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.

TENAFLY, NJ — The Swiss chalet-style home on Forest Road has seen a variety of notable personalities pass through its decorative front door: A prominent inventor, a famous artist and, most recently, Hillary Clinton.

Now, the “Everett-Dunn House,” built in 1867, has gained historic landmark status so it will be protected from major alteration and demolition. The Borough Council approved the designation at Monday night’s meeting.

The home was designed by Richard Morris Hunt, a prominent figure in American architecture, who was best known for his work on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, the Breakers in Newport, R.I., and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.

Among the prominent residents of the home were inventor Charles J. Everett and Harvey Dunn, an artist whose sketches of World War I are housed at the Smithsonian.

Hetal Gor, a physician from India who moved into the six-bedroom home in 2010, said she and her husband, Moiz, were immediately drawn to its beauty and historical significance. “They told us it’s a historic house. There were a lot of very important people involved in the house, which made it very intriguing to me,” she said. “There are so many historic details inside. Every person who lived in it left their mark behind.” Gor, who is active politically and serves on the board of BergenPAC, hosted Clinton at a fundraising event she held at the 6,600-square-foot-home in April.

The historic landmark designation is more than an honorary status — it comes with responsibility, noted Karen Neus, chairwoman of the Tenafly Historic Preservation Commission. Owners of such homes cannot make exterior alterations without approval from the Historic Commission. Interior renovations are not included in this rule. “The street view is what’s important,” she said.

The guidelines do not bother Gor in the least. “I love art, history and culture,” she said. “In today’s world, everyone is so shortsighted about things that may take a long time. We need to go above and beyond to save what we have had for hundreds of years.”

Since the commission was established in 1990, at least 65 private properties in Tenafly have gained landmark status. In Tenafly, the owners apply for the designation or they must support a designation. Additionally, the railroad station, Theodore Roosevelt Monument and the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly all have local landmark status. Some — such as the Elizabath Cady Stanton House — are on the national and state Registers of Historic Places.

Councilman Paul Stefanowicz praised the commission for trying to be proactive in saving local historic sites. “It’s hard to keep up with the home sales, and one could spend all day trying to educate sellers or buyers on the benefits of preservation,” he said.

There is no universal standard among New Jersey municipalities protecting local historic landmarks. Some towns have historic commissions, while others do not. And even those that have the groups differ in their approach. Some are strict, while others lack ordinances that would provide preservation guidelines. The lack of consistency has generated criticism among many preservationists. “Historic sites are one of the reasons people moved to Tenafly,” Stefanowicz said, adding that preservation must be a town wide effort.

Tenafly’s commission is not always successful in preserving the past. The 1870  Valley Hotel, where Stanton and Susan B. Anthony attempted to vote at a time when women were not permitted to do so, was razed this summer. Although many residents and preservationists came to public meetings to protest the plan, a daycare center will be built on the site of the former feminist landmark.

Tenafly Historian Alice Rigney hopes the latest designation on Forest Road will spur more interest in local history. “It’s a magnificent house. More people should learn about Harvey Dunn, who was one of our greatest artists and drew sketches during World War I,” she said. Saving historic homes provides “a portrait of what Tenafly was in the past. It’s important for us to remember.”

PICTURE CAPTIONS:

Hetal 1: A living room in Dr. Heta Gor’s Swiss chalet home, which is over 100 years old and has finally gained landmark status in Tenafly, NJ. The home was photographed on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. (Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran)

Hetal 2: Owner Dr. Hetal Gor seen here outside her Swiss chalet-style home on Forest Road (Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran)

From News Dispatches

A Harvard student who says he was harassed in a Cambridge store by a man calling him a “f***ing Muslim” has shared his story on social media to encourage bystanders to be engaged and take positive action against acts of intolerance.

Since it was published, the post by Harmann Singh, a first year law student at the Cambridge University, has been shared more than 150 times. He also wrote about his experience in The Boston Globe.

The 22-year-old Sikh Harvard Law School student from Buffalo, New York, said he was shopping in a store in Cambridge, Massachusetts, while speaking on the phone with his mother. “Over the weekend, I was confronted by a man who called me a ‘f—-ing Muslim’ and followed me around a store aggressively asking where I was from, and no one in the store said a thing,” Singh wrote on his Facebook page. “While this pales in comparison to discrimination faced by others, and while I’m not particularly rattled/disheartened, bystander intervention is crucial,” his post said. “ Whenever we see racism, sexism, islamophobia, or xenophobia, we need to take a stand—all of us. “I’m going to keep walking with my head held high and with love in my heart—no one will change that. But hopefully we can stand together against intolerance and injustice.”

Writing about his experiences in the Boston Globe, Singh said that since the election last week, many Americans have felt unsafe and incidents of hate have increased dramatically. “However, people of color, immigrants, religious minorities, and other groups have in ways felt marginalized for hundreds of years,” he wrote. Instances of harassment are not new, and their increased frequency makes understanding and responding crucial and timely. Whether this happened last year or on the night of the election, whether the man was white or brown, whether I was actually a Muslim or not – these are irrelevant. Such hate is intolerable whenever, wherever, and against whomever it occurs.”

Sai RamagiriSai Ramagiri, a 16-year-old Indian-American teen from South Brunswick, New Jersey was arrested five times in 12 days on multiple charges, including attempted assault by auto, driving under the influence, and drug possession, media reports here stated.

Quoting local police department, NJ.com reported, the Indian American teen was initially arrested on November 4 by the Plainsboro Police Department for allegedly attempting to run over a friend with his vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. He was then arrested on November 8 after police found Ramagiri “leaned over vomiting” near a Jeep on Monet Court with a shredded rear tire, the report had said.

After two days, firefighters in Monmouth Junction found Ramgiri standing outside a white Porsche against a guardrail on Ridge Road. He told officials the vehicle ran out of gas. An officer found a marijuana cigarette sticking out the Ramagiri front jeans pocket. He was arrested and charged with drug possession and DWI. He was later released on a summons.

The next arrest came as Ramagiri was driving Porche on Ridge Road, and the South Brunswick officer who arrested him 5 days earlier saw him behind the wheel, police said. After stopping Ramagiri they found marijuana in the car. He was charged with drug possession and motor vehicle summonses, police said.

Ramagiri was then arrested Nov. 15 again by the Plainsboro Police after police stopped him in his Porsche for failing to maintain lanes while driving on Plainsboro Road. He was charged with DWI, having open alcohol containers in the vehicle and several motor vehicle summonses, according to the report quoting police.

New York: On November 14, 2016, both the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA and the Nehru Foundation-USA jointly celebrated the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India since its Independence, at the Sohna Punjab Restaurant in New York. As his birthday coincided with the birthday of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji, Mr. Harbachan Singh, Secretary General of INOC, USA, felicitated all the Sikhs throughout the world on this joyous and auspicious day and narrated that when Guru Nanak Dev ji was 12 years old he was given 20 rupees by his father to conduct business. Guru ji went to the market, saw some saints and poor people who had not eaten for some time and spent all his 20 rupees and bought food and fed them. Upon his return home, he recounted what he did to his anxious father and left him spellbound.

The birthday celebration of Pandit Nehru ji went into full gear filled with speeches glorifying the work and contribution of Pandit Nehru. Mr. George Abraham, Chairman of the INOC paid tribute by describing him as the ‘architect of modern India’ especially pointing out his many contributions in the field of Education such as the founding of the IITs and Indian Institute of Science among other things.

President Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, dwelt on some of his outstanding achievements that included creating a solid constitutional framework for the nation. Prof. Bipin Sangankar, President of the Nehru Foundation-USA, recalled his personal interaction with Nehru ji and admired his many accomplishments that put India on a solid footing.

The keynote speaker Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja described of his amazement at the size of the crowd when he attended Nehru’s funeral and said it was a testimony to his devotion to the people of India. After analyzing Nehru’s thoughts and vision for the country, he concluded that Nehru ji was ahead of his time and stood tall amongst the greatest statesmen of the world. He added that Nehru ji laid the foundation for the nation which is always the hardest part of any nation building.

Uma Sengupta recounted her association with him and how she found him to be a very kind person and stated that he loved children very much which earned him the title “Chacha Nehru”.

For a tribute befitting the great scholar, a session was opened to all members of the audience and an animated discussion ensued on the life and teachings of Nehru. Mr. Oommen Koshy was requested to moderate the open discussion session in which many participated and gave their respective viewpoints and told of their favorite stories by which they remembered him and his skillful character.

Several leaders, like T. J. Gill, Devinder Vora, Satish Sharma, Jasvir Singh Nawashar, John Joseph, Amir Rashid, Gautam Sanghvi and Vipul Sanghvi, Shangara Rana, adv. Sarabjit Singh, Prasad Kam, each described how they perceived Nehru and his greatness which was instrumental in building great Institutions for the great Republic of India providing stability to its democratic system of government. In concluding the discussions, Mr. Harbachan Singh also drew attention to his writings especially to his book “Discovery of India” and applauded his longest term in office as Prime Minister of India for 17 years.”

To top up the celebration festivities, Ms. Smita Guha and her daughter, Ananandita, both of whom are famous professional singers and dancers, led the whole group to a singing session of many favorite songs of Nehru ji such as “Sarejahan se acha, Hindustan Hamara.” The audience joined in the singing of the songs that brought a sense of nostalgia and pride.

November 10, 2016 (Sacramento, California) – On Wednesday afternoon, Assemblymember Jim Cooper presented Dr. Onkar Singh Bindra and Sikh Coalition Community Development Manager, Harjit Kaur, with the state member resolution celebrating Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month. Cities across California have followed suit and recognized Sikh Awareness and Appreciation month with proclamations, including Yuba City, Fresno, and Santa Clara.

On Wednesday night, the Sikh Coalition and the Los Angeles Clippers also hosted over 350 members of the California sangat for the third annual Sikh Awareness and Appreciation game. The game featured a national anthem performance by Raaginder “Violinder” Singh, color guard featuring the Los Angeles Sikh Boy Scouts of America and half-time entertainment by Da Real Punjabiz. The game raised Sikh awareness to the 19,000 inside the stadium and the thousands who were watching on television across the state of California.

“It’s incredible to see Sikh Awareness Night celebrated by the LA Clippers and across the state of California,” said California community member, Jagdeep Singh. “We thank the Sikh Coalition for raising the profile of the Sikh community and educating so many Americans.” The Sikh Coalition also gives special thanks to LA Clippers Group Events Specialist, Jeana Duran, who worked incredibly hard to make the evening possible.

The Sikh Coalition encourages the California community to actively organize and participate in local activities this month. Here are several ways that you and your children can get involved:

• Arrange for a Sikh awareness and bullying prevention presentation to be delivered at your local school or place of business.
• Work with your local city council or school district to pass your own Sikh Awareness and Appreciation month resolution. Contact Harjit Kaur at harjit@sikhcoalition.org for more details.
• Order a “Who are the Sikhs” poster to display in your local school, library or place of business.
• Ask your local library to host a Sikh book reading or put up a display about Sikh Americans.

The Sikh Coalition provides free materials for Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month. For more information, go to www.sikhcoalition.org/casikhs or contact our California Community Development Manager, H arjit Kaur, directly at harjit@sikhcoalition.org.

Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, mesmerized audiences at the Lincoln Center November 5, performing one of her father’s most prized compositions at an event organized by the non-profit Sankara Nethralaya to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the late renowned classical singer M.S. Subbulakshmi, winner of the Bharat Ratna award.

The Lincoln Center event was the 12th and last event in Sankara Nethralaya’s tribute to Subbulakshmi who was an early supporter of SN. Shankar played her father’s Rāgā-Mālā Sitar Concerto No. 2, to a packed audience of more than 2,600 people, organizers told Desi Talk. She was followed by the New York Philharmonic’s rendition of Schubert’s ‘Unfinished’ symphony with Austrian conductor Manford Homeck. Zubin Mehta was supposed to be the conductor but he took ill and Homeck stepped in, K.S. Vasan, managing director of SN told Desi Talk.

The president of the New York Philharmonic, Mathew VanBesien, spoke about the accomplishments of Subbulakshmi, and invited Dr. S.S. Badrinath, founder and chairman-emeritus of Sankara Nethralaya, and his wife Dr. Vasanthi Badrinath to the stage. In his speech, Badrinath gave a history of the organization and how Subbulakshmi had played a critical role in its formative years by lending her name and fame, giving concerts and contributing her songs to raise funds for the organization. She also encouraging Badrinath to stay in India and commit himself fully rather than return to Boston.

Anita Achar performed Maithreem Bhajatha, a song composed by Jagadguru Chandrasekharendra Saraswati specifically for Subbulakshmi. She performed it 50 years ago Oct. 23, 1966, at the United Nations General Assembly on UN Day. This October, Sankara Nethralaya held a commemorative event at the U.N. to honor Subbulakshmi. Musician and composer A.R. Rahman was the highlight at that event. The Lincoln Center event, Vasan said, was a “fitting finale” to honoring the late classical singer. “It also provided tremendous exposure to Sankara Nethralaya’s work of providing eye-care in India,” Vasan added.

Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: While the festival of Diwali is observed by people of different faiths for different reasons, they all acknowledge its underlying theme: the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness.

Gandhi Samaj of Chicago (GSC) (www.gandhisamajchicago.com) hosted its 32nd Annual Diwali Program on November 5, 2016 at Hanuman Temple in Glenview, IL and was led by Hitesh Gandhi and Keyur Ghayal. Gandhi Samaj of Chicago includes over 120 “Gandhi” families, native of South Gujarat part of India (Surat to Vapi), from Chicago and its close vicinity. The event started with social hour accompanied by Traditional Gujarati (Indian) Cuisine dinner, which was followed by a cultural program. This is a tradition observed by GSC for last 32 years, where families come together as a big united family to socialize and attend cultural program by young and adults.

Dipak Shah, owner and president of Direct Floors in Woodridge, was invited as Chief Guest and Consul General Mr. O.P. Meena bestowed his presence as Guest of Honor. President’s Award was given to Mr. Nitin C. Gandhi for his leadership and excellent contribution as a Vice President of Gandhi Samaj of Chicago 2012-15 term. Community Service Award was presented to Mrs. Sushila N. Gandhi in honor of her active part in the community. Educational Achievement Awards were awarded to the youth, who completed their education from the college.

We are prepared and ready to tackle the big crowd with a solid executive plan. “It was a very smooth execution even though we completely “Sold out” night,” “Thanks to all the sponsors of the grand event without their support it would not be possible to have such a wonderful event also thanks to audience of Chicago and well-wishers who attended the event to make this magnificent event successful” said by Mr Hitesh Gandhi, Exec Vice President of Gandhi Samaj.

Cultural program touched everyone’s hearts as imaginations of performers (from age 5 to 60) showcased their talents. Program started by a small Prayer followed with American & Indian National Anthems. The Bharat Natyam performance of Ganesh Vandana by Krishna Gandhi, Misha Gandhi, Freya Gandhi and Freya Viren Gandhi added a soft touch. The children and adults of Gandhi Community performed Classical and Bollywood Dance performances, songs and other talents. Couple Dance performance on “Char Kadam” song became the highlight when Couples pair performed with glorious energy.

Special Guest performers added the charm to the event. Mrs. Mona Bhalla, who owns album “Kudi-Bindaas” performed live with her 3 beautiful daughters. Dance performance reached to an extreme thrill when Ms. Madhura Sane danced on revival of old and new classic, Mr. Elizar from Arya Dance Academy performed Bollywood Fusion dance. Also, Mrs. Shital Dhanani, founder of Tarana Kathak academy added the Classical touch with her trained Kathak students and Mr. Paul Chopra grabbed audience attention by performing a Mimicry Bollywood act.

A special mention goes out to the committee members of Gandhi Samaj Of Chicago Mr. Keyur Ghayal (President), Mr. Hitesh Gandhi (Executive Vice President), Mrs. Bhumika V. Gandhi (Vice President), Mr. Ashwin Bodalia (Treasurer), Manhar Gajjar (Secretary), Mrs. Roma Bhagat (Cultural Secretary) & Mr. Bharat Ghayal, Ramesh Gandhi, Dipak Ghayal (Joint Secretaries), and Priya Ghayal , Hiren Ghayal (Youth Secretary).

Chinmaya Mission Chicago’s Annual Fund Raising Banquet

Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: The Annual Fundraising Banquet for Chinmaya Mission Chicago harmoniously blended inspirational thoughts, spirited fundraising, sumptuous food, and artistic performances into a memorable evening. The event took place at Waterford Banquet and Conference Center in Elmhurst, IL on November 6, 2016. The goal was to raise funds for upcoming Badri center expansion project and to support and enhance the existing programs offered by the two Chinmaya Mission centers in the Chicago area Badri Center in Willowbrook, IL, and Yamunotri Center in Grayslake, IL.

With over seven hundred people in attendance and more than two hundred thousand dollars raised, the event was an overwhelming show of support for the spiritual and service-oriented work being done by Chinmaya Mission, both at the local and global level.

Chinmaya Mission was founded in the 1950s by the devotees of one of the greatest Vedantic Masters of twentieth century, Swami Chinmayananda. Its purpose as stated in the words of Swami Chinmayananda is, “To provide to individuals from any background the wisdom of Vedanta and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness, enabling them to become positive contributors to society.”

The evening started by welcoming the revered guests, Swami Ishwarananda (resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles), Swami Sharanananda (resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission Chicago), Acharya Jetindra Nayar & Acharya Swapna Nayar (resident Acharyas of Chinmaya Mission Chicago), Acharya Shanker Pillai (President, Board of Trustees for Chinmaya Mission Chicago), and Acharya Dhiren Khatri (Chinmaya Mission Chicago), and Br. Yatindra Chaitanya (posted to Chinmaya Mission Dallas) were received with the traditional purna-kumbha welcome ceremony, invoking the blessings of Pujya Gurudev for a successful program.

Special invited dignitaries and supporters present were- Drs. Shankar and Jyoti Peruri, Mr. Lakshman & Mrs. Dr. Vedavati Agadi, Drs. Ramesh and Asha Chhablani, Dr. Gopal and Mrs. Neetu Lalmalani, Drs. Shashi and Anil Agarwal, Dr. S. Ramamurthy, Mr. Raghu Raman and Mrs. Remya Raghu Raman, Mr. & Mrs. Nakul Chand Singh, Dr. Varun Khanna (Chinmaya International Foundation) and Mr. and Mrs. Neil Patel.

The highlight of the evening was the inspiration kindled by the Acharyas. Swami Sharanananda gave the inaugural welcome with his usual humor and charm. He is Chicago’s beloved Acharya, who works relentlessly serving many centers in Chicago and its surrounding areas. He underscored in his message that it is very simple to be happy, just love God. Simplicity takes our thinking to the highest.

Swami Ishwarananda’s message brought out the importance of Simple living vs Simply living. While ostentation is seen as a show of one’s abundance and material wealth, simplicity is the expression of inner wealth. A calm mind is a happy mind. The Ultimate Truth is self-evident and therefore one who has realized it does not need anything else for his joy and contentment.

Br. Yatindra Chaitanya spoke on his experience of the Bala Vihar prgram he attended in Chicago and his training at Sandeepany Sandhanalaya in Mumbai under Pujya Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda and Swami Bodhatmananda. Yatindraji is now posted to Chinmaya Mission Dallas-Ft. Worth center.

Dr. Varun Khanna spoke on the Sanskrit University- Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, an accredited university dedicated to the study of Sanskrit and Indian Knowledge Traditions. The main campus is at Chinmaya International Foundation in Veliyanad, Kerala at the birth home of Adi Shankaracharya and constituent campus at Chinmaya Naada Bindu, Kolwan, Maharashtra. Online courses are also available. Chinmaya Mission Chicago helps support the work of this esteemed institution.

Acharya Shanker Pillai outlined the goals, activities, expansion plans, and the need for funds to continue in meeting the growing needs of the community. The existing Badri building complex expansion plan is in planning stage and is anticipated to be complete within 2 years. He elaborated on the proposed idea of building well-planned retirement homes adjacent to the Badri Center, to support the physical and spiritual needs of senior citizens. Dr. Premal Joshipura (board member of Chinmaya Mission Chicago) elaborated on the current financial obligations of Chinmaya Mission and the various means to help with the funding.

The entertainment for the evening was an enchanting mix of dances and music presented by children from the Bala Vihar program, supported by adult volunteers. Bala Vihar is an integral part of Chinmaya Mission and was started by Swami Chinmayananda to instill good values right from childhood and inspire kids to live a nobler life. In his own words, “Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit.”

High school youth provided service throughout the evening by babysitting children of banquet attendees and helping with collecting donation envelopes. Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, popularly referred to as CHYK was represented by Amita Prabhu, who shared her passion for serving CORD (Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development), volunteering to teach weekly Bala Vihar classes, and organizing weekend retreats.

The event came to a conclusion with the chanting of Bhagavad Gita chapter XV, followed by a delicious meal served by India House restaurant. A complementary souvenir book featuring inspiring articles, information about classes offered at Chinmaya Mission Chicago, class pictures, and advertisements from local supporting companies was given to each family as a token of appreciation for attending the banquet. Special mention of Mrs. Smriti Mehta and Mr. Suresh Kumar for the extra effort directed toward the successful production of this booklet.

The message of “Simple Living and High Thinking” resonated throughout the event, evident in the harmonious working of the volunteers, both on and off the stage. For over 37 years, Chinmaya Mission has been serving the Chicagoland area by conducting weekly Bala Vihar classes & adult study groups, summer youth camps, and spiritual retreats.

Please contact Acharya Shanker Pillai (630-886-6442) for details regarding activities at Badri Center (11S080 Rte. 83, Willowbrook, IL 60527/www.mychinmaya.org) center, Mrs. Rajul Bhalala (847-302-2383) for details regarding Yamunotri Center activities (30877 N Fairfield Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030/ www.chinmaya-yamunotri.org), and Mr. Jagadish Devarajan (312-208-8624) for details regarding activities at Chicago City Center.

By Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: The Consulate General of India in Chicago celebrated 141st Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31, 2016 with great fervor. A large cross section of Indian Community and Indian-Americans attended the event. Shri O.P. Meena, Consul, welcomed the guests. Consul General, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed delivered opening remarks.

During his opening remarks, Consul General said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was an extraordinary and visionary leader, social reformer and thinker, freedom fighter and a staunch Gandhian. He mentioned that Sardar Patel had participated in “No Tax campaign” against the British to protect the farmers of Kaira from undue taxation. Later in 1928 he led the Bardoli Satyagraha.

Sardar Patel went on to become the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India. He played a crucial role not only during the freedom Struggle of India but also in the post-Independent political consolidation of India as he was instrumental in the integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union.

The Consul General also said that the Government of India has decided to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 31st October every year as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas [National Unity Day].

On the occasion, the Consul General briefed the participating India Diaspora about 14th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention which will be held in Bengaluru from 7th – 9th January, 2017. He also appealed PIOs/OCIs for maximum registration and their participation in the 14th PBD Convention.

During the celebration, a 39 minutes documentary on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel “A Man of Silence – Sardar Vallabbhai Patel” was screened. A photo exhibition of photographs on the life and times of Sardar Patel was also organized as part of the celebration.

A power point presentation covering key features of the 14th Pravasi Bhariya Divas Convention was also given during the celebration encouraging Indian Diaspora for maximum participation in the Convention.

Asia Society honored the legendary architect I.M. Pei with a lifetime achievement award at the third annual Asia Game Changer Awards, an Asia Society celebration held at the United Nations in New York on Thursday, October 27th. In addition to Pei, nine other notable Asians were honored for their impact in shaping the world.

Born in China, the 99-year-old Pei is responsible for a number of iconic structures, including the pyramid at the Louvre in Paris, Hong Kong’s Bank of China building, and the Kennedy Library. He is also known for his role as a teacher to successive generations of architects. Accompanied by his daughter and grandchildren, Pei

addressed the crowd with characteristic humility. “Thank you all for coming. I have nothing to say,” he quipped before he expressed his gratitude for the recognition.

Thursday’s honorees included Ahmad Sarmast and Karim Wasfi, musicians from Afghanistan and Iraq, respectively, who established music academies amid persistent violence in their countries; Marita Cheng, whose startup Robogals has provided opportunities for women in engineering; Durreen Shahnaz, a pioneering Wall Street financier

turned social entrepreneur from Bangladesh; the acclaimed, award-winning Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou; Muzoon Almellehan, a Syrian refugee whose advocacy of education has earned her comparisons to Nobel laureate (and 2014 Asia Game Changer) Malala Yousafzai; and Soo-Man Lee, a Korean impresario under whose stewardship K-pop has emerged as a global phenomenon.

A common theme uniting this year’s batch of Asia Game Changers is their courage. Their ranks include Sanduk Ruit, a Nepalese eye surgeon who has cured blindness in some of Asia’s poorest countries, including North Korea, and has made eye care affordable and accessible to many others. Sarmast, the Afghan musician, who established

the National Institute of Music in Kabul in 2008 when he found there was no orchestra in the country capable of playing the Afghan national anthem. He has educated hundreds of aspiring musicians in the years since, even after surviving a deadly terrorist attack in 2014. And Wasfi, a member of the Iraqi national symphony, who traveled to the site of car bombings in Baghdad to play his cello in the midst of rubble, turning his viral fame into a vehicle for promoting music in his country.

“This is not just devoted to the lives that have been lost — but to those who have decided to live the right,” Wasfi said of his award. “It’s not just about how we die. It’s about how we live.”

In 2013, Almellehan arrived at the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan after fleeing her Dara’a, Syria, in the midst of that country’s civil war. In this unlikely setting, Muzoon emerged as a forceful advocate for education, in particular stressing the rights of girls to go to school. Now 17, Muzoon’s efforts have earned her comparisons to Malala. Despite the teenager’s impressive accomplishments, she refused to use her acceptance speech to talk about herself.

“I’m here for millions of children who have lost their hopes and dreams and cannot get their right to an education,” she said. “Most people think we cannot change our communities. But we can. Change is difficult. But it’s not impossible. We need our knowledge — because our countries need us.”

Remarkably, Muzoon wasn’t even the youngest Game Changer at this year’s ceremony. That would be Joey Alexander, the 13-year-old Indonesian piano prodigy, who dazzled the guests with a performance of an original composition, “City Lights,” that kicked off the show. “I don’t see myself as a game changer,” he said in accepting his award. “I’m a musician — and I play jazz.” But, he allowed, “you can make a difference even when you’re very young.”

As the evening wound to a close, Alexander approached the stage for his second performance of the evening. There, he was joined on stage by Wasfi, the cellist, for an impromptu jazz duet set against the backdrop of the East River — an appropriate way to conclude a celebration of ten remarkable individuals.

After rising for decades, the share of U.S. babies born to unmarried women has stabilized in recent years, driven by a sharp decline in births outside of marriage among foreign-born women, and a leveling off among U.S.-born women. In the newest available data (2014), a third of all births to foreign-born mothers were to unmarried women – down from a peak of 37% in 2008. At the same time, the rate has held steady for U.S.-born women and now stands at 42%, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of government data.

The share of babies born to unmarried mothers has consistently been higher for U.S.-born women than for immigrant women. However, the roughly 10-point gap1 between the two groups in 2014 is the largest disparity since birth data by nativity and marital status became available 30 years earlier.

The share of all babies born to unmarried women in the U.S. stood at 40% in 2014, down marginally from 41% in 2008, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Thirty years earlier, just 21% of babies were born to unmarried women.

The decline in births outside of marriage among the foreign born is being driven, in part, by the changing regions of birth of new foreign-born mothers. The share of babies born to moms from Latin America has declined, while the share of babies born to moms from regions such as Asia has increased. New foreign-born mothers from Latin America were roughly four times as likely as moms from Asia to be unmarried in 2014.

The shifting origins of new immigrant mothers are due in part to the decline in the number of recent U.S. immigrants from Latin America, which has been driven largely by post-recession declines in Mexican immigrants, and to dramatic birth rate declines among Hispanic immigrants in the wake of the Great Recession.

Plummeting fertility rates among unmarried foreign-born women are further contributing to the declining share of babies born outside of marriage for this group. In 2014 the birth rate (the annual number of births per 1,000 women of childbearing age)2 for unmarried immigrants was 60.4. This is down from 90.0 in 2008 – a drop of 33% in just six years. Fertility among married foreign-born women also declined during this period marked by the onset of the Great Recession, but by a relatively modest 10%, from 115.1 to 104.0.

In 2014, U.S. births to foreign-born women from Latin America were more likely to occur outside of marriage than those to U.S.-born women (48% vs. 42%). However, U.S. births to foreign-born women from most other regions of the world were less likely to occur outside of marriage than those to U.S.-born women.

While the annual number of babies born in the U.S. has fluctuated in recent years – most markedly during the Great Recession when there was a significant drop in births nationwide – the trajectory over the past four decades or so has been upward. In 2014, there were 4.00 million births in the U.S., compared with 3.74 million in 1970.3
This growth has been driven entirely by the increasing numbers of babies born to immigrant women. In 2014, immigrant women accounted for about 901,000 U.S. births, which marked a threefold increase from 1970 when immigrant women accounted for about 274,000 births. Meanwhile, the annual number of births to U.S.-born women dropped by 11% during that same time period, from 3.46 million in 1970 to 3.10 million in 2014.

According to Census Bureau data for 2011-2014,5 the vast majority of foreign-born new mothers in the U.S. are long-term immigrants. Fully half (51%) of those who had a baby in the preceding 12 months have lived in the U.S. for at least 11 years. Just 9% are recent immigrants, having come to the U.S. within the preceding two years. New mothers originally from the Middle East and North Africa are the most likely to be recent immigrants – about one-in-five (21%) are. Conversely, just 6% of new mothers from Latin America are recent immigrants.

In terms of financial well-being, new foreign-born mothers are less well-off than their U.S.-born counterparts – a pattern reflective of broader nativity differences in the country. While median family income for new U.S-born moms is about $51,200 annually, this figure is $41,300 for new foreign-born moms.

In 2014, about 275,000 babies were born to unauthorized-immigrant parents in the U.S., accounting for about 7% of all U.S. births, and 32% of all U.S. births to foreign-born mothers. The share of new mothers who are teenagers is higher among the U.S. born (6%) than among the foreign born (2%), regardless of the region of the world in which they were born.