An Indian American man, Khandu Patel, 56, father of two children, was shot dead in Whitehaven, Tennessee, last week, after getting caught in crossfire outside America’s Best Value Inn in Whitehaven, Memphis. Patel worked as a housekeeper at the motel, and also was staying there temporarily with his wife and son, reported Fox News 13. Patel was on the second floor balcony, getting ready to take a dinner break when a shootout erupted

Memphis police want to know who killed a motel worker killed in the crossfire of a shootout at a Whitehaven Motel. People at the motel said the scene was horrifying. “I was terrified,” said 8-year-old Amaya Matthews. Matthews and several other children were outside playing Monday around 7:30 p.m. when bullets started flying at Americas Best Value Inn and Suites in Whitehaven.

“He finished his days’ work and was out walking around the property. Next thing you know he hears some gunshots flying around and one caught him in the chest,” said Jay Patel, the victim’s nephew. “He didn’t even make it to the hospital to be saved.” He needed to just make it one more week before he was preparing to move with his family.

“They were ready to shift over to the Southaven area for another job. He was ready to get out of there,” said Jay Patel. “Just trying to put food on the table so he had to take what he had at the time.” For the Patel family the loss is still surreal. Jay remembers his uncle as a hardworking father. Patel said Khandu had worked at Americas Best Value Inn for about eight months.

Chicago IL: The Indo-American Heritage Museum’s Sunday, April 23 presentation of “Unstitched: The Art of Sari Draping” at Ashton Place, 341 75th Street, Willowbrook, IL, was a winner on all counts, judging by the audience reaction.  IAHM, a non-profit educational organization, was established in 2008 and is the only institution of its kind in the country.  The event is among many the museum organizes throughout the Chicago area as part of its efforts to preserve the history of Indian Americans and promote understanding of their diversity, culture and contributions to American life.

Morning cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music by The Red Line band greeted arrivals and set the tone for the fascinating program that followed.  Following a vandana by Geetanjali Maru of Raag ‘N’ Rock, IAHM Board member Amita Banerji spoke about the museum and its work.  Padma Rangaswamy, also an IAHM Board member called for the community to participate in the upcoming exhibition, Beyond Bollywood:  Indian Americans Shape the Nation, from the Smithsonian Exhibition Traveling Exhibition Service.  The exhibit, which will open in July with support from the Chicago Community Trust, is being co-presented by the Field Museum and IAHM in Chicago.  The Smithsonian exhibition is being augmented with the Chicago chapter of the Indian American story by IAHM.

Dr. Rangaswamy pointed out that IAHM as a grass roots organization welcomes community participation in helping tell the Chicago story.  Community members can send in videos and images for a video portrait of community life that will be showcased at the Field during the exhibition.  They can sign up for a docent training session and guide visitors through the exhibition.  They can volunteer to help with the programs IAHM is organizing during the 5 months the exhibition will be running.  Interested persons can e-mail info@iahmuseum.org or visit www.iahmuseum.org for more information.

After IAHM President Madhoolica Dear’s address and Guest of Honor Indian Consul General Neeta Bhushan’s remarks, renowned textile expert and sari historian Rta Kapur Chishti took over with a kaleidoscopic multimedia presentation of the history, design concepts and varieties of saris from the different regions of India.  Women from the community modeled saris draped in various regional styles, wearing pure silver jewelry from Amrita Kar’s Vintage2Mod jewelry as they walked the runway to music by DJ Kollision.  The event concluded with a lunch buffet from Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine.

Unstitched was sponsored by OROCHEM, Club of Indian Women (CIW), Geetanjali & Abir Maru of Raag ‘N’ Rock Entertainment, EbyN: Events by Nisar, Harp arte Photography, Patel Brothers, Vinni’s Salon and Spa, Wanda Willmore Schlafly of Sunshine Video, Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine, DJ Kollision and The Red Line band. Information about the Indo-American Heritage Museum is at www.iahmuseum.org

Almost exactly two years after escaping into hiding, an Indian man wanted for the 2015 murder of his wife in Maryland, is the newest addition to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The FBI announced April 18, that Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, 26, is now on the list and a reward of up to $100,000 was being offered for information leading to his capture.

Patel had been traveling in the U.S. with his 21-year-old wife and their visa had expired a month before her death. At the time of the murder, both were working the night shift at a donut shop in Hanover, Maryland, owned by a relative of Patel’s.

Just before midnight on April 12, 2015, while customers were in the front of the shop, Patel stabbed his wife, Palak Patel, multiple times in the back of the shop and left by a rear door.

Investigators believe that Palak Patel wanted to return to India but he did not. “The best guess is that he didn’t want her to leave,” Special Agent Jonathan Shaffer, who is investigating the case from the FBI’s Baltimore Division, is quoted saying in the press release. “It’s possible that he thought he would be disgraced by her leaving and going back to India.”

Although the motive remains unclear, and there is no way to know if Patel planned the murder, Shaffer noted that “after the crime, his actions show a very cool and calculated mentality about escaping the scene and fleeing the area.”

After leaving the donut shop, Patel walked across the street to the apartment he shared with his wife, retrieved a few items and some cash, and then hailed a taxi. The cab driver took him to a hotel in New Jersey near Newark Liberty International Airport. “He checked in about 3 a.m. with no bags, just the clothes on his back,” Shaffer said. “He checked out around 10 a.m., and took a hotel shuttle to Newark Penn Station. That’s the last anyone has seen of him.”

After the murder, a customer who entered the shop realized something was wrong when no one came to take his order. He alerted a nearby Anne Arundel County Police Department officer, who discovered Palak Patel’s body. “It was horrific what had been done to this young woman,” Shaffer said.

Realizing that Patel was an international flight risk, local police requested FBI assistance, and several days after the murder, a federal arrest warrant was issued charging Patel with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. He has also been charged with his wife’s murder.

“Domestic violence homicides tend to be brutal, and this one certainly was,” said Anne Arundel County Police Department Det. Kelly Harding, who has handled many domestic violence cases during her nearly 20 years in law enforcement. “We almost always are able to find the suspects in these cases, and they are usually full of remorse, asking ‘What have I done?’ They are not taking a taxi cab and crossing state lines to escape.”

nvestigators believe that Patel could be with distant relatives in the U.S. or that he could have fled to Canada. “Or he could have traveled through Canada back to India,” Shaffer said. “Those are among the plausible options we are exploring.”

Shaffer believes the $100,000 reward will help in the capture of Patel. “Somebody out there who either sees the publicity or knows something already but has been reluctant to come forward will be encouraged by that amount of money,” he said. “Whether they do it for the right reasons or just for the money doesn’t really matter. Patel needs to be apprehended.”

If you have information regarding Patel—who should be considered armed and dangerous—contact your local FBI office or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or on the FBI.gov website.

On April 21st, 2017, Share a Smile Chicago, hosted another very successful annual gala and fundraiser! The event took place at the 9600 Turnberry Trail, Village of Lakewood, IL.

We are humbled by the overwhelming support by the Indian community of Greater Chicago; which has enabled us to not only raise funds to support our various ‘senior’ endeavors, but to also spread further awareness about our cause! Our primary beneficiary is a senior home on the outskirts of Delhi called Sukhdham.

The executive team of the Barrington chapter and the satellite team of the Naperville chapter, worked together to make this fundraiser a big success! There were over 200 attendees!

The evening started with Shreepad Dave playing Indian tunes on the piano during a delectable dinner catered by Rahul Saigal of Cuisine of India. To compliment the dinner, there were sweet and savory cocktails concocted by Aashima Dogra and prepared by Turnberry Club!

We started our program with a diya lighting ceremony by our seniors to a shabad sung by Seema Singh. That was followed by a slide show highlighting SASC’s various causes and endeavors. The MC for the evening Dr Khaira, then introduced our president Vandana Walia. After a short welcome speech, Vandana introduced Sushma Bhanot, the founder of SASC, the executive team and the members of the Naperville chapter.

The entertainment for the evening was NYNY Dueling pianists. They started their dueling with a very successful live basket auction for Share a Smile Chicago. And the grand winner of the 50/50 raffle was Pooja Chatterjee! And then it was an hour and a half of music by NYNY Dueling Pianos, and singing and dancing by all those there!

Thank you Chicago for your support! Your generosity will make a difference in the lives of all the seniors we serve! We look forward to an exciting year of serving and sharing smiles!

Chicago IL: The Consulate General of India in Chicago in collaboration with Ambedkar Association of North America [AANA] celebrated 126th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 14th April, 2017.

The opening remarks were delivered by Mrs. Neeta Bhushan, Consul General. Consul General addressed the gathering and recalled the mammoth work done by the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in drafting the Constitution of India. She emphasized that the Constitution of India does not discriminate anyone on the basis of religion, creed, sex or any other ground.  It is the duty of every citizen of India, therefore, to uphold the Constitution both in its letter and spirit.

Speakers from Ambedkar Association of North America [AANA] spoke on role of Dr. Ambedkar in National Reconstruction, Ambedkar’s agriculture and economical policies and women empowerment. During cultural programme, the children sang classical Raga & performed the classical dance “Bharat Natyam”. Mr. Mahesh Wasnik introduced the AANA & its activities.

A Book and photo exhibition of photographs on the life and times of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was also organized as part of the celebration.

The celebration was attended by a cross-section of prominent Indian-Americans residing in Chicagoland. Mr OP Meena, Consul, proposed a vote of thanks.

Vikram Chatwal, a New York based hotelier, was awarded a “no-jail” plea deal in a New York court on April 18for attempting to set fire to two dogs near his Soho apartment. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation which means that if he adheres for a year to the penalty imposed by the court, the charge of “aggravated animal cruelty” will be dropped.

When Judge Gerianne Abriano asked the 44-year-old hotelier whether he “attempted to cause serious physical injury to two dogs using an aerosol can and lighter to set fire to them?” Chatwal replied “Yes, your Honor,” the New York Post reported.

“Given the defendant’s mental health history and lack of criminal history and minimal injury to the dogs, we are offering” a no-jail deal, Assistant District Attorney Tanisha Palvia is quoted saying in the Post.

According to media reports, prosecutors took into account Chatwal’s lack of criminal history and the minimal injury caused to the dogs, into account in giving Chatwal a five day community service sentence. The judge also took into account the fact that Chatwal is undergoing mental-health treatment and included in his sentence that he continue the treatment and submit to random drug testing and keep living with his parents. Additionally, his name will be on an animal abuse registry and he cannot own or care for pets for five years.

The incident that got him into trouble took place Oct. 9, 2016, when Chatwal ran down Wooster Street screaming “The dogs must die” as he tried to light the dogs who were on a walk, on fire with an aerosol can and lighter.

“We’re pleased that the DA’s office realized all of the mitigating factors and is offering this disposition,” Arthur Aidala, Chatwal’s attorney is quoted saying in the New York Daily News. “Vikram just needs to hit the reset button on life,” Aidala told reporters outside the courtroom, the Post reported. “This was a horrible 30 seconds of his life that we are going to put behind us,” Aidala said referring to the video of Chatwal during the incident. Chatwal is not barred from continuing to manage his company. He has established several reputed hotels during his career.

Abhishek Gattani, an Indian American, who is the Cuberon CEO and co-founder, entered into a plea deal stemming from his second felony domestic violence charge brought by his wife of 10 years Neha Rastogi who recorded his verbal abuse, threats and physical beatings. The controversial settlement, which Rastogi is not happy with, will likely see Gattani spend less than a month in jail.

Gattani, will, despite the evidence presented against him, also have a felony assault charge reduced to felony accessory after the fact, with an accompanying misdemeanor of “offensive touching,” reported The Daily Beast.

Cuberon, a startup based in Silicon Valley, describes itself as a “customer behavior analytics company that helps product and marketing teams to discover, analyze, and visualize customer behavior that impacts their business metrics.” The felony charge against Gattani may be also expunged from his record, which Rastogi pleaded with a judge overseeing the case, not to do so.

In the recordings by Rastogi, made on May 17, 2016, of 5 minutes and 58 seconds of her life which she submitted to the police, Gattani comes across as an extremely controlling and abusive man, who seems bent on subduing his wife to complete submission to his wishes, despite the fact that Gattani was an extremely competent software professional herself, having worked for Apple, Flip and Cisco.

“No, no, no,” he said in one recording when the pair were discussing software bugs, and he repeatedly calls her bitch. “When did I say that’s a bug? We talked about bugs right? Is it getting very difficult for you to focus? You really do need help. You need me to take another step and come to you. You need help?, adding: “You don’t want to get beaten up? Then control yourself.”

The audio recordings also captures the several beatings Gattani gives to his wife during the course of the conversation, with at least 9 of them being heard. Rastogi reveals in her complaint that she was repeatedly beaten and called worse, including slut and whore.

Gattani had previously been charged with felony assault in November, 2013, after a postal worker reported a woman being assaulted on the street, noted Raw Story. According to the Beast, the officer’s report included witness accounts of Gattani “pushing and pulling [Rastogi] along the sidewalk while punching her with a closed fist in the side and back multiple times.”

That felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor charge at Rastogi’s urging, the Beast notes, Three years later, in May 2016, she recorded audio of her husband’s abuse.

The plea was made at Santa Clara County Superior Court, the same place where judge Aaron Perksy drew national criticism after sentencing Brock Turner to six months in jail for three charges of felony sexual assault. At what was supposed to be Gattani’s sentencing at the courthouse, Rastogi read aloud from an impact statement relating to the plea, reported Raw Story. “‘Misdemeanor—offensive touching’? I didn’t even need to look this one up, as it made me laugh when then I realized that I was laughing at myself, I was the joke here,” she said. “‘Offensive touching!’”

“Please explain me is it offensive touching when a 8 month pregnant woman is beaten and then forced to stand for the entire night by her husband? Is it offensive touching when a mother nursing her six-day old child is slapped on her face by her husband because he thinks she is not latching properly with the child? Is it offensive touching when a women is flung to the floor and repetitively kicked in her belly? Is it offensive touching when a woman is slapped nine times by her husband until she agrees to everything he is saying and then gets hit again for not agreeing with it sooner?” Rastogi continued. “Offensive touching—I call it terrorism,” she said.

Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Stafford promised he listened “very carefully” to Rastogi’s “powerful statement.” Unfortunately, he was just filling in for fellow Judge Allison Danner.

Vamsimadhav Korrapati, 41, a Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, emergency room doctor, charged with sexually abusing two children under 13, backed out of a plea deal last month, maintaining he was innocent, and will face trial in October, reports here say.

When he is tried, the Indian American physician Korrapati will face charges of felony counts of indecent assault, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children. If convicted, Korrapati will face prison time and must register as a sex offender.

Last November, Korrapati took a deal, pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment, which did not involve the allegations of sexual abuse. But moments before he was about to be sentenced, the ER doctor backed out of the plea arrangement. His defense attorney, Brian McMonagle, said in court that Korrapati “has expressed to me that he maintains his innocence and he wants to go to trial.”

Korrapati, who before his arrest in 2015, practiced at several local hospitals, has been free on bail of $200,000. At a preliminary hearing, a young boy testified that Korrapati had fondled him. The boy unfalteringly said that the doctor had done the same thing to a girl. The Morning Call newspaper reported that Korrapati knew both of his victims, and smiled in court at the boy as he recalled the horrific incidents.

The two children provided statements of the alleged abuse to county caseworkers. The alleged molestations went on for several years, according to police. Northampton County, Pennsylvania, prosecutors said that Korrapati displayed “reckless conduct” toward the two children that “may have placed them in danger of serious bodily injury.” According to his Facebook profile, Korrapati attended the A.P.R School, in Gandipalem, Andhra Pradesh, and then attended Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada.

The South Asia Business Association (SABA) at Columbia Business School (CBS) hosted their 13th Annual India Business Conference on April 8. The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Route to Resurgence: Shaping India’s New Destiny’. The SABA organizing team, led by co-presidents Rahul Bengani and Gaurav Dayal, has managed to secure a forum of speakers comprising renowned and diverse personalities including civil servants, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs and academicians.

Speakers included Suresh Narayanan, chairman & managing director, Nestle India; Neeraj Singhal former head of Expansion, South Asia, Uber; Dr. S. Y. Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner, India; Prof. Jagdish Bhagwati of Columbia University; Umang Dua, co-founder, Handy.com; and Vinodh Bhat, co-founder, Saavn, among others.

According to Udit Agarwal, assistant vice president of the South Asia Business Association, “This is a great opportunity for CBS students to hone their leadership skills whilst watching the end product of their labor being appreciated by the conference attendees.”

The goal of the conference was to bring together decision makers and opinion shapers from across the business, political, social and cultural spheres of India life, and encourage dialogue and discourse on topics crucial to the country’s present and future. This year’s conference will have an exchange of ideas with various speakers presenting their views on the country’s current state of affairs and its likely destiny that would have implications not just for India but also for those who wish to do business in the country. The topics for panel discussions include: ‘Rethinking Business Models for an Emerging India’, ‘The Transformation of Indian Entertainment Industry’ and ‘The Rise & Rise of Investments in India.’

Amrinder Singh Chawla, assistant vice president of the South Asia Business Association said, “This year’s conference is both exciting and crucial, considering the recent major changes in the political and economic landscape of India owing to 2017 assembly elections and demonetization.” CBS is expecting over two hundred attendees and extensive media coverage for the event. For more details on the conference please refer to the official website – http://ibccolumbia.org/

NEW YORK: A former New York state pension fund manager was accused in a sweeping federal indictment Wednesday that alleges rampant corruption and extravagant bribes — which included cash, drugs and prostitutes — in exchange for granting brokerage firms millions of dollars in government business.

The former New York Common Retirement Fund manager, Navnoor Kang, is charged along with broker Deborah Kelley — in a case involving multiple counts of conspiracy, fraud and obstruction of justice for the scheme, which prosecutors say lasted for at least two years.

According to the charging documents, Kang, 37, who served as the office’s director of fixed income and head of portfolio security, repeatedly accepted bribes from Kelley and other brokers in exchange for millions of dollars worth of fixed-income business to their brokerage firms from the pension fund — which, with $184 billion in assets, is the United States’ third largest.

In the wake of alleged fraud committed by New York state pension fund’s former director of fixed income and head of portfolio strategy Navnoor Kang, an Indian American, the state controller’s office is making reforms to its hiring practices and other policies.

Controller Thomas DiNapoli released a report on April 6th outlining the findings of an internal review he ordered after Kang was charged in 2016 by then-Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara with accepting more than $100,000 worth of bribes.

Kang is accused of accepting cash, cocaine, prostitutes, fancy watches and trips from two brokerage firms that wanted to do business with the $184 billion state pension fund, reported the New York Daily News. Kang had previously been fired from his last job for accepting gifts, according to the feds — something he misled hiring managers about and that the third-party company hired by the state to vet its employees, Korn Ferry, missed.

Going forward, all candidates will have to list all former employers, along with contact information for supervisors, provide three references including their most recent employers, and reference checks must be performed by a Common Retirement Fund staff member — not an outside company. Relevant employers over the last decade must be contacted and asked, among other things, if they’d hire the employee again, the report says.

The Sikhs of New York will present Turban Day April 15th from Noon until 4 p.m. in Times Square as part of the annual mid-April celebration of Vaisakhi, which is commemorated by millions of Sikhs annually.

Volunteers of the non-profit organization hope to tie 7,000 turbans on the heads of Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike to not only celebrate the centuries old birth of Sikhism, but also promote awareness of the continued misplaced violence targeted at people who practice the religion. The organization has invited local politicians to join them for six cultural presentations on a stage next to the Ruby Red Stairs at the TKTS Booth, according to a press release.

“Last year we tied about 3,000 turbans in Times Square and we hope that it will be 7,000 this year,” said Chanpreet Singh, the organization’s founder, in a statement. “We started Turban Day in 2013 at Baruch College to promote and educate people about the Sikh religion and identity. We are spreading awareness about the Sikh turban and culture. The turban is the crown of each Sikh and represents pride and valor. Turban Day provides an opportunity for those that do not wear a turban to experience a turban and learn about its significance first hand.”

The organization, which has about 600 members, also will be unveiling a new video on Turban Day that is designed to show Sikh people come from all walks of life. The video, which features physicians, businesspeople and even a gymnast, is posted online at Facebook.com/SIKHSOFNY.

“When you see a person in a turban, feel safe,” said Jill Jagjeevan Kaur Ruitenberg, President & CEO of Ruitenberg Lind Design Group of Jamesburg, N.J. and a practicing Sikh featured in the video, in a statement. “When you see a person wearing a turban they are Sikh. Sikhism is its own religion founded in India over 500 years ago. It is not derived from any other religion. Part of their beliefs are to help and protect people around them, even at the risk of their own lives. They believe in equality for everyone.”

The cultural presentations at the free event include yoga by SJ Khalsa of Kundalini Yoga East in New York City, who promotes a healthy lifestyle. Featured performances will include Tejveer Singh, also known as “The Lost Strings,” as well as singing and Bhangra dancing. The event begins with turban tying at 12 p.m.

The World of Children organization, which funds and recognizes individuals globally who are exclusively serving the needs of vulnerable children, named Megan Pasricha as one of its recipients of the 2017 World of Children Hero Awards. Pasricha is a co-founder of Global Youth H.E.L.P., a nonprofit that runs health, education, and leadership training programs for children in India and the United States.

When she was only five years old, Meghan Pasricha began changing the world with community service work. When she entered high school, Meghan – an asthma sufferer – decided to become a passionate advocate for tobacco control and health. In 2001, she worked to mobilize youth for the successful passage of Delaware’s Statewide Smoking Ban.

While studying at Harvard University, Meghan co-founded Global Youth H.E.L.P., Inc. together with her sister, working to create a global network of youth leaders who are dedicated to making a difference in the world.

In 2007, Meghan received the World of Children Youth Award for her leadership in mobilizing young people to change the world. Since then, the organization has transformed from an anti-tobacco organization into a global youth movement. Today, the organization offers a variety of programs, including anti-tobacco education, leadership training, health camps for underprivileged children, computer literacy, school supply donation programs, and more. For more information, visit www.globalyouthhelp.org.

Meghan received the 2017 World of Children Alumni Award for her extraordinary dedication to global youth empowerment. The Indian American social entrepreneur was chosen for expanding her impact and continuing to unlock the future for even more children with disabilities.

“This award will give us the tools and resources to continue expanding our youth leadership and empowerment programs, and to provide more young people with the tools to become leaders today,” she said in a statement.

Pasricha thrusted herself into community service as a teenager. A sufferer of asthma, Pasricha became an advocate for tobacco control and health when she started high school. And in 2001, she worked to mobilize youth for the successful passage of Delaware’s Statewide Smoking Ban.

Enable, Inc., a New Jersey-based non-profit providing services, resources and support for adults and children with disabilities and seniors, will host a fundraiser featuring Indian music and dance. To be held on March 11 at West Windsor Plainsboro High School South Theater at 4:30 p.m., Winter Manmohini 2017 will include performances by the Satrangi School of Fusion, the Indian Cultural Society of East Brunswick, Sparsh Shah; and Sumukh Bhatia.

“Winter Manmohini 2017 raises funds for Enable’s critical services for seniors and people with disabilities,” a press release quoted Sharon Copeland, Enable’s chief executive officer as saying. “The community comes together to enjoy dance, theater and singing, and self-expression. It is a fun, inspirational event.”

This South Asian entertainment extravaganza supports independent living for children and adults with disabilities and seniors. Open seating tickets cost $20 for adults; $15 for children and students. VIP reserved seats cost $50 (tickets at the door are $25/$20/$50). Doors open at 4 pm at West Windsor Plainsboro High School South Theater; performances start at 4:30 pm.

“The community comes together at Winter Manmohini 2017 to enjoy dance, theater, singing, and self-expression — while raising critical funds that make it possible for people with disabilities and seniors to live independently in the community,” said Sharon Copeland, MSW, LSW, Enable’s Chief Executive Officer. “You won’t want to miss this fun, inspirational event! Or, if you can’t attend, donate a ticket so a child or adult with a disability can attend in your place.”

Led by Rohheet Baxi, Satrangi School of Fusion highlights the event with over 300 dancers and thousands of costumes. Baxi, who lost a leg to cancer as a child, founded the non-profit Dance with Wings which provides free dance lessons to children and families living with autism, Down syndrome and developmental challenges. Dance with Wings students are included in Winter Manmohini 2017.

The Indian Cultural Society of East Brunswick Theater Group will perform “Romance in the Garden: Bhagavad-Ajjuka”. The witty one-act play was adapted from a 7th century Sanskrit farce by director Dr. Farley Richmond, Professor and Director of the Center for Asian Studies at the University of Georgia/Athens. Barkha Kishnani is assistant director.

Singer and child prodigy Sparsh Shah will also perform. The 13-year-old uses a wheelchair because he was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, an incurable disease that makes his bones extremely brittle.

Gourmet Indian food will be provided by renowned Princeton restaurant Mehek (at an additional cost). Sponsors include: Stark & Stark Attorneys at Law; Saint Peter’s Healthcare System; Provident Bank; Santander; New York Life; NJM Insurance Group; House of Spices (India), Inc.; and Indus American Bank. Winter Manmohini 2017 Co-chairs are Shashi Airi and Gulshan Chhabra. Committee members are Sharon Copeland; Frank DiSanzo; Kadambary Joshi; Vidya Kallur; Diana Kennedy; Barkha Kishnani; Anu Mehta; Abishek Mishra; Cynthia Perri-Rock; Kendall Popowski; Toni Ricigliano; Domenic Sanginiti; Vashvi Shah; Christina Teel; Anthony W. Simmons; John Trench; Frances Chaves.

Nearly one in ten live with a severe disability. Established as a non-profit in 1989, Enable, Inc. serves over 500 New Jersey individuals with disabilities, seniors, and their families. Through in home, residential and day services, Enable helps sustain healthy, independent lives in an environment that provides dignity, respect, and personal fulfillment. For more information, go to http://www.enablenj.org.

For more information, sponsorship, advertising and tickets, go to: http://www.enablenj.org/events or contact Frances Chaves at 609-987-5003 x 138 or email fchaves(at)enablenj(dot)org.

NEW YORK: Hiral Patel,an Indian American human resources manager for two information technology companies in New Jersey, Hiral Patel, 34, has pleaded guilty to obstructing a federal investigation as part of a scheme to fraudulently obtain H-1B visas.

Patel, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to an information charging her with conspiracy to obstruct justice, , U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

A human resources manager of two IT firms — one of them based in Jersey City — admitted Tuesday that she obstructed a federal investigation into visa fraud involving foreign workers hired by the company.

That sponsorship involved assuring the government the workers had full-time positions and annual salaries, according to prosecutors. Instead, authorities say, the workers were only paid when the companies contracted them out to an unspecified third-party client.

Workers who weren’t placed with the client were required to pay the companies what would have been their gross wages, so the companies could re-disburse the funds through payroll as “proof” for the government that the workers were employed full-time.

The U.S. Department of Labor later launched an audit of the companies, during which time Patel helped prepare fake leave slips for employees who weren’t working, as required by law, she admitted in court.

Both MMC Systems, based in Virginia, and SCM Data, of Jersey City, are part-owned by Sowrabh Sharma, of New York, who was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in September 2016 with conspiring to commit visa fraud and to obstruct justice, and “conspiring to harbor aliens.” Patel faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Her sentencing has been scheduled for June 1.

Asian Media USA ©

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

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

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

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

By Rajeshwar Prasad

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

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

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

Mahler for Vision: a concert for the restoration of Vision is being staged

at the prestigious Stern Auditorium/ Perelman Stage in Carnegie Hall in New York City. Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” is slated for Monday, February 13th, 2017 at 8 PM

Net proceeds will benefit HelpMeSee, committed to ending Cataract blindness, a press release stated. The concert aims to highlight the restoration of vision to the millions around the world affected by treatable cataract blindness. The net proceeds of Mahler For Vision will benefit the visionary organization HelpMeSee and its unique efforts to end preventable cataract blindness and enrich the dignity of all those affected through the innovative use of cutting edge technology and transformative socio-economic models for distributing these critical public health services.

“Music has the extraordinary power not only to gather communities to solve problems like preventable cataract blindness, but also to illuminate the solutions to those problems. Mahler’s own words in the Resurrection Symphony, ‘O believe, my heart, that you have not suffered in vain,’ offer to all who seek the radiant hope for a future of light and joy,” said Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Featured Artists include, George Mathew, Artistic Director and Conductor; Elmira Darvarova, Concertmaster (Former Concertmaster, MET Orchestra); Indra Thomas, Soprano; Susanne Mentzer, Mezzo-soprano; and members of MasterVoices. Ted Sperling, Artistic Director featuring principal musicians from the world’s great orchestras, ensembles, and academies, are generously donating their artistry to eradicate cataract blindness.

HelpMeSee is a non-profit social enterprise committed to ending the global health crisis of cataract blindness, the leading cause of preventable blindness which impacts over 20 million people worldwide. By developing the world’s first comprehensive Eye Surgical Simulator to provide training to address the critical shortage of skilled cataract specialists, HelpMeSee is building local capacity and bringing affordable and high-quality care to under-served markets.

HelpMeSee’s comprehensive solution to cataract blindness includes surgical training, patient outreach, and support for sight-restoring cataract procedures that standardize the quality of care, medical supply chain, and evaluation practices to ensure safe surgeries. Since founding in 2010, HelpMeSee partnered with 290 partner surgeons across 10 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and supported over 250,000 surgeries.

Forbes, Bloomberg News, Voice of America, Vision Monday, All India Radio, and Philanthropy News Digest are among the news media which have featured HelpMeSee.

Music for Life International, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization that was established to create social impact in a variety of sectors through music. MFLI presents musical concerts and related programs to promote the awareness of major international humanitarian crises and other public interest issues in the US and around the world. MFLI takes its name from the legendary MUSIC FOR LIFE concert organized by Leonard Bernstein in 1987 at Carnegie Hall. music4lifeinternational.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Asian Media USA ©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Thanks to your support all these years, Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF) has performed 1.5 million free eye surgeries at eight hospitals,” said Murali KrishnaMurthy, CEO of SEF. “Construction of the ninth hospital is happening at Jaipur, Rajasthan and will be ready in December 2017. We still need to raise a million dollars each for the Hyderabad and Indore hospital projects so the construction of these can begin next year as soon as land acquisition is complete.  The hospital construction cannot be started next year if we are unable to raise million dollars each for these hospitals and hence will need your continued timely support you have provided us in the past.

Sankara Eye Foundation reached a new milestone on May this year. It celebrated our 39th Founder’s Day to commemorate the launch of SEF initiative in Coimbatore 39 years ago with a small medical center.  “Today, SEF has grown to eight super specialty eye care hospitals across India performing over 500 eye surgeries a day,” said Murali Krishnamurthy, who has been spearheading Foundation’s the operation across the US. “The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano is a proud sponsor of the Sankara Eye Foundation,” he added.

The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, Joint ownership with physicians, is the only freestanding, full-service hospital in North Texas dedicated solely to heart and vascular health care. The hospital is acknowledged as a regional and national leader in cardiovascular care. Its commitment to providing safe, quality, compassionate care is rooted in medical and service excellence.

The hospital is ranked 5th in the nation in heart valve surgery*, 6th in the country in open heart surgery*, and #1 in the Dallas-Ft. Worth cardiac surgery market**. As a medical destination for heart and vascular care, the hospital offers advanced care in multiple cardiovascular specialties. Additionally, the hospital is actively engaged in more than 80 clinical research trials. Guests are treated to the hospital’s signature Five-Star Service, which has earned Inpatient and Emergency Department satisfaction scores*** that rank among the top hospitals in the country.

Once again, Sankara Eye Foundation has been applauded for its work ethics and transparency by Charity Navigator which examines two broad areas of a charity’s performance: its Financial Health and its Accountability & Transparency.  Even with the new enhanced financial rating methodology used this year, SEF managed to hold onto its 4 star rating.

SEF undertook the 5-city concert tour with the famous trio  Shankar Ehsaan Loy and the  New Generation. SEF staff and volunteers worked round the clock, and their dedication paid off with the concerts being sold out in almost all cities.

The audience were treated to an eclectic mix of songs both from the bygone era and today’s times, performed by the trio and the New Generation. The crowd found it very hard to stay seated with the high intensity, foot tapping numbers and the atmosphere was magical throughout.

SEF is still mostly volunteer run and is supported by over 50,000 donors all over the USA and the collective efforts are paying off.  SEF received the top 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management, commitment to accountability and transparency.   We also won the IMC Ramakrishna Bajaj National Quality Performance Excellence trophy in the health care category.

Even though our uncle literally forced us to start the Sankara Eye Foundation, now we realize that this is the best thing that has happened to us.   We have made so many friends and that has enriched our lives beyond imagination.     Initially I used to think that I was making a difference in the lives of our dear visually handicapped brothers and sisters but now it is dawning on me that I am the biggest beneficiary.  I am so fortunate and grateful for this golden opportunity. Let us, together, eradicate curable blindness – Vision 20/20 by 2020. In order to get more information on how to join us on this noble mission, please visit:http://www.giftofvision.org

Tejesh Kodali, 45, of Edison, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to committing visa fraud. The conspiracy to commit visa fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing for Kodali is scheduled for March 13, 2017.

Kodali, the chief executive officer and managing director of two companies admitted on Dec. 1, to recruiting foreign nationals to enroll at a “pay to stay” New Jersey college to keep their student visa status and get full-time work authorizations without having to attend classes.

On April 5, 2016, 22 brokers, recruiters, and employers, including Kodali, were charged with enrolling foreign nationals in the University of Northern New Jersey, a purported for-profit college in Cranford, New Jersey (UNNJ) which was actually created by Homeland Security Investigations in September 2013. It was not staffed with instructors or educators, had no curriculum, and conducted no actual classes or education activities. It operated solely as a storefront location staffed by federal agents posing as school administrators.

Kodali – an Indian citizen and lawful permanent resident in the United States – was the director of operations of Promatrix Corp. and Blue Cloud Techs Corp., entities that claimed to be international student recruiting and consulting companies located in Edison.

The Homeland Security set up UNNJ represented itself as a school that, among other things, was authorized to issue a document known as a “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – for Academic and Language Students,” commonly referred to as a Form I-20. This document, which certifies that a foreign national has been accepted to a school and would be a full-time student, typically enables legitimate foreign students to obtain an F-1 student visa. With the visa, they can enter or remain in the United States while they study full-time at a certified institution.

Kodali told his foreign national clients that for a fee, they could enroll at UNNJ without having to attend any classes and that their enrollment would enable them to fraudulently maintain their nonimmigrant status. With full knowledge that the recruits were not bona fide students and would not attend any courses, earn credits, or make academic progress toward any legitimate degree at UNNJ, Kodali caused Forms I-20 to be issued to the foreign nationals.

Kodali also caused the foreign nationals to be reported in government databases as legitimate foreign students. “In order to deceive immigration officials, Kodali and his foreign clients obtained and created fraudulent student documents, including attendance records and transcripts,” a press release from the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Paul Fishman, said.

After enabling them to maintain their student visa status, Kodali also conspired to secure fraudulent work authorizations for some of their foreign clients. He admitted that his intention was to profit from the scheme by outsourcing these foreign individuals through Promatrix and Blue Techs as information technology consultants with various businesses in the United States for commissions. In total, Kodali and his conspirators fraudulently maintained and attempted to obtain 37 student visas and/or work authorizations.

Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) officers will join RLHC/Vantage leadership on the main stage this week at the Red Lion Hotels Corporation/Vantage 2016 International Education Conference and Trade Show in Las Vegas.

AAHOA Chairman Bruce Patel, Vice Chairman Bhavesh Patel, Treasurer Hitesh “HP” Patel, Secretary Jagruti Panwala, and CEO Chip Rogers will spend two days with the RLHC/Vantage family to talk about industry issues and build upon the already-strong relationship they enjoy with the brand. On Tuesday and Wednesday, event attendees will have the opportunity to visit the AAHOA booth on the conference trade-show floor, while Wednesday will feature an AAHOA presentation on the main stage.

In addition, AAHOA member attendees will have the opportunity to undergo Certified Hotel Owner (CHO) training and testing all day today. “We’ve built an amazing relationship with both RLHC and Vantage over the years,” said AAHOA Chairman Bruce Patel. “Now that the two brands are one, we’re excited to consolidate and strengthen those relationships for maximum mutual benefit.”

Spokane, Wash.-based RLHC purchased Vantage Hospitality earlier this year. The 2016 conference is the first annual Red Lion event since adding Vantage to the RLHC family of hotels.

“I’m grateful to RLHC for granting AAHOA such a strong presence at their annual conference this year,” said AAHOA CEO Chip Rogers. “We look forward to spending time with the brand’s franchisees and talking a little bit about AAHOA’s role in helping grow and develop the hotel industry.”

Founded in 1989, AAHOA (www.aahoa.com) is the largest hotel owners association in the world, with more than 16,000 small business owner-members. AAHOA members own almost one in every two hotels in the United States.The conference will be held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. For more information, visitjoinvantagehotels.com/conference.

Chicago IL: Harish Bhatt, President of the renowned Association of Indian Pharmacists in America (AIPHA), organized an exciting Annual Diwali Party on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at the Meadows Club, 2950 W Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL to celebrate Diwali and the holiday season with members and their families. The AIPHA Annual Diwali Party offers a platform in which members can network amongst themselves, as well as gives them an opportunity to meet and greet with the decision makers that influence change. The program was highly successful with support of the Executive Board, AIPHA members and volunteers. It was a sold out event and attended by many dignitaries.

The evening started with a social hour featuring some tasty appetizers and premium drinks. Masters of Ceremonies for the occasion, Tushar Mehta kicked off the program by welcoming everyone to the gala. As usual, he started with some funny jokes. One minute of silence was observed in memory of Usha Bhatt, mother of Harish Bhatt. Tushar then invited Harish Bhatt on stage to say a few words.

Harish Bhatt thanked each and every one for their condolences, cards, flowers, emails, text messages and phone calls. “I and my family are very thankful for your support; I am very fortunate that I have so many friends and they are very supportive” he said.

“To me, my mom is a hero. She came from a very poor family in Gujarat. She went to Bombay and educated herself to become a school teacher. She worked very hard to support the family”. My mother was an astonishing person, a true matriarch of our family, who was loving, caring, compassionate and provided unconditional love,  to anyone who came in touch with her” said Harish Bhatt, President of AIPHA

“This organization has been around for over 25 years. Thanks to AIPHA Board members, their families, our sponsors, advertisers, guests and members who have made today’s program highly successful. ” said Tushar Mehta, AIPHA Board of Director.

Sponsors of AIPHA Annual Diwali Party was Cardinal Drugs, HD Smith Drugs and McKesson Drugs.  Legendary Genius Madan Mohan Kohli’s life and music were explored in a spectacular musical narrative “Betaab Dil,” presented by Madan Kulkarni of Dhrishti Arts & Niche Entertainment. A dream line up of performers led by Vibhavari Joshi along with Rafi Habib and Dhawal Chandwadkar presented gems from Madanji’s creations accompanied by an accomplished orchestra with live narration by noted theater personality Salim Arifji, directed by Milind Oak and conceived by Madan Kulkarni.

The show was backed by informational narrative of each composition, which left the audience spellbound and clamoring for more. Spectacular lights and sound added a punch to the performances. Vibhavari Joshi along with Rafi Habib and Dhawal Chandwadkar gave a memorable show. This top notch show gave a panoramic view of the music virtuoso’s journey and ended with a standing ovation.

Top shelf cash bar & delicious Gourmet dinner was prepared and served by the Chefs and staff of the Meadows Club. The program concluded with some great memories of an evening which was educational, fun and entertaining.

Executive Board: Harish Bhatt (President), Rajesh Chotalia (Vice President), Jitesh Patel (Secretary), Haresh Khakhkar (Joint Secretary), Vitthal Patel (Treasurer), Jignesh Gandhi (Joint Treasurer) and the Board of Directors included Tushar Mehta, Snehal Bhavsar, Jyotin Parikh, Gajanan Trivedi, Manu Patel, Shital Manek, Kishore Chugh, Mahendra R. Patel, Ambalal S. Patel and Ambalal H. Patel.

The Association of Indian Pharmacists of America is an organization dedicated to increasing cultural awareness and promoting diversity through various pharmaceutical services, promotional, and social events. The national organization of the Association of Indian Pharmacists in America (AIPHA) was founded in 1985 by 20 members. Today, there are over 453 members.

Chicago IL: The second Constitution Day or ‘Samvidhan Diwas’ was solemnly celebrated at the premises of the Consulate General of India in Chicago on 25th November, 2016. The day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November, 1949.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, considered as the chief architect of the Constitution of India, served as the Chairman of the 389-member Drafting Committee of the Constitution and played a pioneering role in the finalization of Constitution of India. Last year, a National Committee under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister of India took a decision to celebrate the “Constitution Day” every year as part of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

While delivering his opening remarks on the occasion, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India outlined the significance of the ‘Constitution Day’ and recalled the pioneering work done by the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in drafting the Constitution of India.

The Consul General emphasized that the Constitution of India does not discriminate anyone on the basis of religion, creed, sex or any other ground.  It is the duty of every citizen of India, therefore, to uphold the Constitution both in its letter and spirit. The Consul General also read out the Preamble of the Constitution of India.

During the programme, a film on the life and times of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar received from XP Division of MEA was screened to showcase the contribution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in drafting the Constitution and upliftment of the downtrodden and oppressed section of the Society. A photo exhibition of photographs on Dr. Ambedkar was also organized as part of the celebration.

The event was attended by a cross-section of prominent Indian-Americans residing in Chicagoland. On this occasion, the Indian Diaspora was also briefed about the upcoming events of the Consulate as well as 14th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention to be held in Bengaluru from 7th-9th January, 2017. The PIOs/OCIs were encouraged to register and participate in the 14th PBD Convention in large numbers. OP Meena, Consul, proposed a vote of thanks.