Three highly successful voyages to Antarctica, Obesity Awareness campaign in India, Argentina and in the US, Share a Blanket program, Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, several new initiatives in India in collaboration with the government of India, MCI, local NGOs, Tata Trust and Apollo Hospital, and the continued collaboration and efforts to coordinate and unify the many AAPI Chapters as some of the highlights of the AAPI’s 200 Days Under Dr. Reddy and Team.

In her remarks, Dr. Seema Arora, current Chair of AAPI’s BOT said, “Congratulations to President Dr. Suresh Reddy for another successful event of the year and completion of very productive 200 days. It has been a great journey working together with the active contribution from Board of Trustees towards achieving the mission and goals of the organization, ensuring financial stability as well as maintaining peace and harmony which is the foundation for prosperity of any institution. I look forward to an even better rest of the term setting strong foundation for years to come!”

“Early Bird Registration for the historic 38th Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) to be held from June 24th to 28th, 2020 at the famous Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Chicago has begun, offering discounted registration rates for the AAPI delegates,” Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President-Elect of AAPI, announced.

“For the AAPI members who had attended the AAPI Spring GBM, a discount of $100 towards the Registration fee,” Dr. Ravi Kolli, Secretary of AAPI announced. “Also they will have $100 waived towards registration for the Cruise On Michigan Lake planned for the inaugural day of the AAPI Convention.”

Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Vice President of AAPI thanked AAPI-QLI leaders Dr. Raj Bhayani, Dr. Ajay Lodha, Dr. Himanshu Pandya, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Dr. Krishan Kumar, Dr. Sunil Mehra, Dr. Shashi Shah, and the rest of the very efficient and dedicated QLI team for organizing this awesome event.

Dr. Rajendra Bhayani, President of AAPI-QLI, said, “Thank you all for the love and friendship which you have shown to all of us at AAPI-QLI by giving us the opportunity to be the host and welcome you all on Long Island, New York.”

A Health Book compiled by Dr. Chander Kapasi, Chair of the AAPI Charitable Foundation was

released. The fabulous Evening Gala and Valentine’s Day Party, organized by AAPI-QLI was attended by over 400 AAPI members and their families. The gala was enjoyable and the food was extraordinary with exceptional hospitality of the local Chapter.

Towards making AAPI financially strong, Dr. Reddy urged members to contribute towards AAPI Endowment Fund. Dr. Ravi Kolli presented a check for $10,000 while the President of the St. Louis Chapter of AAPI, Dr. Raghuveer Kura along with Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, BOT Vice Chair donated a check for $10,000. AAPI-QLI expressed their intent to contribute towards the AAPI Endowment Fund in the future.

Dr. Sajani Shah, a second generation physician of Indian Origin elected as Chair of BOT, AAPI for 2020-21 - AAPI Spring Governing Body Meet Held On Long Island, NY

Dr. Sajani Shah, the new chair of BOT, AAPI, is a surgeon from Boston, MA who specializes in minimally invasive Bariatric Surgery. She earned her executive MBA from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Currently, she is serving as the Chief of Minimally Invasive Bariatric/Surgery and is the Medical Director of Weight and Wellness, Obesity Treatment Program in New England. Dr. Shah is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Tufts University School of Medicine. She was also a President of IMANE, a subchapter of AAPI. She has been serving as a member of BOT, AAPI since 2018. For more information about AAPI and the upcoming convention, please visit www.appiusa.org

The Coronavirus: Life at the Epicenter

February 12, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Health 0

The dominant story in Asia this week continues to be the spread of the coronavirus. As of Tuesday morning, the number of confirmed infections in China has risen to 42,638, while the death toll now exceeds 1,000 — greater than the total number of fatalities caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003.

The epicenter of the coronavirus is Wuhan, an industrial city in central China’s Hubei Province. Since January 23, Wuhan’s population of some 11 million has been under quarantine and life in the city has largely come to a standstill: schools and businesses closed, streets empty, residents stuck indoors.

In the latest episode of Asia In-Depth, listeners can hear what life is like at the epicenter. ChinaFile editor Susan Jakes interviewed Muyi Xiao, a Wuhan native and ChinaFile’s visuals editor, whose Twitter account has become a platform for insight into the situation. Xiao and Jakes — who covered SARS as a Beijing-based reporter for Time magazine in 2003 — discussed how the crisis is playing out in Wuhan and assessed whether it will impact popular support for the Chinese government.

Meanwhile, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that “with 99% of cases in China, this remains very much an emergency for that country, but one that holds a very grave threat for the rest of the world.” And President Xi Jinping, who has been criticized for being aloof during the crisis, made a public appearance in Beijing.

China’s coronavirus outbreak poses a “very grave threat for the rest of the world”, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday in an appeal for sharing virus samples and speeding up research into drugs and vaccines. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was addressing the start of a two-day meeting aimed at accelerating research into drugs, diagnostics and vaccines into the flu-like virus amid growing concerns about its ability to spread.

AAPI’s 38th Annual Convention Will Be Held In Chicago – Over 2,500 delegates expected to attend Convention from June 24th to 28th, 2020

February 5, 2020 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

(Chicago, IL: February 4th, 2020): “Early Bird Registration for the historic 38th Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) to be held from June 24th to 28th, 2020 at the famous Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Chicago has begun, offering discounted registration rates for the AAPI delegates,” Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI, announced here today.

“We are excited about the enthusiasm shown by the AAPI members from across the nation,” said Dr. Reddy. “Over 2,500 attendees, delegates including Physicians, Academicians, Researchers and Medical students, along with guests are expected to gather at the 38th Annual AAPI Convention in Chicago,” he added.

“With the Early Bird Special Registration for the convention to end soon, we are seeing an increased interest among AAPI members to secure their seat at the convention,” says Dr. Seema Arora, Chair of AAPI BOT. “Early Bird Registration fee for the delegates will be $100 less than the regular rates. Also, one gets to pick your own choice of seats at the Galas as soon as you register for the convention.”

Being organized by Chicago Chapter of AAPI, the convention offers unique opportunities for extensive academic presentations, recognition of achievement and professional networking at the alumni, cultural and social events.

A dedicated pool of Physicians, led by Drs. Meher Medavaram, Convention Chair,; Geetha Wadwani, President of IAMA, Chicago Host Chapter; Dr. Suneela Hunsoor, Convention Treasurer; Dr. Sreenivas Reddy, Convener; Niranjana Shah, Convention Co- Chair (IL) Region; Mohan Kishore Kesani (Convention Co-Chair (IN Region); Venkat Anne, Convention Co chair (WI Region); Anu Terkonda, Convention Co Chair (MO Region); and, Umang Patel: Senior Advisor, are working hard to make the convention a memorable experience for all. Acknowledging the generosity and dedication of the Convention Team members, Dr. Meher Medavaram said, “We have a fantastic group of people to meet the needs of the 2020 convention and are very excited about the convention.”

“We are eager to welcome the AAPI delegates to the Windy City” says Indian American Medical Association of Illinois (IAMA-IL) President Dr. Geeta Wadhwani.

Dr. Bharat Barai, the Chief Senior Advisor for the convention announced that top Indian and US leaders will be the keynote speakers at the convention.

In addition to offering over 12 hours of cutting edge CMEs to the physicians, the event will have several hours of product theaters/promotional opportunities, plenary sessions, CEOs Forum, and a Women’s Leadership Forum. The convention will be addressed by senior world leaders, Nobel Laureates, and celebrities from the Hollywood and Bollywood world.

“The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Convention offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin,” Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President-Elect of AAPI, who will assume charge as the President of AAPI on the final day of the convention said. “The physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year,” he added.

Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Vice President of AAPI, said, “Given that a physician of Indian origin sees every 7th patient in this country and every 5th patient in rural and inner cities across the nation, the reach and influence of AAPI members goes well beyond the convention.” Urging all corporate and local sponsors not to miss the opportunity, Dr. Gotimukula says, “Sponsorship fills the need when an organization requires customized marketing plans to meet their desired outcomes. They are flexible and can accommodate specific products, services, target market goals, brand requirements, and budgetary limits.”

Dr. Ravi Kolli, Secretary of AAPI, says, “The unique layout of the Exhibit Hall will promote positive discourse between all and various planned activities will ensure their visitation to the Exhibit Hall and maximize attendance. Exhibitors and Corporate Partners will remain our priority as we work together to provide a world-class forum for increased interactions between physicians, sponsors, exhibitors, and all other attendees. The AAPI Convention in Chicago is where sponsors and advertisers can reach their target audience of over two thousand under one roof.”

“We also offer corporate identity packages that utilize our registration area, Internet kiosks, plasma display panels, the souvenir book, and audiovisual screens during CME hours and events to display your company name.” says Convention Treasurer Dr. Suneela Harsoor.

Representing the interests of the over 100,000 physicians of Indian origin, leaders of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic organization of physicians, for 38 years, AAPI Convention has provided a venue for medical education programs and symposia with world renowned physicians on the cutting edge of medicine, says Dr. Sreenivas Reddy.

“The 2020 AAPI Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin. Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!” says Dr. Suresh Reddy. For more details, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org and www.aapiusa.org

Federation of Indian Associations Chicago celebrates India’s 71st Republic day & hosts the largest Health Fair event in Midwest

February 5, 2020 Asian Media USACommunity, Culture/Religion, Entertainment 0

“Only a life lived for others is a life lived worthwhile….” – Albert Einstein

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of Chicago celebrated India’s 71st Republic Day & hosted one of the largest Healthcare Fair Event on Saturday, Jan 25th, 2020, at Rana Reagan Community Center at Carol Stream, IL.

Keeping its past 10 year long tradition of serving the community, following its mantra, of ‘United We Stand’ and ‘We Serve!’, FIA Chicago, successfully hosted its yearly Healthcare Fair Event on the occasion of India’s Republic Day. In spite of all of us being away from our own homeland, we were blessed to be able to celebrate this very special day, when India officially got its Constitution on Jan 26, 1950, and the spirit of India with the same enthusiasm and excitement, in the country that we love and have now embraced as our home.

Over 600 people attended and availed the services provided; including 100 plus blood testing was done. One can imagine how popular this event is amongst our senior citizens, just by looking at the registration lines which started forming at 8:30am, a half hour earlier, then the scheduled start time of 9:00am. But Team FIA was ready to welcome the guests and the service providers and medical Camp personnel since 8:00am. Pratibha Jairath, Sonia Luther, Richa Chand, Vineeta Gulabani, Varsha Visal, Hema Shastri, Dr Kamal Patel, Vaishal Talati, Sunil Shah, Neil Khot, Gurmeet Singh Dhalwan, Ninad Daftari, Shital Daftari, Anu Malhotra & Bharat Malhotra, Ruchi Dabral, Bharatbhai, Haribhai and several volunteers from BSC group were seen receiving and greeting the doctors and service providers and the other guests as well, and helping fill out with Patient registration forms, and finding their designated spots & booths. FIA leadership Team, led by Sunil Shah, Gurmeet Singh Dhalwan, Neil Khot were seen visiting each and every booth, and greeting and thanking them for their support.

Healthcare Fair section of the program, Medical Camp (Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Dentist, Phlebotomy Blood Draws, Alternate Medicine Homeopathy /Ayurveda, Nutritionist & Dietician, Registered Nurse Practitioners consultations, Scans/Imaging, Blood Glucose & Cholesterol tests, Back and Shoulder Massage Treatment), Passport and Visa Counseling and Guidance Services, Tax Consultation, Social Security, Yoga/Meditation, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Medicare Benefits & Community Services were provided. Food & snacks were also provided to the attending guests. This was a FREE event with no charges or costs to the guests.

A Special Educational Lecture series presented by the specialists was also a part of the Healthcare Fair Event this year. Topics & presenters included: Cardiology – Dr Paul Nguyen, Dietician – Shweta Sheth, Deepti Singh Suri, Homeopathy – Vidya Joshi, Yoga/Meditation – Anu Malhotra.

With high spirits and keeping the ‘Josh High! ‘ as well, Republic Day Cultural Program, began promptly at 12:00pm, enthusiastically hosted by the Masters of Ceremony Richa Chand & Varsha Visal. There were presentations of US. National anthem (by Malavika Gopal) and Indian National anthem (by Pushpaben Parikh), followed by a beautifully choreographed patriotic Welcome Dance, “Ae Watan” (choreography by Sridevi Ram Pandalai, and performers were: Sarirha Srijith, Nisha Roy, Prathiba Varun, Swetha JayaPrakash, Sandra Suresh).

A beautiful Lamp Lighting ceremony was performed by the dignitaries present at the event, Sunil Shah, Founder President of FIA Chicago, Chief Guest, Consul General Sudhakar Dalela, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Onkar Singh Sangha, Founder & Past President, Gurmeet Singh Dhalwan, President 2020, Smt. Prem Kaur, Mother to Incoming President 2020, Pinky & Dinesh Thakkar, Guest of Honor, Ninad Daftari, President 2019, Dhitu Bhagwakar, Rita Singh, Sunny Kular, Neil Khot, Founding Members & Past Presidents, Amarjeet Singh, Founder & President Wheaton Gurudwara belonging to Sikh Religious Society, Chicago, IL , Haribhai Patel, President BSC group, Dr Kamal Patel, Executive VP, Amit Jhingran, CEO State Bank of India, Nimish Jani, Schaumburg Township, Krishna Bansal, Commissioner at Naperville Planning. And Advisory Board Members, Syed Hussaini, Asha Oroskar, Brij Sharma, Aishwarya Sharma, Pradeep Shukla, Keerthi Reevori.

Welcome Speeches by the FIA leadership was followed by the Introduction of FIA Board, and all FIA members were requested to join on the stage and a group picture was taken. As is the tradition for a Republic Day Cultural event, there were many inspiring speeches delivered throughout the program, including a few notable ones by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Consul General Sudhakar Dalela, both a keynote speaker at the Republic Day Event. Hanover Park Mayor, Rodney Craig & Trustee Herb Porter also spoke about the Indo-American community and their contributions.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Consul General Sudhakar Dalela helped in the inauguration of the FIA Souvenir Book and distribution of the Wheelchairs and Walkers to the needy. One Wheel Chair was received by Bharatiya Senior Citizens Group and the second one was received by Wheaton Gurudwara, IL.

There were important announcements made for the upcoming FIA Events, Indian Heritage Night celebrations, along with Windy City Bulls basketball game on February 23, 2020 at Sears Center Arena and Holi event on March 21, 2020 at DuPage Fairgrounds. For the Awards & Recognitions during the cultural program, Consul General Shri Sudhakar Dalela was felicitated and presented with a recognition plaque for Consul General Chicago’s continued support and whole-hearted participation in FIA’s numerous community service endeavors.

Guest of Honor, Pinky Thakkar & Dinesh Thakkar was also invited and recognized for their wonderful support and were presented with a recognition plaque as well. All the Sponsors and Service Providers and Supporters who helped out for this special event, were also called upon one by one, and were presented with the recognition plaques, as a token of FIA’s appreciation towards their generous support and help with the cause. Certificates were also given to all the cultural program performers, and the volunteers who helped out with this event.

To mark the conclusion of this beautiful and grand event to celebrate India’s 71st Republic Day, Anu Malhotra, Director FIA, gave Vote of Thanks, to all the guests, FIA’s senior leadership for facilitating and creating such wonderful opportunities for our community. She thanked Dr Pardeep Sood, Dr Tariq Ahmed, Dr Naveed Saeed, Dr. Huma Vaid, Dr. Mona Ghosh, Dr. Rakesh Nambiyar, Dr. Usha Kartan, Dr. Madhu Sharma, Dr. Sanjeev, Dr Niranjana Shah, Dr Utpal Parekh, Dr Imaad Shaikh, Dr. Aslam Qazi, Dr. Harpreet Singh, Dr Paul Nguyen, Dr Sara Alfano, Dr. Rubina Nguyen with S.C.A.R.F. group and others for their valuable time and service. She also thanked Promila Kumar, Shree Gurusamy, Raman Patel, Anu Bangaley, Amandeep Gill, Kinnari, Patrick, Chinttal Mehta, Chirag Patel, Prakruti Patel, Vidya Joshi, Deepti Singh Suri, Sweta Sheth, Pradeep Shukla and Consulate general of India, and all the sponsors and supporters. Only some mentioned here from the long list of all our wonderful sponsors/supporters: Syed Hussaini, VP Wintrust, Amit Jhingran, CEO State Bank of India, Pinky Thakkar & Dinesh Thakkar, Jigar’s Kitchen, Anil R Shah from World Money Exchange, MEDSTAR, Neal Patel for providing medical supplies, Dr. Neelam Bala Bhardwaj for donating Wheel Chairs and Walkers, and BSC group and committee members for all of their wonderful support to make this event a huge success.

FIA NY NJ CT’s 36th Annual Dance Pe Chance’ 2019 – 71th Republic Day Celebrations

February 5, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion, Entertainment 0

Over 500 Participants, 21 Performances set a new high for FIA as it sores past the milestone of having touched the lives of over 18,000 children via this cultural performance competition spanning over 3 decades.

Celebrity Judges and distinguished invitees included – DCG NY – H E Shatrughna Sinha , Actor & Kathak dancer Prachee Shah Paandya, Actor and Athlete Prachi Tehlan and the super 30 fame mathematical maestro Anand Kumar, who was the Chief Guest graced the event with their presence.

Saturday, Jan 25th, NJ – The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of the tristate, one of the oldest and the largest nonprofit Umbrella Organization of the Indian Diaspora celebrated India’s 71th Republic Day in grandeur with its annual show “Dance Pe Chance” promoting the 2nd generation of the Indian Diaspora while promoting the culture and heritage at the Patriots War Memorial Theatre in Trenton, New Jersey.

The show a cultural dance performance competition among the youth from various dance schools of two different states participated in the festive spirit to prove their mettle at the “Dance Pe Chance” dance competition. Thirteen dance schools performed in front of a full crowd in four categories: Minor, Junior, Senior and Adult. Aum Dance Creations, Arya Dance Academy, Aatma Performing Arts, B2Z Dance School, Dancing Shiva, Nruthu Aaloka Dance Vision, Nirmiti School of Dance, Nritya Creations, Shake it up dance school, Dance4Ever, Taal Institute of Performing Arts, Dansation, and Taraang with Mitali were among the schools that participated.

The event commenced with the National Anthem of US and India, during his welcome address DPC Chair Saurin Parikh welcomed the spectators and applauded the children parents and choreographers. He also dedicated the 36th year of this cultural performance competition to children with this year total surpassing the accumulated total of over 18000 children that have participated in this cultural dance competition that spans 3 decades.

The community event also honored the dignitaries in attendance, judges, guests and the traditional ceremony of oath for the FIA’s incoming executive committee of 2020 – Anil Bansal President; Himanshu Bhatia, Executive Vice President; Saurin Parikh, Vice President; Praveen Bansal, General Secretary; Amit Ringasia, Treasurer; Alok Kumar, Immediate Past President and Mardavi Patel, Joint Secretary. The oath was administered by Deputy Consulate General New York Shatrughan Sinha who was on hand, acknowledged and welcomed the incoming FIA Executive team. He expressed his appreciation for the role FIA has played in the community for 49 years and how working CGI-NY and FIA working in sync is pivotal and progressively benefits the Indian diaspora here in the Northeast.

Also present was Representative from the Governor’s office, aid to the Governor – Rajpal Bath who administered the oath to two new members added by FIA to the Board of Trustees, Srujal Parikh, Past President & Andy Bhatia, Past President both long-time FIA veterans. Chairman Ramesh Patel recognized the support of the FIA Board that currently holds a line of distinguished community leaders including Ramesh Patel, Padma Shri H R Shah, Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Albert Jasani, Ram Gadhavi, Dipak Patel, Chandrakant Trivedi, Pravin Pandhi, Ankur Vaidya, Jayesh Patel & Yash Paul Soi.

FIA 2020 President Anil Bansal thanked the 2019 team and expressed his gratitude for trust placed on him by the FIA fraternity in electing him to lead in 2020 and assured continued engagement with the diaspora assistance programs as well as grandeur celebrations to mark FIA’s 50 years of completion.

Participants were judged by an array of talented personalities including Anindita Nanda, an exponent of Odissi, internationally-acclaimed classical dancer and an Indian vocalist, Paromita Chakravarty an accomplished Bharatnatyam Practitioner, theater artist and choreographer, Pranaya Akula, trained in Bharatnatyam and a dance teacher, and Swati Vaishnav, the owner of a dance academy Nartan Rang Dance Dance Academy who have won multiple dance competitions both nationally and internationally. The event was sponsored by Radio Mirchi, Air India, Republic Tv, TV Asia, Parikh Worldwide Media & South Asian Times.

FIA in its first launched an e-bi-weekly diaspora news mailer and performed a beta app test for popular audience voting app which saw an accumulated total of over 7000 votes cast. The app vote scores were not included due to the beta version of the app being tested. FIA plans to incorporate this as a part of the counted vote score in the coming competitions. Concluding with the announcement of results, FIA also honored all the dancers, choreographers and judges with Prize-Winning amounts, mementos, and certificates.

Joyous celebration of 71st India Republic Day Anniversary in New York

February 5, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, India 0

India Republic Day Celebration by the Indian Overseas Congress, USA began with an elegant setting and color at the Sohna Punjab Restaurant on January 26, 2020 where a large gathering of leaders of various local communities as well as several elected political officials had joined the Indian diaspora, to wish “Happy Republic Day” to one another and enjoy the splendid evening. Special appreciations were expressed to Dr.Sam Pitroda ji, Mr. Himanshu Vyas ji. Mr. Anura Mathai ji, Mr. George Abraham ji and Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian ji.

Harbachan Singh, Secretary-General of IOC, USA spear-headed the event with a rendering of the Indian National Anthem sung by Amir Rashid in which all the audience participated solemnly with a deep sense of conviction, love and patriotism. Everyone remained standing as Harbachan Singh next read the Preamble to the Constitution of India with the Indian diaspora guests repeating after him while some stood in attention with a salute. General Secretary Rajinder Dichpally loudly hailed “Bharat Mata ki Jai” giving vibrance to the meeting.

V.I.P. illumenaries included, New York State Senator John C. Liu , New York City Council Member Barry Grodenchik, New York City Council Member Donovan Richards Jr., Democratic Leader Richard David, and several other community leaders who had joined the celebration. They unanimously praised the joint efforts of the two largest Democracies in the world, India and the US, for collaborating and upholding the principles of Democracy,

Appreciating the significant contribution by the Indian Americans to the economic, social and legal components of USA, speaker after speaker also praised the great efforts of the Indian diaspora in maintaining the culture and customs of their homeland thereby enriching the mosaic composition and zest of the American people.

Prof. Indrajit Saluja believed that the present government must ensure that the provisions of the Indian Constitution were applied in a just and fair manner. The local community leader from the Nepalese group, Mr. Somnath Ghimire, the Guyanese -American leader Albert Baldeo, the African-American Leader and Pastor Emmanuel Asse, the former Secretary of local DC 37 Trade Union, Ahmed Shakir, all spoke highly of their cordial and bustling inter-relationship with the

Indian community. It was happily noted that India’s soft power attributes, like Yoga, Indian cinema, music and cuisine were unparalleled and it generated tremendous goodwill and support for India.

Other leaders who addressed the gathering included, Satish Sharma, Tejinder Singh Gill, Leela Maret, Amir Rasheed, Jose George, Devendra Vora. Dr. Jayeshkumar Patel, Gujrat Chapter President sent in sweets for the occasion for the guests, but he was unable to attend due to death in the family. Sophia Sharma, General Secretary IOC, USA emceed the meeting and Malini Shah, Vice-President gave a vote of thanks and then opened the door to a sumptuous dinner that was awaiting all the invitees. It was a truly befitting tribute for the Republic Day of India which was enjoyed by all.

AAHOA Attends White House Summit on Human Trafficking Prevention

February 5, 2020 Staff ReporterBusiness, Community 0

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 31 – Today, President Trump and Senior Administration officials, including Vice President Pence, Attorney General Barr, and Senior Advisor Ivanka Trump, hosted a summit commemorating the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Trafficking Victims Prevention Act. AAHOA joined representatives of the lodging industry, trafficking survivors, advocacy organizations, law enforcement leaders, and state and federal officials to highlight the scourge of human trafficking on our society and the importance of fighting this heinous crime. At the conclusion of the event, President Trump signed an executive order committing more resources in the fight against human trafficking.

AAHOA President & CEO Cecil Staton issued the following statement regarding the White House summit:

“AAHOA is grateful for the President’s efforts to combat human trafficking. The opportunity to call together so many prominent advocates, experts, and community leaders for this summit is a testament to our nation’s collective campaign to end this horrific crime. For many years, AAHOA has advocated, educated, and trained thousands of hoteliers and employees on how to assist victims, identify signs of trafficking, and report incidents to appropriate officials. We have engaged not only with members of our association, but with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels to raise awareness of trafficking in our communities.”

In partnership with other members of the hotel industry and anti-trafficking organizations, AAHOA is committed to ending human trafficking so guests, communities, and the nation can be free from this despicable crime. We are committed to continuing these efforts.

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the world. The over 19,500 AAHOA members own almost one in every two hotels in the United States. With billions of dollars in property assets and hundreds of thousands of employees, AAHOA members are core economic contributors in virtually every community. AAHOA is a proud defender of free enterprise and the foremost current-day example of realizing the American dream.

US lawmakers hail contribution of Sikhs in American milieu

February 5, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Politics, U.S. 0

A book, highlighting the contributions of the 50 Sikhs, was released and the author of this book, Prabhleen Singh from Punjabi University, presented a copy to each of the US Representatives.

More than a dozen Congressmen gathered at the US Capitol this week to celebrate immense contributions of the small but vibrant Sikh community in American milieu.

Sikhs are America’s exemplary community, said the Congressmen addressing a gathering of more than 200 members of the community.

“History was made when Dalip Singh Saund was elected as the first Asian in the US Congress. It is about time another Sikh American runs for congressional seat,” said Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna.

“Sikhs have added to the richness of my district and of America,” said Congressman Jim Costa, at the event organised by the Sikh Council On Religion and Education marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak and to honour 50 prominent Sikhs in USA.

A book, highlighting the contributions of the 50 Sikhs, was released and the author of this book, Prabhleen Singh from Punjabi University, presented a copy to each of the US Representatives.

“We are always here to speak for your rights and issues,” said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. “You can count on us for support. You have contributed to make America strong,” said Congressman Peter King.

Among other lawmakers who attended the event were Congressmen Ami Bera, Greg Stanton, Grace Meng, John Garamendi, Haley Stevens, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, Steve Cohen, Peter King, Tom Suozzi, Jerry McNerney, Judy Chu, and former Congressman Joe Crowley.

“This shows the hard work of Sikh men and women throughout the United States and how they have impacted the communities around the country. This shows how our elected officials are impressed how Sikhs are making this country strong and prosperous,” said Rajwant Singh.

Dr. Raj Bhayani Assumes Charge as President of AAPI-QLI in Jubilee Year

February 5, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Nearly 500 people from across the country came together to celebrate the contributions, achievements and growth of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin of QUEENS and LONG ISLAND (AAPI-QLI) during the 24th annual convention here at the Hilton Huntington, Long Island, NY on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020.

In his presidential address, Dr. Rajendra Bhayani, President of AAPI-QLI, describing of AAPIQLI as “One of most prestigious organizations in the country today,” gave an overview of how the organization, and its trajectory of growth over the past 24 years and how it has become today to be one of the most powerful ethnic Physician organizations in the country. “Today I start my presidency with deep sense of gratitude and appreciation. You all esteemed members of AAPIQLI have given me tremendous opportunity to be your president during this very special year a silver jubilee year of AAPIQLI. It is my pleasure and very special privilege to serve your president during this landmark year of AAPIQLI.”

Dr. Raj Bhayani, Treasurer of national AAPI expressed his gratitude and appreciation to: “Dr Ajay Lodha, past President of AAPI for helping “make me a member of National AAAPI;” Dr. Vajinath Chakote, Board of Trustee, AAPIQLI, who introduced him to become a member of the AAPIQLI; Dr. Shashi Shah, Dr. Bagla, Dr. Satish Anand Ahuja, Dr. Rakesh Dua, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Dr. Himanshu Pandya, and Dr. Abhay Malhotra for showing me how to stand for what is right and to stand for the organization which is the most important.”

Enumerating some of the major achievements of the Chapter, Dr. Bhayani said, “AAPI-QLI has been providing a forum for monthly meetings for Continuing Medical Educations on Sunday, monthly sessions with discussions on current trends and changes on a range of topics in healthcare, wealth management, and practice management issues on Wednesday. AAPI-QLI is also engaged in charitable activities for the benefit of our community at large in the form of donations to several charitable organizations every year.

AAPI’s 38th Annual Convention Will Be Held In Chicago – Over 2,500 delegates expected to attend Convention from June 24th – 28th, 2020

January 29, 2020 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

(Chicago, IL: January 26, 2020): “Early Bird Registration for the historic 38th Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) to be held from June 24th to 28th, 2020 at the famous Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Chicago has begun, offering discounted registration rates for the AAPI delegates,” Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI, announced here today.

“With the Early Bird Special Registration for the convention to end soon, we are seeing an increased interest among AAPI members to secure their seat at the convention,” says Dr. Seema Arora, Chair of AAPI BOT said. “Early Bird Registration fee for the delegates will be $100 less than the regular rates. Also, one gets to pick your own choice of seats at the Galas as soon as you register for the convention.”

A dedicated pool of Physicians, led by Dr. Meher Medavaram, Convention Chair, are working hard to make the convention a memorable experience for all. Acknowledging the generosity and dedication of the Convention Team members, Dr. Meher Medavaram said, “We have a fantastic group of people to meet the needs of the 2020 convention and are very excited about the convention.”

In addition to offering over 12 hours of cutting edge CMEs to the physicians, the event will have several hours of product theaters/promotional opportunities, plenary sessions, CEOs Forum, and a Women’s Leadership Forum. The convention will be addressed by senior world leaders, Nobel Laurates, and celebrities from the Hollywood and Bollywood world.

Exhibitors and Corporate Partners will remain our priority as we work together to provide a world-class forum for increased interactions between physicians, sponsors, exhibitors, and all other attendees. The AAPI Convention in Chicago is where sponsors and advertisers can reach their target audience of over two thousand under one roof.

“AAPI offers customized and exclusive sponsorship packages to meet your needs. These can include keynote speaker opportunities (non-CME), awards and recognition at breakfast, lunch and dinner, roundtable meetings with AAPI leadership, premium exhibit booth selection, etc,” says Dr. Raj Bhayani, Treasurer of AAPI. “We also offer corporate identity packages that utilize our registration area, Internet kiosks, plasma display panels, the souvenir book, and audiovisual screens during CME hours and events to display your company name.”

Candlelight Vigil and Proclamation of Kashmiri Pandit Exodus Recognition Day

January 29, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

January 19 (Houston) – Close to 250 people gathered this evening at the steps of City Hall in Sugar Land, TX to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Kashmiri Hindu Pandit community’s exodus from their homeland in Kashmir, India. This tragic event was recognized by a candlelight vigil jointly organized by the Hindu American Foundation, Indo-American Kashmir Forum, and the Hindus of Greater Houston, as part of a series of vigils done around the U.S. to mark the infamous day. Also joining were Congressman Pete Olson (R-TX) and Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George (D), who heard from members of the Kashmiri Pandit community tell the stories of what happened on January 19th in 1990.

After the program started with a prayer, emcee Dr. Neel Bhan, a second generation Kashmiri Pandit, introduced Suraj Pandit, a third generation Kashmiri Pandit and local high school junior, who told the assembled crowd the history of what happened to the Kashmiri Pandit community. Suraj stated that on January 19, 1990, “terrorist-driven violence, rape, torture, and murder led to the forced exodus of my relatives and 350,000 other Hindu Pandits from our homeland in our former ‘Paradise on Earth’.”

The next two speakers, Anjali Raina and Sunita Ticku, lived through the events of that fateful day, and told their stories. Anjali bravely recounted “the tortuous death of my father at the hands of terrorists” and the severe effect his passing had on her family. Sunita Ticku told the story of how terrorists barged into her family’s house, looking for her father, a government official, and ended up “shooting everybody they could find in the house.” Her grandmother survived that assault after being shot three times in the abdomen – Sunita and her siblings survived only because they had been sent away earlier in response to constant threats by terrorists inciting the “infidels” to “convert, die, or flee”.

Congressman Olson then came up to speak. He gave an impassioned speech about the Kashmiri Pandits and the horrors that happened to them, and validated the government of India’s revocation of the oppressive Article 370. He noted that the “amount of people that fled their homes due to radical terrorists was equal to three Sugar Land, Texases.” Olson concluded by saying that the community should “never stop fighting” to go back home. County Judge K.P. George recounted how he heard of the events of January 1990 as an American of Indian descent. He himself had not realized the depths of what had happened, and said he was grateful for this vigil to be organized, so that he and others could learn what had happened. He also presented a proclamation recognizing January 19th, 2020 as “Kashmiri Pandit Exodus Recognition Day” in Fort Bend County.

After the speeches, the assembled crowd held their candles up high in the air as they heard a traditional Kashmiri bhajan (devotional song). Neel thanked all in attendance for coming and said “it means the world for the community to be recognized after so many years of struggle and invalidation.” He concluded by thanking the Houston community and asking everyone to support the Kashmir Pandit community in their struggle to keep their identity alive and “garner a presence back in the Valley of our homeland.”

Rishi Bhutada, HAF Houston Chapter coordinator, said, “I was proud to see so many people come out on a cold Houston evening to participate in the vigil and hear these first-person stories of suffering. We will continue with our advocacy, because this is history that must not be ignored by the world at large.”

Rahul Pandit, past president of Indo-American Kashmir Forum, said, “”We truly appreciate the support from the large group of attendees and elected officials in recognizing this day and somber anniversary of our community’s exile from our homeland. We feel the world is finally listening to our story.”

Rajeshwar Prasad Elected President of SHANTINIKETAN

January 29, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Rajeshwar Prasad, a veteran community leader and pioneer and founder president of The National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC) was elected President of SHANTINIKETAN Shaniniketan1 (SN1) Community in Tavares, Florida during elections held on January 17, 2020.

“January 2020 has been hectic for the Shaniniketan1 (SN1) Community in Tavares, Florida,” Prasad said. “Theannual election of the Board of Directors of Shantinuketan1 which has 54 condos was completed.”

This is an annual event to elect five Board members. Election was conducted by and under the supervision of Sentry Management, (SM), a well known entity which conducts such tasks nation – wide. SM sought nominations for the five positions on the Board: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director.

In all, there were eight nominations for the five positions: The nominees were Geeta Chandran, Hemendra Desai, Indu Desai, Shanti Kalathia, Indu Kumar, Abnash Narula, Rajeshwar Prasad, and Jitendra Sanghvi. SM selected an Election Committee of three residents, Krishna Kumaran, Rana Gupta and Suman Rane. to undertake the task of counting ballots and announcing the top five as members of the new 2020 Board at the General Body Meeting.

As per SN1’s Constitution and Bylaws, the newly elected Board elects the officers immediately following the General Body meeting. There were about 30 residents present at the Board meeting.

Final results were as follows: President: Rajeshwar Prasad; Vice President: Shanti Kalathia; Treasurer: Hemendra Desai; Secretary: Geeta Chandran; and Director: Abnash Narula.

Prasad, in his brief comments, underscored that all Board meetings will be open to residents, except for sensitive issues and personnel matters, when it will go into executive session. He said he would make efforts to develop collaborative relations with Shantiniketan 2 which is only about a mile away, with 120 condos.

He then asked the residents present to speak on issues and concerns they have regarding Shantiniketan1 and other matters. The President emphasized that the purpose of seeking their comments was to help the Board form committees to address the issues and other pertinent concerns faced by residents. The Board would work to form such committees in the next two weeks or so. He also announced that there would be a minimum of four Board meetings in the year, and the next meeting will be in April 2020; date and time will be announced well ahead of time.

S.P. Kothari, 3 NRIs get Padma Shri; Padma Bhushan Goes to Jagdish Sheth

January 29, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

S.P. Kothari, the Gordon Y. Billard Professor of Management and former deputy dean at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, will receive India’s prestigious Padma Shri award for 2020. Last year, Prof. Kothari was appointed chief economist and director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Along with Prof. Kothari, three other Americans will receive this award: Prasanta Kumar Pattanaik, emeritus professor at the Department of Economics at the University of California; Robert Thurman, Buddhist author and academic who has written, edited, and translated several books on Tibetan Buddhism; and Romesh Tekchand Wadhwani, chairman and CEO of Symphony Technology Group.

Jagdish Sheth, the Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Marketing at the Goizueta Business School of Emory University, will receive Padm Bhushan award.

Sheth, the Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Business at Emory University Goizueta Business School, is among 16 awardees to receive India’s third highest civilian award. Last year in January, Sheth presented the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to reports in Indian media, several Twitter users drew a link between Sheth’s Padma Bhushan, to him conferring the leadership award on Modi.

P. Kothari

Padma Shri recipient, Kothari, is the Gordon Y. Billard Professor of Management and former deputy dean at MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Last year, he was appointed chief economist and director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Pattanaik is emeritus professor at the Department of Economics at the University of California, a research associate for the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative, and a fellow of the Human Development and Capability Association.

Wadhwani is the chairman and CEO of Symphony Technology Group, which brings in $2.5 billion in annual revenues. According to Forbes, he combined nine of his companies that were AI-focused into a new group called SymphonyAI in 2017. Last year, Wadhwani ranked at number 261 of the Forbes list of 400 richest Americans and at number 667 in Forbes list billionaires.

Robert Thurman, a Buddhist author and academic who has written, edited, and translated several books on Tibetan Buddhism, was named for the Padma Shri award as well. Thurman, father of actress Uma Thurman, is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, president of the Tibet House U.S., and president of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies.

A total of 14 foreigners, majority of them of the Indian origin, including Mauritian politician Anerood Jugnauth, have been named for the Padma Awards on the eve of 71st Republic Day for 2020.

Jugnauth has been named for Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award, in the field of public affairs. Jugnauth, who served as the President and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, was a central figure in the Mauritian politics in the 1980s and 1990s.

Twelve foreigners have been named for Padma Shri. It included late Indra Dassanayake, a well-known Hindi literary personality who taught Hindi at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Dassanayake strived for emergence of Hindi as a world language.

Another awardee is Barry Strachan Gardiner, British Labour Party leader who has served as Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade since 2016.

Another notable foreign personality in the list is late Tetsu Nakamura for his social work in Afghanistan. A Japanese physician and honorary Afghan, Nakamura headed the Peace Japan Medical Services (PMS). Devoted to the Kunar river canal projects in eastern Afghanistan, he was credited for transforming the desert of Gamberi, on the outskirts of Jalalabad, into a lush forest and wheat farmlands. He also helped build two hospitals and two mosques.

The awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March or April every year.

The Padma Awards are given in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri — in various fields of activities like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service.

Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.

AAPI Promotes Awareness of Obesity in Argentina

January 29, 2020 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Health 0

The epidemic of Obesity is a major public health problem in the United States, just as it is in any other part of the world. Consequences of obesity include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes, which can shorten the lifespan of children. American society has become influenced by environments that promote increased consumption of less healthy food and physical inactivity leading to this childhood obesity epidemic.

AAPI Promotes Awareness of Obesity in Argentina

Changing one’s diet is not something that happens overnight. An important first step is helping a child or an adult to recognize the problem. The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI, the largest ethnic medical Association in the United States has made it an important mission to create awareness on Obesity.

Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI, who has made Obesity Awareness Campaign a signature mission of his Presidency, has organized Obesity Awareness Campaigns around the world.

On their way to the White Continent, Dr. Reddy accompanied by Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President-Elect of AAPI: Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Vice President of AAPI: Dr. Ravi Kolli; Secretary of AAPI; Dr. Seema Arora, Chair, BOT: Amit Chakrabarty, Vice Chair of BOT; and several others, met with Dinesh Bhatia, India’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Argentina. Wearing Yellow Hats, the AAPI leaders shared with the Indian Envoy about AAPI’s mission to create awareness about Obesity around the world.

During a walkathon in the southernmost city on earth, Ushuaia in Argentina, during the current Voyage to Antarctica by a select group of nearly 200 Physicians of Indian Origin, AAPI members wearing Yellow Shirts and Yellow Hats, promoted Awareness of Obesity, spreading the message for the need to Healthy Living.

Dr. Reddy believes that AAPI’s Obesity Awareness Campaign Walkathons will go a long way in educating the public and in contributing to the prevention of obesity now, and thus translating into lower health care costs in the future.

New rule could make it more difficult for pregnant women to get U.S. visas

January 29, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Politics, Travel, U.S. 0

The U.S. State Department plans to issue new guidance that could make it more difficult for some pregnant women to obtain visas to visit the United States, a department official and a congressional aide said Wednesday.

The forthcoming regulations are aimed at cracking down on what the Trump administration calls “birth tourism,” the latest in a series of government efforts to restrict foreign travelers from reaching U.S. soil.

Most people who are born in the United States are entitled to U.S. citizenship, even if their parents are not citizens. It is unclear how many people travel to the United States to give birth each year with the intention of obtaining citizenship for their children; the U.S. government does not publish statistics on “birth tourism.”

Officials with the Department of Homeland Security declined to comment Wednesday, referring questions to the State Department.

The new rule, first reported by BuzzFeed, is expected to appear “shortly” in the Federal Register, according to the State Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to discuss the rule before it is issued. A congressional aide briefed by the department also confirmed the new rule.

The guidelines, which the State Department will circulate to U.S. consular officers, will affect B1 and B2 nonimmigrant visas, otherwise known as temporary visas for business, tourism or medical treatment. The U.S. government issued 5.7 million B1 and B2 visas in fiscal year 2018.

The official said the new guidelines will not prohibit pregnant women from obtaining visas but will extend discretion to consular officers, who will have to determine whether a woman is planning a visit to the United States solely for the purpose of giving birth. It is unclear how they would make that determination or whether they will try to verify pregnancies.

A congressional staffer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a regulation that has not yet been published, said the State Department had a conference call Wednesday to tell lawmakers the broad strokes of the policy. The Trump administration is concerned that pregnant women are coming to the United States to give birth and instantly claim U.S. citizenship for their children. Consular officers would use their judgment when screening cases, the staffer said, and would not ask every woman applying for a visa – some of which are valid for years – whether they are pregnant.

Consular officers already interview visa applicants about their reasons for travel and are expected to determine that their stay in the United States will be limited in duration before issuing visas.

The Center for Immigration Studies, a right-wing think tank that advocates for lower immigration levels, estimated that there are about 33,000 births per year to women who arrived in the United States on tourist visas and then left the country. The organization said its estimate was “based on a combined analysis of birth certificate records and data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau. Both estimates represent a rough approximation, based on limited data, of the possible number of births to women who came to America specifically to have a child and then left once the child was born.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 3.8 million live births in the United States in 2018.

America’s Hoteliers Meet with Rep. Wasserman Schultz about Combatting Human Trafficking

January 29, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Tourism 0

ATLANTA, Ga., Jan. 27 – AAHOA President & CEO Cecil Staton issued the following statement on the roundtable discussion with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz this past weekend regarding efforts to combat human trafficking:

“AAHOA appreciates the opportunity to join Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz’s roundtable and to discuss solutions to the scourge of human trafficking with other like-minded organizations.

“America’s hotel owners and the lodging industry have long recognized the moral imperative to proactively champion the cause of trafficking prevention. That’s why AAHOA continues to equip thousands of hotel owners and employees with the tools they need to identify and respond to potential trafficking situations with our free Human Trafficking Awareness Trainings. We are pleased to join with the DHS Blue Campaign, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST), Polaris, the Georgia Human Trafficking Task Force, congressional leaders, and state and local officials as allies in this fight against those who prey upon the most vulnerable in our society.”

Outgoing Indian Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla felicitated farewell receptions

January 20, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Travel 0

India and the US are close to concluding a trade package that would provide enhanced market access to both countries, Outgoing Indian Ambassador to the United States and the newly appointed India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who will leave Washington later this month, has said.

Shringla made the comments while addressing a group of Indian-American entrepreneurs during a farewell lunch on Friday last week organized for him by TiE DC, a regional chapter of the global non-profit membership and mentoring organization for entrepreneurs. “We are close to concluding a trade package that would provide enhanced market access to both countries,” Shringla said during the event.

Shringla, who is scheduled to leave for India later this month, said that the India- US bilateral trade has increased significantly in the last one decade and it is expected to be over USD160 billion by 2019. Noting that there are a lot of complementarities between the Indian and the US economy, the Ambassador said that Indian-American entrepreneurs and in particular organizations like TiE DC play an important part in strengthening these bilateral ties, not only people to people but also economic and strategic relationship.

Ravi Puli, an entrepreneur from TiE DC, said that in just about a year, Shringla has made a great impact on India-US relationship. “As an ambassador, he has taken the US- India relations to a level that all of us are feeling very proud and we are looking forward to take it even further with his leadership as a foreign secretary of India,” he said. The event was attended by eminent Indian-American entrepreneurs from in and around Washington DC and leaders of other chapters from various parts of the country.

Ambassador Shringala was accorded a spate of farewells, including by the Trump administration, the Congressional leadership and America Inc., and a reception hosted by Shringla himself, where spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, offered blessings to the departing envoy.

The Jan. 10 reception at the ambassador’s residence, now known as India House, was attended by nearly 500 members of the Indian American community from across the country, senior administration officials, Congressional staffers and leading policy wonks from all of DC’s think tanks.

At the reception, Sadhguru after reciting a shloka, predicted that the U.S.-India ties would mature with Shringla at the helm of diplomacy as India’s next foreign secretary, declaring that this relationship is imperative to benefit the whole world.

“This relationship between the two most resilient democracies on the planet is not just important for these two nations,” he said, adding, “How we build this relationship will determine many things globally.”

Shringla, in his brief remarks, at the outset, said among much laughter that “there was an ambassador friend of mine, who was very fond of the saying that all good things have to come to an end, and so they must and this is where we are.”

He said, “The year 2019, has been a great year. We’ve had some ups and we’ve had some downs, but on the whole, we can welcome 2020 with the fullest satisfaction that the (U.S.-India) relationship that was extremely close, extremely cooperative, which had all the resonance of a very, very strong friendship has started 2020 with an even better, closer, and warmer relationship.” Shringla told the guests that he looked forward to “seeing you in Delhi,” and to more laughter, added, “With all the direct flights we started, it’s not too much of an effort.”

Thus, he said, “We look forward to seeing members of Congress, the administration, the media, businesses, those who are from the Indian community, and of course, all of our other friends who might not belong to these categories, are all welcome.”

“We look forward to staying in touch, staying connected and this is one thing I’ve said everywhere I’ve gone, that as I leave, I take with me the distinct feeling that we really have one of our most important relationships right here in the United States,” he said. “It is a relationship that will continue to be important for us in time to come, and you can be sure that out of Delhi, we will see how we can take this relationship forward in every way possible.” And Shringla reiterated, “Your help in that is absolutely indispensable.”

The outgoing Ambassador, who would take up his new assignment as India’s next foreign secretary later this month, however, did not give an exact date for the inking of the much anticipated trade deal. The trade deal was first announced by US President Donald Trump when he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

At a reception accorded him by the State Department and held at the historic Blair House, which sits opposite the White House, the Trump administration’s point person for the subcontinent, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Alice Wells, predicted that Shringla would be “the captain” of the U.S.-India relationship. “It has been extraordinary, what you have been able to achieve,” she said. Wells, who was headed to India later that week to attend the Raisina Dialogue, pointed out that Washington and New Delhi have been working for the last two decades to realize the goal of becoming “a natural partner,” referring to a term that was first coined by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his visit to the U.S.

Earlier on Jan. 7, at a farewell for him hosted by the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) — a breakaway group from the USIBC, which is headed by Mukesh Aghi, who earlier was president of the USIBC, Shringla said, “What we are really looking for is to provide the basis for an exclusive partnership in trade between our two countries that can give US companies preferential market access to India and Indian companies the preferential market access to the United States.”

Shringla made the comments while addressing a group of Indian-American entrepreneurs during a farewell lunch on Friday organised for him by TiE DC, a regional chapter of the global non-profit membership and mentoring organization for entrepreneurs.

India and the US are close to concluding a trade package that would provide enhanced market access to both countries, India’s outgoing Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said. Shringla made the comments while addressing a group of Indian-American entrepreneurs during a farewell lunch on Friday organized for him by TiE DC, a regional chapter of the global non-profit membership and mentoring organization for entrepreneurs. “We are close to concluding a trade package that would provide enhanced market access to both countries,” Shringla said during the event.

Ever the quintessential diplomat, outgoing ambassador and India’s next foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said the hiring of a second lobbying firm, is to engage a changed U.S. Congress, although it was apparently prompted by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives’ India-bashing over the humanitarian crisis and communications blockade in the aftermath of the Indian government’s repeal of Article 370 that provided special status to this only Muslim-majority state in the country.

Shringla acknowledged that the few U.S. lawmakers who continue to be critical of the Indian government’s actions and “are pushing on his issue, perhaps because they don’t have a full understanding of the situation or they don’t want to have that, but as I’ve said, we have fully engaged with Congress and will continue to do that.”

He said he had instructed “all my colleagues that this is the highest priority — not the other things you are doing — and whatever you have, you drop that and you go and meet people, meet Congressmen, meet staffers, but get our point of view across, so that they can take into account,” the efforts of the government of India to alleviate the situation in Kashmir.

“And, it’s not a one-off thing. You have to constantly go and update them on the situation,” Shringla said. But he said, “There are some like Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Rashida Tlaib (D.-Mich.), and Ilhan Omar that are pushing a certain line that seems to be rigid. We’ve tried to engage them, we’ve tried to explain to them the situation, but despite that, the formulation they’ve come up with, as to how they would like Congress to look at it, is counter-productive, besides being factually incorrect and not reflective of the current situation.” Shringla argued, “If you are not open-minded, if you are not objective on this issue, there is not much anyone can do.

Last month, the Indian government hired Cornerstone Government Affairs for an initial period of three months through end February to represent it in Washington for a contract worth $40,000 a month, for which Cornerstone — in a filing with the Department of Justice — said it would provide its client with “strategic counsel, tactical planning and government relations assistance on policy matters before the U.S. Government, the U.S. Congress, and select state governments, as well as academic institutions and think-tanks.”

Sikh Coalition trains volunteers for accurate headcount in Census 2020

January 20, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

Within the next two months, the Sikh Coalition, an advocacy organization for Indian-Americans of the Sikh faith, plans to begin training volunteers who can help members of the community fill the 2020 Census forms which begin being mailed nationwide that month.

In a Jan. 13, 2020 press release, the Sikh Coalition said in the lead-up to the mid-March mailing of initial census forms, the Sikh Coalition will recruit and train volunteers at gurdwaras across the country who will help community members submit their census information online “in a safe and supportive environment.”

Those who are interested in assisting with this work should email community@sikhcoalition.org, the press release said. This endeavor is a “formal partnership” with the United States Census Bureau in advance of the 2020 census. And As a formal partner of the Census Bureau, the Sikh Coalition is committed to raising census awareness and participation among the Sikh community, the organization said.

“The Sikh Coalition is partnering with the Census Bureau because Sikhs have traditionally been a ‘hard to count’ population in the United States,” Satjeet Kaur, executive director of Sikh Coalition is quoted saying in the press release. “Our community matters, and we want to make sure that Sikh families are appropriately counted and accurately resourced wherever they are across our country,” she added.

The initial work will therefore focus initially on informing the community that completing census forms is simple, safe, and essential. The census is a national headcount undertaken by the U.S. government every 10 years. The Census form asks a series of simple demographic questions about all members of each household in the nation.

“Because an accurate count is the goal, the census never asks about citizenship,” the Sikh Coalition said, adding, “It is safe for everyone, regardless of their immigration status, to fill out the census.”

Data from the census ultimately determines how the government allocates resources for things like schools, hospitals, roads, and parks; where businesses choose to move and invest; and how legislative seats and electoral votes are allocated.
Throughout 2020, the Sikh Coalition said it will be launching new initiatives to increase civic engagement. These efforts, including 2020 census and “Get Out The Vote” projects.

The United Nations Reforms-From Ideas to Actions

January 20, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Politics 0

By Mukhtar Ogle

One of the highlight activities as the United Nations commemorates its 75th anniversary this year will be the launch of an “annual temperature check” on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), progress. With only ten years left to the final whistle for the Goals, this activity that will take place each September will provide a snapshot of what’s working, and where countries need more action.

As a citizen of this great country, I am proud that Kenya was one of the leaders and architects of the open working group that led to the realization of the SDGs, led by our very own PS of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Macharia Kamau.

The globally-agreed Goals provided the roadmap towards ending poverty and hunger everywhere; to combating inequalities within and among countries; to building peaceful and inclusive societies; to protecting human rights and promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and to ensuring the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources.

It is the time to consider our own progress in Kenya. Around the country, there are signposts of progress: maternal and child mortality are down, devolution is bringing development to what were once considered remote areas and school enrollment rates are rising.

The biggest challenge in Kenya, as in much of Africa, is that this progress is fragile and unequal and many in the country still feel they are being left behind. That is why President Kenyatta launched the Big 4 development agenda with a clear intention of leaving no one behind.

Corruption remains a scourge that is undermining the progress Kenya is making. The President is personally leading the fight against corruption and we are pleased that the UN is in full support.

With all the SDGs having time-bound targets, the Government of Kenya and the UN in Kenya are accelerating initiatives that will give the country respectable scores by 2030, in key sectors including health, education, employment, agriculture, affordable housing, energy, infrastructure and the environment.

There are encouraging signs that in this UN Decade of Action, the tide will turn, with the clearest sign of this being the new paradigm in SDG implementation mechanisms brought by the reforms in the UN.

The structural reforms led by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres have ushered in a new era of strengthened implementation founded on leadership, cohesion, accountability and results. In Kenya, the UN Country Team is moving very well towards being more integrated, more aligned and more effective in its response to national government priorities.

With the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office led by Siddharth Chatterjee as the hub, there is visibly better coherence in policy, partnerships and investments around the responses.

The UN Country Team has substantially increased engagement with the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies towards implementing the current UN Development Assistance Framework, (UNDAF) whose overall agenda is delivering on the transformative Big Four Agenda and the specific country targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Key features of this engagement now include joint work planning, better monitoring and transparency. In previous years, the engagement has been pulled back by insufficient coordination, with none other than President Uhuru Kenyatta flagging this shortcoming.

The UNDAF National Steering Committee is now focussed more on people and less on process, more on results for those left farthest behind, and more on integrated support to the SDG Agenda and less on “business as usual”.

This out-of-the-box approach is being recognised for its concrete footprint, as exemplified by the recent initiative to tackle cross-border challenges between Uganda and Kenya, a brainchild of the President of Kenya and fully supported by the UN teams in the two countries that was launched in September 2019.

The initiative is an example of the Government and the UN responding in new ways to the new threats we face, and specifically the new emphasis on prevention and sustaining peace for development.

The 2030 Agenda will require bold changes to the UN development system for the emergence of a new generation of country teams, centred on a strategic UN Development Assistance Framework and led by an impartial, independent and empowered resident coordinator says Amina J Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary General, in a video message.

No doubt, the challenge of Agenda 2030 are monumental and will require that our engagement is innovative in unlocking doors to financing and technologies, reaching out to other partners such as the private sector, foundations and philanthropies.

This is the thinking behind the co-creation of an SDG innovation lab between the Government of Kenya, the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) at the University of California, Berkeley, Rockefeller Foundation and the UN. The Lab will kick off with support for the delivery of Kenya’s Big Four agenda.

In the run-up to 2030, there is much that must be done to meet the tests of our time. The litmus test for the Government of Kenya and the UN will be measured through tangible results & impact on the lives of Kenyans.

Mukhtar Ogle, EBS, OGW, is the Secretary for Strategic Initiatives, Executive Office of the President of Kenya. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Retired Pope Benedict warns Francis against relaxing priestly celibacy rules

January 20, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

Retired Pope Benedict XVI has issued a defense of priestly celibacy in the Catholic Church as his successor considers easing a ban on married men serving as priests. Pope Benedict made the appeal in a book co-authored with Cardinal Robert Sarah.

It comes in response to a proposal to allow married men to be ordained as priests in the Amazon region. Pope Benedict, who retired in 2013, said he could not remain silent on the issue.

In the book, Pope Benedict says celibacy, a centuries-old tradition within the Church, has “great significance” because it allows priests to focus on their duties.

The 92-year-old says “it doesn’t seem possible to realise both vocations [priesthood and marriage] simultaneously”.

It is rare for Pope Benedict, who was the first pontiff to resign in almost 600 years, to intervene in clerical matters. The Vatican is yet to comment on the book, which was previewed in part by French newspaper Le Figaro before its full publication on Monday.

Vatican commentators have reacted with surprise to Benedict’s intervention, suggesting it breaks with convention.

“Benedict XVI is really not breaking his silence because he (and his entourage) never felt bound to that promise. But this is a serious breach,” Massimo Faggioli, a historian and theologian at Villanova University, tweeted.

The comments by Pope Benedict were described as “incredible” by Joshua McElwee, a journalist for the National Catholic Reporter.

A theological conservative with traditional views on Catholic values, Pope Benedict pledged to remain “hidden from the world” when he retired, citing poor health. But since then, he has made his views known in articles, books and interviews, advocating a different approach to Pope Francis, who is seen as more progressive. Pope Benedict still lives within the walls of the Vatican in a former monastery.

What is the proposed change to priestly celibacy?

In October, Catholic bishops from around the world gathered for a meeting, known as the synod, to discuss the future of the Church in the Amazon.

At the conclusion of that meeting, a document detailing issues affecting the Church was released. In it, there was a suggestion that in remote parts of the Amazon, older, married men should be ordained. South American bishops have advocated this in an effort to address the shortage of priests in the region.

Pope Francis will consider it, along with many other proposals, including the environment and the role of women in the Church. He is expected to make a decision on the matter within the next few months.

There are already some exceptions, such as priests in Eastern Catholic Churches and Anglican priests who convert.

Why is it controversial?

Priestly celibacy was introduced about 900 years ago. Before then clergy were often married – priestly celibacy is not explicitly required by the Bible but is a discipline required by the Church.

For many, celibacy is a key part of being a Catholic priest, who is supposed to devote himself to the church and not be distracted by what some consider to be worldly concerns like a wife or a family.

For traditionalists, this is about the direction in which Pope Francis is taking the Church. Some critics regard the idea of allowing married priests in the Amazon as a pretext to abolishing celibacy as a requirement altogether.

Despite having vowed to remain “hidden from view” following his sudden retirement in 2013, it is difficult not to regard former Pope Benedict XVI’s intervention as a strategically timed appeal to Pope Francis to refrain from changing the rules on celibacy.

This is also a collision between the ancient belief that celibacy is exemplified in the life of Christ and the ministry of Apostle Paul, who wrote in his First Epistle to the Corinthians that “I wish all people were like me”, and the demands of a modern church that is growing across the Amazon region but where there is a severe shortage of priests.

But Pope Francis has indicated, through Papal visits and his appointment of cardinals, that he recognises where the Roman Catholic Church is growing and wants to respond to its needs.

His decision on whether to accept the Amazon bishops’ request is therefore eagerly awaited and is expected in the next few weeks.

GOPIO Participates In The First ‘Chalo Consulate’ Event Launched By The Indian Consulate In New York

January 20, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Travel 0

GOPIO International officials, Life Members and chapter officials from the New York area were invited to an interactive meeting at the Indian Consulate in New York on Jan. 13th. This was a new initiative from the Indian Consulate, ‘Chalo Consulate’ where community representatives could interact with Consulate officials and discuss issues of the community and find solutions to them. Indian Consulate was represented by Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty and all other Consulate officials including Consul for Trade Devi Prasad Misra, Consul Vipul Mesariya Political & Press, Information and Culture), Consul Murugesan Ramaswamy (Consular, Passport, Visa & OCI), Consul for Community Affairs A.K. Vijayakrishnan and Head of the Chancery Jaideep Chola.

GOPIO was represented by its Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, International Coordinators Lal Motwani and Harbachan Singh, GOPIO-New York Vice President Inderjit Singh, GOPIO-CT President Ashok Nichani, GOPIO-Central New York President Patsy Leopald, GOPIO North Jersey Vice President Dhnanjay Desai and many other Life Members and chapter officials. GOPIO also invited a few other community representatives to this meeting including South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) and The Kerala Center.

The Indian Consulate in New York has launched PRAMIT program through its website where most of the consular and other information can be channeled in a very effective way.

Consul General Chakravorty said, “To strengthen response management system of Consulate, we have focused on e-Governance solutions and designed in house a web application named PRAMIT (Pravasi Mitra). Within few months of its launch it has become very popular among the users. PRAMIT web application has dashboard based centralized monitoring and response system for calls as well as messages form users. At present through PRAMIT we are able to monitor as well as reply every Call/Queries within one business day. It is very simple and user-friendly web application.”

According to CG Chakravorty, on an average the Consulate handles 800- 1000 applications/applicants per day. In last one year through PRAMIT and has handled around 16000+ message queries as well as processed around 4000+ misc services applications (Aug-Dec 2019) and answered/replied around 32,000+ calls (April-Dec 2019). PRAMIT has been proven to be an effective e-Governance tool to handle various issues related to Indian Community.

“Most importantly, we never missed a single call/message after PRAMIT was launched and our website has been visited by around 2.7 million people in the 13 months,” added CG Chakravorty.

GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham said that GOPIO works very closely with all Indian missions worldwide for the benefit of the Indian Diaspora community. Participants at the meeting could also bring out general community issues at this meeting.

At the end of the meeting, GOPIO officials presented Ambassador Chakravorty two First Day Covers released by the US Postal Service at the First Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York in 1989. Dinner and networking followed. “It was a highly productive meeting,” said GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham.

Golden Temple in Sripuram, Tamil Nadu

January 20, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

Golden Temple Vellore complex inside the Sripuram spiritual park is situated at the foot of a small range of green hills at Thirumalaikodi (or simply Malaikodi) Vellore in Tamil Nadu, India. It is 120 km from Tirupati, 145 km from Chennai, 160 km from Puducherry and 200 km from Bengaluru. The Maha Kumbhabhishekam or consecration of the temple and its chief deity, Sri Lakshmi Narayani or Maha Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, was held on 24 August 2007, and devotees from all religions and backgrounds are welcome to visit. This temple is gilded with 1,500 kg of pure gold, double the 750 kg gilding of the dome of the Golden Temple at Amritsar.

The salient feature of ‘Sripuram’ is the Lakshmi Narayani temple whose Vimanam and Ardha Mandapam is covered with pure gold, housing the deity Sri Lakshmi Narayani (female consort of Vishnu Narayana). The temple is located on 100 acres of land and has been constructed by the Vellore-based charitable trust, Sri Narayani Peedam, headed by its spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma also known as ‘Narayani Amma’.

The temple with its gold (1,500 kg) covering, has intricate work done by artisans specialising in temple art using gold. Every single detail was manually created, including converting the gold bars into gold foils and then mounting the foils on copper. Gold foil from 9 layers to 10 layers has been mounted on the etched copper plates. Every single detail in the temple art has significance from the Vedas.[2]

Sripuram’s design features a star-shaped path (Sri chakra), positioned in the middle of the lush green landscape, with a length of over 1.8 km. As one walks along this ‘starpath’ to reach the temple in the middle, one can also read various spiritual messages — such as the gift of the human birth itself, and the value of spirituality — along the way.

The Sri Narayani Hospital & Research Centre is a general hospital located near the Sripuram temple complex and is also run by the ‘Sri Narayani Peedam’ Charitable Trust.

Hardline Hindus protest huge Indian Jesus statue

January 20, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

By Agence France-Presse

Hundreds of Hindu activists affiliated to India’s ruling party rallied on Monday to protest a planned Jesus statue that will rival Rio de Janeiro’s Christ The Redeemer for size.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has long been accused of intolerance towards other religions and of wanting to remould officially secular India as a Hindu nation, which it denies.

The protests in the southern state of Karnataka were led by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP’s hardline parent organisation, and others clutching saffron flags as around 1,000 police stood by.

“We want to stop (the statue), since it goes against the spirit of communal harmony and encourages religious conversions which is rampantly carried out by Christian missionaries,” Prabhakar Bhat, a top RSS functionary told Indian media.

Construction of the white granite statue 114 feet (34.7 meters) high —slightly shorter than the Rio monolith although the base will be bigger — stopped soon after it started last month after objections.

Many Hindus believe the hill where the statue is set to stand in the Christian-dominated village of Harobele is the abode of a Hindu deity, although no temple exists there.

The BJP-run state government accused the previous administration of the main opposition Congress party of illegally allotting the plot of land.

Less than one percent of Karnataka’s 65 million people are Christian, compared to around two percent in Hindu-majority India as a whole.

The state witnessed a wave of attacks on Christians and churches by Hindu radicals in 2008 over allegations of seeking to convert Hindus, including with cash.

Last year six members of a Hindu group were arrested for attacking a group of Christian pilgrims in the state.

The state government has been routinely accused of discrimination. It banned a festival to commemorate a Muslim king who fought the British East India Company.

India has witnessed a surge in crimes against its religious minorities and shrinking of religious freedoms since Modi swept to power in 2014.

Last year the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom said that religious freedom was on a “downward trend”, with a “campaign of violence, intimidation, and harassment against non-Hindu and lower-caste Hindu minorities”.

The government rejected the report.

Over the past month India has been rocked by protests against a new law making it easier for persecuted religious minorities to obtain citizenship, but not if they are Muslim.

Combined with a mooted national register of citizens, it has stoked fears that India’s 200 million Muslims will be marginalized.

Legend Thomas Puthoor A Gospel singer, Rocks Chicago Evening of music, testimonies, and dedication to God

January 20, 2020 Asian Media USACommunity, Culture/Religion 0

Chicago IL: Hope United Methodist Church, Naperville IL, Organized a Gospel Concert with Thomas Puthoor on December 28th, 2019, at 6::30 pm. An Orchestra also graced this program by Richard Christian, Base Guitarist: John Mall, Keyboard Players: Joel Christian, Shahjad Markas, and Sound: Tariq Khan, a Music Ministry International. It was an evening of music, testimonies, and dedication to God.

Rev Avani Christian, Pastor of Hope United Methodist Church, welcomed and invited all for the upcoming events and worship of the Church. The program started by an invocation by Pastor Paul Morris, who asked for God’s blessings and reminded us that as angels sang to Shepherd and brought a great message of Peace on earth, we may also be lifted by the music together. Blesson Macloen, who was the MC of the Program, introduced Thomas Puthoor. Thomas Puthoor is renowned international gospel singer and has sung in many languagesHindi, Gujarati, Malayalam and Swahili. Thomas Puthoor is ministering through singing for last 26 years and has done musical programs in the US, Singapore, London, Canada, Fiji Island, Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Tanzania and India.

Thomas Puthoor introduced himself and told us about his ministry to God as a singer. He has dedicated his life to bring God’s love and worship through music for twenty-six years. He is from Kenya and is the Managing Director of one of the largest apparel manufacturing Companies in Kenya since last 17 years. He has dedicated his voice in ministry to God.

He sang his first song with a soul touching song called “Tere paas Aaata Ho” and unfolded his deep and powerful vocal in the hearts of people. Hope UMC choir for chorus accompanied him. Then he sang a Gujarati song, Magu Ishwar aatlu” which was soul searching song of strength and courage in times of difficulty and uncertainty. He continued many songs and showed God’s gift. As he ministered through his music, it seemed like each song was being used to draw people into the very presence of the Lord. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about? We should get to a point in all of our ministries that we are more than happy to reflect all the praise and honor to God!

The evening ended with dinner and Garba with Thomas Puthoor’s Garba songs. It proclaimed and gave an assurance that our life is much like the song, as we may not all have the same “part,” yet when we all do what God has called us to do, we enjoy a great sense of harmony and joy as we serve. Some parts are more visible than others minister in the background, but again, when we function where God has placed us, beautiful “music” is the result!

Link between emotion and addictive substance use

January 20, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Health 0

From the Harvard Gazette

What drives a person to smoke cigarettes—and keeps one out of six U.S. adults addicted to tobacco use, at a cost of 480,000 premature deaths each year despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns? What role do emotions play in this addictive behavior? Why do some smokers puff more often and more deeply or even relapse many years after they’ve quit? If policymakers had those answers, how could they strengthen the fight against the global smoking epidemic?

A team of researchers based at Harvard University now has fresh insights into these questions, thanks to a set of four interwoven studies described in a new report published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: The studies show that sadness plays an especially strong role in triggering addictive behavior relative to other negative emotions like disgust.

The studies range from analysis of data from a national survey of more than 10,000 people over 20 years to laboratory tests examining the responses of current smokers to negative emotions. One study tested the volume and frequency of actual puffs on cigarettes by smokers who volunteered to be monitored as they smoked. While drawing from methodologies from different fields, the four studies all reinforce the central finding that sadness, more than other negative emotions, increases people’s craving to smoke.

“The conventional wisdom in the field was that any type of negative feeling, whether it’s anger, disgust, stress, sadness, fear, or shame, would make individuals more likely to use an addictive drug,” said lead researcher Charles A. Dorison, a Harvard Kennedy School doctoral candidate. “Our work suggests that the reality is much more nuanced than the idea of ‘feel bad, smoke more.’ Specifically, we find that sadness appears to be an especially potent trigger of addictive substance use.”

Senior co-author Dr. Jennifer Lerner, the co-founder of the Harvard Decision Science Laboratory and Thornton F. Bradshaw Professor of Public Policy, Decision Science, and Management at Harvard Kennedy School, said the research could have useful public policy implications. For example, current anti-smoking ad campaigns could be redesigned to avoid images that trigger sadness and thus unintentionally increase cigarette cravings among smokers.

Lerner is the first tenured psychologist on the faculty of the Kennedy School. She was the chief decision scientist for the U.S. Navy in 2018–19. Lerner has studied the impact of emotions on decision making since the 1990s, examining issues including whether generalized negative emotions trigger substance abuse or whether a subset of specific emotions such as sadness are more important factors in addiction.

The other co-authors include Ke Wang, a doctoral student at the Kennedy School; Vaughan W. Rees, director of the Center for Global Tobacco Control at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Ichiro Kawachi, the John L. Loeb and Frances Lehman Loeb Professor of Social Epidemiology at the Chan School; and Associate Professor Keith M.M. Ericson at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University. The work was funded by grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Here are further details on the techniques and key findings of the four studies: Examining data from a national survey that tracked 10,685 people over 20 years, the researchers found that self-reported sadness among participants was associated with being a smoker and with quitters relapsing into smoking one and two decades later. The sadder individuals were, the more likely they were to be smokers. Notably, other negative emotions did not show the same relationship with smoking.

Then the team designed an experiment to test causality: Did sadness cause people to smoke, or were negative life events causing both sadness and smoking? To test this, 425 smokers were recruited for an online study. One-third were shown a sad video clip about the loss of a life partner. Another third of the smokers were shown a neutral video clip, about woodworking; the final third were shown a disgusting video involving an unsanitary toilet. All participants were asked to write about a related personal experience. The study found that individuals in the sadness condition—who watched the sad video and wrote about a personal loss—had higher cravings to smoke than both the neutral group and the disgust group.

A similar approach in the third study measured actual impatience for cigarette puffs rather than mere self-reported craving. Similar to the second study, nearly 700 participants watched videos and wrote about life experiences that were either sad or neutral, and then were given hypothetical choices between having fewer puffs sooner or more puffs after a delay. Those in the sadness group proved to be more impatient to smoke sooner than those in the neutral group. That result built upon previous research findings that sadness increases financial impatience, measured with behavioral economics techniques.

The fourth study recruited 158 smokers from the Boston area to test how sadness influenced actual smoking behavior. Participants had to abstain from smoking for at least eight hours (verified by carbon monoxide breath test). They were randomly assigned to sadness or neutral control groups; smokers sat in a private room at the Harvard Tobacco Research Laboratory, watched a sad video and wrote about great loss, or watched a neutral video and wrote about their work environment. Then they smoked their own brand of cigarette through a device that tested the total volume of puffs and their speed and duration. The results: Smokers in the sadness condition made more impatient choices and smoked greater volumes per puff.

Lerner said the research team was motivated in part by the deadly realities of smoking: Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States despite five decades of anti-smoking campaigns. The global consequences are also dire, with 1 billion premature deaths predicted across the world by the end of this century.

“We believe that theory-driven research could help shed light on how to address this epidemic,” Dorison said. “We need insights across disciplines, including psychology, behavioral economics and public health, to confront this threat effectively.”

AAAPI Will Host Global Healthcare Summit in Visakhapatnam in January 2021

January 9, 2020 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Health 0

“The focus of the GHS 2021 will be India-centric with emphasis on India’s contributions for a cost-effective healthcare delivery:” Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President-Elect of AAPI, Announces During Kick Off Event in India

(Visakhapatnam, India. January 7th, 2020) “The 14th edition of the annual Global Healthcare Summit will be held in Visakhapatnam from January 1^st to 3rd, 2021,” Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President-Elect of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), announced here during a Kick Off event in Visakhapatnam.

Dr. Jonnalagadda, while highlighting the numerous achievements of the past 13 GHS held across India, said, “The focus of the 14^th edition of the annual Global Healthcare Summit 2021 in the state of Andhra Pradesh will be an India-centric approach with emphasis on Hepatitis Eradication, and India’s contributions for a cost-effective healthcare delivery, serving the many healthcare needs of our motherland, India.”

Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI, commended Dr. Jonnalagadda for organizing a very successful kickoff event with great publicity in the local media about the upcoming GHS 2021.

While lauding the AAPI members for their willingness, passion, and generosity to give back to their motherland, Dr. Reddy said, “In the past dozen years, by organizing GHS in India, AAPI has made significant contributions, seeking to address several issues affecting the healthcare system in India. We have been working with the Government of India and several local organizations, helping with the issue of Traumatic Brain Injury and raising the importance and awareness on smoking cessation. Providing CPR-AED Training to First Responders, rural development through Sewak Program, Adopt a Village program and taking the initiatives to make quality healthcare accessible universally to village and taluka and district levels, and most recently a strong collaborative effort on making India TB Free with the signing of a MOU with USAID, are some of the other initiatives AAPI has undertaken through GHS.”

“With the changing trends and statistics in healthcare, both in India and US, we are refocusing our mission and vision, AAPI would like to make a positive meaningful impact on the healthcare delivery system both in the US and in India,” said Dr. Seema Arora, Chair of the AAPI BOT.

Dr. Jonnalagadda, who will assume charge as the President of AAPI in July this year at the convention in Chicago, USA, said, the GHS 2021 is planned to be organized by AAPI , the largest ethnic medical association in the United States in collaboration with several professional medical associations, academic institutions, and the Government of India.

During the visit to India, an AAPI delegation led by Dr. Jonnalagadda met with Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy, the Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and invited him to be the Chief Guest at the Global Healthcare Summit. Mr. Reddy, while expressing his appreciation to AAPI for bringing the global event to Andhra Pradesh, assured all support to AAPI in its efforts for organizing a highly successful GHS in Visakhapatnam.

He thanked Dr. Prasad Chalasani, President of Andhra Medical College Alumni of North America, Chair of GHS, Dr. Sashidhar Kuppala, the Incoming President of Rangaraya Medical College Alumni of North America, Co-chair of GHS, and, Dr. Ravi Raju, Chair of GHS in Visakhapatnam.

Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Vice President of AAPI, enumerated several contributions/outcome from the past 13 GHS organized by AAPI across several cities in India. “AAPI has capped the voluminous achievements of the past 38 years with a clear vision to move forward taking this noble organization and its vision for better healthcare to newer heights,” she said.

Dr. Ravi Kolli, Secretary of API said, “One in seven Americans is touched by a physician of Indian origin. There is an equally large percentage of medical residents, fellows and students in the USA serving millions of Americans. AAPI’s GHS has provided a venue for medical education programs and symposia with world-renowned physicians on the cutting edge medical technology of medicine.”

According to Dr. Raj Bhayani, Treasurer of AAPI, “Senior leaders from leading healthcare organizations, hospitals and from the Ministries – Health, External/Overseas Affairs and regulatory bodies are collaborating with AAPI with the ultimate goal to provide access to high quality and affordable healthcare to all the people of India.”

Packed with strategic planning sessions such as the much anticipated CEO Forum, Women’s Forum, Launching of Free Health Clinic, First Responders Training, CMEs, promoting Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine Education, Research Contest, Medical Quiz, Cultural Events, pre and post visits for delegates, the GHS 2021 is expected to be one with the greatest impact and significant contributions towards harnessing the power of international Indian diaspora to bring the most innovative, efficient, cost effective healthcare solutions to India,

“To be held for the first time in Visakhapatnam, this year AAPI Global Healthcare Summit will have many new initiatives and also will be carrying the torch of ongoing projects undertaken by AAPI’s past leaders. In addition, several prominent leaders both from India and abroad are expected to be addressing the Summit, including the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh,” Dr. Jonnalagadda said.

Dr. Suresh Reddy has called upon AAPI members to join in this historic journey. “AAPI’s mission is clear, our programs will continue to strive and our impact is multifold on benefiting the society. We, as physicians make significant contributions for the betterment of people’s lives.” He appealed to “all AAPI members, well-wishers, sponsors, friends and colleagues to join this effort and help ensure that we are putting in solid efforts towards making quality healthcare affordable and accessible to all people of India,” Dr. Reddy said.

AAPI is the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States, and has been in existence for nearly four decades. The Association has almost 130 local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations under its purview, and represents the interests of over 70,000 physicians and 15,000 medical students and residents of Indian heritage in the United States. For more details, please visit: https://aapisummit.org/www.aapiusa.org

Deepika Padukone Visits JNU, Stands With Students Attacked By Goons On Campus

January 9, 2020 Ajay GhoshCommunity, India, Politics, Social Media 0

Actor Deepika Padukone visited Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Tuesday, two days after a masked mob attacked students and teachers on the campus, leaving over 30 injured and provoking nationwide outrage.

Though Ms Padukone did not speak at the university, she was seen standing with a group of students who were attacked including president of the students’ union Aishe Ghosh. Former student leader Kanhaiya Kumar was also present.

Padukone reached the university campus at around 7.40 pm and attended a public meeting, called by the JNU Teacher’s Association and JNU Students’ Union in response to Sunday’s attack on students and teachers by a masked mob armed with sticks and rods.

Padukone remained standing as former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar raised slogans; she then left by the time current president Aishe Ghosh started to speak.

Sources close to Ms Padukone said she had gone to express solidarity with the students. However, JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh was critical of the actor for not speaking at the meet. “When you are in a position you should speak up,” JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh said after the actor left without addressing the meet.

Deepika was spotted standing with students at the Sabarmati T-point, where a public meeting had been called by JNU alumni over Sunday’s violence. She also met Ghosh who received injuries. Padukone didn’t address the meeting and left after an hour.

Amid drones flying over the meeting to keep an eye on students, Aishe targeted the JNU administration for filing complaints against her. “There are 3 FIRs against me, but I am not scared of the V-C. Even if you file 70 FIRs for all the 70 days of struggle against fee hike, we will continue our struggle”

The meeting was also attended by former JNU students, including Sitaram Yechury, Yogendra Yadav, D. Raja and Kanhaiya Kumar.

Kumar, who was targeted for allegedly raising anti-national slogans in JNU few years ago, said, “I am called the leader of tukde-tukde gang. I take it as an honour.”

“Hatred for the JNU is not hatred for a university or ideology, but the thought as how a country should be,” Kanhaiya. “The government is making a mistake. They have chosen an enemy that is intelligent and studies,” he remarked.

The 34-year-old actor is in the capital to promote her upcoming release, Meghna Gulzar-directed ‘Chhapaak’. Padukone said she feels proud that people have come out and raised their voice without fear, in reference to the protests against the amended Citizenship Act, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and violence in JNU.

“I feel proud to see that we aren’t scared to express ourselves… I think the fact that we are thinking about the country and its future…. Whatever may be our point of view, it’s nice to see,” she had said.

“I feel proud about it that people are coming out — be it on the streets or wherever they are — they are raising their voice and expressing themselves as it is important. If we want to see change in life and society, it is important that a point of view be put forward,” she added.

The Padmaavat star’s solidarity and visit in support of the JNU students in Delhi instantly triggered calls by the ruling BJP to boycott her movies.

Students Across India Join Protests Against ‘Hindu Rashtra’

January 9, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, India, Politics 0

Along with numerous premier Universities across India, Delhi University’s premier college, St Stephens, joined the nationwide stir in university campuses against the Citizenship Amendment Act, the National Register of Citizens and the National Population Register.

According to a post, students and faculty members in large numbers came together on Monday to discuss and plan “long term resistance” to the CAA, NRC and NPR. “Of utmost importance is to realize that the approval of these provisions aren’t isolated actions but steps towards the Sangh’s vision of a Hindu Rashtra,” the post said denouncing in words what is usually said by Opposition parties.

“The abrogation of Article 370 in August and the internet suspension in Kashmir is not to be forgotten either; Kashmiris continue to face innumerable human rights violations and suspension of civil rights,” it added.

“Further, we must keep in mind the condition of the working class of the country who continue to suffer the consequences of a negligent government that doesn’t care about fixing rampant unemployment and poverty,” St Stephens’ students and faculty said, criticizing the economic policies of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

“Government is committed to distracting the populace from the economic crisis it has created and is now abjectly failing to deal with; the students and professors of St Stephens will not stand by and tolerate the marginalisation of the people’s real needs and interests,” the post said, blaming the Modi government for trying to distract from the economic woes facing the country.

“The unleashing of unabashed terror in universities like JNU, Jamia and AMU and the passing of divisive legislation like CAA seeks to destroy the secular character of India and the right to dissent that is intrinsic to any genuine democracy. The exercise of this right is an intrinsic aspect of university campuses. We wholeheartedly the necessity of dissent on campuses and refuse to allow its dilution in the face of fascist violence running riot in the country today,” the post said affirming the right to dissent in campuses and slamming “fascist tendencies”

U.S. Indian Groups Call for Sanctions on Home Minister of India Over New Anti-Muslim Citizenship Law, Human Rights Abuses

January 9, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, India, Politics 0

A coalition of Indian-American and American civil society, civil and human rights organizations today held a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., calling for U.S. sanctions on Home Minister of India in response to that country adopting the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) – a law that discriminates against India’s religious minorities and could categorize India’s 200 million Muslims and others as non-citizens as illegal aliens.

Organizations participating in the news conference included:

Indian American Muslim Council

International Society for Peace and Justice

Islamic Circle of North America Council for Social Justice

Council on American-Islamic Relations

Council on Minority Rights in India

Emgage

Justice For All

Baltimore County Muslim Council

During the news conference, coalition members urged President Trump, the Department of State and members of Congress to reject the human rights violations and the discriminatory laws being passed in India and take the following actions:

Formally request the Indian government to revoke the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), as it violates India’s international obligations to prevent deprivation of citizenship based on race, religion, color, descent, national or ethnic origin as found in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and other human rights treaties.

Sanction India’s Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP) Yogi Adityanath, in light of their blatant violations of human rights, as per the recommendations of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. The commission previously stated should the CAA pass, the US government “should consider sanctions against the home minister and other principal leadership.”

Summon the Indian Ambassador and Foreign Minister of India to meet with President Trump and Secretary of State Pompeo to address the human rights violations taking place in India and remind them of their nation’s international obligations.

Carry out a U.S. State Department inquiry and report into accounts of law enforcement-led violence against anti-CAA protesters and the more than 20 confirmed deaths of protesters. The U.S. should demand that India comply with the United Nations’ Basic Principles on the use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.

The coalition also called on India to:

Release all student protesters arrested for opposing CAA in UP, Delhi and other states.
Release protesters who were not involved in any unlawful acts
Arrest and remove from duty and prosecute police officers guilty of human rights violations against anti-CAA protesters
Remove Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from office for his direct involvement in the police brutalities directed against the protesters.

BACKGROUND:

On December 10, the government of India passed the CAA, which legalized the granting of citizenship based on religion and specifically excluded Muslims from obtaining citizenship. India also is planning to implement a pan-India citizen verification process known as the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The combination of CAA and NRC would give the Indian Government legal grounds to declare Indian Muslims as non-citizens.

Since enactment of CCA, dozens of Indian protesters have been killed by police firing into crowds of unarmed anti-CAA protesters, and hundreds of others were injured. In Uttar Pradesh, state police under the administration of Modi’s extremist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have violently attacked students at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University. The Indian government has also banned protests and cut internet in parts of the nation’s capital Delhi and throughout the states of Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.

Gujarati Christians hold Christmas celebrations in New Jersey

January 9, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

Indian-Americans originally from Gujarat who follow the Catholic faith held a rousing Christmas celebration Dec. 28, 2029, at the Holy Savior Academy of Sacred Heart Church in South Plainfield, N.J.

Scores of people attended the annual event which for the first time, was organized by the Youth Wing of Gujarati Catholic Samaj of USA, according to Irena, one of the youth organizers, who spoke to ITV Gold.

The event was “packed with performances” dinner time karaoke and Garba performances by several groups, and with a live band. The singer at the event was Prakash Parmar, who told ITV Gold, he had been performing at the Gujarati Catholic Samaj Christmas event for the last 3 years.

Gujarati Catholic Samaj of USA has been organizing the annual Christmas celebration since it’s was formed in 2010.

“The festivity and tradition continues at the eve of our 10th anniversary with new, fresh, energetic youth leadership. We are so pleased and very much proud of our youth wing who has taken up the responsibilities to arrange and manage the whole event,” the GCS of USA said on its website. Among the guests present at the event was Father Andrew Nisari, Father John Alvarado, as well as Sisters Chetna and Anjana.

Father Nisari noted how Gujarati Catholics from near and far had come to celebrate the birth of Jesus. He thanked the organizers and wished everyone a \Merry Christmas and a New Year full of promise, in his interview with ITV Gold.

Father Alvarado evoked biblical scenes to make his point about the joyful occasion. Sister Chetna, speaking to ITV Gold, gave her blessings to those present and wished all a happy new year. Sister Anjana said it was her first time at the celebration, and that she was happy at being with her own community.

The mission and vision of the GCS of USA, a non-profit organization, is “to bring our community together to unite, preserve and propagate and grow the rich cultural heritage of Gujarati Catholics in the world,” the website says. In the U.S. the organization strives to bring together Gujarati Catholics with a view to providing “a forum for social, religious, cultural, educational, economical and charitable interaction among its members, of this great, blessed and adopted country… The United States of America.”

The GCS of USA organizes various programs, events, educational fundraising activities, and education developmental projects for the community, including social events, annual celebrations, entertainment, seminars on social awareness, religious awareness, and to stay connected to families, relatives and friends back home in Gujarat, the organization says.

GOPIO-CT HOSTS YOUTH AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ANNUAL MEETING

January 2, 2020 Staff ReporterBusiness, Community, Youth 0

Indian American High School students from Southern Connecticut joined young professionals at a networking luncheon event in Stamford on December 24^th. Organized by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin-Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Stamford,it was a house full event. GOPIO-CT has been organizing this event for the last twelve years. The program brings together an opportunity for the high school students to interact with college students and young professionals.

The program was put together by Dr. Beena Ramachandran, a teacher at Greenwich High School and who also teaches at University Connecticut Stamford Campus. The networking event started with greetings from GOPIO-CT youth leader Vedant Gannu followed by a formal welcome by GOPIO-CT’s newly elected President Ashok Nichani. The keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Rama Ramachandran, Chief Technology Officer at Black Diamond Capital, a $12 billion financial services firm in Greenwich, CT. At Black Diamond, Rama is responsible for all Technology initiatives.

GOPIO-CT HOSTS YOUTH AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ANNUAL MEETING — Speakers and panelists at the seminar session organized GOPIO-CT at the Youth and
Young Professionals Interactive Session. From l. to r. GOPIO-CT President Ashok Nichani, Curren
Iyer, Serena Iyer, Rama Ramachandran, Anand Chavan, Nami Kaur and organizer and Moderator
Beena Ramachandran

Rama has over 25+ years of experience in the Financial Services Industry and has authored several books on computer science. He has also spoken at several industry conferences and been on panels. He teaches Math and Statistics for the MBA Program at Uconn Stamford.

As the keynote speaker, Mr. Ramachandran gave the audience an overview of the world of finance and how technology permeates every aspect of it. He provided insights into what companies look for when choosing candidates for jobs in finance. He also gave tips on how to network and what resources to use. Finally, he laid out 7 life skills that students need to learn and master in college – chief among them being time management, teamwork and collaboration.

The first panelist was Anand Chavan, Founder and CEO of GuardX, a profitable company running for 4 years. Mr. Chavan has 18+ years of industry experience in multiple software development, technology leadership, strategist role with Amaranth, UBS, Citi, Credit Suisse, JP Morgan & Bear Stearns.

Mr. Chavan described his career trajectory and how he ended up being an entrepreneur. He stressed that one should find what one is good at and stick with it. He finished by saying that the coming years are the best for someone deciding to start a company with a good idea.

The second panelist was Ms. Nami Kaur, a former Analyst Relations Manager at IBM in Marketing and Public Relations. She currently volunteers for GOPIO international and Children’s Hope in India.

Ms. Kaur explained how, over the years, she has reinvented herself by going back to school several times and updating her skills and education. She stressed on the importance of contributing back to society as a way of moving forward in life.

A third panelist, Ms. Serena Iyer, a Sr. Manager in Strategy & Operations at Dreamworks Animation, recounted her life-path and how she ended up at Dreamworks after Goldman Sachs & an MBA from Harvard Business School. Some of the advice Serena gave to students were: Be good to everybody – above and below you in the company. You never know when you will need them. She also said you should form a good support group of friends so you can lean on them during times of stress.

The last panelist, Mr. Curren Iyer, is a Multi-Solution Consultant at Adobe who graduated from Harvard College. Mr. Iyer said students get hired because of their skill set and not because they went to a good school.

“Also, if you don’t get into your dream school during your undergrad years you can always try again for your Masters degree,” Cuirren added.

The program ended with GOPIO-CT Advisor and Trustee Dr. Thomas Abraham calling on youth and young professionals to get involved in various activities including volunteering at the soup kitchen with GOPIO-CT sponsors seven times in a year and other social service activities. Lunch was served after the seminar and panel discussion where the participants had opportunity to network. GOPIO-CT plans more such program for the youth and young professionals.

Over the last 13 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of PIOs through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.

Anil Bansal Elected President of FIA of NJ NJ CT

January 2, 2020 Staff ReporterBusiness, Community 0

The annual general body meeting of the Federation of Indian Associations (Tri-State) was held on Tuesday December 17th, 2019 at TV Asia Auditorium, Edison, NJ. The Agenda includes the overall performance and activities of FIA during the year 2019 including various reporting as well as to announce the election results and elect the new executive committee for the year 2020.

Alok Kumar, 2019 President along with his executive committee commended the support he was bestowed by the committee, sponsors, and supporters to make 2019 a remarkable year for FIA. Kumar announced the 28-community focused and community assisting programs and events held under his Presidency and how it had an impact as much on him as it did for the community. Kumar also thanked BJANA, who played a pivotal role in strengthening his resolve to deliver a stellar year for FIA and for the community. Kumar welcomed the President-Elect Anil Bansal who will take oath in the upcoming Republic day festivities AKA Dance Pe Chance which FIA is set to hold on Saturday, 25^th Jan 2020. The colorful event is a cultural dance competition held annually for the past 36 years that provides a platform for the new generation of Americans of Indian origin to showcase their cultural talent. The event has seen approx. 18000 children participation over the 3 decades and counting; This year there will be a bigger venue, the War Memorial Theater in Trenton NJ.

Anil Bansal Elected President of FIA of NJ NJ CT

FIA’s Election Committee comprising of Election Chair Jayesh Patel along with Trustees Dipak Patel and Yash Paul Soi collectively announced the election results For FIA NY NJ CT for the fiscal year 2020 It is Anil Bansal-President – Himanshu Bhatia-Executive Vice President – Saurin Parikh – Vice President – Praveen Bansal – General Secretary – Mardavi Patel – Joint Secretary – Amit Ringasia – Treasurer and Immediate Past President Alok Kumar will continue to be part of the executive team.

Incoming President Anil Bansal, a founder and Executive Chairman of Indus American Bank is an active and distinguished community leader, an active philanthropist thru his Bansal Charitable Foundation which provides financial support to a multitude of non-profits in the USA and a very successful entrepreneur with real estate holdings across the USA. Bansal also holds a significant portfolio of investments in the IT industry including having had investments in the F&B and hospitality industry. Bansal has been an integral part of the diaspora and FIA serving in various roles and after a two-year hiatus to spend time with his grandchildren, has now returned to serve the community again by holding the top spot in the soon to be 50 years old FIA. Bansal a graduate from IIT Kanpur India holds multiple residences with his primary residence being in NJ. Bansal in his role as the FIA President will be supported by his wife Kumud and two married and well-settled children. Bansal expressed his gratitude and assured the crowd in attendance that FIA will span uncharted altitudes with the milestone year under his leadership and will include a jamboree of festivities while continuing the active role of service to the diaspora.

Ramesh Patel, Chairman of BOT congratulated the 2019 FIA team for a wonderful parade and praised FIA’s significant social activities performed that positively impacted the Indian community during the past year and welcomed the incoming 2020 committee who will carry the responsibility of the community engagements initiatives and festivities which comes with significant time and resource consumption.

FIA is the oldest and largest nonprofit grassroots umbrella organization comprising of diversified Indian Associations and serves as the mouthpiece of the Indian diaspora while engaging in initiatives and activates to promote the culture and objectives of the diaspora along with tackling community issues.

Contact: info@fianynjct.org OR visit www.fianynjct.org

JENIFER RAJKUMAR PLEDGES 10% OF ASSEMBLY CAMPAIGN’S TIME TO COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS IN OVERLOOKED QUEENS DISTRICT

January 2, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Community service event and campaign announcement to take place at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens

Jenifer Rajkumar has pledged that 10% of her campaign’s time will be devoted to community service projects in her district in South Queens. Rajkumar, a lawyer, professor at CUNY, and former New York State Government Official, is running for the 38th Assembly District seat in Southern Queens.

JENIFER RAJKUMAR PLEDGES 10% OF ASSEMBLY CAMPAIGN’S TIME TO COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS IN OVERLOOKED QUEENS DISTRICT

“My home in South Queens embodies the American Dream. It is filled with hardworking people including immigrant communities that make up 72% of the district,” said Rajkumar, “In today’s corrupt political climate, it is important we remember that politics at its best is community service. I pledge that 10% of my campaign’s time will be devoted to community service projects in my district. We deserve a true leader, not one who simply represents, but one who also serves. As Aristotle himself expressed, politics is the practice of virtue. We need to bring sacredness and honor back to public service and it starts with uplifting the overlooked and undeserrved residents of South Queens.”

Rajkumar is holding a community service event at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens. It will be a holiday party providing food and supplies for underserved teenagers. Members of the press are invited to the event for her campaign’s official community service pledge and announcement:

Location: Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens

110-04 Atlantic Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11419

Time: Friday, December 20th, 5:30pm to 7pm

Press Conference announcement to start at 6pm.

Jenifer Rajkumar is a lawyer, professor, and former New York State Government Official where she built the first-in-the-nation state project to provide lawyers to indigent immigrants. She is a graduate of Stanford Law School and the Unversity of Pennsylvania and was selected for the New York Metro Super Lawyers Rising Stars List, an honor bestowed upon no more than 2.5% of laywers in New York State. In 2017, The Queens Tribune Awarded her its Glass Ceiling Award and The Queens Courier named her a Rising Star. If elected, Rajkumar will make history as the first South Asian ever elected to the State Assembly.

www.jeniferforny.com

Press Contact:

Arvind Sooknanan

sooknanan125@gmail.com

(347) 935-5192

Indian Americans in CT Celebrate Christmas: Commit to Help Homes Destroyed by Floods

January 2, 2020 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Finance/Economy 0

The Indian American community here in the US has brought with them some of the traditions they have cherished back home in India. Christmas has now become associated with sharing of gifts, parties and caroling.

Continuing with the tradition of singing Carols and spreading the message of Christmas around the community, members of Our Lady of Assumption Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission in Norwalk CT went around the houses across the southern Connecticut, singing Christmas carols and bringing in the joy of Christmas and sharing blessings with members and families and friends of the newly formed Catholic Church in Fairfield County during the weekends in December 2019.The caroling began with the carol, ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’

Wilson Pottackal and Jojo Thomas, leaders of the Church community informed this writer that the money contributed by the families during the carols will be used to build houses in Kerala, where the floods and the rain have destroyed tens of thousands of homes in the past year. Mr. Wilson also pointed out that last year they had identified and helped build rebuild at least two homes in Kerala last year. He hopes to continue the tradition in the coming years with the generosity of the Indian American community in the state of Connecticut.

Meanwhile, Trumbull Party Timers, a group of families in the Trumbull region shared the joyous Christmas blessings with children leading the Carol singing in each house in the region. “It was fun and while we had a good time we are glad we are able to share with one another the spirit of Christmas; Love, Joy, Peace, and Sharing,” said the youth who were the lead carolers of the group.

Christmas is a season of praise and thanksgiving for the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, which begins with Christmas Eve (December 24 after sundown) or Day and continues through the Day of Epiphany. The name Christmas comes from the season’s first service, the Christ Mass. Epiphany comes from the Greek word epiphania, which means “manifestation,” when Christ made known to the world as the Savior when Three Kings/Magi visited Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of “Merry Christmas” to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas?

Prof. Joseph M. Chalil To Be Chairman, Board of Directors of IAPC

December 29, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

(New York, NY: December 17, 2019) Prof. Joseph M. Chalil, MD, MBA, FACHE, Cofounder and Publisher of The Universal News Network, www.theunn.com, has been selected to be the Chairman, Board of Directors of Indo-American Press Club (IAPC), the largest ethnic Indian American media forum, formed to provide a common platform and to be the voice for media personnel of Indian origin, and to help shape the world to be world that is fair, just and equitable for the all today and future generations.

Dr. Chalil, an author of several scientific and research papers in international publications, is the Chairman of Healthcare Advisory Board and an Adjunct Professor at H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University in Florida and a member of the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (NSU MD) Executive Leadership Council, in Florida.

Prof. Joseph M. Chalil To Be Chairman, Board of Directors of IAPC

Formerly, a Physician Executive at Boehringer Ingelheim and a veteran of the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, Dr. Chalil is board certified in healthcare management, and has been awarded Fellowship by the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of more than 40,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations.

Dr. Chalil is also the Chairman of Global Clinical Research and Trial Network of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) the second largest physician organization in the US second only to American Medical Association (AMA) and has served as a Scientific Advisor to AAPI for the past several years.

Dr. Chalil holds several US Patents, and his research includes Clinical Trial Management in Cystic Fibrosis, Food Allergy, Multiple Myeloma, and is the author of several publications. A Visiting Professor at various universities and board member of various companies, Dr. Chalil is an expert in US Healthcare policy and a strong advocate for patient centered care.

A recipient of the prestigious AAPI National Presidential Awards in 2015 and 2013 AAPI New York President’s Award, Dr. Chalil was recognized and honored with the 2013 Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award. The American Association of Cardiologists of Indian Origin (AACIO) honored Dr. Chalil for his achievements in the field of Cardiology in 2013. He was the Boehringer Ingelheim President’s Club winner for 2011 & 2014.

After completing his studies in India, Dr. Chalil immigrated to the United States, and had his higher studies in Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Davenport University, and JJM Medical College.

Dr. Chalil will serve as the Chairman of BOD, IPAC for the years 2020-2021 for a two year term, leading the organization to newer heights. IAPC was formed with the lofty goal of realizing a long-felt need to bring together the media groups and the Indian American media persons across the United States under one umbrella to work together and support one another, and thus giving them a powerful voice in the media world and the larger society. IAPC members are dedicated to fulfill the vision of enhancing their own journalistic skills while striving to help fellow journalists and future generations to work towards the common cause of enhancing the wellbeing and efficiency of all peoples of the world. For more information, please visit: https://indoamericanpressclub.com/

Greta Thunberg Is TIME Person of the Year

December 29, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Environment, Social Media 0

Greta Thunberg, 16, a Swedish climate crisis activist, has been chosen by TIME as person of the year. Thunberg is the youngest individual to be recognized for this honor that has recognized the mighty and most influential people in the world for over a century.

“I could never have imagined anything like that happening,” Ms. Thunberg said, adding that she was “surprised” by the news.

Although she said she was “grateful” for it, she said the honor should be shared with others taking action against climate change. “It should be everyone in the Fridays for Future movement because what we have done, we have done together,” she said.

The activist’s rise started in August 2018, when she skipped school to protest climate change outside the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm, where she grew up. Since then, she has become an international fixture, speaking before the United Nations and meeting with numerous heads of state as well as the pope.

Greta Thunberg Is TIME Person of the Year

Thunberg gained international attention for excoriating world leaders for their inaction in the climate crisis in a viral speech she made at the UN Climate Action Summit in September. She criticized world leaders again at the COP25 conference last week.

“Thunberg has become the biggest voice on the biggest issue facing the planet—and the avatar of a broader generational shift in our culture that is playing out everywhere from the campuses of Hong Kong to the halls of Congress in Washington,” Time editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal wrote.

Thunberg has become a leading face of a movement that has inspired millions of other children in at least 100 countries to argue passionately for action against climate change.

Each year, TIME magazine features the most influential person, group, movement or idea of the previous 12 months. Last year, it was “The Guardians,” a group of journalists who have been targeted or assaulted for their work. In 2017, it was “The Silence Breakers,” the group of people who came forward to report sexual misconduct.

This marks the third year in a row in which Time has named a person who was not a world leader. President Donald Trump was Person of the Year in 2016 and Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel was recognized the year before that. The magazine has also featured unpopular figures like Adolf Hitler, Ayatollah Khomeini and Joseph Stalin as Person of the Year.

“We describe it as the person who influenced the years’ events most, for better or for worse. But I really think of it as Time is about the people and ideas that shape the world and Person of the Year is about the people who shaped the year,” Felsenthal told the media. “She was a solo protestor with a hand-painted sign 14 months ago. She’s now led millions of people around the world, 150 countries, to act on behalf of the planet,” Felsenthal said.

Time also announced winners of four new categories. Athlete of the year is the US women’s soccer team, entertainer of the year is Lizzo and business person of the year is Disney CEO Bob Iger.

After recognizing “The Guardians” last year, Time created a new category to recognize a different group of “Guardians” — those who took to the stand and risked their careers in the defense of the rule of law. The public servants in this category include the whistleblower, Marie Yovanovitch, Ambassador William Taylor, Fiona Hill, Lieut. Colonel Alexander Vindman and Mark Sandy.

Time chose to select category winners instead of recognizing runner-ups in part because the magazine is now independently owned and no longer a part of a conglomerate, Felsenthal told CNN Business. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife Lynne Benioff bought Time Magazine from Meredith Corp last year.

Thunberg’s moment comes just as urgent scientific reality collides with global political uncertainty. Each year that we dump more carbon into the atmosphere, the planet grows nearer to a point of no return, where life on earth as we know it will change unalterably. Scientifically, the planet can’t afford another setback; politically, this may be our best chance to make sweeping change before it’s too late.

Greta’s mother Malena Ernman is a leading Swedish opera singer. Her father Svante Thunberg is distantly related to Svante Arrhenius, a Nobel Prize–winning chemist who studied how carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases the temperature on the earth’s surface.

More than a century after that science became known, Thunberg’s primary-school teacher showed a video of its effects: starving polar bears, extreme weather and flooding. The teacher explained that it was all happening because of climate change. Afterward the entire class felt glum, but the other kids were able to move on. Thunberg couldn’t.

She began to feel extremely alone. She was 11 years old when she fell into a deep depression. For months, she stopped speaking almost entirely, and ate so little that she was nearly hospitalized; that period of malnutrition would later stunt her growth. Her parents took time off work to nurse her through what her father remembers as a period of “endless sadness,” and Thunberg herself recalls feeling confused.

“I couldn’t understand how that could exist, that existential threat, and yet we didn’t prioritize it,” she says. “I was maybe in a bit of denial, like, ‘That can’t be happening, because if that were happening, then the politicians would be taking care of it.’”

In September, she arrived in New York after a 15-day sail across the Atlantic on an emissions-free yacht ahead of her speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit. She set sail again in November for Spain for the 25th United Nations Climate Change conference. “I decided to sail to highlight the fact that you can’t live sustainably in today’s society,” Thunberg told the media by phone before leaving the country. “You have to go to the extreme.”

Describing her journey on the boat across the ocean, TIME wrote: “For a moment, it’s as if Thunberg were the eye of a hurricane, a pool of resolve at the center of swirling chaos. In here, she speaks quietly. Out there, the entire natural world seems to amplify her small voice, screaming along with her.”

“We can’t just continue living as if there was no tomorrow, because there is a tomorrow,” she was quoted as saying during her 15-day sail, tugging on the sleeve of her blue sweatshirt. “That is all we are saying.”

The politics of climate action are as entrenched and complex as the phenomenon itself, and Thunberg has no magic solution. But she has succeeded in creating a global attitudinal shift, transforming millions of vague, middle-of-the-night anxieties into a worldwide movement calling for urgent change.

She has offered a moral clarion call to those who are willing to act, and hurled shame on those who are not. She has persuaded leaders, from mayors to Presidents, to make commitments where they had previously fumbled: after she spoke to Parliament and demonstrated with the British environmental group Extinction Rebellion, the U.K. passed a law requiring that the country eliminate its carbon footprint.

She has focused the world’s attention on environmental injustices that young indigenous activists have been protesting for years. Because of her, hundreds of thousands of teenage “Gretas,” from Lebanon to Liberia, have skipped school to lead their peers in climate strikes around the world.

Thunberg is known for expressing her anger and dismay with adults who are not, shall we say, on the same page. “Adults keep saying, ‘We owe it to the young people to give them hope,’” Ms. Thunberg said in January at the World Economic Forum. “But I don’t want your hope. I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. And then I want you to act.”

Ginsmon P. Zacharia Elected Chairman of Board of Trustees, India Catholic Association of America

December 29, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

New York: Ginsmon P. Zacharia has been unanimously elected to be the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the India Catholic Association of America, during the elections held at the Tyson Center in Floral Park, New York on December 1st, 2019.

The India Catholic Association, one of the oldest Indian organizations in the United States, is an umbrella organization that includes the Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara, Knanaya, and Latin Catholics Rites, representing the interests of the Catholics of Indian Origin living in the United States.

Having an active registered membership of 2,000 families, the Association has been instrumental in providing spiritual leadership to the early Christian Malayalee immigrant community in America. When the churches became more influential and as dioceses were established, the activities of the India Catholic Association had slowed down.

Over the past few years, a new generation of leadership has emerged, who recognized the need for an all-inclusive group that encompassed all sections of the Catholic Church and has intensified the activities of the Association. Ginsmon P. Zacharia, the president-elect in 2014, led that campaign for the movement, and he was subsequently elected to the Board of Trustees in 2017.

As a journalist and media entrepreneur, Ginsmon is well-known to the Indian American community in the United States. He has been active in the media industry for nearly two decades and has led various organizations.

Ginsmon is the founder of Indo-American Press Club (IAPC), the largest organization of Indian origin journalists in North America, and served as the chairman from 2014 to 2016. He is the Managing Director of Global Reporter TV, Chief Editor of Jaihind Vartha, the most popular Malayalam newspaper, and as is the publisher of Aksharam and The Asian Era. In addition, he also serves as a media consultant for the South Asian Times-the largest English newspaper for Indians, published from New York. He has received numerous awards in recognition of his work and leadership, including the Media Excellence Award from The Kerala Center in New York.

Ginsmon P. Zacharia has served as the head of several organizations in the United States and Europe. Prior to immigrating to the United States, he was the first GeneralSsecretary of the Liverpool Malayalee Cultural Association in England. He worked for the European edition of the Deepika newspaper and was the Director of Jaihind TV USA.

He served as the General Secretary of Indo-American Lawyers Forum, Secretary of Indo-American Malayali Chamber of Commerce and Joint Secretary of Kerala Samajam of Greater New York.

Ginsmon hails from Thodupuzha, Kerala and holds a degree in Law from the University of Bangalore and a Master’s Degree in Business Management. He currently lives in New York with his wife Siji Augustine and their children Andrew, Briona, and Ethen.

Dr. Zach P. Zachariah appointed to the NIH’s Advisory Council

December 29, 2019 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Dr. Zach P. Zachariah of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, considered one of the nation’s leading cardiologists, has been appointed to the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Advisory Council by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar.

“I am glad to have been appointed to this important council once again, and I hope to bring my experience and expertise to the table in terms of helping to fulfil the priorities of the council and to help alleviate the rising incidence of heart, lung and blood diseases and also to advise on the disbursement of funds for research and training grants,” he told the media.

In August, Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Zachariah to the Florida Board of Medicine, thus earning him the distinction of being appointed to this board by every Republican governor since the late 1980’s.

One of most influential Indian American Republicans, Dr. Zachariah has been a longtime friend of the Bush family and served in the same NIH advisory council from 1990 to 1993, during the tenure of President George H. W. Bush. He also served as a member of the President’s advisory commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders appointed by President George W. Bush in 2001 and had served as a member of the U.S. delegation to the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dr. Zachariah is the Medical Director of UHealth Cardiology, Fort Lauderdale and on the Clinical Faculty of the University of Miami. He also is the President of Fort Lauderdale Heart Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He has been practicing interventional Cardiology at Holy Cross Hospital since 1976 and as its Director of Cardiovascular services till 2010.

He serves on the executive committee of the Board of Trustees of Nova Southeastern University. He is a member of the Council of 100 and serves as a member of the National Board of ExcelinED in action. He had served on the Florida Board of Governors of the State University system from 2003 to 2010 and as its chairman of the Trustee Committee.

He has also served on the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health. He also served as Chairman of the Florida Board of Medicine from 1990-1992, 2000-2001 and 2013-2014.

Dr. Zachariah is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology and specializes in cardiology, cardiac catheterization, and interventional cardiology and has performed more than 30,000 heart catheterizations and interventional procedures in Broward County. He has also co-authored several scientific papers, and participated in various clinical trials.

He received his medical degree from the Armed Forces Medical College in India, and then completed his residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey. He also completed a fellowship in interventional cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic Educational Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio.

Among the awards Zachariah has received include the Ellis Island American Legend Award, the Child Advocate of the Year Award, Father of the Year Award, Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope, the Golden Heart Award from the American Heart Association, Freedom Foundation Medal of Honor from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the Sister Innocent Hughes Award for his contribution to health and science by Holy Cross Hospital.

New Study Reveals Prevalence of Diabetes is 23% Among South Asians in U.S.

December 29, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Health 0

AAPI and AACIO to collaborate on diabetes and cardiovascular disease education

(Chicago, IL: December 23^rd, 2019) Important research regarding South Asian cardiometabolic disease was published in JAMA on December 20, 2019 by Cheng YJ, Kanaya AM, Araneta MRG, et al entitled “Prevalence of Diabetes by Race and Ethnicity in the United States, 2011-2016.”(1) The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) together with the American Association of Cardiologists of Indian Origin (AACIO) jointly acknowledge that the data generated by these authors has far-reaching implications for the South Asian community with respect to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In the above study, diabetes prevalence (diagnosed and undiagnosed) was found to be 12.1% for non-Hispanic whites and 23.3% for South Asians. “The 23% reflects a critical need for aggressive action towards better prevention and management of diabetes along with the accompanying cardiovascular risk” stated Dr. Kamini Trivedi, a family physician, lipidologist, and honorary Board Member of AACIO.

In addition, Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, Executive Director of Interventional Cardiovascular Services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School stated, “These valuable data demonstrate the incredibly high, vastly underappreciated burden of diabetes among South Asians. Particularly distressing is how many South Asians have diabetes without even knowing it. This phenomenon is surely fueling the cardiovascular epidemic among South Asians.” Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., spending over $500 billion on cardiovascular disease each year.(2, 3)

AAPI and AACIO are medical societies together comprised of several tens of thousands of physicians of Indian origin in the U.S. who provide care to patients of all ethnicities and diverse backgrounds. Physicians who are engaged with these two medical societies are particularly passionate about diabetes given that diabetes and premature cardiovascular disease so often impact their extended family and friends.

AAPI and AACIO immediately held a joint meeting the same day that the study results were unveiled, reflecting the urgency. Dr. Brahma Sharma, a prominent cardiologist affiliated with VA University of Pittsburgh and serving as the Chair of the AAPI Ad Hoc Committee on South Asian Cardiovascular Disease, led the meeting in which Dr. Trivedi and Dr. Bhatt participated alongside the current President of AAPI, Dr. Suresh Reddy, a neuroradiologist. Dr. Navin Nanda, MD, DSc (Hon), Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and an internationally renowned cardiologist, Dr. Hanumant K. Reddy, current President of AACIO, and Dr. Vishal Gupta, President-Elect of AACIO, have offered their leadership on behalf of AACIO in conjunction with AAPI’s leadership towards addressing these challenges. Dr Nanda, who is past President and incorporator of AAPI as well as the Founding President of AACIO pointed out that the results of the study are similar to those conducted by Dr. Naresh Parikh and him in the Atlanta area in 2004 which also showed, for the first time, a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus in South Asians living in the USA, 18.3% overall with 22.5% in men and 13.6% in women.(4)

The JAMA paper along with CDC’s press release (5) on this paper were discussed at the joint AACIO-AAPI leadership meeting. AAPI and AACIO conducted preliminary brainstorming on strategy and will now work with increased collaboration to educate both physicians and the U.S. South Asian community. Education about lifestyle modification, including culturally appropriate nutrition and physical activity, along with guideline recommended medical therapy will be the foundation of educational efforts.

Dr. Suresh Reddy on behalf of AAPI stated, “We have the talent, skills, strength, and the commitment. Let’s put them to work and help our community.” Dr. Sharma expressed that the authors of this JAMA study deserve high praise. The joint efforts of AAPI and AACIO will require a coming together of various stakeholders who are leading valuable efforts on South Asian diabetes and cardiovascular disease. AAPI and AACIO would like to amplify their various efforts and welcome collaboration. Physicians as well as other interested stakeholders who are interested in joining and shaping the collaborations with AAPI and AACIO should contact Vijaya Kodali at Vkodali@aapiusa.org.

References

Cheng YJ, Kanaya AM, Araneta MRG, et al. Prevalence of Diabetes by Race and Ethnicity in the United States, 2011-2016. JAMA. 2019;322(24):2389–2398. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.19365.
American Heart Association. 2018. Disease and Stroke Statistics-2018 Update.
American Heart Association. 2017. Cardiovascular Disease: A Costly Burden for America Projections Through 2035.
Venkataraman R, Nanda NC, Baweja G , et al. Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Related Conditions in Asian Indians Living in the United States. Am J Cardiol 2004;94:977–980.
CDC press release: CDC Releases First National Estimates on Diabetes within Hispanic and Asian Populations in the US – Demographic breakdown identifies specific groups at higher risk of diabetes. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/p1220-diabetes-estimate.html.

INANY CONDUCTS COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR IN NEW YORK

December 29, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Health 0

By Paul D Panakal

As part of its commitment to provide service to the community and the society in general, Indian Nursing Association conducted a Community Health Fair in Floral Park, NY. The event was collaborated by FOKANA and KCNA community organizations and supported by Northwell Health, one of the largest healthcare network in the United States. The event was made possible by expert cardiologists, specialty Nurse Practitioners, Physical Therapists, experienced nurses and other experts in their relevant fields.

The South Asian population are found to be at higher risk for heart diseases and suffer premature heart attacks than any ethnic groups. More South Asians die at younger age with heart attack than others. They are also at greatest risk for insulin resistant type 2 diabetes despite their body weight among all ethnic groups.

In this context there is heightened feelings of responsibility among healthcare organizations and professionals to take steps to increase awareness to mitigate the risk in the South Asian community. Indian Nurses Association of New York (INANY) initiated this Health Fair with the goal of reaching out to the community to provide a comprehensive health screening and education which included screening, assessment and education to increase awareness for leading a mindful life.

The four-hour long event at Tyson Center in Floral Park, NY was attended by roughly hundred people. Professional staff from Northshore Health, the largest healthcare network in New York state administered flu shot to those that did not get it this year. At the physical therapy booth, people enjoyed the fun-filled hands on learning activities with the therapists from Marathon Physical Therapy which included technics for balancing, muscle strengthening, neuro-motor coordination and so on. Dr. Srihari Naidu, a well-known cardiologist and his physician wife conducted cardiac screening, electrocardiogram and provided heart-health education. Several people were able to undergo diabetes diagnostic screening known as Hemoglobin A1c and educated on metabolic problems, complications of diabetes, and health maintenance through diet management. The soothing aromatic air in and around the wellness promotion booth invited the attendees to get learn about coping mechanisms and relaxation technics to reduce every day stress. People learned that stress is part of daily life. Still, the impact of not managing stress would take a toll on our body and mind. Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation training to the public was another highlight of the event with the goal of preparing the public to save lives in emergencies.

The Education Committee of INANY under the chair of Dr. Anna George led the organization of this Community Health Fair. INANY represents and voices for the Indian nurses and nursing students in New York State. It has been providing support to the nurses through Continuing Education Conferences, job placements, tuition discounts for higher studies through relationship with universities and nursing scholarships in the United States and in India. Tara Shajan, its current president acknowledges the contributions of the strong and resourceful leadership team for its services.

AAPI’s Historic 2019 Expedition to Antarctica

December 16, 2019 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Education, Health, Tourism, Travel 0

Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI, who led AAPI's Expedition to Antarctica — Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI, who led AAPI’s Expedition to Antarctica

Several years of meticulous planning, discussions, and organization, came to fruition as 190 delegates of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Families and Friends from across the United States and India embarked on the Ocean Atlantic Ship operated by Albatros Expeditions on November 30th, 2019 from Ushuaia, the southernmost town on Earth in Argentina on a voyage to Antarctica, the seventh Continent, known as the Last Horizon on Earth.

The voyagers were welcomed on board by AAPI’s young and dynamic President, Dr. Suresh Reddy, who has been along with Dr. Vandana Agarwal, Chair of AAPI’ Cruise to Antarctica, working very hard, coordinating the efforts with Vinod Gupta from the Travel Agency, ATG Tours, the crew and leadership of the Cruise and the AAPI leaders and members with varied interests and ages ranging from 10 to 90, who had flown in from around the world for this once in a lifetime memorable and historic voyage to the White Continent.

The Ship carrying the sailors began its journey on November 30th, 2019 from the Ushuaia Sea Port with a prayer song to Lord Ganesh, chanted by Dr. Aarti Pandya from Atlanta, GA. Later in the evening, the voyagers sat down for a sit down dinner at the elegantly laid tables at the Restaurant with delicious Indian Cuisine, prepared by Herbert Baretto, a Chef from Goa, India, specially flown in to meet the diverse needs of the Indians who are now the exclusive Voyagers on Ocean Atlantic.

As the sun was still shining beyond midnight, members of the voyage were seen posing and taking pictures on board the ship with the background of the mighty ocean and the scenic mountains of Argentina at the background.

On December 1st morning, AAPI members were alerted to be mindful of the most turbulent Drake Passage, where the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean merge, through which our ship was now sailing with winds gusting through over 50 kms an hour from the south west. The rough with fast moving sea currents contributing to a turbulent weather, several voyagers took shelter in anti-nausea meds.

Throughout the day, there were special safety classes periodically, helping the voyagers on ways to navigate the zodiacs, the kayaks, the walks on the ice and snow once we reach our final destination. They were lectures on different aspects of wildlife on Antarctica, the species, especially the varieties of penguins, the mammals and the birds that inhabit the Continent. The participants were educated on the Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change and Impact, Whale Hunting, and many more relevant topics with scientific data by the Expedition Crew.

The evening was special for the voyagers as the Captain of the ship welcomed the delegates to the Ship and to the Expedition to Antarctica. He introduced his crew leaders to the loud applause from the delegates, as he toasted champagne for a safe and enjoyable journey to Antarctica.

On December 2nd morning, we woke up to milder weather and calmer ocean with the winds subsiding to about 20 kms an hour and ship sailing smoother with the temperatures below 7 degree Celsius. The crew on the ship described the sail to be the smoothest and the weather and wind conditions to be one of the calmest they have ever witnessed. However, the entire day was cloudy with the sun hiding behind the thick clouds upon the ocean.

After sailing across the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans and through the turbulent Drake Passage, and the South Ocean, finally, the day arrived for the Voyagers. The one they had been eagerly waiting for. On December 3rd, our ship, the Ocean Atlantic anchored on Danco Island, off the coast of the 7th Continent, Antarctica, officially discovered in 1820, although there is some controversy as to who sighted it first

The excitement of the voyagers had no bounds as they dressed up in their waterproof trousers, navy blue jackets, with hats and glosses and mufflers. They set out in groups marching off the Ship into the Zodiacs in tens in each Zodiac.

The wind and the ocean were calmer. The sun continued to hide behind the thick clouds. We headed off in Zodiacs to view icebergs, the glaciers, the land on a beach studded with penguins, as the Expedition Crew from the ship drove the AAPI delegates to the shore on the Danco Island, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, for the first time.

The glaciers, mighty mountains covered with pristine and shiny snow, the icebergs in multi-shapes and colors, floating on the Bay, made the Zodiac ride to the shore a memorable experience for each one.

As the voyagers walked to the shore on a narrow path on the soft snow surface, leading up to the snowcapped mountains, it was a dream come true for all. The fresh water melting from the glaciers and the ice and snow on the one side and on the other little rocks and mountains filled with snow, the Danco Island was picture perfect.

Penguins in small colonies of their own seemed unaffected by the voyagers landing onto the Penguin land. Hearing their unique and enchanting voices for the first time, as most of them sat steady, while a few walked from one end to the other, it was a scene everyone long dreamt to be part of, as it was another memorable experience in the life of everyone.

Penguin behavior is endlessly fascinating. We learnt that, in the Antarctic spring, hundreds of gentoo penguins as paraded before us, reestablishing their bonds, mating, staking their claims, and thievishly stealing stones from one another for their nests.

In the afternoon, after lunch and a lecture on the history of Antarctica, the Ocean Atlantic ship, travelling about 25 nautical miles, for the first time ever, landed on the Antarctic Continent as she reached the shores of Paradise Bay, a beautiful island, where the famous Brown Center, the Argentinian Research Station was located.

Trekking up the Hill on the snow and ice filled terrains, even as the serene and picturesque glaciers in vivid shapes and texture, it was mesmerizing and the Bay on either side, was breathtaking.

The following morning, the voyagers got onto the Zodiacs and sailed to Port Lockroy, a sheltered harbor with a secure anchorage on the Antarctic Peninsula since its discovery in 1904. The Port also is home to a Museum and a British Post Office, where the early visitors to the Continent lived and explored the wildlife of the last Horizon. The Museum has preserved the antiques used by the early voyagers, who are an important part in the history of Antarctica.

Bright sun light flashing on the Lamoy Point on our way south towards the northern peninsula of the White Continent greeted us all this morning on December 5th. The announcement over the microphone at 6.15 woke us all up, letting us know of the mild weather conditions with 7 degrees Celsius and 27 km s wind speed with bright sunny day was a welcome change from yesterday.

The wind made the waters of the Bay mildly rough as we set out from the ship. For the first time during the voyage, to the much delight of the AAPI delegates, the sun chose to come out from behind the clouds and shone brightly on the voyagers, making the snow shining and glowing with the rays of the sun filling the surface of the earth. It was delightful to see the Penguins close to the AAPI delegates, some of them walking beside them crossing their pathway.

Upon landing on the shore across from the tallest mountain on the Peninsula, Mount Frances with the height of 2,300 meters high, our zodiacs elegantly cruised through the calmer waters to the mountain range called the Princes and the Seven Dwarfs. We were fortunate to find penguins resting on ice floes, and sometimes had the opportunity to approach closely in Zodiacs for excellent photo ops.

The stunning views of the glaciers and the mountains, and the soft and shiny snow spread across the shore, led us all to the snowy hills, as we trekked to the top.

The opportunity of a lifetime for bird lovers, as we watched the blue eyed Antarctic terns, beautiful black-browed albatross, and other pelagic birds, including fulmars and petrels, nesting, resting, flying above us and trying to reach the bright blue skies. The wandering albatross, with the largest wingspan of any bird, is one of the many wildlife spectacles South Georgia affords.

We found ourselves at the top of the spectacular colony of penguins, and black-browed albatross. Brown Skuas flew over the colony while penguins, albatross, and shags took care of their eggs. We spend a good bit of time photographing the birds and generally taking in such wonderful experience and close views of the wildlife.

Colonies of penguins greeted us with their enchanting voices. We watched in awe as some of the tiny penguins walking up, from the bottom of the hill to the top, flapping their feathers occasionally.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mra97ZN-5gI&authuser=0

Many of us waited patiently to have an opportunity to view the eggs upon which the Penguins were sitting to hatch their eggs. Some were lucky to photograph a few couples mating while we were trying to figure out the male from female.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-rpNJSBgQk&authuser=0

Leaving the breath taking landscapes was not an easy choice as we were soon called to embark on the zodiac cruises and return to Ocean Atlantic, our ship, as she was patiently waiting to take us to the next destination of our expedition to the Last Horizon.

After a lunch Barbeque on Deck Seven of the Ship, the Ocean Atlantic took us through the beautiful Lemaire Channel on the Continent. Braving the cold and gusty winds, the voyagers got together for a group picture of the entire voyager group on Deck Eight of the ship, as they were awed by the beautiful glaciers, the mighty snow-caped mountains, and the floating ice bergs.

After journeying about five hours, we reached in the evening at the Melchiors Island, as the bright sun continued to shine upon us. During lunch and on way to the Island, the voyagers were thrilled to spot whales showing up their heads periodically.

The journey through the Bay was another memorable experience with the stunning landscape all along the route especially as the sun continued shine brightly on the snow peaked mountains turning the waters closer to the glaciers from blue to green. We had over an hour of Zodiac cruise exploring the sea life on the Antarctic’s South Ocean.

We climbed up to the top deck of the ship to have yet another amazing experience as the Ocean Atlantic Ship sailed through the Bay filled with Ice Sheet Rocks that are nearly a meter thick, slowly and steadily, slicing the Snow Ice, marching forward towards the Plenau Bay.

It was here at Plenau Bay, 39 brave AAPI members had the unique experience of taking “Polar Plunge” in the Atlantic Continent, which was 0.7 degree Celsius, while the rest of the AAPI delegates watched the brave men and women, taking a memorable dip and swim back to the ship, in the freezing cold waters of the White Continent.

We woke up this morning on Friday December 6th to a bright and sunny day, calmer ocean with 9 kms of wind speed. A picture perfect day for expedition. We went on zodiacs, cruising through the blue waters of the Half Moon Island, a cluster of snowy mountains shaped as a half moon.

Searching for wild life in the ocean with the voyagers looking out eagerly for any seals or whales did not seem to result in success as the sea animals and those on the shore seemed to hide in their resting places. Members of a Zodiac cruise reported of spotting a Leopard Seal swimming not too far from the Zodiac.

Finally, the zodiac captains took us to the shore where for the first time we landed on dark stony surface full of rocks, stones and pebbles. Our expedition crew leader reported that the shore was completely covered with ice and snow in the beginning of the season, barely a month ago.

At the backdrop of the glaciers and the imposing mighty mountains around us, we hiked up the hill intruding sometimes into the Penguin Highways, where we saw colonies of penguins resting under the bright sun. It was delightful to watch a few hopping on tiny rocks from one to another, unnerved by the visitors from the Other Continents on earth.

For the first time we were delighted to watch different kinds of Penguins, Gentoo, Adelie, Chinstraps, in the thousands sitting on a single rock glazing at the ocean waters. The photo ops for the voyagers were simply incredible. And while penguins are delightful in films and nature documentaries, watching the penguin life being lived around you is simultaneously uplifting and humbling.

We spotted a few huge Weddell and Crabeater seals, as well as Antarctic fur seals, whose populations have rebounded since the 1959 Antarctic Treaty and the 1972 Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals. They were resting on the rocks unmoved by the voyagers in several zodiacs watching them in awe. The bright sun and the gentle breeze embracing the voyagers, it was a perfect day to cruise and explore the White Continent.

In the afternoon while back on the ship, we were invited to climb up to the Decks 8 and 9 of the ship to view the entrance/passage to the famous Deception Island. And the ship sailed through this narrow path into the Island with majestic dark mountains on our right side, while on the left were the snowcapped mountains overlooking the Bay. As the gusty winds made us shiver, the voyagers standing on the top deck of the South Ocean, posed for pictures. We were lost in the stunning beauty created by the Mother Nature, for all of us to enjoy and cherish forever.

The final landing on the Last Horizon on Friday December 6th afternoon was at the Deception Island for the AAPI Voyagers. An unusually bright shining sky with gentle winds welcomed us to the shore of the black soft sand with little stones spread all along the 36 kms wide island.

The volcanic eruption here over 50 years ago, which reportedly continues to be active event today, has turned the island and the mountains into dark colored. Saw a huge seal on the shore resting with birds and few penguins of the Continent enjoying the mild weather, the voyagers trekked up the hill on the dark sand while the panoramic and breathtaking views on the snowy mountains beyond the Bay hovering over the blue waters of the Last Horizon.

On the Ship, immediately after settling down in each one’s cabin, the voyagers were invited to learn about safety on the ship and participated in a safety drill. Shelli Ogilvy, the Veteran Expedition Leader introduced the 22 Expedition Members with extensive maritime experiences from around the world, and over 60 other crew members to the voyagers.

Nine hours of Continuing Medical Educations (CMEs) were a major highlight of the Cruise to Antarctica. Led and organized by Dr. Krishan Kumar the informative and interactive sessions by experts was much appreciated by the voyagers. AAPI provided a hands on CPR Training on board to the crew of the ship, Ocean Atlantic, educating them on ways to help passengers in case of emergencies.

Each evening at cocktail hour the entire expedition community gathers in the lounge for a ritual, we call Recap. As you enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, various naturalists gave talks, showed videos, and our expedition leader would outline the following day’s schedule.

The evenings were fun filled with members spending time together with their select friends and families, singing, playing cards games, discussing politics to medicine to healthcare and sharing jokes and snippets with one another in smaller groups. The cultural events included live music sung by Dr. Radhika from Chicago, Dr. Aarti Pandya, Dr. Dharmija, and Dr. Madnani, in addition to several local talents of AAPI’s own, leading and vying to win the Anthakshri contest.

On December 7th evening, the voyagers had Black Tie Nite with many of them learning and playing Pokers until the early hours of the morning. As the ship began its return journey back to the shores, Dr. Aarti Pandya led the voyagers in a prayer song dedicated to Lord Hanuman, God of the Winds for a safe and smooth sailing.

After toasting Champagne with the Captain of the ship, the finale on December 8th was a colorful Indian Dress Segment, where the adorable AAPI women and men walked the aisle in elegantly dressed in Indian ethnic wear depicting different states of India.

Earlier, the AAPI delegates had toured the beautiful and serene National Park in Ushuaia, on the world famous Route 3 that runs from Alaska to the southern tip of the world in Argentina. At the Park, Dr. Reddy led the AAPI delegates carrying the AAPI banner, spreading the message of Obesity Awareness, which is a major objective of Dr. Reddy’s Presidency, taking the message of Obesity Awareness Around the World.

Dr. Suresh Reddy thanked Dr. Vandana Agarwal Chair of the AAPI Cruise Committee, Dr. Ravi Kolli, Secretary of AAPI, Dr. Ranga Redy and Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, both past President of AAPI, Dr. Krishan Kumar, and several Regional Chapter Presidents for their hard work and dedication for making the Expedition memorable for all.

Memories of relaxing and rejuvenating morning walk across the island with breath taking views in abundance of Mother Nature, will last a life time for everyone who has been part of the historic expedition to the Seventh Continent. For more details on AAPI and its next voyage to Antarctica in January 2020, please visit; www.aapiusa.org

Ajay Ghosh, who was part of the AAPI Family and Friends Expedition 2019 to Antarctica

AAPI To Take Obesity Awareness Campaign To Antarctica & South America

November 28, 2019 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Health 0

During the historical visit to the White Continent, Antarctica, with brief stays in Brazil and Argentina, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest medical organization in the United States, will organize Obesity Awareness Campaigns in the southernmost parts of the world, Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI announced here today.

Dr. Ravi Kolli, Secretary of AAPI, who has been coordinating the historic Tour to Antarctica, said, “Nearly 200 AAPI leaders and supporters from across the United States are embarking on a voyage to the Seventh Continent starting on November 28^th. During the two weeks long expedition to Antarctica, AAPI has planned several events in Brazil and Argentina championing the cause of Obesity Awareness across South America.”

Dr. Reddy lauded Vandana Aggarwal, Chair of the Family CME Cruise for developing the entire program, and Dr. Krishan Kumar, Chair of CMEs, who is coordinating the world class CMEs for Physicians during the Cruise.

According to Dr. Uma Koduri, Chair of Obesity Awareness Campaign, the Walkathons planned in Brazil and Argentina will have the traditional anti-obesity walks with participants wearing Yellow Shirts with Caps, the unique theme representing energy, motivation, hope, optimism, joy and happiness.

Consequences of obesity include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes, which can shorten the lifespan of children. American society has become characterized by environments that promote increased consumption of less healthy food and physical inactivity leading to this childhood obesity epidemic.

Research has shown that healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases. Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.

Subsequent to the Obesity Awareness Campaigns in Hyderabad, India during and after the Global Healthcare Summit 2019, AAPI has been organizing such Obesity Walkathon events with the goals to have them organized in at least in 100 schools in India and eventually the world across, making it an Obesity Revolution to educate and empower everyone to prevent obesity and lead healthy lives and make positive contributions to their communities.

Dr. Reddy and his leadership team at AAPI believe that AAPI’s Obesity Awareness Campaign Walkathons will go a long way in educating the public and in contributing to the prevention of obesity now, and thus translating into lower health care costs in the future. For more details on AAPI and its several healthcare initiatives, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

AAPI-QLI Celebrates 24 Years of Excellence – 4 Distinguished Physicians Honored During Annual Convention

November 28, 2019 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Nearly 600 people from across the country came together to celebrate the contributions, achievements and growth of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin of QUEENS and LONG ISLAND (AAPI-QLI) during the 24th annual convention here at the Hilton Huntington, Long Island, NY on Saturday, November 23^rd, 2019.

The Distinguished honorees of the Gala this year included: Dr. Sharwan Bagla, Dr. Neil Mandava, Dr. Dilip Patel, and Dr. Bhuvanesh Singh, for their successful career and contributions to humanity.

Entertainment, CME lectures, Exhibition, Business Forums, Networking, Recognition of five distinguished physicians for their achievements and contributions, Gala and Dinner were some of those made the convention historic on this colorful and eventful day.

Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI and Dr. Seema Arora, Chair of AAPI BOT, conveyed greetings from national AAPI to the leadership and members of AAPI-QLI, the largest Chapter of AAPI in the country. “Best Wishes to Dr. Raj Bhayani, incoming AAPI QLI President, and his team for much success in the coming year!” Dr. Arora said.

In his presidential address, Himanshu Pandya, President of AAPI-QLI, describing the convention as a historic event gave an overview of how the organization, and its trajectory of growth over the past 24 years and how it has become today to be one of the most powerful ethnic Physician organizations in the country.

Enumerating some of the major achievements of the Chapter, Dr. Pandya said, “AAPI-QLI has been providing a forum for monthly meetings for Continuing Medical Educations on Sunday, monthly sessions with discussions on current trends and changes on a range of topics in healthcare, wealth management, and practice management issues on Wednesday. AAPI-QLI is also engaged in charitable activities for the benefit of our community at large in the form of donations to several charitable organizations every year.

“AAPI-QLI has sponsored Hofstra Medical School Summer Scholarships for two Medical Students of Indian Origin only, each year for the next five years. The organization also conducts many Health Camps at our religious institutions, providing free flu vaccine, eye care, dental care and preventive medical care including anti-obesity campaigns in the elementary schools and for Veterans of our nation. We also participate with other organizations, like IALI and AIA in sponsoring Health Fairs during India Fest and Deepavali Celebrations at South Street Seaport,” Dr. Pandya added.

Dr. Raj Bhayani, the President-Elect of AAPI-QLI and the Treasurer of national AAPI, acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the current Team under the leadership of Dr. Pandya, expressed gratitude to the sponsors and the participants who have come from across the nation to be part of the colorful event. As he is preparing to take charge of AAPI-QLI as its next President in the Jubilee (25^th) Year, Dr. Bhayani shared of his vision for the upcoming year and of his commitment to take AAPI-QLI to newer heights.

Dr. Tarun Wasil, Convention Chair, welcomed the audience to the gala and thanked the tireless efforts of the committee members for their hard work and dedication. Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Immediate Past President of AAPI, congratulated the team under the leadership of Dr. Pandya for their dedication and leadership. The event came to a close with a live musical performance by leading Bollywood stars, and a grand dinner.

In his address, Comptroller of the state of New York. Thomas Dinapoli, chief guest at the event, praised the contributions of Indian Americans to the larger American society. He lauded the great contributions of the Largest AAPI Chapter with over 850 Member Physicians, who serve the state of New York in various capacities.

Dr. Ajay Lodha, past national President of AAPI, called upon the AAPI members to “stand united, in order to be able to fight for our rights,” while pointing to the fact that Indian American Physicians service every 7th patient in the nation and contribute immensely to the healthcare industry in the nation.

Famous cricketer Sachin Tendulkar sent a video message giving his best wishes for the convention with three bats for AAPIQLI to raise funds for the many charitable activities and Continuing Medical Education courses the organization sponsors.

Some of the prominent leaders from national AAPI who had graced the event with their presence included: Dr Hemant Patel, Past President of AAPI; Dr. Ravi Kolli, Secretary of national AAPI, Dr. Satish Kathula, Editor of AAPI E-Newsletter; Dr Sajani Shah, Dr. Sapna Agarwal, Dr. Sameer Kapasi, Dr. Amit Chakraborty, Dr. Shashi Shah, and Dr. Binod Sinha.

AAPIQLI represents more than 2,000 Physicians residing in Queens, Nassau and Suffolk serving the community of New York and its Counties. These practicing physicians are dedicated to provide highest quality of care to their patients and are also serving in most prominent positons at their medical institutions, including Administrative, Program Directors, Heads of Department, and Teaching. These leaders are making decisions about medical and Pharmaceutical Products, devices and equipment and practice related services at multiple levels in hospitals, medical school, outpatient centers, and health care facilities. For information, please visit: http://aapiqli.org/about-aapiqli/

10 Shining Stars Honored at New England Choice Awards Gala 2019

November 28, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Joined by Chief Guest Dana-Farber CEO Laurie Glimcher and US Congressman Joe Kennedy, over 440 entrepreneurs, corporate executives, philanthropists, educators and community leaders gathered last week at Westin Hotel in Waltham, MA, to honor 10 shining stars of New England.

Organized by INE MultiMedia, Inc., in collaboration with INDIA New England News, New England Choice Awards also recognized Dr. Glimcher and Congressman Kennedy for their services.

“As I said in my speech, success of a major production like NECA Awards rests on the two pillars: a dream and the team. There is nothing better than a dream to create a platform that honors our community and those who enrich us. Our team helped make that a reality,” said Manju Sheth, President of INE Multimedia and creator of the awards show. “As a woman doctor it was exciting to have Dr. Laurie Glimcher as Chief guest. Her speech was very informative. It was always on my wish list to have Congressman Joe Kennedy at our Award show. It was very thrilling to hear his heartfelt address at the gala.”

The 2019 New England Choice Awards 2018 Committee consisted of Anu Chitrapu, Upendra Mishra, Mandy Pant, Anupendra Sharma, Manju Sheth and Aditi Taylor. The judging committee consisted of several prominent members and entrepreneurs of the Indian American community.

Upendra Mishra, the publisher of INDIA New England News, said that the New England Choice Awards gala was a great example of teamwork and a passion for honoring the best of the bests.

“New England Choice Awards honors those who have made great choices in their own life in order to succeed and give back to the community whether it is business, academia, healthcare or art and culture,” said Mr. Mishra. “We are gratuful to our organizing committee, judges, awardees and all the attendees of the event that was sold out two months before the event.”

In addition to Lifetime Achievement Award 2019 to Leader Bank Founder and CEO Sushil Tuli, other awardees were honored with the following awards:

Professor Kuzhikkalail M. Abraham: Academic Excellence

Berklee College President Roger Brown: Leadership in Art & Culture

MilliporeSigma CEO Udit Batra: Business & Entrepreneurship Award

Founder & CEO of Boston Group USA Subu Kota: Excellence in Community Service

Dr. Om Ganda: Healthcare Pioneer

Indian Circle of Caring USA: Best Non-Profit Organization 2019

Dr. Shamim Dahod & Ashraf Dahod: Philanthropists of the Year

Ritu Raman: Youth Leadership Award

NECA this year was supported by a number of businesses: Platinum Sponsor: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care; Gold Sponsor: Lahey Health; Silver Sponsor: BMW of Sudbury.

Supporting sponsors were: Alankar Event Planners & Decorators, Boston Sound and Light Co. and Art of Memories and Pervez Taufiq Photography. Community sponsors included: Indian Medical Association of New England, Miss India New England, Shah, Dixit & Associates PC, and Sraveo.

Indian American singer Anuradha Palakurthi was the featured artist. The dance performance was done was students of Angikam Dance Academy and was directed by Jasmine Shah. The food was catered by Masala Art.

AAPI Mourns the Death of Dr. Prem Rupani

November 28, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Expressing deepest condolences at the sudden death of Dr. Prem Rupani, an internist in Chicago, Illinois and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Holy Cross Hospital-Chicago and Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has described it to be a huge loss.

Dr. Prem Rupani died during his visit to India. He was 64.

“AAPI is saddened at the sudden passing away of Dr. Prem Rupani,” said Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI, here. “In his death, AAPI has lost a very active leader, who has played significant role in the promotion of the many programs and events of AAPI. Our prayers and well wishes go out to his daughters Priyanka and Shilpa, and his wife Dr. Sujaya Rupani.”

An active member of the local Chapter and national AAPI, Dr. Rupani was the Convener of the AAPI Annual Convention in Chicago. He had served as a Past President of the IMA (IAMA-IL). As an Internist, Dr. Rupani had devoted his life, serving his patients in the South Side of Chicago over the span of more than 3 decades. A man who made it a priority to spend time with anyone who felt close to him, Dr. Rupani fully lived life with no regrets.

Dr. Rupani graduated from Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute in 1977 and has been in practice for 42 years. He completed a residency at Cook County Hospital. He practiced Medicine at Ashland Medical Center and was affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital. Memorial Service arrangements are pending details will be made available shortly.

1st Ever New Jersey State Chapter of AAPI Gala Celebrates Its Achievements/Contributions

November 20, 2019 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

The New Jersey State Chapter of AAPI organized its first annual convention/gala on November 9^{th at}at the Double Tree Hilton, Newark, NJ celebrating their achievements and contributions with over 300 delegates in attendance from across the state of New Jersey.

Prominent among those who had attended the event included Dr. Seema Arora, Chair of the Board of Trustees of national AAPI; Dr. Ravi Kolli, Secreatary of national AAPI. Dr. Raj Bhayani, Treasurer of national AAPI; Dr. Hemant Patel, Dr. Ajay Lodha, and Dr. Gautam Samadder, past presidents of national AAPI; Dr. Satish Kathula, Editor of AAPI E-Newsletter; Dr. Durgesh Mankikar, Chair of the AAPI-NJ Board of Trustees; Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, advisor to AAPI-NJ and past president of the Federation of AAPI-NYNJCT, Dr. Krishan Kumar and Dr. Jagdish Gupta, leaders of the New York Chapter of AAPI.

In his welcome address, Dr. Binod Sinha. President of NJ Chapter, outlined the mission of the chapter and explained all the activities performed in last one year and gave vision for future. “Having over 500 Physicians of Indian Origin in the state of New Jersey, my goal is to bring all Chapters/members together and to create a totally new forum and platform, with the objective of bringing in the young generation to AAPI as they are the future of AAPI, involving them at different levels, mentoring them and to get them interested and developing their passion.”

In March this year, AAPI-NJ raised more than $50,000 at a fundraiser for the families of the soldiers killed in the Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir on Feb. 14. The N.J. chapter also raised thousands for Kerala flood relief victims.

As for the future plans for the Chapter, Dr. Sinha spelt out that with his organizing committee, the Chapter will organize CMEs on a regular basis, social events, health care events, local community work and charity work. “We have to work together so this Chapter earns the expected credibility and recognition by being transparent, open and very democratic. We need to get involved with the NJ state health department to help taking care of patients with no insurance and ensure that our members are at the State Board of Medical Examiners, get involved in local community by providing health education, prevention, screening for mental illness and counselling for chemical abuse. My vision is to make this chapter one of the best and the biggest Chapters of national AAPI in the United States,” he added.

Dr, Seema Arora thanked Dr. Sinha and the Chapter for the great work done within one year and felicitated Team with appreciation plaques from national AAPI. Dr. Raj Bhayani, convention chair of events, welcomed the delegates. In his inaugural address, he emphasized making this chapter stronger by uniting Indian Doctors in the state and serve the community.

Dr. Hemant Patel spoke of the educational activities planned for the coming months, as it was critical to keep physicians up-to-date with latest technologies and procedures in health care. He also spoke of connecting Indian-American physicians with lawmakers in order to influence health policy. Dr. Pooja Patel, treasurer of AAPI-NJ spoke of being focused on bringing in more younger physicians into the organization.

“I would like this new chapter, AAPI-NJ to flourish and get to the level of the Federation, to help physicians, advocate for them and carry forward the legislative agenda,” Dr. Parikh said in his message to members of the New Chapter. The convention also featured a dance performance and a music concert by Bhaven Shastri.

The core committee of NJ state AAAPI Chapter consists of Dr. Jayendra Patel, Dr. Hetal Gor, Dr. Sanket Ruparelia, Dr Prakash Paragi , Dr Jayesh Kanuga , Dr. Preeti Saran, and Dr. Sarawanan who had worked very hard to make this event successful.

NJ STATE AAPI is thankful to its platinum sponsors Prior to IPO, Bhatt Foundation, Integrity practice solutions, Accurate Diagnostics lab, HCI Inc., Alliance oncology whose generous support is very much appreciated.

Founded by Dr. Raj Bhayani, Dr. Binod Sinha, Dr. Hemant Patel and Dr. Kishore Ratkalkar, the New Jersey Chapter of AAPI aims to bring together Indian physicians to serve the patients with the highest quality healthcare and take steps to help patients without insurance with the necessary service, the organization says on its website.

FBI Releases 2018 Hate Crimes Report: Hate in the U.S. is getting deadlier

November 20, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released its annual hate crimes report for 2018 early this morning. The report documented 7,120 hate incidents in 2018, down slightly from 7,175 in 2017. Despite the minor decrease, hate violence was more deadly and violent than it has been since the surge of violence against communities after the September 11th attacks in 2001.

Major findings of the report:

· 2018 was the deadliest and most violent year for hate since 2001. There were 24 hate crime related deaths and 3,099 violent crime offenses in 2018.

· Hate crimes towards Sikhs in the U.S. TRIPLED from 20 incidents in 2017 to 60 incidents in 2018.

· There were 82 Anti-Arab hate crimes recorded in 2018 – the second-highest total since the FBI added an anti-Arab category in 2015.

· There were 188 anti-Muslim hate crimes recorded, down slightly from last year but the fifth-highest total on record.

· There were 14 anti-Hindu hate crimes recorded in 2018 – down from 15 in 2017.

· Of the known offenders, over 50% identified as white

Data collection and underreporting of hate violence remains a significant problem. The Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics reports an average of 250,000 hate crimes every year in the U.S. That’s 35 times more than what the FBI documented in 2018. Only 13% of the over 16,000 participating law enforcement agencies reported any hate crimes in their jurisdictions. Disturbingly, the murders of Khalid Jabara, Srinivas Kuchibhotla, and Heather Heyer in 2016 and 2017, like so many other hate crimes, have not been included in official FBI statistics. The vast majority of crimes are going unreported.

And as we saw in 2017, white supremacy continues to be a primary motivation behind hate violence in the US. In both 2017 and 2018, over 50% of known offenders of reported hate crimes identified as white.

Of the over 500 incidents of hate violence targeting South Asians, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Middle Eastern, and Arab Americans that SAALT has documented since November 2016, at least 80% have been motivated by anti-Muslim sentiment. In SAALT’s 2018 report “Communities on Fire,” one in every five perpetrators of hate violence referenced President Trump, a Trump administration policy, or Trump campaign slogan.

White supremacist violence, fanned by the flames of racist rhetoric and policies at the federal level like the Muslim Ban and family separation, continues to devastate Black and brown communities. Anti-Black hate crimes accounted for more than 25% of violent hate crimes reported in 2018 and the majority of incidents motivated by race.

The current Administration continues to promote rather than address the root causes of this violence.

Comprehensive data collection is a critical component of documenting the problem, but acknowledging and actively combating white supremacy is the most important step to ensuring this violence doesn’t continue to wreak havoc on people’s lives.

NIAASC holds 30th annual conference

November 12, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC) just completed its 30th conference and held its 21st annual meeting on November 2 & 3, 2019, at ShantiNiketan2 (SN2) in Tavares, Florida, near Orlando.

Over 125 people attended the Conference. Many of the NIAASC Board members came from East Coast and West Coast for attending this two-day conference. It was a free event for all the participants, and the financial support was provided by the sponsors. Lunch and dinner was provided to all.

Gajinder Singh, President of SN2, and Mr. Rajeshwar Prasad, President of NIAASC welcomed the audience. Entire logistic arrangement with regard to space, food and overall service coordination in conducting the conference was undertaken by Chandrakant Shah, NIAASC Board member.

The conference was addressed by three eminent speakers: Baldev Seekri, author of books and articles on seniors, who spoke about “RESILIENCE IN SENIOR YEARS: Social. Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Issues”. Ingrid Collins, Associate State Director, AARP Florida, spoke on “All about AARP”. Santosh Kumar, Founder and Executive Director of Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) in Chicago, spoke at length about the development of MAFS and its multifaceted growth since 1993.

All the speakers made a power point presentation, and there was an interactive session after each speaker’s presentation. Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan and Dr. Ashok Sapre, Vice Presidents of NIAASC, coordinated the Proceedings. Geeta Chandran a very active leader at Shantiniketan joined the conference as a facilitator and participated in other activities during the conference.

The cultural and variety program was conducted and coordinated by Mr. Dick Sharad with participation from many talented residents of ShantiNiketan, as well as members of NIAASC: Program included dances, songs, music concert and jokes.

During the cultural program, Mr. Prasad made an announcement by identifying the person who was recognized for his untiring entertainment over the years at Shantiniketan with some talented people from the residents of SN and his own family members. That person, Dick Sharad, was presented with a plaque outlining his contributions in the service of seniors through music.

The 21st annual meeting was called to order by Raj Prasad, announcing the report of the nominating committee. The nominating committee presented its report. As per NIAASC Constitution, one third of its Board members retire every year. Of the five retiring at the end of 2019, four were approved as Board members for the next three years.

One member expressed that his other commitments will not provide him time to continue as a Board member. A new Board member Mr. Harbachan Singh was nominated and approved by the board as the new BOD member. Mr. Satpal Malhotra, NIAASC Treasurer announced the names of the sponsors and he also presented the Annual Financial report. Mrs. Gunjan Rastogi, NIAASC Secretary did the vote of thanks and also gave the information about the Directory of all Indo American Senior programs in USA, which is being complied by NIAASC and is a long-term project to be completed in 2020. “I am so happy that I attended this Conference, I learned so much” was the most common response of the participants as they left with glowing faces.”

Chiranjeev Kathuria, an NRI offers help in generating power from stubble in Punjab

November 12, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

To address the problem of the stubble burning, an India born NRI businessman has proposed to set up 1,000 MW biomass energy generating plants in his home state Punjab. The US-based Chiranjeev Kathuria told the media that his company New Generation Power International has plans to invest in 4,000 MW in power projects in Punjab.

Out of these projects, 3,000 MW would be generated by the solar power and the remaining by using the biomass made from the stubble of both paddy and wheat crops.

According to him, the crop residue would be purchased from the farmers and this would help counter environment pollution, a serious problem in the northern India. The plan is to set up 200 plants, each having 5 MW capacity, which will use the stubble as raw material.

This will help in solving the stubble burning issue. Each plant will be located strategically near a major sub-station and will cater to 10-15 villages, he said.

State Revenue Minister Gurpreet Kangar said the power produced by the plants set up would be fed directly into the main grid. The Punjab State Power Corp Ltd will get the benefit of this additional power.

This initiative will cost about Rs 25,000 crore and will be set up by Kathuria on build-operate-and-transfer (BOT) format, the Minister said. The power subsidy of the state government will be ultimately reduced to just Rs 500 crore in the long run.

“When we explained our problems to Kathuria he went two steps ahead and offered us few permanent solutions,” Kangar said. “Given his achievements in the solar power sector and his ability to generate energy through new methods, I was convinced that by taking advantage of Kathuria’s long expertise in this field, we would be able to save the environment from the pollution and dispose the stubble in a greener way,” the Minister added.

The power project will help in meeting two big objectives. While on one hand it will improve the condition of the state exchequer, on the other hand it would also be able to permanently eliminate the problem of smog, which has been affecting the air quality of Punjab as well as the surrounding states and also the National Capital Region (NCR), he added.

Dr. Sudhir Parikh Receives Prestigious Philanthropic Appointment

November 12, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, has received many honors through his life, the latest being an appointment as “Prior of Maryland” of the Ecumenical Hospitaller Order of St. John for his works as a physician and philanthropist.

The Sovereign Order of the Hospitaller Knights of Saint John traces its origins to the 12th century, and has come to be defined over time as an independent corporate foundation, registered as a non-profit in the U.S., whose reason for existence is to support the needy and oppressed.

Dr. Parikh’s appointment as “Prior of Maryland” is a “very big position” in the Order, said Prince Peter Iossif de Lemessos, Grand Master & President of the Ecumenical Hospitaller Order of St. John.

“The Doctor (Parikh) was chosen because he is a medical doctor and he can help us with projects in the United States in his area,” Prince Peter told News India Times via the phone from his office in Italy. Also, I know he has helped people in his district and his state; And we also know he helps hospitals in India,” he added.

The ‘Statute’ laid down on the organization’s website says, “It is apolitical, a confessional, open to all who believe in God, regardless of race, color or creed and have proved through their humanitarian, cultural and social activities to be worthy of the honour of being admitted.”

The three-year appointment which gets automatically renewed unless one wants to opt out of it, requires the Priors of different districts and states to work together and decide what medical projects they would work on.

“I am very fond of the Doctor because I had the honor to meet him, his wife (Dr. Sudha Parikh), and his daughter (Dr. Purvi Parikh). It is a lovely, lovely family. And when you have that kind of family union, that is when you can help the people,” Prince Peter emphasized in the phone interview. “We want to bring medical aid, help the poor, and bring peace. We need to bring peace and not war,” Prince Peter said.

“It’s a great honor to be nominated for philanthropic work. I am humbled and will continue my activities and expand them through this Ecumenical Order,” Dr. Parikh said.

In an email bestowing the Order on Dr. Parikh, Prince Peter said, “It is a role of great responsibility, which enhances the centrality assumed by the Ecumenical Order in the world of “Institutional Philanthropy” whose strength lies in the ability to create value for society by making its voice heard strongly to face the biggest challenge we have in the face: that of helping to shape a more aware population in the world that puts the common good at the center. A great and demanding task awaits you.”

Today, according to its website, the values by which the Order defines itself include – “respect the lives of others, taking up arms of will, economic and operational commitment, solidarity and love for others, creating an international collaboration service, implementing international understanding and interculturality, planning new organizational and operational mechanisms, suitable for modern operations, to allow a real, effective and active presence in the Society.”

Dr. Ram Raju, Indian Americans Awarded 2019 Catalyst For Change Awards

November 12, 2019 Staff ReporterBusiness, Community 0

Ram Raju MD, MBA, FACHE, Senior Vice President and Community Health Investment Officer of Northwell Health who evaluates the needs of Northwell Hospital’s most-vulnerable communities and helps the health system eliminate health disparities, was among those hon ored by The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) at its 3rd Annual Catalyst for Change Awards Gala, celebrating CACF’s empowerment of Asian Pacific American (APA) children and families and to honor those who are a force for positive change in the APA community.

Other honorees included Jason DaSilva, Film Director, Producer, Writer, and President of AXS Lab and founder of AXS Map, a website and accessibility database to find disability friendly places around the world; Eva Noblezada, Tony Nominated Actress, Theater and Film; ; and Project by Project, which is an innovative philanthropic nonprofit that empowers the Asian American community, accepted by Liliana Chen, Co-Founder.

Ram Raju MD, MBA, FACHE, Senior Vice President and Community Health Investment Officer of Northwell Health, said “I am proud to receive CACF’s Catalyst for Change Awards. For over 30 years, CACF has advocated for the most marginalized of our Asian American community. They understand the importance of working with government and other systems to ensure that children and families receive the services they need in a language they understand. As a medical professional and administrator, I believe everyone should have access to quality healthcare regardless of their language, their socioeconomic status and their history. It is important for health care systems to partner with groups like CACF to ensure we build strong connections to communities and work together to address health disparities.”

“Project by Project has built a network of community-minded professionals who care about social issues and building an empowered Asian America. It is an honor to be recognized by CACF — an organization relentlessly fighting for the Asian American community for over 30 years! This award will energize our passion to make a positive difference” said Liliana Chen, Co-Founder of Project by Project.

The Gala united more than 350 community advocates and professionals across industries. The evening event was held at the Edison Ballroom in midtown Manhattan, and raised funds to benefit CACF’s leadership training programs and policy advocacy campaigns. CACF is the nation’s only pan-Asian children and families’ advocacy organization bringing together community-based organizations, as well as youth and parents, to fight for equity and to fight against racism and discrimination towards APA communities. CACF listens, trains, unites and fights to build an APA community too powerful to ignore. Jenny Low, Director, Community Engagement Division, New York City Council, Office of Speaker Corey Johnson presented CACF with a citation commending CACF’s work and dedication to New York’s APA community.

“CACF is incredibly thankful to our generous event sponsors and donors whose support allows us to be an independent and strong voice for those most marginalized in the Asian Pacific American (APA) community. We are honored to share tonight with Jason DaSilva, Eva Noblezada, Dr. Ram Raju and Project by Project and are truly moved by their persistent and incredible contributions towards furthering social justice and equity for APA communities.” said Anita Gundanna, Co-Executive Director, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families.

“I am truly honoured to be recognized by CACF. My most important mission in life has been to give voice to the unheard. CACF and I have been working closely to gather meaningful data about Asian Americans with disabilities, which could help improve their stations in life. I am grateful to CACF for their continued efforts to serve the Asian American community.” said Jason DaSilva, founder and CEO of AXS Lab.

\“Over 70% of Asian Pacific American (APA) New Yorkers are foreign-born, and over one in four APAs struggle in poverty. Our communities face multiple challenges accessing services to support their health, education, and well-being. CACF advocates for equity and opportunity for marginalized APAs and we are grateful to share tonight with our allies, partners, and friends who graciously and generously support our work.” said Vanessa Leung, Co-Executive Director, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families.

“I am deeply honored to be awarded as a Catalyst for Change by CACF. In my career I’ve been lucky enough to portray such strong women whose stories revolve around humanity and truth. Little Eva never saw herself represented by roles that dealt with survivorship, identity and a struggle for rights. And these are present challenges that immigrant communities face today. So I am humbled to be recognized by CACF- an organization that for over three decades has helped build a voice to advocate for the largely immigrant Asian American community in NYC. It means the world to me. And I can stand here in confidence knowing that powerful organizations like this are here to lift up such incredibly diverse communities that I am so lucky to be a part of. Thank you,” said Eva Noblezada, Tony Nominated Actress, Theater and Film.

The emcees for the evening were Ernabel Demillo, Reporter/Host of 7-time Emmy nominated show “Asian American Life” and Contributing Reporter for “Arts in the City” and “Science and U” on CUNY-TV; and Alan Muraoka, Actor/Director of Sesame Street. A live auction and a pledge auction was led by auctioneer Charles Antin took place after the awards ceremony.

Event sponsors of CACF’s 2019 Catalyst for Change Awards Gala included Northwell Health, Edward Pauly and Barbara Turvett, Blossom, Frensco Building Products, Main Street Radiology, Muskasey Frenchman & Sklaroff LLP, and The Poses Family Foundation.

Four honored at Indian Diaspora Health Summit in New Jersey

November 4, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The third Indian Diaspora Health Summit was held on October 12, 2019, at TV Asia Auditorium in Edison, NJ. The meet was organized by GOPIO International Health Council, The Consulate General of India in New York, and TV Asia, with support from Indian Health Camp of NJ, Princeton Lions Club and Central Jersey Business Organization.

Deputy Consul General of India in New York Shatrughna Sinha attended the event as a Chief Guest along with CEO and Chairman of TV Asia Padma Shri Dr. H.R. Shah, Piscataway Township Councilman Kapil Shah, health professionals and community leaders from various organizations.

The summit included comprehensive discussions on medical, dental, mental health, alternative medicine, life-style modifications and wellness and yoga sessions from various renowned experts from the Tristate area.

The GOPIO Health Council recognized and awarded four leaders in their respective fields for their contribution as well as for promoting health awareness among the Indian Diaspora in the community.

The awardees were Rahul Shukla, CEO, S.S. White Technologies & Shukla Medical – For achievement and contributions in manufacturing latest medical equipment; Hitesh Bhatt, Bhatt Foundation Inc. – achievement and contributions in health care technology; Padma Shri H.R. Shah, Chairman & CEO, TV Asia – for promoting health awareness among the Indian Diaspora and Sabinsa Corporation – for achievement and contributions in health supplements.

GOPIO Health Council Chair Dr. Tushar Patel said at the meet that access to care, especially preventive health care, is the biggest challenge for South Asian community. Early detection and timely intervention for diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders and many types of cancer brings overall positive outcome and reduce long term complications and help in healthier living.

Sinha mentioned in his speech that “we have vulnerabilities in terms of our genetic makeup and our earliest problems were access to healthcare and insurance for healthcare but now the number of doctors in India are reducing, so we have created more medical schools to fix this.” He briefed the gathering about various initiatives taken by the Government of India in the health sector. He also spoke about opportunities for investments in India’s health sector.

The health summit concluded with 45 minutes of yoga, meditation and breathing exercise session from Dr. Aparna Chawla of Art of Living Foundation.

The entire health summit lasted more than seven hours with various experts from medical, dental, mental health and alternative care specialists in attendance for the second consecutive year.

Nassau County Celebrates Diwali

November 4, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

On Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 in the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, along with the Indian American Forum, hosted a celebration for the Diwali – the Indian Festival of Lights.

Together with over 100 constituents, the office and event’s sponsoring organizations enjoyed a bright evening celebrating with the beautiful cultural dances and instrumentals. The event was put together through the hard work of a host committee consisting of Jyoti Gupta, Pinky Jaggi, Beena Kothari, Mukesh Modi, Jasbir Jay Singh, Lalit Aery, Beena Sabapathy, Indu Jaiswal, Jaya Bahadkar, Sunita Manjrekar, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Roopam Maini, Anju Sharma.

With sponsoring organizations including IAF, LILC, GOPIO, IDP USA, IALI, Vegetarian Vision, and the AAAC, the event was a resounding success for the community. County officials such as County Executive Laura Curran, Asian American Affairs Director Farrah Mozawalla, and Human Rights Commissioner Bobby Kalotee came to show their support of the diversity in Nassau by participating in a traditional lamp lighting ceremony and giving inspiring words.

The event also took the opportunity to honor some esteemed individuals for their contributions to the Indian American community. The honorees were Peter Bheddah, Vikas Dhall, Anu Gulati, Harshal Kadakia, Nilima Madan, and Rajeevi Madankumar. The performances that followed all shone uniquely and showcased the breathtaking culture of Indian Americans. Through this celebration, all the attendees had the chance to reflect on beauty of how bright Nassau shines when standing together.

First 100 Days of AAPI Led By Dr. Suresh Reddy and Team

October 31, 2019 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Dawn of A New Era: Next Generation Physicians Mentored By Senior Leaders of AAPI

“As I look back to the past 100 days since we assumed office, leading American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), representing over 100,000 enthusiastic and cohesive group of Physicians and Fellows of Indian Origin, I am extremely happy to state that we have kept our promise,” Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI., declared here.

“In my inaugural address, I had promised “to align all the energies to make AAPI an enormous force, committing to take the more than three decades old organization to the new heights and bring all the AAPI Chapters, Regions, Members of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees to work cohesively and unitedly for the success of AAPI and the realization of its noble mission, bringing in increased dignity, decency, professionalism and eliteness into the organization, and thus elevate the already existing stand,” DR. Reddy reminded AAPI members.

Some of the goals Dr. Reddy and his Team have set before them included: Make AAPI financially robust and increase our endowments enormously so we can focus on our mission of: Education, Mentoring, Research, Charity, and Service. “In the past 100 days we have been in Office, we have worked hard to realize the goals we have set for ourselves, taking AAPI to greater heights,” Dr. Reddy proudly announced here.

“I am grateful to the AAPI members and leaders who have entrusted me with the task of leading AAPI,” said, Dr. Reddy, who along with Dr. Seema Arora, as the Chair of BOT; Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President-Elect of AAPI; Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Vice President; Dr. Vijay Kolli, Secretary; Dr. Raj Bhayani, Treasurer of AAPI; Dr. Stella Gandhi, President of Young Physician Section; and, Dr. Anubhav Jain, President of Medical Student and Resident Section, assumed charge of the largest ethnic Medical Association during the annual convention in Atlanta, GA on July 6th, 2019.

Under the leadership of Dr. Reddy, AAPI is financially strong today than ever before. “Moving the ship towards financial stability, we have secured funds not only for this year, but for the next three years. Significantly reduced AAPI office expense,” Dr. Reddy said.

Being active and making this vibrant Physicians body visible and meaningful to it members, Dr. Reddy and his Team have undertaken numerous programs and activities. The most important of the numerous initiatives was the highly successful AAPI’s Historic 13th Annual Global Healthcare Summit in Hyderabad, inaugurated by Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India, at the famous Taj Krishna Hotel in Hyderabad on July 21st. The GHS 2019 had several Firsts. For the first time, the GHS was organized for 4 days with a maximum attendance of more than 200 Doctors from USA, with all the workshops and lectures were very well attended; AAPI was able to come up with a White Paper with all the achievements of AAPI through GHS. AAPI successfully organized a popular Jeopardy-type Med-Quiz for the medical students from all the medical colleges from the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, attended by over a hundred Med Students form several Medical schools.

AAPI’s Young Physician Section had the largest turnout ever for this year’s Global Health Summit. They were heavily involved in multiple aspects of the conference including the Women’s Forum, Cardiac Workshop, Oncology Workshop and one of the most attended events, Medical Jeopardy.

At GHS, AAPI rededicated its vision and mission to strengthen the early detection and treatment of TB, recommitting itself to strengthen its efforts to work towards eradicating Tuberculosis (TB) by the year 2025 in India, and pledged to expand its efforts to more cities in India, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

AAPI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the HealthNet Global Limited (HNG) – a company owned by Apollo Hospitals Group, with the objective of delivering virtual second opinion consultations to millions of Indians in the vast rural areas of India, where they are unable to get required medical care.

Attended by 178, including 123 Medical Students, 27 Consultants, 22 Nurses and 6 Laerdal Representatives, the seven hours long AAPI GHS Resuscitation Workshop provided Training on ways enhance the outcomes after sudden cardiac arrests ongoing community hands-only CPR training and AED awareness.

AAPI delegates, students and faculties from several schools and colleges joined the “Obesity Revolution” Walkathon at the popular KBR Park, for creating awareness about Obesity. The walkathon had a record breaking as many as 2,000 participants. This was followed by four other walkathons across the City at different venues.

The Women’s Forum at the GHS had a fantastic turnout with panelists Jayaprada, Dr. Anju Aggarwal, Dr. Sai Lakshmi, and Sangeeta Reddy. The forum was planned with Co-Chairs Dr. Sajani Shah and Dr. Seema Arora and committee members including YPS board members; Dr. Stella Gandhi, Dr. Ami Baxi, Dr. Soumya Neravetla, and Dr. Swati Yalamanchi.

Through a series of world class Continuing Medical Education (CME) and non-CME seminars by experts in their fields, AAPI provided comprehensive and current reviews and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and to reduce morbidity and mortality and achieve cost effective quality care outcomes.

Partnering with TATA Trusts, AAPI continues to fight against cancer in India, envisioning an integrated well connected network of existing and additional centers staffed by local and AAPI volunteer specialists from USA working partly in India and partly via tele-medicine from US to deliver high quality cancer care across the country in the villages. AAPI team visited Burgula, a village Adopt by Dr. Alok Agrawal under ADOPT A VILLAGE Program, having first hand experience of the noble initiatives by Dr. Agrawal and his dedicated team.

Seminars on AYUSH, Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, & Homeopathy and a powerful CEO Forum, attended by leaders in the field of healthcare, pharmacy, industry leaders and academicians, were some of the other major highlights of the GHS 2019.

During the Pre & Post Tours Global Healthcare Summit, AAPI delegates had a a spiritual trip through multi faith beliefs beginning with Judaism, followed by Christianity and Islam and ending with Hinduism to Israel, Jordan and India. AAPI participated in CPR training organized by International Liaison Committee (ILCOR) on Resuscitation, Jordan, affiliated to American Heart Association, and trained multiple University students. Dr. Suresh Reddy and Dr Krishan Kumar along with Dr. Taghreed Al Najjar, Chair of ILCOR, Jordan division taught the importance of bystander CPR.

Post Global Summit took AAPI leaders to the temples of Siva at Srikalahasthi, Lord Ganesha at Kaanipakam and later traveled to Tirumala to visit Balaji temple for darshan and his blessings. Post Tour included City Tour of Hyderabad and Thirupathy. AAPI delegates had a memorable tour to the historic Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, where they learnt the rich history of the former Kingdom of Hyderabad ruled by the Nizams.

Back home in the US, AAPI joined the Independence Day parade in Greater Chicago area with much fanfare for the fifth time in a row on Aug 11, 2019. AAPI had its annual Leadership conference at the Chicago Indian Consulate. Dr. Bharat Barai welcomed the delegates. It was inaugurated by Dr. Raja Krishnamurthy, US Congress man. Robert Rules of Order by Dr. Arvind Goyal; Indo- US Relations byDr. Sampat Shivangi and Ethics by Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar were themes for the conference. Kick off year 2019-20 of AAPI was led by Dr. Suresh Reddy.

AAPI joined hands with the Chicago Medical Society’s project SMILE (Saving More Illinois Lives through Education) and Indian American Medical Association, Illinois in an exclusive Hands-only CPR training, and AED educational program at Shirdi Saibaba Temple in Aurora , Illinois on September 1st. The three-hour program with CPR promotional video of AAPI and hands-on training attended by about 150 participants including students from the community

Continuing and strengthening AAPI’s association with AMA, this year, Dr. Vijaya Appareddy was appointed as a Delegate and Dr. Sunita Kanumury as an alternate delegate. Many resolutions have been authored/coauthored by Dr. Appareddy on behalf of AAPI and adopted as AMA policy. Several AAPI leaders received AMA Leadership awards.

AAPI President Dr. Suresh Reddy and Past President Dr. Ranga Reddy represented AAPI at the Mahatma Gandhi. Sesquicentennial Birthday Celebration event on October 12, 2019. The Metropolitan Asian Family Services organized the spectacular event at the Waterford Banquets in Elmhurst, Illinois, as a tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

Several Indian American community leaders and AAPI leaders came together in at the National Press Club in D.C. for the first ever U.S.-India Leaders Summit on Sep. 18th, to brainstorm on alleviating health care challenges, boosting U.S.-India trade, and strengthening the security partnership between Washington and New Delhi. IMPACT Summit 2019 was attended by many AAPI delegates including AAPI President, Dr. Suresh Reddy and Chair, Board of Trustees, Dr. Seema Arora, in Washington DC on September 19th.

AAPI leadership was honored to be part of the solemn celebration as Dr. Vidyasagar Dharmapuri was honored by the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Department of Medicine, with a professorship in his name: The Dharmapuri Vidyasagar, MD, Professorship in Neonatology.

A delegation of AAPI leaders, comprising of Dr. Suresh Reddy, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, and Dr. Himanshu Pandya, President of AAPI QLI, visited Antigua on invitation by the American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine with the aim to help foster long lasting symbiotic relationship and assist with the already robust educational pathway for the medical students of Indian origin at AUA.

During the visit to the island, AAPI leaders met with several prominent international cricket players, most of them from the current and past Indian Cricket Team, including Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, and Virat Kohli, and they were formally invited to be part of the Sports Medicine Summit at the AAPI Annual Convention in Chicago next year, which they agreed to, subject to their schedule.

AAPI Leaders Present Memorandum to Prime Minister Modi Offering to Play Critical Role in Implementation of Ayushman Bharat, during one of the greatest public events ever organized and jointly attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, which was attended by over 50,000 people from across the nation, at the NFL stadium in Houston on Sunday, September 22nd, 2019.

AAPI joined hands with IRC to train 500,000 lay people in CPR during the month of October to celebrate the World Restart A Heart (WRAH) day. AAPI has in the forefront condemning Gun Violence, and has offered support to AMA’s Stance, calling upon the US and state governments to make common-sense reforms, supported by the American public to protect innocent lives.

Led by Dr. Reddy and his Team, the national AAPI Leaders have been travelling across the country to interact with and listen to members and leaders of the AAPI Regional Chapters. From New York to Alabama, from Ohio to Florida, they have been to numerous Chapter and Regional meetings to strengthen the local bodies that are the backbone of national APPI.

“We will continue to work together knowing that collaboration and cooperation is essential among AAPI leadership that all members of the lead team speak and act in one voice. I promise you that I will work closely with the next two confirmed presidents so we can start strategic planning on multiple projects. This will ensure continuity and smooth transition of programs and initiatives from current President to next. With all your blessings we will take AAPI to even greater heights,” said Dr. Reddy.

AAPI MISSISSIPPI Gala Held

October 31, 2019 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

The American Association of Physician of Indian Origin of Mississippi Chapter (AAPI MISSISSIPPI) held its Annual Gala on Saturday, October 19th, 2019 at the Yatch Club in Jackson, Mississippi.

Attended by nearly 100 AAPI members and their families, the gala was planned and organized by it Leadership Team consisting of Dr. Sampat Shivangi, President; Dr. Vani Vijayakumar, Vice President; Dr. Indira Veersetti, Secretary; Dr. Udaya Shivangi, Treasurer; and, Dr. Leena Gupta, Entertainment Chair Dr. Swati Kulkurni, the Indian Consul General at Atlanta, GA, who was the Chief Guest at the Gala, enlightened the delegates with latest on healthcare and about the US-India business relationship.

Others who attended and addressed the gala included, Mr. Umesh Sanjanwala, Chief of Staff for Senator Cindy Hyde Smith, and Allen Barbour, who represented the state’s Lt Governor Tate Reeves.

Recognizing the contributions of local leaders, AAPI MISSISSIPPI honored and presented plaques and bouquets to all who had helped organize the event and raised funds for this spectacular event.

The elegantly decorated venue of the gala on the waterfront provided an excellent ambience to the AAPI Mississippi members who had traveled from all over the state. Showcasing their talents and skills in the fashion world, AAPI MISSISSIPPI women leaders presented a spectacular fashion show to the delight of the audience. The delicious dinner was served by Tadka Restaurant.

Dr. Shivangi, President of AAPI Mississippi, thanked all the members of the Chapter for attending the gala and for working hard to bring in sponsors and medical booths. A special note of appreciation was offered to all the beautiful women for their willingness to attend and to participate in the Entertainment part of the Fashion show.

AAPIQLI Organizes Breast Cancer Awareness Event on Long Island

October 31, 2019 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

AAPIQLI, one of the most active Chapters of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), under the leadership of Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan organized Breast Cancer Awareness event in Clark Botanical Gardens in Albertson, Long Island on Sunday, October 15 2019.

Dr. Himanshu Pandya President AAPI QLI; Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan Chair Womens’ Affairs; Dr. Tarun Wasil oncologist, Dr. Usha Bhansal; Jaya Bahadkar, Dr. Isha Mehta, Dr. Meena Ahluwalia, and Dr. Vimal Goyal, were some of the AAPIQLI leaders who were part of the event.

AAPIQLI Organizes Breast Cancer Awareness Event on Long Island

Elected Officials from Long Island, including Town Supervisor Judy Bosworth, Councilman Peter Zuckerman, Supervisor Bosworth attended the event and presented Citations from the Town of North Hempstead to the dedicated AAPIQLI team.

New York State Senator Kevin Thomas, the first Indian American to be elected to that office, complimented the physicians on their various health initiatives and gave a Citation to AAPI QLI.

Nassau University Medical Center provided a Mammography Van for free mammograms which could be performed on site.

Geri Barish, who runs the Hewlett House, a lovely, warm, caring, supportive refuge center for women with breast cancer, spoke about the importance of mammograms and early detection. The breast cancer survivors present gave a poignant account of what they had to undergo.

To entertain the audience, ballet troupe led by dance teacher Marcia Krengel, came all the way from Patchogue and gave a very lively rendering of “Mamma Mia”, along with 2 other dazzling performances, “Lion” and “Never Give Up”! So appropriate! Mathy Pillai sang an operatic, outstanding version of our National Anthem; and Jyoti Gupta sang a very lovely Hindi number about motherhood.

Sponsored by HSBC, Rajbhog Restaurant donated Masala Tea, and Dr. Bhavani brought finger snacks, while water was provided by Drs. Usha and Meena. Registration was handled by Dr. Vimal. Mrs. Jaya introduced the pink element with the pink tablecloths and pink balloons!!

The event was very well attended, including notables, past President Dr. Jagan Pahuja of AAPIQLI and Mr Lalit Aery President of IALI.

IAPC’s 6th Annual International Media Conference 2019 Held In Houston, TX

October 23, 2019 Staff ReporterBusiness, Community 0

By Anil Augustine, Atlanta, GA; Dr. Mathew Joys, Las Vegas, NV

The 6^th annual International Media Conference 2019, an annual gathering of the media professionals from across the world, hosted by The Indo American Press Club, as well as the IAPC Houston and Dallas Chapters, and coordinated by the national IAPC leadership, was held at The Double Tree Hilton at Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX from October 11^th to 14^th, 2019.

About 500 patrons from North America participated in this professional development and networking event. Eminent personalities belonging the media, film, socio-political fraternities of global fame and prominence led the seminars, workshops and training sessions at this premier event of the Indo-American Diaspora. Delegates deliberated on the role of Media, especially while facing the vast challenges of effective reporting and communicating objectively.

Ms. Shani Prabhakaran from Malayala Manorama; Ms. Dhanya Rajendran, Chief
Editor of NewsMint; Ms. Shreekala M.S. from Mathrubhoomi, Dr. Arun
Kumar from 24X7TV; Mr. A.J. Philp, Freelance Journalist based in New Delhi; Saji Dominic from Reporter Channel; Anupama Venkitesh, News Director of Global Reporter;
and, Mr. Saneesh Elayadathu of News18, along with dominant visual media
colleagues and panelists of the diaspora led the deliberations.

Adv. Jayashankar, a renowned environmental activist & Legal expert Adv. Harish Vasudevan, Noted Bolly star and gender activist Ms. Reema Kallingal were among others who made their perspectives heard at the conclave.

The Media Conference was inaugurated with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by IAPC Founding Chairman Mr. Ginsmon Zacharia, Director Mr. Kamlesh C Mehta, Secretary Mathewkutty Easo, Director Board Secretary Dr. Mathew Joys, IMC Convener Mr. James Koodal, along with Fort Bent County Judge. Mr. K.P. George and Court Judge
Ms. Julie Mathew, Esq.

In his opening remarks, Ginsmon Zachariah, Founding Chairman of the IAPC said, “IAPC basks on the now almost a yearly tradition of successfully anchored International Media Conference being this was the 6th annual meet, the esteemed platform has organized in the major Cities of The North America. Esteemed and renowned media dignitaries of India, Canada and the North
Americas attend this annual event and deliberate on relevant themes for the ethnic Indian American media personnel.”

IAPC has envisioned for itself, a significant role in recognizing and nurturing the true potential of journalists and media professionals in the United States and Canada, while collaborating with media fraternity across the globe, Dr. Mathew Joys of Las Vagas, Secretary of the Director of Board, IAPC, said.

In his inaugural address, Judge. K.P. George lauded IAPC for not restricting their reach within Indian diaspora but effectively and assertively reaching-out contributing to the adapted homeland was distinctly noticed. Ms. Julie Mathew, Esq, stressed that free-media-speech is the hallmark of social justice and democracy, without which no democratic Nation could possibly sustain.

His Excellency Surendra Adhana, Deputy Consul General of India in Houston, while lauding the efforts and contributions of IAPC,m called upon the members to work towards enhancing the Indo-US relationship.

On the inaugural day, four seminars were conducted on the first day of the Media Conference. The first being on the topic “Privacy in the Digital Age,” which was organized by Dr. Mathew Joys of Las Vagas, NA and Anil Augustine from Atlanta, GA.

Led by Adv. Jayashankar, Ms. Shani Prabhakaran, Mr. A.J.Philip, Ms. Dhanya Rajendran, Ms. Reema Kallingal and Adv. Shyam Kuruvilla, the seminar was a wakeup call to all who assumed that it’s only the duty of the State to protect its citizens; rather it’s the sole duty of the
individuals themselves to behave responsibly and prudently in lives on-the-web as well, protecting themselves thereby protecting the Nation!

The panel discussion on “Opportunities for Indo-American Professionals in Mainstream US Media” was moderated by Roy Thomas and the facilitator was James Kureekattil. The noted Emmy Award winner Mr. Jobin Panicker of ABC News, Dr. Chandra Mittal of Houston Mr. Kamlesh Mehta of South Asian Times, Mr. Frixmon Michael of Dallas, Mr. Harish Namboothiri were the panel participants.

The Session on topic “How to protect & secure the diaspora wealth back home in India.” was led by Mr. Biju Chacko of New York and Dr. Byju Thomas of Canada. The panelists included, Adv. Harish Vasudevan, Mr. Saji Dominic, Dr. Arun Kumar, Mr. Jacob Easo, and Mr. Ginsmon Zacharia, New York.

The Panel on “How to counter Cyber Crimes” was moderated by Mr. Suresh Ramakrishnan of Nerkazhcha Newspaper and was facilitated by Mr. Santosh Abraham of Philadelphia chapter of IAPC. Ms. M.S. Shashikala, Dr. Arunkumar, Mr. Saneesh Elayadathu, Adv. Jayashankar, and Adv. Harish Vasudevan contributed to alively discussion on the topic

The theme for the final day of the IMC 2019, led by the professional guests, was “Change is Inevitable!” Panel discussions on “Change – perspectives on socio-cultural-political perspectives” was led by eminent media dignitaries of the Indian Diaspora and prominent media professionals from India, who made their thoughts heard and noticed vide their active participation at the 8 seminars conducted across the conclave.

Ms. Rima Kallingal, renowned Cine artist and social-change-activist agent assertively countered a question from the audience ridiculing the picturization of “Child birth” scene towards exploiting the mean commercial prospects of it was effectively counter-argued by placing the question – “If audience have no problems/complaints watching the evil-rape, why not the sacred-life-giving-inviting occasion of delivery?” was a true social eye opener!

As well the thought of relevance by debate panelist Ms. Dhanya Rajendran, of NewsMint – “Why worry, about a matter of which we women have no worry about!” And they both together, did not hesitate to assert the point “To watch a child-birth scene in real-life one gotta be ” ‘HuMaN’ enough!” noticeably were the thought provoking feminine perspectives honoring the womanhood’s selfless vocation!

Captioned “Partiality and political bias in professional reporting.” was the topic of another panel by renowned representatives of diaspora media Dr. Arun Kumar, of 24 X 7 News channel, Mr. Saneesh P. Elayaduthu, of of News18, noted independent journalist Mr. Saji P. Dominic and political observer, dominant secular panelist & debater Adv. Jayashankar, graced the discussions. All participants were congenial in admitting the fact that impartiality is the one thing that doesn’t exist in contemporary media profession and the essential factor that economically sustain the industry is the vested corporate partiality and affinity to political thought streams of the respective media houses. The candid expressions of the panel participants were much appreciated by the audience.

“The significance of the Presence and Influence of Women professionals in Media” another panel discussion anchored by the leading senior journalist Ms. M.S. Shreekala of Mathrubhoomi Daily, Ms. Shani Prabhakaran of Manorama News, Ms. Anupama Venkatesh, News Director of Global Reporter USA, Ms. Dhanya Rajendran of NewsMint, New Delhi, and Mr. Saneesh Elayadath, of News18, participated jovially.

What transpired between the audience and panelist was well educating from a gender specific perspective. Ms. Dhanya, Ms. Anupama, Ms. Shaani, and Ms. Sreekala, gracefully expressed the challenges as women they faced in reporting unbiased, truthful deliverance of their profession as feminine reporters. Mr. Saneesh Elayadath, admitted on to the fact that male media professionals are edged with the gender social advantage men are having courtesy to the naive bias society credit men with by default, unknowingly!

“Survival at the times of Social Media” was moderated by Dr. Arun Kumar, of 24 X 7, Adv. Harish Vasudevan, Mr. Seshadri Kumar of Fort Bend Independent, Houston and Mr. Joseph Ponnoli, Digital Security Analyst Houston were the panelists. At a time when every individual is equipped with the Tech-resources and potential to become a Reporter; conventional media counterparts are helplessly forced to adapt to the new norms of citizen journalism, depending on Social media itself, is the contemporary reality traditional reporting has come in terms-with. This essential reality of accepting to “change” was the distinguished realization the Conclave equipped the participants with.

The post-lunch session was on professional development on “Corporatization of Media profession.” The popular blogger “Ballatha Pahayan” Shri. Vinod Narayan, and Shmt. Dhanya Rajendran, Chief Editor of NewsMint, co-anchored the session. Shri. Saneesh Elayadathu, of News18, and noted independent journalist Mr. Saji P. Dominic, joined the panel discussing the thoughts and facts in perspective eminently.

“Protecting the wealth and properties of the Diaspora back home,” a discussion by panelists – Ms. Shreekala M.S., of Mathrubhumi, renowned secular activist Adv. Jayashankar, renowned environmental activist & HC practicing legal expert Adv. Harish Vasudevan, and Mr. Easo Jacob an American resident, was quite informative. The controversial riverbank development in Cochin – The Maradu flats construction was the highlighted issue. The panelists very assertively put across the precautions diaspora members are expected to ensure while investing in real estate properties, back home.

“The women in Indian Cinema” anchored by Shmt. Shani Prabhakaran, Shmt. Reema Kallingal, Shmt. Dhanya Rajendran, and Shri. Saneesh Elayadathu, discussed about the contemporary circumstances denoting the relevance and essentiality of initiatives such that of Women Collective in Cinema (WCC) and “MeToo” was well narrated and debated. The perspectives notebaly ignited heated arguments and assertive statements between and among audience as well the panelists.

The panel discussion on “Governmental interference and impact in Indian & American PRESS freedom” led by Adv. Jayashankar, Dr. Arunkumar, Shri. Hari Namboothiri, and Shri. Joseph Punnooli, focused on Media as a profession and press as a responsibility was always challenged to be controlled by the ones in power, is a reality of all the times. Information/Data being the “new oil” this intangible resource is of absolute value to all stakeholders of the perspective – legit media professionals as well Govt. admins alike. Advocate Jayashankar was candid in asserting the contribution of the professional morality, courageous journalists upheld during the challenging years of American civil war, the historical Indian political emergency and the contemporary global self-centered Nationalistic political crisis media professionals are faced-up with.

IAPC true to its tradition, recognized eminent Media Personnel and Community leaders for their achievements and contributions. Mr. Naveen Shaw CPA was awarded the prestigious Karmashreshta Puraskar for the first time, recognizing his business success and support to Indo American Press Club. Mr. Thomas Mottackal was recognized with the Entrepreneur of the year Award and Ms. Annie Koloth, of NJ was recognized with “The Woman of the year 2019 Award.”

IAPC’s Sathkarma Award for humanitarian and Charitable services was presented to

Mr. Manoj Barot, Head of Global Narayan Seva SANSTHAN USA for Promoting and expansion of SEVA activities of NSS in USA, UK, AFRICA, HongKong, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, Canada. Mr. Jobin Panickar of ABC /WFAA TV Channel was recognized for Media Excellence Visual. Mr. Seshadri Kumar of Fort Bend Independent and India Herald was recognized for Media Excellence in Print Media.

Mr. Saju Kannampally, Chicago is the pioneer in Online streaming of events instantly all over the world for more than 10 years through his KTV, and he was recognized with Media Excellence Online.

Mr. George Mannickarottu, Houston is active legend in social and Malayalam Literacy activities or more than four decades. His enormous work on compiling the History of Malayalam Literature in America, and his nine other books on various topics enabled him to be recognized for the SahithyaPrathibha puraskaram.

Along with these Community Awards the following awards were also presented to eminent personalities: Attorney Thomas Daniel (Professional Excellence Award), Krishna Vavilala

(Community Services Award), Sam Abraham (Business Success Award), Ramesh Lulla (Business Success Award), and, Thomas Koshy, Voice of Asia news weekly (Publishing Excellence).

For the new generation, IAPC has initiated an Essay Competition, while a Photography Contest was held for adult members of IAPC. The winners were recognized for their skills and excellence at the Media Conclave.

The music extravaganza presented by the world renowned “Singing Priest” Rev Dr. Poovathinkal was well appreciated by the audience. An evening of cultural extravaganza performed by eminent film artist Ms. Divya Unni and students from Dr. Shrikala’s dance school in Houston, TX, themed “The Nature” were much appreciated by one and all.

The Houston community was well attended and represented by community leaders and chapter members of IAPC Houston Chapter. The 6th IMC of IAPC concluded with an ever prominent professional/vocational node of the importance of having to adhere, uphold and practice the cornerstone principles of the media profession – Obligation to report the truth, Loyalty to citizens, Guardianship of the essence in democracy, ethics, values and morality of the journalistic profession!

The Indo-American Press Club seeks to foster closer bonds and cooperation among an extensive network of journalists across the nation, who are committed to professionalism and have the well-being of the larger society.

The Indo-American Press Club founded in 2013, consists of a cohesive and vibrant group of journalists, media professionals and freelancers working or associating with print, broadcast and online media outlets in North America. With hundreds of members in dozens of local Chapters across North America, IAPC has come to be an effective and credible platform for Indian American journalists and media professionals to associate and network with a sense of belonging. For more details, please visit: https://www.indoamericanpressclub.com/

Hofstra University hosts international conference on Guru Nanak

October 23, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

Guru Nanak’s Ek – Anek Vision, a major three-day conference marking the 550th birth of Guru Nanak concluded on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Hofstra University, in New York. Organized by Dr. Balbinder Singh Bhogal and Dr. Francesca Cassio under the Sardarni Kuljit Kaur Bindra Chair in Sikh Studies and Sardarni Harbans Kaur Chair in Sikh Musicology at Hofstra University, the conference was attended by over 30 scholars and artists from all over the world.

This was the eighth conference at Hofstra under the Sardarni Kuljit Kaur Bindra Chair since its inception in 2001. Bhogal welcomed everyone to the conference and laid out the aim which is to establish Gur Sikh musicological and philosophical difference – a difference that not only includes but preserves the other’s voice as its own, making its own history a shared history .

At the welcome dinner, Tejinder Singh Bindra congratulated everyone on Guruji’s 550th birth anniversary and spoke of the secularism, universal love and equality preached and practiced by Guru Nanak , equality whether it be among nations, castes , gender or wealth. He thanked Hofstra university and for selecting this wonderful topic and bringing so many renowned and distinguished scholars and artists to the conference.

Indie Singh spoke about the importance of gurmat sangeet in their family and how happy her parents would be of seeing the progress of the musicology chair.

Both the Provost Dr. Herman Berliner and Dean Ben Rifkin thanked the generous support of late Sardar Ishar Singh Bindra and family and Dr. Hakam Singh for endowing the chairs and acknowledged the great contribution of both chairs in the department of religion at Hofstra.

Hofstra is also home of Guru Nanak Interfaith Prize, endowed by Sardar Ishar Singh Bindra, where a $50,000 Prize is awarded every two years to a person or organization that bring religions close. His Holiness The Dalai Lama was the first recipient of this Prize.

Cassio summarized the conference as an important, and even, historic event – with some intellectual substance, in terms of inserting the Sikh voice in the debate about Indian music history, with the possibility of re-writing it, or at least registering our challenge to the way that history elides the Sikh voice and contribution.

Scholars from Harvard, Yale, Columbia and Michigan as well as Benares Hindu University, and Guru Nanak Dev University, from India, began a conversation for the first time engaging directly with the sonic evidence that Bhai Baldeep Singh (the Keynote speaker) presented. The initiation of this critical assessment and discussion was a major success in the field of Sikh studies and the Ethnomusicology of South Asia.

Being the focus of this conference is inclusivity, the organizers wanted to represent and celebrate not only Guru Nanak’s voice, with his pluriversal vision, but also the multi-linguistic, multi-geographic, and multi-authored compositions collected in the GGS, through the Sikh, Bhakti and Sufi voices, said a press release.

The three concerts presented during this conference, were, in fact, an integral part of the intellectual project that aims to showcase the pluriversality of Guru Nanak’s message in its sonic form, and how the memory of heterodox traditions has been retained through the songs collected in the Sikh Scriptures, and preserved by the Sikh community who sang these poems over the past 500 years.

The first concert was entirely dedicated to Guru Nanak. The prime exponent of the Gurbani kirtan parampara, Bhai Baldeep Singh sang compositions that have been transmitted within the pre-colonial Gur-Sikh traditions as original compositions of the founder of the Sikh faith.

In this recital, Bhai Baldeep Singh proposed for the first time to retrace Guru Nanak’s experience of the early (pre-colonial) Gurbani kirtan, accompanied by Daud Khan Sadozai on a rabab that is a replica of the rabab played by the Fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan.

The second evening the audience had the opportunity to listen to a rendition of the Kabir bani presented by Padma Shri Prahlad Tiapanya, in the traditional Malwi style from Madhya Pradesh. The conference ended with the qawwali singer Dhruv Sangari performing lyrical hymns of Sheikh Farid.

The concerts were designed to hear differences across these performative traditions, and as such, they were functional to the whole argument of inclusivity that the delegates discussed over two days of the conference.

Kerala Center Announces 2019 Honorees For Annual Awards Banquet

October 23, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center (http://keralacenterny.com) will honor five Indian American Malayalees for their outstanding achievements in their field of specialization or for their service to the society at its 27th Annual Awards Banquet to be held on November 2nd and will be chaired by Kerala Center’s Founding Patron and Vice President Alex Esthappan. The chief guest is Mr. Shatrugna Sinha, India’s Deputy Consul General in New York.

“Kerala Center has been honoring outstanding achievers since 1991 and every year we invite nominations and the committee has to make a unanimous choice for a candidate in a category to receive the award and this year is no different from previous years in terms of their achievements,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Kerala Center’s Founding Benefactor and Trustee.

“In 29 years, Kerala Center has become a secular civic institution providing services to the Indian American community and we are recognizing those who are achievers and contributors to society,” said Kerala Center President Thambi Thalappillil.

This year’s honorees include Yale University Business School professor Prof. K. Sudhir, who is also the keynote speaker for his achievement in Business Management and Education; Dr. Thomas Mathew, Immediate Past President of Association of Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG) in Community Service; Malayalam Writer Elcy Yohannan Sankarathil; for her contribution in the Malayalam literature New York State Senator Kevin Thomas for Political Leadership and Involvement and Jose Kadapuram for his contribution in Mass Media.

The awardees will be honored at the Kerala Center’s 27th Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, November 2nd starting at 6.00 p.m. at The Kerala Center, 1824 Fairfax St., Elmont, New York. Program includes entertainment by Thoom Dance Group of New City, New York. For tickets contact the Kerala Center, 516-358-2000.

Kerala Center Founder and Executive Director E.M. Stephen said that the Center had recognized 150 achievers in the last 27 years who have continued to become bigger achievers and contributors to the society.

Dr. K. Sudhir is the James Frank Professor of Private Enterprise, Management and Marketing and founder-director of the China India Insights Program at the Yale School of Management. He leads research and consulting collaborations on business problems for a range of Fortune 500 companies and non-profits in the US and internationally through the Yale Center for Customer Insights. Sudhir’s academic research has been honored with numerous awards across many leading marketing journals. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Marketing Science, the leading quantitative academic research journal in marketing. Sudhir received his B.E. (Electronics and Communication) from the College of Engineering Guindy at Anna University, M.Tech. (Industrial Management) from IIT Madras, and MS and PhD in Marketing from Cornell University.

Recognition for Achievement in Community Service – Thomas P. Mathew, MD. FACP

Dr. Thomas P. Mathew is a Fellow of American College of Physicians and currently Adjunct Professor in Medicine at St. John’s University and has his own private practice in Internal Medicine in Long Island. He is the Executive Director of ECHO (Enhance Community through Harmonious Outreach) a non-for-profit organization which he cofounded in 2014, conducting charitable activities to lend a helping hand to the local community. He spear-headed the collection of large amounts of funds during Nepal Earthquake Relief and Kerala flood relief events. Dr Mathew is a former National President and currently a Board of Trustees of Association of Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG).

Recognition for Achievement and Contributions in Political Leadership– NY State Senator Kevin Thomas

Kevin Thomas is a New York State Senator representing the 6th Senate District in Nassau County. He was elected in 2018, becoming the first Indian-American to serve in the Empire State’s Senate. Kevin serves as Chairman of the Consumer Protection Committee and sits on the Judiciary, Finance, Banking, Aging, Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committees. Prior to his election, he worked as an attorney and appointee of the US Commission on Civil Rights to the New York State Advisory Committee. Kevin immigrated to the United States from Dubai at 10 years old. He grew up in Queens and received his J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, where he developed a passion for consumer protections.

Recognition for Outstanding Contribution as a Writer – Elcy Yohannan Sankarathil

Mrs. Sankarathil has been a popular presence in American Malayalam literature. Her published works are eleven so far, with eight collections of poems, a translation of Tagore’s Gitanjali, a collection of short stories as well as its English translation for the benefit of the younger generation. She has garnered numerous awards and continues to write poetry and short stories. She received Masters in Education and Engineering. She was a teacher prior to coming to America in 1970 and worked as an engineer with Nassau County for 35 years

Recognition in Mass Media – Jose Kadapuram

Mr. Kadapuram is a prominent media person in the North American Malayalee Community. Currently, he works as the Director in Charge of Kairali TV USA. He was the executive producer of the super hit series ‘Akkara Kazhchakal’ and several other hit shows. He is a co-founder of the India Press Club of North America (IPCNA). Jose Kadapuram is one of the few Malayalee media persons having a Certified Press ID from the US Department of State. He received his Masters in Economics from Maharajas College Ernakulam.

India Philanthropy Alliance Launched

October 23, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) was officially launched during the second annual Indiaspora Philanthropy Summit at the Copley Hall of Georgetown University on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Oct. 2 and also the first day of the Indiaspora conceived ChaloGive — an online giving campaign extending through Oct. 8, to encourage higher levels of giving by the Indian diaspora.

The Indian American charitable giving, consisting of 11 Indian-American philanthropic organizations — including some of the leading and well-established organizations like the Pratham USA, the American India Foundation (AIF), Ekal USA, and the Foundation for Excellence (FFE) — have come together under the banner of the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) to advance India’s humanitarian and sustainable development goals through increased collaboration and innovation.

Others who are part of the Alliance are: the Akanksha Fund, Arogya World, CRY America, Dasra, Magic Bus USA, VisionSpring, and Indiaspora, whose founder and chairman M. R. Rangaswami, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and angel investor conceived of this coalition more than two years ago and then pushed it through to become a reality with the organizational skills and expertise of AIF’s former CEO Alex Counts, now IPA’s senior adviser, and Indiaspora’s own Philanthropy Initiatives manager Gabrielle Trippe, along with Sanjeev Joshipura, executive director of Indiaspora.

The Indiaspora summit brought together over 100 participants including philanthropists, leading business executives, academics, policy experts, and Indian-American community leaders for an all-day brainstorming via several panel discussions and thought-provoking conversations on various aspects of philanthropy.

The grassroots initiative is focused on individual giving by the Indian diaspora to 21 nonprofits that are making an impact in India and the U.S. through its online platform ChaloGive.org. The campaign was inspired in part by the success of Giving Tuesday in the U.S. as well as the week-long Daan Utsav campaign in India, which also has gained considerable traction, and coincides with the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary Oct. 2.

IPA said the 11 organizations collectively raise $125 million annually in philanthropic donations, including more than $50 million in the United States, and their “most generous donors are Indian-American entrepreneurs and professionals as well as companies doing business in both the United States and India.”

It said, “Together, these 11 organizations have cumulatively impacted more than 67 million people with their evidence-based programs spanning education, health care, livelihood support, and other essential services.”

Part of its mission, according to IPA would be “to help India meet its United Nations Sustainable Development Goal commitments,” and in this regard, “the organizations that are part of the Alliance will work more closely together in their constituency-building efforts in the United States and in their work in India.

Deepak Raj, a New Jersey-based entrepreneur and investor, who is the chairman of Pratham, one of the leading education-focused nonprofits, unanimously chosen to lead IPA as its first chairman, said, “We’re excited about this effort to join forces today as a new alliance committed to the ideal of making a collective impact. Working together, using our combined philanthropic reach and innovative ideas, we can help India in far greater ways than each of us could accomplish working on our own. The time is right for building a more robust culture of philanthropy among Indian-Americans and I am positive that our efforts will help accelerate social progress in India,” he predicted.

Minoo Gupta, vice chair of IPA and president of FFE, which has supported over 20,000 low-income and underprivileged Indian scholars to pursue higher education, including in some cases in the U.S. and boast of a few of their scholarship recipients now working for corporate heavyweights like Google, said, “Organizations working towards the goal of educating all Indians regardless of their family’s wealth cannot work in isolation from others with similar goals, or from efforts of the government.” She said, “The opportunities for transformation are vast and a collective impact approach is now needed.”

Nishant Pandey, CEO of AIF — a nearly two-decade old collective platform for philanthropy benefitting India that has raised $129 million benefitting more than 5.6 million underprivileged people in India through its work in education, health, and livelihoods — and the other vice-chair of IPA said, “Our generous donors have been telling us for years that greater collaboration among professionally run nonprofits focused on India made sense, and that a narrative of complementarity has been missing from our sector.” Thus, he said, “AIF is pleased to respond in a pragmatic and visionary way to our friends and supporters by being a founding member of the Alliance.”

Dr. Sampat Shivangi Appointed Member of US Advisory Committee on Mental Health

October 16, 2019 Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a physician, an influential Indian-American community leader, and a veteran leader of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), has been appointed by the US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M Azar to serve on the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Council.

“I am delighted to invite you to serve on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s, Center for Mental Health Services, National Advisory Council,” Azar said in a letter to him. “The appointment is for the term beginning immediately and ending on July 30, 2023,” Azar said.

In a statement, Dr. Shivangi said, “I am honored that President Donald Trump’s Administration and the US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex M Azar II, have appointed me to the coveted post to serve on Center for Mental Health Services, National Advisory Council for four year term ending July 30, 2023.”

Dr. Shivangi, founding president of American Association of Physicians of Indian-origin in Mississippi, said, “Having served on the Mississippi State Board of Mental Health for more than a decade as Vice Chair and Chair, this is a unique honor for me to serve on the National Advisory Council and I look forward to serve the nation with my best of abilities.” He thanked President Trump and Secretary Alex Azar for their consideration and the opportunity to serve.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

The US Congress established the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 1992 to make substance use and mental disorder information, services, and research more accessible.

The issues of mental health and substance abuse have been in the forefront in recent years, more youngsters becoming victims of addiction, and many ending up attempting suicide. Doctors say, they are increasingly seeing patients from all walks of life who suffer from a combination of substance abuse and mental health problems. Experts estimate that at least 60% of people battling one of these conditions are battling both.

Mental health problems are common in the U.S. An estimated 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. In this context, the appointment of Dr. Shivangi to this Apex Body that was created to address the most pressing healthcare need of the country is very significant.

Dr. Sampat Shivangi has been a conservative life-long member of the Republican party, hailing from a strong Republican state of Mississippi. He is the Beside being the founding president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin in Mississippi, he was also the past president and chair of the India Association of Mississippi and was Advisor to US department of Health & Human Services at NHSC Washington, DC 2005-2008 President Bush Administration

A close friend to the Bush family, he was instrumental in lobbying for first Diwali celebration in the White House and for President George W. Bush to make his trip to India. He had accompanied President Bill Clinton during his historic visit to India.

Dr. Shivangi has held high offices in USA including as an advisor to US Health & Human Services appointed by the President George W. Bush, a member of the Mississippi state Board of Health by Governor Haley Barbour, then a Chair of the State Board of Mental Health now by the Governor Phil Bryant a strong supporter of President Trump.

Dr. Shivangi has actively involved in several philanthropic activities, serving with Blind foundation of MS, Diabetic, Cancer and Heart Associations of America. Dr. Shivangi has number of philanthropic work in India including Primary & middle schools, Cultural Center, IMA Centers that he opened and helped to obtains the first ever US Congressional grant to AAPI to study Diabetes Mellitus amongst Indian Americans.

Dr. Shivangi has been at the forefront of the powerful American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and served as Secretary and Vice President of the Association, besides representing it at the American Medical Association.

A member of the Executive Advisory Board of the Washington, DC, – based conservative think tank, International Leaders Summit. Joel Anand Samy, who co-founded the International Leaders Summit along with Srdoc, welcomed Shivangi to the group’s Board.

Dr. Shivangi, from Ridgeland, Mississippi, is one of the most plugged in and savvy Indian Americans in the South, who’s cultivated governors, senators and members of the House and been a fixture at GOP conventions.

Dr.Sampat Shivangi was awarded a highest civilian honor, Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Sanman award for the year 2016 on January 9, 2017 in Blengaluru, by the Hon. President of India, Shri Pranav Mukhejee. He was awarded with the prestigious Ellis Island medal of Honor in New York in 2008. He is married to Dr. Udaya S.Shivangi, MD, and his children are: Priya S.Shivangi, MS (NYU); Pooja S. Shivangi who is an Attorney at Law.

Dr.Sampat Shivangi understands the importance of high-quality, highly motivated and talented employees need for the Corporate growth and in maintaining our position as an industry leader committed to developing solutions in health care programs and information technology. He is a contributor to international publications on major issues on the global agenda and on the trends shaping the health care programs and the political environment.

“Aging and Rejuvenation” at IMANE 2019 Women’s Forum

October 16, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Women 0

The underlying cause of aging remains one of the central mysteries of biology. Recent studies in several different systems suggest that not only may the rate of aging be modified by environmental and genetic factors, but also that the aging clock can be reversed, restoring characteristics of youthfulness to aged cells and tissues.

Responding to this most vital area of human development, Indian Medical Association of New England (IMANE) addressed its deliberations on “Aging and Rejuvenation” during its second 2019 women’s forum at Burlington Public Library on September 29^th. Attended by dozens of physicians and their family members, the 2^nd annual event by the Woemn’s Forum was a remarkable milestone for the Forum for its members.

Dr. Sonal Pandya, a renowned specialist in plastic & reconstructive surgery, led the discussions with her insightful presentation on Aging and Rejuvenation. Senior VP of Emergent Medical Technologies Angela Lacy shared great insights on Non-Invasive Radio Frequency Modalities for body contouring and skin tightening. We had very interactive dialogue within this forum from all member physicians and non-physicians as these topics are very close to many of us. Angela lacy brought in the machine for complimentary facial procedures.

Overall both forums in 2019 have been a success with great participation from IMANE community members including our current President. The concluded this 2019 second forum with few complementary procedures for few of our participants thanks to Angela Lacy.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Sapna Aggarwal, said, “I am very humbled & proud to be the Chair of the Women’s Forum committee for IMANE with my co-chair, Dr. Monie Malhotra . Overall a great event with excellent audience participation,” she added. With the support of Dr. Saraswathi Muppana, President-Elect Dr. Dhrumil Shah, Saras (President), Dhruv (President elect) and other all members as well as the Executive Committee members, we look forward to continuing this tradition in 2020 and expand our work to facilitate more forums on Health & Wellness.”

“It was a great start to Indian Medical Association of New England (IMANE) women’s forum with kick off topic from Dr. Sonal Pandya on all things related to Aging and Rejuvenation.” added, Dr. Sapna Aggarwal, who also serves as a member of BOT, Nnational AAPI.

Archbishop Dominic Jala of Shillong, Father Mathew Vellankal Die in Road Accident in California

October 16, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Archbishop Dominic Jala of Shillong and Father Mathew Vellankal, an Indian priest working in the United States, died in a road accident in California on October 10^th, when the two were traveling to Clearlake in California along with Father Joseph Parekkatt, another Indian priest.

Their car collided with a semi-truck in Colussa Country, California, according to a press note from the diocese of Oakland. Father Parekkatt, who was seriously wounded, was stable in a hospital, the press note says.

Salesian Archbishop Jala was 68. Reports from Salesian sources in Shillong say Archbishop was going to California to meet his friend. He had gone to the US to attend a meeting of International Commission for English liturgy in New York. Archbishop Jala was born on July 12, 1951, in Mawlai in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya.

He was ordained a priest for the Salesians of Don Bosco on November 19, 1977. He was the provincial of the congregation’s Guwahati province before he was appointed the archbishop of Shillong on December 22, 1999. His episcopal ordination was on April 2, 2000.

Archbishop Dominic Jala of Shillong, Father Mathew Vellankal Die in Road Accident in California

He was the Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Liturgy from 2015 onwards and the member of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL). He has also served CCBI from 2003 to 2007 as the Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Liturgy.

Father Vellankal, a missionary in Oakland Diocese, was a native of Kerala, South India. Father Vellankal, 60, was the pastor of St. Isidore Parish in Danville, California, since 2016. After completing the 12th grade, he joined the Salesians and was ordained a priest in January 1987.

After ordination, Father Vellankal spent three years as an associate pastor in a parish and a year as headmaster of a large school in northeastern India. He then spent two years as the youth director for the Salesian province of Guwahati before being named principal of a school in Guwahati, the commercial capital of Assam.

After two years as principal, he became youth director for the northeastern region comprising 10 dioceses. During this time, Rome appointed him international youth chaplain of the International Movement of Catholic Agricultural and Rural Youth, based in Belgium. The organization serves about 2 million youth in 65 countries. Father Vellankal left the Salesians and joined the Oakland Diocese, according to a source in northeastern India.

The Archbishop, after the Ad Limina meeting with Pope Francis left for the US to meet his old time friend Father Matthew Vellankal. The duo accompanied by another India priest, Father Joseph Parrackett went to Lakeclear for a break and while on their way back at Colusa County, a mini truck hit them from behind.

Speaking to Father Michael Makri over Skype and Whatsapp, Father Johnson of Oakland Diocese gave these details ‘As per the sheriff’s deputy, the accident took place around 2 pm on October 10, 2019 (CA time). They were on an intersection of highway 16 and 20, when their car and semi truck collided. Father Matthew was driving and Archbishop was sitting next to him in front. Father Joseph was sitting behind. Archbishop and Father Matthew died on the spot while Father Joseph was airlifted to the nearby hospital.

The Archbishop and Father Matthew died on the spot, while father Joseph sustain to serious injuries. They were taken to the hospital in Colusa County for autopsy.

Father Johnson said that the police will release the bodies only after autopsy which will take 4 to 6 days as this is week end and Monday is a holiday in California. The bodies of both the Catholic leaders will be flown to India and will be buried there. While the funeral for the Archbishop will be held in Shillong, the remains of Fr. Vellankal will be buried in his native place, Kerala, according to sources.

Archbishop Jala is the second Indian archbishop to die in a car accident abroad. Earlier, Archbishop Alan de Lastic of Delhi died on June 20, 2000, in a car crash in Poland.

Trailblazing ‘Hindu Mandir Executive Conference’ in N.J.

October 16, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

“Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA)” sponsored historic 14^th annual ‘Hindu Mandir Executive Conference (HMEC)’ in New Jersey concluded with resounding success on Sept.22 at ‘Fairbridge Inn & Suites’ in East Hanover, N.J. This annual fair takes place in different regions of N. America, (includes Caribbean Islands), for the benefit of Hindu temples and religious organizations. The primary objective of this eminent gathering is to collectively enhance their relevance to the Hindu society-at-large and to the rising second generation. In this pioneering effort, VHPA’s role is limited to that of a facilitator or a catalytic-supporter. According to Vipul Patel, the Convener, the theme of this year’s HMEC was – “Sustaining Temples and Institutions by Building security and Strength through community Outreach and Seva programs”. This year, several dozen Temples and Organizations participated in 3-day affair that had 35 speakers and approx. 200 delegates.

The main coordinator of the entire conference was Bhakti Mehta-Modi who kept the tightly paced sessions adequately focused on their subjects from the beginning. The conference began on Friday, September 20 evening with Swami Pratyagbodhanandaji, along with other seers, blessing the event with Sanskrit shlokas and lighting the auspicious lamp. This first session was devoted to safety initiatives and emergency precautions in case of Medical crisis, Fire, Vandalism or an active shooter prowling on the premises. This was expertly handled by representatives of ‘Homeland Security’, Chief Officers of local firefighting unit and emergency management unit. Mark Curcio (Emergency Mgmt.) recommended that all places of worship should have a ‘crisis management team’, adequately installed surveillance gadgets, properly established rapport with local concerned authorities, and periodic safe evacuation drills under their supervision. Most of the temples it seemed lacked this preparedness. Sohini Sarcar’s (Hindu Student Council – ‘HSC’) weeks of interactions with these ‘security professionals’ was not only evident but also was overwhelmingly appreciated by them. Chaplain Shawn Lee’s (‘US Army Chaplaincy’) assertion on how difficult it is to recruit qualified Hindu Chaplains for Army’s spiritual wing came as a surprise to most of the people. This is something the Hindu diaspora needs to delve on in the interest of Hindu soldiers in US Army.

Saturday, September 21 morning session focused on prevention, protection and sustenance. It dealt with adopting a public-relation road map for the surrounding community by educating children about Hindu culture in temple-based classroom, bringing our festivals on public platform to remove any misgivings rather than just internalizing their importance and adopting ‘Seva’ projects. As part of community outreach by temples and institutions, Neha Srivastava suggested that they become catchment centers for society’s ills and address issues like loneliness, caregiving, poverty, domestic violence resulting out of marital discord etc. Given an opportunity of 2 hrs. /wk. time and space, she offered to establish such pilot programs in temples that are willing to give a try. To sustain the cultural values among the college youths, Nikunj Trivedi of ‘HSC’ gave insight into what they had accomplished in past 29 years. In spite of inadequate support system 150,000 students have been nurtured by them at 60+ college campuses.

“HMEC” is not only a vehicle for the executives of temples and religious organizations for their own networking, but also, to collectively overcome various hurdles faced by them by addressing commonality among them or by drafting reference charter-booklets. Abhaya Asthana, President of ‘VHPA’, along with his associate Sanjay Mehta (Gen Secretary, VHPA) expanded on this approach with Sant Gupta, Tejal Shah, Vinod Gupta explaining the subtext of it. It is remarkable to note that through HMEC initiative ‘Hindu Mandir Priest Conference (HMPC)’, ‘Hindu Women Network (HWN)’, ‘Hindu American Vanaprasthi Network (HAVAN) have been established. Moreover, this has resulted in publication of informative books like ‘Hindu Prayer Book’ and a book on ‘Antimsanskar’ (last rites). Abhayaji, also talked on Hindu’s biggest global event – “World Hindu Congress” – that took place last year in Chicago, USA where 3,000 delegates from 65 countries participated. Keeping up with the theme of the conference Swami Pratyagbodhananji, released a new book titled ‘Hindu Temple Security Guidelines’ that details the steps that need to be taken by the members of HMEC for the safety of their institutions and gatherings.

Saturday afternoon was devoted to ‘Media’ as a strategic tool of influence to connect with the larger audience and especially with our second generation. On the outset, Ajay Shah who is vigilant about anti-Hindu defamation attempts, expressed displeasure about the way Hindus are portrayed in the Media by well-financed hate-groups. He advised that more concerted efforts on the part of Hindus are necessary to counter this onslaught. Continuing on 2017 Media-workshop, Fred Stella emphasized that HMEC cadre needs to be Media-savvy (print, audio-visual, Social-media etc.) as the technology is here to stay. He disclosed that, as the raw data was being compiled, a handbook, as a guide, to interact with the Media in positive manner was on its way. Bhakti Mehta-Modi, Parth Parihar and Yogi Jayanathaji touched on modern modes of communications prevalent among younger generation. As an off-shoot of previous HMECs, quite a few ‘guidance books’ are being prepared. Among them, some relate to youth issues, namely, love-hate relation with their own identity, silent suffering when ostracized, freewill marriage, social stigmas atypical to Hindus in alien culture, depression etc. In late afternoon there was a special youth session to tackle their existential problems.

The highlight of Sunday, September 22 was the deliberations on wide-spread ‘religious conversions’ in Caribbean Islands and in India. Pt. Ram Harodwar revealed that lot of religious zealots, worldwide, are raising huge amounts of money to entice Hindus to change their religion. In Guyana, it was alleged that there is 25% drop in Hindu population since their arrival. The panel, consisting of Ram Sahadeo, Dwarka Persaud, Ram Harodwar and Fred Stella blamed the situation on governmental agencies, Hindu’s callous indifference and religious extremists preying on the disadvantaged. The possible solutions? Education, Financial aid, Reconversion, and Temples as help-centers for the people in need – and not just acting as the citadel of rituals. Everyone agrees that spirituality in all its forms is not the only contribution of Hindus to U.S. To encapsulate and celebrate all their contributions & achievements a unique symposium – ‘THREADS Conference 2019’ – is being hosted in Boston, MA on November 1-3 < https://www.threads2019.org >. Jai Bansal, who is one of the conveners of this gathering revealed that, “the purpose is to share the story of Hindu-Americans, appreciate what the America has done to embrace them and increasingly engage them to shape a collective future”.

For the benefit of participating institutions, Sanjay Mehta summarized the action items that the members had agreed on. The gathering resolved to (1) to create ‘Hindu Seva and outreach portal’, after database collection is complete (2) publish visitor’s guide for various Temples spread across the landscape (3) establish ‘HMEC Library’ to catalogue progressive ideas, suggestion and practical projects. Before the historic conference came to an end, Bhakti Mehta-Modi made a constructive suggestion that ~ it would serve everyone’s interests if the ‘Seniors’ give more time and thought to what the youths have to say in executing any task. She further elaborated that the definition of respect for seniors has different resonance to the youths born in USA and they also expect Seniors to take them seriously and not brush them aside. The gathering appreciated VHPA’s comprehensive efforts to bring various institutions together for collective brainstorming on issues that affect them most.

Indian Overseas Congress, USA celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and 115th birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri

October 16, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The Indian Overseas Congress (IOC, USA) celebrated the 150 Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi along with the 115th Birth Anniversary of Late Prime Minister of India Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri at Fairbridge Hotel in New Jersey. The event was attended by over 150 people and had dignitaries like Anil Shastri (Son of Late Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri), Salman Khurshid (Former External Affairs Minister), Himanshu Vyas (Secretary – All India Congress Committee) address the gathering with video messages from India. The Popular Mayor of Parsippany Michael Soriano was the guest of Honor. The event started off with a beautiful classical dance performance by second-generation kids. Aarush Rompally sang the American and Indian National Anthems.

The event started with videos on the life of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri with bhajans that both the leaders had liked. The event was attended by Indian Overseas Congress President Mohinder Gilzian, Vice Chairman – George Abraham, Harbachan Singh (Secretary-General), Malini Shah (Vice President) Leela Maret (Kerala Chapter President) along with several dignitaries from the Indian Community like Viru Patel (Councilman, Edison), Bharat Patel, Chandu Patel, Harkesh Thakur, Ram Gadula etc. The event was supported by the Gandhi Ashram Trust run by Bhadra Butala, who gave free biographies of Mahatma Gandhi to all the attendees.

The Mayor – Michael Soriano spoke on the influence of Mahatma Gandhi on his ideal – Martin Luther King and said that the values of Mahatma Gandhi were an inspiration to all generations across the world. He said that the Mahatma’s message of inclusion and service to all human beings, honestly with Integrity are universally accepted principles of good human behavior.

He gave away awards to the following people for Community Service. Lal Bahadur Shastri Award for Community Service – Colonel Virander Tavatia. Mahatma Gandhi Award for Community Service to Mukesh Kashiwala, Ravinder Thota, and Bhadra Butala.

Sam Pitrioda addressed the event from Chicago on Facebook Live. He spoke on the influence of the Mahatma Gandhi had on his life and spoke on how he was influenced by the great man very early in his childhood. He spoke on the portal that they had built under the UPA Government with the help of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He added that the value system Mahatma had espoused is currently under attack and those universal values would inspire more people today and keep India secular and united.

Anil Shastri spoke on how the Mahatma has influenced people across different countries and also said that there were over 2 dozen of the Mahatma’s statues in the USA, a country he had never visited. He also spoke on how his own father Late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri was influenced by the Mahatma. Salman Khurshid spoke on the relevance of Gandhi’s message in the present context and appreciated the fact that there are still many people who valued the principles of the Mahatma.

He also praised the role of Lal Bahadur Shastri in giving importance to farmers and soldiers and the way he administered the country in critical times after the death of Nehru. Himanshu Vyas spoke on how Gandhi’s message of peace, honesty, environment, service to the underprivileged was still relevant in the present context. He also praised the way Lal Bahadur Shastri guided the country in difficult times with his slogan – Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.

Mohinder Gilzian spoke of the great role of Mahatma Gandhi in shaping a nation with high morals and principles. ‘He has taught us to love everyone – different people, different religions, rich and poor. We should celebrate the differences and make the world a positive place for the generations to come,’ Mr. Gilzian added. He also mentioned the way Lal Bahadur Shastri ran the country and endeared himself to the nation in a short time.

George Abraham spoke about the transformational impact Gandhi continues to have impacted millions of people across the world. He added, ‘Gandhi taught us to accept suffering and even court suffering if we want personal transformation. Gandhi advocated powerlessness as the path to God, and his teachings continue to challenge us to seek God through our own active pursuit of truth and non-violence, and his philosophy is more relevant today than ever’. He also spoke on the high honesty and Integrity of Lal Bahadur Shastri. Harbachan Singh spoke on the value system that the Mahatma has inculcated to the people of India, Malini Shah spoke on the life Mahatma and his message that was conveyed by the way he lived. She also mentioned that she would be hosting her own event on the Mahatma in January 2020. Leela Maret spoke on how the Mahatma has influenced generations of people and continues to inspire people with the way he had lived his life with simplicity and honesty.

The event was planned and organized by Rajendar Dichpally and Dr.Jayesh Patel and supported by Chandu Patel and Harkesh thakur. Ashok Shah helped in arranging the hall and furniture for the event. The event was assisted by the Lal Bahadur Shastri Foundation(India) and Gandhi Ashram (Edison, USA).

A hero to the world, Gandhi is increasingly controversial in India

October 16, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

India is marking the 150th birthday of Mohandas Gandhi, the man known as the father of the nation, and across the country there are exhibits, commemorations, marches, prisoner releases and even a 1,000-foot-long greeting card.

But the celebrations this week mask a deeper unease. A century and a half after the birth of the revered leader of India’s independence struggle, Gandhi and his legacy are getting an update — and much of it is not positive.

Even as admiration for Gandhi remains widespread, aspects of his life and philosophy are increasingly a source of controversy. Scholars have highlighted the racist language he used as a young man living in South Africa as well as his defense of India’s caste system.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the political spectrum, India’s right-leaning Hindu nationalist ideologues have long had an ambivalent relationship with Gandhi. Some view his dedication to nonviolence as a form of weakness, or think he betrayed the cause of Hindus with his support for religious pluralism. Earlier this year, one politician from the ruling party even described the man who assassinated Gandhi as a “patriot.”

In many parts of the world, “Gandhi is seen broadly as a nice, decent, open-minded, reasonable guy who advocated nonviolence, justice, peace and so on,” said Ramachandra Guha, a historian and author of a two-volume biography of Gandhi. But in India, “his ideas and legacy have been deeply contested.”

Gandhi is often given the title “Mahatma,” or “great soul,” and many in India refer to him simply as “Bapu,” a word for father. He inspired leaders such as Nelson Mandela and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who wrote that Gandhi served as a “continual reminder” that “it is possible to resist evil and yet not resort to violence.” But in his long life in the public eye — his collected works comprise nearly 100 volumes — Gandhi delved not only into politics, but also economics, religion, sexuality, sanitation and even diet.

One recent critique centers on Gandhi’s two decades in South Africa as a younger man. During that time, he repeatedly referred to black South Africans using a racial slur and described them as inferior to Indians, views that prompted a university in Ghana to remove a statue of Gandhi late last year.

A growing number of writers and scholars have also criticized Gandhi for his views on India’s caste system, saying he was a conservative who believed in preserving hereditary roles for different caste groups in Indian society rather than eradicating them.

Gandhi denounced the practice of treating certain people as “untouchable” or somehow polluting. Yet he also believed in having a “harmonious social order,” said Anand Teltumbde, one of India’s preeminent scholars on caste and the author of a recent manuscript on Gandhi. “The caste system provided that order,” Teltumbde said.

Other scholars say that Gandhi advocated a gradual reform of the system because he did not want to alienate the upper castes, which were crucial to the independence struggle.

On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Gandhi at an event in Gujarat, the home state of both men. Gandhi was an advocate for better sanitation, and Modi is using his 150th birthday to celebrate the government’s “Clean India” campaign, which has constructed millions of toilets nationwide. Because of the program, India’s rural areas have essentially eradicated the practice of defecating outside, Modi said, although experts cast doubt on that claim.

Modi also praised Gandhi in an opinion piece published in the New York Times, saluting him for giving “courage to millions globally” and for envisioning “a world where every citizen has dignity and prosperity.” Modi challenged “thinkers, entrepreneurs and tech leaders” to find innovative ways to spread Gandhi’s ideas.

Modi’s emphasis on honoring Gandhi in association with the cleanliness campaign strikes some of those who knew him as a strategic choice. Although Gandhi did advocate improved sanitation, they say, it was not his central message. Those connected to the current Indian regime are using a fragment of Gandhi to destroy the core of Gandhi,” said his grandson Rajmohan Gandhi, a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “The core of Gandhi is equality and especially minority rights.”

Modi “exalts Gandhi as a prophet of cleanliness and recycling,” added Guha, Gandhi’s biographer. “He never talks about what Gandhi lived and died for, which was Hindu-Muslim harmony.”

Gandhi was assassinated in January 1948 by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist. Godse was a former member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu nationalist organization that is the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. (Modi spent much of his life as a full-time RSS worker.)

In May, Pragya Thakur, days before she was elected to India’s Parliament for the BJP, hailed Gandhi’s assassin Godse as a “patriot.” Modi said Thakur’s remarks were “condemnable” and she apologized, but the party ultimately took no action against her.

Some rue the fact that Gandhi is becoming irrelevant in today’s India. He has been reduced “to a ritualistic presence in our collective life,” Apoorvanand, a professor at Delhi University who goes by only one name, wrote this month. “He has been made a lifestyle guru, a feel-good presence — something he never was.” To embrace Gandhi would mean reviving “a politics of dissent . . . which sometimes requires going against one’s own people.”

When Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi, his grandson Rajmohan was 12. Now Rajmohan is 84, older than Gandhi was when he died. Rajmohan said he took heart from a recent video of an Indian high school student reciting a poem praising Gandhi that went viral.

“There is a stubborn core of people who have understood him and know that Gandhi represents the better angels of the Indian nature,” said Rajmohan. Gandhi is “not finished in India — no, sir.”

Gandhi Alone is the ‘Father of India’

October 16, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, India, Politics 0

The ‘Howdy Modi’ event in Houston was an eye catcher for more reasons than one. While Modi was saying ‘All is Well’ in India, thousands of protestors outside were showing the real mirror to state of affairs in India. At the same time Donald Trump, US president, while on one hand due to face the process of impeachment, on the other he was trying to promote his electoral prospects in the next US elections.

As is his wont he does flatter visiting dignitaries, for achieving goals of his diplomacy. He went on to praise Modi to the sky; as a great leader; saying, “I remember India before was very torn. There was a lot of dissension; fighting and he (Modi) brought it all together. Like a father would. Maybe he is the ‘father of India’.”

Right within US there are many views about Modi. The last time the similar debate cropped up was just before Indian General Elections of 2019. On the eve of the elections US premier magazine Time came out with a cover story “Modi: the Divider in Chief’. Of course in another article in the same issue of the magazine he was presented as the one who is central to the process of economic reforms in India. What we see here in India and what the lead article of Time magazine presented was on the dot, the divisive role of Modi.

The observation here has been that Modi’s coming to power has strengthened the divisive forces, the forces who want Hindu nation. It is precisely these forces who have gone on rampage to unleash their agenda around Cow-Beef, the communal divisions have been deepened and identity issues have come to the fore like never before.

The minorities are being alienated and dalits-Adivasis are being marginalized. Even language wise talk has been floated to make Hindi as national language. The identity issues, which create emotive atmosphere and divide the people are to the fore. While Trump is talking in one tone, the earlier hopeful in previous Presidential elections in America, Bernie Sanders in a tweet hinted that Trump is emboldening the authoritarian leaders like Modi, the leaders who are presiding over religious persecution, repression and brutality against minorities.

Till few years ago Modi himself spoke very divisive language. Now this job has been passed down to his associates. Yogi Adityanath’s anti Muslim utterances abound. Anantkrishna Hegde like many of his ilk have been openly been talking of Hindu nation. To add to the list Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, the accused in Malegaon blast, out on bail, has been praising Gandhi’s killer Godse among other things. Lately the way Article 370 has been abrogated the alienation of people of Kashmir is going up.

In a way Time magazine’s cover story did capture the state of things prevalent here. Trump is no scholar of history, ignorant of the fact as to why India regards Mahatma Gandhi as the ‘father of the nation’.

Trump’s considerations are driven by his political contingency of gradually shifting America’s closeness to India. The reason for US favoring Pakistan in yesteryears was the compulsion of cold war era. Later it kept siding with Pakistan as US designs of controlling oil wealth of West Asia were its prime motive and Pakistan was made a part of American designs in West Asia.

Now with emergence of China as a major power, and China being close to Pakistan, US gradually want to become close to India. These may be some of the factors due to which Trump is making such utterances. But that’s not about all. US is also keeping its Pakistan relationship on some scale and very shrewdly Trump did say that Modi had made aggressive remarks in Houston rally. He seems to be buttering his bread from both the sides at present.

Many a reaction to Trump’s formulations showed his hollowness. Gandhi’s grandson Tushar, tweeted that whether Trump will like to replace George Washington as one of the founding fathers of America?

What Trump has stated has pained those for whom Gandhi is the ‘father of the nation’. Any way the followers of Modi ideology do not regard Gandhi as the father of the nation. Their argument is that India the Hindu nation; is there from times immemorial and so how can Gandhi be its father. Gandhi being father of the nation also relates to the concept of nationalism.

All those who were part of ‘India as a nation in the making’ see Gandhi as the central uniting figure. During freedom movement in the anti colonial movement, it was Gandhi who played the role of uniting the country which was scattered along the lines of religion, region, caste and language. The communalists like the followers of Muslim League saw Gandhi as a Hindu leader and Hindu communalists saw Gandhi as the appeaser of Muslims.

Through the very profound and complex process, India emerged as a Nation with the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Surely the likes of Bhagat Singh, Ambedkar, Nehru and Patel played great role in making of the modern India. The process had multiple components, anti colonialism being the core where the likes of Bhagat Singh inspired the idea and Gandhi led the greatest ever mass movement, the movement directed against British Empire.

It is due to this that Subhashchandra Bose on July 6 1944, in broadcast from Singapore Radio, sought blessings of Gandhi, addressing him as Father of Nation. Sarojini Naidu on April 6, 1947, on the eve of Independence, addressed Gandhi as Rashtrapita (Father of the Nation). So where do we go from here, the Hindu nationalist followers are going euphoric about what Trump said and all those whole identify with India’s struggle for Independence and uphold democratic values are in anguish due to this statement from US President. Trump’s superficial observation is neither sound in history of India nor knowing of what is happening in India, it’s a mere diplomatic ploy to please the visiting leader.

Gandhi Memorial Trust in collaboration with Village of Skokie and Consulate General of Chicago Celebrates 150th Birthday Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

October 16, 2019 Asian Media USACommunity 0

Chicago IL: The Gandhi Memorial Trust in collaboration with Village of Skokie and consulate general of India, organized the remembrance at larger than life, bronze statue of Mahatma, located at the Heritage Public Park in Skokie, Illinois. Between 10 to 12 PM. Confronting fall type Chicago’s cold windy and rainy day, almost 155 Gandhi admirers and followers attended the occasion, Event began by offerings of flower and reciting his favorite song “Vaishnav vajan…., by Bollywood singer Poonam Bhatia.

October 2, 2019 was the 150th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, born in Porbandar, India; He led perhaps the biggest mass movement in the world. The hallmark of this movement was non-violence. It is in recognition of his contributions that the United Nations has declared October 2 as the International Day of Non-violence.

Village of Skokie Mayor, Village Trustees; Indian Consulate General honorable Mr. Sudhakar Dalela with consulate team; Mrs. Santosh Kumar and staff of Universal Metro Asian Services (UMAS), and almost 155 supporters graced the occasion

Opening speech by founder and Chairman Dr. Chandrakant M. Modi, highlighted narration of establishment of Mahatma’s statue 15 years ago. He acknowledged pivotal supportive role played by the Mayor and village Trustees and entire team. Dr. Modi concluded “If Gandhi’s teaching is followed today, no one have to die to go to haven”, that place will be existent right now on our planet.

The Mayor of Skokie Honorable Mr. George Van Dusen started his speech by that Gandhi’s strength came from his spirituality, his honesty and simplicity and, of course, his absolute conviction. “a Quote on Gandhi, by Albert Einstein had who said, “Generations to come, it may well be, will scarce believe that such a man as this one ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth.” He further remarked Gandhi’s strength came from his spirituality, his honesty and simplicity and, of course, his absolute conviction. The village of Skokie of appreciates the steadfast services of the Gandhi Memorial representatives to bring here through the sculpture and taking active role in spreading his universal eternal message of truth, tolerance and non-violence. He further added that since inception of the statue, every year, in honor of this universal man Gandhi, the village has proclaims October 2nd as peace day.

Honorable Mr. Sudhakar Dalela, Counsel General of India, shared Gandhi’s role in achieving monumental task of attaining the goal of independence of India by non-violence movement. Gandhi’s words, actions and methods won over the masses and as a result, several joined him as he led momentous the “Dandi Salt March” in 1930. In 1942, he launched the Quit India Movement.

Honerable Daleja also shared the messages from President and prime minister of India on this occasion and congratulated the Gandhi Memorial community to continue spreading the message of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Chairperson of Universal Metro Asian Services (UMAS), Chicago, thanked everyone for coming out in large numbers to celebrate Gandhiji’s birthday and vowed to keep up serving the community in the best manner.

Special award was Given to the Mr. Adil Syed, one of grandson of freedom fighter Mr. Khan Abdul Gafar Khan also called Sarhad ke Gandhi as he was native of border of pre-independence India and Afghanistan.

Mr. Satish Chander closed the event with a vote of thanks. He specially thanked extra ordinary perennial support from entire Village of Skokie officials including mayor, board of trustee village manager Mr. Lockerby, Ms. Cathy Stevens and staff of forestry dept, Security department including chef of Police Mr. AnthonyScarpelli, Indian consulate Mr. Sudhakar Daleja and whole consulate staff, Mr. Santoshkumar, Mrs. Jasbir Kour and UMAS staff for catering snacks and hot brew. The event like this would not have been possible without volunteer supports; Harish Kolasani, Dayal Patel, Muktesh Shah for help with transport and distribution of Snacks and juices, Mrs. Bharati Shah, Dina and Amee Modi, Mina Patel, Sudha Guruji, Mira Chander, DJ Mr. Safi, Shobhana Patel from Asian Media USA capture this historical event in video.

Snacks and beverages at the conclusion of the event were provided courtesy of Raja food owned by Swetal Patel and Family. Hot tea was served by courtesy of Mrs. Jasbir Kaur and her team of volunteers from MFAS.

Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi calls on Harvard community to help fight child labor

October 16, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

By Amy Roeder

(Reprinted from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health News)

In shaky, handheld camera footage from the film The Price of Free, Kailash Satyarthi and colleagues burst into an urban Indian factory, demanding, “Where are the children?” They run through the building in a desperate search, before finally finding a group of scared young boys hiding among bags of product. “Those who think that slavery has been abolished,” Satyarthi says in the clip, “they are wrong.”

Satyarthi spoke at a screening of clips from the film—a documentary about his fight against child labor and exploitation—at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre on September 27, 2019. The event was sponsored by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Faculty of Arts & Sciences.

In introductory remarks, Harvard Chan Dean Michelle Williams spoke about the physical and mental health toll on the 152 million children forced to work in factories, brothels, and other dangerous settings in countries including the U.S. She said that she hoped that the film would raise awareness, the first step toward addressing a crisis.

Satyarthi founded the organization Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save Childhood Movement) in 1980, which has gone on to free more than 80,000 children from forced labor. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for his work.

During a discussion following the screening, he shared success stories of a few of the children he has helped, including a young man in India who became a lawyer and took on an exploited girl as his first client. Satyarthi encouraged the many students in the audience to educate themselves about child labor, and to demand supply chain transparency and accountability from companies.

“We’d like to see universities become strong champions for the cause,” he told the Harvard Gazette in an interview prior to the event. “My mission in life is that every child on the earth is free; free to walk to school, free to laugh, free to play. When every child is free to be a child, only then my dream will come true.”

Before inviting audience members on stage to take a selfie with him, Satyarthi concluded his remarks with a folk tale that he said inspires him: When a forest catches on fire, most of its animal inhabitants run away, complain, and despair. But a hummingbird decides to do what she can to help, filling her small beak with water to try to extinguish the flames drop by drop. In doing so, she inspires others to join in to tackle a seemingly insurmountable problem one small piece at a time.

U.S. lawmakers take a step against India on Kashmir – Senate panel adds appeal to end the “humanitarian crisis” in Kashmir in its report.

October 16, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, India, Politics, U.S. 0

In what could become the first step towards legislative action by American lawmakers against India on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations has added an appeal to end what it calls a “humanitarian crisis” in Kashmir in its report ahead of the annual Foreign Appropriations Act for 2020.

The amendment was proposed by Senator Chris Van Hollen, who visited Delhi this week as a part of a congressional delegation that discussed the Kashmir situation as well as India-U.S. bilateral relations, trade ties and defence purchases with key officials.

According to the report, which was submitted to the Senate by Lindsey Graham, senior Senator and key Republican leader known for his close ties to President Donald Trump, the committee on Appropriations “notes with concern the current humanitarian crisis in Kashmir and calls on the Government of India to: fully restore telecommunications and Internet services; lift its lockdown and curfew; and release individuals detained pursuant to the Government’s revocation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution.”

What makes the report as well as the tough language on Kashmir more startling is that the document was submitted on September 26, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was still in the US, and came just a few days after his joint address at the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event in Houston with Mr. Trump, as well as their bilateral meeting in New York.

“This amendment, which was accepted unanimously by the bipartisan committee, is a strong expression of concern by the Senate about the situation in Kashmir and sends the signal that we are closely monitoring the human rights situation there, and would like to see the Government of India take those concerns seriously,” Mr. Van Hollen told The Hindu here, adding that he had “hoped to share his concerns privately” with Prime Minister Modi, but had not been able to meet him.

Van Hollen had met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Washington last week and Senator Bob Menendez, also a part of the delegation, met with Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal this week in Delhi. Both Senators have made public statements in the last two months on the Kashmir situation.

While it is unclear whether their concerns over Kashmir elicited any responses from the government, The Hindu has learnt that Senator Van Hollen was rebuffed when requested permission to visit Srinagar in an effort to assess the situation on the ground.

When asked, MEA officials said the Ministry of Home Affairs handled such requests. No diplomat or foreign journalist has yet been given clearance to visit Kashmir since the government’s decision on Article 370 on August 5.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s India Economic Summit in Delhi on Friday, Mr. Jaishankar said many key decision-makers in the US had been “misinformed by their media” and that he had spent considerable efforts in the past few weeks to clear misconceptions on the government’s decision to drop the “temporary” Article 370.

Amnesty Reports, Hate Crimes in India Rose in 2019

October 16, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

Amnesty India’s hate crime tracker has recorded 181 incidents of alleged hate crimes in the first half of 2019, the steepest rise in such incidents since 2015. The count is almost double that of the same period last year, when 100 such cases were recorded.

Over two-thirds of the victims were targeted because they were Dalits, while 40 of them suffered on account of their Muslim identity. In 37 reported incidents, the victims were killed. In 30 cases, victims were raped or sexually assaulted, with sexual harassment in another 19 cases.

Between January and June 2019, 72 mob attacks were reported. Of the 37 such attacks against Muslims, the victims were lynched to death in five cases. Dalit victims were lynched to death in eight of the 28 mob attacks targeting them. There were seven honour killings and 12 cases of violence against Adivasis.…

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amnesty-report-hate-crimes-rose-sharply-the-first-half-of-2019/article29598191.ece

Number of people in the average U.S. household is going up now after 160 years

October 16, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

BY RICHARD FRY

Over the course of the nation’s history, there has been a slow but steady decrease in the size of the average U.S. household – from 5.79 people per household in 1790 to 2.58 in 2010. But this decade will likely be the first since the one that began in 1850 to break this long-running trend, according to newly released Census Bureau data. In 2018 there were 2.63 people per household.

Households are increasing in size mathematically because the growth in the number of households is trailing population growth. The newly released data indicates that the population residing in households has grown 6% since 2010 (the smallest population growth since the 1930s), while the number of households has grown at a slower rate (4%, from 116.7 million in 2010 to 121.5 million in 2018).

The increase in household size is significant because it could have implications for national economic growth. Rising household size reduces the demand for housing, resulting in less residential construction and less demand for home appliances and furniture. In general, it leads to a less vigorous housing sector – fewer apartment leases and home purchases, as well as less spending related to housing, such as cable company subscriptions and home accessories suppliers.

The long-running decline in American household size can be tied to at least two demographic trends. The size of immediate families has declined over time as women have had fewer children. In 1790, the total fertility rate of white women was 7.0 births (meaning a white woman had, on average, seven births in her lifetime). By 1870 it had fallen to 4.6 births, and by 1940 it stood at 2.2. For black women, the total fertility rates were 7.7 and 2.8 births for 1870 and 1940, respectively.

Furthermore, the rise of the nuclear family resulted in fewer extended family living arrangements and smaller households. In 1850, almost 70% of those ages 65 and older lived with their adult children. By 2000, fewer than 15% did so. These demographic changes may reflect more fundamental societal changes such as industrialization, urbanization, rising living standards (especially for older adults) and constricted immigration in the first half of the 1900s.

This decade’s likely upturn in average household size reflects several demographic trends.

A growing share of the population resides in multigenerational family households. By 2016, 20% of Americans lived in a multigenerational household, up from 12% in 1980. On average, these families have about two more members than other households. This partly reflects the country’s increasing racial and ethnic diversity. The Asian, black and Hispanic populations are more likely to live in multigenerational households than non-Hispanic whites.

In addition, more Americans in the wake of the Great Recession are “doubled up” in shared living quarters. This arrangement refers to the presence of an “extra adult” in the household, who might be an adult child or parent of the householder, or simply a roommate or boarder in the household. In 2019, 20% of households are shared households, up from 17% in 2007.

Most age groups are living in larger households this decade. The change is most apparent for adults ages 35 and older. For example, in 2017, 67% of 35- to 54-year-olds lived in a household with three or more people, an increase from 64% in 2010. A similar increase in households of three or more is apparent among 55- to 64-year-olds.

While bigger households may be bad for the wider economy, they are often advantageous for the households themselves. The additional household members may be working adults who contribute to household income. The widely noted arrangement of young adults residing with their parents demonstrates the economic benefits of bigger households. Last year, 6% of families that had at least one adult child age 25 to 34 living in the home were in poverty. The Census Bureau estimates that the poverty rate for these families would have been 11.5% if the young adult were not a member of the household.

Average household size will likely exceed 2.58 persons in 2020 if the current pace of household growth holds.

Note: There are two ways to look at trends regarding households in the U.S. In this analysis, which treats all households equally, the average household has 2.6 people. Other analyses look at it through the prism of the average person and find that the average person lives in a household with 3.4 people. The average based on people gives more weight to larger households since there are more people residing in them.

Pope Francis Tells UN Climate Summit 2019 ‘Three Words’ He Wishes to Be at the Heart of Their Work

October 8, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

“I would like these three key words – honesty, courage and responsibility – to be at the heart of your work today and tomorrow.”

The Holy Father expressed this in a video message he sent on Monday, Sept. 23, to participants at the United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019 in New York, while noting the situation is not good and the planet is suffering, Francis said, “the window of opportunity is still open. We are still in time.”

“Let us open it,” he said, “with our determination to cultivate integral human development, to ensure a better life for future generations.”

The problem of climate change, Francis stressed, is related to issues of ethics, equity and social justice, adding that the current situation of environmental degradation “is connected with the human, ethical and social degradation that we experience every day.”

“This,” he recognized, “forces us to think about the meaning of our models of consumption and production, and the processes of education and awareness, to make them consistent with human dignity.”

He reminded that there are a numerous solutions “within everyone’s reach, if we adopt on a personal and social level a lifestyle that embodies honesty, courage and responsibility.”

The Holy Father prayed those words accompany them together with his best wishes and prayer. Here is the Vatican-provided text of the Holy Father’s video-message.

I would like to thank the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, for convening this meeting and for drawing the attention of Heads of State and Government – and of the entire international community and world public opinion – to one of the most serious and worrying phenomena of our time: climate change.

This is one of the principal challenges we have to face. To do so, humanity is called to cultivate three great moral qualities: honesty, responsibility and courage.

With the Paris Agreement of 12 December 2015, the international community became aware of the urgency and need for a collective response to help build our common home. However, four years after that historic Agreement, we can see that the commitments made by States are still very “weak”, and are far from achieving the objectives set.

Along with so many initiatives, not only by governments but by civil society as a whole, it is necessary to ask whether there is a real political will to allocate greater human, financial and technological resources to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and to help the poorest and most vulnerable populations, who suffer the most.

While the situation is not good and the planet is suffering, the window of opportunity is still open. We are still in time. Let us not let it close. Let us open it with our determination to cultivate integral human development, to ensure a better life for future generations. It is their future, not ours. “Although the post-industrial period may well be remembered as one of the most irresponsible in history, nonetheless there is reason to hope that humanity at the dawn of the twenty-first century will be remembered for having generously shouldered its grave responsibilities” (Laudato si’, 165).

With honesty, responsibility and courage we have to put our intelligence “at the service of another type of progress, one which is healthier, more human, more social, more integral” (Laudato si’, 112), capable of placing economy at the service of the human person, building peace and protecting the environment.

The problem of climate change is related to issues of ethics, equity and social justice. The current situation of environmental degradation is connected with the human, ethical and social degradation that we experience every day. And this forces us to think about the meaning of our models of consumption and production, and the processes of education and awareness, to make them consistent with human dignity. We are facing a “challenge of civilization” in favour of the common good. And this is clear, just as it is clear that we have a multiplicity of solutions that are within everyone’s reach, if we adopt on a personal and social level a lifestyle that embodies honesty, courage and responsibility.

I would like these three key words – honesty, courage and responsibility – to be at the heart of your work today and tomorrow. May they accompany you together with my best wishes and with my prayer.

Thank you very much.

Pope Francis

Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary celebrated by Delhi Committee of the Chicago Sister Cities in partnership with World Business Chicago

October 8, 2019 Asian Media USABusiness, Community 0

Chicago, IL: Today, Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a Proclamation declaring October 2, 2019 Mahatma Gandhi Day in the City of Chicago, at an event hosted by the Delhi Committee of the Chicago Sister Cities in partnership with World Business Chicago. The luncheon was held in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150^th Birth Anniversary. Smita N. Shah, Chairman of the Delhi Committee, introduced honored guests, United States Senator Richard J. Durbin and Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. Also present were four Consul Generals from India, Sudhakar Dalela, Consul General of South Africa Phumzile Mazibuko, Consul General of the United Kingdom John Saville, and Honorary Consul General of Nepal, Marvin Brustin. Other notable guests were Niranjan S. Shah, Vijay Dave, Maarten de Jeu, Babu Patel, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, and Nick Patel.

“Chicago has a unique history with India, from the Parliament of World Religions in 1893, when Swami Vivekananda came and spoke of the universal unity of religion,” said Smita Shah, chairman of the Delhi Committee. “It is fitting that Chicago is among the first to recognize Mahatma Gandhi’s 150^th birth Anniversary.”

“Chicago and the Delhi Committee is one of the first to have an annual Mahatma Gandhi celebration,” commented Andrea Zopp, former Deputy Mayor and CEO of World Business Chicago. “This is unique, and we are honored to do it.”

“The Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities promotes cultural, social and economic exchange between the citizens of Chicago and the citizens of India,” said Smita N. Shah. “We honor Gandhi today, because it is such a significant example of the value of global exchanges.”

Senator Durbin explained how Mahatma Gandhi “was inspired by American philosopher Henry David Thoreau, in the concept of civil disobedience. In return, he inspired many world leaders, including Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King,” said Senator Durbin. “We can all have an impact on improving lives by working together.”

Senator Durbin also spoke of the importance of immigrants in this country. “Immigrants in this country have made a tremendous contribution,” Senator Durbin noted. “This Senator believes in immigration. This Senator stands by the communities of the City of Chicago.”

Delhi Chairman Smita Shah, in introducing Mayor Lightfoot, noted that “Gandhi’s fight for independence included a desire to fight poverty, create social economic opportunity for citizens and to ensure the preservation of human dignity,”

Mayor Lightfoot gave a moving and impassioned speech about Mahatma Gandhi and his contributions, and how we all can learn from him. “Poverty is the worst form of violence,” she quoted Gandhiji. “We must do better for all of our communities. We must do better for our immigrant communities.”

Smita N. Shah noted, “I see Mayor Lightfoot in that same fight for human dignity for all. Mayor Lightfoot reminds our community and the citizens of this City that strength and conviction belongs to everyone, and that we need to do well for each member of our city. That we cannot be successful unless each neighborhood and community has an opportunity for education and economic opportunity.”

“This is about human dignity,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “We are going to give all people, in every community, especially the neediest and including the immigrant community, their dignity.”

Excerpts from Proclamation:

“Whereas October 2, 2019 marks the occasion of the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi; and “Whereas, Gandhi is revered the world over for his nonviolent philosophy of passive resistance and as an advocate for all people, including the poor and disenfranchised, championing the causes of education, economic opportunity, and equality amongst all; and “Whereas Gandhi is often named among the 20^th century’s most important figures…

“Whereas, founded in 2014 by the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, under the leadership of Smita Shah, the Annual Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi Luncheon honors Gandhi’s lasting contributions and inspires us all to follow the example left by him:

“Now, Therefore, I, Lori e. Lightfoot, mayor of the city of Chicago, do hereby proclaim October 2, 2019 to be Mahatma Gandhi Day in Chicago, in recognition of the important legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.”

Memorable 5th Annual Picnic of Friends of MP NYNJ in Rosedale Park, Pennington, NJ

October 8, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Friends of MP NYNJ had its 5th Annual Picnic on Sat Sept 21 in Pennington, NJ. Around 300 members attended, hailing from 5 North East states in USA. And all these have roots in different cities and towns of Madhya Pradesh (MP).

It was excellent sunny weather, beautiful park sorrounding and participants of all age brackets had an amazing time. Highlight of MP are its food delicacies. The morning ‘Indore ka Sarafa’ was Pohe, Jalebi, Garadu ; followed by sumptuous tasty lunch of Puri, Shrikhand, Aamras. Lunch was served by volunteers of Friends of MP wearing the Malwi Pagdi. Midday was chilled Jaljeera, Guddi ke Baal, Baraf Gola.

In addition to the usual fun, activities and entertainment, these were some of the highlights of the Picnic this year.

# To preserve the environment, FMP Ladies team made Table Covers of reusable cloth (which used of plastic earlier ). There was a game for kids called ‘Best out of Waste’ to make things of value/decoration. Gift tokens to Elder citizens were plants.

# To promote knowledge of MP , there was a scavenger hunt made about Narmada river. The teams were named after famous Ladies from MP :Sumitra, Ahilya, Lata, Sushma, Aryama, Manikarnika .

# The whole Photo area was made by the theme of a Village (Gaanv) complete with Charpai, Hukka, Well, and other Props, which was very popular for attendees.

# Even the Housie/Tambola game was made around famous spots in MP.

# In addition, there were many games and creativity activities for toddlers, young kids, teenagers and Adults.

# Above all, the underlying theme of any Picnic of Friends of MP is the ‘personal connect’ of participants. People got to meet their old school buddies, found common bonds by chance. The entire day was focused in enabling maximum personal interaction. To facilitate, many of the first- time attendees shared their short Introductory Video Clips which made ‘breaking the ice’ much easier. There was a large number of families who attended the Picnic for the first time.

# Team of Volunteers lead by families of Jitendra Muchhal, Raj Bansal, Rajesh Mittal, Pankaj Gupta, Sandeep Jain, Anupam Sarwaikar, Anjani Mittal had been working for last many months to bring this Picnic alive. There were many who got chance to attend picnic after 2 years wait, as it becomes houseful every year soon. www.friendsofMPNYNJ.com

NY GALA AND BENEFIT CONCERT USHER IN 25th ANNIVERSARY OF PRATHAM

October 8, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

New York, NY – On Saturday, September 14, 2019, Pratham, one of India’s largest and most successful education-focused charitable organizations, celebrated a quarter-century of transforming lives with an exhilarating gala and benefit concert that raised an impressive $4 million to help expand Pratham’s work into 10,000 communities.

Rahul Mahajan, president of the NY Tri-State Chapter, welcomed guests for cocktails and a medley of Indian street-food in the iconic atrium of 60 Wall Street before they walked across Wall Street, which had been closed specifically for the event, to the Cipriani ballroom for dinner and an intimate Sufi Music concert by the famed Indian composer and musician A. R. Rahman.

“It is so heartening to see the Tri-State community come together to support Pratham,” declared Mahajan. “Their generosity has enabled us to achieve our fundraising goal and help Pratham expand its literacy and learning programs to hundreds more communities.”

Pratham USA Chairman Deepak Raj echoed the sentiment: “We are incredibly grateful to the donors and volunteers who support our work. What Pratham has accomplished over the last quarter century is truly remarkable. We look forward to transforming many more lives in the years ahead.”

“In our 25 years, we have worked on every child in school and learning well,” reflected Pratham CEO Dr. Rukmini Banerji. “More and more children are in school and today over 95% of kids are in school.” In a keynote address detailing the next phase of Pratham, Dr. Banerji outlined the organization’s shift from helping children who have fallen behind–what she calls “catch up”–to investing in them early so they can “make the leap forward,” with a broader goal of increasing community involvement in education.

Banerji was later joined on stage by twin sisters Anjali and Anchal Purabiya, both graduates of Pratham’s Second Chance program, which assists female dropouts in attaining their secondary school certificates. In a Q&A, the girls, who are competitive athletes, elaborated on Pratham’s role in allowing them to continue their education and pursue their dreams of one day competing in the Olympics.

The milestone anniversary was commemorated with a celebratory video featuring some of the first children to attend a Pratham program in the slums of Mumbai. Today they are teachers, social workers and engineers.

The night concluded with a two-hour concert by A. R. Rahman showcasing popular Sufi film compositions, rearranged versions of the masters of Qawwali and culturally inspired collaborations. Featuring an international cast of virtuoso musicians and accompanied by an immersive light show, the hypnotic performance left the audience in a reflective mood befitting the evening’s purpose.

“Our long-time dream of performing Sufi music for human causes came true with this wonderful opportunity with Pratham, Rahman tweeted during the evening. “Thank you for being respectful and extremely generous with the cause today.”

Among the prominent attendees were Consul General of India Sandeep Chakravorty and his wife Taruna Chakravorty and Mayor of Hoboken Ravi Bhalla and his wife Navneet K. Patwalia Bhalla. Sponsors included Persistent Systems, Better.com, TCS, Dome Equities, and Plus 1 Multiline by Orbic.

Pursuing its mission of “every child in school and learning well,” Pratham promotes basic literacy as a means to establish a secure foundation for learning, both in and out of school. Pratham collaborates with governments, communities, educators, and industry to focus on innovative ways to address gaps in India’s education system. By bridging the divide between stakeholders, Pratham raises standards and increases accountability, thereby transforming the lives of children, families and entire communities.

Pratham’s vast network spans 21 Indian states and has reached more than 60 million children and youth since its inception. Pratham’s work has been recognized through major International awards, including the Asia Game Changer Award, the BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award, the WISE Prize for Education, the Henry R. Kravis Leadership Prize, the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, and most recently the 2018 LUI Che Woo Prize in the Positive Energy category.

Hundreds of devotees gather to celebrates Festival of Devon Ka Raja; Ganesh Chaturthi

October 8, 2019 Asian Media USACommunity, Culture/Religion 0

Chicago IL: Ganpati Bappa Morya! Regal Foundation, a non-for-profit organization of Regal Jewels and Regal Sari and Regal Law group hosted its 6th annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebration, Starting Monday September 02, 2019 and concluding on Wednesday September 12, 2019 in Chicago. Hundreds of devotees flocked to Shree Ganesh Temple to have Darshan and get blessing from the God whose big attribute is to remove evil and bring happiness in the lives of people.

The idea of Devon Ka Raja was the brain child of Nirmal Shewakramani and his wife Gurbachanji. They had hefty backing of Ramesh Mehtani of Resham and Hemant Brahmbhat of Hi India. This was the Sixth year in succession that Devon Ka Raja came and conquered the Devon Avenue with flourish and the credit goes largely to the trio and the huge army of devotees and a good number of volunteers who gave their selfless service and got recognition from Nirmal Shewakramani at the end.

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

Entire Puja was performed by Balaji Temple priest Sri Begur Nagendra Rao. His education from Rigveda Mula – Poorva and Apara Prayoga (8 yrs course on Hindu Philosophy, Hindu Tradition and Hindu Religious Rights) Sanskrit – Sahitya (8 yrs course in Sanskrit Scriptures and Literature)

Community activists were led by president of Hindi Lovers Club, Mrs. Gurbachan Singh, and many Devon area businessmen, friends and well-wishers joined in these celebrations. They transported in a huge life size idol of Lord Ganapati, crowned it as Devon Ka Raja and placed in Shree Ganesh Temple of Chicago, 2545 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL for the occasion. Nonstop 11 days, it was literally festive ‘Mela’ every day for a huge number of Indians flocking in not only from suburbs but also from neighboring States of Indiana and Wisconsin.

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

Hundreds of devotees and visitors joined the pomp grand procession fir for the divine king of king, with live band. Throughout the procession of hundreds of worshipers were chanting and dancing as the festival sponsors hoisted the Lord Ganesh in decorated ‘Palakhi’ upon special open truck. 4 block of Devon street was closed

Along the route, King Shri Ganesh showered the surrounding businesses and homes with His blessings, pausing for a special prayer offering good wishes to Sahil Exclusive, Sukhadia’s Sweets, Hindi Lover’s Club, Udapi Palace, Uma Sarees, Punjabi Dhaba, India Sari Palace, Resham’s Handicrafts, NPHi-India Newspaper, Lakshmi Jewelers, Patel Handicrafts, Patel Brothers, Regal Traders, Fresh Farms International Market, Andaaz Jewelers, Joy Allukas, Kamdar Plaza, Raj Jewels, Vitha Jewels, Shewakramani Partnership, Uru-Swati Resturant, Regal Jewels, and Sari Sapne.

After the procession the priest and worshipers bid Ganesh a final farewell as they submerged him into water. Local businesses along with countless volunteers dedicated hours of assistance, offerings of sweets, food and flowers, and praise to the Lord Ganesha, without whom this event would have been impossible.

After the overwhelming success and positive community response, Regal Foundation vowed to celebrate this event every year. The Ganesh Chauthurti has always been welcoming of participants of all faiths to come together and celebration of one of most well-known and revered Hindu gods.

In addition to hosting the annual Ganesh Chauturthi, Regal Foundation is striving to meet the needs of the community by establishing a permanent Ganesh Temple on Devon Ave. Last but not least, the event couldn’t go smoothly and successfully without the hard work of Kaajal Shewakramani Gill and Rahul Gill they are family members.

Regal Jewels is a family owned and operated corporation, established in 1987. Spanning the retail and wholesale markets throughout now India and Pakistan, we have migrated through several countries before establishing ourselves in Chicago. We have proudly served the Chicagoland community for over three decades and through two generations. Visit our website: www.shreeganeshtemple.com Facebook: Devon Ka Raja

A Tribute to Past GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh

October 8, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

GOPIO’s Founding Life Member, former President and Chairman and current Executive Trustee of GOPIO Foundation has passed away this morning at a hospital in the Los Angeles area. GOPIO Treasurer Kewal Kanda has informed me about one hour back. He is going to the hospital now.

I had spoken to Inder last Friday, Sept. 20th. He told me that he would go to the hospital again on Sunday and hopefully return back early this week. In fact, he told me that he had drafted a letter for the GOPIO Election announcement since GOPIO E.C. had entrusted him to conduct the election. He told me that if he could, he would send out the letter this week. From Monday onwards, I tried to call him and couldn’t get him on the phone. So yesterday I called Kewal who told me that he visited Inder in his hospital and that he was not doing well. It is a great loss for all of us, GOPIO, Indian community in the USA and the Indian Diaspora. May his soul rest in peace.

It was in the late 1981, after I founded Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) in New York and served as its president for 5 years, I saw a news item in India Abroad about Inder Singh who organized an India Independence Day Celebration in Los Angeles area under a platform of India Independence Day Celebration Committee.

I called him up and shared our successful experience of bringing all Indian community groups in the New York area under one umbrella of the FIA and suggested him to do so. He immediately changed the group to FIA Southern California and organized the next celebration under that banner. Since then, I had worked with him very closely and brought him into the National Federation if Indian American Associations (NFIA) and organized a very successful national convention in 1986 in Los Angeles.

I handed over the NFIA presidency to Inder in 1988. In the same year, he came to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee against massive military aid to Pakistan. In 1989, when NFIA did the First Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York, Inder was NFIA President and was a great team player and travelled to Canada to reach out our community and bring them to the convention. He took over as the President of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) in 2004 and served as its Chairman from 2009 to 2016. Later he became the Executive Trustee of GOPIO Foundation till his death.

One of the major contribution of Inder in Southern California is launching Indian Heritage Foundation a society that celebrates and honors academic excellence and achievements of Indian American youth. Since 1987, Inder and his team had honored Indian American high school students who excelled in academic field as well as in extracurricular activities.

Inder has also been responsible to honor the forgotten Gaddar heroes. He, as President and later as Chairman of GOPIO sensitized India Govt. to organize a symposium on Gaddar heroes and their contribution to the India Independence movement during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. He was also instrumental on Govt. of India deciding to renovate and establish Gaddar Center as a museum in San Francisco.

A Republican, Inder, Singh also co-founded the Asian & Pacific American Republicans Coalition which became an officially chartered organ of the California Republican Party in the 1990s. In the late 1990s, he was involved with the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging. With offices in most states, the National Body of Asian Americans caters to the needs of Asian seniors.

“I have had the longest association with Inder Singh in the Indian community activities, he became an Indian Diaspora Institution in Southern California and whenever, any broad based pan-Indian community event happened in Southern California, it was always under the leadership of India Singh.” Said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder President and Chairman of GOPIO International.

“It is a great loss for all of us, GOPIO, Indian community in the USA and the Indian diaspora. May his soul rest in peace,” added Dr. Abraham.

Heartfelt Condolences To The Family Of Anwar Feroz Siddiqi

October 8, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Anwar Feroz Siddiqi, a member of the Advisory Board of The Universal News Network (ww.theunn.com) passed away peacefully the morning of Saturday, September 21st at his home in Hillsborough, New Jersey after battling Cholangiocarcinoma. He was 69 years old.

Born in Rajasthan, India, Anwar led a remarkable life, immigrating with his family to Canada in 1980 and working his way from newspaper deliveries to eventually establishing himself as a business leader in the pharmaceutical industry. He spent the bulk of his career at Johnson & Johnson in New Jersey, where one of the highlights of his career was establishing and serving as Executive Director of a group aimed at serving long term care and eldercare patients. He held several key appointments throughout his career, including serving as a Delegate to the White House Conference on Aging in 2005. He also touched the lives and careers of hundreds of people who he led during that time. He eventually used this experience to launch his own consulting firm, Paradigm LTC, which was his “retirement”.

He spent a decade as a Strategic Advisor for the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), where he established connections between the Indian healthcare community and doctors of Indian origin in America through an annual conference in India. During this time, he drove initiatives to eradicate diabetes and build awareness of traumatic brain injury among others. He was also President of the Association of Indians in America – South Jersey and led an annual initiative to build awareness of Gandhi’s teachings of non-violence, where thousands of students shared what it meant to them through essays and art-work. He also had served on several non-profit boards over the years, including the Visiting Nurses Association of Mercer County, NJ and Association for Advancement of Mental Health in Princeton.

His pride and joy and how he most loved to spend his time was with his family. He took care of his parents, wife and raised two wonderful children. He was a nature lover and enjoyed annual camping trips in Canada. He loved traveling with family and visited everywhere from the Caribbean to Morocco and France over the years. He was a party planner extraordinaire and shared his passion of Indian food with friends and family through an annual backyard bash. More recently he completely doted on his grandchildren who affectionately call him, “Dada” and “Nana”.

He is survived by his father, Ainul Haq Siddiqi, beloved wife Rana Siddiqi, children Aamir (Karen) Siddiqi, Arshi (Matthew) Duffley, three adoring grandchildren (Alina & Elijah Siddiqi and Zachary Duffley). He’s also survived by his brothers Zia (Parveen) Siddiqi, Parvez (Zehra) Siddiqi, and his sister Shahina (Mashood) Siddiqi.

The funeral was held on Sunday, September 22nd, and the family will host a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Cycle for Survival, which invests in research toward rare cancers or Islamic Society of Central Jersey

Unmarried Partners Living Together in US Nearly Triples in Two Decades From 6 Million to 17 Million

October 8, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Health 0

The number of unmarried partners living together in the United States nearly tripled in two decades from 6 million to 17 million, 7% of the total adult population.

As more unmarried couples opted to live together, their profile changed significantly, according to a new study from the U.S. Census Bureau: “Cohabitation over the Last 20 Years: Measuring and Understanding the Changing Demographics of Unmarried Partners, 1996-2017.”

The latest estimates from the Current Population Survey’s Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS ASEC) show unmarried partners are now older, more racially diverse, more educated and more likely to earn higher wages.

In 1996, only 2% of partners in cohabiting households were ages 65 or older; by 2017, that had tripled to 6 percent.

Other studies have also noted a significant jump in cohabitation among older adults, particularly in the last 10 years as divorce rates went up among this group. Divorcees make up a large proportion of older cohabiters.

Ethnic and Racial Diversity

A higher proportion of unmarried partners identified as Hispanic in 2017 (16%) than in 1996 (11%).

Partners in interracial relationships increased from 6% to 10% of all cohabiters during this same period.

This may reflect broader population trends toward more racial and ethnic diversity across the nation.

The Hispanic population grew significantly and interracial/interethnic relationships became more prevalent between 1996 and 2017.

Education and Income

Cohabitation may represent an alternative to marriage for socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, but there is now a larger proportion of unmarried partners with higher educations and incomes.

In 1996, 16% of unmarried partners had a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 28% in 2017.

Unmarried partners now also earn more on average. The proportion making less than $30,000 annually (in 2017 dollars) dipped from 64% in 1996 to 53% in 2017.

At the same time, the percentage of those making more than $30,000 rose significantly. This suggests that cohabitation has become increasingly accepted by a broad swath of social and demographic groups.

How are Unmarried Partners Counted?

Not all unmarried partners were included in this study.

Prior to measurement changes in 2007, only those in relationships with the householder (the person who owns/rents the home) were counted. The CPS ASEC started allowing all respondents to identify a potential partner/boyfriend/girlfriend in the household in 2007.

Unmarried partnerships that do not include the householder tend to be younger and more socioeconomically disadvantaged, significantly shifting the characteristics of all unmarried partners in ways that make comparisons to 1996 estimates potentially inaccurate. Because of this, partnerships that did not include the householder were excluded from this study.

(Benjamin Gurrentz is a Survey Statistician in the Fertility and Family Statistics Branch of US Census Bureau.)

Norwalk Public Library Unveils India Collection

September 24, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Norwalk Public Library in Connecticut unveiled India Collection at its main library at One Belden Ave on Sunday, November 15^th. The books were donated by Govt. of India. It was an initiative of the Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT).

The program started with a welcome by Library Board President Alex Knoop followed by Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling who welcomed everyone to Norwalk. President Knoop introduced GOPIO-CT Committee Chair Divya Misra, who is also staff at the library, and thanked her for her effort in making this happen. Divya in turn thanked all the library staff and volunteers for helping to put together the program.

Mayo Rilling said that Norwalk is a place where all communities and nationalities stay harmoniously and complimented GOPIO and the Indian American community for its constitution to the city such as offering scholarships at Norwalk Community College.

“I have met GOPIO delegation three times in the last several years in my office and they always emphasize on how they can help the city rather than asking for any help.” Mayor Rilling said.

Senator Bob Said that he has very friendly relations and interaction with the community and works very closely with the community.

Library Director Christine Bradley was very enthusiastic about the new collection for the Library and said that most of the books have been catalogued and the books can be taken out right away by card holders. Bradley thanked the Indian Consulate and GOPIO-CT for making this happen.

GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham conveyed greetings from GOPIO International and said that the objectives of the GOPIO chapters are to involve and help the local communities. “GOPIO-CT has been going great job in that respect by organizing soup kitchens, offering scholarships and other charitable activities,” said Dr. Abraham.

India’s Consul General in New York Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty was the chief guest who complimented GOPIO-CT and the Library for making this happen.

“It was an idea which came up during my meeting held at Mayor Rilling’s office in May this year and now you have completed that task,” Ambassador Chakravorty complimenting GOPIO and the Library. He further said that he would be happy to work with Norwalk Community College. Amb. Chakravorty offered to provide books for other libraries too.

Other dignitaries attending program included CT Assemblywoman Lucy Dathan and Norwalk Common Councilman Greg Burnett. It was a house full program with only standing room for many.

It was another successful event by GOPIO-CT. The program was put together by a committee headed by Divya Misra along with Saritha Akarapu and Prachi Narayan. Rajneesh Misra served as the Master of ceremony for the program which had music and dances from India.

One nation under Hindutva speaking Hindi

September 24, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

If there is anything that the Sangh Parivar detests the most, it is a free spirit and an open mindset.

India’s Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement on Hindi being the one necessary language for India has stirred quite a big controversy. Shah, on the occasion of “Hindi Divas,” said: “Diversity of languages and dialects is the strength of our Nation. But there is a need for our Nation to have one language so that foreign languages don’t find a place. This is why our freedom fighters envisioned Hindi as Raj Bhasha.”

There is no surprise in Shah’s pronouncement, as the BJP/RSS combine has long dreamed of converting all Indians into Hindi speaking subjects who would adhere to their ardent philosophy of uniformity that is essential for indoctrination and control. If there is anything that the Sangh Parivar detests the most, it is a free spirit and an open mindset. With a brute majority in the Lok Sabha and a dispirited and divided opposition, they are finding it an opportune moment to steamroll and impose their Hindi agenda on India, especially on the people in the South.

There is a misconception among many in India that include some in the NRI community that Hindi is the national language of India. However, it is far from the truth, and according to the Indian constitution, India does not have a national language but has two official languages, Hindi and English, in which Government would conduct its business. Therefore, the agenda in Shah’s statement is no mystery: to marginalize the regional languages by blessing Hindi as the prominent language and to ultimately remove English as an official language. In addition, Hindi would likely be the medium of instructions in academia as well as the language of proceedings in the Judiciary.

The latest data shows that Hindi is the mother tongue of 25% of the Indians, though 44% of the people say they know it. It is still short of a ‘majority’ as it is propagated by the Hindi advocates as a reason for it to be the National language. It reminds me of Annadurai, the erstwhile leader of DMK and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu who was once quoted as saying “Is it because majority speak Hindi? Then why Peacock is our national bird and not crow despite being in the majority?” He may have said it out of his pride for the Tamil, a Dravidian language which has a 4,500-year history and is one of the classical languages in the world. Nevertheless, it is another clear indication as to how many Indians consider the richness and heritage of their own mother tongues.

Although Hindi is now popular and spoken in many parts of the South India, thanks mostly to Bollywood, caste prejudice and cultural arrogance once prevented it from full development. Ironically, it is Christian missionaries such as William Carey who took it upon themselves to develop the language with dictionaries and printing fonts. It is to be noted that the Bible was the first prose printed in Hindi. Also, in many Indian languages, the first novel, drama, travelogue or biography was published by these missionaries. In debating the virtues of Hindi or other vernaculars, the contributions of these missionaries in the development of these languages and the education of India’s backward castes are the most underreported story of our time.

The most acrimonious debate in the Constituent Assembly was not on a Uniform civil code but on the question of the official language for the nation. If we are to go back in recent history, one significant set of events took place in 1965 when Hindi became the official language of India. The architects of modern India felt that India needed an official language as a unifying force for such a diverse nation. However, they wanted to give several more years to this effort as they were very conscious of the sentiment of non-Hindi speaking folks, particularly in South India. However, some of the Hindi zealots in the north were pressing hard to make that a reality soon although many of their sons are daughters were sent to U.K. or USA for English education and higher professional studies. Protests and riots erupted across South India and most of the violent confrontations occurred in Tamil Nadu where men immolated themselves to resist the colonizing power of Hindi. Finally, the Central Government relented and made English the sub-official language of the nation.

When Amit Shah was talking about preventing foreign languages finding a place in India, he is indeed training his guns on the English language which may have become a stumbling block to the current regime in their overall strategy in achieving their pan-India dream — which stretches from Burma to Afghanistan. The BJP’s incessant failure to take control of the power centers in South India may have also factored in for their current pursuit for language uniformity.

Those who are deriding English should pause and think of an India without English. Despite the oppressive and exploitive British rule, the English language brought us Western education, modern nationalism, self-determination, and democracy. Above all, it enabled India in developing software technology or providing high-quality services to multinational companies in the West. Since most of the advanced computing instructions and training materials were written in English, and the project management was conducted using the same, Indians gained a natural advantage over others gaining that expertise and excelling in it. Today, India exports about 150 billion dollars’ worth of software services that provided upward mobility to millions of young people in the global arena. It was learning the language English together with the restructuring of the telecommunication policies by our dynamic and visionary leader Rajiv Gandhi (with the assistance from Sam Pitroda) that has catapulted India to the pinnacle of technology supremacy. It has brought us fame and fortune and probably more respectability around the globe. It is relevant here to recollect a conversation I have had with my superior, an American, at the United Nations while working as the Chief Technology Officer for the U.N. pension Fund: while discussing awarding a software development contract to a vendor from India as opposed to a different country, he said “give to Indians, at least, I can talk to them.’ That answer summarizes our success all across the global arena.

The imposition of Hindi on the Southern States will not only create challenges to the federalist system of government but may also pose a direct threat to the very unity of the Nation. However, a majoritarian government with blind ambitions having utter disdain for the cultural diversity and the linguistic differences of India, the pipe dream of promoting Hindi as the official language at the expense of English takes on nightmarish proportions. The constant stream of uneducated and unskilled labor from the north flocking southwards to engage in low-end jobs the natives refused to do is a poor advertisement for Amit Shah’s much-touted potential of the Hindi language.

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George Abraham is a former Chief Technology Officer of the United Nations.

AIF Circle of Hope Brings Awareness of Women With Disabilities

September 24, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

AIF Circle of Hope kicked off its third year awareness of women with disabilities event. The kick off event was organized by AIF Circle of Hope founding members Farida Kathawalla and Nirmala Garimella

“One in five women are women with disabilities and they are leading the way towards inclusive disability and women’s rights movement around the world,” said Diana Samarasan, Founding Executive Director of the Disabilities Rights fund.

This is the third year of the women’s giving circle based out of Boston that brings women’s philanthropists together to work towards AIF programs impacting women and girls in India.

Ms. Samarasan said that her organizations puts people of disabilities in the decision-making process which is critical to their work as they are the best people to understand the issues and help in policy making.

“Women everywhere in the world who have some form of disability are the most vulnerable and need support. Many of them live in rural areas and do not have access to the opportunities and benefits that can help them” she said.

The Disability fund helps shape policy and puts pressure on governments to pay attention to these issues.

The discussion tied up neatly with the funding that Circle of Hope members had allocated to a program in India called RAISEWISE (Raise women with disability in Social Engagement) in Bangalore last year that ended successfully with 100 women with disability learning self-defense techniques and life skills.

This year, the Project will train 500 girls and women with disabilities in self-defense through the TOT model working with local partners and the women and the girls chosen from the program will be around Delhi NCR. Circle of Hope Boston will fund this program again with a $25,000 grant.

Neeru Oberoi, one of COH earliest members remarked: “An insightful evening. For me personally I never realized that rights, policies and implementation for the disabled requires private funding”

Vibhu Nagral, COH member commented “Beautiful warm evening and thought-provoking insight into giving and supporting people with disabilities.”

Tanuja Sud, also COH member, said:“I am glad that COH is continuing the self defense program that teaches women to take care of themselves.”

All the women members of Circle of Hope hail from New England. They are: Preetha Chally, Neeru Oberoi, Pratima Srinivasan, Nalini Sharma, Anu Chitrapu, Mona Godbole, Namita Krishnan, Sangita Thakore, Asha Shah, Maegan Oberoi,Tanuja Sud, Mithu Bhargava, Vibhu Nagral, Deepa Acharya- Gupta, Sharda Kaul and Alankrita Narang besides the two co-founders Farida Kathawalla and Nirmala Garimella.

Gopio-Ct Hosts New Students From Uconn Business School

September 17, 2019 Staff ReporterBusiness, Community, Education 0

GOPIO-CT organized a program of welcoming new Indian students at the Univ. of Connecticut, School of Business from its Stamford campus with a networking dinner on Friday, Sept. 13^th at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Stamford. While it was networking event for the students and the Indian American community, it also served as an interactive session with a high-profile panel of Indian American Corporate Achievers from Facebook, Amazon and Vice Media as well as three other entrepreneurs and businessmen.

The program started with a welcome by GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and greetings from Ms. Laurissa Berk, UConn’s Associate Director for Risk Management Programs at UConn School of Business. The panelists included Joseph Simon, Chief Technology Officer at Vice Media; Shailesh Naik, President of Charles Manganaro Consulting Engineers; Bhavna Juneja, Senior President of IT Services (Stamford, CT); Terrence Moduthagam, Manager Strategy Partnership at Amazon; Anand Chavan, CEO of GuardX, Inc. and Gaurav Venkateswar, Client Solutions Manager at Facebook. The panel session was moderated by Viresh Sharma, President, Laser Systems, Inc.

The students asked the panelists several questions including marketing themselves to get a job, branding, how to reach out the right person within Corporate America, trends in the job market and difficulty of getting jobs after study completion with a practical training visa.

“It was highly successful program with larger interaction by the new students with the panelists,” said Dr. Abraham. Abraham also told the students that when he came to the country in the 1970s, there was a system of a host family to the foreign students since here was not much communication for the students back home. With advent of new communication with WhatsUp and other social media, the host family concept is already gone. Abraham told the students that the community is the host family for the students. The program was concluded by GOPIO-CT Secretary Prasad Chintalapudi, Vice President of Panzer Solutions.

A book, highlighting the contributions of the 50 Sikhs, was released and the author of this book, Prabhleen Singh from Punjabi University, presented a copy to each of the US Representatives.

If there is anything that the Sangh Parivar detests the most, it is a free spirit and an open mindset.

TheUNN Corporation

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