Category: Community

Chicago IL: A glittering evening of dazzling dance presentations, stirring melodious carols, and uplifting yuletide sermons marked the Grand Christmas Banquet Celebrations, organized by United Christian Cultural Association [UCCA] at the Bristol Palace in Mount Prospects, Illinois.

The celebrations received a big boost by the presence of Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, as the Chief Guest, and Brother Anil Kumar, a renowned International Speaker from India. A host of community and business leaders, representing all major faiths, and a large gathering of families and children converged to celebrate the grand festive season of Christmas, replete with music, songs, dances, worship, and dinner.

Dr. Ausaf Sayeed paid rich accolades to the Chicago Christian community for its extraordinary contributions in India, especially in the fields of education, healthcare, charity, social empowerment, emancipation of women, and participation in public life He stated that Christianity has profoundly helped strengthen the social fabric in India.

Dr. Sayeed presented scholarly historical overview on Christianity and said that it was ushered in India in 52 AD, lot earlier than it reached Europe, and added that Jesus Christ is revered by all communities.   Dr. Ausaf Sayeed complimented UCCA leadership for attracting a large gathering.

The keynote speaker Anil Kumar took to the stage and eloquently presented the central theme of Christmas message of salvation to all mankind through the birth of Jesus Christ. His message was interspersed with high-energy singing which led to the spontaneous break out of joyful dance from the floor.  In his strident tone, Anil Kumar challenged the families to investigate the meaning of Christmas which, he emphasized, is all about God’s boundless love for humanity and added that steadfast, enduring, and selfless love of God alone defines the central tenant of Christmas.

Anil Kumar emphasized that the spirit of Christmas manifests hope, love, peace, and joy and said that he is in Chicago to glorify Lord Jesus Christ.  He narrated instances of his life-transforming experiences which, he said, led him to Christian faith.  He urged the audience to introspect on their lives and make time for God and drew huge applause when he quoted a passage from the Bible, “God gives us power and we should rejoice in God”.

Raju Enoch Pasumarthi, UCCA President thanked the eminent guests and gathering of the families for gracing the event and succinctly laid out the road map for future UCCA programs and initiatives.  Vasanth Charles, UCCA Director unveiled a series of new exciting programs for 2016, including Cricket Tournament.

The Christmas greetings were offered by FIA Trustee Iftekhar Shareef, Ravi Achanta NATS President, Harish Kolasani, and Dr. Ragu Dhir. Community Service Recognition Awards were presented by Anil Kumar to Mrs. Subhadra Vipparthi, Mrs. Persis Dadepogu, Mrs.  Satya Sudhakar, Mrs. Suguna Vallabhdas, and Mrs. Mamta Katari.  Dr. Nandan Thogaru, who introduced the recipients of the Awards, said that these ladies inspired spiritual journeys.

The carols were sung by Mohit, Sheetal, Komal Panchal, Prince, Joyce, Lucky Karri, and Sparjan Kote, with musical accompaniments provided by Martin Damara, Johnson Kodipally, and Vijay Bhaskar Munagala. Satish Dadepogu welcomed the guests, Shirley Kalvakota conducted the candle lighting ceremony and the singing segment, and Pravin Neetipudi spelled out the mission and vision of the UCCA.

Earlier, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori introduced Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, which was followed by presentation of a silk shawl and flower bouquets by women leaders, Shirley Kalvakota, Sunita Christina, Margaret Sanyogita Charles, and Dr. Sudha Nittala.  Chicago pastors Rev. Samuel Vallabhdas, Rev. Dr. David Vidyasagar, Rev. Solomon Sudhakar, Pastor Subhadra Vipparthi, Rev. Victor Omega, Rev. Shadrach Katari, Rev. Thomas Polepaka, Rev. Samson Purohit,  Rev. Paul Gorre, and Marcus Konda laid hands and blessed Anil Kumar, followed by UCCA leaders joining together to present a shawl in collective appreciation of Anil Kumar.

The evening celebrations concluded with entire hall luminous in shimmering candle lights held by each guest while singing “Silent Night”, a traditional Christmas carol, which was followed by the serving of the festive dinner. Emmanuel Neela, UCCA Vice President conducted the proceedings of the program with a professional touch.

Kiva NYC headed by Premal Shah opened its New York City account with the active support by President Bill Clinton on December 9th to help level the playing field for lower-income small business owners. The launch was celebrated at a special small business marketplace event in New York City featuring Kiva President and co-founder Premal Shah, Kiva borrowers, and former President Bill Clinton.

The nonprofit, commonly known by its domain name Kiva.org launched its new multi-year initiative that will bring 0% interest crowdfunded loans to hundreds of New York City small business owners who are socially impactful and financially excluded from mainstream lending options.

“The world needs two things more than anything else. It needs positive identity, the belief that our common humanity matters more than our differences. And it needs a system of inclusive universal empowerment so that we can live and prosper together, raise our children together, and have an entirely different future than what dominates most of the headlines today,” Clinton said. “That’s why Kiva in the United States is so important,” Clinton, founder of the Clinton Foundation, said at the event. “He kept a little notebook, and if he knew they were working hard and doing the best they could, he lent them food which they paid back,” Clinton was quoted as saying.

Kiva NYC is part of Kiva’s effort to expand risk-tolerant and patient capital from city to city across the U.S. that was announced as a Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action in 2011. Since then, 12 other Kiva City programs have launched and Kiva loans are crowdfunding in 47 states, and in Guam and Puerto Rico. Recently marking its 10th anniversary, Kiva has provided crowdfunded loans to support more than 1.7 million entrepreneurs globally.

After the successful roll-out of the community-based platform Kiva Zip, in select cities, Kiva is broadening its reach through a new social underwriting loan model, reinserting the idea of “character into credit” and giving business owners who may not qualify for traditional loan access for needed capital.

“New York’s small businesses are the heart of this city. They bring color and vibrancy to the neighborhoods, create quality jobs, and enrich the cultural fabric of this city,” said Premal Shah. “They have the passion and the plan, but often they lack just a small amount of capital to start or expand,” he added.

Kiva’s new “social underwriting” model differs from conventional small business lenders: a borrower’s credit-worthiness is based on one’s ability to recruit friends and family to fund a small portion of their loan, demonstrating trust among the people who know them best.

Kiva does not require a minimum FICO score, collateral, or a minimum operations period for the business – which is unique compared to most non-profit U.S. microlenders. More than 90 percent of loan requests on Kiva are fully funded.

Kiva NYC represents a dramatic expansion of Kiva’s work in the New York City area. Kiva has already connected thousands of small dollar lenders to nearly 250 local entrepreneurs from every borough, including businesses owned by immigrants, neighborhood shops working to stay in their community, and businesses founded to support local food ecosystems and local emerging artists. “Through this initiative, we can all be a part of their (small business owners’ success,” Shah said.

In New York, there are over 200 small businesses that have received loans from 12,000 people in New York, and of those businesses 55 percent are run by women, 65 percent ethnic minorities, and half have been in operation for less than in one year.

Visitors to kiva.org/NYC can choose the entrepreneur they want to help crowdfund with a loan of $25 or more. Every dollar lent to a small business owner in NYC will be matched up to $1.1 million thanks to generous donors, including the MetLife Foundation, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation and others. Individual loan requests average $5,000 and are offered at 0% interest and no fees. As the entrepreneur repays, lenders can relend to another person on Kiva.org/NYC or withdraw their money and put it back in their pocket.

Clinton said that Kiva is about empowerment and “positive identity politics,” reaching across sociopolitical divisions to give others a chance to pursue their ambitions. Clinton compared the character-based lending model started by Shah to what he saw while growing up in Arkansas, where, he said, his grandfather ran a small store and some locals did not have money upfront to feed their families—despite working long hours.

Charan Kamal, a 20-year-old Indian man who works as a clerk at a 7-Eleven store in Antioch, Calif., was shot a single time late at night Nov. 30, during a robbery attempt. The Antioch Police Department had not named the victim as of Dec. 1. But Harpreet Singh, another clerk at the store, told India-West that the victim’s name is Charan Kamal.

Kamal was taken to an area hospital and is expected to survive the incident. Harjeet Singh said Kamal had arrived to the U.S. a year ago, and generally worked the late-night shift at the store. Singh said there was no damage to the store and no other employees were injured. The shop remained open the following day after the shooting.

Two suspects were arrested shortly after the incident and are in custody on bail of $1.22 million each, Antioch Police Department Sgt. Tom Fuhrmann told India-West. Angelo Ninoamaya, 20, and Rebecca Hernandez, 19, both of nearby Pittsburg, Calif., have been booked into Contra Costa, Calif., County Jail on charges of attempted murder, robbery, burglary, conspiracy and accessory to a crime. Neither Ninoamaya nor Hernandez have any prior convictions.

According to police reports, at approximately 11:50 in the evening on Nov. 30, a 911 caller reported a shot being fired inside the 7-Eleven store at 4901 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. The caller followed the vehicle as it left the scene, but then lost sight of the car.

An APD officer responded to the call and located the car. The officer then initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, and found evidence of the crime. Police did not state what evidence was found inside the car.

Ninoamaya and Hernandez were arrested without incident, according to police. The following day, police searched Ninoamaya’s residence in Pittsburg and found additional evidence linking him to the shooting and robbery attempt. The Antioch Police Department is working with the Pittsburg Police Department to determine whether the suspects had committed a similar robbery earlier in the day.

Fuhrmann told the media that there was no evidence that the case was racially motivated. In the three weeks since terrorists stormed Paris Nov. 13, killing 130 people, Sikh and Muslim Americans have been on high alert, as hate crimes are often perpetuated against members of both communities after terrorist incidents.

Sam Singh, 33, who was working with Kamal on the evening of Nov. 30, told KGO that the two suspects tried to shoot him, after shooting his co-worker. “He just pulled the gun on me,” Singh told the television station.

Singh said there was a problem with the gun, which wouldn’t shoot again. He said he gave Ninoamaya all the money in the cash register. The suspect took the money and left. Singh described Kamal as hard-working, noting that he worked 10 hours per day.

Ravi Nair, a 23-year-old Indian American man from New Jersey was among three killed in a crash involving a van carrying 13 people and a truck towing a cattle trailer on state Highway 287 in Bernards Township, N.J., on November 28. Ravi Naik of Hillsborough, N.J. is being remembered by his friends as a lively spirit and dedicated to his parents and family. His former classmate at Hillsborough High School Dharmin Desai told nj.com Naik was a friendly man who brought people together.

Ravi Naik had pulled his 2013 Hyundai Elantra to the shoulder of the northbound side of Highway 287 after his car, carrying two other passengers, hit the cattle trailer being towed by the Dodge Ram at about 10:30 p.m. Nov. 28.

The driver of the Ram truck, Troy Chase, had been pulled over to the shoulder to repair the trailer he was towing when Naik struck it, though none were injured in the crash.

Naik got out of the car after the accident when a 2003 Ford passenger van, driven by Xu Feng Ma and carrying 12 other people struck the guardrail on the northbound shoulder, then hit the trailer, truck, the Elantra and then Naik before it swerved from the northbound lanes of the highway to the southbound side, hitting the guardrail.

Naik was transported to Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, N.J., but was pronounced dead at the hospital around11:30 p.m. Nov. 28. “He was just standing on the sideline when this happened,” said Naik’s uncle, Tushar Desai, in a PIX11.com article published Nov. 29. “That kind of makes you angry.”

According to the PIX11 article, family members say Naik was on his way home from mentoring another young, first-generation Indian man. “He spent his free time, his weekend, to visit a youth in the neighborhood. Just as like a big brother, for no reason,” Neel Naik, a cousin, added in the PIX11 report.

Two passengers, who were all restaurant workers heading home for the night, were also pronounced dead at the scene at about 1:40 a.m. Nov. 29, according to the New Jersey state police. They have not yet been identified. Another 12 people, including Chase, suffered injuries in the crash, though none of their injuries were considered life-threatening.

Naik worked in data analytics for a media marketing firm in Manhattan, N.Y., his cousin Neel Naik said. He had studied statistics and economics at Rutgers University and was known for putting others before himself, his cousin said. After he graduated from Rutgers, he turned down a job offer and stayed home to care for a sick grandparent. The crash remains under investigation by the New Jersey state police. No charges have yet to be filed.

“Any time you were in a room with him, he’d be the one to get everyone going and talking to each other,” Desai is quoted saying in an nj.com news report. “He was really focused on making sure everyone was having a good time.” Naik lived with his parents and a sister.

The accident is under investigation and no one has been charged yet. The identity of the other two people killed has not yet been revealed, news reports said. According to Naik’s Linkdin profile, he was a “Student Ambassador” for the Rutgers University Foundation from Sept. 2013 to May 2014. At his current employer, R/GA, he says, he was “accumulating experience working for a global Fortune 15 technology client, developing strategical insights and recommendations based on statistical data analysis.” During his studies at Rutgers, Naik said he had “a passion for understanding how variables can interrelate using multiple regression models.”

Some key classes he took, he said “helped develop my ability to think analytically” including econometrics, behavioral economics (Game Theory), various advanced calculus courses, as well as an array of engineering courses.

Mubashra Uddin, 19, a Chicago resident, was accused of allegedly throwing her infant daughter to her death from an eighth-floor window on November 11. According to prosecutors the teen was hiding her pregnancy by wearing lose clothes fearing that her parents, who are Muslim, would not approve, Chicago Tribune reported.

Uddin, now a student at DeVry University, found out she was pregnant in February but told only her boyfriend and one other friend, Cook County prosecutors and her attorney said. Many unanswered questions remain about the baby’s death, including how no one in the small three-bedroom apartment–including an 11-year-old sister who normally shared a bed with Uddin–heard the young woman giving birth on November 11.

At a court hearing in Cook County Nov. 16, prosecutors said Uddin gave birth to a full term 7-pound, 11-ounce baby girl in the family’s high-rise apartment in the 800 block of West Eastwood Ave., and dropped the baby out of the bedroom window when she heard her mother approaching, news reports said.

A man found the baby naked and bloody, but still breathing, and alerted security at the building to call 911. Paramedics took the baby girl to Weiss Memorial Hospital, where she died on Nov. 12, from her massive injuries including skull fractures, a fractured spine, a broken left shoulder, fractured left and right ribs, and a lacerated aorta, lacerated liver and lacerated bowel, and suffered from blood in the abdomen. The Cook County medical examiner’s office later declared the death a homicide by blunt-force trauma.

Uddin at first denied she had anything to do with the infant, but she made “multiple admissions” on video after investigators interviewed her, news reports said. Uddin’s attorney, Adam Sheppard, said the family is supporting the teen, a straight-A student at Devry University. “Her family is standing by her,” Sheppard is quoted saying in news reports.

“Standing before you is someone who is heartbroken and sad. … She is a confused, older teenager,” Sheppard said, adding that Uddin was “a very humble person who is deeply saddened.” Mubashra Uddin request for bail has been denied and she is currently held in Cook County jail awaiting the trial.

According to reports. Mubashra Uddin met her first boyfriend, a fellow student at Uplift Community High School in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, not long after she turned 13, according to family and friends. But in the strict Muslim home where Uddin was raised, even speaking to boys —-particularly African-American ones–was forbidden. When her Pakistan-born parents found out about her boyfriend, they pulled her out of the high school and home-schooled her for her last two years.

Chicago IL: Indian American Medical Association of Illinois (IAMA-IL) celebrated a very special 35th Annual Meeting and Gala Banquet on November 21, 2015 at the Meadows Club Grand Ball Room at the Rolling Meadows, Chicago. Despite the worst day of the month with 6 inches of snow and cold weather, the event was well attended by members and guests. 2015 has been a very successful year for IAMA under the leadership of Dr. Samir Shah, the president of IAMA.

Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, the past president of IAMA-IL and the Mayor of Oak brook wrote in his letter to Dr. Samir Shah; “As we celebrate 35 years of service to our physician community, allow me to thank you for your gallant services to our membership as President this year. Your effective leadership and sheer passion to the service of our members, is so obvious that you have raised the bar significantly this past year and for that we feel most grateful to you.”

Dignitaries present were Dr. Thomas Anderson and his wife Teresa, President Elect, Illinois State Medical Society, Dr. Gopal and Nitu Lalmalani, Past President of IAMA and Mayor of Oak Brook, Mr. Mickey Straub, Mayor of Burr Ridge and Mr. Raja Krishnamurthy , running for Congress, 8th District and  Dr. Arvind Goyal, Medical Director of Illinois Dept. of Public Aide.

The crowning glory of the event was the spectacular video presentation of the IAMA (IL), 35 Years of history from its conception to present status, created by Mr. Biju Zacharia, CEO of the Media Eyes and production team of Asianet, USA. This nostalgic journey of 35 years brought back the sweet memories of good old days for many past presidents present. This fabulous presentation expertly done as a TV special report, nicely done by our own young leaders Dr. Rajan Shah and Dr. Poonam Merai, acting as special reporters. The history covered many Community and Health services provided by IAMA (IL) from 1981 to 2015, exploring the leadership and the legacy of many past presidents, who are still giving their services to humanity, medical organizations and community.

Cocktail Reception started at 5:30 pm till 7:00 pm. Members enjoyed sumptuous appetizers and booths presented by various sponsors. The Grand sponsor for the event was Wealth Planning Network (Mr. Michael Jankowski, President) and the Gold sponsor for the event was Goldstone Financial Group (Anthony Pellegrino, President). IAMA greatly appreciates all the Booth sponsors and the Advertisers for the Souvenir.

Master of Ceremonies were Dr. Vijay Prabhakar and Dr. Radhika Chimata, pleasing the crowd with excellent and efficient job as MC’s. The Indian National Anthem was recited by our popular singer Dr. Virendra Mathur and the American National Anthem by rising star and excellent singer   Dr. Radhika Chimata in her sweet voice.

Dr. Samir Shah, the President of IAMA (IL) opened the evening gala, thanking members, executive committee members, board of directors and the sponsors. He stressed the importance of leadership, hard work and commitment to excellence. His Vision, Implementation and Action plan unveiled in February was the strongest force behind many of the new initiatives started this year. 2015 was exciting and action packed year with 10 Community Health and Education events working with Religious and Spiritual Organizations like Chinmaya Mission- Chicago, The Shreejidwar Temple in Addison, The Jain Temple of Chicago and many more. Members enjoyed the special “Red Saree Event” bringing awareness of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes in Indian Community. IAMA provided more than 15 Educational events to members and provided information on 25-30 Hours of free CME in Chicago area.

Important new initiatives include beginning of IAMA Office with a part time secretary, new improved IAMA website, Karaoke Club, progress towards having our own CME programs and creating a dynamic group of young physicians. They are our leaders of tomorrow. In 2016, IAMA will recognize 5 top teachers from different teaching institutions of Chicago. IAMA trip to South Africa, Golf Outing Event, Golden Stethoscope Event and IAMA’s Charity Foundation Semiannual Event in April, raising more than $ 125,000, were all very successful and well appreciated by members.

The Guest of Honor was Rear Admiral Dr. James Lando, Assistant Surgeon General of United States. Stressing the importance of historic and exciting time in the American Healthcare and public healthcare systems, he congratulated IAMA for the hard work, dedication and service to members and community. On behalf of Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, he thanked IAMA (IL) and appeal the members to continue health and prevention initiatives started by Dr. Murthy.

The Keynote Speaker and special Guest, Congressman Peter Roskam addressed the members. Acknowledging the challenges in the public health care and role of government, he thanked IAMA leadership and members for serving community and providing excellent medical services.  First Lady Mrs. Prerana (Bella) Shah presented handcrafted wool shawls to Mrs. Lando and Mr. Roskam, as a small token of appreciation on behalf of IAMA.

The Lifetime Achievements Awards for 2015 were given to Dr. Tapas K. Dasgupta, IAMA’s very first president in 1981, serving two years and Dr. Shashtri Swaminathan, also past President of IAMA in 1992 as well as many organizations like CMS and ISMS, for their continued Leadership, Teaching, Service to Community and Medical Organizations.

Dr. Shah presented IAMA Community Service Award to Mr. Jayanti Thakkar for his lifelong services and dedication to community, organizing 37 Health Fairs over 26 years. The IAMA Leadership Award was given to Dr. Bapu Arekapudi, for his Dedication and Selfless Service, managing IAMA website for last 7 presidents and his passion for photography for IAMA Events.

Vote of Thanks was given by Dr. Umang Patel, our Past president as well as the President of the Vaishnav Samaj of Chicago (VSM) and Shreejidwar Temple. Flower bouquet were presented to Mrs. Paragi Patel, Chair of Auxiliary Committee, Mrs. Bella Shah and Mr. Kishore Chugh for hard work and dedication for IAMA, Mr. Suresh Bodiwala , a passionate Photographer, Chairman, Asian Media,  Mrs. Vandana Jhingan from TV Asia and Mr. Prashant Shah, Publisher and Owner of India Tribune for their support  and services to community.

Members enjoyed the delicious dinner prepared by the Meadows Club Chef. The evening ended with two and half hours of the most spectacular Entertainment Program by Niche Entertainment “The Trendsetters” depicting the exacting history of 100 years of Bollywood. The stage settings, the singers, the dancers and the narrations were outstanding and captivating, keeping the audience mesmerized by the popular songs and music till 11:30 pm.

“The enthusiasm, food and the camaraderie made the trek to Rolling Meadows on the snowiest day in Chicago history, seem like a walk in the woods” Dr. Thomas Anderson, the President Elect of IAMS wrote in his letter to Dr. Shah.

“You have created history in the annals of IAMA yesterday! Your dedication, hard work and perfection are commendable! Proud of your leadership of IAMA!” Dr. Vemury Murthy, past president of IAMA wrote to Dr. Samir Shah.

Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) – Los Angeles (LA) and Orange County (OC) chapters strongly and unequivocally condemn the heinous act of violent shooting that took lives of 14 innocent people and injured many more at Inland Regional Center (IRC), San Bernardino, CA on morning of Wednesday, December 02, 2015. “Our hearts go out to the victims of this unfortunate tragedy. OPIO-LA/OC members share the pain and anguish of affected families and convey their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” said Navin Gupta, President GOPIO Los Angeles.

This is the time of the year when people enjoy the festive time of holidays and Christmas by having group luncheons and dinner parties. Exactly that kind of festivities were taking place at IRC, San Bernardino when an inconsiderate and ungracious individual along with his spouse decided to shoot at random his own co-workers. “This kind of violence is unacceptable in any community anywhere,” said Dilip Butani, president GOPIO Orange County.

International terrorism, domestic terrorism, religious intolerance, mental depression, and loneliness are some of the causes of such barbaric actions. New York’s 9/11 attacks, Mumbai’s 26/11 attacks, Paris attacks, Columbine school attacks, New Town attacks, and Wisconsin Sikh Temple attacks are a few examples of violent behaviors of some unguided groups or inhumane individuals. We share the belief that such crimes and callous acts have no place in civilized society. The world must not let it continue for this to happen. Nations as well as religious groups must get together and form a coalition to stand up and fight against the barbaric acts of violence. “We urge all parents regardless of their religious beliefs or ethnic backgrounds to teach their children the value of tolerance, peaceful co-habitation, and individual freedom,” said Kewal Kanda, former president of GOPIO LA chapter.

GOPIO-LA/OC chapters commend the first responders for their quick, methodical, and diligent efforts to provide emergency services and secure the crime scene that saved many lives. We are confident that San Bernardino community will show their resilience and rise above this tragedy and rebuild its pride while retaining its courage, sense of dignity, and freedom. We stand shoulder to shoulder with San Bernardino community to pledge not to be cowed down by such cowardly acts of intolerance and violence.

GOPIO is a secular, non-political, not-for-profit, international organization based in USA with chapters in various countries, representing the interests and aspirations of People of Indian Origin (PIOs), and promoting awareness and understanding of issues of concern to global NRI/PIO community including social, cultural, educational and economic, as well as enhancing cooperation and communication among groups of Indians living in various countries and with India. For more information, contact Navin Gupta, President GOPIO-LA at navin.gupta. HYPERLINK 2004@gmail.com (909-718-9478), Dilip Butani, President GOPIO-OC at dmbutani@gmail.com  (tel: 562-569-6722).

Nearly 400 people from across the nation of Bihar and Jharkhand origin came together at the Crown Plaza, Monroe, New Jersey on November 21^st, 2015 to celebrate Bihar and Jharkhand Association of North America’s 40th Anniversary and annual Diwali.

Bhawesh Choudhary, BJANA president, welcomed BJANA members and thanked everyone, including all committee members who, he said, had put in a wonderful teamwork to make the event a success and inspirational one for the younger generation and help the younger generation to showcase their talents and get involved. Choudhary talked about BJANA that came into existence four decades ago when, he said, most from current committee members were not even born.

Pramatma Sharan, a founder of the organization, handed plaque of honor to members of the founding committee from 1975 represented by Indra Nand Jha, Ranjit Sinha, Dharmatma Sharan, Rajendra Prasad. They all thanked BJANA members for bringing this organization to its current state and stature and promised to take it forward.

Earlier, BJANA executive committee also honored Binod K Sinha, former president and also an Urologist, with a plaque of honor in recognition of his continued contribution to BJANA.

The celebrations concluded with the dinner gala along with glittering cultural programs presented by local talents comprising ladies and children of BJANA community and professionals, including dance artists from Nritya Creations.

Choudhary told reporters after the event about the resolution passed by the committee to congratulate newly-elected chief minister Nitish Kumar on winning the trust of citizens of Bihar once again, and offered best wishes to his administration. He expressed the hope that the development work Kumar initiated about a decade ago, will continue and benefit the people of Bihar in the days to come.

Concluding the evening, trophies were given to outstanding achievers in the fields of art, craft, and language and creative skills. “Vaishali” – a half yearly souvenir was published, with important information about the community, and was distributed among the members.

“Bring Our Kids Home USA,” a national lobbying group founded by parents from New York and New Jersey, has made yet another appeal this Thanksgiving season to have their children abducted and taken to India by a spouse, to be returned.  It’s ben estimated that as of December 31, 2014, there were at least 75 open cases, which represents about 100 children, almost half of them open 5 years or more, in India.

Bring Our Kids Home stepped up its advocacy over the last week to pressure members of U.S. Congress, federal Agencies and top Indian officials to take a serious look at the issue. They met India’s Deputy Foreign Minister V.K. Singh on November 15 at the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Los Angeles, and made their case at a Congressional hearing on November 19, on Capitol Hill.

Though they see some progress with the active advocacy and support from Congressman Chris Smith, R-N.J. who has probed the State Department’s actions or lack thereof on this issue. On November 19, the House Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee chaired by Rep. Smith, held the latest of several hearings on “The Goldman Act to Return Abducted American Children: Ensuring Administration Action.” The Goldman Act was signed into law by President Obama in August 2014. Rep. Chris Smith has held the State Department’s feet to the fire demanding action.

In the Los Angeles meeting, Ravi Parmar, father of child abducted to India in 2012, co-founder of Bring Our Kids Home submitted a package to Deputy Foreign Minister Singh containing case summaries, information about the issue and a letter urging India to sign a bilateral agreement with the United States to facilitate prompt return of abducted children from both nations. “Minister Singh promised to look at the information submitted by the organization and provide appropriate assistance,” Parmar said.

A spark however, was lit when U.S. Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, recently tweeted that the issue of parents of international parental child abductions, IPCA, was discussed during recently held US-India Consular Dialogue in D.C.

The South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) honored Nisha Agarwal, New York City Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs, as it celebrated its 15th Anniversary with a gala at Utsav Restaurant in Manhattan, New York recently. Agarwal was feted, among others for her efforts to empower the disadvantaged.

Agarwal congratulated SACSS for 15-years of working to ensure South Asians were represented and making access to healthcare possible in immigrant communities. Also honored was H. R. Shah, chairman and CEO TV Asia for what the organizers said was “providing visibility” to the poblems faced by South Asian through the channel’s strong media presence. Present at the event were the consuls general of India, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Delivering the keynote address, Raja Rajeswari, the first India-born woman to be appointed a judge in New York in April this year, by Mayor Bill de Blasio, congratulated SACSS on completing 15-years of service to the community. She said South Asians were among the fastest-growing immigrant community and that while they are known for their contributions to the fields of medicine, business and engineering among others, “now it was time for the community to make itself known in the legal and political sphere.”

Speaking about SACSS’ journey, growth and forthcoming challenges, Sudha Acharya, executive director of SACSS, said, “With the fast-growing population, it is imperative that we are ready to respond to their growing needs. We have been advocating on issues crucial to the wellbeing of South Asians such as culturally competent and linguistically appropriate services, healthcare access for all New Yorkers, keeping families safe and together, economic stability for all and increased civic participation”.

After receiving the award, Agarwal congratulated “SACSS for 15-years of “working tirelessly” to ensure South Asians were represented and making access to healthcare possible in immigrant communities.

Echoing her thoughts Shah congratulated SACSS and specifically applauded SACSS’ work with taxi drivers in New York City. “Having first-hand knowledge of the numerous stressors that affect taxi drivers it was great that SACSS was advocating for the needs of taxi drivers,” he said.

Husam Ahmed, chairman and CEO of HAKS Inc. and SACSS gala benefit chair, told the audience about the need to support SACSS so that it can continue to provide critical services.

Founded in 2000, SACSS’ mission is to empower and support underserved South Asians to actively engage in the civic and economic life of New York. Till date SACSS has provided direct services in the fields of healthcare, senior support, parenting skills training, supportive counseling, civic engagement, English and computer classes to over 20,000 community members. All SACSS’ programs and services are free and are provided by culturally competent staff-members who speak Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Telegu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali and Spanish.

New York city launched a new counter terrorism unit, immediately following the terrorist attacks in Paris. Mayor Bill de Blasio, the mayor of the City, emphatically said, “We can say more certainly than ever before that no city in America is better prepared to defend against terrorism.”

Speaking at a news conference during the launch of the new Critical Response Command (CRC), based in Randall’s Island, De Blasio said New York city was using “every tool in our arsenal to stop the terrorists and protect the safety of the people of this city.”

The heavily-armed new unit has been described as a standby force ready for emergency operations at short notice and operating round the clock. Although there were no threats against the city, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is training its entire 35,000-member force to thwart any Paris-style attacks. With the upcoming Christmas holidays, security in the city has been tightened –even as there are fears of a marked drop in tourists next month.

As part of its counter terrorism operations, the Police performed a drill in an abandoned subway station, as an exercise responding to a potential terrorist attack. Responding to a video from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Police Commissioner William Bratton said the video had been pieced together from old footage of some of the tourist spots in the city.

“Quite frankly, there is nothing new about this video”, Bratton told a press conference, and advised New Yorkers: “Beware, but do not be afraid.” And emphasizing the safety of the city, he took a subway ride. Still, despite the assurances, several schools in neighouring New Jersey and Long Island, have cancelled plans for visits to the city by students – primarily due to safety concerns.

Reacting to the Paris attacks, the 15-member UN Security Council adopted a unanimous resolution November 20 urging member states to take “all necessary measures” against attacks by ISIS. But such action should be taken “in compliance with international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, on the territory under the control of the Islamic State in the Levant (ISIL)”, also known as ISIS.

President Obama sought to reassure Americans that the country is safe as travelers prepare to hit the roads and the sky for Thanksgiving holiday travels. “I know that Americans have been asking each other whether it’s safe here, whether it’s safe to fly,” Obama said in a brief public statement on Wednesday, less than two weeks after terror attacks in Paris left 130 people dead and evoked comparisons to 9/11. “As we go into Thanksgiving weekend, I want the American people to know we are taking every possible step to keep our homeland safe.”

The President said his intelligence and security teams have assured him there is no existing credible plot against the U.S., and officials are working “constantly” and “continually” to thwart attacks. “So as Americans travel this weekend to be with their loved ones, I want them to know that our counterterrorism, intelligence, homeland security, and law enforcement professionals at every level are working overtime,” Obama said before urging people to be “vigilant” using the familiar adage, “if you see something, say something.”

Obama—who was flanked by members of his national security team, including Attorney General Loretta Lynch, FBI Director James Comey, National Security Adviser Susan Rice and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson—also touted the international coalition that is fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS) abroad. In the wake of Obama’s meeting with French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday, Obama said the U.S. is “stepping up” to further assist France in attacks against the terror network.

“We are stepping up pressure on ISIL where it lives and we will not let up,” Obama said.

Obama emphasized that Americans should not be overwhelmed by fear of attacks at the holiday season begins. “While the threat of terrorism is a troubling reality of our age, we are both equipped to prevent attacks and resilient in the face of those who would try to do us harm,” Obama added. “That is something we can all be thankful for.”

The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC – www.iamc.com), an advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding India’s pluralist and tolerant ethos, has expressed support for journalist VP Rajeena, who described instances of sexual abuse of children that she witnessed in a Madrasa (traditional Islamic school) over two decades ago.

Ms. Rajeena, who works for a Malayalam newspaper, posted on Facebook her childhood experiences at a Madrasa, where an “ustad” (teacher) allegedly engaged in abusive behavior with both boys and girls. Unfortunately, instead of taking the journalist’s revelations with the seriousness they deserve, many Muslims questioned her motives or launched a harassment campaign online including threats and hateful remarks. Its heartening to note she has received some support as well. Ms. Rajeena has repeatedly stated her post was not intended to be a generalization of all Madrasas, but a sharing of her own experience. Since Ms. Rajeena’s revelations, Kerala filmmaker Ali Akbar has come forward alleging abuse by an Ustad at a Madrasa in Wayanad district.

“There are many Madrasas across India that have made positive contributions to Islamic scholarship and to the religious and spiritual upbringing of Muslims. However it does not mean all Madrasas are automatically immune to problems in the wider society,” said Umar Malick, President of Indian American Muslim Council. “We support Ms. Rajeena’s right not only to speak up about past abuse but also warn the community about the potential for such abuse, that would victimize innocent children,” added Mr. Malick.

IAMC has called for an internal but independent and transparent assessment by credible community leaders, leading up to an investigation by law enforcement in all instances where there are grounds to believe the law has been violated.

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

Despite rhetoric about supposed “sympathy” for ISIS among Muslims in the UK and around the world, research by the Pew Research Centre indicated almost non-existent support in 11 surveyed countries and territories.  In Lebanon, where ISIS’ recent bombing in Beirut killed 43 people, 99 per cent of respondents said they had a “very unfavourable” opinion of the group, while 94 per cent of Israelis and 89 per cent of Jordanians felt the same. In the Palestinian territories, 84 per cent of people had a negative view of ISIS, both in the Gaza Strip (92 per cent) and the West Bank (79 per cent).

Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding (Caabu), told the media that the results were no surprise. “I think it emphasises that ISIS are seen as a threat to communities across the Arab world – Muslims have been their primary victims after all, as was the case with al-Qaida,” he said.

“The brutal nature of their rule, the way they have treated women, all the beheadings, have not endeared them to people. (Respondents) also know that by their actions, ISIS are trying to turn the non-Muslim world against them.” Doyle said that while all the surveyed areas had experience of jihadist groups, Lebanon was particularly conscious of the carnage next door in Syria, which has driven hundreds of thousands of refugees across its borders.

In no country surveyed did more than 15 per cent of the population declare support for ISIS, but in Pakistan views appeared more mixed. The majority of respondents – 62 per cent – said they did not know how they felt, while almost a third held negative opinions and around nine per cent thought positively of the group.  Doyle said the high proportion of “don’t knows” could be a sign of reluctance to answer the question. Opinions differed across religious groups in some areas including Nigeria, where Boko Haram declared allegiance to ISIS earlier this year while attempting to establish its own “caliphate” with a bloody insurgency. “ISIS don’t have as much of presence there so I would like to see further analysis,” he added.

Rajesh Singh, Aa former assistant professor has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against four Emporia State University officials, a month after another professor in the same department also sued the Kansas school.

Rajesh Singh, an Indian American educator, taught at the university’s School of Library and Information Management from 2009 until he was fired in January 2015. His lawsuit names two current administrators in the department, Provost David Cordle and former university president Michael Shonrock. The university will be added to the lawsuit when Singh’s attorneys receive a right to sue letter from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The lawsuit comes about a month after Melvin Hale, an assistant professor in the same department, filed a defamation and invasion of privacy lawsuit against the university. In the lawsuit, Singh details discrimination and retaliation from department Dean Gwen Alexander and interim associate dean Andrew Smith, who he said were supported by Cordle and Shonrock. He said the discrimination occurred despite his receiving positive reviews during his first three years on campus.

Singh alleges the discrimination began in 2010 after he asked to be paid the same as two other, newer staff members, including Smith. He said he was actively marginalized and criticized, culminating when all of his fall 2014 teaching assignments were canceled without warning, he was locked out of his office and had all his office contents seized.

Singh said he sought to resolve the conflict through personal meetings and the university’s procedures, but administrators ignored or disputed his efforts and did not follow the procedures. The university does not comment on pending litigation, spokeswoman Gwen Larson said. Alexander, who has been on administrative leave for most of this school year, plans to retire next June.

The university recently announced several steps to improve diversity and inclusivity on campus, including hiring a facilitator to conduct public forums on the topic. During the first of those forums Nov. 19, members of the media were asked to leave after some students expressed concern about their presence.

The school’s counsel said the media should be admitted and allowed to attend a second forum Nov. 26. University officials attributed the disagreement to a lack of communication. Another forum is scheduled for Dec. 3, with an equity and inclusion summit scheduled for the next day. Larson said the media will be allowed into those meetings. The school will work with students to help them understand the role of media and also will provide an alternative way for students to add their comments without speaking in front of the media, she said.

Sharada Shashidhar, Pavithra Nagarajan, Nushat Nur and Ksheeraja Sriram, are among the 12  Indian Americans declared among the 2016 YoungArts winners announced by the National YoungArts Foundation. Of the 819 students from 42 states recognized for their excellence in literary, visual, design and performing arts, 165 were named finalists and will participate in the 35th anniversary National YoungArts Week in Miami from Jan. 3 through Jan. 10. Each YoungArts winner is designated as a finalist, honorable mention or merit winner.

As per reports, at the weeklong intensive final, participants across 10 disciplines will take master classes and workshops with internationally renowned leaders in their field, YoungArts said.

Other Indian Americans recognized with honorable mentions, included, Sharanya Balaji, Anju Cloud, Swathi Jaisankar, Ravi Campbell and Rekha Sharma – and merits: Divya Nayar, Sita Vakkalanka and Dhruv Prasad.

Their work throughout the week will determine their award levels, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. In addition, finalists are eligible to become United States Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Each year, YoungArts nominates 60 winners to the White House-appointed Commission on Presidential Scholars, it said.

The more than 800 winners were chosen by a panel of highly-accomplished artists from more than 12,000 applications and will receive cash awards of up to $10,000, validation by renowned mentors, opportunities to participate in YoungArts programs, a strong professional network and guidance in taking steps toward achieving their goals, according to a YoungArts statement.

All the winners are eligible to participate in YoungArts regional programs next year: in Los Angeles from Feb. 16 through Feb. 21; in Miami from March 8 through March 13; and in New York from April 12 through April 17, 2016.

No one knows Indian food like Madhur Jaffrey. For more than forty years, the “godmother of Indian cooking” (The Independent on Sunday) has introduced Western home cooks to the vibrant cuisines of her homeland. Now, in Vegetarian India: A Journey Through the Best of Indian Home Cooking, the seven-time James Beard Award–winning author shares the delectable, healthful, vegetable- and grain-based foods enjoyed around the Indian subcontinent.

Madhur Jaffrey, 82, introduced Indian cooking to American audiences in 1973. She researches, tests recipes and writes all her books entirely herself. She has appeared in numerous films and television programs, and she considers herself an actor first.

Vegetarian cooking is a way of life for more than 300 million Indians. Jaffrey travels from north to south, and from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, collecting recipes for the very tastiest dishes along the way. She visits the homes and businesses of shopkeepers, writers, designers, farmers, doctors, weavers, and more, gathering their stories and uncovering the secrets of their most delicious family specialties. From a sweet, sour, hot, salty Kodava Mushroom Curry with Coconut originating in the forested regions of South Karnataka to simple, crisp Okra Fries dusted with chili powder, turmeric, and chickpea flour; and from Stir-Fried Spinach, Andhra Style (with ginger, coriander, and cumin) to the mung bean pancakes she snacks on at a roadside stand, here Jaffrey brings together the very best of vegetable-centric Indian cuisine and explains how home cooks can easily replicate these dishes—and many more for beans, grains, and breads—in their own kitchens.

With more than two hundred recipes, beautifully illustrated throughout, and including personal photographs from Jaffrey’s own travels, Vegetarian India is a kitchen essential for vegetable enthusiasts and home cooks everywhere.

Over more than four decades, Jaffrey has written more than 20 cookbooks introducing all aspects of Indian cooking to new audiences. Conceived after numerous trips to collect recipes from private homes from Mumbai to Karnataka, her newly released “Vegetarian India: A Journey through the Best of Indian Home Cooking” (Knopf, $35) focuses entirely on vegetarian recipes.

In her book, Jaffrey explores vegetarian cooking in India through regional and modern dishes, presenting uncomplicated recipes with flavor and history.

She is the author of many previous cookbooks—seven of which have won James Beard Awards—and was named to the Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America by the James Beard Foundation. She is the recipient of an honorary CBE from Queen Elizabeth II for her services to drama and promoting the appreciation of Indian food and culture. She is also an award-winning actress, having won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival, with numerous major motion pictures to her credit. She lives in New York City.

Ushir Pandit-Durant, an Indian-American woman judge became the first recipient of a US public service award in recognition of her contributions in the field of law. The Queens Senior Assistant District Attorney and newly elected Civil Court Judge Ushir Pandit-Durant was honored with the ‘South Asian Public Service Award’ by the Office of Immigrant Affairs under Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

“It is fitting that Senior Assistant District Attorney and Judge-Elect Pandit-Durant to be the first recipient of our office’s South Asian Public Service Award as she personifies the determination, strength and vitality of the Indian heritage,” Brown said in a statement.

Pandit-Durant and her family emigrated from India to the US when she was 10 and “went on to excel at school and in her legal career,” he said.  Earlier this month she became the first South Asian-American elected to a judgeship in Queens County.

In presenting the award, Brown said, “Diversity is one of America’s greatest strengths.

Leadership comes in all races and ethnicities…It is important in public service to have a diversity which reflects the makeup of the community that we serve. It helps to enhance credibility, confidence and trust and better serve our community.”

Nita and Kirtish Patel from Rockaway, Morris County in New Jersey, who own a mobile diagnostic testing company received more than $4.3 million from Medicare and private insurance companies over the past several years by providing fake patients’ medical diagnostic testing reports, and used the money for personal expenses, including buying luxury vehicles and multiple houses.

The couple pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William H. Walls in Newark federal court November 17. New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said that the couple owning and operating Biosound Medical Services Inc. and Heart Solutions of Parsippany provided diagnostic testing reports that were never interpreted by a licensed physician.

The fraudulent practice by the couple, both of them 53, had been going on since 2006. They were each charged with one count of healthcare fraud. According to the documents filed in the case and statements made in court, from 2006 through June 2014, Nita and Kirtish Patel owned and operated Biosound Medical Services Inc. and Heart Solutions, providing mobile diagnostic testing, including ultrasounds, echocardiograms and nerve conduction studies that were used to diagnose heart defects, blood clots, abdominal aortic aneurysms and other serious medical conditions.

Biosound technicians would travel to the office of a primary care physician in the New York and New Jersey area to conduct diagnostic testing. Biosound was responsible for sending the tests to a “reading physician”— an appropriate specialist who would interpret the results. After the reading physician prepared a report, Biosound was responsible for providing it to the referring physicians. Biosound was paid millions of dollars by Medicare and other payers for the diagnostic testing, the reading physician’s interpretation of the results and the reports.

Kirtish Patel admitted to fraudulently interpreting and writing diagnostic reports produced by Biosound despite having no medical license and knowing that the reports would be used by the referring physicians to make important patient treatment decisions.

Nita Patel admitted assisting her husband in forging physician signatures on the “fraudulently produced reports” to make them appear legitimate. Nita and Kirtish Patel also admitted falsely representing to Medicare that the neurological testing performed by Biosound was being supervised by a licensed neurologist.

According to the information, more than half of the diagnostic reports generated by Biosound between October 2008 and June 2014 were never actually reviewed or interpreted by a physician. The couple was paid more than $4,386,133.75 by Medicare and private insurance companies for the fraudulent reports, which they used for personal expenses, including multiple residences and luxury vehicles. The health care fraud charge to which Nita and Kirtish Patel pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for March 15, 2016.

Against the backdrop of last week’s terrorist strikes in Beirut and Paris, India has renewed its call for international action to deny finance and space to organisations like the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and the Islamic State (IS). The two attacks highlight the international failure to finalise the Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism (CCAIT), which would require countries to take action against terrorist groups and stop aiding them, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi told the Security Council on Tuesday last week.

“The price that we pay for procrastination is often in human lives,” he said. “All terrorist organizations — Daesh (Islamic State) or A1 Shabaab or Lashkar-e-Tayyaba or A1 Qaida-have an ideological basis that contradicts the basic tenets of humanity,” Bishnoi said. “Ideology alone, however, is not enough to sustain terrorists. They need financing and space to operate,” he said.

“That is, unfortunately, provided to them,” he added making the case for CCAIT. “And that is what needs to be addressed collectively.”

The CCAIT has been languishing for almost a decade because of disputes over the definition of terrorists as some countries claim that it should not apply to those whom they consider freedom fighters.

Speaking at the Security Council debate on “Maintaining of International Peace and Security,” Bishnoi questioned the assertions that poverty breeds terrorism. “The terrible events of last week, in Beirut and Paris, demonstrate to us that the greatest threat to peace and security comes from violent extremism and religious fanaticism, not from the absence of economic and social development,” he said. “It is the purveyors of hate and those who characterize others as infidels who are responsible for the violence that threaten our civilisational values.”

“We need to also acknowledge that it is the absence of state authority, or weak state authority, that provides the breeding ground for extremist organizations to operate,” he added.

Bishnoi criticised the Security Council as a non-representative and opaque body that was trying to infringe on the area of the General Assembly. “Just because the three pillars of the United Nations – namely, peace and security, development and human rights – are interdependent, it does not ipso facto mean that the Security Council must arrogate all these functions to itself,” he said.

“The Council will, however, have our full support in its efforts to curb dangerous and extremist trends,” he added. “The consolidation of political processes and solutions, while also building durable state institutions, will go a long way in addressing extremism and radicalization. “

(New York, NY) – In the wake of the high profile acts of terrorism in Nigeria, Beirut and Paris, the Sikh Coalition fully recognizes the increased public fear both at home and abroad as government agencies react to these heinous acts of violence.

Unfortunately, the Sikh Coalition also understands that much of this fear and subsequent backlash gets redirected towards minority religious communities, and we urge every Sikh to exercise extra vigilance and caution during this period of increased anxiety. Please notify law enforcement of any threats of violence and contact the Sikh Coalition at 212-655-3095 or legal@sikhcoalition.org.

“The Sikh Coalition is here to provide completely free legal assistance to any Sikh American who believes they are the victim of backlash and discrimination,” said Senior Staff Attorney, Gurjot Kaur. “We are here to protect your rights.”

This protection also extends to your air travel as we move into Thanksgiving and the busiest travel time of the year. The Sikh Coalition urges Sikh travelers to understand their rights by reviewing our Sikh Air Traveler’s Guide and Bill of Rights. This guide contains detailed information on airport screening procedures and your rights as a traveler.

“If you believe the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has committed an act of discrimination, please file a complaint directly from your smartphone by downloading and using our FlyRights phone application,” said Law and Policy Director, Arjun Singh. “These complaints combined with our relentless TSA advocacy insures that your rights are protected.”

Additionally, the Sikh Coalition continues to provide educational brochures that quickly introduce non-Sikhs to the Sikh faith and community. This resource is available in 13 different languages. To get copies, please email education@sikhcoalition.org.

Virginia Tech authorities say they are investigating a threatening message found inside a bathroom on campus. Local news outlets report the campus police received a report on November 9 concerning the graffiti inside a bathroom stall at Price Hall. The message read: “I will be here 11/11/2015 to kill all Muslims.”

The Virginia Tech Police Department have alerted the campus and are investigating the matter.

Mark Owczarski, a spokesman for the university, says the university hopes the notice sent to members of the campus community will help in the investigation

Bhadreshkumar Patel, who allegedly killed his wife in the back room of a Dunkin’ Donuts last spring is being searched by FBI, media reports here suggest. Acting on the belief that the 25-year-old Patel is in the New York metro area, the feds have unveiled a “wanted” billboard in Times Square to help solicit tips, NBC News reported. Authorities also released new surveillance footage of 21-year-old Palak Patel’s final moments on April 12.

The couple worked together at the store, and the video captures them in the back before disappearing behind baking racks just before midnight. Several customers were still out front waiting to be served, the FBI said.

Moments later, the footage shows only Bhadreshkumar Patel emerging from the back room. A customer later called police after no workers could be located, NBC New York reported in April.

Anne Arundel County police say Palak Patel was stabbed to death with a large kitchen knife. Her husband faces charges of first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and a weapons offense.

Chicago, IL: Giving back to community was honored and celebrated at the Indo-American Center’s (IAC) 25th anniversary fundraising gala on Sunday, November 8, 2015. More than 300 people attended the occasion at the Marriott Hotel in Oak Brook, Illinois, where WLS-ABC Chicago Anchor Ravi Baichwal emceed the event.

IAC Board President Ashref Hashim gave the welcoming remarks, noting the great work of the organization throughout the past 25 years. “Tonight we come together, not just to celebrate a milestone for the IAC, but to celebrate you, our dedicated donors and contributors,” Hashim said. “You have propelled the Center’s growth across the past 25 years.”

The new IAC Executive Director, Selma D’Souza, spoke about the impact of the State’s budget cuts to the IAC operating budget and the importance of the Center’s current programs. “We serve approximately 3,000 people a month, so there is a need in the community for our services. During this tough time because of the budget cuts, we need help from our donors more than ever,” D’Souza said.

This year’s keynote speaker Mr. Rattan Khosa, founder and CEO of AMSYSCO, one of the leading post tensioning suppliers in the construction industry, shared his personal story of entrepreneurship and immigration. “With good education, values and hard work, one can climb mountains, and with giving one becomes whole. The Indo-American Center assists those who need a helping hand to reach their goals,” Khosa remarked.

During the evening’s event, a silent auction was held with an array of items, including tickets to a Chicago Blackhawks game, as well as the theatre. A live auction was also held, auctioning off a Balani men’s suit, tickets to a Chicago Bulls game and domestic, airline tickets, all generating tax-deductible contributions for the Center. The dinner was catered by Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine.

The mission of the Indo-American Center is to promote the well-being of South Asian immigrants through services that facilitate their adjustment, integration and friendship with the wider society, nurture their sense of community and foster appreciation for their heritage and culture.

The IAC provides various services to South Asians and clients from over 25 countries residing in West Ridge and neighboring areas. Over 40,000 clients receive assistance annually with various services, such as, immigration issues, participate in the senior programs, adult literacy (English Second Language) and learn citizenship.

The Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) plans to hold its 6th annual conference in Bengaluru from January 9-10, 2016, where more than 300 delegates are expected including representatives from the United States, Australia, Canada and African countries, as well as from the United Arab Emirates and India.

Some 50 experts in varied fields are scheduled to address sessions on cardiology, diabetes, mellitus-Endo and bariatric surgery, neurosciences, gastro-intestinal medicine, organ transplant and oncology, child health and nutrition. Panel discussions include Patient Safety & Ethics; GAPIO Initiatives on Community Health; as well as Healthcare Outside the Hospital System and Telemedicine.

GAPIO has expanded considerably since its founding 6 years ago. “We have linked with Indian doctors in 31 countries, and growing,” Dr. Sanku Rao of Enid, Oklahoma, president of the organization said. “This is a platform for Indian doctors around the world to help the common cause of improving healthcare worldwide but especially in India’s rural and semi-urban areas,” Rao added. “We are also encouraging young physicians from the U.S. to go to India,” Rao said.

Secretary General of GAPIO and Group Medical Director of Apollo Hospitals Group Dr. Anupam Sibal said GAPIO’s goals were to  achieve the highest professional standards, provide affordable good quality healthcare, contribute to local and regional community development  thereby helping reduce health inequalities and alleviate suffering globally. “GAPIO is constantly and actively embarking upon various community service projects,” he said.

“The main agenda of the conference is to have networking among physicians and exchange ideas on how to increase philanthropy toward India and improve ongoing GAPIO projects as well as take on new projects,” said GAPIO Treasurer Dr. Sudhir Parikh, recipient of India’s Padma Shri award. “Particularly, we want to be in sync with the Indian Medical Association and local and state medical bodies and the state governments in India,” Parikh added. More than 25 Indian states are represented in GAPIO. “We also want to initiate exchange programs between different specialties in both countries and give (Indian physicians) exposure to state-of-the-art technologies,” he added.

He noted India’s Swachha Bharat Abhiyan initiative that GAPIO is part of and which connects doctors abroad to needy areas and specialties in India. Dr.  Prathap C. Reddy, founder and chairman of the Apollo Hospitals in India, is the founder president of GAPIO as well as emeritus advisor to the organization.

Chicago IL: Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago, accompanied by D. B. Bhati, Consul (Commercial), paid an official visit to the State of North Dakota from November 03-05, 2015. During the visit, the Consul General had useful discussions with Hon’ble Drew Wrigley, Lt. Governor of the State of North Dakota, who is also the Chairman of North Dakota Trade Office (NDTO).

The Consul General gave a briefing on the positive economic climate in India and the series of initiatives that are being undertaken by the Government of India towards ease of doing business, simplification of procedures, and investment regulations, all of which make India a land that offers extraordinary opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.

Lt. Governor Drew Wrigley said that there are vast opportunities for partnership between the Indian and the US companies in the fields of Agriculture, Coal, and Energy. He mentioned that North Dakota has vast coal reserves and is the second largest oil producing state in the United States.  He also felt that the Indian companies may take advantage of the research and innovations being made in North Dakota in these areas.

The two sides identified the fields of Oil & Gas and Renewable Energy, including Wind Energy & Biomass, Value-added Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Innovation and Technology, as potential areas for increasing economic collaboration and partnership between the Indian and US companies.

“A high-level North Dakotan Trade Mission to India is being planned in February-March 2016, which would probably be led either by Governor of North Dakota Hon’ble Jack Dalrymple or Lt. Governor Hon’ble Drew Wrigley. The Delegation, which would also include Agriculture Commissioner Hon’ble Doug Goehring and several leading business persons from North Dakota, is likely to visit cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Amritsar and possibly Bhopal and Hyderabad”, said the Consul General with a sense of satisfaction.

The Consul General promised that the Consulate would extend all possible assistance to make the visit of the North Dakotan Trade Mission to India successful. The Consul General expressed his hope that with the visit of the upcoming high-level Delegation from North Dakota to India, new partnerships between the US and the Indian companies will emerge in different areas.

The Consul General also gave a presentation at NDTO office in Fargo on the topic “India – Ushering in reforms” to a group of prominent business persons, legal professionals and members of NDTO.

The Consul General visited a local soybean processing facility- Sinner Bros. & Bresnahan (SB&B), which produces a full line of non-GMO soybean varieties after extensive research in the field. He visited NDSU’s Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering department, where he was apprised of the research being done in precision agricultural technologies and Unmanned Aviation Systems (UAS). The Consul General also witnessed a presentation given by BioPro Power organization on the production of renewable energy by using by-products of agriculture crops as biomass fuels.

The Consul General had fruitful interactions with Al Anderson, Commissioner, North Dakota Department of Commerce; Tom Bodine, Deputy Agriculture Commissioner and Dean Gorder, Executive Director, North Dakota Trade Office (NDTO), besides faculty members of North Dakota State University (NDSU) and several business leaders, agriculturists, and members of professional bodies.

Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Sunday last week adopted a declaration on the bloc’s growth to 2025, mapping out a plan for further regional integration and community building efforts.

The declaration, titled “Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together,” is one of the key documents issued at the end of a two-day summit, which has drawn leaders from Asean’s 10 member-states and their dialogue partners — China, South Korea, Japan, India, New Zealand, Australia, the US and Russia.

Asean leaders welcomed the formal establishment of the Asean Community, agreeing that this declaration as well as the community vision 2025 – the Asean Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025, the Asean Economic Community Blueprint 2025 and the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 – constitute the Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together, said the declaration.

The leaders decided that Asean member-states, its organs and bodies shall implement the Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together in a timely and effective manner, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Asean Charter.

Asean ministers, secretary-general and other organs and bodies are tasked with mobilising resources needed to implement Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together, said the declaration.

The Asean secretary-general is directed to monitor and report the progress of implementation to the Asean summit annually, it added.

Established in 1967, Asean groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The imminent establishment of Asean Community on December 31 this year has been hailed as a milestone in the bloc’s decades-long efforts to integrate and cohere.

Anita Ashok Datar, was one of at least 19 people and the only Indian American killed in the November 20 terror attack carried out by heavily armed Islamic extremists at a Radisson hotel in the Malian capital of Bamako.

“We are devastated that Anita is gone,” her family said in a statement issued through the State Department. “It’s unbelievable to us that she has been killed in this senseless act of violence and terrorism,” the US State Department confirmed in a statement.

Datar, 41, was a senior manager at Palladium Group, an international development organization with offices in Washington, her family said. As a public health expert, she focused on family planning and HIV issues, work that took her to Africa often in the past 15 years. She also worked in Asia and South America, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Datar of Takoma Park, Maryland, has been a Peace Corps volunteer, expert in global health and the mother of a 7-year-old boy, has devoted her life to caring for and helping others, her family said.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was among those mourning her death.

“Anita Datar was a bright light who gave help and hope to people in need around the world,” Clinton said in a statement Nov. 21. “Anita represented the best of America’s generous spirit.” Datar was the former partner of David Garten, an attorney who worked as a senior policy adviser to Clinton in the Senate.

“Everything she did in her life she did to help others — as a mother, public health expert, daughter, sister and friend,” the family statement said. “And while we are angry and saddened that she has been killed, we know that she would want to promote education and healthcare to prevent violence and poverty at home and abroad, not intolerance.” The family said that of all her accomplishments, Datar was “most proud of her son.” Her Facebook page is filled with pictures of the boy.

Born in Massachusetts, Datar grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers, her family said. She worked in Senegal with the Peace Corps for more than two years and earned master’s degrees in public health and public administration from Columbia. In addition to her son, parents and a brother, she is survived by “many, many friends around the world,” the statement said.

Clinton said Datar’s death should strengthen Americans’ will to fight terrorism and radical jihadism. “We face a choice between fear and resolve,” she said. “Anita’s murder should deepen our resolve. America must lead the world to meet this threat.”

Anjali Datar graduated from Mount Olive High School, in Flanders, New Jersey, where she played both the flute and mellophone in marching band, was on student council all four years, made the National Honor Society and joined the school’s French club and Future Business Leaders of America, according to a report on nj.com.

Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, joined the Diwali celebrations organized by the Indian American Business Association of New York celebrated Diwali at Jackson Heights, Queens, NY here last weekend.

Joe Crowley, known to be a very good friend of India, conveyed Diwali greetings to the community and recognized and appreciated Indian businessmen’s contribution to the American economy and the contribution s of the community in general. He particularly mentioned about the contribution of Mohinder Verma, president of IABA, a Jackson Heights businessman involved with the Indian-American business community.

“We wanted to celebrate Diwali involving the community members, including Indian-American businessmen, as also people from outside the community. We are happy that lawmakers like Crowley and other joined the celebration,” Verma said.

Among those present at the event, included New York City Council member Daniel Dromm, Dilip Chauhan, Director of South East/Asian Affairs, Nassau County, and Nassau county Comptroller George Maragos and Mohinder Verma, president of the organization. The event started with National Anthems of India and the U.S. followed by Bollywood dance performances by students of Aparna Dance Academy.

Dromm, who also conveyed his Diwali greetings, however, touched an emotional chord when he said that he regretted that NYC did not grant a school holiday on Diwali. “I would fight to get Diwali holiday in schools of New York City,” he said, Verma welcomed the pledge as he did the presence of some 50-odd businessmen and entrepreneurs from New York and New Jersey attending the event.

The Indian American Business Association Inc. is formed with collective efforts of New York and -based businesses. The main objective of the organization is to provide a platform and disseminate information to and among businesses that are looking to grow and expand from India to the U.S. and vice-versa.

Based on our experience and the data, many businesses are interested to expand in New York. To advance such interests and help those businesses needing support, information, and a network, IABANY intends to bridge the gap,” Verma said.

RANA – Rajasthan Association of North America, organized Diwali celebrations on Sunday November 1 2015, where over 600 people packed the Grand Ballroom at the Long Island Marriott and were entertained by the sensational Music Trio from India – Dhwani accompanied by electrifying dance performances by the dancers of Sonalee Vyas Dance Company.

Manju Sharma, Managing Director of Eternal Heart Care Research Center, Jaipur; Rajeev Pandya, Managing Partner of Ashi Diamonds, New York;  and Prabha Golia, Vice – President of Perfume Center of America, New York, were among the distinguished Rajasthanis, who were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments and achievements in their respective field, philanthropic activities and contributions to religious values and fundamentals of our traditions.

Comptroller of Nassau County, George Maragos and Bollywood actress, Preety Jhangiani were the guests of honor on the evening. Attendees were seen packing the dance floor and dancing to the pulsating beat of Bollywood songs till the wee hours of the morning. “We have never experienced such a fabulous show before” was the universal sentiment amongst all those who attended the celebrations on that evening.

Naveen C Shah, President of RANA in his address attributed the success of RANA’s Rajasthan Mahotsav & the Diwali celebrations to not just entertaining ourselves, but to enrich ourselves from the talent & wisdom which we all bring to this part of the world. Attendees also commended Naveen’s vision to spread the message of integration among various communities and created awareness amongst the new generation about our values, culture, traditions, food and festivities.

Respected members of the community were presented with plaques on this evening for their efforts in instilling Rajasthani culture, values, heritage & traditions in the current and future generations. “We can never thank our elders enough for what they have done for us. They are a shining example to our current and younger generation to emulate and follow” said Naveen.

Kanak Golia, Vice President of RANA informed the gathering that “the focus and objective of the Diwali event is also to continue RANA’s mission towards charitable and welfare causes. All excess proceeds from the event will be remitted to a residential orphanage devoted to the care of orphans. Our hope is that these children, who have nowhere to go will receive food, clothing, shelter and an opportunity for a better life”.

The evening’s entertainment was a mix of traditional Rajasthani Music and contemporary Bollywood songs by Dhwani, coupled with dynamic and lively dances by the dancers of the Sonalee Vyas Dance Company with colorful costumes and traditional props to showcase the rich and vibrant culture of Bollywood.

In her thank you address, Madhu Pareek, Secretary of RANA thanked all the Sun, Moon & Star sponsors for their support without whom this event would not have been possible. She also appreciated various vendors who worked behind the scenes to make this event successful. MC for the evening was Sangeet Sharma, the popular voice behind radio station Easy 96, Sound and Light effects for the event was provided by BD Sound, Catering was provided by Tandoor Caterers, Souvenir design was done by A-HA Designs, NJ and printing was done by Media Masters of Mineola, NY. Plaques for the honorees were provided by Crown Trophy, New Hyde Park and the honoree trophies were specially got fabricated in India by Patron member Haridas Kotahwala.

Twenty-seven retired U.S. generals were signatories to a letter delivered Nov. 11 to Defense Secretary Ash Carter, urging him to create a blanket policy that would allow Sikh Americans to serve in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces with their religiously-mandated turbans and beards intact.

Army Major Kamal Kalsi – one of the first Indian Americans who was allowed to serve in the U.S. military beginning in 2009 without having to remove his articles of faith – spearheaded the effort by the Sikh Coalition and the McDermott Will and Emery law firm. Kalsi told India-West that this week’s letter was part of a continuing effort that initially began with sending letters to members of the House. The community activists then sent a letter to the Senate and held a congressional hearing last year on the issue.

The U.S. military has had a ban on turbans and beards since 1981; Sikh American activists say the regulation amounts to a presumptive ban on Sikhs serving in the U.S. military. In 2009, various branches of the Armed Forces began admitting service members with turbans and beards, but only on a case by case basis. Currently, only three soldiers serve in the U.S. military with their turbans and beards: Kalsi, Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan, and Corporal Simranpreet Singh Lamba. Kalsi noted that the military has allowed accommodations for more than 100,000 soldiers to serve with medically-mandated beards.

The Sikh Coalition is urging Carter to create policy that would allow religiously-observant Sikh Americans to serve unilaterally without additional review. “The U.S. Department of Defense has taken important steps toward recognizing the importance of religious faith to the lives of our service members,” read the letter to Carter. “Nevertheless, obstacles remain for patriotic Sikh Americans who wish to serve in our nation’s military while maintaining their articles of faith.”

Kalsi said it took him a year and a half to go through all the procedural bureaucracy that has allowed him to serve in the Army with his articles of faith. “This is nothing new that we’re asking for,” stated Kalsi, noted that Navy SEALS and Special Armed Forces have served for years with beards.

Kalsi said he approached the retired generals one by one to enlist their efforts. “Once I shared my story – that I could wear a helmet and wear a gas mask without affecting my job – they all said ‘you’re right. This is a restrictive policy, and we need to change it.’” His first signature came from his old commanding officer in basic training, retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling.

In comments to the Wall Street Journal, Hertling said that when he heard about Kalsi joining basic training with his beard, he thought, “You’ve got to be kidding me; there’s no way.”

But he added that Kalsi “floored me. I realized I was pretty shallow in my approach of cranking out soldiers.” Hertling noted that Kalsi required no extra time for grooming and could seal a gas mask over his beard. Kalsi has been awarded a Bronze Star – the military’s highest honor – for serving as a medic in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, one of the ravaged nation’s most bloody regions.

“On Veteran’s Day, we honor Americans who have served our country, but it is also time to understand there are some Americans who still struggle for the basic right to serve,” said Hertling in a statement released by the Sikh Coalition.

“Sikh Americans have a proud history of honorable and selfless military service,” said retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Jeffrey Kendall in a press statement. “A person’s faith should not create artificial barriers to recruitment and retention, especially when simple accommodations are both easily available and proven in combat,” he said.

Rep. Joe Crowley, D-New York, who has been working with the Sikh Coalition on the issue, said in a statement Nov. 11: “The support for allowing Sikh Americans to serve in our military while adhering to their religious beliefs is overwhelming.”

“We are a stronger nation and a stronger military because of our rich diversity,” said Crowley, who last year led an effort with Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-New Jersey, to send a letter signed by 100 members of Congress to the Defense Department, urging the agency to update its appearance and grooming regulations to allow turbaned and bearded Sikhs to serve in the military.

A new initiative, the India Corporate Internship Program, benefitting young and aspiring physicians/professionals, has been launched during the 2015 Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Los Angeles, California, a celebration marking Indian diaspora contributions that help to spur India’s development, held on November 14-15, 2015.

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the US government and other members of the diaspora have collaborated to organize the event. Aspiring students of professional programs are asked to take advantage of be part of the India Corporate Internship Program, a prestigious, first-of-its-kind program of the Government of India, Ministry of the Overseas Indian Affairs, through the Overseas Indian Facilitation Center (OIFC) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the students of Indian origin pursuing Post Graduate Programs in Management, Engineering, and Science & Technology at premier universities of the world. The program invites them for paid internships in world class Indian companies for 2-6 months.

Some of the world’s best healthcare providers, including Apollo Hospitals, Narayana Health, and Max Group are only a few who are looking forward to our budding physicians to be part of thie great initiative.

One of the world’s fastest growing economics, India is a dynamic market with immense opportunities. With pioneering Indian companies offering a global work culture, India is becoming a preferred career destination for professionals looking for exceptional individual learning and unique growth opportunities.

This program offers students of Indian Origin an opportunity to re-connect with their roots and work in their areas of interest in a dynamic multicultural environment, through paid internships.

It is a unique and exciting opportunities for Indian Diaspora students to contribute and benefit from one of the world’s foremost, vibrant and increasingly global Indian business eco-system.

-US $2200 per month. Students could explore options such as a matching grant or support in some other way from their University.

The host company will either provide accommodation in a hotel/guest house or recommend suitable stay options. Interested candidates can apply to the program on the OIFC website (www.oifc.in/india-corporate-internship/about) or the University recruitment portal.

Submissions must include the complete student evaluation form, updated CV and passport size photograph. Students may apply to more than one company according to their interests. For this, they need to click on the individual company as provided on the program website and attach the required documents for each of them. Shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview, which will be conducted either at the university campus or online through video conferencing by the company.

Interviews will be conducted in the months of January/ February, 2016 depending on the recruitment sessions at the respective University. Final selections will be made by the company on the basis of the application and interviews. Selected interviews. Selected candidates will be informed by email. Students selected for the internships will be placed in the host company’s offices in major Indian cities depending on where the vacancy/opening is available and as per any other requirements or internal decision by the company.

New York, November 9, 2015. The art@telangana book was released at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York by the Consul General of India in New York, Dnyaneshwar Mulay. The event was attended by a large number of art gallery owners, art critics and art lovers.

The book, art@telangana, which had been published in October 2014, was initially launched in Hyderabad, India, during the World Metropolis Congress, then at the India Art Fair 2015 in New Delhi and the India Festival 2015 in Tokyo. The year-long promotion of the book had its finale at the Rubin Museum of Art.

The Consul General, Dnyaneswar Mulay, said, “many people think of India as monolithic. This work illustrates the diversity within India and highlights the tremendous contribution of Telangana artists.”

B.V.Papa Rao, one of the Trustees of the art@telangana Trust explained that the Trust is the instrument to bring in private funding and private participation for the promotion of art from Telangana. He gave an example of how a private initiative of people led to the formation of the Rubin Museum of Art, where the event was held. He said, “ it is my hope that such examples will encourage more private initiatives to promote Indian Art.”

Deepanjana Klein, the International Head of the Department for South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art at Christie’s, said the book made a tremendous contribution. “Telangana artists have a rich and long history. With this book, we get a feel for the depth and breadth of art from the region. As scholars, we see this compilation as invaluable,”  she commented.

Rasika Reddy, a prominent  artist from Telangana and a member of the board of the Rubin Museum of Art, said, “the book is a monumental achievement that does a fantastic job of highlighting important art and artists from Telangana.”

B.Narsing Rao, the chief editor of the book, explained the mammoth effort involved in producing the book, which features 152 artists. He also introduced the content author, Anand Gadapa, who was present at the event, as well as the photographer, Sharath Reddy—both of whom were instrumental in producing the book.

Eminent Artist, Laxman Aelay thanked the sponsors of the event  Ravi Reddy,  Rasika Reddy, Vikram Akula, and Prashanth and Shabri Mitta. He encouraged other individuals to undertake similar initiatives in promoting artists and art of Telangana.

ABOUT Art@Telangana Trust http://www.artattelangana.org

Art@Telangana is a not-for-profit Trust whose mission is to promote art and artists from the Telangana region.  The Trust organizes art workshops, camps, exhibitions, and publications.

ABOUT The Rubin Museum of Art http://rubinmuseum.org

The Rubin Museum of Art is an arts and cultural hub in NYC’s vibrant Chelsea neighborhood that inspires visitors to make connections between contemporary life and the art and ideas of the Himalayas, India, and neighboring regions. With a diverse array of thought-provoking exhibitions and programs—including films, concerts, and on-stage conversations—the Rubin provides immersive experiences that encourage personal discoveries and spark new ways of seeing the world. Emphasizing cross-cultural connections, the Rubin is a space to contemplate ideas that extend across history and span human cultures.

For more information, please email shabri_mitta@yahoo.com or call 518.542.4230.

More than 30 members of US Congress joined about 1,000 people at the annual Diwali event on Capitol Hill, the seat of US legislature, to celebrate the accomplishments of the Indian American diaspora.

The annual celebration, which attracts people and Indian American organizations from all over the US, was organised by Ami Bera and George Holding, Democratic and Republican co-chairs of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

It provides an opportunity to meet with members of Congress and other elected officials to celebrate the contributions of the South Asian community in business, technology, health care, arts, academics, and much more.

Attendees at the event in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress, included Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, and the Republican Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Ed Royce.

Diwali is celebrated by nearly a billion people around the world and more than two million people in the US, a media release from Bera’s office noted. “This event celebrates who we are and all our community has accomplished,” said Bera, the lone Indian American Congressman. “Over the next decade, I look forward to making DC the hub for connecting members of the community not just from the surrounding region, but across the country to celebrate our progress and talk about the future.”

“The United States and India have been building a partnership to make both our nations safer and stronger,” Bera said.

“The Indian-American Community has been playing a key role in building needed ties between our two countries, and I congratulate the volunteers who worked to make this year’s Diwali celebration in Washington a success,” he said. “In the coming year, I look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds between our countries.”

In a statement issued here, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, ““Across every state in our country and around the world this week, billions of people are joyously celebrating Diwali. I am grateful that President and Mrs. Obama are continuing this special White House tradition of honoring and recognizing Diwali with a celebration today at the White House.  According to spiritual tradition, Diwali is observed not only as a fun holiday; it is a time to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, truth over untruth and righteousness over wrong.  More importantly, it is a time of spiritual renewal. For Hindus everywhere, it is deeply meaningful to see such recognition of this celebration and its universal message of selflessness and righteousness.” US President Barack Obama celebrates Diwali at the White House later in the month.

(Excepts from historian Romila Thapar’s Ali Asghar Engineer Memorial Lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia in August)

In speaking about Indian society and the secular, let me say at the outset, that secularism goes beyond just politics, although our political parties have attempted to reduce it to a political slogan. So one party endorses it in theory but hesitates to apply it properly in practice, the other makes fun of it since the party’s foundational ideology is anti-secular.

Supporting secularism or dismissing it, is not just a political slogan. It is deeply tied to the question of the kind of society that we want. This is perhaps why it was widely discussed in the early years of independence whereas now attempts are being made to scuttle it. Questioning the secular would mean seriously changing the direction that we have intended to give to Indian society. If secularism is removed from the constitution then democracy becomes a victim, with an unthinkable future.

If however we want a secular society, then we would have to stop identifying ourselves primarily by religion, caste or language, and start thinking of ourselves primarily as equal citizens of one nation, both in theory and in practice. This involves mutual obligations between the state and the citizens and between citizens, not just in theory as of now but in actuality.

The relationship of other identities such as religion, caste, language and region will inevitably become secondary. These latter have to be adjusted so as to ensure that rights of citizenship together with what they entail remain primary. Eventually the state will not be expected to support any religious organization, even those it is currently supporting.

I would like to begin by trying to explain what I mean by the terms secular, secularism and secularizing. Secular is that which relates to the world and is distinct from the religious.

Secularism involves questioning the control that religious organizations have over social institutions. This is sought to be justified by arguing that it ensures morality. But the morality fundamental to secularism goes beyond any single religion and extends to the functioning of the entire society.

Secularism does not deny the presence of religion in society, but demarcates the social institutions over which religion can or cannot exercise control. This distinction is fundamental. And finally, secularizing is the process by which society changes and recognizes the distinction.

When the term was first used in 1851, secular had only one basic meaning. It described laws relating to morals and social values as having been created by human society in order to ensure the well-being and harmonious functioning of the society. These laws were neither the creation of divine authority nor did they require the sanction of divine authority.

Authority lay in working out – through reasoning and sensitivity – what was best for society in keeping with generally accepted values of tolerance and social responsibility, by those who constituted that society.

Authority was exercised through laws. Social values therefore grew out of rational thinking, debate and discussion. This was needed to establish a moral code agreed to by the entire society and was not linked to any particular religion, caste or class.

Secularism therefore is not what it is sometimes said to be – a denial of religion – but a curtailment of the control that religious organizations have over social functioning.

Social laws are the spine of a society. They should protect the right to live and they should ensure that there should be no discrimination that affects life and work. This is crucial to protecting the points of change in the human lifecycle for which laws are necessary, such as registering birth, marriage, or even divorce, processes of education by which a child is socialized into society, occupation and employment, and inheritance, generally of property. Actions linked to these come under the jurisdiction of civil law. To make this link effective the absolute minimum of which are equal access to education and to health care for all members of society, and to employment, and this is to be irrespective of religion and caste. If civil laws are to be universal and uniform as they would be ultimately in a secular society, then we must guarantee this endorsement by the state. Discrimination on any count would be completely unacceptable.

So religious authority continues in a secular system but is limited. It extends only to governing religious belief and practice. It has been argued that there should be no rigid barrier between religion and the state, but there can be a negotiated, principled distance between them.

This can allow for new alignments within the religion or between religions or between religion and the state. The overall relationship would disallow the dominance of any single religion since each would have equal rights on the state and the state on them and equal status before the law. Nevertheless, there is a degree of stipulated separation in this arrangement in as much as religious authority would no longer be controlling social laws…

In the history of India, medieval history, which colonial historians called the Muslim period, is located in the last thousand years. This history has had a raw deal from religious extremists and politicians in being described as the age when, to quote the slogan, “We were slaves” – the assumption being that Islamic rule tyrannised an oppressed Hindu population. This is a continuation of the British interpretation of Indian history eagerly taken up by religious nationalism. Viewed historically, the scene differs at many levels.

The interaction between what we call Hinduism and Islam had its moments of confrontations and conflicts in the face offs between competing politics and were manifested in various ways, and often through religious organisations. What was a largely political act at that time is often interpreted today as an entirely religious act, with the politics left out. Some confrontation was to be expected.

Such confrontations were not new to the Indian scene if in earlier times the brahmanasand the shramans had a relationship comparable to the snake and the mongoose – and this was probably a correct assessment as we know that in some regions Buddhist monks were killed and in others Jaina monks were impaled. In the subsequent millennium, that is the last thousand years, things may not have changed strikingly. It was neither a culture given over to religious aggression as colonial scholars maintained, but nor was it entirely free of such aggression. It was, in fact, a normal culture similar to many others in the world at the time.

But as was so in earlier times, the medieval period continued to be a time when striking creativity enriched facets of Indian culture and we still live with these. The intellectual liveliness of the time expressed in Sanskrit and Persian and in the regional languages matched that of earlier times, although in different genres. It was precisely this period that gave shape and form in various ways to much, although not all, that we now identify as Hindu in the landscape of present times.

To eventually disengage religious institutions from controlling the functions of civil society would help us in bringing about a more equitable society. The process of secularising society will have to address both religion and caste, and to that extent it requires a different kind of analysis from that of religions elsewhere. We have internalised the colonial version of the relationship between our religions and our society, and are experiencing its aftermath in the stridency of dominant religious organisations. We have also allowed some of these to become mechanisms for political mobilisation. Secularisation therefore will have to be thought through with sensitivity, care and thoroughness.

Although it cannot be a rapid change, nevertheless a serious beginning has to be made to introduce secular values through establishing confidence in a secular society and explaining its necessary link to democracy. The resort to assassination to silence secularists can never succeed – it merely leads to the suffusion of terror that will one day rebound on those terrorising others. If there is one lesson that history teaches us it is this.

A secular society and polity does not mean abandoning religion. It does mean that the religious identity of the Indian, whatever it may be, has to give way to the primary secular identity of an Indian citizen. And the state has to guarantee the rights that come with this identity, as the rights of citizenship. This demands that the state provides and protects human rights, a requirement that at the moment cannot be taken for granted. Such an identity, while adhering to human rights and social justice, would also be governed by a secular code of laws applicable to all.

A beginning could be made in two possible ways. One would be to ensure the secular in education, and the other, the secular in civil laws. Education means the availability of all branches of knowledge to all citizens without discrimination. Knowledge means updated information and training young people to endorse the method of critical enquiry. I would like to add to this the need for young people to know what is meant by a shared history. Given that we are a democracy, we can perhaps work out how best this could be done.

Our civil laws were drawn up in colonial times although we have made some changes after independence. In a turn to the secular, we shall have to comb through the existing civil laws to ensure that they conform to equal rights for all citizens with no exceptions. Resolving the differences between the civil laws and the laws of each religion and caste, will have to be discussed with the communities concerned and not only with those currently controlling religious and caste codes.

A uniform civil code does not mean merely doing away with the laws of one religious code. It means reconsidering jointly the social laws of all religious codes and arriving at a common secular civil code. In this process, injustice and discrimination against minorities and against the underprivileged – whether because of religion, gender or caste – will need to be annulled. Law does not remain law if it can be manipulated to allow discrepancies.

This is likely to be the most problematic in our turn toward secularizing society. Is it not time now to start work on this?

The overwhelming projection of religiosity – not religion but the excessive display of religiosity – in the world that surrounds us sometimes appears to be a surrogate for not coming to terms with real life problems; or perhaps it is due to our having become a competitive society with all its unexpected insecurities.

Can we instead consider how we can make the reality of citizenship a guarantee of our social welfare, our well-being, our understanding of our world, and our wish to bring quality into our lives? The secularising of society is not an overnight revolution. It is a historical process and will need time.

But hopefully it will be assisted by the recognition that the state and society need to function in a new way. Implicit in democracy is the upholding of the ethic of human action. Secularising society is an advancing of that very ethic.

Jaswant Singh Gill, an Indian American chief executive officer of Hayward, Calif.-based Sun Deep Cosmetics Jaswant Singh Gill has made a sizeable donation to his alma mater, Panjab University.

Gill, who graduated from the university in 1969, receiving a degree in pharmaceutical sciences, announced Nov. 4 he was donating $200,000 to the college. He went to the university courtesy of their funding.

The donation will be used to set up a corpus fund for the benefit of needy and meritorious students of the University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. It will be awarded to 13 students annually.

“I got a free education and scholarship at PU, and I am only trying to pay it back,” Gill said at his announcement made at the university in Chandigarh, India. “The university scholarship changed my life, and, in order to change the lives of students now, I want to help the needy students with this initiative of encouraging poor meritorious students to study pharmacy at UIPS.”

Originally from Gurdaspur, Gill enrolled at the university in 1964 on a scholarship. He earned a gold medal in the bachelor of pharmacy course at UIPS in 1967 and achieved his master’s in pharmacy in 1969.

In 1972, Gill immigrated to the United States, working in the pharmaceutical industry until establishing Sun Deep Cosmetics Inc. in 1987.

According to the company’s website, they believe customers will buy their first bottle because of the packaging but will purchase the second bottle because of the technology and quality.

Sun Deep, a private label manufacturer of personal care cosmetics, toiletries and OTC products, was started with a philosophy of making good products better and constantly raising the bar on natural ingredients. Sticking to that philosophy, the firm has nurtured consistent growth.

The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center honored six Indian American Malayalees for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the larger society during the Kerala Center’s 23rd Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, November 7th, 2015 at World’s Fair Marina in Flushing, Queens, New York.

This year’s honorees included, Dr. Navin Manjooran, Global Director (Energy) for Siemens AG ​ and ​​ responsible for the​ entire Siemens energy portfolio in Engineering; Dr. Sasi K. Pillay, Chief Information Officer, University Wisconsin System, Madison, WI and Former NASA CTO for IT and CIO, NASA Glenn Research Center for Information Technology; Dr. Prem Soman, Director of Nuclear Cardiology and Associate Professor of Medicine, and Clinical and Translation Science at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for Medicine; Dr. George M. Kakkanatt, a former US Air Force Captain, professional psychotherapist and Managing Director and Chief Editor of Azchavattom Malayalam News weekly for Journalism and Community Service; Ms. Leela Maret, Scientist at New York City’s Environmental Protection for Community Service; and Captain Jophiel Philips, Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Air Force for Service to the Nation.

The awardees were selected by a committee consisting of four members headed by Kerala Center Board Member and Trustee Dr. Thomas Abraham. While introducing the awardees to the audience, Dr. Abraham said, “Every year we invite nominations and the committee has to make a unanimous choice for a candidate in a category to be selected to receive the award and this year is no different from previous years in terms of their achievements.”

In his keynote address, chief guest, Ambassador Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Consul General of India in New York, congratulated the Non Resident Keralite community in the US and around the world. “The bridge you have built by contributing to the strengthening of the Indo-US relationship is outstanding. I thank you for making the Indo-US Nuclear deal a reality. The relationship needs to go on. And there are several more bridges to be built. And you are the cement between the two great democracies,” that binds us together, he said. After being highly successful in almost every area, he challenged them to take an active role in the political process of the nation.

Dr. Navin Manjooran was be honored for his outstanding contributions in Engineering. Dr. Manjooran ​is ​the Global Director (Energy) for Siemens AG ​ and ​​is responsible for the​ entire Siemens energy portfolio. He also serves as an engineering professor at Virginia Tech. Navin graduated with a BE degree from NIT (Warangal), a MS from University of Florida (Gainesville, USA), Ph.D. from Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, USA), all with the highest honors and later on completed MBA from University of Chicago. Navin has 11 patents/ disclosures, 9 books, 37 publications and 51 presentations at national/international conferences. He has received several awards including TMS Young Leader, ASM International Leadership Award ​and ​Siemens Performance Award. ​Navin is a Member of the US Technology Advisory Board and ​Virginia Tech Univ. Board and the Board of Trustees of Univ. of Chicago.

Dr. Sasi K. Pillay was recognized for Outstanding Contribution in Information Technology. Dr. Pillay serves as the CIO of the University of Wisconsin System comprising 26 campuses where he has started several initiatives such as the Innovation Program and Business Intelligence, while managing a portfolio of shared services totaling $45million. In his prior roles at NASA, Dr. Pillay oversaw the IT innovation program consisting of global crowd sourcing and the launch of the innovation program which have won several national awards. He is the recipient of the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the U.S. President’s Rank Award as a Meritorious Executive.

Dr. Prem Soman was honored for his contributions ion the field of Medicine. Dr. Soman MD, PhD, FRCP (UK), FACC is Director of Nuclear Cardiology, and Associate Professor of Medicine, and Clinical and Translation Science at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is internationally recognized for his research contributions to the field of nuclear cardiology, with more than 100 publications and text book chapters. He has coauthored national guidelines on imaging and Appropriate Use Criteria. Dr. Soman is the current chair of the Imaging Council of the American College of Cardiology, Vice-President elect of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, and Immediate Past President of the Cardiovascular Council of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Dr. George M. Kakkanatt was recognized in Journalism and for Community Service. Dr. Kakkanatt, a former US Air Force Captain is a professional psychotherapist. George is one of the founding members and former Global General Secretary of the World Malayalee Council (WMC), Green Kerala Foundation, and ALTIUS youth program. He is the President of the South Indian US Chamber of Commerce and also the President of the Houston Chapter of India Press Club of NA. George is the Managing Director and Editor in Chief of Azchavattom Malayalam News weekly published from Houston. George received several awards for his creative commitment to serve the global community.

Leela Maret was honored for her community services. Ms. Maret has been doing superb job as a volunteer in many community organization for the last three decades. Working as a scientist for last 29 years at New York City’s Environmental Protection, Leela is also adjunct lecturer in Bronx Community College. Leela serves as Recording Secretary of Local Employees Union 375 for the city, delegate for Central Labor Council, FOKANA National Women’s Forum Chair, Vice President of South Asians for Labor and Vice President of INOC. She had served as the President of Kerala Samajam and in other capacities of several other organizations including FOKANA. She has helped to organize Asian Heritage, Diwali function at New York City Hall, Kerala Piravi and other events in Indian Consulate, actively participated in Voter Registration, taught Malayalam at St. John’s University, and took part in the testimony of redistricting of Richmond Hill to unite South Asians. She is the recipient of various Community awards such as NYC Comptroller’s Community Service award, and two Pravasi awards.

Captain Jophiel Philips was honored for his services to the Nation. Capt. Philips was born in Queens, New York, were he developed a passion for football leading him to earn a football scholarship at St. Francis Prep High School. He went on to play four years of college football, where he started at Wide Receiver. After coaching football at the University level, Capt Philips went to law school where he won numerous academic awards and was chosen to give the commencement speech. Capt Philips is a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Air Force. During his recent deployment, he was awarded the Purple Heart, as well as the Bronze Star, for his actions in protecting service members from harm, after an insurgent attack- where eight of his comrades died.

In his welcome address, Thampi Thalappillil, President of the Kerala Center, said, “The Kerala Center annual gala awards are rated as the most prestigious award given from among the Malayalee community in North America. Recipients are chosen after a rigorous search and scrutiny. It has been our endeavor to honor the best, and those who are and can be role models to the rest of the community.”

E M Stephen, a founding member and the Executive Director of the Center, in his vote of thanks, said, “From a modest beginning 23years ago, the Center has come a long way to play a vital role in the life of the NRI community in the United States.” He praised the six honorees for “showing the way” to the rest of the community, and the awards committee for their commitment to the task assigned to them.

Elegant and enchanting performances by a group of talented young Indian Americans trained by Mayura School of Arts from m New Jersey, dressed in colorful Indian traditional attire, dancing to the tune of Bollywood music won the hearts and minds all present at the Banquet Hall.

Earlier during the day, a day-long Indian American Entrepreneurs Meet and Technology Summit for Kerala III, with participants consisting of Malayalee academics, scientists, technologists, engineers, entrepreneurs and businessmen was held at the Kerala Center, Elmont, New York. Ms. Daisy Babeendran eloquently emceed the awards ceremony.

Over the past two decades, The Kerala Center has become a focal point for Indian Americans, coordinating programs, activities, and services to the members and groups of the community in the New York region. The Center has outgrown its initial objectives for which it was founded, and has become a facility that serves the various needs of the larger Indian American community.

Thousands of Indian Americans came together to celebrate “Kumbh Mela USA 2015” at the grounds of Excelsior High School in Norwalk, California on October 24th with ritualistic prayers and chants for peace. The ancient Indian tradition was celebrated as nearly three dozen temples from the United States and Canada came together to organize the Kumbh Mela, which is Hinduism’s mass pilgrimage. A daylong schedule included several re-enacted elements of the Hindu pilgrimage, appearances by an activist and an author, and a rain dance.

Kumbh Mela is the greatest pilgrimage and festival in the Hindu religion. The event is a religious and cultural spectacle, which occurs once in three years attracting millions from around the globe to take a dip in the holy waters of rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Kshipra and the mythical Saraswati. This event is the largest congregation in the history of mankind with more than 100 million people participating in 2014. At its heart, the mega event celebrates the power of spirituality, and the pull towards higher states of enlightened consciousness.

The Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP) has been organizing the Kumbh Mela in India since time immemorial. It is the apex body of Hinduism, including all the 13 Akhadas (houses of monks) and over 1 million sadhus (spiritual seekers). For the first time ever, the ABAP organized the Kumbh Mela outside India.

Shri Nithya Mukthananda traveled to Norwalk from Seattle, Wash., and coordinates the North American operations of the Nithyananda Hindu Temple. He explained the Kumbh Mela as a journey of spirituality. “Kumbh Mela is one of the most unique festivals in Hinduism, and it’s one of the most ancient festivals of Hinduism. It’s the largest gathering of humanity in the world. It is a celebration of the highest possibility of humanity. Enlightenment is one of the highest possibilities,” Mukthananda said. “In the process, it is people who are spiritually inclined from all walks of life to come together to celebrate life.”

Attendees celebrated life from the very beginning of the event. The Kumbh Mela began with a fire ritual, which lasted about 30 minutes. The fire ritual was followed by chants for world peace, the rain dance and procession, and then a Grand Holy Bath with consecrated water.

A rain dance performed by Danza Azteca Xochipilli brought unique energy to the Kumbh Mela and galvanized the participating temples who followed the dancers on a quarter-mile circle around the Excelsior High School grounds as part of the opening procession.

Chapters of the Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple from Phoenix, Seattle, Houston, San Jose, Toronto, St. Louis, Oklahoma and Ohio participated in the procession. A dance troupe representing Mexican and Aztec culture donned colorful headdresses, costumes and footwear as they danced their way around the school grounds asking Mother Nature’s blessings for rain.

A handful of booths were erected in one corner of the school grounds, where Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant prepared food for visitors. The event was also highlighted by an aarti, bhajans and appearances by authors Rajiv Malhotra and Stephen Knapp. Guests were provided with free food. “Hinduism is a celebration of life,” Mukthananda said.

Sabeen Ali, founder and CEO of AngelHack, Subha Barry, vice president and general manager of Working Mother Media, Kaushal Dugar, founder of Teabox, Fiza Farhan, CEO of the Buksh Foundation, Don Mohanlal, executive director of the National 4-H Council,  M.R. (Madhavan) Rangaswami, co-founder of the Sand Hill Group, Punit Renjen, CEO of Deloitte Global, and Paul Shrivastava, Executive Director of Future Earth are the six Indian Americans are among eight South Asians joining former Secretary of State Colin Powell and Walmart founder Sam Walton on the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’s inaugural list of “100 Influential Leaders.”

“Throughout the past 100 years, business graduates can be found across all facets and levels of commerce — in large corporations, small business, the nonprofit industry, the public sector and government alike — pioneering change, fostering global exchange, and improving quality of life,” noted the AACSB, in its announcement of the list Sept. 22.

“The story of how alumni have positively influenced society through their actions and ideas is one that should be told,” stated the Tampa, Florida-based organization, which will celebrate its centennial next year. “If told, the success stories of all business school graduates would fill immeasurable volumes.”

“The Influential Leaders Challenge recognizes business schools for their work in developing exceptional leaders and industry innovators, and the 100 individuals announced today represent a global medley of alumni, with diversity across industry, background, position, culture, gender and age,” said AACSB president Thomas Robinson in a press statement.

“We congratulate our inaugural group, and thank their nominating schools for providing both a solid business foundation, as well as the encouragement for all alumni to engender dramatic community or social change,” he said. AACSB-accredited colleges were allowed to submit their nominations for the list from April to June 2015.

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

The awardees will be honored at the Kerala Center’s 23rd Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, November 7th starting at 6.30 p.m. at World’s Fair Marina in Flushing (Queens, New York City, address: 1 World’s Fair Marina, Flushing).  The chief guest is Ambassador Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Consul General of India in New York and the keynote speaker is Mr. K. Mohandas, former Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Indian affairs and Shipping, Govt. of India.

“Every year we invite nominations and the committee has to make a unanimous choice for a candidate in a category to be selected to receive the award and this year is no different from previous years in terms of their achievements,” said Dr. Abraham.

An entertainment will follow after the award ceremony by Mayura School of Arts from m New Jersey. Tickets for banquet can be reserved by contacting Kerala Center at 516-358-2000 or e-mail at kc@keralacenterny.com. This year’s celebration also includes an Indian American Entrepreneurs Meet and Technology Summit for Kerala III where invitations are extended to Malayalee academics, scientists, technologists, engineers, entrepreneurs and businessmen to be held at the Kerala Center, 1824 Fairfax St., Elmont, New York. It will be held preceding the banquet starting at 9.30 a.m. on November 7th. Visit www.newkeralainitiative.com or send an e-mail to register at kc@keralacenterny.com. This is a community initiative of North American Malayalees who are entrepreneurs and/or involved in science, engineering and technology areas.

This year’s honorees are: Dr. Navin Manjooran, Global Director (Energy) for Siemens AG ​ and ​​ responsible for the​ entire Siemens energy portfolio in Engineering; Dr. Sasi K. Pillay, Chief Information Officer, University Wisconsin System, Madison, WI and Former NASA CTO for IT and CIO, NASA Glenn Research Center for Information Technology; Dr. Prem Soman, Director of Nuclear Cardiology and Associate Professor of Medicine, and Clinical and Translation Science at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for Medicine; Dr. George M. Kakkanatt, a former US Air Force Captain, professional psychotherapist  and Managing Director and Chief Editor of Azchavattom Malayalam News weekly for Journalism and Community Service;  Ms. Leela Maret, Scientist at New York City’s Environmental Protection for Community Service; and Captain Jophiel Philips, Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Air Force for Service to the Nation.

Dr. Navin Manjooran will be honored for his outstanding contributions in Engineering. Dr. Navin Manjooran ​is ​the Global Director (Energy) for Siemens AG ​ and ​​is responsible for the​  entire Siemens energy portfolio. He also serves as an engineering professor at Virginia Tech. Navin graduated with a BE degree from NIT (Warangal), a MS from University of Florida (Gainesville, USA), Ph.D. from Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, USA), all with the highest honors and later on completed MBA from University of Chicago. Navin has 11 patents/ disclosures, 9 books, 37 publications and 51 presentations at national/international conferences. He has received several awards including TMS Young Leader, ASM International Leadership Award ​and ​Siemens Performance Award. ​Navin is a Member of the US Technology Advisory Board and ​Virginia Tech Univ. Board  and the Board of Trustees of Univ. of Chicago.

Dr. Sasi K. Pillay, is being recognized for Outstanding Contribution in Information Technology. Dr. Sasi K, Pillay serves as the CIO of the University of Wisconsin System comprising 26 campuses where he has started several initiatives such as the Innovation Program and Business Intelligence,  while managing a portfolio of shared services totaling $45million.  In his prior roles at NASA, Dr. Pillay oversaw the IT innovation program consisting of global crowd sourcing and the launch of the innovation program which have won several national awards.  He is the recipient of the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the U.S. President’s Rank Award as a Meritorious Executive.

Dr. Prem Soman is honored for his contributions ion the field of Medicine. Dr. Prem Soman MD, PhD, FRCP (UK), FACC is Director of Nuclear Cardiology, and Associate Professor of Medicine, and Clinical and Translation Science at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is internationally recognized for his research contributions to the field of nuclear cardiology, with more than 100 publications  and text book chapters. He has coauthored national guidelines on imaging and Appropriate Use Criteria. Dr. Soman is the current chair of the Imaging Council of the American College of Cardiology, Vice-President elect of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, and Immediate Past President of the Cardiovascular Council of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Dr. George M. Kakkanatt will be recognized in Journalism and for Community Service. Dr. George Kakkanatt, a former US Air Force Captain is a professional psychotherapist. George is one of the founding members and former Global General Secretary of the World Malayalee Council (WMC), Green Kerala Foundation, and ALTIUS youth program. He is the President of the South Indian US Chamber of Commerce and also the President of the Houston Chapter of India Press Club of NA.  George is the Managing Director and Editor in Chief of Azchavattom Malayalam News weekly published from Houston. George received several awards for his creative commitment to serve the global community.

Leela Maret is honored for her community services. Leela Maret has been doing superb job as a volunteer in many community organization for the last three decades. Working as a scientist for last 29 years at New York City’s Environmental Protection, Leela is also adjunct lecturer in Bronx Community College. Leela serves as Recording Secretary of Local Employees Union 375 for the city, delegate for Central Labor Council, FOKANA National Women’s Forum Chair, Vice President of South Asians for Labor and Vice President of INOC. She had served as the President of Kerala Samajam and in other capacities of several other organizations including FOKANA. She has helped to organize Asian Heritage, Diwali function at New York City Hall, Kerala Piravi and other events in Indian Consulate, actively participated in Voter Registration, taught Malayalam at St. John’s University, and took part in the testimony of redistricting of Richmond Hill to unite South Asians. She is the recipient of various Community awards such as NYC Comptroller’s Community Service award, and two Pravasi awards.

Captain Jophiel Philips is being honored for his services to the Nation. Capt. Jophiel Philips was born in Queens, New York, were he developed a passion for football leading him to earn a football scholarship at St. Francis Prep High School.  He went on to play four years of college football, where he started at Wide Receiver.  After coaching football at the University level, Capt Philips went to law school where he won numerous academic awards and was chosen to give the commencement speech.  Capt Philips is a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Air Force.  During his recent deployment, he was awarded the Purple Heart, as well as the Bronze Star, for his actions in protecting service members from harm, after an insurgent attack- where eight of his comrades died.

Taj Sareen, a 34-year-old U.S. Marine Corps pilot, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, Calif., was killed Oct. 22 when his fighter jet crashed in England while he was returning home from a deployment in the Persian Gulf, according to news reports.

Sareen leaves behind his parents, his sister and a toddler daughter and was scheduled to return home to celebrate the birthdays of his father Kulbhushan Sareen, retired managing partner of New York Life’s Greater San Francisco office, as also his little daughter Jade, according to India West newspaper that reported the story.

The paper quoted a spokesman for USMC Station Miramar as saying t hat he could not comment on the manner of Sareen’s death before 24 hours as per military protocol.

The Indian-American had served with the Marine Corps for more than 11 years. Stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, Sareen and served with Marine Attack Squadron 232. His F/A-18C fighter jet crashed in a field in Redmere village, Cambridgeshire County, England, at about 10:30 A.M. U.K. time, shortly after it took off from Royal Air Force station Lakenheath, the paper added.

A public service announcement by the RAF Lakenheath noted that Sareen was flying from Bahrain to Miramar with five other aircraft; his jet crashed six miles northwest of the airfield. The remaining five aircraft were safely diverted to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, according to RAF Lakenheath reports, quoted by India West. The crash is under investigation by the U.K. Coast Guard and the U.S. Air Force.

According to other media reports, the plane avoided nearby houses before it crashed. San Diego reporter Preston Phillips, a friend of Sareen’s, was quoted by India West as telling ABC News: “That’s Taj in a heartbeat. I mean, he would do that to save people.”

Sareen, who grew up in Castro Valley and Hillsborough, and attended the University of San Francisco, joined the Marine Corps in 2004. Rennu Dhillon, founder of Genius Kids, told the paper that Sareen was pretty well-known in the Bay Area.

“He had such a magnetic presence, everyone instantly wanted to know who this handsome fellow was. He was always laughing and had such an infectious smile,” Dhillion was quoted as saying. Dhillion said that Sareen had a passion for cars and planes and he always wanted to fly.

Following his death, Kulbhushan Sareen’s Facebook page were flooded with messages of sorrow and grief with some describing his son as the ‘brave Marine Corp pilot’ and noting that his service to the country and “the love that he brought to so many lives” will never be forgotten.

October 23, 2015 (Washington, DC) – On Thursday, October 22nd, the Sikh Coalition and Muslim Advocates co-hosted a Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill, which featured victims of hate violence speaking first hand about the impact that hate has had on their lives and communities.

The briefing featured testimony by Raghuvinder Singh, whose father, Baba Punjab Singh, remains in a semi-coma after the mass shooting at the Oak Creek, Wisconsin Gurdwara on August 5, 2012. Mohammad Abu-Salha and Farris Barakat, who tragically lost three family members, Deah Shaddy Barakat, his wife, Yusor Mohammad, and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, in the Chapel Hill, North Carolina shooting on February 10, 2015 also shared their gripping stories to a packed room of Hill staff.

The briefing, which was over-capacity, comes during a time of increased bigoted political rhetoric aimed at all minority communities and an uptick in hate crimes, and bias related incidents targeting Sikhs and Muslims across the United States. Last month, Inderjit Singh Mukker, a 53-year-old Sikh father, was assaulted in a Chicago suburb. His attacker yelled, “Terrorist…Go back to your country.”

“Hate is alive and well in America,” said Arjun Singh, Director of Law & Policy of the Sikh Coalition. “As we heard today, hate crimes don’t just terrorize individuals, they terrorize entire communities. We’re not safe in our homes, our houses of worship or even our cars. We must continue to raise this critical issue with Congress, to make sure that hate crimes and the underlying problems that come with them, are fully understood and addressed.”

Raghuvinder Singh’s moving testimony featured his father’s story of resilience in the face of tremendous adversity. “Today, my father is in a semi-comatose state, unable to move or speak. He can only communicate by blinking his eyes – twice for “yes” and once for “no.” Although three years have gone by, my family will never forget that day in August when everything changed.” Mr. Singh continued, “Despite this, my father has not lost his profound capacity for embracing love. When I ask if he is living in Chardi Kala – love and relentless optimism even in suffering – he blinks twice – yes.”

If you have been subject to threats or violence because of your identity, please reach out to the Sikh Coalition at 212-655-3095 or email legal@sikhcoalition.org for assistance. For more information on hate crimes law and how to report hate crimes, please review our Know Your Rights document. The Sikh Coalition is in regular contact with federal authorities to bring attention to our community’s needs.

Chicago IL: The Indian-American Community Outreach Advisory Board, in collaboration with the City of Aurora, the second most populous town in the State of Illinois, next to Chicago, hosted the second edition of Diwali festival, which was free and open to the public, on Saturday, October 24^th, 2015, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, at Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Avenue.

The unique feature of the event was the enthusiastic participation of thousands of people, which included not only a large chunk of people from India but also a considerable number of their counterparts from different nationalities and religions. Quite a few Non-Indians too, who were seen awe-struck, enjoyed the festivities.

Aurora’s third-term Mayor, Tom Weisner paid rich tributes to the professional contribution of Indian-Americans to the growth trajectory of the Aurora city. “The Indian-American community is very important to the fabric and culture of the USA. It adds music, food, and dance, which make Aurora a more enjoyable place to live”, he added.

Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago said that Diwali, on account of its universal message of triumph of righteousness over evil, has emerged as a global festival and is being celebrated across the world. “Diwali is celebrated in the White House too. President Barack Obama is the first President who personally attended Diwali celebrations at the White House”, he added.

Congressman Bill Foster, who represents the 11^th Congressional District of Illinois in the US House of Representatives, said that Diwali reminds us of the importance of the shared multi-cultural American experience.  State Representative Linda Chapa Lavia said: “There is a need for more and more events like Diwali so that we represent all the colors that make us a beautiful and diverse State”. State Representative Stephanie Kifowit opined that participation in the festivals of different communities provide an opportunity to understand different cultures.

The event was attended by many more elected officials, including Alderman Mervine, Alderman Johnson, Alderman Bugg, Alderman Hart-Burns, Alderman Mesiacos, DuPage County Board Members, 204 School District Board Members, and several others. “Aurora, known as the ‘City of Lights’, with a multi-cultural presence is best-suited to host Diwali, India’s ‘Festival of Lights’”, said Krishna Bansal, Chairman, Aurora Indian-American Community Outreach Advisory Board.

“Diwali, which symbolizes victory of light over darkness, has assumed much greater relevance in the present-day world, characterized by widespread cultural degeneration, and, therefore, should be celebrated by one and all, irrespective of religion and region”, added Bansal.

The celebrations featured not only the diversity of India’s culture, ethnic jewelry, rare handicrafts, distinct costumes, and interesting games for children but also highlighted the contributions of Indian-Americans, locally and nationally.

The dancers not only showcased their ability to perform different genres of dances but also conveyed a gamut of emotions. Their sculpted postures, graceful moves, and incredible “abhinaya” (actions and postures expressive of sentiments) captured everyone’s heart.

The singers presented classical, semi-classical, and light music, both from Bollywood and Tollywood movies. Their melodious songs not only uplifted the mood of the audience but also ignited the air with the magic of romance.

The cultural program proved to be a magnate that brought the artists together. The dancers, singers, mentors, and orchestra, despite their different backgrounds, not only worked together as a team but also presented a spectacular show.

Food was a central part of the festivities. The unique cuisines from different regions added to the multi-faceted flavor of the event. “Even though extremely spicy, I liked the food items very much. I am tempted to taste them, again and again”, said a Non-Indian.

The festival concluded with a magnificent fireworks display. Everyone present clapped and cheered as green and red rockets lit up the skyline of the city. “Our children were so much mesmerized by the fireworks that we found it too difficult to pull them out of venue, despite being late in the night”, stated a number of parents.

Bansal thanked the high-profile guests, all the participants, sponsors, Advisory Board Members, media representatives, community organizations, management of the Waubonsie Valley High School, and the army of self-motivated volunteers for their support in making the event a formidable success.

Sanjog Aul conducted the proceedings of the festival as the MC.  Diwali, which is India’s largest festival, is celebrated by decorating homes with oil lamps and intricate rangolis (colorful designs), lighting firecrackers, and above all, exchanging gifts.

Nikita Prabhakar Nakal from Mumbai, a University of Central Oklahoma student was killed in a car attack on October 24^th. Two memorial services have been planned for Nikita, who was killed when a driver plowed through a Homecoming parade in Stillwater, Oklahoma, killing four people and injuring dozens of others, many of whom remain in critical condition.

Nikita Prabhakar Nakal had arrived at UCO – in Edmund, Oklahoma – just three months before the horrific incident. The 23-year-old woman was a resident of Mumbai. The tragedy occurred as 25-year-old Adacia Chambers drove her Hyundai sedan into the annual “Sea of Orange” Homecoming parade at Oklahoma State University. The parade – known as ‘America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration’ – features floats and marching bands, and annually draws about 80,000 spectators. Nakal was attending the parade with friends from UCO.

Chambers crashed into a police motorcycle before plowing through the crowd on Main Street. Six people remain in critical condition, while 30 others were treated and released. Witnesses at the scene described “bodies flying everywhere” as Chambers continued along her horrific quest. She is being held in custody on four counts of second-degree murder; results of a blood draw – to determine the presence of alcohol or drugs – had not been released at press time Oct. 27.

UCO Professor Donna Carlon told local media that Nakal held a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Mumbai University and was intending to pursue a career as a financial analyst in India after obtaining her MBA. UCO had planned two memorial services for Nakal. The first, planned for the evening of Oct. 27, was a candlelight memorial at Broncho Lake, near the center of the university’s campus. Nakal’s friends were expected to speak at the service.

The second memorial will be held on Oct. 30 as part of “Desi Night,” a previously planned UCO Indian Student Association event designed for attendees to experience the culture of India. The evening will include remarks from friends of Nakal, university officials, representatives from the UCO International Student Council, Indian Student Association and MBA program, and the opportunity to sign a condolence card for Nakal’s family. A celebration of Indian culture will follow and is set to include traditional cuisine, dancing and music.

UCO president Don Betz said in a statement: “Our students come to Central with their unique goals, hopes and dreams, and Nikita was undoubtedly no different. While we mourn the potential unrealized, let us also honor her life by pulling closer and appreciating the strength of our Broncho family.” The Broncho is UCO’s mascot.

Payne County, Oklahoma District Attorney Laura Austin Thomas said Oct. 26 that Chambers would be charged with a minimum of four counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Nakal; OSU Professors Marvin and Bonnie Stone, both 65; and Nash Lucas, 2. “The state believes the acts alleged demonstrate a depraved mind and an indifference to human life,” stated Thomas in a press release announcing the charges against Chambers.

“The evidence indicates Chambers consciously drove through a red light, around a police barricade, over a police motorcycle and further into a large crowd of highly visible, innocent people enjoying a Homecoming Day parade. This was an intentional act, not an accident,” stated Thomas, adding that additional charges against Thomas are being considered.

Each charge of second degree murder carries a minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison. Chambers could be charged with first-degree murder if there is sufficient evidence to prove that her actions were pre-meditated, according to the district attorney’s office.

In response to questions from local media, Stillwater Police Captain Kyle Gibbs said Chambers had not taken a Breathalyzer test at the scene of the crime, but a blood draw was administered as she was taken into custody. Gibbs said the Police Department is investigating statements that indicate Chambers was fired from her job shortly before the incident, because she had shown up to work drunk. Gibbs said the department is also investigating whether Chambers has a history of mental illness.

Chicago IL: The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Chicago Chapter will be conducting a fundraising dinner on November-13th at 6:00 pm at Viceroy of India Banquet Hall, Lombard. The “Thanksgiving/Feed the Needy” dinner event is being held to raise funds for GOPIO Chicago’s 2016 charitable outreach programs. The primary objective of GOPIO Chicago is to mobilize the financial, and professional resources of PIOs living in the Chicago area through networking activities to promote the interests of the Indian community in Chicago. We also work with charitable organizations to help the needy both in India and in our local communities. The funds raised at this event will be used to help two charities

SKY from Nepal that builds shelters for Nepalese people displaced by the recent earthquake. A small donation will help to build a shelter for a family of four in the villages of Nepal. Missionaries of Charity Chicago run by Mother Theresa’s sisters that help the poor and needy in Chicago.

GOPIO Chicago is hosting this event near Thanksgiving holiday as it is best time of the year to give thanks and to promote charitable causes. This fundraiser will help several homeless people in Nepal to get a shelter and several poor people in Chicago will get clothing and food. This is the first charity fundraiser for GOPIO Chicago and the plan is to make it a recurring annual event. GOPIO Chicago President Gladson Varghese and other board members invite all the Indian community in Chicago area to come and participate in this Charity event and to make it a grand success.

The fundraiser will start at 6:00 pm with registration and Social /Business networking, A brief inauguration meeting followed by a charity appeal will be at 7.30 pm.  Dinner at 8:00 pm will be followed by entertainment featuring Bollywood dances, D.J, and Bollywood songs. Key business and U.S. Political leaders will attend the fundraiser.

The Board members attended this press conference are Gladson Varghese- President, Hemant Trivedi – Vice President, Savinder Singh- Secretary, Syed Hussaini – Treasurer, Joe Nedumgottil- Jt. Treasurer, Hina Trivedi, Executive Director, Board Members, Dr. Bapu Arekapudi, Vikrant Singh, Vandana Jhingan, Ninan Thomas, Sharon Walia, Ashfaq Syed, Ram Saini, Nirav Patel, Sohan Joshi, Krishna Bansal, Jatinder Bedi, Ragu Mudumbai, and Vinoz Chanamolu.

Chicago IL: The Telugu speakers, residing in the States of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, celebrated Dussehra and Deepavali, under the aegis of Tri-States Telugu Association (TTA), a not-for-profit organization, at Samarathi Auditorium, Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago.

The religious fervor, scintillating cultural show, and fierce competition for sports trophies were the hallmarks of the celebrations. The program kick started with the traditional lighting of lamp by the Board of Directors of the TTA, which was followed by the singing of the Indian National Anthem.

The event was very well organized by TTA Board of Directors by serving  traditional mouthwatering dinner BODs are Jagadish Kanuru, Aparna Ayyalaraju, Bhaskara Reddy Karri, Chandini Duvvuri, Veeraswamy Achanta, Ramakrishna Korrapolu, Rajani Akurati, Hemanth Pappu, Vaidehi Sriram, Lakshmi Duvvapu, Neelu Mylavarapu, Ravi Tammana, Swapna Pula, Pranati Kaligotla, Prasad Jasti, Prasad Maruvada, Srinath Vasireddy, Radhika Garimella and Raghu Moturi.

“Dussehra and Deepawali symbolize triumph of light over darkness. These festivals teach that those who pledge themselves to the path of virtue emerge victorious”, said Chandini Duuvuri, Board Member, and TTA in her inaugural address.

She stated that while getting rid of the ‘demons’, present in the society, is important in its own right, the first and foremost priority for each and every individual is to grapple with the evils within him and succeed in this challenging task.

“The need of the hour is to understand the true message of these festivals and implement it in its true and total frame of reference in our daily lives, rather than merely getting bogged down with traditional rituals”, she added.

The one-hour long chanting of Lalitha Sahasranama was greatly instrumental for people in understanding the shallowness of the present-day materialistic approach to life and in filling their minds with  spirituality and devotion to mankind.

“Mere chanting of the Lalitha Sahasranama is not enough; one should know its meaning in order to win over the evil forces within him”, urged one of the priests at the venue. The mesmerizing dandia dance by men and women together, their traditional costumes, toe-tapping music, and distinct sound of brightly decorated wooden sticks enthralled the audience.

A highlight of the celebrations was the high-voltage cultural extravaganza, in which about 130 singers, dancers, and mimicry artists participated. About 30 exhilarating performances of various genres of dances showcased the full spectrum of colorful life of Telugu people.

The cultural program also involved the presentation of classical, semi-classical, and light music, both from Bollywood and Tollywood movies. The singers not only entertained matured audience, but also connected equally with young generation with hit numbers.  The musical band, which played soulful melodies, left the entire audience swaying to its magic. Even the elderly people gave in to the festive mood, took the dance floor, matched the expert dancers, step for step, and provided a pleasant surprise to their younger counterparts and kids.

A big highlight of the evening was mimicry by Maruthi Satyavolu, which was a great mix of humor and voice modulation, imitating a variety of Telugu politicians and film artists representing the last three generations. Another unique feature of the event was the highly competed Chess and Tennis Tournaments. In the Chess Tournament, Shyam Ganesh and Shreya Bhagi won the in the adults’ category, the first and second prizes went to Naveen Nagilla and Sameer Karthik Bhagi respectively. In the Tennis Tournament, Tejrupakekkurthi and Rakesh Avadanula won the first and second prizes respectively in the kids’ category. In the adults’ category, Srinivasaekkurthi and Subramanian Kandasamy won the first prizes and Vijay Sivashanmugasundaram and Vijay S, won the second prizes.

“While Telugu people participated in the event, along with their families and friends, in huge numbers, the representation of people speaking different languages was quite considerable”, said Aparna Ayyalaraju, who handled the media. “The message of Deepavali and Dussehra, which has got universal relevance, attracted the audience, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion”, she added.

TTA thanked all the participants, attendees, and sponsors for their support in making the event a huge success during the busy Navarathri season. TTA also welcomed new members/participants from the Chicagoland to register on its website www.telugu.org and show support to its upcoming events. Tri-State Telugu Association, affiliated with Telugu Association of North America, has been effectively addressing the issues associated with the educational, economic, and social development of its members, including their culture and heritage, since its inception in 1984.

Princeton University reportedly houses a temple for goddess Saraswati, musical instruments and books and besides private meditation, there are plans to have guided-meditation/structured-worship in this space. Located in Green Hall, it will reportedly be available daily to undergraduate and graduate students and faculty for meditation, reflection, worshipping, and connecting with God, etc.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who has been demanding a permanent and exclusive Prayer Room at Princeton University, has commended Princeton for responding to the requirements of its Hindu students to provide designated prayer-meditation hall for rituals, quiet reflection, festivals and spiritual exercise, which would help in their personal growth.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out in a statement today that it was a “step in the right direction” in view of presence of a substantial number of Hindu students at Princeton, as it was important to meet the spiritual needs of these students. Zed thanked Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber and its Board Chair Kathryn A. Hall for University’s positive response to the requirements of its Hindu students.

Rajan Zed urged all USA and Canadian universities, both public and private, to respond to the needs of their considerable Hindu student bodies and offer prayer facility; as they needed to recognize the intersection of spirituality and education, which was important in Hinduism. Some other universities/colleges in USA do offer Hindu prayer rooms.

Editorial Board of Princeton student newspaper “The Daily Princetonian”, University’s “only paper of record”, endorsed the student initiative of creation of a Hindu prayer space on campus in April, which it said “has wide support from both Hindu and non-Hindu, religious and non-religious students across the University”. Many Princeton students, Hindus as well non-Hindus, in a survey, reportedly expressed interest in creation of Hindu prayer space and supported the idea.

Princeton reportedly already has a University Chapel hosting many Christian services, Muslim Prayer Room, Center for Jewish Life and Interfaith Prayer Room. Chartered in 1746 and spread in 500 acres, Ivy League world-renowned research university Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in USA. Many of its faculty/staff have won Nobel Prizes. Its library holdings are over 14 million and its students number around 7,946. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

INOC,USA held a press briefing at the Tandoori Hut at Richmond Hill in New York last week and expressed solidarity with the Sikh community everywhere and condemned the actions of the perpetrators of the heinous and cowardly acts of desecrating some of the sacred pages of their Holy Shri Guru Granth Sahib jiby tearing and discarding them from the historic Sikh Gurdwara Sahib in the village of Bargari in the district of Faridkot, Punjab.

President of INOC, USA, Mohinder Singh Gilzian expressed profound regret and anguish at the incident and demanded from the authorities to take immediate action to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice forthwith.

“The Police assault, apparently  without a Court Order, at the innocent and peaceful protesters sitting on the ground  in the village of Behbal Kalan amounted to a provocative and an uncalled for act which also deserves condemnation”, said Mr. Harbachan Singh, Secretary General of INOC,USA. Over 200 persons are also reported to have been injured in other areas of Punjab.

George Abraham, Chairman of INOC, USA expressed grave concern at this sad and unfortunate incident  and appealed for calm and good judgement to prevail especially in handling sensitive religious sentiments such as this.

Tejinder Singh Gill, Chapter President of Punjab,Mr. Sawaran Singh, Chapter President of Haryana and Mr. Jaswinder Singh Nawansher member of the Executive Committee, all of INOC, USA also echoed their horror at the incident and appealed for speedy arrest of the culprits.Mr. Gill who spoke at length was careful to caution that no one should take the law into one’s own hand.

Other INOC, USA Officials who had voiced their support included, Mr.  Zach Thomas, Vice Chairman, Mr. Jose George, Treasurer,Mr. V.B. Sharma, member Executive Committee,  Mr. Juned Qazi former President, Mr. U.A. Naseer of the Kerala Chapter and Dr. Leno Thomas.

In full accord and sharing the deep grief and sympathy, many prominent members of the New York Tri-State area Sikhs also expressed their strong feelings of pain and anguish caused by this wrong deeds.  The following stood out for their pointed remarks – Baboo Joginder Singh Miani, Mr. Manmohan Singh Pooni, Mr. Tarsem Singh, Mr. Jagjit Singh Dasuya, Mr. Satish Sharma and Mr. Gurmit Singh.  They warned to remain vigilant lest mischief makers disturb their peaceful coexistence and tranquility.

A federal appeals court on October 13 reinstated a lawsuit challenging the New York Police Department’s surveillance of Muslim groups in New Jersey after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, saying any resulting harm came from the city’s tactics, not the media’s reporting of them.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, reversing a judge’s decision last year to dismiss the case, found the Muslim plaintiffs raised sufficient allegations of religious-freedom and equal-protection violations and put the case on track for trial. The court compared the spying to other instances of heightened scrutiny of religious and ethnic groups, including Japanese-Americans during World War II.

In dismissing the lawsuit, U.S. District Judge William Martini had concluded the police could not keep watch “on Muslim terrorist activities without monitoring the Muslim community itself” and concurred with the city in blaming reporting by the Associated Press, which exposed the surveillance program, for any harm.

The appeals court said the attempt to blame the AP was akin to saying, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you. And, if you do know, don’t shoot us. Shoot the messenger.” The lawsuit revived Oct. 13 was among legal actions that followed reports by the AP that revealed how city police infiltrated Muslim student groups, put informants in mosques and otherwise spied on Muslims as part of a broad effort to prevent terrorist attacks. The reporting was honored with a Pulitzer Prize.

Plaintiff Farhaj Hassan said he was “extremely ecstatic” about the court’s decision. “I’m very happy we will get our day in court,” said Hassan, a U.S. Army sergeant who served in Iraq. “Muslim-Americans were the innocent community in this matter, and, lo and behold, their civil rights should be protected like everyone else.”

The city has called the intelligence gathering an appropriate and legal anti-terrorism tactic. The NYPD’s legal affairs chief said Oct. 13 the department would vigorously fight the revived lawsuit and expected to win.

“There’s been no finding by the court that the NYPD did anything wrong or anything illegal,” said Deputy Commissioner Lawrence Byrne. “It’s simply a procedural opportunity for the plaintiffs to see if they can prove their case.”

A senior NYPD official testified in 2012 that the demographics unit at the heart of the program never generated any leads or triggered a terrorism investigation, but former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and other officials have said the surveillance helped the nation’s largest police department identify and thwart terror plots.

Current Police Commissioner William Bratton disbanded the unit last year and reassigned its detectives. Officials said a review concluded the same information could be better collected through direct contact with community groups. During oral arguments in January, the appellate panel questioned whether police had any specific leads to justify surveillance of Muslim businesses, mosques and student groups in New Jersey from 2002 to at least 2012.

The city argued that any injuries suffered by Muslims were “self-imposed, based on subjective fears” that may have led them to avoid gathering with other Muslims after the 9/11 attacks. A city lawyer told the appeals court that the plaintiffs couldn’t simply infer the intent of the program was discriminatory.

The Muslim plaintiffs — including a grade school principal and members of the Muslim Student Association at Rutgers University — wanted the lawsuit revived in part so they could learn more about the program.

Their lawyer, Baher Azmy, said the Oct. 13 ruling affirmed that police cannot use religion and courts cannot accept untested national security claims as justification for spying. “There is no Muslim exception to the Constitution,” Azmy said.

In a related lawsuit in Brooklyn, the city has reached a tentative settlement with a group of Muslims, but the parties have asked the court to postpone approval until next month while they iron out final details.

Scores of Garba and traditional Navratri events were held across the New York region, bringing alive the traditions of India and the customs of the ancient Hindu religion.Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Manhattan at the Sports Center in Chelsea Piers, to swing to a live band playing music for the Gujarati Garba-Raas, a traditional folk dance. The event titled, Garba In The City, is however, just one of several events held during Navratri around New York City. The nine-day celebration of Goddess Durga takes several forms, ranging from fasting and prayer to dancing the Garba-Raas, and even professional networking.

“In the Queens and the Richmond Hills area there are almost 50 to 75 Garba-Rass (sic) events,” Pandit Vishal Maraj, 36, of the Queens, N.Y. non-profit Hindu Learning Foundation, told New York Press. Attracting many Indo-Caribbean Hindus, the Foundation located on Liberty Avenue in Ozone Park, began its Navratri with the Bali Daan, or offerings to the Goddess. Among the larger religious observances is that at the Ganesh Temple in Flushing, Queens, which began day-long rigorous prayer and fasting Oct. 13 to go on till Oct. 22.

The fifth annual Garba in the City started in 2011 by two young professionals, mirrors the rising number of Indian-Americans who choose to call Manhattan home and who earlier may have crossed the Hudson to get their Garba fix.

Some of the other events around New York included the Nartanrang Dance Academy’s Navratri Garba which took place on Oct. 10 in Mitchell Field in Garden City, N.Y.; the India Society Garba Night Celebrations also on Oct. 10, at JFK Middle School, in Port Jefferson, N.Y.; and one of the largest and most elaborate festival and pooja schedules for Navratri at Ganesh Temple, Flushing. Starting with Durga Pooja from Oct. 13 to 15, followed by Maha Lakshmi Pooja Oct. 16 to 18, Saraswati Pooja from Oct. 19 to 21, capped y Durgashtami Oct. 20, Vikaya Dashami Oct. 22. The NYC Hindu Temple on 96 Ave. B in New York City began its Navratri celebrations on Oct. 8. and ended them Oct. 16.

The Indian Square in Jersey City, one of the largest hubs of Indian-Americans residing around the area, was glitzy with lights, buntings and banners as the community celebrated the beginning of Navratri, the celebration of nine nights marking the arrival of goddess Durga on earth last week.

The inaugural event Oct. 17 was organized by the Jersey City Merchants’ Association, the organization that had organized it the past. The organizers took pride that the celebrations attracted some 8,000 people, lining up the streets of Newark Avenue, a part of which is called the Indian Square, despite somewhat untimely cold weather.

People danced to the tune of Bollywood music and live performances by local artists almost till midnight. Many non-Indians waited on the sidewalks as well to take a peek at the festivities. The festival, which started in 2003 with the cooperation of the Govinda Temple on the Newark Avenue, has been a high religio-cultural point to which the Indian-American community looks forward to every year.

This year, Patel said, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, extended full cooperation, to make the festival a success, For example, he said, the paving of the stretch of the road on Newark Avenue was completed ahead of time. “The Mayor was very cooperative and praised the community for the outdoor celebration of the event,” Patel said. Although it was in Jersey City, Navratri is being celebrated in neighboring towns of Jersey City as also in New York and across the United States.

A body found in an Alameda County, Calif., lake Oct. 7 was confirmed by the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau to be that of Indian American Raghavendra “Raghu” Indugula, media reports here suggest. Indugula, 31, who was an operations specialist contractor at Salesforce.com, went missing Oct. 2 during a company retreat. His body was found in Lake Del Valle, according to a report on SanFrancisco.CBSlocal.com.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of Raghavendra Indugula, who was a contractor in Salesforce’s IT organization,” a Salesforce spokeswoman told India-West. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Raghu’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

During the day he went missing, Indugula was on a team-building excursion with co-workers and was part of a group being shuttled by boat between the Hetch Hetchy group picnic area and the lake’s marina, according to the East Bay Regional Park District, according to the SanFrancisco.CBSlocal.com report.

Seven other people were on the boat when it began to fill with water. All the passengers jumped out of the boat and swam to shore but noticed that Indugula was missing when they got there. According to an SFist.com report, none of the passengers had life vests on.

A days-long search ensued but proved unsuccessful. A fisherman found Indugula’s body floating about a half-mile north of the marina, according to park district officials. Indugula was a graduate of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad. He worked for DevMode IT Solutions in India before moving to the U.S. to work at Softential in Herndon, Va.; Coca-Cola Refreshments and Cox Communications in Atlanta, Ga.; prior to joining Salesforce in April, according to his LinkedIn profile. Indugula is survived by his wife and 1-year-old daughter, the SFist.com report stated.

Wedding bliss was in the air at the Santa Clara Convention Center Oct.11, as future brides and grooms along with their family and friends came out in droves to discover and experience exciting and convenient options and ideas needed to pull off the perfect wedding, during the annual Wedding & Lifestyle Expo Asiana, “Vivaah 2015.”

Nearly 2,000 visitors were greeted with an impressive array of elaborate displays at the premier wedding ware show’s 8th edition. About 75 booths featuring jewelry vendors, photography services, skin care specialists, venue options, décor ideas, wedding invitations, floral displays and more were on site for the benefit of the prospective newlyweds offering them a variety of high quality services and products available locally. Indian weddings are lavish affairs, and some take on a larger than life dimension, said WLEA president Leena Jay.

“The big thing always with our community is that people want to do and go above and beyond what everyone else is doing, so with our vendors and the themes that we have, that’s what we try to portray, go bigger and better, so instead of having a limo company we have an exotic car company that has Bentleys and Lamborghinis,” she told the media.

Attendees strolled through the stalls, sampling delicacies, looking for the most up-to-date wedding attire and décor, and some even hoping to land good bargains. Among the highlights of the day were the professionally choreographed fashion shows displaying the latest in bridal trousseau. Models draped in opulent saris and lehenga sets with cutout and patterned blouses took to the runway showcasing a collection that was an eclectic mix of ethnic and contemporary wear. Sporting the 60’s look with winged liners and intricate hairdos, models sashayed down the ramp to Bollywood classics wearing heavily embellished outfits in a myriad of colors.

From the gold smattered classic red to the soft, subtle, shimmery ivory, the wide ranging color palette also included pink, lilac, midnight blue, coral, fuchsia and peach. Attendees were treated to the latest trends in anarkalis, lehengas, saris and glamorous cocktail dresses.

Ornate embroidery like zardozi, kundan work, colored stones, beads and intricate threadwork formed most of the collection, which used fabrics like brocade, georgette, lace and velvet for that ultra luxurious look. Bold and dramatic metallic gold, kundan and diamond jewelry complemented the bridal wear.

For the grooms, multihued sherwanis in rich fabrics and tuxedos in black and grey were on display. The fashion, music and dance, which lasted close to two hours, commenced with a Kathak performance by Shalini Dance Academy and continued with performances by the Mona Khan Dance Company interspersed between the fashion show segments.

Shale and Patrick from Castro Valley, who will be tying the knot in July next year, won the “Raja/Rani Couple of the Year” sweepstake and will now receive a fully sponsored wedding for up to 200 guests. The contest invited prospective brides and grooms to share their love stories via video entries on social networks to win the giveaway.  “We had about 10,000 views, 6,000 likes and almost 1,000 comments on social media,” Jay told the media.

The event was emceed by Puneet Singh and Vishal Gurbuxani who kept the large crowds entertained. For the exhibitors, the popularity of the show and a chance to connect face-to-face with future customers helped improve their business prospects.

Chicago IL: Islamic Center of Naperville (ICN) held an “Open Mosque Day” on Sunday October 4th, 2015, opened its doors to people of all faiths, and provided a rich opportunity for two-way communication aimed at dispelling negative notions prevalent about Islam and spreading its real message of love, peace, and tolerance.

The event, in which a large number of mosques from across Chicago took part, was sponsored by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago and co-sponsored by Al-Furqan and Gain Peace.  “Even though Muslims in the US, a staggering three million, who are adequately educated and hold decent positions in different walks of life, are largely misunderstood by Americans. According to the recent Gallup Poll, nearly a third of Americans do not have a favorable opinion of Islam”, said Adil Fareed, President, ICN.

Fareed opined that a multi-million dollar Islamophobia network in the backdrop of brutality committed by extremist groups like ISIS combined with lack of engagements of Muslims in their local communities is responsible for this gross misunderstanding and negative image of Islam and Muslims.

“The more interactions between the communities, the more harmony it promotes. Islamophobia tears apart the communities while dialogues and interaction dispel prejudice and misconceptions and strengthen our societies, Fareed added.

Mir Rizwan Ali, Imam of ICN said that the event provided for meetings with the local imams and community members, participation in the Q and A sessions, high-quality presentations at different booths, and free distribution of Islamic literature in order to foster communication and open opportunities for dialogue. “I believe that many of the conflicts in the contemporary society can be minimized by putting in place a mechanism for continuous discussions”, he added.

Shoaib Khadri, Secretary, ICN said that the event proactively attempted to project the true teachings of Islam and to clear misconceptions that people may have of Islam through other sources.  “We identified the most common topics that people have questions on Islam like Women’s Rights, Extremism, Quran, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and set up booths to address questions related to these topics with knowledgeable volunteers who were able to explain in detail and answer questions.”

“I was all along under the spell of wrong propaganda about Islam and its followers. It was a pleasant surprise knowing that Islam is based on the egalitarian principles of Justice, Equality, Tolerance, Peace, and Progress. It was as if coming out of darkness into light”, opined many a guest belonging to different religions.

Rebecca Obarski, City Council, Naperville felt that the Open Mosque Day should not be a one-shot affair. She underlined the need for many such initiatives as one can find true picture of Islam directly from Muslims themselves rather than getting its distorted version from others. “Our society needs to internalize the reality that Muslims are also Americans and they are working hard for a better and more progressive America. Today’s event further consolidates this sentiment”, she added.

Roberto Ramirez, Founder/ CEO, Spanish Public Radio and a Mexico Community leader said that the event was an eye opener for him as he was not fully aware of teachings of Islam.  “We may follow different faiths but, we should strive to find the commonalities among them, and ultimately follow one religion, that is, humanity”, added Ramirez.

Shree Gurusamy, Executive Committee Member, Sri Balaji Temple, applauded the efforts of the ICN and called upon other faith-based organization to undertake similar outreach efforts in order to create a society which is well-informed and free from racial biases, prejudices, and stereotypes.

Purnima Nath, Founder and President, Spindle India, said that Islam’s main focus on the behavior of people, in terms of their good deeds, rather than on mere religious rituals, is one its worth-emulating hallmarks. Refreshments and samples of Muslim cultural cuisine were served to the participants.

ICN community, which comprises over 3500 families, representing India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Somalia, Iraq, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, etc., addresses the needs of Muslims as well as those who belong to other religions. It is a member of Naperville Interfaith Leaders Association. It also takes part in the activities of DuPage County.

Chicago IL: Harish Bhatt, president of the renowned Association of Indian Pharmacists in America (AIPHA), hosted an exciting 28th Annual Diwali Gala, with gaiety and fervor, on Saturday, October 3, 2015 in the Pearl Banquets, 1480 Lake St, Roselle, IL 60172. The event was attended by over 500 members, along with their families and friends. The occasion was also used to discuss latest trends in pharmaceutical industry as the Association believes in the adage that “work and pleasure should always go together”.

Monir Chaudhaury, Consul General of Bangladesh, who was Chief Guest at the event, said that with a strong presence of pharmacists of Indian origin, across length and breadth of the US, the role of AIPHA has assumed much greater importance. He congratulated Indian pharmacists for their association with the noble profession of pharmacy which provides, among other things, an opportunity to serve different sections of society.

Chaudhaury added that the annual event provides a rich opportunity to its members to network with co-professionals, to keep themselves abreast with latest developments in their domain, and, above all, to contribute to promotion of their cultural heritage by celebrating Diwali.

Harish Bhatt, President, AIPHA said that while a large majority of Indian pharmacists work in hospitals and provide high quality services to customers, a considerable number among them opt for entrepreneurship and set up pharmacies of their own. “They not only solve their own problem of unemployment but also that of others by creating additional employment opportunities”, he said with a sense of accomplishment.

Bhatt added that Indian pharmacists who set up their pharmacies in disadvantaged areas, cater to inadequately met health-related needs of people, and thereby address a socially-relevant challenge.

“On the occasion of Diwali, the festival which is linked to wealth and prosperity, we will make you a little more richer tonight by distributing checks towards the rebates generated by the Association by purchasing medicines in a collective fashion”, Bhatt made the announcement which was a pleasant surprise to the members. He thanked Mahendra “Mayo” Patel for long hours that he committed towards preparation of the checks.    .

Bhatt paid rich tributes to late Naren Patel, a renowned fellow pharmacist, who became a role model by combining professionalism and philanthropy. He congratulated his sons, Neal and Raj, wife, Sumitraben and sister, Binaben, for continuing the philanthropic initiatives of  Naren Patel. Raja krishnamoorthi, the Democratic Nominee and Dr. Madhuvanti Ghose from Art Institute of Chicago graced the occasion.

Key players from the US pharmaceutical industry, including Cardinal Drugs, Mckesson drugs, Hd Smith, Smith drugs, Windmill vitamins, Drip drop, Pharma logistics, DAA pharmacy software, Alpine drugs, Script pro robotics, who are vendors of AIPHA, also attended the event.

The event had support of a large number of eminent business houses who participated in the event by setting up booths and providing useful information about their new initiatives, emerging product lines, and future endeavors. A few booths which represented key players, committed to charity and to create health awareness, attracted the attention of the participants.

Classic Production promoted by the dynamic Mr. Kamlesh Bhuptani (Chaku) with over a decade of experience in providing quality entertainment worldwide. With more than a thousand shows staged across the globe, in USA, Canada, West Indies, London, Belgium, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Dar-e-salaam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana presented the melodious music program, presented by Sa Re Ga Ma Finalists, Vishwajeet Borwankar and Shivranjini Pandit added to festive mood of the participants at the event.

The celebration of Diwali included lighting of lamps and candles at the venue, signifying the triumph of light over darkness. The participants were seen wishing each other for prosperity and wealth. The event concluded with a delicious dinner, enjoyed by one and all. AIPHA, with its network of members across the US, has emerged as an important association of professionals.

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.