Youth Winning Big At US Open Tournament 2021

One year after the US Open Tournament was held behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic, the US Open made its triumphant return to the sporting scene, bringing spectators at full capacity and creating countless iconic moments that will forever be embedded in the fabric of US Open lore. One of the most prestigious in the sports arena held in New York during the weekend of September 11th, created history in every possible way.

The 2021 US Open women’s singles final represented the culmination of one of the most memorable fortnights of women’s tennis in recent memory, maybe in history. And when all was said and done, it was Emma Raducanu, from virtually out of nowhere, with a ranking of 150 and playing in just her second Grand Slam main draw, who brought it home.

Raducanu endeared herself to the New York faithful as she went on an improbable run for the ages. There was a fairy tale air to her stunning success. She was gracious, she was intelligent; thoughtful and keen to soak up and appreciate the moment with just the right mix of reverence and rebelliousness. In the end, Raducanu made legions of tennis fans stop and appreciate more than just her tennis. They reveled in the genuine joy that she exuded in her moment of triumph, as she lay on her back, hands covering her eyes as the Arthur Ashe Stadium cacophony washed over her in waves. And they were in awe of her composure and ability to beat back the pressure as she powered her way to an iconic NY moment that will be forever cherished.

Opposite her was the Nineteen-year-old Leylah Fernandez of Canada, who came in the spotlight at the U.S. Open in New York. She didn’t get the title, but boy did 19-year-old Leylah Fernandez win hearts and minds at this year’s US Open. The Canadian left her heart and soul on the court, and threw her iconic fist in the air with verve as she reeled off improbable victories over top-notch talents, one after the other to reach the final. Forged from grit, fire, determination, self-belief, Fernandez was a magnetic attraction for her rapidly growing fanbaseーas she caught fire, we got inspired. And the super southpaw saved her most special moment for last. Even heartbroken in defeat after losing in the final, Fernandez made a stirring tribute to the city of New York on 9/11 that will never be forgotten.

Fernandez, the daughter of an Ecuadorian father and Filipino-Canadian mother, told ESPN she credits her dad for inspiration. He’s been coaching her since she was 6 years old.  “Today he told me to go out there, have fun, fight for every ball, fight for every point,” she said.  “Today’s your first quarterfinals, don’t make it your last. Don’t make it your last match over here. Fight for your dream.”

A stunning coming of age that has been three years in the making occurred in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, September 12th as Russia’s Daniil Medvedev capped off the tournament by winning his first Grand Slam title two years after he had won over New York with his grit and swagger during his run to the 2019 final, which ended in a five-set loss to Rafael Nadal.

It feels like we are just at the start of an enduring relationship between Medvedev and the US Open. New York loves a winner, and Medvedev is proving to be just thatーhas now won 18 of his last 20 matches at the Open. Sunday’s feel-good Medvedev moment was colored nicely by the warm reception the crowd gave to Novak Djokovic. Though the Serb fell at the last hurdle in his Grand Slam quest, he was warmly applauded for his efforts, and the three-time champion, moved to tears, told the crowd that he had never felt so good in New York.

Setting the tone for teenagers on week one was a player with a streamlined game and a lust for battle the likes of which we have not seen from a teenager at the US Open in many years. Carlos Alcaraz didn’t come to New York to dip his toes into the shallow water, he came for a deep dive. Total immersion, self-believe an uncompromised lust for battle. It showed in the third round when the Spaniard toppled No.3-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas in a hotly contested battle in Arthur Ashe Stadium. The kid whipped the crowd into a frenzy, and they backed him with fervor in the Round of 16 as he defeated Peter Gojowczyk to become the youngest men’s singles quarterfinalist in US Open history.

“Tonight even though I have not won the match my heart is filled with joy because you made me feel very special,” Djokovic said as the crowd erupted. “You guys touched my soulーI’ve never felt like this in New York.”

An American Jew Turned Hindu Holy Woman Tells Her Story

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati quit her Ph.D. program, divorced her husband, moved to India and became a Hindu renunciate. In her new memoir she reveals a past life of sex abuse and bulimia. In September 1996, a young graduate student at Stanford University accompanied her seeker husband on a trip to the holy city of Rishikesh in India. A vegetarian who loved Indian food, she knew nothing about India or its central religious tradition: Hinduism. She had grown up Jewish. Hot and sweaty from a day of travel and wanting to cool off by the banks of the Ganges, which Indians call Ganga, she walked down to the river to dip her toes in the water Hindus revere as a goddess. What happened there — and at an ashram just a few feet away — was an intense spiritual experience, an awakening to the divine that changed her life forever. Bottom of Form

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, as she is now known (she does not reveal her given name), quit her Ph.D. program, divorced her husband and became a Hindu renunciate, someone who takes vows of chastity, simplicity and nonattachment. Now she’s written a memoir about her life — “Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation” — in which she reveals a less than happy Los Angeles childhood of sexual abuse at the hands of her father followed by the eating disorder bulimia. But most of the memoir is devoted to the 25 years she has spent at the Parmarth Niketan ashram in Rishikesh working alongside its president and spiritual leader, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati.

There she helped edit The Encyclopedia of Hinduism, a multivolume compendium conceived by Chidanand Saraswati and written by a group of international scholars. But she has also devoted herself to seva, a Sanskrit word meaning “selfless service.” Alongside her guru, the two have undertaken multiple humanitarian and environmental projects to alleviate poverty by installing toilets, building schools and health care clinics, and providing emergency relief after natural disasters. They also travel around the world to teach about Hinduism. Religion News Service spoke to Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati while she is in the U.S. to care for her mother, who suffered a stroke, as well to promote the memoir.  The interview has been condensed for length and clarity.

Why did you decide to write a memoir of your life? What did you want readers to take away from it?

I always knew I had a good story. White Jewish American, Stanford graduate, comes to India at 25 with a backpack because her husband is on a spiritual quest. She has a spiritual awakening, stays back and becomes a Hindu holy woman. That’s a story. But I wasn’t aware until recently about how important it was to tell in its fullness. For 25 years I’d been telling it as a five-minute story or as an 18-minute TED Talk. All the previous versions of this story began when I arrived in India. The only part of the pre-India they included was a 30-second summary of the life of privilege I came from. I realized it was a disservice to not share the full history. It would be of infinitely more value to people who struggle with addiction, depression, anxiety, abuse, abandonment, betrayal, to know I also struggled. That was really the motivation. I travel all over the world. I interact with people of every race, religion and culture. There’s this pervasive sense people have that they’re not worthy of grace, of deep joy and peace because of things that happened to them. I wanted people to know: Grace doesn’t discriminate. Not only had I had all those difficult and traumatic experiences. I wasn’t someone who meditated. I wasn’t a religious person. Nonetheless grace was there. That’s the message I wanted everyone to get.

When you talk about grace, a lot of people might think you mean the Christian concept of grace, a free gift usually associated with belief in Jesus. What do you mean by grace?

When I speak of grace, I’m talking about the sacred and pervasive intelligence of the universe, through which a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, through which a seed sprouts and becomes a tree, through which a flower opens its petals to the sun. There is a grace in the universe that is there for us if our hearts are open to it. I also think of grace as the experience of oneness with the divine, the energy through which we experience our oneness with the divine. When I had that powerful awakening on the banks of Ganga, it’s through grace that it happened: Grace flowed through me and opened my heart to that experience.

How common is it for women to become renunciates like you in the Hindu tradition? Are there others?

It’s quite uncommon but not unheard of. There are some lineages that have a lot of women, but you just don’t see them as publicly as you see the men. Percentage-wise it’s minuscule. What’s unusual is women renunciates who live in the man’s world, rather than in the equivalent of a nunnery.

Do you see other women following your path, coming to India on a spiritual exploration and taking up Hinduism?

In the overwhelming number of cases, those who come are touched and inspired and transformed by the culture and the tradition but do not change their religion because there’s nothing in Hinduism that says you have to change your tradition to benefit from this. The teachings are universal. They go back as more grounded, more anchored, more awake. They don’t become Hindus. Even for me there was never any sense of conversion. There’s never been a time when I was asked to leave behind any of my Judaism.

Did you know what the Ganges River — the Ganga — meant in Hinduism when you went there?

I had no idea that Ganga was holy. I didn’t know anything about Indian culture or Hinduism. What I knew was that it was a river and I knew there were mountains. I was always a nature person. I spent as much time in the mountains as I could. I read about Rishikesh in our Lonely Planet guidebook. I saw a river and mountains and I thought: That sounds really nice. When we got there, I was hot and tired. I wanted to put my feet in the river. I came down to the banks of Ganga not knowing anything about the sacredness of this river. It happened really suddenly and unexpectedly. I later learned Ganga is a goddess who lived in the heavens and came down to Earth in this form as a river. She came down to Earth to grant liberation to souls. About a third of India is fed by food grown in the Ganga River basin. So she’s the bringer of life and health as well as the bestower of liberation to souls. It’s also believed a bath in Ganga purifies us from sins we’ve committed in our ignorance. When we emerge from Ganga we are new. Our minds are purified. We have been shown the light and experienced liberation.

You write that your guru, Pujya Swami, is fighting to clean up the Ganga, which has been so badly polluted. Has it improved?

It’s improving but the population of India continues to expand. There’s a lot of great work being done that our central government leadership is doing around sustainable development. There’s still a lot of need for education. Because Ganga is the goddess, the idea that she is polluted or dirty is seen as a sacrilege. We’ve had to change our communication style. We talk about the trash that washes up on the banks of the river and gets eaten by cows and then the cows die. You have to educate people in a way that doesn’t negatively impact their religious sensibilities; otherwise they disregard it. People might buy a big bouquet of flowers to offer Ganga. They come to the banks of the river and they say their prayers and they’re full of piety and devotion. And then when they go to offer the flowers, they offer them in the plastic bag the flowers came in. Clearly they care, but they just don’t have the awareness to understand how that plastic bag so negatively impacts Ganga. That’s where we’ve had to change the messaging.

Is it harder to live in India nowadays because of the Hindu nationalism promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

While there has been a resurgence of a lot of aspects of fervor and vigor for the Hindu tradition, it hasn’t been in my experience exclusive or discriminatory against the other. When you’ve got a country of 1.3 billion people, the sheer number of representatives of the BJP government is huge. You’re going to have people say inflammatory things. You’re going to have people who are prejudiced and discriminatory. We’re getting a lot more access to information on what’s happening on the village level that we never had access to before. Now, every altercation and argument becomes something on social media. My feeling that a lot of this is being inflamed and portrayed in ways that are not true on some level and really exaggerated for reasons that have to do with people’s own agendas. I have seen no evidence in any of the platforms I’m on of increased discrimination against the other. What I am seeing is increasing pride in being Indian. There’s a renewed pride of being Indian or coming from India.

How do you see your future?

My prayer to God every day is simply, “May I be a vessel of your grace here on Earth.” It’s like St. Francis’ prayer — “Let me be an instrument of your peace.” The opportunity I have been given to be that vessel, whether purely logistical — in terms of all the charitable and humanitarian programs we run, free education, free vocational training, empowerment programs for women and girls, environmental and disaster relief work — or whether it’s on the spiritual healing level — of spiritual discourses, counseling, writing — it’s been such a blessing. I love India. I love Rishikesh. I love Mother Ganga. I love being in the lap of the Himalayas. I don’t know what’s going to happen in five or 10 years. The only thing I have control over is my own consciousness, my own intentions. If my intention is to be an energetic transmitter of love and peace, then whatever form love and peace are going to take, it feels like a great blessing. At the moment, I feel exactly where I am is the way and the place to have the biggest ripple impact on the planet.

Anu Natarajan To Lead Facebook’s $1 Billion Affordable Housing Initiative

Former Fremont, California Vice Mayor and city council woman Anu Natarajan has been named by Facebook to head up its affordable housing initiative, which will allocate $1 billion in grants over 10 years to housing projects in California. The Indian American former official came on board as project lead in July, after consulting on the initiative for more than a year. “The Covid pandemic has really put the spotlight on the lack of housing in the state, which has been 40 years in the making,” Natarajan told India-West.

A survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau between last November found that over two million renter households in California reported “little to no confidence” in their ability to pay next month’s rent. Federal and state moratoriums have staved off evictions through the pandemic, but those are due to expire next month. Moreover, only a small fraction of $47 billion in federal funds has actually been doled out to renters in need and small landlords. In California, almost 30 percent of renters pay more than half their salary in rent, and almost 40 percent of homeowners pay more than 30 to 50 percent of their incomes to mortgages, according to data from the California Budget and Policy Center.

California has more than half of all unsheltered homeless people in the country, with an estimated 108,432 people living on the streets. Los Angeles County alone is home to almost 58,000 homeless people, according to 2019 data from Housing and Urban Development. In San Francisco, a family of four making over $100,000 per year is considered low-income, said Facebook in a press release. Natarajan noted the lack of supply at all levels of housing: for every 100 jobs created in the state, only 30 housing units are created, on average. “Not in My Backyard” protests from existing residents, as well as the increasing costs of materials have made building new housing so much harder, she said.

The Facebook housing initiative was announced on Oct. 22, 2019. An initial round of funding — $150 million — was announced last December to create 2,000 units of housing for very low-income people. Facebook partnered with Destination Home, a nonprofit organization leading efforts to end homelessness in Santa Clara County, which contributed an additional $5 million to the fund. Natarajan said that funds were also allocated to help with technical assistance for California’s Project Homekey, an $800 million initiative which bought up existing hotels and motels to create 6,000 units of permanent housing for unsheltered people. (See earlier India-West story: https://bit.ly/38td7mU)

“The COVID crisis demands we all step up and do more to protect the most vulnerable. I challenge other private sector corporations to follow suit and provide additional low-cost capital to create thousands more homeless housing units all across California,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom, as Facebook announced the grant last December. Facebook’s next round of grants are expected to be announced sometime during the week of Aug. 30, according to Natarajan. The areas of most need in the state include the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire in Southern California.

Natarajan will also lead Facebook’s $25 million initiative to build teacher and essential worker housing on public land for school districts in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. The $1 billion initiative also allocates $250 million to a partnership with the State of California for mixed-income housing on excess state-owned land in communities where housing is scarce. This public-private partnership ensures that incremental new housing supply is brought to the market segments that need it most, said Facebook Chief Financial Officer David Wehner in a press statement.

Natarajan earned her master’s degree in Urban Design and Planning from the University of Washington. She served on the Fremont City Council from 2004 to 2014. She brings a three-pronged view to civic infrastructure development, considering the impact to climate change, addressing social justice concerns about equity in housing, and access to mobility and transportation.

Hillary Clinton Turns Thriller Writer with ‘State of Terror’

Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, following in the footsteps of her husband, has embarked on her journey as a thriller writer. ‘State of Terror’ is Hillary Clinton’s upcoming international political thriller, set in the “Byzantine” world of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. It takes off with a “baffling text from an anonymous source” received by an Indian American Foreign Service Officer, Anahita Dahir. Hillary, who was trumped in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, has co-authored the book with the New York Times best-seller Canadian novelist Louise Penny. The uncannily timed book, published by Simon & Schuster, is set to release on Oct. 12.

According to a preview of the novel available on the Simon & Schuster website, the story begins with the election of a new U.S. president, who appoints his political rival, Ellen Adams, as his secretary of state (Hillary, remember, had contested in the Democratic Party primaries against Barack Obama in the run-up to the 2008 elections). And then comes the text message to Dahir (who could be modelled after one of Hillary’s closest aides, Pakistani American Huma Abedin), which was actually a coded warning.

What follows is a series of terrorist attacks on American targets and the start of “an international chess game involving the … Byzantine politics of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran; the race to develop nuclear weapons in the region; the Russian mob; a burgeoning terrorist organization; and an American government set back on its heels in the international arena.” The last bit sounds too much like the present state of the Joe Biden administration. Pitted against this “intricate, carefully constructed conspiracy” are three individuals sucked into this explosive situation: the “passionate young FSO; a dedicated journalist; and a smart, determined, but as yet untested new secretary of state.”

Will they be able to save the world? To find the answer, one has to wait for the book to be out. Hillary’s collaborator, Penny, is best known for her Quebec-based mystery novels centered on the work of her fictional character, Francophone chief inspector Armand Gamache. Former U.S. president Bill Clinton’s last book as a thriller writer was ‘The President’s Daughter’, about a former president and ex-Navy SEAL, whose daughter is missing, which followed ‘The President is Missing’ (2018), both in collaboration with James Patterson, one of the world’s biggest-selling authors. It was released in June 2021.

Patterson, the former president’s collaborator, has written chart-topping books such as ‘Alex Cross’, ‘Michael Bennett’, ‘Women’s Murder Club’, ‘Maximum Ride’, and many other books spanning across genres, from romance to thrillers and non-fiction. Hillary, like her husband, has been a prolific writer, whose first book was the best-selling ‘It Takes A Village’ (1995), followed by many others on different subjects, including her account of her tenure as the 67th U.S. secretary of state, ‘Hard Choices’.

Pope Francis Rules Out Early Resignation

“Whenever a pope is ill, there is always a breeze or a hurricane of conclave,” the 84-year-old Francis quipped during the interview with Carlos Herrera of the Spanish radio COPE that aired Wednesday (Sept. 1). Later in the interview, the pope acknowledged that “the danger is always there” for his words to be interpreted mistakenly. “I don’t know where they got it from last week that I was going to resign!” Francis said, adding that the thought “didn’t even cross my mind.” Still, the pope voiced gratitude for the health professionals who treated him during his surgery and recovery. “Thank God it was taken in time, and here I am,” Francis said, noting that it was a Vatican nurse who first diagnosed the ailment that required surgery. “It is the second time in my life that a nurse has saved my life,” he said, recalling that a nurse in Argentina administered antibiotics for him when he was sick with the flu in 1957.

In an hour-long, wide-ranging interview, Pope Francis addressed the consequences of the U.S. retreat from Afghanistan, relations with China and his ongoing efforts to reform the Catholic Church, while dismissing rumors that he would be the second pope in eight years to resign. The rumors began circling in Italian and Latin American media outlets after a planned surgery on July 6 to remove part of his left colon and the following hospital stay of a total of 11 days. The pope will be traveling to Hungary and Slovakia Sept. 12-15 and is scheduled to visit Glasgow, Scotland, for the COP26 summit on the environment. Francis said he hopes the meeting of world leaders “will now raise its sights a bit and bring us more in line” with environmental goals, after the tepid reception of the Paris Agreement signed in 2016.

The pope also addressed the “difficult situation” in Afghanistan, which has spiraled into chaos after the retreat of U.S. troops in mid-August. Since then, the Catholic Church has been active in providing charitable aid and humanitarian corridors to help Afghans seeking a safe haven elsewhere. “Not all eventualities were taken into account here … or it seems, I don’t want to judge,” Francis said, suggesting that there may have been “a lot of deception perhaps on the part of the new authorities” in the war-torn country. The pope repeated his call for Catholic faithful to commit to “prayer, penance and fasting, which is what is asked for in moments of crisis.”

The pope quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin, though he mistakenly attributed his words to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, stating that “it is necessary to put an end to the irresponsible policy of intervening from outside and building democracy in other countries, ignoring the traditions of the peoples.” The misquoted words were “concise and conclusive,” the pope said, and rang with “wisdom.” A large part of the interview was dedicated to Francis’ financial and administrative reforms at the Vatican. His efforts, and those of his predecessors, will be enshrined in a long awaited apostolic constitution, “Praedicate Evangelium” (Preach the Gospel).“It’s nearly finished, but it got delayed with this thing about my illness,” the pope said, adding that people mustn’t hold their breath in the hopes of something new.

Asked whether the devil is responsible for the corruption being investigated at the Vatican, Francis said that “the devil runs around everywhere, but I’m most afraid of the polite devils.” On July 27, the Vatican began a trial against 10 individuals accused of fraud, money laundering and embezzlement, among other crimes. Among them is Cardinal Angelo Becciu, once the third-highest-ranking prelate at the Vatican.   “I hope with all my heart that he is innocent,” Francis said of Becciu, whom he stripped of his cardinal rights but not his title in September of last year. The pope said that he has regard for Becciu personally and views him as a collaborator, but that ultimately “justice will decide.” “I am not afraid of transparency or the truth. Sometimes it hurts, and a lot, but the truth is what sets us free,” the pope said about his decision to proceed in the trial. “Let’s hope that these steps we are taking in Vatican justice will help to make these events happen less and less,” he added.

He addressed the tensions surrounding his latest decree, “Traditionis Custodes,” which greatly restricted the celebration of the pre-Vatican II Mass in Latin. Explaining the process of discernment that preceded the document, the pope said that bishops found that the traditional Mass was being transformed “from a pastoral thing to ideology.” According to the pontiff, the old Latin rite was no longer serving communities in transition from an old way of doing things to the modern liturgy that emerged from the Second Vatican Council, but to indoctrinate young priests. “We had to react with clear norms,” Francis said, “clear norms that put a limit to those who had not lived that experience.”

The pope also briefly addressed the diplomatic relationship between the Vatican and China, which recently renewed a provisional agreement that also tackles the controversial issue of bishop appointments. “China is not easy, but I am convinced that we should not give up dialogue,” the pope said, while admitting that “you can be deceived in dialogue, you can make mistakes, all that … but it is the way.” Francis said that “slowly” progress has been made in the tense relationship with Beijing, “but these are also steps that can be questionable and the results on one side or the other.”

Thiru Vignarajah Named CEO Of Capital Plus Financial

Sri Lankan American Thiru Vignarajah, who recently fell short in the race for the Baltimore, Maryland, mayoral race last year, was named to a post in the financial industry. Vignarajah, the former federal and state prosecutor who has run high-profile campaigns for mayor of Baltimore and Baltimore City state’s attorney in recent years, Aug. 30 was named the chief executive officer at Capital Plus Financial, a community development financial institution and subsidiary of Crossroads Systems, Inc.

“Thiru’s personal journey and record of leadership and service embody the values that define Capital Plus,” former Capital Plus Financial CEO Eric Donnelly, who will remain CEO of the holding company, Crossroads Systems Inc., said in a statement. “It is hard to imagine a better person to help write the next chapter of our remarkable story.” Capital Plus bills itself as a company dedicated to closing the wealth gap in the U.S., according to a local Patch report.

The company said its loan portfolio balance grew to more than $130 million over the past year, and that it helped small businesses survive the pandemic by approving nearly 480,000 federal Paycheck Protection Program loans amounting to $7.6 billion, more than 80 percent of which went directly to companies and independent contractors of color, the report notes.

“Capital Plus has emerged as a national leader in tackling the barriers that fuel the racial wealth gap, from access to capital and low financial literacy to discrimination in mortgage lending and lack of credit history,” Vignarajah said in a statement. “This is a pioneering community financial institution that is not just talking about these longstanding problems, but finding ways to solve them. I am honored by the opportunity to build on this success and continue this mission-driven work,” he said.

Virat Kohli Wins Max In SENA Countries After Triumph At The Oval

India captain Virat Kohli achieved a remarkable milestone on Monday. As India defeated England in the fourth Test by 157 runs at The Oval, he became the Asian captain with most number of wins (6) in SENA countries. He is already the most successful Indian Test captain, having surpassed MS Dhoni in 2019. Over the course of his captaincy career, Kohli has recorded three Test wins in the UK, two in Australia and one in South Africa. Former Pakistan captains Javed Miadad and Wasim Akram had won four matches each in SENA countries.

India defeated England by 157 runs in the fourth Test at The Oval to take an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the five-match series. England began the final day at 77/0, needing 291 runs to win. Openers Haseeb Hameed and Rory Burns got to their fifties but once they were dismissed, it was all downhill for England. In the second session, England lost four wickets for six runs en route to losing 6 for just 62 runs. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, two wickets each, were the wreckers-in-chief in that afternoon session, cleaning up England’s middle-order with a fuss. At the end, it was Umesh Yadav’s three-for that cleaned up England’s tail and sealed a famous win for India. Amidst all this, let’s not forget Shardul Thakur’s brace, which included the all-important scalps of Burns and Joe Root.

Over the course of his captaincy career, Kohli has recorded three Test wins in the UK, two in Australia and one in South Africa. Kohli now also holds the record of most Test win by an Asian captain in and against England. With the victory at The Oval on Sunday, Kohli surpassed the likes of Imran Khan, Javed Miadad, Kapil Dev, Misbah-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram to achieve this feat.

Asian Captains with most Test wins in and against England
Virat Kohli 3
Imran Khan 2
Javed Miadad 2
Kapil Dev 2
Misbah-ul-Haq 2
Wasim Akram 2

Dr. Vemuri S. Murthy: A Global Champion Of Resuscitation Medicine

World Heart Day is being observed on September 29th this year with the objective of raising awareness of heart disease and promoting “Healthy Heart” lifestyles. “Human heart disease is the number one Global Public Health problem,” says Dr. Vemuri S. Murthy. He is an advocate of Community and Physician resuscitation education. And training for more than three decades in the USA and India. “It is disheartening to see patients with reversible health conditions die suddenly due to lack of both Community Health Awareness and Timely Emergency Care based on Evidence-based Resuscitation Practices”.

An alumnus of Guntur Medical College, Guntur and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (General Surgery), and a former Chairman of Anesthesiology Department at West Suburban Medical Center, Oak Park, Illinois, as a “Pioneer of Resuscitation Medicine in India” Dr. Murthy hailed. Also the reputed leader of organized medicine in the USA, Dr. Murthy has served as the President of the Chicago Medical Society and the Indian American Medical Association, Illinois.

Heart disease Indian CPR ProjectAffiliated with various US medical organizations and institutions, the soft-spoken Dr. Murthy is a Resuscitation Educator and Researcher, Advisor to Resuscitation Training Centers, Champion of Community Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and a Leader of US Organized Medicine.  His Mission has been “Saving Lives” in Sudden Cardiac Arrests and common heart issues.

Global evidence-based and heart disease newspaper articles information has proven that Bystander CPR is life-saving in sudden cardiac arrest. The latter can be recognized by the sudden collapse of the person without any breathing, pulse, or consciousness.   According to the articles about the heart of the American Heart Association, there are more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually in the U.S. Nearly 90% of them are fatal. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival. Heart attack news articles say that in the majority of cases, immediate Hands-only CPR may have similar survival outcomes. And it is comparable to the conventional CPR performed with both chest compressions and breaths.

Dr. Murthy is a guide and co-investigator of a ground-breaking Indian Resuscitation Research Project and Cardiac Arrest Registry, Warangal Area Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Registry 2018, based on an international format. He contributed to “CPR” and “Women’s Heart Health” videos and educational articles in news media and actively involved with Indo-US collaborated comprehensive Cardiac Care Projects.

Quoting evidence-based studies done, Dr. Murthy, a past President of the Chicago Medical Society and current adjunct faculty in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, points to the fact that South Asians are at a four-times greater risk of heart disease than their Western counterparts and have a greater chance of having a heart attack before 50 years of age. Heart attacks strike South Asian Men and Women at younger ages. As a result, both morbidity and mortality are higher among them compared to any other ethnic group. They tend to develop heart disease ten years earlier than other groups.

Heart disease Dr. VemuriThe Founder of Chicago Medical Society’s Community CPR Project Saving More Illinois Lives through Education (SMILE,) Dr. Murthy, takes upon himself the life-long mission of saving lives through effective preventive measures. He says, “Almost one in three among South Asians may die from heart disease before 65 years of age.”

What causes heart problems in India? Heart disease remains the number one cause of death. Common risk factors are smoking and a diet high in sugar, salt, refined grains, and fat. A large number of South Asians appear to have “insulin resistance”, a condition in which the body does not utilize insulin efficiently, resulting in Diabetes, which leads to a significant number of heart-related problems and serious heart conditions. Lack of adequate exercise, stress, and genetic predisposition are also contributing factors,” adds Dr. Murthy, a distinguished Chicago Physician.  Illinois offers Project SMILE programs at various community events. International dignitaries, Members of the US Congress, Illinois Governor, and Legislators, and Indian Consul Generals commend it by.

A Visiting Professor of Indian Medical Universities, Dr. Murthy has been promoting resuscitation courses for nearly three decades in India. Indian Instructor Faculty trains thousands of physicians, medical students, and nurses with his guidance. He pioneered an “Indian Medical University Resuscitation Education and Training Model” at Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Andhra Pradesh (2012). He conducted simulation-based advanced Resuscitation Workshops with international faculty and guided mass community CPR events. He chaired several Resuscitation Conventions in India and organized workshops at prestigious Indian Medical Institutions such as AIIMS, New Delhi.

Heart disease Vemuri S MurthyDr. Murthy served the American Heart Association in different capacities. Such as National and International Faculty, Member of the International Committee, and Advisor to AHA International Training Centers, Also as  AHA Liaison to Medical Organizations in the USA too. He co-chaired programs at the AHA Scientific Sessions and delivered Resuscitation-based lectures at prestigious US medical institutions.

He also contributed to AHA’s “Saving Children’s Lives” project in Gujarat, India.  AHA leadership recognized his decades of service: “For Volunteer Leadership in Support of Lifesaving Mission of the AHA and its Emergency Cardiovascular Care Programs”. Dr. Murthy has been actively involved with AAPI as the Chairman of the “AAPI-AHA Liaison Committee”, “Global Resuscitation Committee”, and “Editorial Board Advisor” of the peer-reviewed Journal of AAPI (JAAPI). He also initiated an International AAPI Webinar Continuing Medical Education (CME) program (2020), an IAMA, IL Community CPR Project (2015), and an Indo-US CPR Research Project involving Resident Physicians from US Medical Universities (2016).

In a recent interview for a heart health article 2020, Dr. Vemuri Murthy shared his thoughts and concerns regarding the current status of the out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and diminishing bystander resuscitation help during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Bystander CPR with Defibrillation is a Blessing of Contemporary Medicine enhancing the survival of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Victims. Saving Lives with Best Practices should be the top Healthcare Priority for every Nation,” says Dr. Murthy, who hails from the state of Andhra Pradesh. He has devoted his entire life towards learning and sharing his knowledge and expertise with the noble cause of Heart Education.   Dr. Vemuri Murthy’s contributed to Global Health, Resuscitation Medicine, and Community Service. And this have been widely recognized through the numerous awards and recognitions that have been bestowed on him.

Dr. Murthy was honored with a Medal from US Congressmen as “Global Champion of Resuscitation,” “Lifetime Achievement Award” and “Distinguished Physician Award” from the Indian American Medical Association, Illinois.”

Chicago Medical Society gave the “Henrietta Herbolsheimer Public Service Award” and “Leadership Award” to Dr. Murthy. Also, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin bestowed on him the “Pioneer of Resuscitation Medicine in India” and “Most Distinguished Service” Awards. And, he received the “Global Champion of Health Award” from the Global Health Consortium, USA and the “Paul Harris International Service Award” from the Rotary Club and “Global Humanitarian Award” from The Institute of Medicine of Chicago “for providing voluntary, longstanding, and International Humanitarian Health Services” along with commendations from Indian Medical Universities and Medical Societies such as Indian Medical Association and Cardiological Society of India.

Indeed, Dr. Vemuri S. Murthy is truly a “Global Champion of Resuscitation Medicine!”

Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, First South Asian From Middlesex County In The New Jersey General Assembly

New Jersey’s Asian population has experienced remarkable growth within the last decade. According to census data released earlier this month, about 1.05 million New Jersey residents, slightly more than 11% of the state’s population, identified as either partially or entirely Asian. This striking 44% increase from the 725,726 who identified as Asian in the 2010 census prompts the question of whether the state government has changed to reflect new demographics. In fact, Asian candidates would need to win seven more seats in the Assembly and two or three more in the Senate for their representation to align with the state’s demographics. Nonetheless, there are those in the state government already leading the way to greater representation. Most recently, Assemblyman Sterley Stanley (D-Middlesex) joined State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) and Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson) as the third Indian American to be elected to the state legislature.

Stanley won his 18th District Assembly seat in a Special Election in January 2021, becoming the first South Asian to represent Middlesex County in the New Jersey Legislature. Stanley defeated fellow Democrat, Edison Councilman Joe Coyle by a vote of 189-136, a 58%-42% margin, according to the Middlesex County Democratic Organization. The seat became vacant when former Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin resigned after being sworn in as the new Middlesex County Clerk.Endorsed by the Middlesex County Democratic Organization, Assemblyman Stanley was sworn in on January 27th, 2021. Stanley serves as a member of the Assembly Committee On Law And Public Safety and as a member of the Assembly Committee On Health. “I am honored to serve the residents of the 18th district and eager to roll up my sleeves to address the needs of our wonderful, diverse district and state,” Stanley said in a statement after being sworn in as an Assemblyman. “The events of the past year have shown us the danger of divisive forces, but they have also shown us the strength and necessity of collaboration. Truly listening to one another will allow us to better understand the issues and each other and to develop and implement nuanced, detailed solutions that reflect every community’s situation.”

Prior to being selected to fill the seat, Stanley served two terms as an East Brunswick Councilman. While on the East Brunswick Council, he advocated for fiscal responsibility, economic redevelopment and community building programs. The 54-Year-old Stanley was re-elected to his East Brunswick Council seat by 5,137 votes in 2020 against Republican Suzanne Blum and served as Council President in 2019 and 2020. During his time as councilman, the council and mayor’s administration “stabilized East Brunswick taxes without a reduction in services; re-established the East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce; strengthened community relations with law enforcement; maintained a strong relationship with the public school district; and focused on delivering ratables through redevelopment.” Stanley won the Democratic primary this past June and will run in the general election in November 2021 for a full two-year term. The 18th District has the highest percentage of Asian Americans of any legislative district in the state, and Middlesex, Stanley’s home county, has the largest Asian population in the state, at 237,945 residents. In addition to East Brunswick and Edison, the 18th District includes Helmetta, Highland Park, Metuchen, South Plainfield And South River – all Middlesex municipalities. NJ State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, while welcoming Stanley into the Assembly Democratic Caucus, stated, “Sterley is a true and dedicated public servant who distinguished himself as a two-term East Brunswick Councilman and he makes history as the first South Asian Assemblyman from Middlesex County. I look forward to working with Assemblyman Stanley as we seek to advance our shared priorities of protecting the middle class and our most vulnerable residents.”

Stanley was born in the State of Karnataka, India and immigrated to Brooklyn, NY at a young age.  For the last 21 years, he has called East Brunswick his home. While living there, he has worked in the finance industry as a title and life insurance agent, as well as a mortgage broker. Stanley is a proud father of three children and has been actively involved in the Middlesex County community, previously serving as a Trustee of the Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church in East Brunswick and as President of the Fox Meadow Condominium Association. State Sen. Patrick Diegnan (D-South Plainfield) was among those who had supported the then East Brunswick Councilman Sterley Stanley for the Assembly Seat. “I’m supporting Sterley Stanley,” he said. “He’s a good guy and he works with me all the time.” At a February 8th meeting, the East Brunswick town council honored Stanley’s four years of local service. At the meeting, Stanley stated that one of his proudest achievements as Council President was helping to ensure that the governing body functioned as a cohesive unit. “We might have had differences of opinion and we have differences in the way we solve things, but at the end of the day, we all got together and did what was best for the Township,” Stanley said. “I feel honored now to not just represent East Brunswick, but the whole 18th District, and all seven towns that are there,” he said.

Stanley said he looks forward to applying everything he has learned in the last four years on the council and everything he has achieved in the township and bring it to the State level. “It is a true privilege to represent the people of District 18 and The State Of New Jersey,” said Stanley.  “I am committed to serving the residents and I look forward to working with my Assembly colleagues to best address the needs of this wonderful, diverse district and state. It is important, to me, to ensure all voices are heard so that we can work together in harmony and maintain a strong, united community.” During his time as Councilman, Stanley’s efforts to help establish a redevelopment agency were well received by the public.  Through town halls and other outreach efforts, he has always encouraged residents to actively participate in the process and prioritized working with them. In another collaborative initiative, he worked with the East Brunswick Police Department to strengthen dialogue around cultural diversity within the community. Stanley is generally committed to “establishing open lines of communication” and to strengthening the relationships between state legislators and each town’s administration, municipal chairs and committee persons. He intends to “always be available to listen to their issues and provide support,” hoping to “work at the state level to promote transparency and community engagement.”

“Our main streets are the backbone of our community and I will work to move past the current economic crisis to ensure that local businesses thrive,” Stanley declared. “I will help with identifying areas in need of redevelopment and take action to bring more responsible economic growth to create local, sustainable, good-paying jobs, while ensuring the same access to opportunity for all by enacting legislation that builds bridges for all.” “The issues we confront are not simple, but I deeply believe that they are not insurmountable if we understand their complexity and commit to respecting the perspectives that our fellow community members and leaders bring to the table.”

Mother Teresa’s Birth Anniversary Celebrated

Millions of people around the globe celebrated the birth anniversary of Mother Teresa. Sister Mary Prema, Superior General of Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by Saint Teresa, lit candles as members of the Congregation prayed by her tomb in Kolkata, India, Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. Thursday marked the birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who spent 45-years serving the poor, the sick, the orphaned, and the dying. Founder of Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910. She left her home when she was mere 18 and devoted most part of life working for poor and downtrodden. The missionary founded by her looks after people who are dying of HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis. In 1950, she started her own order, “The Missionaries of Charity” after receiving nod from the Holy See. The primary task of the society was to care for those persons nobody wanted to look after. Fifteen years later, the society became an International Religious Family.

Mother Teresa also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, but her original name was Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu. The word “Anjeze” means “a little flower” in Albanian. In 1928, when Mother Teresa was just 18 years old, she left her family to devote her life into social service. She had joined the Sisters of Loreto at Loreto Abbey in Rathfarnhan, Ireland to learn English with the view of becoming a missionary. She never saw her mother or sister after leaving home. Mother Teresa arrived in India in 1929, when she was mere 19. She spent most of her life in India. Mother Teresa was baptized in Skopje a day after her birth. She later started to consider the day of her baptised, August 27, as her “true birthday”.

After arriving in India, Mother Teresa began her novitiate (the period of training and preparation that a Christian novice or member of a religious order undergoes prior to taking vows in order to discern whether he or she is called to vowed religious life) in Darjeeling. Mother Teresa learned Bengali and taught at St. Teresa’s School near her convent. She took her religious vows on May 24, 1931 and chose to be named after Therese de Lisieux, the patron saint of missionaries. Though a nun in the convent had already chosen the name, Agnes opted for its Spanish spelling – Teresa. Mother Teresa was disturbed by the poverty surrounding her in Calcutta. On September 10, 1946, Mother Teresa experienced what she later described as “the call within the call” when she travelled by train to the Loreto Convent in Darjeeling from Calcutta for her annual retreat.

Mother Teresa began missionary work with the poor in 1948. She replaced her traditional Loreto habit with a simple white cotton sari that had a blue border. Mother Teresa adopted Indian citizenship. She also spent several months in Patna to attain basic medical training at Holy Family Hospital and ventured to slums. In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation. While teaching poor children in Calcutta, Mother Teresa did not have any supplies or equipment to impart knowledge, yet she managed to teach the children to read and write by writing in the dirt with wooden stick

Mother Teresa rescued 37 children trapped in a front line hospital by brokering a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Palestine. Accompanied by Red Cross workers, she traveled through the war zone to the destroyed hospital to evacuate the young patients. She was fluent in 5 languages – English, Hindi, Bengali, Albanian, and Serbian. During her humanitarian missions, Mother Teresa suffered from numerous diseases and injuries. She had pneumonia, malaria, suffered two heart attacks, and even broke her collar bone. She worked for orphans, AIDS patients, refugees, blind, disabled, alcoholics, poor, homeless, victims of floods and epidemics and famine. Mother Teresa received more than 120 honors and awards during her lifetime including the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize in 1962 and Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Mother Teresa was canonized at a ceremony on September 4, 2016 in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City.

New York has her first ever woman Governor

Kathy Hochul was sworn in as New York’s first-ever female governor of the state of New York, on August 25, 2021, as the state prepares to move on from the decade-long tenure of the embattled Andrew Cuomo. After Cuomo’s resignation became official at 11:59 p.m.. At 12:01 a.m, by the state’s chief judge, Janet DiFiore, Hochul has sworn as first woman Governor of New York. Tuesday in the State Capitol in Albany.

First Woman Governor of New York “I’ll tell New Yorkers I’m up to the task. And I’m really proud to be able to serve as their governor and I won’t let them down,” she said. Hochul’s ascent to the top job was a history-making moment in a capital. Where women have only recently begun chipping away at a notoriously male-dominated political culture. Kathy Hochul, serving as New York’s lieutenant governor, has catapulted into the national spotlight when Gov. Andrew Cuomo abruptly announced his resignation amid a growing sexual harassment scandal 2 weeks ago.

A more formal ceremonial swearing-in took place Tuesday at 10 a.m. Along with Hochul’s family members and the state’s two other top politicians, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, in attendance as she took the oath of office. “This is an emotional moment for me. But it is one that I’ve prepared for,” the first woman Governor of New York said afterward. The trio of top politicians in Albany has for decades been known as the “three men in a room,” famous for cutting closed-door deals on legislative and budget matters. With Hochul joining Stewart-Cousins in top posts, the dynamic now becomes two women and a man.

For the first time, a majority of the most powerful figures in the New York state government will be women, including state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Attorney General Letitia James, and the chief judge, DiFiore. The state Assembly is led by a man, Speaker Carl Heastie. Hochul, the first woman Governor of New York said she was meeting with the pair right after the swearing-in. And told reporters she’d also spoken with President Joe Biden and they discussed a “number of issues”. “He pledged his full support for my administration,” she said. Also, Hochul said that she is ready to lead New York, which is still battling the Covid pandemic. Also is in the midst of a fragile economic recovery.

Hochul, the first woman Governor of New York, 62, is the ninth woman currently serving as a governor across the United States, which ties a record set in 2004. Also,  she made her first formal address as governor Tuesday afternoon. There she laid out her priorities, including a mask mandate and a vaccine requirement for all school personnel. Along “with an option to test out weekly, at least for now” .“As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession. I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor,” she said. Cuomo’s resignation comes after an independent investigation. It has overseen by state Attorney General Letitia James. Thus concluded there was credible evidence he’d sexually harassed at least 11 women.

In his farewell remarks, Cuomo struck a defiant tone, saying the attorney general’s report that triggered his resignation has designed to be “a political firecracker on an explosive topic, and it did work. Also, there was a political and media stampede,” he said. Cuomo’s resignation won’t end his legal problems. Also, an aide who said Cuomo groped her breast has filed a complaint with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office. Separately, Cuomo was facing a legislative investigation into whether he misled the public about COVD-19 deaths in nursing homes to protect his reputation as a pandemic leader. Even, improperly got help from state employees in writing a book that may net him $5 million.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday said, he spoke to Hochul and he has “full confidence” that she will create a “professional and capable administration.” New York’s junior U.S. senator, Kirsten Gillibrand said that Hochul will be an “extraordinary governor.” “She understands the complexities and needs of our state having been both a congresswoman and having been lieutenant governor for the last several years,” Gillibrand said.

“She is ready and able and capable of being an extraordinary first woman Governor of New York. Also, I look forward to supporting her and helping her as she turns towards governing our state, in a very difficult and challenging time,” the senator said. In 2011, Hochul has elected to Congress in a largely Republican district that spanned from Buffalo to Rochester, according to the Times profile.

Hochul became the first Democrat to represent the district in 40 years. And her victory has viewed as a referendum on Republican plans led by Paul Ryan, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, to bankrupt Medicare, according to her campaign website. After Hochul has defeated in her campaign for reelection to Congress in 2012. she has tapped by Cuomo to be his running mate during his first reelection campaign as governor.

Hochul will need to quickly build her own team of advisers to steer the administration for at least the next 16 months. Hochul, who said she didn’t work closely with Cuomo. And hasn’t aware of the harassment allegations before they became public. Then he has vowed no one will ever call her workplace “toxic”. “I have a different approach to governing,” Hochul said Wednesday. Adding, “I get the job done because I don’t have time for distractions, particularly coming into this position.”

Dr. George M. Abraham, President Of ACP, Praised By AAPI Leadership

It is matter of great pride for all of us that Dr. George Abraham has been elected president of American College of Physicians (ACP) the largest association of American internal medicine physicians with a membership of nearly 170,000 physicians,” said Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) the largest ethnic medical association in the United States.

A resident of Shrewsbury, MA, Dr. Abraham is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Chief of Medicine and Emeritus President of the Medical staff at Saint Vincent Hospital, and Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services.

Prior to his term as President-elect, he recently served as Chair of ACP’s Board of Governors and as Governor of ACP’s Massachusetts Chapter prior to that. Dr. Abraham is a Fellow of ACP (FACP), an honorary designation that recognizes ongoing individual service and contributions to the practice of medicine. Dr. Abraham had served as a WHO fellow in HIV disease in Uganda, as well as an ID fellow at the Communicable Disease Center in Singapore. In the past, he has volunteered with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity, and also has led medical mission trips to rural Louisiana and Mexico, with his church.

Several AAPI leaders and past Presidents of AAPI, including Dr. Naresh Parikh and Dr. Narendra Kumar, who hails from the same state of Kerala in India as Dr. Abraham, have expressed their congratulations to Dr. Abraham. Dr. Kumar said, “In its long 105 years history, George Abraham is the first physician of Indian origin to have this honor and lead ACP. We express our congratulations, want to wish him the very best and offer our support in his endeavors.”

“The election of Dr. George Abraham to be the President of ACP is a testament to the leadership qualities, vision and passion Indian American physicians have come to be asscociuated with in the United States,” added Dr. Naresh Parikh. “I am proud of our community of Indian physicians for all the progress that we have made over the years,” said Dr. Kusum Punjabi, Chair of AAPI BOT. “In patient care, administration, leadership, or academics, we have excelled in the respective fields, holding important positions across the United States and the world.”

Dr. Ravi Kolli, President-Elect of AAPI, that represents over 100,000 physicians of Indian origin in the United States, said, “We are proud of Dr. Abraham and his many accomplishments and look forward to working with him and ACP, as the nation and the entire world seeks to find best possible solutions to tackle the pandemic that has taken the lives of millions of people around the world.”

Lauding Dr. Abraham “who has been a key advocate on Covid and infectious diseases,” Dr. Anjana Samadder, Vice President of AAPI said, “Dr. Abraham’s commitment, ethics, quiet leadership style and impeccable credentials make him the smart choice for this leadership role.” “Dr. Abraham represents the over 100,000 Indian American physicians,” Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Secretary of AAPI said. “Having a wide range of experiences and passion for science-based approach, Dr. Abraham will bring in new perspectives to the many healthcare issues that require immediate attention and concrete action plan to tackle the pandemic.”

Dr. Krishan Kumar, Treasurer of AAPI, while offering fullest cooperation from the Indian American Physician community, said, “We at AAPI, look forward to working closely with Dr. Abraham and ACP, especially in our collective efforts to end this deadly pandemic.” George M. Abraham, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA, has been named President of the American College of Physicians (ACP) representing nearly 170,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. His term began on May 2nd at the conclusion of ACP’s Annual Business Meeting.

Dr. Abraham earned his medical degree from the Christian Medical College in India and has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.  He completed his internal medicine residency and chief residency at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester and then earned an MPH in Infectious Disease Epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Medical Specialties in Infectious Disease. He is also certified by the American Board of Ambulatory and Urgent Care Medicine, and the American Association of Medical Review Officers. Dr. Abraham’s areas of professional interest and expertise include internal medicine and infectious disease.

Dr. Abraham has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, as well as at national and international meetings. He has also written prolifically on issues of public health in the media. He has lectured on healthcare issues throughout Central Massachusetts. Dr. Abraham is a past-president of the Worcester District Medical Society. He also serves as a Trustee of the Massachusetts Medical Society, as the Secretary/Treasurer for the American College of Physicians and as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. Additional memberships include the American College of Physicians (where he is a Fellow), the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society.

As the Medical Director of Central MA Independent Physician Association (CMIPA) for 7 years, till 2012, he has worked extensively on health IT, quality management and care coordination issues. Dr. Abraham is a past-president of the Worcester District Medical Society. He also serves as a Trustee of the Massachusetts Medical Society, as the Governor-Elect for the American College of Physicians and as the Immediate Past-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. Additional memberships include the American College of Physicians (where he is a Fellow), the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society. Dr. Abraham, who maintains a practice at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, MA, also volunteers at a number of free clinics in the city of Worcester.

“Dr. Abraham has been an integral physician leader at Saint Vincent Hospital for years and his work during the COVID-19 pandemic was invaluable,” said Saint Vincent Hospital CEO Carolyn Jackson. “The Saint Vincent Hospital team is proud of Dr. Abraham and his contributions to the medical community and the patients we care for. He is incredibly deserving of this appointment and will serve the American College of Physicians well.” Founded in 1915 to promote the science and practice of medicine, and since then has supported internists in their quest for excellence, American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. With the mission to enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine. ACP is a diverse community of internal medicine specialists and subspecialists united by a commitment to excellence.

The growing influence of physicians of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in the healthcare, academic, research and administrative positions across the nation. Serving 1 in every 7 patients in the US, AAPI members care for millions of patients every day, while several of them have risen to hold high flying jobs, shaping the policies and programs and inventions that shape the landscape of healthcare in the US and around the  world. For more details on AAPI, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

Attorney Sanjay Wadhwa Named Deputy Director of SEC’s Enforcement Division

The Securities and Exchange Commission has announced the appointment of Sanjay Wadhwa as deputy director of the Division of Enforcement. The Indian American attorney most recently served as the senior associate director of the Division of Enforcement in the New York Regional Office, where he managed more than 150 personnel in enforcing federal securities laws. His new role is effective immediately, said the SEC press release on August 18th.

“Over the hundreds of investigations he has overseen, Sanjay has helped the SEC root out wrongdoing, pursue charges against those who seek to manipulate or defraud investors, and partner with criminal authorities to prosecute bad actors,” said SEC chair Gary Gensler. “Sanjay’s breadth of experience and dedication to protecting investors make him well qualified to serve as deputy director of the Enforcement Division. I look forward to working with him in his new role.” “Sanjay brings a tenacious approach to our work, and he is passionate about protecting American investors,” said Gurbir Grewal, the SEC’s Director of Enforcement. “I am eager to work closely with him in his new role.”

“It has been an honor to serve alongside the SEC’s esteemed Enforcement staff for the past 18 years,” said Wadhwa. “I look forward to working with Gurbir and the entire Enforcement Division to oversee investigations and litigation matters to help protect investors and promote integrity in the marketplace by holding wrongdoers accountable.” Wadhwa joined the SEC as a staff attorney in 2003. As co-head of Enforcement in the SEC’s New York office, he was responsible for the day-to-day functions of that office’s enforcement program. He also previously served in additional roles in the Enforcement Division, including deputy chief of the Market Abuse Unit and assistant director in NYRO. Prior to joining the SEC in 2003, Wadhwa served as a tax associate at Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Wadhwa has a B.B.A. from Florida Atlantic University, a J.D. from South Texas College of Law Houston, and an LL.M. in taxation from New York University School of Law.

“Food Without Fear,” A Book By Dr. Ruchi Gupta Presents A Groundbreaking Approach To Food Allergies And Sensitivities

One in five people in the United States have food intolerances or sensitivities, and while these can be debilitating, they are chronic and can also be life-threatening in the long-term. Every day, more than five hundred people in the US go to the emergency room following a bad allergic reaction to food; 1 in 10 people have food allergies — and they are acute, alarming, and can be life-threatening. These are just a few of the statistics that prove what most of us know anecdotally. Food allergies are on the rise. But allergy itself is just the tip of the iceberg — and it’s not just a problem for kids. There is a whole spectrum of food-related conditions, including sensitivities, intolerances, and challenges.

The spectrum of these ailments is wide and deep, with many tricky “masqueraders” in the mix creating confusion, potential misdiagnoses, and faulty or poor treatment, and causing immeasurable suffering for millions of people. Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a world-renowned researcher and physician on the front lines of this silent epidemic, in her first book, shares revolutionary research from her lab to address the entire spectrum of food-related health conditions.

“FOOD WITHOUT FEAR: Identify, Prevent, and Treat Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities,” a newly released book by Dr. Ruchi Gupta, an young and talented Indian American, illuminates what she has coined the food reaction spectrum—a revolutionary way to look at food-related conditions—and offers a new approach to managing adverse responses to food with a practical plan to end the misery and enjoy eating with ease.

Considered as the very first book to identify the entire spectrum of food-related health conditions, from allergy to sensitivity, and what we can do about it, Dr. Gupta, a professor of pediatrics and medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a clinical attending at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, promises hope, help, and food freedom to the individuals and their families who so need it. In FOOD WITHOUT FEAR you’ll learn the STOP method, a way for families to track their symptoms and gain the tools to identify, manage, and treat their unique condition to prevent future reactions.

With more than 17 years of experience as a board certified pediatrician and health researcher and currently serving as the founding director of the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR) at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Dr. Gupta known to be a curating revolutionary researcher, this young Indian American’s panoramic view debunks common myths, such as the misconception that an allergy and an intolerance are the same thing, but both can have life-threatening consequences, and she empowers you to know what questions to ask your doctor to get the correct diagnosis.

In the book, Dr. Gupta details: The differences between an allergy and an intolerance or sensitivity; What “masqueraders” are and how to identify them; Which health conditions are mistaken for food allergies—or can be triggered by them; The surprising allergies on the rise (think red meat and exercise; and, The issues with allergen labeling on food and drugs FOOD WITHOUT FEAR’s assessments, information on the most up-to-date treatments, and practical tips will help welcome anyone suffering from food-related health conditions back to the table.

The book has won excellent reviews from well-known authors. David Perlmutter, MD, Fellow, American College of Nutrition, author, #1 New York Times bestseller Grain Brain and Brain Wash, wrote of the book:  “Food Without Fear explores how our individual uniqueness plays into how we respond to the information that our food choices purvey. And the dichotomy between “good” and “bad” foods is explored through the lenses of both leading edge science as well as our food-related responses. Both these data sets empower the reader with tools to optimize food choices and pave the way for a healthier life.”

Dr. Gupta is world-renowned for her groundbreaking research in the areas of food allergy and asthma epidemiology, most notably for her research on the prevalence of pediatric and adult food allergy in the United States. She has also significantly contributed to academic research in the areas of food allergy prevention, socioeconomic disparities in care, and the daily management of these conditions. Dr. Gupta is the author of The Food Allergy Experience, has written and co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, and has had her work featured on major TV networks and in print media.

Kristin Loberg has a lengthy list of successful collaborations with multiple New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers to her credit. Kristin earned her degree from Cornell University, and lives in Los Angeles. She is a member of the Author’s Guild, PEN, and teaches an intensive proposal-writing workshop at UCLA annually.

Published by Hachette Books, (ISBN-13:92 78030684650) “FOOD WITHOUT FEAR: Identify, Prevent, and Treat Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities” is available on all major bookstores and online, including at Amazon and Barnes And Nobles. For more details, please visit: https://foodwithoutfearbook.com/

Yamini Rangan Appointed As CEO Of Hubspot

An Indian American tech executive who was the first-ever chief customer officer of HubSpot last year is all set to become the firm’s Chief Executive officer. Yamini Rangan, a longtime San Francisco will be replacing Brian Halligan, who will be stepping down as founding CEO four months after a snowmobile accident forced him to step back from day-to-day involvement in the company. Halligan, CEO for the last 15 years, will become executive chairman.

Rangan will officially take over the role from September 7 onwards. “Yamini has been overseeing day to day operations at HubSpot since March, managing Board meetings, the HubSpot earnings call, and key hiring and growth initiatives, working closely with Dharmesh and the rest of the leadership team. She’s made HubSpot better by being here, and I know that trend will continue with her as CEO,” Halligan wrote.

Rangan joined the company in January 2020 after stints at Dropbox, Workday and SAP. Her strong background in engineering, sales and marketing should prove helpful as she takes over the chief executive role.

Rangan is in fact one of a handful of female tech CEOs in the US, who is the highest-paid executive at the sales and marketing software company last year. She made approximately $13.7 million in total compensation in 2020.

It will be the first time the company, which has suffered past allegations of a frat-house-like culture, has been headed by a woman.

In 2016, a tell-all book by a veteran journalist who worked as a content marketer at the company criticized the culture there as dominated by 20-something employees ensnared in inter-office drama and the presence of “sex cabins.” The book resulted in a scandal that saw top executives terminated and federal investigators brought into the mix.

HubSpot, one of the largest public companies in Massachusetts, was founded in 2006 by Halligan and Dharmesh Shah. “It’s the honor of a lifetime to partner with our founders to write HubSpot’s next chapter,” Rangan said in a statement. “My goal is to make our customers, partners, employees, and investors proud — proud to grow their businesses, careers and futures with HubSpot. Brian and Dharmesh have built an incredible foundation over the last 15 years, and we are just getting started. Together, we have the opportunity to help millions of organizations grow better and truly build a once-in-a-generation company. I couldn’t be more excited for the future of HubSpot’s journey.”

Rangan got her bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering, a master’s in computer engineering, and an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley. In 2019, she was named one of the Most Influential Women in Business by San Francisco Business Times.

Forbes’ 2021 List Of America’s Richest Self-Made Women Has 5 Of Indian Origin

Five Indian American women have been featured on the 2021 Forbes list of America’s Richest Self-made Women, which was released on August 5. The magazine noted that the fortunes of the nation’s richest self-made women soared 31% in the seventh annual ranking to $118 billion, amid a stock market boom.

A record 26 are now billionaires, including pop star mogul Rihanna and 23andMe’s Anne Wojcicki. The Indian Americans on the list include Neha Narkhede, co-founder and former chief technology officer of Confluent; PepsiCo’s former chair and CEO Indra Nooyi; Neerja Sethi, co-founder of Syntel; Reshma Shetty, co-founder of Gingko Bioworks; and Jayshree Ullal, president and CEO of Arista Networks.

Two-thirds of the 100 individuals founded or cofounded a company, Forbes said, 26 are CEOs and 15 are newcomers. The cutoff to make the ranks climbed to $225 million, up from $150 million last year.

Following are the Indian American women on the list, in order of ranking: Jayshree Ullal, who placed 16th on the list, has been president and CEO of Arista Networks, a computer networking firm, since 2008, said Forbes, with a net worth of $1.7 billion. She joined the board of directors of Snowflake, a cloud computing company that went public in September 2020. Ullal owns about 5% of Arista’s stock, some of which is earmarked for her two children, niece and nephew.

Coming in at the 26th place is Neerja Sethi, with a net worth of $1 billion. Sethi cofounded IT consulting and outsourcing firm Syntel with her husband Bharat Desai in 1980 in their apartment in Troy, Michigan, said Forbes. The French IT firm Atos SE bought Syntel for $3.4 billion in October 2018, and Sethi got an estimated $510 million for her stake. Sethi, who had served as an executive at Syntel since 1980, did not join Atos after the acquisition.

Neha Narkhede placed 29th on the Forbes list, with a net worth of $925 million. She is cofounder and former chief technology officer of cloud company Confluent. In 2014, said Forbes, she and two LinkedIn colleagues left to found Confluent, which helps organizations process large amounts of data on Apache Kafka. Having grown up in Pune, Narkhede studied computer science at Georgia Tech and now advises numerous technology startups.

Placing 39th on the list is Reshma Shetty, with a net worth of $750 million. She cofounded Gingko Bioworks, a synthetic biotechnology company, in 2009 with four others, including her husband Barry Canton. According to Forbes, Shetty received a Ph.D. in biological engineering at MIT, where she met Ginkgo Bioworks’ other cofounders.

Ginkgo, named after a dinosaur-era tree, uses data analytics and robotics to speed up the process of discovering and making new organisms. As Covid-19 spread, the company opened its Boston facilities for research into the coronavirus and to ramp up testing for the disease.

PepsiCo’s former chair and CEO Indra Nooyi placed at number 91 on the list, with a net worth of $290 million. She retired in 2019 after 24 years with the company, half of which she spent in the top job. Forbes noted that her fortune stems from stock she was granted while working at PepsiCo. Nooyi joined the board of Amazon in 2019.

Eric Garcetti Nominated As US Envoy To India

President Joe Biden has nominated Eric Garcetti, the current Los Angeles Mayor, to be the succeeding ambassador for India. The excitement in the Indian American community was undeniable, with news and celebrations circulating around Southern California and reaching social media platforms.

Prior to his nomination’s announcement, Garcetti assured the reporters at a Los Angeles Media Roundtable that he has deep-rooted connections to India and claimed that his experience visiting India as a teenager had influenced his life. As a U.S. college student at Columbia University, Garcetti managed to continuously keep in touch with his culture and traditions by studying Hindi and Urdu. He even expressed his regrets for not being able to study Buddhist studies abroad in Bodhgaya due to his school council responsibilities.

 

The student council member at Columbia University, later on, became mayor in 2013, becoming Los Angeles’ first Jewish and its second elected Mexican American mayor. Not only is his ethnic background unique when compared to previous mayors, but his youthful 42 years of age is also a characteristic that distinguishes him from the rest. In 2017, he easily won his re-election as well as voter approval for the extension of his term to 2022. Although he received voter approval, enabling him to carry out his mayor duties for another extra year, he has decided to respond to the task of assisting India as the next ambassador instead.

A commonality Garcetti has pointed out between the governments of the U.S. and India is the urgent response to climate change. Beginning from 2019, the nominee leads the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group as the chairperson, along with the former mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg as president of the board. The organization consists of 98 cities, with at least six being Indian cities, around the world, incorporating one-twelfth of the world’s population and one-quarter of the global economy. Garcetti promises that he has “engaged very extensively with Indian leaders, chief ministers, and urban leaders around climate change and as much as I can around Covid now.”

When asked about what he will take from Los Angeles to his new job, Eric Garcetti responded by expressing his hopes of prioritizing what he can bring from India to the United States. He states that there are lots of similarities between our challenges and opportunities that take place in various areas such as Hollywood and Bollywood, or the digital economy where both California and India are big leaders. He goes on to say that he “would hope to bring the culture of Los Angeles to potential service abroad.” With California producing 85% of the produce for America, there is a large potential for building agricultural connections, which is principal in the Indian tradition.

Many are looking forward to the nomination in hopes of improving U.S.-India relations and are reassured given Garcetti’s previous responsibilities with the nation’s second-largest city and his numerous political connections.

Vinay Patel Takes Charge As AAHOA Chairman

Virginia hotelier Vinay Patel is the new Chair of AAHOA’s Board of  Directors. Patel became chair at the conclusion of the 2021 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show , which was the first major convention in Dallas since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The  convention was held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. “Serving America’s hotel owners as the AAHOA Chair is an honor, and I look forward to working  with AAHOA’s nearly 20,000 members on the road to recovery,” Patel said. “Industry estimates continue to project a full recovery some time in late 2023 or 2024.

Coming together as an industry is  paramount to economic recovery, especially as new variants threaten to inhibit the reopening of America. I am confident that AAHOA’s enhanced advocacy and education efforts as well as the  implementation of our new strategic plan will help our industry get back on track.” Patel plans to focus on elevating the association’s advocacy and engagement at the state and local  level including coordinating political education efforts with the American Hospitality Alliance.

“We  must be united in our advocacy efforts, especially as we engage with local governments,” Patel said.  “I am also committed to broadening our outreach to lawmakers who have not necessarily engaged on  the issues we champion. Building a broad coalition that supports small businesses and their  employees will help draw more attention to why issues such as 1031 like-kind exchanges and the  Save Hotel Jobs Act are so important to rebuilding our economy with new, good-paying jobs.”

In his inaugural address, Patel highlighted the importance of the industry’s collective efforts to keep  the lights on during the pandemic as well as the necessity of remaining optimistic about the recovery  and efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. “We are in uncharted territory as a country as we  emerge from this crisis. In a way, we are all letting our eyes adjust to the sunlight after spending  more than a year in the darkness. It will be challenging. It will be frustrating. But AAHOA is here to  help guide us as we rebuild, reinvest, and recover.”

Patel joined AAHOA in 1993 and has served on its board since 2014. AAHOA members elected him  as Secretary in 2018. He is the President of Fairbrook Hotels which owns and operates eleven  properties including IHG, Hilton, Radisson, Choice, and Wyndham brands. Patel also serves on the  Board of Directors for the Virginia Hospitality and Tourism Association and is the president of the  Herndon Hospitality Association. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Vinay prior to joining AAHOA, and he truly embodies the  characteristics, qualities, and values that make a great Chairman,” AAHOA Interim President & CEO  Ken Greene said. “I have seen him in action as a property owner and as Vice Chair of AAHOA, and I  couldn’t be more excited to work with him now as the Chair. As we continue to lead AAHOA into its  next chapter, I am certain his leadership, commitment, and enthusiasm will play a pivotal role in  AAHOA’s future success.”

Miraj S. Patel, MBA, CHO, CHIA of Houston, Texas, is the new  AAHOA Secretary. Patel is the President of the Houston-based Wayside Investment Group. AAHOA members also elected the following twelve members to the Board of Directors:

Female Director Western Division: Tejal N. Patel, CHIA, CHO
Gulf Regional Director: Vimal Patel
Mid Atlantic Regional Director: Mahendra (MZ) Patel
Mid South Regional Director: Harikrishna (HK) Patel
North Pacific Regional Director: KP Patel
Northeast Regional Director: Sunil (Sunny) Patel CHO, CHIA
South Carolina Regional Director: Fenil Desai
South Central Texas Regional Director: Kiran (Kevin) Patel
Southeast Texas Regional Director: Ailesh Mulji
Southwest Regional Director: Dharmesh Ahir
South Pacific Regional Director: Mike Riverside CHA, CHO
Upper Midwest Regional Director: Mehul (Mike) Patel

“Congratulations to our new AAHOA Secretary and all of our newly elected board members. It
is encouraging to see so many members volunteering to serve America’s hotel owners. I look
forward to working with new AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel, the board officers, our board of
directors, and the entire AAHOA team as we assist the hospitality industry on the road to
recovery. AAHOA’s value and resources have never been more apparent as we work tirelessly to
reopen our economy and ensure that our communities are prepared to welcome back guests as
the nation starts to travel again,” said AAHOA Interim President & CEO Ken Greene.

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the world. The nearly 20,000 AAHOA Members own 60  percent of hotels in the United States. With billions of dollars in property assets and over one million  employees, AAHOA Members are core economic contributors in virtually every community. AAHOA is a  proud defender of free enterprise and the foremost current-day example of realizing the American dream.

The 2021 Indiaspora Philanthropy Leaders List Spotlights 100 Diaspora Leaders

Indiaspora, a nonprofit community of global Indian leaders from diverse backgrounds and professions, released their list recognizing 100 Indian and diaspora leaders who are making a difference through their giving.

“It is incredibly inspiring to see so many philanthropists from our community who have translated their success into social impact,” said Indiaspora Founder Mr. Rangaswami. “These leaders serve as an example of the importance of generosity and remind us of the many issues that need our attention.”

With guidance from nine jurors and drawing from multiple sources, including reputed studies, earlier verified lists, and publicly shared documents, Indiaspora’s 2021 Philanthropy Leaders List recognizes Indian and diaspora leaders across the globe for their philanthropic contributions and engagement.

“It was very gratifying to be a part of this effort, and I appreciated the careful consideration given to each honoree by those who were involved,” said Sara Kalim, Director of Development at Somerville College and one of the jurors.  “As someone who works in the development space, I see firsthand how philanthropy can transform lives for the better.  This list shines a light on the tremendous power of giving.”

With more than 32 million people of Indian origin globally, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Indians are the largest diaspora population in the world.  Indiaspora’s 2021 Philanthropy Leaders List includes philanthropists from India and from geographies with significant diaspora migration, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Australia.  Several of these philanthropists stepped forward to give during the COVID-19 crisis.

“COVID-19 taught us that businesses, nonprofits, government, and philanthropy all play a critical role in lifting the communities they serve and operate in during times of crisis,” said Prem Watsa, Founder and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings and one of the honorees on the List. “Indiaspora’s Philanthropy Leaders List serves as a reminder to the diaspora to continue the important work of giving even once the crisis abates so our communities can meet future challenges.”

The List includes names from various industries including technology, entertainment, finance, and the law, among others, who are using their philanthropy to address issues such as access to healthcare, quality education, water and sanitation, arts and culture, food insecurity, and employability.

“I hope the diaspora will continue to give forward, and even more boldly,” said Rohini Nilekani, Founder-Chairperson of sustainable water and sanitation nonprofit Arghyam, who is also an honoree on the List. “It is both inspiring and critical to resolve many old and emerging societal challenges in India.”

Indiaspora’s 2021 Philanthropy Leaders List is one of several of the organization’s philanthropy-focused initiatives.  Other initiatives include ChaloGive, an online giving campaign that raised more than $3.5M in 2021 to provide COVID relief in India, and the Philanthropy Summit, an annual event that brings together nonprofits, foundations, philanthropists, and others in the social impact space to share learnings regarding Indian and diaspora philanthropy.

“This is a transformative moment for philanthropy,” said Ashish Shah, Senior Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Indiaspora. “The purpose of our philanthropy work is to galvanize the Indian diaspora to elevate its level of giving in the next decade, and Indiaspora’s 2021 Philanthropy Leaders List is an important step towards building a culture of philanthropy.”

Here is the Indiaspora list of leading philanthropists in alphabetical order by last name:

Gautam Adani, India

Anu Aga, India

Anil Agarwal, India

Monte Ahuja, USA

Lata Krishnan & Ajay Shah, USA

Soham Ajmera, Canada

Nita Ambani, India

Mohamed Amersi, UK

Simon Arora & Shalni Arora, UK

Anna & Raj Asava, USA

Manoj Badale, UK

Kuljinder Bahia, UK

Rahul Bajaj, India

Ajay Banga, USA

Harindarpal Banga, Singapore

Manoj Bhargava, USA

Raksha & Madan Bhayana, Canada

Aneel & Allison Bhusri, USA

Kumar Mangalam Birla, India

Sumir Chadha, USA

Amit & Archana Chandra, India

Natteri V. Chandra, Australia

Deepak Chopra, USA

Frank Islam & Debbie Driesman, USA

Anand Deshpande, India

Desh & Jaishree Deshpande, USA

Dinesh Dhamija, UK

Ashish Dhawan, India

Bob Dhillon, Canada

Vijay Eswaran, Singapore

Anil & Gautam Godhwani, USA

Prabhu & Poonam Goel, USA

Sanjiv Goenka, India

Kris Gopalkrishnan, India

Vijay & Marie Goradia, USA

Piyush Gupta, Singapore

Raj Gupta, USA

Yusuf Hamied, UK

David Harilela, Singapore

Venky Harinarayan, USA

Gopichand Parmanand Hinduja, UK

Mukesh Wadhumal “Micky” Jagtiani, UAE

Anshu Jain, UK

Aditya Jha, Canada

Surender Singh Kandhari, UAE

Anand Rajaraman & Kaushie Adiseshan, USA

Sat Pal Khattar, Singapore

Uday & Nitya Khemka, UK

Vinod & Neeru Khosla, USA

Nik & Moni Kotecha, UK

Faizal Kottikollon, UAE

Sri Prakash & Aloke Lohia, Singapore

Dinkar Singh & Loren Eng, USA

Anand Mahindra, India

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, India

Darshak Mehta, Australia

Sudhir & Samir Mehta, India

PNC & Shobha Menon, UAE

Dan Mishra, Canada

Cyrus Pallonji Mistry, India

Lakshmi Mittal, UK

Ninian Mogan Lourdenadin

Vinn Murria, UK

Shiv Nadar, India

AM Naik, India

Gulshan and Pyarali Nanji, Canada

Bharat Desai and Neerja Sethi, USA

Nandan & Rohini Nilekani, India

Mohandas Pai, India

Ajay Piramal, India

Adar & Natasha Poonawala, India

Pulak Prasad, Singapore

Azim Premji, India

Deepak & Neera Raj, USA

Ganesh Ramani, UK

Raju Reddy, USA

Rao & Satya Remala, USA

Ramesh & Pratibha Sachdev, UK

Nalini Saligram, USA

Harish Salve, UK

Ronnie & Zarina Screwvala, India

Nirmal Sethia, UK

Paras Shahdadpuri, UAE

Manu & Rika Shah, USA

Sanjay Shah, USA

Vidya Shah, India

Kumari & S.D. Shibulal, India

Ram Shriram, USA

Karan Singh Thakral, Singapore

Chandrika & Ranjan Tandon, USA

Ratan Tata, India

Mohan Valrani, UAE

Sunny & Sherly Varkey, UAE

Shamsheer & Shabeena Vayalil, UAE

Anju & Aijay Virmani, Canada

Romesh Wadhwani, USA

Sunil Wadhwani, USA

Prem Watsa, Canada

Sarosh Zaiwalla, UK

More on the Indiaspora Lists:

The Indiaspora Lists (lists.indiaspora.org) highlight the advances of the Indian diaspora in areas such as government, business, and philanthropy. Indiaspora’s inaugural Business Leaders List (July 2020), highlights the Indian diaspora who are leading the largest global companies and the Government Leaders List (February 2021) highlights over 200 government leaders of Indian heritage from 15 countries around the globe.

Indiaspora is a nonprofit community of powerful global Indian leaders from diverse backgrounds and professions who are committed to inspiring the diaspora to be a force for positive impact by providing a platform to collaborate, engage, and catalyze social change. For the list of honorees and additional resources, including additional quotes, information and news about the honorees, please visit the 2021 Indiaspora Philanthropy Leaders List website.

A Galaxy of Women Leaders In Lead Roles At AAPI

(Chicago, IL: August 4, 2021) “It’s been truly historic and a very proud moment for American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) to have a majority of the current leadership of this noble organization being held by Women Leaders,” Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President of AAPI, declared here today. “Never has there ever been such a strong representation of women leaders in AAPI’s leadership positions. It’s been a privilege and a challenge to lead AAPI as AAPI celebrates 40 years of dedicated service to the United States, India and the world.”

 

Dr. Gotimukula, only the 4th woman president of AAPI in the 40 years old history of AAPI has a strong and dynamic leadership of women leaders at AAPI for the year 2020-21. Dr. Kusum Punjabi serves as the Chair of AAPI Board of Trustees; Dr. Soumya Neravetla is the President of Young Physicians Section (YPS,) while Dr. Ayesha Singh is the President is the Medical Student/Residents & Fellows Section (MSRF.) Dr. Anjana Samadder, who serves as the Vice President of AAPI is in succession for the top AAPI leadership position in the year 2023-24.

 

A resident of San Antonio, TX, Dr. Gotimukula is a board certified Pediatric Anesthesiologist, practicing since 2007, has been an active member and leader of AAPI over a decade.

As a Healthcare Leader, Dr. Gotimukula recognizes that “AAPI has power. We have legitimate respect and trust of our communities in every corner of America. AAPI will leverage that power of our purpose and networks to help address specific challenges related to affordable healthcare delivery.”

 

Dr. Kusum Punjabi, a very young and energetic leader of AAPI, assumed office as the Chair of Board of Trustees of AAPI on July 4th. The youngest to date to be holding this position in AAPI’s 40 years long history and the first person to go to medical school in the USA, Dr. Punjabi says, “My goal as Chair of the Board is to develop long lasting programs within AAPI that promote professionalism, unity, mentorship and inclusivity. I hope to clearly re-define AAPI’s mission of service, academic achievement and supporting Indian Physicians working in America through advocacy and leadership. I want patients to know the value of the care they receive from our ethnic group and our mission of promoting the safest and best healthcare practices for our patients.”

 

Dr. Anjana Samadder, Vice President of AAPI says, “My journey with AAPI in the past 20 years taught me lots of lessons, skills and molded me to take more responsibility in the organization. I will bring to the organization the level of commitment, hard work, experience and skill set needed to accomplish the various goals for AAPI and its members.”  Her vision for AAPI is “to help build an ethically strong, morally straight and fiscally responsible organization. It is also vitally important to bring much needed diversity to keep AAPI thriving.”

 

A second generation Indian American, born, raised and educated in the US, Dr. Soumya Neravetla, president of YPS, is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon actively engaged in the welfare of physicians of Indian Origin and the general public. She has extensive Trans catheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) experience including launching and directing TAVR programs.  She has also directed and spearheaded Robotic Thoracic Surgery and lung cancer related programs. In spite of her busy work schedule, she collaborates with her father, Dr. Surender Reddy Neravetla (author of Salt Kills), in his mission to spread awareness about prevention of cardiovascular disease, which disproportionately affects physicians and people of Indian Origin. She is a popular medical speaker and has given several talks to medical communities and the general public, including an invitation to personally speak to the Governor of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Health.

By her example, Dr. Neravetla wants to motivate physicians of her generation to engage in their communities and AAPI. She has been an active member of AAPI, serving on many committees over the years with the hope of helping AAPI evolve into a meaningful organization for future generations. “Empowering Indian physicians and fostering career growth have been passions of mine,” says the multi-talented dynamic leader of AAPI. In her role, she hopes “to increase career networking and mentorship opportunities, and arm physicians and physicians in training with tools to better navigate their careers.  In addition, I am working to amplify AAPI’s virtual presence by enhancing website features and introducing an app.”  Understanding the current challenging situation due to the ongoing pandemic, Dr. Neravetla says, “We hope new activities like virtual job fairs, interactive chat functions and amplifying our social media presence will engage current and future generations.

 

Ayesha Singh, a 4th year medical student at the University of Louisville (Louisville, KY), had joined AAPI in 2017 and held her first leadership position on the MSRF board as Secretary in 2018. In 2019, she was elected as MSRF Vice President. She is passionate about her clinical research in atherosclerosis and spends most of her free time volunteering as Director of Patient Services for a free cardiovascular specialty clinic in the Louisville area. Ayesha is currently applying for Internal Medicine residency with plans to pursue a career in Interventional Cardiology.  Singh’s vision for MSRF is “to connect, inspire, and grow our community. I hope to further our reach to Indian American medical students by developing the mentorship program, providing research and academic opportunities, and hosting student-specific events on Step 1/2/3 prep, residency/fellowship applications, interview workshops and more.”

 

The young and aspiring Medical Professional is grateful to AAPI as “AAPI has enriched my life professionally, socially, and personally. I’ve found mentors, role models, and friends that share my heritage, passion for medicine and commitment to community service. I believe aggressive outreach that highlights AAPI’s vast network, resources, and benefits will inspire membership among young professionals and future leaders that will be dedicated to preserving the legacy of this organization.”

 

Other leaders who constitute the current executive committee include: Dr. Ravi Kolli, President-Elect, who will be the President of AAPI in 2022-23; Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Secretary and Dr. Krishan Kumar, Treasurer of AAPI.

Dr. Ravi Kolli is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in Addiction, Geriatric and Forensic Psychiatry, and serves as Psychiatric Medical Director of Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services. “While in the 176 years of American Medical Association (AMA) there have been only five women Presidents,” Dr. Ravi Kolli noted. “AAPI, now only in its 40th year, has the 4th female president. Dr. Anupama Gotimukula and a galaxy of women leaders are leading all the sections of AAPI, including BOT, YPS and MSRF. This is a proud moment for AAPI and a testimony of AAAPI ‘s commitment to diversity and equality in all aspects of its functioning.”

Quoting statics, Dr. Kolli pointed out that in the United States, women physicians comprise of nearly 37.8 % of all practicing physicians (390,202 of 1,058,628) and their numbers are rising fast. The proportion of female physicians under the age of 35 in the US is 60.6% and in the age group of 35-44, it is 51.5%. So, there will be a welcome sea change in the leadership of Health Care in the USA going forward. The good news is that patients hospitalized under the care of female physicians had better outcome and lower re-hospitalization rate according to a 2016 Harvard study (December 19, 2016, in JAMA Internal Medicine). Dr. Kolli said, “American Health care and its leadership is in safe hands, and I am so proud to support them in any way in my capacity as the President-Elect of AAPI.”

Dr. Satheesh Kathula is a clinical professor of medicine at Wright State University- Boonshoft School of medicine, Dayton, Ohio. “Honored to work with these highly talented and dedicated women leaders of AAPI, who work so hard to take AAPI to the next level.” Dr. Krishan Kumar is a pediatric emergency medicine physician in East Meadow, New York and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the New York region. “We are proud of our women’s leadership.  They are well balanced and open minded doctors and serve the AAPI with their heart and soul,” said Dr. Kumar.

Serving 1 in every 7 patients in the US, AAPI members care for millions of patients every day, while several of them have risen to hold high flying jobs, shaping the policies and programs and inventions that shape the landscape of healthcare in the US and around the  world.

“Fortunate to be leading AAPI with this amazing group of dedicated women leaders,” says Dr. Gotimukula. “We at AAPI have so much more room to grow and serve. I challenge myself, my Executive Committee to rise up to the task of building on our accomplishments and successes over the last several decades. My team, along with the dynamic group of women leaders has defined several goals for this year to further AAPI’s mission.”  For more details, please visit: www.appiusa.org

Beth Chandler, YWCA Boston President In Conversation With Dr. Manju Sheth

YWCA Boston President and CEO Beth Chandler, a professional athlete and a recognized woman leader, grew up in a small idyllic town of NE in a loving family where Sundays were spent at church that was co- founded by her grandmother. However there were dark clouds of racism as well.

 

In her Chai with Manju interview, Ms. Chandler talks about being addressed with the ‘N word ‘and not being allowed to join local clubs including the country club. She also talks about her being a professional basketball player and important lessons she has learnt as a player and also leadership lessons learnt in her journey to becoming the President & CEO of YWCA Boston, which is also the first YWCA in the United States.

Today, she and her organization help individuals and organizations change policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors with the goal of creating more inclusive environments where women, people of color, and especially women of color can succeed.

Ms. Chandler joined YW Boston in November 2012, with more than 20 years of experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. In August 2018, she was appointed President & CEO. Her breadth of work experience encompasses program development, delivery and evaluation, business development, and operations.

Prior to working at YW Boston, Ms. Chandler served as vice president at the Achievement Network, a national non-profit dedicated to helping urban public and charter schools close the achievement gap.

She also held positions at Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, the largest funding source for civil legal aid programs in the Commonwealth and Neighbor works America, one of the country’s preeminent leaders in affordable housing and community development.

Currently, Ms. Chandler serves on the Eastern Bank Board of Advisors, The Museum of Fine Arts Board of Advisors, TSNE-Mission Works Board of Directors, the Women’s Workforce Advisory Council and the Leadership Circle of Hope Central Church.

“Her life story as been shared in this episode of Chai With Manju is an incredible and very inspiring journey that will appeal to all,” says Dr. Sheth. “On the fun side, I enjoyed chatting about her experience with trying Indian food and love for travel.”

 

A physician by profession, having a passion for media and commitment to serve the larger humanity, with special focus on women’s empowerment, Dr. Manju Sheth is a Board Certified Internist, currently serving patients at Beth Israel Lahey Hospital.in the Boston Region in Massachusetts.

Dr. Sheth was the co-founder and CEO of INE MultiMedia, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting and supporting charitable organizations, art, culture, education and empowerment through workshops, seminars and multimedia. Dr. Sheth is a former trustee of the Indian-American Forum for Political Education. Dr. Sheth is very dedicated to the education of the community about health related issues, and is also the producer and chair of the annual free mega Health & Wellness Expo.

Having endowed with the gift of writing, Dr. Sheth is known to be a natural storyteller and “I truly believe that every life has a story and a dream. I’m always looking to hear stories of everybody’s life, in everyone that I meet, and then I look to find the right platform and the right medium to showcase it.” Her popular “Chai with Manju” celebrity series is one of the most read news features in the New England region, where she featured celebrities and spiritual leaders such as Sadhguru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Kennedys and the like.

Wrestler Dahiya Wins Silver Medal In 57kg Freestyle Wrestling

Indian wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya fought a brave bout but could not overcome the Russian Olympic Committee’s (ROC) Zavur Uguev in the final of the men’s freestyle 57kg at the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday. The 23-year-old Indian had to settle for a silver medal as the ROC wrestler won the bout 7-4 on points.

Dahiya, who had reached the final by beating Nurislam Sanayev of Kazakhstan with a last-minute fall in the semifinal, found Uguev, a two-time world champion, too strong and too determined to win the gold. The Russian won early points and then defended strongly, without giving Dahiya many chances.

Dahiya won India’s second silver medal in Olympic wrestling after Sushil Kumar who won in 66kg freestyle in the London Olympics in 2012. India has won five medals, including two silver, at the Tokyo Olympics so far.

This was two-time Asian champion Dahiya’s second straight loss to Zavur  Uguev, a two-time world champion, in as many meetings. The two met in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Championships in Nur Sultan and the Indian wrestler lost in the final seconds of the bout in a closely fought contest.

Dahiya, who hails from Nahri village in Sonipat district of Haryana, was initially trained by Asian Games gold-medalist Sat pal Singh at the Chatrasal Stadium in north Delhi. Old-timers at the stadium would recall ‘ow Dahiya’s father Rakesh Dahiya, a small farmer, would travel every day from their village to the stadium to deliver fresh milk and fruits, which were part of the’ wrestler’s diet, for more than a decade. Those visits proved successful as Dahiya made his father proud on Thursday by winning the silver medal.

At the Makuhari Messe hall, Dahiya began the final cautiously as he was aw’re of Uguev’s strength and tried to assess how ready his opponent was before launching his attack. However, Uguev was strong in his defense and turned the tables on the Indian, and claimed two points.

With the bench encouraging Dahiya, a bronze-medalist in the World Championships, and gold medalist in the Asian Championships, to match th’ ROC wrestler’s pace, the Indian grappler dipped further to find a hold and turn Uguev around for his first takedown.

But Uguev was quick to turn around and return the favour as they headed into the break with the reigning world champion leading 4-2. Though Uguev seemed visibly tired in the second period, he didn’t allow Ravi Dahiya a clear opening to make a move. Ravi himself was quite tired but made a last-ditch effort.

With the clock running down, the Indian wrestler went for the kill and scored two points. But Uguev was quick to counter-attack and bagged three points to win the bout.  (IANS)

The Woman Who Has Won Most Olympic Medals In History

Allyson Felix cemented her place as the greatest American track and field athlete of all time Saturday morning. The 35-year-old track star won her 11th Olympic medal on Saturday morning, surpassing the American record of 10 medals in track and field set by Carl Lewis in 1996. Only Paavo Nurmi of Finland, who won 12 medals during his career as a long-distance runner, holds more.

The U.S. women’s 4x400m relay team of Kendall Ellis, Lyann Irby, Wadeline Jonathas, and Kaylin Whitney won the qualifying heat in 3.20.86 on Thursday.  The U.S. subbed all four runners for the final, putting together an all-star team of runners, each of whom had already won individual medals in Tokyo.

Lewis warmly congratulated her in a post on Twitter. “35 never looked so good,” he said. “What an amazing career and inspiration.” “I think people thought I was a long shot for me to even be on the U.S. team. And then, you know, I wasn’t a pick for the medals. But, you know, just give me a shot,” Felix said with a smile.

Earlier, she had won a bronze medal last week in the 400 meters at the Tokyo Olympics. This was Felix’s fifth Olympics and her 10th medal. She first competed in Athens in 2004 and has medaled in every Summer Games since then.

“This one is very different, and it’s very special. And it just took a lot to get here,” Felix said after the race. Felix’s time Friday of 49.46 is the second-fastest of her career, according to USA Track and Field. Her medal Friday means Felix now exceeded the record set by Jamaican athlete Merlene Ottey.

“No matter what it feels is stacked against you, you go out with character and integrity, you give your all, and that’s all anybody else can ask of you, and you’re proud with that,” Felix said.

11-Year Old Natasha Peri Is Among The Brightest Students In The World

Two Indian origin girls – New Jersey-based Indian American Natasha Peri, 11; and Dubai-based Priyamvada Deshmukh, 12 – have been named to the world’s “brightest” students list based on results of above-grade-level testing of 19,000 students across 84 countries, according to Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, a part of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

It comes on the back of an exceptional performance shown by Natasha Peri, in the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and American College Testing (ACT). These are the tests that are used to determine if or not a student should be admitted to a college. Several colleges in the US use these tests as qualifying criteria to grant admission to students. She made the cut for Johns Hopkins CTY “High Honors Awards”.

Deshmukh, a student of GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai, has been honored for her exceptional performance on the SCAT assessment taken as part of the CTY Talent Search, a university statement said.

These tests were conducted as part of the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Talent (CTY) Search. CTY uses above-grade-level testing to identify advanced students from around the world and provide a clear picture of their true academic abilities. The quantitative section of the Johns Hopkins CTY test measures the ability to see relationships between quantities expressed in mathematical terms, the verbal section measures understanding of the meaning of words and the relationships between them.

Peri took the Johns Hopkins Talent Search test in Spring 2021, when she was in Grade 5. What makes the feat incredible is the fact that her results in the verbal and quantitative sections levelled with the 90th percentile of advanced Grade 8 performance. “This motivates me to do more,” she said, adding that doodling and reading J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels may have worked for her.

Deshmukh took the Johns Hopkins Talent Search test in Spring 2020, when she was still in Grade 6. Her results in the verbal sections levelled with the advanced Grade 10 performance. She made the cut for Johns Hopkins CTY ‘High Honors Awards’. Due to the Covid-19 induced delay in global logistics support, she finally received her much awaited “High Honors” pin this week, which she lovingly kept in front of her grandparents’ photograph as tribute to her roots.

“We are thrilled to celebrate these students,” said Virginia Roach, CTY’s executive director. “In a year that was anything but ordinary, their love of learning shined through, and we are excited to help cultivate their growth as scholars and citizens throughout high school, college, and beyond,” Roach added.

Indiaspora Launches New Book, “Kamala Harris And The Rise Of Indian-Americans”

Indiaspora, a nonprofit “network of global Indian origin leaders,” hosted a virtual event July 29 to formally celebrate the launch of the book, “Kamala Harris and the Rise of Indian-Americans,” a perhaps first-of-its-kind anthology on the Indian American community in the US.

Published in India and available on Amazon around the world, the book, laid out in leisurely 341 pages, chronicles the progress and accomplishments of Indian Americans in 16 essays — from politics, entrepreneurship, technology, medicine, to science, business, entertainment, social activism, etc.

Several contributors to the book spoke at the event organized virtually and attended by hundreds of participants from India, the US and several other parts of the world.  “Kamala Harris and the Rise of Indian Americans” (released July 15th) was inspired by the US Vice-President and evidences the progress and accomplishments of the Indian-American diaspora, according to an Indiaspora press release.

Rajiv L. Gupta, chairman of Aptiv PLC and Avantor Inc., and former executive with Rohm and Haas, (and even more well-known as the father of Vanita Gupta, the Associate Attorney General of the United States,) discussed the traits that make Indians natural business leaders.

Rangaswami, a tech entrepreneur — his original claim to fame — focused on the evolution of Indians’ success in Silicon Valley, and Maina Chawla Singh, wife of former Indian ambassador to the U.S. Arun K. Singh, chronicled the political trajectory of Indian Americans. Editor Basu, who ‘Zoom’ed in from India deferred to its time zone by guzzling what seemed like liters of morning tea, managed to speak about his decades-long association with and coverage of the Indian American community. “Success as it is defined and celebrated in the diasporic community of Indians in the US—economic and individualistic— is narrow and elitist.”

Other contributors who spoke included the venerable Deepak Raj, founder and managing director of Raj Associates, a private investment firm, and more importantly, chairman of Pratham USA, and Bijal Patel, the young chairman of the California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA).

Raj’s response to a question about how Indian Americans can inspire other minority communities to channel their philanthropic energies was spot on. He took the cue implied in the question and confessed that Indian Americans must also focus their charity efforts on marginalized communities here in the United States. As for Patel, while he admirably portrayed California’s Indian American hoteliers’ contributions during the pandemic — turning over their properties to house the Covid infected and the homeless — it was not lost on the audience that our enterprising hoteliers managed to profit even during the crisis. Who said, “never let a serious crisis go to waste,” again?

 

Among those who were not the featured speakers at the book launch were authors of a couple of essays that stood out in the book. Mayank Chhaya, an alumnus of India Abroad, wrote the informative chapter titled, “At the Center of Excellence: Seminal Contributions in the World of Science.” It was fascinating to learn about the scores of Indian American scientists who are involved in cutting-edge scientific research, particularly in frontier disciplines like space science. Some of them will certainly cross the bounds of the “Chandrasekhar Limit,” making the case for another anthology.

It would have also been interesting to hear from Vikrum Mathur who wrote the chapter “From Stereotypes to Household Names: A Cultural Shift and New Role Models,” about Indian Americans in entertainment who are making an impact on the cultural front. Their foray into arguably the most competitive arena in America has been truly remarkable. The acceptance of Indian faces in entertainment may be greater evidence of Indians blending into the great American melting pot.

The most interesting speaker at the launch, however, was Shamita Das Dasgupta, social activist and co-founder of Manavi, “the first organization of its kind that focuses on violence against South Asian women in the United States.” Her presence and presentation were as interesting and incongruous as was her essay in the book. Incongruous, by her admission in different words, is because she challenges the very notion of “success” that the Indian American community’s glory is premised on.

Her gentle demeanor and soft voice made no effort to hide the ‘contradiction’ in her definition of the community’s “rise” that is very different from that of the co-panelists and coauthors. She reiterates, but in kinder and gentler words, her central argument in her co-authored essay, which, incidentally, appears at the end of the tome — not as an afterthought, but probably as an involuntary admission.

The book includes a chapter on Indian American philanthropy, an area that has not evolved enough to write home about. Its inclusion must have been at the nudging of M.R. Rangaswami, the founder of Indiaspora and a philanthropist himself, who helped in corralling many of the book’s contributors. The panel discussions, moderated by Indiaspora’s executive director Sanjeev Joshipura and Indiaspora’s founder MR Rangaswami, was followed by Q&A.

Dasgupta writes “that success as it is defined and celebrated in the diasporic community of Indians in the US—economic and individualistic— is narrow and elitist. This limited version of success deliberately excludes activists and changemakers who work at the margins of the community. While individualistic successes have certainly brought fame and recognition to the community, they have not instigated internal changes or fundamental modifications to the community’s inequitable culture.” Boom.

While it cannot be said that the book has not looked beyond the surface littered with shiny objects, a chapter chronicling the remarkable work of Indian American activists would have been a testimony to how far the community has come from a racist portrayal of a ‘model minority to becoming consequential agents of social change. There are young Indian American idealists, activists, change makers in almost every field of human endeavor — not the ones who are in it to pad their resumes to get into top schools or corporations, but the real ones.

In the final analysis, however, what the book lacks in scholarship and academic rigor is adequately made up by anecdotal perspectives of worthy participant-observers, making the story of an ethnic community that is resplendently diverse and full of contradictions come to life. The title, notwithstanding.

The anthology, compiled by veteran editor Tarun Basu and published by award-winning Wisdom Tree, explores the story behind these advancements through 16 essays written by influential Indian Americans. From politics to the new administration, entrepreneurship to technology, medicine to hospitality, science to academia, business to entertainment, philanthropy to social activism, leaders from various arenas detail their own paths to success and offer their perspectives on diasporic progress.

These stories culminate in a larger narrative of the Indian-American community’s coming-of-age in the US. “A fascinating and inspiring story of how an immigrant population from a developing country, with low education levels, became the most educated, highest-earning ethnic community in the world’s most advanced nation in almost a single generation.” says editor Tarun Basu.

Tarun Basu, veteran editor, media commentator, policy analyst and head of the Society for Policy Studies, a think tank running the South Asia Monitor, and author of the chapter, “From Struggling Immigrants to Political Influencers: How a Community Came of Age” is the Chief Editor of the book.

“A fascinating and inspiring story of how an immigrant population from a developing country, with low education levels, became the most educated, highest-earning ethnic community in the world’s most advanced nation in almost a single generation,” says Basu.

PV Sindhu Makes History By Winning Medal At Tokyo Olympics

Badminton star Pusarla Venkata (PV) Sindhu scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to collect two medals at the Olympics after defeating China’s He Bingjiao 21-13, 21-15 in the bronze medal match on Sunday, August 1st. The Indian athlete won a Bronze Medal against China in Tokyo this year, and became the only Indian woman to win 2 medals at the Olympics.

Sindhu, who won India’s historic silver at Rio Olympics in 2016, lost the semi-finals to Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying on Saturday but defeated China’s He Bing Jiao the next day to secure the third spot at the podium.

 

With this win, Sindhu becomes the second Indian after Sushil Kumar to win two individual Olympic medals. She had won a silver in the last Olympics in Rio after losing in the final to Carolina Marin.

Sindhu didn’t drop a single game at this year’s Olympics in the five matches that she won and her ten match wins at the Olympics are the most for an Indian badminton player. Saina Nehwal, who won bronze at the London Olympics in 2012 and the only other Indian badminton player to medal at the Olympics, is second with nine.

This is India’s third medal at this Olympics. Mirabai Chanu had earlier won a bronze in weightlifting, while Lovlina Borgohain is also assured of a medal in boxing after reaching the semifinals. India had won two medals at the previous Olympics in Rio. This is also the first time that three Indian women have medaled at a single edition of the Olympics.

Sindhu began earning global recognition for India when she entered the international circuit in 2009 at age 14, winning bronze at the 2009 Sub-Junior Asian Badminton Championships and then silver at the 2010 Iran Fajr International Badminton Challenge.

Over the years, Sindhu has been winning multiple medals in different international tournaments, including the Asian Championships, the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games and the World Championships.

Sindhu became the first Indian to win the historic gold medal at the World Championships in 2019. It was Sindhu’s fifth World Championships medal.

Sindhu has also become the most marketable female athlete in India, earning lucrative sponsorship deals over the years. She placed 7th in Forbes’ Highest-Paid Female Athletes List in 2018 and 13th in 2019.

Sikh Coalition Announces Leadership Transition

After twelve exceptional years at the organization, the Sikh Coalition’s Executive Director, Satjeet Kaur, will be stepping down in January 2022. Accordingly, the Sikh Coalition is formally launching a national search for our next Executive Director.

“Working at this organization and on behalf of the Sikh community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Satjeet. “I have worked with incredible people who have labored tirelessly to improve civil rights for Sikhs and so many others here in America. While leaving a place that I love is extremely difficult, I will depart knowing that the organization has never been better prepared for the extraordinary challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Satjeet started at the Sikh Coalition in 2009 as an intern and joined the team full-time in 2010. During her early years, she contributed to nearly every facet of the organization’s work. By 2015, as the Senior Director of Development and Finance, she helped double financial resources, refined organizational branding, incorporated game-changing technology, and installed new processes that resulted in the Sikh Coalition routinely receiving recognition as one of the top U.S. nonprofits for transparency and governance.

In 2018, Satjeet became the Sikh Coalition’s Executive Director and immediately managed the largest staff growth transition in the organization’s history. She also led and supported a team of colleagues who have continued delivering lasting results on behalf of the Sikh community. Under her stewardship, the Sikh Coalition passed hate crime laws at the state and federal level, successfully fought back against attempts to roll back policies that protected Sikhs from discrimination, improved how Sikhism is taught in four new states, and oversaw the development of classroom-ready resources.

Satjeet also drove efforts to deepen partnerships with other organizations, led the U.S.-based response to the farmers’ protest in India, and provided direct crisis response support after the mass shooting in Indianapolis. This recent work was done while navigating the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic, where she ensured the team met immediate community needs while effectively experimenting with new ways to organize at the grassroots level.

“Satjeet has been an exceptional leader for the organization. While we always knew her tenure as Executive Director would come to an end, it is still a sad day for everybody who has had the joy of working with her,” said Sikh Coalition Executive Board Chairman Narinder Singh. “The massive shoes Satjeet leaves are made easier to fill by her diligence in strengthening every pillar of the organization. She has furthered the vision of creating an institution that lasts beyond all of our lifetimes, and her efforts as the longest standing full-time staff member leave all of us in a better position to realize that vision.”

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the hands-on manager for senior staff and will be responsible for further developing and implementing the strategies that lead the organization into its next phase of growth and development. To learn more about the executive director position, qualifications, and how to apply, click here.

We are grateful to have Satjeet fully committed to the Executive Director position for another six months to oversee this transition, but the Sikh Coalition staff and board preemptively thank her for her unwavering dedication and service to the organization and the Sikh community, and we look forward to continuing this important work of protecting and advancing Sikh rights in America.

Kamala Harris Project Initiated

A group of scholars from universities across the US has taken up the Kamala Harris Project, which aims to study the term of America’s first black/South Asian woman vice president Kamala Harris. The project is comprised of scholars of US politics, history, & public policy.

Based at the University of Southern California’s Dornsife Center for Leadership by Women of Color, This collective study of academics will track all aspects of Harris’ vice presidency.

Vice President Kamala Harris is known for her encouragement and support for the Asian American community to which she belongs, being the first Indian-American to become the second-in-command in the Biden administration. Harris has also tried to infuse her close-knit team of advisors and assistants with a diversity rarely matched before this.

Kamala Harris was born to Indian-origin Shyamala Gopalan, a biomedical scientist, and Jamaican-origin Donald J. Harris, an economist and professor emeritus at Stanford University. Kamala and her sister were primarily raised by her mother after the couple parted ways.

While remembering her mother, the Democratic leader says,” My mother would tell me often that Kamala you would be first to do many things but make sure you are not the last. One of us gets to the door, leave the door open and others will come through and follow.”

She became the first African American to represent California in the United States Senate on January 3, 2017. Born in Oakland, California, she graduated from Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of Law.

She was elected vice president after a lifetime of public service, having been elected District Attorney of San Francisco, California Attorney General, and the United States Senator.

Growing up, VP Harris was surrounded by a diverse community and extended family. In 2014, she married Douglas Emhoff. In 2017, Harris was sworn into the United States Senate. In her first speech, she spoke out on behalf of immigrants and refugees who were then under attack.

On August 11, 2020, the vice president accepted President Joe Biden’s invitation to become his running mate. In November 2020, she created history by becoming the first woman and the first African American and Asian American vice president of the US.

Harris and Biden were sworn into office on January 20, 2021.

“Major areas of analysis include media coverage of Harris, her policy leadership within the Biden administration, the influence of her electoral success on girls and women as potential candidates for office, and the international impact of a woman of color holding such a high-profile executive position in the US”, read Ohio’s College of Arts and Sciences press release.

Members of the advisory board of the Kamala Harris Project include Sangay Mishra of Drew University, Nadia Brown of Georgetown University, Pearl Dowe of Emory University, Brooklyne Gipson of the University of Illinois, Sara Sadhwani of Pomona College, Duchess Harris of Macalester College, Angela Lewis Maddox of the University of Alabama-Birmingham and Wendy Smooth of Ohio State University.

“I am excited to be a part of a group of scholars who have done tremendous work in the field of race, gender, and politics, and this project is taking off at a time when issues of race and gender are at the center of politics in the US,” Drew University quoted Mishra as saying.

“I am particularly interested in following how the South Asian and Asian American identity of vice president Harris is going to shape the conversations in these communities and the extent to which her presence is going to create connections and conversations between Black and South Asian and Asian American communities”, Drew University quoted Mishra as saying.

In June, the distinguished scholars from the University of Illinois, UCLA, and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences had a roundtable discussion regarding Kamala Harris’ first 100 days in office in this session of the “Woman of Color Leads: Kamala Harris’ First 100 Days Symposium,” which was hosted by the Kamala Harris Project.

Lorrie Frasure, UCLA, Brooklyne Gipson of The University of Illinois, Jane Junn of USC Dornsife, and Oneka La Bennett of USC Dornsife participated in the event.

A dedicated Facebook page has also been set up to encourage civil dialogue among scholars to analyze the influence of Harris while in office.

References:

*The Kamala Harris Project *Drew University *Ohio’s College of Arts and Sciences *United States Senate *The White House

28-year Old Shrina Kurani To Run For US Congress

Shrina Kurani, an engineer by qualification, and an entrepreneur in Riverside, California, is running for the U.S. Congress from District 42. She announced her intent July 22, 2021. Ken Calvert, a Republican, has been a long time incumbent Congressman from that district first elected in 1992. Ballotpedia notes the Cook Political Report identifies the District as ‘Solid Republican’ as does the Sabato’s Crystal Ball and Inside Elections. Even in the nonpartisan primaries, Calvert won more than 60 percent of the vote back in 2018.

On her LinkedIn profile, Kurani describes herself as a designer of “technologies to work for people and the planet.” She adds, “I’m an engineer turned sustainability scientist, scraping the world to build solutions. I thrive leading and working in teams, with international experience in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. and a background ranging from research, engineering consultancy, and systems design to venture capital, social entrepreneurship, and business development. Constantly finding ways to improve and be more inclusive!”

Currently the Vice President Business for the company Republic, Kurani was a board member of New Leaders Council, and has been in the field of sustainable technology for many years. With a Master’s degree in Sustainable Science from Lund University in Sweden, and Bachelors degree from University of California, Riverside, in mechanical engineering, Kurani was born and raised in Riverside.

A first-generation American, Kurani recalls her parents went through hard times when they immigrated to the U.S. Her father, who had a chemistry degree from India ended up working in pool maintenance, and that her brother and she had to share a bed until her parents bought a pool supply store. She credits her entrepreneurial spirit to watching her parents grow the pool supplies business to 14 locations around California.

A product of public schools, Kurani looks to bring long-term solutions in sustainable technology and to use science to inform policy, including at the various start-ups she worked in based in California.

Most recently, she has been involved in building a company “to increase opportunities by focusing on addressing disparities in the funding of startup businesses founded by women and people of color, her website shrinakurani.com says.

She is running for Congress, “to bring her approach to making things work better to Washington to put people first, develop a sustainable future, and build an Inland Empire where people feel safe, healthy, and have opportunities to succeed in fulfilling jobs.”

Ajay Ghosh Chronicles Journey Of Indian American Physicians In A Book Charting Success Story/Rise Of Indian Americans

WhileIndian American physicians play a critical role, serving millions of patients in the United States, leading the policies and programs that impact the lives of millions today, it has been a long and arduous journey of struggles and hard work to be on the top of the pyramid,” writes Ajay Ghosh, Editor of the www.theunn.com and the Media Coordinator of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in a new book, released in New Delhi last month and is due for release in the United States next month.

Edited by the Delhi-based veteran journalist and foreign policy analystTarunBasu, the evocative collection titled, “Kamala Harris and the Rise of Indian Americans,” captures the rise of the Indians in the US across domains by exceptional achievers like Shashi Tharoor, a former UN public servant-turned Indian politician, and top diplomats like TP Sreenivasan and Arun K Singh. Sixteen eminent journalists, business leaders and scholars have contributed essays to the timely and priceless volume, which charts the community’s growing and influential political engagement. The book was released July 15 by New Delhi-based publisher Wisdom Tree and is available in the U.S. via Amazon. Basu describes the book as an “eclectic amalgam of perspectives on the emerging Indian-American story.”

This evocative collection—of the kind perhaps not attempted before—captures the rise of Indian-Americans across domains, by exceptional achievers themselves, like Shashi Tharoor, the ones who have been and continue to be a part of the “rise,” like MR Rangaswami and Deepak Raj, top Indian diplomats like TP Sreenivasan and Arun K Singh, scholars like Pradeep K Khosla and Maina Chawla Singh, and others who were part of, associated with, or keenly followed their stories. “With 100,000 Indian American doctors; over 20,000 Indian American hoteliers; with a growing number of Indian American CEOs employing an estimated 3.5 million people worldwide; with one in three tech startups having an Indian American founder, and one is ten tech workers being of Indian origin, only sky is the limit for the enterprising community,” writes Basu, who is now the president of New Delhi-based think tank Society for Policy Studies, said.

A collector’s item, this eye-opening saga of a diaspora, which is possibly amongst the most successful and enterprising globally, would not only prove to be highly readable and insightful for a wide readership, but also immensely substantive for scholars and people in governance. As a long-time analyst of India’s foreign policy, Basu has tracked international relations across multiple Indian governments, having traveled widely with eight Indian prime ministers.

Basu has maintained a keen interest in the accomplishments of Indians abroad and has kept close touch with the community. The purpose of this anthology of essays edited by him is to bring to the global eye the unfolding saga of four million Indians in the United States. Indian Americans currently are just 1% of the US population but are expected to rise to 2% by 2030. Portraying the rise of the Indian American physicians as a strong and influential force in the United States, Ajay Ghosh chronicling their long journey to the United States and their success story, in a Chapter titled, “Physicians of Indian Heritage: America’s Healers” takes the readers to the times of Dr. AnandibaiJoshi, the first documented physician of Indian origin who had landed on the shores of the United States in 1883.

The arrival of Dr. YellapragadaSubbarow in the early 20th century, who has been credited with some of the biggest contributions in more than one basic field of science—biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, oncology, and nutritional science, portrays the discrimination and injusticesinflicted by the mainstream Medical professionals in the US. The story of the present day “Covid Warriors” who work as frontline healthcare workers treating millions of patients across the nation during the current Covid pandemic, and the thousands of others who lead the cutting-edge research and pioneer modern medical technology to save the lives of critically ill patients around the world, shows to the world, how through hard work, dedication and vision, they have earned a name for themselves as “healers of the world.”

Through the lens of AAPI and its remarkable growth in the past 40 years, Ajay Ghosh, a veteran journalist in the US, who has seen and experienced how the Indian-American physicians have gone beyond their call of duty to meet the diverse needs of the larger American community, by dedicating their time, resources and skills during national disasters and family crises, says, “The importance and high esteem with which physicians of Indian heritage are held by their patients is self-evident, as they occupy critical positions in the healthcare, research and administrative policy positions across America.” Their contributions to the US, to India and to the entire world is priceless, he writes, as “they have made their mark in institutions from Harvard Medical School to Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center to the Mayo Medical Center.”

The Indian American community is the most educated with the highest median income in the US and has excelled in almost every area it has touched―from politics to administration, entrepreneurship to technology, medicine to hospitality, science to academia, business to entertainment, philanthropy to social activism. The election of Vice President Kamala Harris has put the global spotlight like never before on the small but high-achieving Indian-American diaspora.

Highlighting the achievements of Indians in America, Basu, who is the founder-editor of news agency IANS, saidthat the community’s success serves as a ‘model’ for other nations. “A community that has made its mark with its culture of hard work, risk-taking, inclusive attitude, and passion for excellence can only be rising to greater prominence, making them a global diasporic “model community” for other nations whose governments are studying the success stories of the Indian American community with great interest.

“Indian Americans are most talked about because they live in the world’s most powerful and richest nation, a shining exemplar of meritocracy, and yet Indians have excelled in almost every area they touched – public affairs to administration, entrepreneurship to technology, medicine to hospitality, science to academia, business to entertainment, philanthropy to social activism,” Basu explained, highlighting the achievements of Surgeon-General DrVivek Murthy, Virgin Galactic’s SirishaBandla, and Samir Banerjee, who lifted the Wimbledon boys’ singles title recently.

“The nomination — and subsequent election — of the U.S.-born Indian origin Kamala Harris put the media spotlight on the small, but respected and high-achieving Indian American community,” writes Basu in his preface. “It is a fascinating and inspiring story of how an immigrant population from a developing country, with low education levels, became the most educated, highest-earning ethnic community in the world’s most advanced nation in almost a single generation,” he said, noting that Indian Americans have made their mark in almost every field, from the traditional trifecta of science, engineering and medicine, to the arts, academia, philanthropy, and, increasingly, politics.

Veteran journalist Aziz Haniffa wrote a preface, noting that Harris had initially bypassed the radar of the Indian American community at the start of her political career. Shashi Tharoor wrote, noting Harris’s multiple identities. “For the thousands of little Black girls who made ‘My VP Looks Like Me’ T-shirts go viral over the next few days, Harris represented an expansion of their horizons.” “Over the past decade, I watched as, one by one, the world’s most powerful technology titans announced an Indian would be their new CEO,” wrote Rangaswami, a venture capitalist and founder of the Sand Hill Group.

Other contributors for the include: former Indian ambassadors TP Sreenivasan and Arun K. Singh; Deepak Raj, chairman of Pratham USA; businessman Raj Gupta; hotelier Bijal Patel; Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor of UC San Diego; scholar-professor Maina Chawla Singh; Sujata Warrier, Chief Strategy Officer for the Battered Women’s Justice Project; Shamita Das Dasgupta, co-founder of Manavi; and journalists Arun Kumar, MayankChhaya, Suman GuhaMozumder, Ajay Ghosh, VikrumMathur, and LaxmiParthasarathy.

The book is now available at: https://bit.ly/HarrisIA – Amazon India book link, and at https://bit.ly/HarrisIndAm – Amazon USA link

Joe Biden’s Approval Rating Stays Steady For 6 Months

President Joe Biden’s presidency is now six months old. You’d be forgiven if you didn’t realize how long Biden has been in office because Biden doesn’t generate anywhere near the same news interest (see Google searches) as his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, did. The lack of a topsyturvy first few months has translated to Biden’s approval rating. It’s been the most stable for any president since the end of World War II.

This, indeed, has been the story of the Biden presidency from a popularity standpoint. At every point at which I’ve checkedin to see how Biden is doing from a historical perspective, nothing seems to shake his approval ratings. Right now, Biden’s average approval rating rests at around 53%, no matter how you calculate said average. Over the course of Biden’s first six months in office, his approval rating has never risen above 55% or fallen below 51% in an average of polls. It was 53% in April and 54% in May.

To give you an idea of what a narrow lane Biden’s approval rating is in, you only need to look at history.  Prior to Biden, the average range for post-World War II presidents in their first six months in office was 14 points. Biden’s range is less than a third of that. Nearly every other president saw his maximum and minimum approval rating differ by about greater than 7 points or more. (Lyndon Johnson’s gap was about 5.5 points.)  Former President Donald Trump’s range was 10 points, and he was thought to have an approval rating that was historically stable.

Biden, though, hasn’t really picked up any new supporters since the election. His approval rating matches his vote share (51%) and favorable rating in the exit polls (52%) nearly perfectly. On the other hand, it’s been noticeable how Biden’s relative ranking on approval rating has risen the more time has gone on. Biden’s initial approval rating was near the bottom (only beating Trump) back in January.

Today, it beats Trump, Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton’s. Barack Obama and George W. Bush’s approval ratings are within the margin of error of Biden’s approval rating. With increased polarization, Biden’s approval rating probably has a better chance of not significantly moving during his presidency than it may have in an earlier era.

On the polarization front, Biden has to be pleased that Democrats still seem to stand firmly behind him. It’s hard to find any reputable poll where his approval rating among Democrats is below 90%. In the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll, for instance, it’s 94%. No other president in the post-World War II era had an approval rating at this point within his own party as Biden has now. That’s not to say it’s all groovy for Biden.

The percentage of people firmly behind Biden seems to have shifted down a little bit. In the AP-NORC poll, for example, 25% and 26% of the public strongly approved of him in their last polls. In every poll of theirs before the most recent, more than 30% of the public strongly approved of Biden. Likewise, in an average of live interview polls, the percentage of the public who strongly approved of Biden went from 31% in both January and February to 27% now.

A big question going forward is whether this signals that Biden’s base may not be as strong as it appears at first glance. Another bad piece of news for Biden is that the opposition to him seems to have hardened. Biden’s disapproval rating is now in the low to mid-40s than the mid-30s it was back in January. This reflects more people going from undecided to disapproving of Biden.

If Biden was hoping that his efforts in the first six months of his presidency would bring over new supporters, he is mistaken — at least for the moment. Of course, Biden would probably accept not gaining any supporters, as long as he doesn’t lose any. His approval rating is still above water, and that’s certainly better than his predecessor.

A Malayalee Family Feeds The Poor In Australia

A Malayalee family feeds the poor in Australia and India by collecting bottles from the streets and beaches! Recently, Australian and Malayalam newspapers have been reporting on a Malayalee who has been involved in charity work in various places, starting with a slum school in Mumbai, Uganda, and Indonesia.

“A helping hand to those suffering from Covid in various parts of the state under the leadership of a young foreign Malayalee, George Thomas (34), son of KozhencherryKeezhukaraKoikalethuAniyan, who works in Australia, distributed food kits as part of the Restore Kerala project. In the first phase, 400 food kits worth Rs.1000 each. The next step is to prepare for the distribution of the drugs. George is the Director and CEO of the Mustard Seed Family Project, a social service organization based in Australia.” that is what I read off-late about this strange family. Joshi Emmanuel, my friend, and a social activist in Australia, has referred to Georgie, a Malayalee trying to improve the lives of the poor by collecting and selling bottles. Curious to know more, his phone number was sought from Joshi.

George Thomas, a senior manager at a hotel in Australia earlier, is currently the driver of the Australian luxurious Ghan Train,  that runs all the way from Darwin to Adelaide for the last two years. I wished to hear the details from the horse’s mouth itself. Australian time is sixteen hours ahead of American Las Vegas time. I tried on the phone several times. When we finally got online, we were delighted and talked in detail for a long time. When the relevant parts of his dedicated charitable efforts were reflected in his thoughts, proudly thought of presenting this particular youngster and family among the few young people who had humanity in mind.

“I can not describe how the hardships in the lives of my companions entered my heart. But the cries of hunger at home and in Australia, where I live, kept coming back to haunt me. It is not right to say only to me; it was a pain for my whole family,” said George. “I studied hotel management. And was the manager of a restaurant at Adelaide Airport with a five-star status and often enjoyed the top class food too. Life meticulously looked good. But when I see people around me begging for food, there is a sigh somewhere inside. Not only me but my wife Minu had the same experience as me”.

“But how can that help? Where can I find the money for it? (While I was saying this, Minu was helping people with the money she got from her job and also sponsoring the teaching of children in the country.) The demand was exceedingly curving up. But we could not go on without finding extra money”. “So one of the ideas was to pick up bottles from the streets and beaches and give it to Recycling for money. If we work a little more challenging, we can help some families without reaching out to others. Then we decided to look at the same path without any hesitation.”Besides, the government pays 10 cents (five rupees) per bottle. This is an earnest project implemented by the South Australian government,” says George, referring to the idea of ​​the Ten Cents 4 A Family.

His family and I started collecting bottles on the third of January 2019 roaming the streets and beaches to pick up leftovers. The money raised was used to buy food for Salvos’ inmates, a leading Australian charity. George and his family bought canned food and juices that had not been spoiled for some time. George is proud to say that they have also started delivering food to a village in West Bengal. “As the project entered its second month, our expectations have doubled. More and more bottles could be collected. So we wanted to do things a little more extensively. That same month in Australia, we could pay all the hospital bills of a child who was diagnosed with blood cancer. We were also able to distribute tin food that month,” George continues.

Before coming to Australia, George worked as a hotel manager in Goa, Dubai, and London and hailed from Kozhencherry in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. Minu Idukki is a laundry helper in Australia. Although George and his family started collecting on the bottles for charity, one of their friends explained its other social benefits. “What George Thomas is doing is not just a good thing. It’s a fight against plastics that harm the earth.”  That’s when I realized another aspect of its common good. I was excited to hear from someone else that I’m protecting the earth,” says George, who started doing charity work knowing that it was also against plastic waste.

To the slums of Mumbai

At first, he did not operate as a registered entity. The money raised from the sale of the bottle was set aside for the activities of any organization. But as people became aware of the need for the event, we were forced to undertake only one mission each month, ‘said George, registering as a charitable trust.  “Since 2019, we have been thinking about expanding the activities of ‘Ten Cent for a Family’ to a slum in Mumbai. At the end of the deliberations, I sought the help of a friend who was there. I went to Mumbai with my father,” said George, adding that what he saw in Mumbai was heartbreaking.

George reveals that visiting that slum that day in Mumbai was another turning point in his life

Food kits (consisting of rice, sugar, biscuits, nuts, oil, and chocolate) were distributed there?.

“I planned to start a school there. But how do those who have no food go to school? In addition, the children work and bring home around Rs. 200 per day. We have to make sure that we get that amount when we send our children to school. Then they said let’s leave it at school. We were willing to accept their terms.

“I rented a flat in that slum. A school was started in it. The school aims to provide basic education to children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. The primary purpose of the school was to teach the children the alphabet, arithmetic, and Hindi,” explains George.

School started in Mumbai.

The children who came to school started giving lunch every day. Forty children are studying in this school. .Activities in Mumbai are not limited to schools. For example, sewing classes were started during the holidays to empower slum girls and mothers. He says a lot of women and girls come there to learn sewing.George’s activities in India are not confined to Mumbai Blankets were distributed in Tukalpur, UP. Then, some charitable deeds as possible in Punjab as well. In the meantime, Kerala has not been forgotten.

Mission Australia

When the “10 Cent 4A family” started, my goal was not just Australia. The goal was to take care of the upliftment of my country that had brought me up. Australia feeds me. My country is the reason for my progress”Georgie continues. Georgie’s 10 Cent 4A Family collaborates with the Childhood Cancer Association, the Red Cross Army and the Salvation Army as part of Mission Australia. Georgie and her family are actively involved in Mission Australia, which aims to provide housing for the homeless poor Australian citizens, provide security for girls who are victims of domestic violence, help liberate those addicted to alcohol and drugs, and provide job training for the unemployed.

George and his family have expanded their efforts to promote the social upliftment of the African nation of Uganda.

Another project “4U Café” is just a pay it forward cafe, with potential upfront payments for the next person or homeless people, and free meals for those in need. The cafe, which distributes like this, is thriving. Paid 4U Cafe, I will run for a week , and next week my wife will run the cafe with the volunteers”.Paid 4U Cafe is where distressed families and the homeless can receive coffee training, providing them with accredited training and job training experience to help them return to a normal lifestyle.

George and his family are now in the process of distributing medical kits to many poor families in Kerala in the next phase, as we have supported over 400 families with monthly food kits and other essentials under the Restore Kerala project. George was also in a good hurry due to the hot summer in Australia. So George is busy picking up bottles on the beaches and roads after the hotel is busy. During the summer, when the water level rises, the number of bottles in public places also increases that creates more resources”

The long conversation between Georgie and me ended at 10:30 pm Australian time. At that moment, he noticed that some bottles were lying on the roadside. He cut himself off, saying, “There’s no room in the car, still  I have to pack it 8in the car.” George exemplifies that if at least a little bit of humanity and goodness remains in the mind, we can prepare the poor and the deserving poor for a better life and steps to survival.His witnessing life marks the culmination of a long and arduous journey. Irrespective of how others view it, in a blaze of glory or a torrent of tears – the journey itself is a tremendous story of loving kindness for the struggling human beings around us.

Veena Reddy Becomes USAID Mission Director

Veena Reddy made history by becoming the first Indian-American mission director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).“Best wishes, Veena. India USAID partnership has the potential to make a difference to the lives of people not only in India and the US but across the world.” tweeted Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Ambassador of India to the United States. “Veena’s journey from Andhra Pradesh to Ireland, then to the United States embodies the best of what we––a nation of immigrants––has to offer. A determined sense of possibility. A bold vision that paves the way for sustainable and inclusive development around the world.” said Samantha Power, USAID Administrator in a Press release.

The U.S. Agency for International Development has announced the swearing in of Veena Reddy as the first Indian American to become its Mission Director on July 26th.”Today, Veena Reddy was sworn-in as our new Mission Director. She will be the first Indian American to lead USAID-India, representing the best of both countries, and aims to bolster U.S.-India development partnership leveraging her unique experiences and leadership,” tweeted USAID.

“Best wishes, Veena USAID-India. India-USAID partnership has the potential to make a difference to the lives of people not only in India and U.S., but across the world!” tweeted Ambassador of India to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Reddy, a Foreign Service Officer with the organization, is USAID/Cambodia’s Mission Director. She arrived in Cambodia in August 2017 and currently oversees a staff of 75 as well as USAID programs in the food security, environment, health, education, child protection, and democracy and governance sectors.

She has served as Deputy Mission Director in Haiti, where she oversaw post-earthquake reconstruction efforts, elections support, economic growth, food security interventions, hurricane response, and the development of a new strategy. Prior to this posting, Reddy served in Washington as an Assistant General Counsel, covering legal matters for USAID’s programs in Asia, Middle East, and Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Indian American attorney has also served in USAID missions in Pakistan, the Central Asian Republics and Central America.

Prior to her government service, Reddy was a corporate attorney at Rogers & Wells in New York and at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld in London and Los Angeles. Reddy holds a Juris Doctorate from Columbia University School of Law and an MA and BA from the University of Chicago. She is a member of the New York and California bars.

Nisha Ramachandran Appointed As Executive Director Of CAPAC

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus has announced that Indian American Nisha Ramachandran will assume the position of executive director. Ramachandran, the first South Asian American to serve in this role, took over the post effective July 22. Ramachandran most recently managed her own consulting business that focused on AAPI advocacy. Prior to that, she served as policy director for the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans and as an APAICS fellow in the office of Congressman Ami Bera, D-California.

Several CAPAC members voiced their support of the appointment. “I’m very excited to welcome Nisha Ramachandran as the new Executive Director of CAPAC. Nisha comes to CAPAC after nearly a decade of experience working with the AAPI community on a national scale,” CAPAC chair U.S. Rep. Judy Chu said in a statement. “Her breadth of knowledge on the issues important to the community – from civil rights to healthcare – make Nisha the perfect leader to help guide CAPAC in this critical moment as we address the continuing problem of anti-Asian violence and work to rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic in a way that ensures AAPIs are included. I am looking forward to working with Nisha to advance AAPI priorities and am eager to see her succeed,” Chu added.

Vice chair and U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, said: “I am thrilled to congratulate and welcome Nisha Ramachandran as the new Executive Director of CAPAC. She has worked within the national Asian American and Pacific Islander community and brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience to our caucus. I look forward to working with her on addressing the many critical issues impacting AAPIs.”

“Congratulations to Nisha Ramachandran on being selected to serve as the next Executive Director of CAPAC. With her appointment, Nisha becomes the first South Asian to fill this important leadership position. Nisha has nearly a decade of experience working within the AAPI community, including serving as an APAICS fellow with my office,” Bera said. “I’m confident Nisha will be a great Executive Director and will play a valuable role in uplifting the AAPI community during this critical moment in our nation’s history. As a proud CAPAC Member, I look forward to working with Nisha to advance the important work of our organization.”

OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates and its executive director Thu Nguyen also congratulated Ramachandran. “Nisha is a friend and phenomenal leader for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Her strong community ties give us great confidence in her ability to advocate for and with AAPIs,” Nguyen stated. “Nisha’s historic appointment as the first South Asian American executive director of CAPAC is well-deserved and we are thrilled that she will bring her expertise to Congress at this critical moment. We look forward to strengthening OCA’s work with CAPAC on anti-Asian violence, voting rights, and other shared priorities in the years ahead,” she said. Ramachandran replaces Krystal Ka’ai, who left CAPAC earlier this month to lead the White House’s expanded Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

NRI Appointed As Vice-Chairman Of Abu Dhabi Chamber Of Commerce

The crown prince of Abu Dhabi & deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan appointed Indian-origin businessman Yusuffali MA as the vice-chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI). The 65-year-old businessman is the only Indian among the 29-member board. Yusuffali is the chairman and managing director of Lulu Group International,  a chain of hypermarkets and retail companies which is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It was founded in 2000 by Yusuffali in Thrissur district of India’s Kerala.

This is indeed a very proud and emotional moment for me. I am very happy to receive Abu Dhabi’s highest civilian award from the blessed hands of HH Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed, Crown Prince & Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/G2CmupCDfn Sheikh Mohamed issued a resolution to form a new board of directors for ADCCI, chaired by Abdullah Mohamed Al Mazrouei and prominent Indian businessman Yusuffali MA as the vice-chairman.

ADCCI is the apex government body of all businesses established in Abu Dhabi and functions as a bridge between the government and the business sector. The mission of this governing body is to contribute towards developing and organize the commercial and trade activities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, increase the competitiveness capabilities of the companies of the private sector, and expand their opportunities through providing high world-class services which would contribute to realizing sustainable development in the Emirate.

“It is truly a very humbling and proud moment in my life. My sincere gratitude to the visionary leadership of this great country and I will strive to do my best towards justifying the great responsibility entrusted upon me. Apart from working for the growth of Abu Dhabi economy and the larger business community, I will sincerely work towards further boosting the Indo-UAE trade relations”, news reports quoted him as saying. Yusuffali arrived in Abu Dhabi 47 years ago and in April 2021, Sheikh Mohamed honored Yusuffali with ‘Abu Dhabi Awards 2021’, the highest civilian honor for his almost five-decade-long contributions in the fields of economic development and philanthropy.

Danish Siddiqui, India’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photographer Killed In Afgahnistan

Pulitzer Prize-winning Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui was killed on Friday, July 16th while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters near a border crossing with Pakistan. As per reports, he was killed while on assignment in southern Afghanistan after coming under fire by Taliban militiamen. Siddiqui, who was 38 years old, had been embedded with Afghan special forces in southern Kandahar province when he was killed along with a senior Afghan officer, Reuters reports. Siddiqui was part of a Reuters team to win the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for documenting the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Siddiqui was reporting from Afghanistan as U.S. forces complete their withdrawal, ordered by President Biden to wrap up by Sept. 11. As the U.S. leaves, the Taliban — long held at bay by American might — have been rapidly capturing territory, leading to concern that the Afghan government could collapse. Siddiqui reported to his editors earlier on Friday that he had sustained a shrapnel wound to the arm during a clash between Afghan troops and the Taliban at the town of Spin Boldak, but that he had been treated for the injury, according to Reuters. Later, as he was interviewing local shopkeepers, the Taliban attacked again, the news agency said, quoting an Afghan commander

“We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region,” Reuters President Michael Friedenberg and Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement. “Danish was an outstanding journalist, a devoted husband and father, and a much-loved colleague. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.” SaadMohseni, the CEO of Afghanistan’s MOBY Group, the largest media company in the country, described Siddiqui as “an extremely brave and talented journalist” and said his death “tragically demonstrates the dangers that journalists in Afghanistan face for doing their jobs.”

Mohseni said that Afghan journalists were being killed or threatened. “Despite these dangers, they continue to do their work, reporting on the fighting that is consuming the country, on the human rights violations that are proliferating, and on the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Afghanistan,” he said. Working for Reuters since 2010, Siddiqui covered the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Rohingya refugees crisis, the Hong Kong protests and Nepal earthquakes. Siddiqui extensively covered the brutal second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in April and May as it ripped through India’s cities and villages.

In one of his last pictures, Siddiqui photographed a member of Afghan special forces firing at Taliban fighters at a check post in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. Siddiqui was embedded as a journalist since earlier this week with Afghan special forces in Kandahar. In recent months, Siddiqui chronicled a growing COVID-19 wave that swept through India, killing thousands. The assignment was not without controversy, as some in India expressed outrage over photos showing mass cremations of those who died from the disease.

Siddiqui’s pictures of mass cremations of Covid-19 victims at funeral grounds in Delhi went viral. The funeral pyres burning round-the-clock and cremation grounds running out of space told the story of a death toll unseen and unacknowledged in official data by India and the state governments. Siddiqui travelled to smaller cities and villages to chronicle the unfolding tragedy. In April 2020, Siddiqui covered the exodus of tens of thousands of migrant workers from India’s cities following a sweeping lockdown to prevent the spreading of coronavirus.  Sprawled together, men, women and children began their journeys at all hours of the day. They carried their paltry belongings – usually food, water and clothes – in plastic bags. The young men carried tatty backpacks. When the children were too tired to walk, their parents carried them on their shoulders.

In August 2017, a deadly crackdown by Myanmar’s army on Rohingya Muslims sent hundreds of thousands fleeing across the border into Bangladesh. They risked everything to escape by sea or on foot a military offensive which the United Nations later described as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing”. Siddiqui is best known for his work covering the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh, for which he and his co-workers won journalism’s top prize in 2018. The Pulitzer board cited the “shocking photographs that exposed the world to the violence Rohingya refugees faced in fleeing Myanmar.” “I shoot for the common man who wants to see and feel a story from a place where he can’t be present himself,” Siddiqui once wrote of his photography.

Dr. Sreeni R. Gangasani Appointed To The Georgia Composite Medical Board

Dr. Sreeni R. Gangasani,  a practicing Cardiologist in Lawrenceville, Georgia for over 20 years, has been appointed to the Georgia Composite Medical Board by the Governor of Georgia Hon. Brain Kemp. The Georgia Composite Medical Board protects the health of Georgians through the proper licensing of physicians and enforcement of the Medical Practice Act. The Georgia Composite Medical Board is comprised of sixteen members (15 voting members and one ex-officio) appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate.

Dr. Gangasani is Board Certified in Cardiovascular disease, Echocardiography, Nuclear cardiology, Heart failure and transplantation.  He is a founding partner of Cardiovascular Group based in metro Atlanta. He was past president of Georgia Association of physicians of Indian heritage (GAPI), past board of trustee and Vice Chair of American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI), Chair of 37th and 39th AAPI convention in Atlanta in 2019 and 2021, Chair of AAPI Global Health Summit, 2019-20 in Hyderabad, India.

Born in Andhra Pradesh, India, Dr. Gangasani attended Kurnool Medical College (AP University of Health Sciences) from where he graduated in 1991. He was awarded State and National Merit Scholarships as well as Gold Medals and Merit Certificates in Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Social and Preventive Medicine and Internal Medicine for being a top- of- the- class student. He went on to win first place in Indian Academy of Pediatrics Quiz Competition. Later, in the U.S. he won Internal Medicine Quiz Competition as first year resident for internal residency program in 1994. He was also recognized Outstanding Resident in 1995. He won the first place in 1997 for presentation (Scientific paper Award) at Annual meeting of Michigan Association of Physicians from India.

Despite busy schedule, Dr. Gangasani has contributed research papers to various Medical publications. An active and hard working member of several Medical Associations, he is committed to serve the community beyond his medical practice, devoting time to help the needy here in the US and in India. Imbued with a ‘Giving back to the community’ spirit, Dr.Sreeni’s compassionate heart has helped many worthy causes in both India and the U.S. In India, he has conducted a Health Fair in Hyderabad, India as secretary of APNA (Andhra Pradesh Physicians of North America) Foundation. He has donated stents and balloon catheters worth about $250,000 to hospitals and free pacemakers for needy people in Hyderabad. In the U.S. he has participated in various Health Fairs; volunteered at Gwinnett Community Clinic; and performed physical examinations for student athletes.

Dr. Gangasani was the past chair of Department of internal medicine at Northside Gwinnett Hospital, past board member of Gwinnett Medical Center foundation and current director of GAPI Volunteer clinic, immediate past Chair of Board of directors, ATMGUSA (Association of Telugu Medical graduates of USA). He served as the Chair of AAPI Awards committee for year 2020-2021. He is a graduate of Physician leadership academy. As the Covid pandemic ravaged India, Dr. Gangasani, with his wife Madhavi’s help, has been working with other volunteer doctors from the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and the non-profit Sewa International, providing virtual house calls for COVID-19 patients through the new online platform eGlobalDoctors, which Gangasani co-founded.

The hope, he says, is to shift some of the burdens away from overwhelmed physicians and hospitals in India. “The system is not set up to take care of so many patients at one time,” Gangasani says. “So, the goal was to get patients treated at home, if possible, to avoid the hospitalizations. The doctors volunteer to take calls for 4 or 5 hours at a time, many of them working after they have finished their regular work hours. The consultations are free and open to anyone who needs help. Since they launched the online platform in May, Dr. Gangasani estimated they have helped about 2,000 COVID-19 patients in India.

Dr. SreeniGangasani is a gifted physician with caring, healing hands and a tender heart who strives unceasingly to help others. “In the past two decvades, working as a cardiologist in Metro Atlanta, I have met many nice people and cherish many wonderful experiences with them. Its heart-warming to receive ‘Thank you’ notes from patients and their families. I am planning on participating in health camps/eye camps in India and the US whenever I can and inspire others with a ‘Can do’ spirit.”

Dr. Vadrevu K. Raju Appointed To The Faculty Of Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University

Dr. Vadrevu K. Raju, a renowned ophthalmologist, president and founder of the Eye Foundation of America, has been appointed to the Faculty of Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University. In a letter sent to Dr. V K Raju, by Dr. Paul B. Rothman, wrote: “By authority of the President and upon the nomination of the Advisory Board of the Medical Faculty, it is my pleasure to appoint you to the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University as: Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology Part-time.

Dr. V.K. Raju was born in Rajahmundry, AP, India. He is a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Director of the International Ocular Surface Society, Director of the Ocular Surface Research and Education Foundation, MBBS at Andhra University in India, Chairman of Goutami Eye Institute in Rajahmundry and is the President and Founder of the Eye Foundation of America, a non-profit organization dedicated to realizing a world without childhood blindness.

Since 1979, the Eye Foundation of America has expanded its reach to over 25 countries, screened millions of patients, and provided hundreds of thousands of surgeries. Dr. Raju has received numerous awards, including the AMA Foundation Nathan Davis Excellence in Medicine International Award, Four Time Awardee by The American Academy of Ophthalmology, Martin Luther King Jr Achievement Award from WVU, Distinguished Community Service Award from AAPI (American Association of Physicians from India), Pride of the Pride Award from Lions International District 29, Vaidya Ratna (conferred by Shankaracharya of Kanchi), Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Ophthalmologists of Indian Origin, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the WV State Medical Association.

Dr. VK Raju was among the class of 2017 inductees into the University of Toledo Global Medical Missions Hall of Fame, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North America Telegu Society. Dr. Raju has published two books, seventeen chapters, and over 100 publications in scientific journals. v5.26.1

Bollywood Actor Paresh Rawal Responds With Wit To Death Hoax

Actor Paresh Rawal had a witty reply for a death hoax about him on Twitter, which claimed he had died on Friday. Actor Paresh Rawal has become the latest Bollywood celebrity to fall prey to death hoaxes. The actor on Friday took to Twitter to rubbish a claim that he had died. He junked it with a witty response. The actor saw a hoax on Twitter that claimed he had died on Friday morning at 7 am. Rubbishing it, the actor wrote, “…Sorry for the misunderstanding as I slept past 7 am…!”

In March this year, Paresh had confirmed on social media that he had been diagnosed with coronavirus, days after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. “Unfortunately, I have tested positive for COVID-19. All those that have come in contact with me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested,” the actor had written. Also read: Radhe Your Most Wanted Bhai movie review: Salman Khan-Prabhudeva’s yet another cringeworthy watch

Before Paresh Rawal, many celebrities such as Lucky Ali, Mukesh Khanna, KirronKher and others have also fallen prey to viral death hoaxes on social media in the recent past. After portraying the character of a coach in Farhan Akhtar’s Toofaan, Paresh Rawal is all set to tickle your funny bone with his upcoming film Hungama 2. The actor, who tagged the film as a “very clean family entertainer with a good storyline,” is collaborating once again with director Priyadarshan. The actor-director duo has previously worked on several hits, including Hera Pheri, ChupChupKe, Hulchul and BhoolBhulaiyaa to name a few.

In a conversation with indianexpress.com, Paresh Rawal described the director and his style of filmmaking, “He has a lot of clarity about what he wants in his film. He has clarity about the characters, storyline, treatment of the story. He has a sense of proportion in comedy, which is very vital for the genre because you don’t want to go overboard. Also, the way he shoots his film… less fuss and maximum results are commendable. He has been experimenting in regional cinema. So, that benefit is also what our Hindi cinema is getting in terms of characterisation and storyline. So, let’s say, with him, we are getting the best of both worlds.”

When asked if there is a fear of being repetitive with the comedy genre, Rawal replied, “You can become repetitive or regressive if your story is not good”, adding that with Priyadarshan, the audience will never “experience vulgar or double meaning comedy. You will not see any sort of physical deformity being ridiculed.” He expressed that “a situational comedy” like Hungama 2 “won’t go out of fashion. So, that is the advantage of working with him.”

Thank You, Dear Father Stan, You Will Live Forever

Jesuit priest Stan Swamy has inspired many to pursue his vision of a more humane and just society for the poor in India

Dear Father Stan Swamy,

On July 5, you completed your pilgrimage on earth. A light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere. I am sure you will not want us to mourn your death. As we look back, we also celebrate your life of commitment, the rich legacy you have left us all. Our hearts are full as we say: “Thank you, dear Father Stan, you will live forever.” We cannot help but think of your incredibly committed and simple lifestyle. In fact, the media had a field day when authorities came to seize your possessions and found almost nothing.

As a young priest, you lived in an interior Adivasi (aboriginal) village, sharing a small room with one of the local families. You mastered the Ho language, studied the tribe’s culture and customs, ate their food and even sang and danced with them. You believed in youth, gave them a sense of identity and helped them to critically analyze what was happening to their tribal society. With their help, you also built your own residence, which was an open house to one and all. As an Adivasi rights activist, you worked on issues related to land, forest and labor rights, and for the protection, well-being and development of the local tribes.

The Adivasis and other excluded peoples, who had been consistently denied their legitimate rights, saw in you a person who left no stone unturned to champion their cause

You helped form the Persecuted Prisoners’ Solidarity Committee to gain justice for 3,000 tribal people illegally put in jail, expressing your dissent with official policies and laws, which you were convinced violated the Constitution of India. The Adivasis and other excluded peoples, who had been consistently denied their legitimate rights, saw in you a person who left no stone unturned to champion their cause. You did this unreservedly to the very end and taught us all the true meaning of solidarity — what it means to actually walk the talk.

We listened to your heartfelt words shortly before your arrest on Oct. 8, 2020: “What is happening to me is not something unique — happening to me alone. It is a broader process that is taking place all over the country …  In a way I am happy to be part of this process. I am not a silent spectator, but part of the game, and ready to pay the price whatever be it.” On May 21, you told Bombay High Court about the sufferings you were undergoing in jail. It had been eight months since you were brought there with your body fully functional. You could have a bath by yourself and also do some writing.

But the dire conditions in jail brought you to a situation where you could neither write nor go for a walk by yourself or even eat. “I am not able to meet this demand. Eating has become a real difficulty; someone has to feed me with a spoon,” you said. You also highlighted how prisoners came to help each other in difficult circumstances and were profoundly touched by the help you received from your fellow inmates. You seemed to have an intuition of your impending death. You wanted to be given regular bail and to go back to Ranchi in Jharkhand, where you had spent decades in the midst of your people.

“I want to go to Ranchi to be with my friends … Whatever happens to me I would like to be with my own,” you said.If not that, you were very clear about wanting to continue to be in jail: “I would rather die here very shortly if things go on as it is.” Your death seems to have spurred the opposition parties of the country into action, demanding the president of India’s intervention to act against those responsible for foisting false cases on you and subjecting you to inhuman treatment in jail.

Ironically, the opposition parties could not come together earlier on several key issues that plague the nation. But then your death provided them at least a cosmetic unity to address a serious reality. It is now incumbent that all those jailed along with you in the BhimaKoregaon case and other politically motivated cases by misusing draconian anti-terror laws be released forthwith.

The powers that tried to put you away, to annihilate you, have failed miserably in their evil design

A statement from the United Nations’ High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet raised your case along with the “15 other human rights defenders associated with the same events,” urging the Indian government to release them from pre-trial detention. She also raised concerns over the use of a draconian law in relation to human rights defenders, reminding that it was “a law Father Stan was challenging before Indian courts days before he died.”

The US State Department through its Office of International Religious Freedom called “on all governments to respect the vital role of human rights activists in healthy democracies.”All this has obviously raised the hackles of those who illegally incarcerated you. They were afraid and insecure for what you stood for. They tried to do away with you, not realizing that your spirit will never die. The powers that tried to put you away, to annihilate you, have failed miserably in their evil design. They did not realise that doing away with you would spawn hundreds and thousands of Stan Swamys everywhere.

Since your death, there have been numerous programs all over the world: rallies and demonstrations, candlelight vigils and processions, memorial prayer meetings and Masses, webinars and articles. Leading dailies and magazines have you on their cover with powerful editorials and op-eds; social media has not stopped talking about you. In several ways you have galvanized people across the board to celebrate your life and mission; and to condemn the way you were made to die. The underlying refrain everywhere is “I am Stan”; no longer the hashtag #StandWithStan, it has gone way beyond.

As a prophet of our times, you epitomized compassion, courage and commitment

A new cohesive, vibrant national campaign is emerging and gaining momentum — The Joint National Action to Defend Democracy; Defend Right to Dissent. A day of action has been planned for July 23. Called “Justice for Father Stan Swamy,” it will lead up to a national action program from Aug. 15-28 with thousands from all over India expected to participate.

We demand the immediate revocation of India’s anti-terror legislation, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA); the unconditional release of the Bhima Koregaon 15 and all others illegally incarcerated under this draconian law; we demand prison reforms and better conditions for prisoners — all that you relentlessly worked and died for. Strangely enough, in a lecture on July 13, Supreme Court Justice D.Y. Chandrachud stated that “criminal law, including anti-terror legislation, should not be misused for quelling dissent or for harassment of citizens.”

Powerful words, a vindication of what you lived and died for; we need to see now what happens in practice. As a prophet of our times, you epitomized compassion, courage and commitment. You had the audacity to dare: to walk with the excluded and the exploited and to make their struggles your own. Today you are a martyr for justice and truth. The Adivasis and many others already regard you as a saint. But you have not died; you will continue to live in each one of us. Many more Stan Swamys will continue to rise until that day when your vision of a more humane, just, equitable, fraternal, free and dignified society becomes a reality for the poor and underprivileged, the excluded and the exploited of India.

(Father Cedric Prakash SJ is a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist and writer. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official editorial position of TheUnn.com)

Dr. Anupama Gotimukula-Led Leadership Vows To Take AAPI Newer Heights

Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI)has vowed to  make AAPI a premium  healthcare leader, primarily focusing to improve and reform the current healthcare system and help towards making a better healthcare model for the patients;  create awareness projects on major chronic diseases burdening our health care system through Lifestyle modifications; establish a support system to members going through racial discrimination in the US; support AAPI legislative efforts to make healthcare better and affordable to all and promote charitable activities globally.

During a solemn ceremony attended by hundreds of AAPI delegates from around the nation, Dr. Anupama Gotimukula and a new executive committee, consisting of Dr. Ravi Kolli, President-Elect; Dr. Anjana Samadder, Vice President; Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Secretary; Dr. Krishan Kumar, Treasurer;  Dr. Kusum Punjabi, Chair, Board of Trustees; Dr. Soumya Neravetla- President, Young Physicians Section; and, Dr. Ayesha Singh, President, Medical Student/Residents & Fellows Section;assumed charge of AAPI during the 39th annual Convention at the at the fabulous and world famous Omni Atlanta at CNN Center and Georgia World Congress Center on July 4th.

Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalgadda, the outgoing President of AAPI passed on the gavel to Dr. Gotimukula, who will lead AAPI as its President in the year 2021-2022, the largest Medical Organization in the United States, representing the interests of the over 100,000 physicians and Fellows of Indian origin in the United States, serving the interests of the Indian American physicians in the US and in many ways contributing to the shaping of the healthcare delivery in the US for the past four decades.  A resident of San Antonio, TX, Dr.Gotimukula  is a board certified Pediatric Anesthesiologist, practicing since 2007, is affiliated with Christus Santa Rosa, Baptist and Methodist Healthcare systems in San Antonio. After graduating with distinction from Kakatiya Medical College, NTR University of Health Sciences in India, she did Residency at University of Miami & University of Illinois, and Fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology at University of Michigan.

As a Healthcare Leader, Dr. Gotimukula recognizes that “API has power. We have legitimate respect and trust of our communities in every corner of America. AAPI will leverage that power of our purpose and networks to help address specific challenges related to women and the numerous challenges women face.”

Dr. Kusum Punjabi, a very young and energetic leader of AAPI, assumed office as the Chair of Board of Trustees of AAPI on July 4th. The youngest to date to be holding this position in AAPI’s 40 years long history and the first person to go to medical school in the USA, Dr. Punjabi completed her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in Biology and Economics and graduated with high honors as a Henry Rutgers Scholar. She, then completed MD/MBA program from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers Business School.

Holding leadership roles while a student, Dr. Punjabi says, “I was the Class President in medical school and got the Deans Award that year. I then went to Philadelphia and completed my residency in Emergency Medicine from Drexel University – Hahnemann University Hospital. For the past 12 years, I work as an Emergency Physician at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson university hospital in NJ serving our local community and teaching at the Medical school as Assistant Professor in Emergency Medicine.”

Dr. Punjabi has “served many board positions at American Medical Association (AMA,) women’s section and young physicians section and at the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) for past 12 years starting in the Young Physician sections. I have led community service projects, organized webinars and conferences, written in AAPI newsletters and journals. I have won several national elections of AAPI before being unanimously elected as Chair of the Board.”

Dr. Punjabi says, “My goal as Chair of the Board is to develop long lasting programs within AAPI that promote professionalism, unity, mentorship and inclusivity. I hope to clearly re-define AAPI’s mission of service, academic achievement and supporting Indian Physicians working in America through advocacy and leadership. I want patients to know the value of the care they receive from our ethnic group and our mission of promoting the safest and best healthcare practices for our patients.

Dr. Ravi Kolli, President-Elect is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in Addiction, Geriatric and Forensic Psychiatry, and serves as Psychiatric Medical Director of Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services. A former Clinical Asst. Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University, Dr. Kolli had served as the President-Elect in 2020-21, Secretary of AAPI 2019-20, Regional Director of AAPI 2017-18, Past President of Pittsburgh Chapter of AAPI (TAPI), Past President of Rangaraya Medical College Alumni of North America and as the Past President of Association of Telugu Medical Graduates in USA.

“In my role as the President-Elect of AAPI, I will be working closely with the entire AAPI leadership to make AAPI a more dynamic and  vibrant organization playing a meaningful and relevant part in advocating health policies and practices that best serve the interests of all patients  and  promoting the  physician’s role   as  the  leaders of the  team based health care delivery,” Dr. Kolli says. “We will work together to promote our values of professionalism, collegiality, excellence in patient care and enhance AAPI’s reputation as a premiere professional organization offering educational programs and advocacy.”

Dr. Kolli wants to “focus on battling the stigma of mental illness and access to quality mental health care broadly. I will be forming liaison with mental health professionals in India and globally and bring awareness of various biopsychosocial therapeutic options  to promote wellness and recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders.  We will also actively promote physician wellness and self care to address the challenges of physician burnout and suicide.”

Dr. Anajana Samadder, Vice President of AAPI, said, “My journey with AAPI in the past 20 years taught me lots of lessons, skills and molded me to take more responsibility in the organization. My ordeal with Covid -19 was hard, but it also made me strong, resilient and tenacious. I will bring to the organization the level of commitment, hard work, experience and skill set needed to accomplish the various goals for AAPI and its members.”

Dr.Anjana Samadder has shown great leadership qualities which she proved during her tenure as local chapter President (Central Ohio), Regional Director(Ohio and Michigan) and as AAPI National Treasurer. She has also served diligently in different capacities within AAPI including being National Coordinator for AAPI Annual Convention, 2018 in Columbus.  Dr. Smaddar served as the Chair, AAPI Women’s Forum and has organized first live conference of this year in Tampa, Florida (March 19 to 21,2021) with great success. Her vision for AAPI is “to help build an ethically strong, morally straight and fiscally responsible organization. It is also vitally important to bring much needed diversity to keep AAPI thriving.”

Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Secretary of AAPI said, “I want to assure that I will sincerely work for the betterment of our beloved organization, AAPI.” A board certified hematologist and oncologist from Dayton, Ohio, practicing Medicine for nearly two decades, Dr. Kathula is a clinical professor of medicine at Wright State University- Boonshoft school of medicine, Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India in 1992. He has been actively involved in community service locally, nationally and internationally for the last two decades. He has been awarded with the “Man of the year-2018, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. ’”

Dr. Kathula has served in numerous capacities, before being elected as the Treasurer of AAPI-2020-21. He had served as the Chair, IT Committee- 2019-20; Editor, Enewsletter-2019-20; a member of AAPI’s Board of Trustees- 2014-17; and Regional Director- 2012-14, in addition t several roles at the local and regional level.  He has served as the President and founding member of Association of Indian Physicians from Ohio; President, Miami Valley Association of Physicians of Indian Origin; President, ATMGUSA; and has worked with Ohio State Medical Association on various issues.

A recipient of several Community Service/Awards, Dr. Kathula wants to “Make AAPI a mainstream organization and work on issues affecting physicians including physician shortage, burnout, and credentialing, while leveraging the strength of 100,000 doctors at legislative level.” Another area, he wants to work is to “Encourage and engage next generation/young physicians in AAPI activities. While working closely with other physician organizations such as AMA.”

Dr. Krishan Kumar, Treasurer of AAPI said, “I am honored to be elected as the Treasurer of national AAPI. As an organization, AAPI is committed to increasing young physicians’ knowledge base, enhancing their careers, and empowering them to play a key role in healthcare advocacy and community service. I will continue my dedicated work of several years helping fulfil our mission.”

Dr. Krishan Kumar is a pediatric emergency medicine physician in East Meadow, New York and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Nassau University Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital. A recipient of the prestigious Parvasi Bharatiya Diwas Award, Dr. Krishan Kumar, served as the Chair and Program Director, Department of Pediatrics, Nassau University Medical Center, from January, 2017-April 2019. Dr. Kumar is a Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at NY College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at  NY College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has served as the Medical Director, Fire Police EMS Academy- County of Nassau, NY from 2000 to January 2019.

Dr. Kumar was recognized among America’s Top Pediatricians by Consumer’s Research Council of America- Excellence 2010. The Congressional Certificate of Merit Award- given by Peter King, Chairman, Home Land Security, for “In recognition of being awarded the 2011 community service and leadership award by the South Asian Political Action Committee   in October, 2011.

The growing influence of physicians of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in the healthcare, academic, research and administrative positions across the nation. We the physicians of Indian origin are proud of our great achievements and contributions to our motherland, India, our adopted land, the US and in a very significant way to the transformation of the Indo-US relations.

Serving 1 in every 7 patients in the US, AAPI members care for millions of patients every day, while several of them have risen to hold high flying jobs, shaping the policies and programs and inventions that shape the landscape of healthcare in the US and around the  world.

“As we look forward to the future beyond COVID-19, we at AAPI have so much more room to grow and serve,” Dr. Gotimukula said. “I challenge myself, my Executive Committee, and you all, my AAPI colleagues, to rise up to the task of building on our accomplishments and successes over the last several years. My team and I have defined several goals for this year to further AAPI’s mission, along three key dimensions.”  Dr. Gotimukula urged AAPI to “improve health equity; get rid of discrimination; fight South Asian racial bias; reduce physician burnout; and, improve the career trajectory of the younger generation of Indian American doctors who will be taking care of us as we age.”  For more details, please visit: www.appiusa,org

Michael Kuruvilla, First Indian American To Lead Police Force

Michael Kuruvilla, an Indian American has assumed office as of July 12th to serve as the Chief of Police of Brookfield, a suburb of Chicago, making him the first South Indian American to hold such a post in the United States. Kuruvilla’s parents are from Kerala. His father, John Kuruvilla, an accountant, and mother, Saleena Kuruvilla, a pharmacist (both are retired)came to the US as students and had an arranged marriage.

Asked about his India connection, Chicago-born Brookfield Deputy Chief of Police Kuruvilla, 38, told indica News that he used to visit Kerala when he was a kid. The last trip he made to India was in 2013 with his family. Kuruvilla’s wife Sibil is a licensed social worker that manages a community mental health center and they have two children ages 10 and 3. In an interview with indica News, Kuruvilla shared how he was always fascinated by law enforcement, admitted it was an unusual career choice for his community, and said that his first job as police chief would be getting body cameras on. There are thirty-one police officers in his department and three non-sworn personal staff. Excerpts:

You started as a patrol officer and today you are going to be chief of police; is this a dream coming true?

I began my career as a patrol officer with the Brookfield Police Department in July 2006…. The short answer is YES, this is absolutely a dream come true, in that I am being given the opportunity and privilege to truly lead my police department at the helm of the organization for the years to come. I sincerely hope that my style of service and leadership will permeate throughout the department to spur others to serve similarly.

Did you always want to be a police officer?

I was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and moved to the northwest suburbs of Buffalo Grove during my childhood. Growing up, I was always fascinated with law enforcement, as I truly admired their role in providing service to the community and upholding law and order. Being of Indian-American origin with immigrant parents, law enforcement as a career possibility was not an option, mostly because it was an unknown professional arena for my family and I.

I was fortunate that by the time I was seriously considering pursuing law enforcement as a career option, a good friend that I had grown up with — also an Indian American, Malayalee — had already been hired by the Chicago Police Department, and he was a great source of support and guidance. By the time I actively pursued law enforcement as a career path, I had also completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work. My educational background has been an invaluable asset to my law enforcement career.

What would be the first job that you would like to work on as the police chief?

I have been leading in my current role of deputy chief and alongside my current chief of police. My hope in taking over his role is to continue the culture of professionalism, integrity, and honor in increasingly substantial ways. The implementation of body-worn cameras (BWCs) has been my project from day one. We are now crossing the finish line, so to speak, and I am incredibly proud of my police department and the Village of Brookfield in the ways that they have truly embraced and encouraged this evolution in policing so well.

This will be an enormous step of transparency that I believe will only highlight and exemplify the exceptionally high standards of professionalism that the men and women of my department have been demonstrating in our work all along. Also, we have a wonderfully established partnership with the community mental health center that has provided my department with crises services. We hope to continue that partnership into the future.

Was it hard earning the position you have reached today, do you think you had to work extra hard being a minority and brown? Are you the only Indian-American officer in your department?

I believe all police officers must have a special dedication and passion to do this type of work. It is not for the faint of heart, and the experiences and challenges that police officers must face often take a toll over the long run. The Brookfield Police Department has upheld a tradition of providing excellent public safety services all along. I have been very fortunate and blessed to rise through the ranks over the course of the last 15 years, and to be able to influence my organization and the greater community that we serve on every level.

I believe that my hard work and dedication has been exemplified on every level, but the work we do in law enforcement simply cannot be done solo or independently. I am the only Indian-American police officer in this department currently.

What are your thoughts when politicians on the progressive left say, “defund the police?”

My focus is in how to best or optimally utilize the funding that my department has currently been entrusted with, and to seek out ways to add funding and resources wherever possible. There are many needs in the community that a police department simply cannot solely fulfill or meet wholly, however, we need to work together collectively (all facets of the government and the community), to find ways to add funding, seek grants, etc, to provide the much-needed services (i.e. increased mental health options) to the members of the community that need them.

President Biden Announces Indian-Americans To Key Posts

The Biden administration has announced several nominations of Indian-Americans to key posts in the administration July 13, 2021. President Biden’s list of nominations includes Dr. Rahul Gupta, nominee for Director of National Drug Control Policy; Dr. Atul Gawande, nominee for Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Global Health, U.S. Agency for International Development; and, Michigan Circuit Court Judge Shalina Deborah Kumar in Oakland County to the position of U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Gupta, MD, MPH, MBA, FACP, is the Chief Medical and Health Officer and Senior Vice President at March of Dimes. He  provides strategic oversight for March of Dimes’ domestic and global medical and public health efforts, the press release from the White House said. Dr. Gupta currently also serves as clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine as well as adjunct professor in the Department of Health Policy, Management and Leadership in the School of Public Health at West Virginia University and visiting faculty at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

A practicing primary care physician of 25 years, Dr. Gupta previously served under two Governors as the Health Commissioner of West Virginia. As the state’s Chief Health Officer, he led the opioid crisis response efforts and launched a number of pioneering public health initiatives, including the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Birthscore program to identify high-risk infants. Dr. Gupta also led the development of the state’s Zika action plan and its preparedness efforts during the Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak.

The White House described Dr. Gupta as “A national and global thought leader and a driver of innovative public policies on health issues.” Dr. Gupta serves as an advisor to several organizations and task forces on local, national and international public health policy. The son of an Indian diplomat, Gupta was born in India and grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. At age 21, he completed medical school at the University of Delhi. He earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and a global master’s of business administration degree from the London School of Business and Finance. He is married to Dr. Seema Gupta, a physician in the Veterans Administration for over a decade.

Dr. Gawande, MD, MPH, is the Cyndy and John Fish Distinguished Professor of Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Samuel O. Thier Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, and Professor of Health Policy and Management at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He is also founder and chair of Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and of Lifebox, a non-profit organization making surgery safer globally.

During the coronavirus pandemic, he co-founded CIC Health, which operates COVID-19 testing and vaccination nationally, and served as a member of the Biden transition COVID-19 Advisory Board. From 2018 to 2020, he was CEO of Haven, the Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase health care venture. He previously served as a senior advisor in the Department of Health and Human Services in the Clinton Administration. In addition, Gawande has been a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine since 1998 and written four New York Times best-selling books: Complications, Better, The Checklist Manifesto, and Being Mortal.

He is the winner of two National Magazine Awards, AcademyHealth’s Impact Award for highest research impact on health care, a MacArthur Fellowship, and the Lewis Thomas Award for writing about science. Shalini D. Kumar whose nomination for U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan has been sent to the U.S. Senate today, would if confirmed, replace retired judge Victoria A. Roberts. Judge Kumar was appointed to the Oakland County Circuit Court in August 2007. Prior to that she had civil litigation experience in private practice from 1997 to 2007, which included medical malpractice, wrongful death, and complex litigation trial practice.

In private practice, Judge Kumar was an Associate Attorney at Weiner & Cox P.L.C., 2004-2007; Sommers, Schwartz, Silver & Schwartz P.C. from 2000-2004. Admitted to the Bar in Michigan in 1997, Judge Kumar is a graduate of the University of Michigan and got her JD at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association, Michigan Association for Justice, Federal Bar Association, and was in the Sylvan Lake City Council from 1992-1993

Eric Michael Garcetti Nominated To Serve As US Ambassador To India

President Joe Biden has nominated Los Angeles Mayor Eric Michael Garcetti to serve as the American ambassador to India. Indian American organizations welcomed the announcement, made Friday, July 9, calling it an opportunity for the Indian diaspora to work together to continue bridging US-India ties. Garcetti, 50, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, has been mayor of Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the US, since 2013.Garcetti’s nomination has long been anticipated. He needs Senate confirmation to get the position. If he makes it, he will be the first sitting Los Angeles mayor to leave the position voluntarily in more than 100 years, according to the Los Angeles Times

Prior to his election to the Los Angeles City Council, Garcetti was a visiting instructor of international affairs at the University of Southern California, and an assistant professor of diplomacy and world affairs at Occidental College. His academic work focused on ethnic conflict and nationalism in Southeast Asia and Northeast Africa.

On accepting the nomination Garcetti posted a statement on the city’s website: “I love Los Angeles and will always be an Angeleno. I want you to know that every day I am your mayor, I will continue to lead this city like it is my first day on the job, with passion, focus, and determination. I have committed my life to service –– as an activist, as a teacher, as a naval officer, as a public servant and, if confirmed, next as an ambassador. Part of that commitment means that when your nation calls, you answer that call. And should I be confirmed, I’ll bring this same energy, commitment, and love for this city to my new role, and will forge partnerships and connections that will help Los Angeles.”

Welcoming Garcetti’s nomination MR Rangaswami, a Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Indiaspora, stated in a press note, “We are excited that President Biden has nominated a reputed leader who has proven himself on several fronts. “It speaks volumes to the importance of the U.S.-India relationship that a close and trusted ally of President Biden may be America’s point person in Delhi.”

According to Sanjeev Joshipura, Indiaspora’s executive director, “Mayor Garcetti recognizes the importance of international cooperation and how to bring different actors together on the world stage.” Neil Makhija, executive director of IMPACT, another Indian American non-profit organization, said, “Ambassadorship to India is a critical position for strengthening ties between the world’s largest and the world’s oldest democracy, and President Biden has made an excellent choice in Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.” He added, “Mayor Garcetti’s credentials and national stature make him an excellent pick for the ambassadorship to India, a position that is critical to key American priorities like the global COVID-19 crisis, climate change, and immigration.

“As mayor, Eric Garcetti oversaw the vaccine deployment in the nation’s second-largest city, where over 50% of people over the age of 16 are now vaccinated. Garcetti understands the urgency and reality of addressing climate change, and is familiar with geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region from his service in the US Navy.” The ongoing trade war between the two countries reached its lowest point in 2018 when India imposed tariffs on 28 products in retaliation to the U.S. government’s imposing of heavy tariffs on aluminum and steel from India. Earlier that year, the U.S. ended its generalized system of preferences for India, a program that allowed for duty-free exports of certain products.

Former President Donald Trump called India “the tariff king,” saying: “When we send a motorcycle to India, it’s a 100 percent tariff. When India sends a motorcycle to us, we brilliantly charge them nothing.” On defense, Rossow noted: “Mayor Garcetti will have a particularly steep learning curve to cover our defense relationship with India.” He referred to military exercises, finding a comfortable “strategic pathway,” pending defense sales, and the evolution of Quad, an initiative by the U.S., Japan, Australia and India to get Covid vaccines to the developing world. Garcetti’s close ties to Biden could accelerate Quad’s strategy, predicted Rossow.

The veteran India expert acknowledged that Garcetti presently has no relationship to India nor to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His views on contentious issues, such as India’s treatment of its minorities, or his position on statehood for Jammu and Kashmir are unknown. However, the two-term mayor serves on the executive committee of Human Rights Watch, which has been critical of the Modi government. Indiaspora founder MR Rangaswami cheered Biden’s announcement. “It is good for India to have an ambassador from the U.S., who is a Rhodes scholar and familiar with geopolitics.”

A Saint of Modern Times: Stan Swami

On 5th July 2021, India’s human rights movement lost one of its dogged and principled workers Fr. Stanislaus Lourduswamy, popularly call Stan Swamy. He breathed his last in Holy Spirit Hospital Mumbai. Coincidentally at that time his bail petition was being heard by the Court. He was in Taloja prison on the charge of Bhima Koregaon case, he was the oldest person to have been accused of terrorism by NIA and was in prison under the draconian UAPA law, in which the hearing of the case is not time bound and the person can be incarcerated for long time, without any tangible reason. Authorities are not duty bound to present the evidence of the crime particular timeframe. He was arrested nearly eight months ago.

Bhima Koregaon incidence took place in 2019, 1st July. As thousands of dalits were returning after paying homage to dalits who lost their life in battle against Peshwa army in 1818, they were attacked. This battle had taken place between the Peshwa Baji Rao’s upper caste army against the East India Company’s army constituted mainly by Mahar community. Mahars saw it as a defeat of casteist forces and celebrated the victory, a victory pole was erected and annually dalits started visiting the place as a mark of defeat of Brahmanical forces. Babasaheb Ambedkar also visited the place in 1928. It became an ideological identity booster for the dalit community.

In 2018 as it was second centenary of the event lakhs of dalits visited Bhima Koregaon to show their solidarity with the cause of dalit upliftment. After the attack on dalits initial FIR was filed against Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote, two Hindutva leaders. Elgar Parishad was organized in Pune by Justice P.B. Sawant and Justice Kolse Patil. Later NIA took over the case from the state Government and initially started arresting people Like Sudha Bhardwaj, Shoma Sen, Surendra Gadling, Vernon Gonslaves, Arun Feirera on the ground that the violence was planned by the Maoists. The charge was that they had planned to overthrow the Government and kill Prime Minister Modi. Those arrested have been given the label of Urban Naxals, the ones who are supporting the naxal activities from urban centers.

The evidence has not been presented by police so far. Contrary evidence has surfaced. As per the US firm ‘Arsenal Consulting’ letters were planted in laptop of Rona Wilson and Surendra Gadling. The Court has not taken notice of this. The only person to get six month bail on health ground has been revolutionary poet Varavar Rao. In case of Stan Swamy, he is having Parkinson’s disease. He was denied the sipper for long time to help him drink tea etc.

From jail he wrote a moving ‘caged birds can sing’. He stated in his letter from jail that he is being helped by prison inmates to take care of his daily needs and that in prison all his body systems are deteriorating. Much later without giving bail Court permitted him to be treated in a community hospital. Meanwhile he also had the Covid infection which left him weaker and more debilitated. His death has been mourned by most of the civil rights groups not only from India but also from abroad. United Nations Human Rights body (Nadine Maenza) and European Union representative for human rights (Eamon Gilmore) have expressed deep sorrow and concern on the whole issue

Father was working among the Adivasis of Jharkhand. The BJP regime was taking away the forest lands and passing it on to Corporate for the natural resource. Thousand of Adivasis were put behind the bars for opposing this move of the Government. Fr. Stan stood tall in supporting the cause of these marginalized sections of society. “If you question this form of development, you are anti-development, which is equal to anti-government, which is equal to anti-national. A simple equation. This is why government calls me a Maoist, although I am completely opposed to Maoist methods, and has nothing to do with them”. He was part of the team which authored the report in 2016, “Deprived of Rights over Natural Resources, Impoverished Adivsis Get Prison.” His life was very simple. Used to travel in the ordinary rail compartment to save out on money. Lived on frugal means, totally committed to the rights of Adivaisis among whom he was living.

We have lost great human rights activists, no lime light, quiet and committed work for the basic human rights of marginalized sections. Even from prison he wrote more about those who have been lodged in jail without the cases being brought up in the Courts, basically being made to rot, incarcerated for raising their voice for justice.

The great loss to Human rights movements reminds us about the methods being used by the state and the lack of sensitivity of judiciary in dealing with the likes of Stan Swamy, who have been put behind bars on the pretext of plan to murder our Prime Minster! It is to silence the voices of dissent, to undermine those who speak up for the average and marginalized, in the language of Gandhi those who speak up for those who are standing last in the queue. We are living in times when policies are being manipulated to please those who are standing in the front rows of the queue. We are living in times where on one hand organizations like Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram have been floated by RSS to co-opt Adivasis into the agenda of Hindu nation and on the other those working for the just rights of Adivasis, like Fr. Stan are being implicated.

The only comparison I can think for this great person is the Saints, who were articulating the morality of Justice. Saints had to face the wrath of powers that be. This institutional murder of Fr. Stan on one hand reminds us as to how saints were persecuted by those in power and on the other it has diminished us as a nation. It is time that we need to form joint platforms to protect justice for all marginalized sections. His life should make us stand against the prevalent injustices and work for stopping the deep erosion of democratic values. That will be the fitting tribute to him.

Samir Banerjee Wins Wimbledon Boys’ Singles Title

Indian American Samir Banerjee from New Jersey has won the boys’ singles title, beating Viktor Lilov 7-5, 6-3 in an all-American final at the Wimbledon championships on July 11. Banerjee, who reached the final by beating France’s Sascha Gueymard Wayenburg in the semi-finals, is the first American junior champion at Wimbledon since Reilly Opelka in 2015, and 12th overall.

Banerjee, Lilov traded serves in the first set in the clash of two 17-year-olds before the Indian American won two consecutive games from 5-5 to take the set. In the second set, Banerjee broke his opponent’s serve in the sixth game and went on to win it 6-3, completing his triumph in one hour and 21 minutes, when Lilov made a backhand error. Banerjee is committed to playing for Columbia University in the fall and draws inspiration from several players who took the college tennis route to success before.

“Growing up, I think college was always in the picture, I was going to use tennis to get to college. Obviously trying to play at the highest level I could and then go to college and maybe after college try to go pro. I think I didn’t really expect this,” he told the Wimbledon official website after his semi-final victory.

“I’m really happy with my commitment to Columbia, the coaches there I’m really buying into their vision. I think it’s a really good stepping stone. Obviously, with Indian parents, they definitely want me to go to college and not just skip the whole…and just go right to pros. And I think it would be a good character-building kind of thing, because I’m not sure if I’m fully ready to just fully go pro yet, so as of right now, I’m still probably going to go to college,” he had said. The 17-year-old right-hander from New Jersey beat Wayenburg 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-2 in two minutes short of two hours in their semi-final encounter.

It was superb performance from Banerjee, who is 19th in the ITF junior rankings as of July 5, 2021, as he sent down seven aces as compared to three by Wayenburg, and earned 67% points on first serve compared to 57% by his French rival. Banerjee, who started playing tennis at the age of six, made 27 unforced errors as compared to 33 by Wayenburg, who struggled with his serve and sent down 11 double faults. Banerjee had just four double faults. And what was impressive was that Banerjee, who is from Basking Ridge in New Jersey, could produce such a performance on Court No. 1, one of the show courts at the All-England Club.

“It was crazy, that’s definitely the biggest crowd I’ve played in front of. And I think I had the crowd support for the most part, so that was an amazing experience, and then to win on top of that is something I’ll remember forever,” Banerjee told the official website. Legendary Indian tennis player Vijay Amritraj congratulated Banerjee. “Wonderful win for Indian American 17 yr old Samir Bannerjee in the boys singles at Wimbledon 2021. Wish him well for a great future,” the 67-year old who reached singles quarterfinals at Wimbledon and US Open tweeted.

Banerjee’s father Kunal was born in Assam, and his mother Usha was brought up in Andhra Pradesh before both migrated to the USA in the mid-1980s and got married there. The youngster, reportedly, will take a break from the tour to enroll for a degree in either economics or political science at the Columbia University in the coming months. While Banerjee’s victory is a testament to the system that US Tennis Association has put in place, India has been struggling to field a worthy contender at junior Grand Slams for some time now. Due to the lack of a robust domestic circuit and not having enough competitions at home to earn world ranking points, India has been struggling to create the next crop of youngsters.

Yuki Bhambri was the last Indian to win a junior singles title when he triumphed at the Australian Open in 2009 while Sumit Nagal won the Wimbledon boys’ doubles event in 2015 with Vietnam’s Ly Hoang Nam. Ramanathan Krishnan was the first Indian to win a junior major when he won the 1954 Junior Wimbledon championship. His son Ramesh Krishnan won the 1970 junior Wimbledon and junior French Open titles while Leander Paes won the 1990 junior Wimbledon and junior US Open. Paes was also a runner-up at the junior Australian Open.

“In Death, Fr. Stan Swamy’s Voice Is Even Stronger”

“Living Stan was a nobleman, but the departed Stan is unstoppable and his voice on behalf of the poor and the downtrodden is even stronger and will resonate it throughout history,” said Father Noby Ayyaneth of the Malankara Catholic Diocese of North America condoling the death of Father Stan Swamy at a remembrance meeting organized under the banner of Indo-US Democracy Foundation in Floral Park, New York. Jesus Christ was a master humanitarian, and Fr. Stan was following in his master’s footsteps. For him, suffering was not a tragedy in the face of injustice and as he could not be a silent spectator”.

Mr. George Abraham, Executive Director of the India-US Democracy Foundation, welcomed the gathering and stated ‘it is a dark day for democracy in India and Father Stan Swamy’s detention, treatment in prison and death is a blot on the nation’s consciousness and a travesty of justice. He expressed his disappointment that in today’s India, the presumption of innocence is becoming a thing of the past. India is about to celebrate its 75th Independence Day, and our founding fathers built democratic institutions that stood the test of time and protected democracy, freedom, individual liberty, and equal justice under law. However, these institutions are increasingly under attack and are being diminished. Today, anyone who dares to criticize the authorities is in danger of being termed anti-national.

Professor Indrajit Saluja, Publisher of Indian Panorama Newspaper, said Father Stan Swamy was a frail and weak man physically but strong morally and spiritually to carry on with his work on behalf of the weaker sections of society. As Indian Americans, we must demand our politicos to speak out when authorities target the poor and downtrodden in India. UAPA is a draconian law that the Supreme Court should have reviewed, and it is a shame that an innocent man had to pay with his life this way.

Pastor Wilson Jose, Pastor of the Grace International Church in Mineola, said while we have gathered here to celebrate Father Stan’s life, we would like to express our indignation as Pravasis, the way the political leaders and the judiciary treated him in India. Father Stan represented Christ’s teachings to its core and did his best to uplift the neglected ones by a caste system that is in place over centuries. Jesus said, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, and Fr. Stan’s life exemplified those principles. During the freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi was jailed many times by the British authorities. However, they respected his ideals and made sure no harm happened to him. Sadly today, the Government of India lacks even that basic level of humanity in the treatment of its own citizens!

Father John Thomas of Orthodox Church pondered what it would be like if any one of us would be in Fr. Stan’s shoes. Will we get intimidated or pull back? Father Stan’s life is a testament to all of us and should inspire us to stand up and fight for what is right. Father P.M. Thomas, Vicar-in-charge of Marthoma Church in Queens Village, said Father Stan’s passing had created a big void, and each of us has a role to play in continuing his work. He asked not to be discouraged but to continue the fight until the truth is revealed.

Mr. Amir Rashid, Director at NYPD who hails from Bihar, described the hardships the marginalized people suffer at the powerful hands in States like Jharkhand. Father Stan Swamy was the voice for the voiceless, and as long as this same power structure exists, these injustices will continue to be tolerated. Pastor Babu Thomas of IPC Hebron in Queens Village reiterated the old saying that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Father Stan Swamy was not a terrorist. The government knew that. His only crime was he loved the poor and served them. Unless we stand up and fight for our freedom and rights, our world will be a diminished place to live.

Dr. Surinder Malhotra, former President of the Indian Overseas Congress described the pathetic situation in India as far as caste and religion is concerned. Unlike the United States, even for a job application, they want to know your religion. Even in our Diaspora here, they tend to ask whether he is a Hindu or a Christian, north Indian or south Indian, and such intolerance is so evident and has become part of our mindset. He condoled the death of a man who dedicated his entire life to doing good but ended up dying in custody.

Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA, said it is outrageous that a man who is working on behalf of the poor dies in Government custody. The people who are responsible for foisting false charges to imprison him should be held accountable. The UAPA act is being misused and used against people for political reasons. Dr. Anna George, President of the Indian Nurses’ Association in New York, called Father Stan Swamy’s imprisonment and death cruel and unusual punishment. She asked for raising our collective voices to stop this from happening again.

Mr. Koshy Thomas, who ran for the NYC Council from District 23, expressed his sorrow, and asked authorities to protect  activists such as Father Stan while respecting the human rights of every citizen in India regardless of their religion or caste. Mr. John Joseph, the Vice-President of the Indian overseas Congress, urged not to be silent on these ongoing atrocities by the authorities. Is India a real democracy? He asked the participants to be more vigilant in guarding against these Human Rights abuses.

Mr. Shaji Karackal, National news coordinator, Harvest TV said ‘forgive us father, I am guilty and many of us are for not seeing the truth on time to come to your defense”. Father Stan Swamy will be remembered as a nobleman who stood up for the poor and marginalized. Mr. George Chacko also spoke. Mr. Varhgese Abraham thanked everyone for their attendance and paid tribute to the memory of this great soul, Father Stan Swamy. Mr.Shaji Ennasseril (solidactionstudio.com) provided the logistics.

“AAPI Is Stronger And Is Going To Be In Safe Hands:” Dr. SudhakarJonnalagadda Declares In Farewell Address

(Atlanta, GA; July 5th, 2021) “I am happy to declare that, AAPI is stronger and is going to be in safe hands, as I pass on the traditional gavel to Dr. AnupamaGotimukula, the new President of AAPI,” said Dr. SudhakarJonnalagadda, the outgoing President of AAPI in his Farewell Address on July 4th at the famous OMINI Hotel in Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Jonnalagadda, who had assumed office a year ago during a virtual convention, told the AAPI delegates, “Despite the Covid pandemic and the many challenges AAPI had to face, “I am proud of the many accomplishments under my leadership. I am grateful for the immense and life changing moments, probably the best of my life ever, that came with my association with and leading AAPI.” Describing how his own life has changed over the past years, he said, “Working with many physicians motivated me to be a better physician myself. I understood the higher meaning of being a physician, especially even more now during the COVID pandemic. AAPI has given me so much — networking, advocacy, and education — and I am honored to serve this noble organization.  I sincerely appreciate the trust you placed in me as the President of AAPI, and I am deeply committed to continue to work for you.”

Dr. Jonnalagadda expressed gratitude to his executive committee members: Dr. AnupamaGotimukula, President-Elect; Dr. Ravi Kolli, Vice President, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, Secretary of AAPI; Dr. Satish Kathula,  Treasurer of AAPI, Dr. Sajani Shah, Chair of AAPI’s BOT; Dr. Ami Baxi, YPS President; Dr. Kinjal Solanki, MSRF President; and Dr. SurendraPurohit, Chair of AAPI Charitable Foundation, for their cooperation, collaboration and leadership in helping AAPI meet the vision for AAPI.

Dr. Jonnalagadda enumerated several programs under his leadership AAPI had undertaken in the past one year. “AAPI and the Charitable Foundation has several programs in India. Under my leadership with the pioneering efforts of Dr. SurenderPurohit, Chairman of AAPI CF, we have been able to strengthen the programs benefitting our motherland, India.” AAPI has been actively involved in community awareness programs like Obesity prevention, sharing medical knowledge at the weekly webinars on team building activities such as the Share a Blanket program, medical education programs such as CPR training, and educating the public and creating awareness on healthcare issues through ZeeTV and ITV Gold, NDTV, BBC, and CNN. Almost all the ethnic publications from coast to coast across the US and several leading publications in India have run timely stories on AAPI‘s several initiatives and programs.

“AAPI’s Clinical Observership Program, the launching of JAAPI, a medical journal and the AAPI endowment Fund are some of the other initiatives under his leadership. However, the most important all was the numerous efforts he and his Team had undertaken to help India that is faced with the 2nd wave of the deadly covid pandemic. “AAPI has been coordinating several efforts, including tele-health to patients and Doctors in India,” Dr. Jonnalagadda said. “Thanks to the overwhelming support of its members that AAPI has raised over $5 million. They have been working very hard in sending oxygen concentrators and ventilators to India, to deal with the calamity in India and are in the process of helping to set up oxygen generator plants in different hospitals in India.”

AAPI has raised over $ 5 Million towards Covid relief funds for India and has purchased, shipped and coordinated with local authorities the supply and distribution of medical supplies to several parts of India. AAPI has shipped over a thousand Oxygen generators, masks, PPPs and essential supplies, and our pipeline will continue until the pandemic is overcome. As with anyone else, our doctors believe that they can best carry out our service to God through our service to our fellow humans.

“The year 2020-21 has been a year that has fundamentally challenged long established certainties about what we think is safe and what we believe is healthy in all areas of our lives. The innovative ways healthcare professionals have learnt and begun to practice Medicine gives humanity HOPE,” Dr. Jonnalagadd said. “AAPI will continue to be an active player in crafting the delivery of healthcare in the most efficient manner in the United States and India. We will strive for equity in healthcare delivery globally. We will be able to take AAPI to stability, unity, growth and greater achievements,” the out-going President said. “My message to the new Team led by Dr. Gotimukula: AAPI must be responsive to its members, supportive of the leadership and a true advocate for our mission.”

Delivering a spiritual discourse at the Convention, SadhviBhagawatiSaraswati, Author of “Hollywood to the Himalayas” led the AAPI delegates into an experience of peace and serenity. In her keynote address, Sadhviji inspired the participants to engage in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities professionals in the field of medicine. She emphasized the important and critical connection between mind and body by saying “As the Bhagavad Gita reminds us: the mind is the cause of all problems and the mind is, therefore, the solution.” She offered them a “Mantra” which she called, CURED, where C stands for Connections – Connect with your inner self; U stands for Understand that you are a tool in the hands of God; R stands for Reconnect with your inner self day in and day out; E stands for Equanimity – stay balanced in all you do; and, D stands for “Dhanyavad or Devotion” that is being grateful which will lead one to enjoy happiness kin life.

Dr. Sudhir Parikh, CEO of Parikh Media introduced the keynote speaker, AnandibenMafatbhai Patel, an Indian politician serving as the 28th and current Governor of Uttar Pradesh. She also served as Governor of Madhya Pradesh. She has served as the former Chief Minister of Gujarat. She was the first female chief minister of the state, he said. In her virtual address, she congratulated AAPI for organizing the convention and thanked them for their selfless services to India, the US and the humanity. Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, Chair of BOT at American Medical Association shared with nostalgia his long association with AAPI, growing up as a child and now, be leading the largest Medical Association in the US. Aaishwariya A Gulani, Valedictorian from The International Bolles School and a 3rd year Medical Student having held leadership roles from academia as recognized by the United Nations to community service globally as the reigning Miss India USA participated in the Fashion Show.

The concluding day of the convention had the usual pomp and show displayed in music and dance by the local organizing committee of the Convention headed by Dr. SreeniGangasani, who and his team were praised for their hardwork, dedication and creative ideas in putting together aan amazing convention in less than three months. “We are delighted to have been able to plan and organize the convention in record time,” said Dr. Gangasani. Calling it a historic convention, the Cardiologist from Atlanta said, “For the first time ever, we had to stop registration as we had reached the required number of participants for the convention, disappointing many who wanted to come and join the annual meet. Thank you for joining the AAPI community as we celebrate the victory of science over calamity while paying tribute to all the fallen healthcare workers including some from AAPI family. We also want to show the world that we can start socializing with precautions once you are vaccinated,” added Dr. Gangasani.

During the BOT Luncheon on July 4th, Dr. Sajani Shah, the outgoing BOT Chair in her powerfuo message enumerated the numerous programs BOT under her leadership had initiated in the past one year. Dr. Shah invited all the past BOT Chairs onto stage and honored them for their leadership of AAPI. Research  & Poster Contest Winners were recognized with $2500 cash award.

AAPI recognized the current Executive Committee Members, BOT members and several others who have worked hard to make the vision and mission of AAPI come alive. Prominent among them are: Dr. Radhu Agrawal was bestowed with AAPI Lifetime Achievement Award; AAPI Most Distinguished Physician Award was given to Dr. DhanireddyRamasubbareddy; AAPI Most Distinguished Service Award was given to Dr. Suresh Gupta; AAPI Most Distinguished YPS Award went to Dr. Purvi Parikh; and, AAPI Most Distinguished  Community Service was bestowed on Dr. Sujatha Reddy. Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu, Convention Vice Chair shared with the delegates about how in a matter of less than three months the Atlanta Chapter has put together a fabulous convention. He later on called on stage every member of the convention committee, while Dr. Lonnalagadda and Dr. Gangasani recognized them with a plaque. The past Presidents of were called on state on the 2nd night’s gala and were recognized for their leadership and continued guidance.

In her inaugural address after she was administered the oath of Office, Dr. AnupamaGotimukula vowed to make AAPI a premium  healthcare leader, primarily focusing to improve and reform the current healthcare system and help towards making a better healthcare model for the patients;  create awareness projects on major chronic diseases burdening our health care system through Lifestyle modifications ; establish a support system to members going through racial discrimination in the US; support AAPI legislative efforts to make healthcare better and affordable to all and promote charitable activities globally. For more details, please visit:  www.aapiconvention.org/ www.aapiusa.org

Dr. AnupamaGotimukula Assumes Charge As The President Of AAPI During 39th Annual Convention In Atlanta

During a solemn ceremony attended in person by hundreds of AAPI delegates from around the nation, Dr. AnupamaGotimukula assumed charge as the President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) during the 39th annual Convention at the at the fabulous and world famous Omni Atlanta at CNN Center and Georgia World Congress Center on July 4th.

Dr. SudhakarJonnalgadda, the outgoing President of AAPI passed on the gavel to Dr. Gotimukula, the forth ever woman President of AAPI in the 39 years long history of AAPPI, while the audience gave a rousing applause to the new leader of AAPI. Dr. Gotimukula has a new Executive Committee, consisting of Dr. Ravi Kolli, President-Elect; Dr. AnjanaSamadder, Vice President; Dr. SatheeshKathula, Secretary; Dr. Krishan Kumar, Treasurer;  Dr. Kusum Punjabi, Chair, Board of Trustees; Dr. SoumyaNeravetla- President, Young Physicians Section; and, Dr. Ayesha Singh, President, Medical Student/Residents & Fellows Section. Dr. Gotimukula will lead AAPI as its President in the year 2021-2022, the largest Medical Organization in the United States, representing the interests of the over 100,000 physicians and Fellows of Indian origin in the United States, serving the interests of the Indian American physicians in the US and in many ways contributing to the shaping of the healthcare delivery in the US for the past 39 years.

In her inaugural address after she was administered the oath of Office, Dr. Gotimukula reminded the AAPI members about our origin. “We came to the US pursuing the American Dream. Through hard work and a bit of luck, most of us achieved that dream and have become successful and caring doctors who play a crucial role in the American healthcare system. We serve patients. Raise money for local causes. Contribute to our education system and improve the lives of millions of Americans.  We joined AAPI to socialize and meet others like us and in that journey learned that through this wonderful organization, we were able to make a bigger impact with the many academic, philanthropic and social initiatives.”

While acknowledging and thanking “our founding members and all the past leadership of AAPI who contributed to the growth of the organization,” the only 4th woman president of AAPI in the nearly four decades old history of AAPI said, “We stand on the shoulders of our predecessors, who fought the good fight in bringing AAPI to where we stand today; vibrant, strong, healthcare heroes being recognized and valued by our peers, communities and most importantly the patients. We are the largest ethnic physician organization in the United States and help to elevate the voice of Indian Americans everywhere.”

Stating that healthcare professionals have made a significant difference  in fighting this pandemic. “AAPI and our members have been on the frontlines serving patients, working with local public health authorities donating and distributing resources such as PPEs, critical hospital supplies as well as most recently providing much needed oxygen concentrators and ventilators in India. You are truly healthcare heroes who stood up and risked your lives to SERVE when it was most needed. A value that is not just American but also something we brought along from our motherland of India.”

The soft spoken, thoughtful and visionary leader, Dr. Gotimukula says “I like to hope. I am a passionate people-person with a pleasing personality. I strive to be an empathetic team leader and good listener, always seeking and doing my best to achieve the team’s goals,”

As a woman leader, being the leader of the largest ethnic physician medical organization in the United States, Dr. Anupama wants to make AAPI a premium  healthcare leader, primarily focussing to improve and reform the current healthcare system and help towards making a better healthcare model for the patients;  create awareness projects on major chronic diseases burdening our health care system through Lifestyle modifications ; establish a support system to members going through racial discrimination in the US; support AAPI legislative efforts to make healthcare better and affordable to all and promote charitable activities globally;

“As we look forward to the future beyond COVID-19, we at AAPI have so much more room to grow and serve,” Dr. Gotimukula said. “I challenge myself, my Executive Committee, and you all, my AAPI colleagues, to rise up to the task of building on our accomplishments and successes over the last several years. My team and I have defined several goals for this year to further AAPI’s mission, along three key dimensions.” As President, she wants to focus on: “As one of the biggest stakeholders in the current healthcare system, there is an urgent need for Healthcare & Societal Reform, she said. “We need to be a part of the change we want in our healthcare system.”

Dr. Gotimukula urged AAPI to “improve health equity; get rid of discrimination; fight South Asian racial bias; reduce physician burnout; and, improve the career trajectory of the younger generation of Indian American doctors who will be taking care of us as we age.” As the President of AAPI, Dr. Anupama’s goal is to work towards “Healthcare Partnerships” with other similar groups. “In addition to the good community outreach programs, we need to develop new innovative partnerships around Academics & Research. Providing a solid foundation of science for better patient outcomes. We must reinvigorate industry partnerships &programs. Build on our core mission by partnering deeper with AMA and other medical and specialty organizations to work in tandem for common goals.”

As a Healthcare Leader, Dr. Gotimukula recognizes that “API has power. We have legitimate respect and trust of our communities in every corner of America. AAPI will leverage that power of our purpose and networks to help address specific challenges related to women and the numerous challenges women face: the dual roles balanced by a wonder woman physician, at work and at home and their increasing role in the future in the Healthcare delivery, Through our shared goals, we can leverage our influence to help shape a better future for our children and grandchildren.”

A resident of San Antonio, TX, Dr.Gotimukula  is a board certified Pediatric Anesthesiologist, practicing since 2007, is affiliated with Christus Santa Rosa, Baptist and Methodist Healthcare systems in San Antonio. After graduating with distinction from Kakatiya Medical College, NTR University of Health Sciences in India, she did Residency at University of Miami & University of Illinois, and Fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology at University of Michigan.

A resident of San Antonio, TX, Dr.Gotimukula  is a board certified Pediatric Anesthesiologist, practicing since 2007, is affiliated with Christus Santa Rosa, Baptist and Methodist Healthcare systems in San Antonio. After graduating with distinction from Kakatiya Medical College, NTR University of Health Sciences in India, she did Residency at University of Miami & University of Illinois, and Fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology at University of Michigan.

Dr. Gotimukula urged the API fraternity to “participate. Get involved. Get engaged. Lend a hand. And stand up and be heard. To all the team members, I want to thank you for your efforts thus far and for the next year ahead. Together we will all make AAPI the community standard bearer for a better future.” While thanking AAPPI members for “this wonderful honor of serving as your leader and I look forward to working with you all to help accomplish these goals and create greater impact through our efforts,” she said, “My hope is that this year will bring us all back together to see the warm smiling faces from region to region across the country. Let’s move forward and achieve great success together.”

Physicians of Indian Origin in the United States are reputed to be leading health care providers, holding crucial positions in various hospitals and health care facilities around the nation and the world. Known to be a leading ethnic medical organization that represents nearly 100,000 physicians and fellows of Indian Origin in the US, and being their voice and providing a forum to its members to collectively work together to meet their diverse needs, AAPI members are proud to contribute to the wellbeing of their motherland India and their adopted land, the United States. The convention is forum to network, share knowledge and thoughts, and thus, enrich one another, and rededicate ourselves for the health and wellbeing of all peoples of the world.  For more details, please visit:  www.aapiconvention.org/ www.aapiusa.org

Dilip Kumar, 98, Bollywood’s Legendary Actor Dies

Veteran Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar has died at the age of 98. He leaves behind a legacy of films that spanned six decades, and gave Hindi cinema some of its most enduring classics. Popularly known as the tragedy king of Bollywood, Dilip Kumar is survived by his wife, veteran actor SairaBanu. The legendary actor, whose real name was Yusuf Khan, was born on December 11, 1922 in Peshawar, Pakistan. His popularity transcended national and cultural barriers. DilipSaab, as he was popularly known to his family and friends, appeared in almost 60 films in a career spanning 54 years, and gave many hits and superhits.

With the demise of the veteran actor, an era of Indian cinema has come to an end. A few days back, he was admitted to Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital for age-related medical issues.A tweet posted from the actor’s official handle by family friend Faisal Farooqui read,” With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved DilipSaab, few minutes ago. We are from God and to him we return.” Doctors said Dilip Kumar suffered from advanced prostate cancer that had spread to other organs of his body. “He had water in pleural cavity, and he suffered a kidney failure. He required blood transfusion multiple times. We carried the last transfusion but it did not help,” a hospital doctor said. He suffered a drop in blood pressure and haemoglobin towards the end. “The cancer spread made it difficult to treat him,” the doctor said. The actor lost his two brothers to Covid-19 over the course of just two weeks last year. Dilip, however, had not been informed about their deaths. He is survived by his wife, SairaBanu.

Personalities from the world of politics, entertainment and sports mourned his loss. President Ram NathKovind wrote: “Dilip Kumar summarised in himself a history of emerging India. The thespian’s charm transcended all boundaries, and he was loved across the subcontinent. With his demise, an era ends. Dilip Saab will live forever in the heart of India. Condolences to family and countless fans.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Dilip Kumar ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers. RIP.” Amitabh Bachchan said that, “An institution has gone .. whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written , it shall always be ‘before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar’ ..My duas for peace of his soul and the strength to the family to bear this loss…Deeply saddened.”

Rahul Gandhi wrote, “My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends & fans of Dilip Kumar ji. His extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations to come.” “Rest in Peace Dilip Kumar ji! There will never be another like you,” tweeted former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, adding, “Your contribution to Indian cinema is unparalleled and you’ll be missed dearly. My heartfelt condolences to SairaBanuji& the family.”Meanwhile, VirenderSehwag recalled a famous dialogue from Mughal-e-Azam to pay tribute to the legend: “Heartfelt condolences to #DilipKumar’s family. The gr8 man said, Taqdeereinbadaljaatihain,zamanabadaljaatahai, mulkonkitaarikhbadaljaatihai,shahenshahbadaljaatehain,magarissbadalti hui duniya mein mohabbat jis insaan kadaamanthaamletihai,wohinsaannahibadalta.” Kamal Haasan shared a picture of himself with Dilip Kumar, posting that the latter’s understated approach is still tried by contemporary actors who are brave enough to attempt it.

Singer LataMangeshkar wrote that Kumar’s health struggles had been going on for many years and lauded the actor’s wife, veteran actor SairaBanu, for taking utmost care of him. “Yusuf Bhai was ill for the last many years, could not recognise anyone. At such a time Saira Bhabhi left everything and served him day and night. There was no other life for him. I bow to such a woman and pray that Yusuf Bhai’s soul rests in peace,” she tweeted.

Dilip Kumar was always the benchmark. He had a direct impact on many actors who worked in his time, from the forties to the nineties. He continues to indirectly impact actors post nineties too, for those who fashioned their acting after him continue to influence many rank newcomers of today. Perhaps that is the mark of a legend — when the trademark style of your art continues to outlive you, and find new ways to reinvent itself through budding talents who started out long after you quit.

For the record, Dilip Kumar quit acting in 1998. That was the year Yusuf saab — as he was widely known to friends and fans alike — last faced the camera for UmeshMehra’s “Qila”. If the actor was never seen on screen over the past two decades since its release, the rest of the film’s primary cast including Rekha, Mukul Dev and Mamta Kulkarni have also all but vanished, and director Mehra stopped making films nearly two decades ago. “Qila”, an otherwise forgotten attempt, will continue to garner recall value because it was the last film of one of Bollywood’s greatest.

What make Dilip Kumar stand apart from other actors of his era are the different dimensions of his acting. The same Dilip Kumar, whose tribulations in “Devdas” or “Deedar” as the tragic lover brought tears to our eyes also manages to make us laugh through his jocund moments in “Kohinoor” and “Azaad”. His seamless synthesis of this dichotomy played a major role in making him an on-screen persona cherished by millions.

The five decades of acting is balanced by the irony that Dilip Kumar never released a film as director. In his lifetime, he is said to have been involved with direction twice. He is said to have directed the 1966 drama “Dil Diya Dard Liya” along with the officially-mentioned helmer, Abdul Rashid Kardar, though he isn’t credited as a director for the project. Decades later, he would launch the self-starring “Kalinga”, with Jackie Shroff, MeenakshiSheshadri and Amitoj Mann. Some say the film was shot, though it never saw light of day.

Dilip Kumar debuted in films with 1944’s JwarBhata, but the film and his work did not garner much attention. It was with 1947’s Jugnu, also starring Noor Jehan, that he clinched his first box office hit. In 1949, he starred in Andaz with Raj Kapoor and Nargis, and it was that film that made Dilip Kumar a big star. He was the first actor to win the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in 1954, and won it a total of 8 times. He and Shah Rukh Khan jointly hold the record for most Filmfare awards. IANS described “Dilip Kumar’s life is nothing short of a beautiful film, replete with every colour of life. From his birth in Peshawar to becoming the First Khan of Bollywood, the screen legend’s life is an inspiration to anyone who dares to dream.

Presenting Dilip Kumar’s life in a timeline

1922
Born as Mohammed Yusuf Khan in Peshawar, North-West Frontier Province, British India to Lala Ghulam Sarwar Khan and Ayesha Begum on December 11.

1944
Makes his acting debut in “JwarBhata”, directed by Amiya Chakravarty, with the screen name Dilip Kumar.

1947
Tastes first major box office success, “Jugnu”, co-starring Noor Jahan and directed by Shaukat Hussain Rizvi.

1949
First breakthrough role in Mehboob Khan’s “Andaz”, co-starring Raj Kapoor and Nargis.

1951
Rumoured to fall in love with actress Madhubala during the shoot of “Tarana”.

1955
Release of career-defining film, Bimal Roy’s “Devdas” alongside Vyjayanthimala and Suchitra Sen.

1960
Featured in K. Asif’s epic historical drama “Mughal-e-Azam” as Prince Salim, his career defining role, alongside Madhubala and Prithviraj Kapoor. “Kohinoor” co-starring MeenaKumari also opens in the same year.

1961
Turns producer with the self-starring “Gunga Jumna”. Broadly inspired by Mehboob Khan’s “Mother India”, the Nitin Bose directorial was allegedly ghost-directed and ghost-edited by Dilip Kumar, according to unconfirmed rumours. The film starring the actor with his brother Nasir Khan and Vyjayanthimala was the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 1961.

1966
Marriage with actress SairaBanu, 22 years younger than him.

1980
Appointed honorary Sheriff of Mumbai.

1981
Marriage with Hyderabad-based AsmaSahiba , or AsmaRehman. The same year marked his comeback to Bollywood after a five-year break, with Manoj Kumar’s “Kranti”.

1983
Divorce with AsmaRehman

1991
Honoured with Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India.

1994
Honoured with DadasahebPhalke Award, India’s highest award in the field of cinema.

1998
Honoured with Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the highest civilian award of Pakistan.

1998
Release of his last Hindi film Qila, directed by UmeshMehra and starring Dilip Kumar in a dual role. The film also had Rekha, Mamta Kulkarni and Mukul Dev.

2014
The thespian’s autobiography “The Substance And The Shadow” is published.

2015
Honoured with Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India.

2020
His younger brothers Aslam Khan and Ehsan Khan pass away owing to Covid.

2021, Dilip Kumar passes away at a Mumbai hospital around 7.30 am on July 7. He is cremated with state honours at JuhuQabrastan, Santacruz, Mumbai around 5 pm
The same day.

Death Of Indian Jesuit Stan Swamy Throws Light On Abuse Of India’s Anti-Terrorism Laws

The body of 84-year-old Indian Jesuit priest Stan Swamy, who died under detention, was cremated on July 6 after a court asked Jesuit officials to follow prison rules. Father Stan Swamy was championing the rights of indigenous and marginalized people in eastern India’s Jharkhand state, breathed his last at the Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, Mumbai, where he was admitted for treatment over a month ago. Father Swamy was a Jesuit for 64 years, and a priest for 51 years.

The body of Father Swamy, who died of post-Covid-19 complications on July 5 in church-run Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai, was taken to a government crematorium after a requiem Mass. “Although he was free from Covid-19, we have been asked by the court to follow prison rules,” Jesuit Father Joseph Xavier said at the end of the July 6 funeral service after announcing the decision to cremate the priest’s body.  Father Swamy’s body was cremated in an electric crematorium at around 6.30pm after the funeral Mass, Father Joseph told UCA News on July 7.

Dr. Stanislaus D’Souza SJ, the Jesuit Provincial of India, said: “With a deep sense of pain, anguish and hope we have surrendered Fr Stan Swamy, aged 84, to his eternal abode.”The funeral service and Mass was led by Father Arun De Souza, Jesuit provincial of Mumbai, at St. Peter’s Church in Bandra, a Mumbai suburb. Only some 20 people attended the service because of Covid-19 restrictions.  Jesuits said the ashes will be carried to Ranchi town in eastern India where the missionary priest was based and to Jamshedpur town, the base of his Jesuit province. Father Stanislaus Arulswamy, known popularly as Stan Swamy had Parkinson’s disease, developed a pulmonary infection, post-Covid-19 complications in the lungs and pneumonia, according to the hospital’s medical director Ian D’Souza.  India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) that is tasked with fighting terrorism and sedition under the controversial Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), arrested Father Swamy on October 8 from Bagaicha, a Jesuit social action center on the outskirts of Ranchi, the capital of the eastern state of Jharkhand.

The following day, he was lodged in Taloja Jail, near Mumbai.  He was arrested for alleged links with Maoist insurgents who were said to have been behind the caste-based violence in BhimaKoregaon village in Maharashtra state in January 2018, in which one person was killed and many others injured.  Fifteen others, including scholars, lawyers, academicians, cultural activists and an ageing radical poet, have also been implicated in the same case. Father Swamy who suffered from Parkinson’s disease had difficulty in even sipping water from a glass and depended on co-prisoners for his other basic needs.  Besides, he also had hearing impairment and other age-related ailments.

The NIA court denied him bail twice, forcing him to twice move the Bombay High Court for bail. In the second week of May, the priest’s family members sought his release on grounds that he had contracted Covid-19 and was unable to even speak to his lawyers.  While hearing his bail plea on health grounds on May 21 through a video linkup, the Bombay High Court sensed Fr. Swamy’s failing health, and offered him treatment in a government or private hospital.  But the Jesuit turned down the offer, saying all he wanted was bail to go back to his home.  “I would rather suffer, possibly die very shortly if this were to go on,” he said.  He explained that when he arrived at the prison, his bodily systems “were very functional”, but in the over 7 months in prison, “there has been a steady, slow regression” of his health.

JCSA said “the Bombay High Court was hearing some petitions, seeking bail and a constitutional challenge to a section of UAPA, on July 5 when his lawyer announced Stan Swamy’s death.” “He suffered a cardiac arrest at 4.30 am on Saturday, and deteriorated thereafter,” JCSA said. The Archdiocese of Ranchi where Father Swamy served hailed him as  “a champion of tribal rights, a fighter for justice and a symbol of courage”.  “The fact that this sick man suffering with Parkinson disease was arrested at the age of 84, refused bail for over 7 months, not even allowed a sipper and finally contracted COVID in jail, itself is a sad reflection on those who got the innocent man arrested and the courts that refused to give him bail,” said a statement signed by

Archbishop Felix Toppo of Ranchi and Auxiliary Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas.  “The ‘caged parrot’ now sings in heaven but its blood is on our hands,” they wrote,   “May the hand of God intervene to bring justice to all innocent victims of insensitivity, vindictiveness and injustice. We have lost Fr. Stan Swamy but we still hope in the God of justice,” they added.The Jamshedpur Jesuit Province, to which Father Swamy belonged, also expressed “a deep sense of pain, anguish and hope” at the death of the “servant in mission of justice and reconciliation”. In a Facebook post, Father Jerome Cutinha noted that the “author of life” had given Father Swamy “a mission to work among the Advasis [indigenous], Dalits [downtrodden] and other marginalized communities so that the poor may have life and life to the full, with dignity and honour”. “The Society of Jesus [Jesuits], at this moment, recommits itself to take forward the legacy of Fr. Stan in hits mission of justice and reconciliation,” Father Cutinha wrote.

“We are deeply saddened at the passing away of Fr. Stan Swamy. We give thanks to God for Fr. Stan’s life and commitment to the poor indigenous people and their struggles,” wrote Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay in a brief statement.  “Fr. Stan’s arrest was very painful,” lamented the cardinal who is President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).   “Under the Indian criminal law, one is innocent until proved guilty,” he wrote. “Fr. Stan’s case did not even come up for hearing. We were eagerly waiting for the case to be taken up and the truth to come out,” the cardinal wrote.

Fr. Swamy’s commitment

Father Swamy has denied all charges against him saying BhimaKoregaon is “a place that I have never been to in all my life.” However, sensing his imminent arrest, he had released a video message explaining his situation.  He said that what was happening to him was not something unique or happening to him alone. “It’s a broader process that is taking place over the country.”  Prominent intellectuals, lawyers, writers, poets, activists and student leaders, he said, “are all put into jail just because they have expressed dissent…”.

This however did not dim his resolve to pursue his convictions.  “I am happy to be part of this process because I am not a silent spectator,” he said in the video.  He explained that with the creation of Jharkhand state in 2000, there were issues, such as displacement and land alienation because of mining, factories townships and dams”, in which the people who owned that land were not consulted.  He engaged young activists to resort to the country rulings or laws that empowered the indigenous people in issues regarding their lands and territories.

The death in India of an octogenarian human rights activist who was denied bail even as his health deteriorated in prison has sparked anger across the country, with critics decrying the government’s alleged misuse of anti-terrorism laws. For decades, he fought for the human rights of India’s marginalized and indigenous groups, speaking and writing in depth about caste-based injustices.

India’s caste system was officially abolished in 1950, but the 2,000-year-old social hierarchy imposed on people by birth still exists in many aspects of life. The caste system categorizes Hindus at birth, defining their place in society, what jobs they can do and who they can marry. In October last year, Swamy was arrested and charged under the country’s anti-terrorism laws, which critics have described as draconian.

Stan Swamy was among 16 renowned activists, academics and lawyers who were charged under a draconian anti-terror law in what came to be known as the BhimaKoregaon case.  Prison authorities were criticized for denying him access to basic amenities such as a straw and sipper – a plastic drinking beaker with a spout or straw – which he needed to drink water because of hand tremors caused by Parkinson’s. The Elgar Parishad case is related to inflammatory speeches made at a conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which, the police claimed, triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial located on the outskirts of the western Maharashtra city. The police had claimed the conclave was organized by people with alleged Maoist links.

Human Rights Violated: Modi Regime Abuses Power

Stan Swamy’s arrest sparked outrage worldwide, prompting several opposition politicians, national and international rights groups to demand his release. The others accused in the case termed Stan Swamy’s death an “institutional murder” and held the “negligent jails, indifferent courts and malicious investigating agencies” responsible for it. As a mark of protest, 10 of the co-accused in the case – Rona Wilson, SurendraGadling, SudhirDhawale, Mahesh Raut, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, GautamNavlakha, AnandTeltumbde, Ramesh Gaichor and SagarGorkhe – went on a one-day fast in the Taloja jail on Wednesday.

They informed about the protest to their family members, who released a statement saying all Elgar case prisoners have blamed the NIA and the Taloja jail’s former superintendent KaustubhKurlekar for the death of Father Stan Swamy. They believe that “the separation of Stan Swamy from them is a deliberate institutional murder,” the release said. The statement alleged that the NIA and Kurlekar never missed a single opportunity to “harass” Stan Swamy, whether it was the “ghastly treatment” inside the jail, the haste to transfer him back from hospital to jail or even protesting against trivial things like a sipper (which Stan Swamy required due to his medical conditions).

“It is these that have caused the death of Stan Swamy and therefore, for this institutional murder, NIA officials and Kurlekar should be tried under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code,” the statement said, while demanding a judicial inquiry into his death.

The statement said the family members of the accused will submit these demands to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray through the Taloja jail administration. It also said that though these accused were lodged in different barracks, they met on Tuesday and shared their memories of Father Stan Swamy, and also observed a two-minute silence as a mark of tribute to him. Three women accused in the case- SudhaBharadwaj, Shoma Sen and JyotiJagtap – are currently lodged at the Byculla prison in Mumbai.

The United Nations Human Rights on Tuesday issued a statement on his death and detention, criticising India. The international body tweeted, “We are saddened and disturbed by the death of 84-year-old human rights defender Father Stan Swamy, after prolonged pre-trial detention. With Covid-19, it is even more urgent that states release every person detained without sufficient legal basis.” In its statement, the UN Human Rights’ office of the high commissioner had said that Father Stan had been held in pre-trial detention without bail since his arrest, charged with terrorism-related offences in relation to demonstrations that date back to 2018.

“High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet and the UN’s independent experts have repeatedly raised the cases of Father Stan and 15 other human rights defenders associated with the same events with the Government of India over the past three years and urged their release from pre-trial detention. The High Commissioner has also raised concerns over the use of the UAPA in relation to human rights defenders, a law Father Stan was challenging before the Indian courts days before he died,” the UN statement said. “We stress, once again, the High Commissioner’s call on the Government of India to ensure that no one is detained for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression, of peaceful assembly and of association,” Bachelet said in her statement.

An international alliance of civil rights groups has blamed the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the death of an 84-year-old Jesuit social activist who died under detention. Human rights defender Father Stan Swamy’s death on July 5 while awaiting trial has deeply shocked and outraged global civil society alliance CIVICUS. A slew of opposition politicians, rights groups and academics, have expressed sadness for his death — as well as anger for the laws under which he was arrested and denied bail. Critics have long accused India’s government of increasingly using anti-terrorism laws as a means to quell any form of dissent.

Harsh Mander, a prominent Indian rights activist called Swamy’s death a “tragedy for the nation.” “A cruel state jailed him to silence his voice, the judiciary did nothing to secure his freedom,” he said on Twitter. International figures have spoken out as well — the European Union’s special representative for human rights said the EU had been “raising his case repeatedly with authorities,” calling Swamy a “defender of indigenous people’s rights.”

MeenakshiGanguly, South Asia director of Human Rights Watch, said Swamy’s arrest highlights “a degree of cruelty and callousness that is shameful.” “The counter terror law is draconian. We see it is being used rampantly to jail peaceful critics without bail,” Ganguly said. “It was for the courts to decide if Swamy was guilty, but in repeatedly stifling bail, the authorities chose not to protect,” the “fragile, ailing” activist, she added.

The priest’s death “is a result of the persecution he has faced by the Modi government after revealing abuses by the state,” the group said in a press statement. “Swamy’s death is a tragic loss for civil society and highlights the dangerous situation for other human rights defenders currently in jail in India,” said Lysa John, CIVICUS secretary-general. “Human rights activism and criticism of the state should not amount to the equivalent of a death sentence.”

Thousands of activists, political leaders and Indian citizens have taken to social media to pay tributes to Stan Swamy.  Many also expressed anger at the way he was jailed during Covid-19 and repeatedly denied bail. The government said Swamy’s arrest followed “due process under law”. Historian Ramachandra Guha called his death “a case of judicial murder“.  Leader of the main opposition Congress party Rahul Gandhi tweeted that “he deserved justice and humaneness”:

Indian American organizations have condemned the death of Father Stan Swamy, the 84-year-old defender of indigenous peoples’ rights in India, calling it a blot on India’s consciousness. “It is a dark day for democracy in India, and the national leadership and members of the judiciary should hang their heads in shame” questioning the failure of freedom of expression in a democratic nation,” George Abraham, vice-chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, said in a statement.

In his last bail hearing in May, Swamy had predicted his death. “I would rather suffer, possibly die here very shortly if this were to go on,” he told the judges. The Indian Express newspaper said Swamy’s death had “left the highest institutions of India’s justice system diminished”.”In the nearly nine months of his incarceration, till his death, the ailing activist came up – again and again – against the heavy hand of the state, an unresponsive judiciary and a broken prison system,” the newspaper said in an editorial. Chief Minister Hemant Soren of the eastern state of Jharkhand – where Swamy lived and worked – said the federal government “should be answerable for absolute apathy and non provision of timely medical services, leading to his death”.

Reflections On The Demise Of Fr. Stan Swamy

I don’t know if Fr. Stan Swamy’s soul will rest in peace. Given his sincerity to the cause of Dalit and adivasi rights, it is unlikely that it would, so long as the present situation continue. One thing, however, is certain. The present dispensation can now rest in peace. An octogenarian, enfeebled by Parkinson’s disease, unable even to hold a spoon with steady hands, will not destabilize the mighty Indian State anymore. Mera Bharat Mahan!

Why don’t I mourn Fr. Stan’s death, though it is ‘untimely’? His death is ‘untimely’ because senseless imprisonment expedited it. If so, the plain truth is that he is killed. But, if you ask me, ‘Who killed Fr. Stan?’ I will have to refer to Count Leo Tolstoy. Tolstoy says that the State is able to perpetrate atrocities through a division of labour. Now if a judge, for example, had to not only condemn but also to take Fr. Stan personally to a prison and shut him up there, he would not be able to do it. If the NIA lawyers were to do it, their conscience too would revolt against it. Even the policemen involved, if they were to, on their own responsibility, throw Fr. Stan into the jail, they would have trembled at the abhorrence of it. But break this atrocity into many pieces and make different agencies carry out the fragments by way of discharging their ‘duties’, it can then be done with sincerity and national fervour. I too am part of this callous system. So, how can I mourn the death of this saintly man, having kept quiet about it for nearly a year?

Secondly, I feel happy for him because Fr. Stan is now in a better state than he was, while alive in circumstances such were inflicted on him for reasons he could not understand. There is a school of thought that it is easier for an innocent man to suffer. They think so because they have never suffered, innocently or otherwise. The anguish in guilt-less suffering is that one’s suffering makes no sense. It is absurd. What is absurd is unendurable. If you are punished for your wrongdoings, then you can reconcile yourself to your plight. Think, if you dare, of the plight of an old and chronically ill man in a prison. Prison-life conditions, including the psychological poison that goes with it, being what they are, even individuals much younger than Fr. Stan and in better states of health disintegrate fast. Fr. Stan himself said that it is better to die than to be in prison the way he was. So, why shouldn’t we celebrate his release from misery through the mercy of death, for neither mercy nor justice was likely to reach him in any other way?

Oh, no! It is not Fr Stan that we need to mourn. It is ourselves. Given the miasma of fear that is enveloping the country –of which the plight of Fr. Stan is a clear warning- the difference between being inside the jail and being outside of it is becoming merely notional. A story from Hitler’s Germany is relevant here. Pastor Martin Niemoller was visited in jail by some of his sympathisers who wondered why he had to be in jail. He quipped, ‘Why are you not in jail?’ That is to say, at what cost are you keeping yourself out of it?

What intrigues me most is not the efficiency and zealous patriotism of NIA that rids India of extreme threats like Fr. Stan, but the crass indifference of the Catholic Church. No one is in the dark about the communication lines between the church hierarchy and the Modi dispensation. We are also aware of the extent to which the church goes, covertly, if not overtly, to save worthies like Franko of the nun-rape fame. We have seen, over three decades, bow the accused in the Abhya nun murder case were sheltered from the arm of the law. The humongous financial investment made for their sake is also not unknown. The one thing we do not know is if anything comparable has ever been attempted by the same Church arms or agencies for the sake of Fr. Stan. He was abandoned, it seems, like an illicit baby by its unwed mother.

A couple of issues stare at us from the Fr. Stan tragedy, which is the tragedy of humanity as a whole. First, Fr. Stan has died condemned, without the due process of law. Under the UAPA, the accused is guilty until proven innocent. Fr. Stan was not proved innocent. He was ‘the accused’ at the time of his death. The accused is, under the UAPA, guilty. So, I suggest that his case be tried on an urgent basis and the truth or otherwise of the allegations against him established. This is a matter of larger significance. It is likely that many more will suffer Fr. Stan’s plight, given the increasing number of people booked under the UAPA and the inordinate in trying them as well as the protracted nature of their trials.

There is, besides, a humanitarian issue involved here. The State tends to mistake the cry of the poor for justice as a war-cry against peace and stability. Since Fr. Stan was booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, we cannot but ask: Is it ‘unlawful’ to empathise with those who struggle for their rights: both human and constitutional? The Pathalgadi movement, with which Fr. Stan was in solidarity, is a tribal movement to realize the tribal rights enshrined in the Constitution of India. From Fr. Stan’s point of view, it is a spiritual and humanitarian duty to stand with those who struggle and suffer for justice. In itself it is a humane and laudable thing. But, under the law, it has become subversive and anti-national. It has become, that is to say, dangerous to do good, if the good you do seems to go against the interests of the ruling elite. But, the right and duty of human beings to express their conscience through humanitarian activities is not subject to the charity of a State; it is a God-given duty. It is reprehensible for the State to trespass into this domain of practical spirituality.

Let’s not forget that Fr. Stan is the victim not only of callous State action but also of the even more reprehensible indifference of the people at large. Today what is done to fellow human beings doesn’t matter to us, so long as it has either the tang of ideology or the veneer of legality. So long as our own skin remains intact, we sail along without any pang of conscience. Let me, yet again, borrow the words of Pastor Niermoller: today it is Fr. Stan. Tomorrow it will be your neighbor. The day after . . . ?

Dr. Amit Chakrabarty Leads Efforts On CO VENTILLLATORS DONATION Project For India

India is facing a deadly second wave of COVID-19. Number of reported Covid positive cases seems to be on the rise and thousands reportedly die daily. Hospitals and medical facilities are running out of oxygen and ICU beds, with patients left outside hospitals waiting for care.

There are several groups and individuals are responding to the crisis in India, distributing and installing medical equipment at health centers, distributing PPE to frontline health workers, and providing food and cash to meet people’s immediate needs. HELP INDIA BREATHE is a part of ApShiNi ventures’ endeavor by Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, Urologist in MO, USA and present Secretary of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, (AAPI) in helping individuals to donate Oxygen related supplies to India during this unprecedented calamity.

The American Association of physicians of Indian origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic medical organization in the USA representing the interest of more than 100,000 physicians in the USA has stepped up to the plate to deal with the crisis of India.  “Thanks to the overwhelming support of its members that AAPI has raised almost $5 million in the past few weeks,” said Dr. Chakrabarty. “we have been working very hard in sending oxygen concentrators and ventilators to India, to deal with the calamity in India and are in the process of helping to set up oxygen generator plants in different hospitals in India. “

As AAPI cannot direct its resources to specific areas and relies on government of India to distribute its supplies, Dr. Chakrabarty has been working outside the umbrella of  AAPI for directed transfer of the essential material, focusing mainly on the peripheral hospitals who do not get aid readily.  With the help of an anesthesiologist from Dallas, Texas, (who prefers to remain anonymous) who acquired the donation of about 1500 co-ventilators from a Health Group based in Minnesota, United States, Dr. Chakrabarty helped to co-ordinate and facilitate transfer of these co-ventilators for use of primarily government and nonprofit hospitals all over India.  The team from Oxygen for India (https://oxygenforindia.org/) helped in local transportation and airfreight to India without any charge.

With the help of the source, an anesthesiologist from Dallas, Texas, who prefers to remain anonymous along with an army of volunteers from Oxygen for India Dr. Chakrabarty is coordinating donation of about 1500 co-ventilators from a facility United States to government and nonprofit hospitals all over India. “Based on solicited requests from hospitals sent on their letterhead, specifically stating that this would be used free and not-for-profit and will not be resold.  They have had more than 175 such requests, and still continue to get them,” Dr. Chakrabarty said.

ApShiNi volunteers have painstakingly verified the hospitals and put the information on Google sheets.  The first batch of 1152 Co-Ventilator’s have reached Delhi and is in the process of being delivered to the hospitals.  We expect more to be on the way,” Dr. Chakrabarty stated here. Volunteers from health cubed (www.healthcubed.com) and Bangla Worldwide http://www.banglaworldwide.com/) are handling local logistics and delivery in India, after doing additional scrutiny.

Explaining the strenuous process, Dr. Chakrabarty said, “We requested Indian Council of Critical Care (https://isccm.org/) to send the message to hospitals in India that are treating Covid 19 patients and solicited requests from their CEO on their official letterhead, specifically stating that this would be used free and not-for-profit and will not be resold.  We were overwhelmed to have received more than 175 such requests, and still continue to get them. This is a mammoth undertaking with work still in progress.

Has Virat Kohli Captained Most Matches In History Of Cricket

ViratKohli is currently one of the best players in world cricket. However, more than just his contribution as a batsman, Kohli has been leading the Indian Cricket Team in all three formats since 2017. In 2014, Kohli was handed over the Test reigns as India captain after MS Dhoni announced his retirement midway through India’s tour of Australia in 2014/15. While ViratKohli didn’t taste success during his maiden Test series as captain, he has had a brilliant captaincy record thereafter in the past few years.

In 2017, Kohli was named the full-time India captain after he was handed over the captaincy in the limited-overs format too. While Kohli is still due to winning any major ICC trophy, his Test record as captain speaks volumes of his leadership and India’s consistency in the longest form of the game. Under Kohli’s captaincy, India won its maiden Test series in Australia in 2018/19 after touring down under since 1948. It was under Kohli’s leadership that India was crowned as the No.1 Test team in the ICC Rankings for a continuous period of 42 months from October 2016 till early March 2020.

Despite being India’s most successful Test captain ever, experts have often looked at ViratKohli with the corner of their eyes. The lack of an ICC trophy in Kohli’s cabinet is perhaps one of the main reasons behind the criticism the India captain has faced. India’s recent loss to New Zealand in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand only makes matters worse for Kohli as the call for change in captaincy has started gaining steam once again. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar had his say on the matter.

Bangar, who worked with Kohli till the 2019 World Cup, put his weight firmly behind the Indian captain. Bangar said Kohli would end up captaining more than any other cricketer in the history of the game. “If as leaders, you have the opportunity to actually dictate the way the culture of the team is and the outcomes that the team derives, then, in that case, all of them (nominees) were in quest of excellence. So is Virat, I do not doubt that he’ll end up being probably captaining more than any other captain in the history of the game,” Bangar said in Star Sports’ show ‘Cricket Live.’

At the age of 22 years, Kohli became the youngest player to captain an IPL side. In IPL 2011, in the absence of Daniel Vettori, Kohli captained RCB for three matches to holds the record for youngest captain in IPL history. Under Kohli, India has been the most consistent Test side over the past 5 years.Kohli has led India to victory in all the 11 Test series at home since taking over and has won in West Indies, Sri Lanka, and twice in Australia.

While Dhoni won 27 Test matches as captain and lost 18 in his 60 games in charge, Kohli is also India’s most successful Test captain with 36 wins and 14 losses.Kohli is also the longest-serving Test captain for any Asian country with Sri Lanka’s ArjunaRanatunga and Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq behind him as they captained their respective teams in 56 Test matches each.

Kohli, who has led India 95 matches across formats, has the highest win percentage among Indian captains. His win percentage of 70.43 is way more than second-best Dhoni’s 59.52. Kohli holds the record for most Test matches as captain for India. ViratKohli played his 61st Test match as Captain in the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand. He surpassed MS Dhoni’s tally of 60 Tests as India Captain.

With 36 wins in Test matches, Kohli is the most successful Indian Test captain. He’s followed by MS Dhoni, and SouravGanguly with 27 and 22 Test wins respectively as India captains. Virat Kohli now has the most Test wins at home for India. India’s victory in the Pink-Ball Test against England was Kohli’s 22nd Test win at home. Kohli went past MS Dhoni’s tally of 21 Test wins at home as India skipper. Kohli has scored most Test centuries for India as captain. With 20 centuries since being Indian Test skipper, Kohli is only behind Graeme Smith (25) with most Test hundreds as captain.

Kohli has scored seven double centuries in his Test career. Coincidentally, all of his Test double tons have come during his tenure as captain. This also puts him first on the list of most double centuries for any Test captain. Kohli also holds the record for scoring most Test runs for India as captain. In 61 Tests so far, Virat has scored 5449 runs at an average of 57.97 including a highest score of 254* against South Africa.

ViratKohli has led India in 65 ODI wins as captain. He’s the fourth most successful ODI Indian captain after the likes of MS Dhoni, SouravGanguly, and M Azharuddin. Virat has the second most runs as Indian ODI skipper (5320 runs) after MS Dhoni. Dhoni registered a tally of 6641 runs ODI runs in 200 matches as captain for India. He has scored the most number of ODI centuries by an Indian captain. Kohli is only behind Ricky Ponting, who scored 22 centuries during his tenure as captain of Australia.

Kohli has scored the most T20I runs by an Indian skipper. With 1421 T20I runs, Virat is ranked fourth among captains with the most runs in T20Is. He is the second most successful T20I captain of India with 27 wins. MS Dhoni has secured the most T20I wins (42) as Indian captain. Kohli also holds the record for scoring the quickest 1000 T20I runs as captain. He took a mere 30 innings to claim the milestone, which happens to be an inning quicker than South Africa’s Faf du Plessis.

Only Indian skipper to win T20I bilateral series in all SENA  nations. Under him, India won 5-0 in New Zealand in 2020, 2-1 in Australia 2020, 2-1 in England in 2018, and 2-1 in South Africa in 2018. With 27 T20I wins, Kohli is ranked fourth among most T20I wins as Captain. He’s only behind Asghar Afghan, MS Dhoni, and Eoin Morgan among T20I captains.

Community Leader Jaswant Mody Dies In Accident In New Jersey

JaswantMody, 83, an Indian American community leader and former vice president of the Federation of Indian Associations died when his car collided with a freight train on July Fourth in Piscataway, New Jersey on July 4th.

“With a heavy heart, we wanted to share with you the news of our dear husband and father, JaswantMody’s death on July 4th. He died in a tragic car accident and was the only one affected,” the family said in an email from son Neil Mody, to community members. “Thanks to all for being a part of his life, he is deeply missed already,” said the note. Jaswant ‘Jay’ BhailalMody, an Environmental engineer, a Piscataway civic leader, long active with Indian cultural organizations, passed away suddenly on the Fourth of July, 2021 in his hometown of Piscataway, NJ at the age of 83.

Jaswant was born in Mumbai, India on May 20, 1938. After attending the University of Bombay, he followed his dream to come to the United States of America for freedom and opportunity. Jaswant worked and saved for the fare, and after 1 months of traveling by passenger ship, he arrived in New York. He then began his American Dream. Jaswant attended universities in Utah, Ohio, and New Jersey. Jaswant married and settled down in New Jersey and worked as an engineer for over 5 decades. He retired in 2012 from the DEP of NYC after working there for over 25 years.

Jaswant lived his life as a public servant. He volunteered his time to the Indian community through various organizations and was awarded a Lifetime Service Award by the Association of Indians in America. Jaswant was also very active in the Piscataway community, where he’s lived for the past 47 years. He was a Committeeman for over 20 years, with the Piscataway Democratic Organization. He served on the Piscataway Township Zoning Board. He helped organize the first India Day Parade in Piscataway. Jaswant is survived by his wife Chandrika, son Neil, daughter Lena, daughter-in-law Sheetal, son-in-law Rupal, 4 grandchildren, 2 sisters, 3 brothers, and several nephews and nieces.

A funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm at Franklin Memorial Park in North Brunswick, NJ. View a livestream at https://vimeo.com/571813244. In lieu of flowers or any donations in his name, we ask you to spend time volunteering to help the community just like he did for most of his life. You may sign the online condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.comCrabiel Home for Funerals 170 N. Main St.-at Riva Avenue Milltown, NJ 08850 (732) 828-1331 The entire Indian American community is shocked at this sudden death. Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIUO International stated; “It is a great loss for the whole Indian Diaspora community. He was the most sincere volunteer I have ever worked with. He is currently Associate Secretary of GOPIO International and was at our Zoom meeting of GOPIO on Friday late in the night.

“Jaswant Bhai was such a great volunteer, at the First Global Convention in 1989, he was at the welcome/registration desk for 7 days. When we had a convention in Delhi at the Ashok Hotel In 2009, he just came and stayed at the hotel for 3 days at his own expense, just to take care of the registration. That was his commitment for GOPIO. We will miss a lot in our activities. “I spoke to his son today. They are still waiting for the police report and release of the body. We will plan a memorial service for him after the funeral service is done. They are still working on the Funeral Home and other cremation details. May his soul Rest In Peace.”

Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President Of AAPI For 2021-22 Commits to Strengthen and Make AAPI A Premier Healthcare Leader

Dr. AnupamaGotimukula, who will be assuming the leadership role as the President of AAPI during the upcoming Annual Convention on July 4th in Atlanta, GA has been playing a critical role in coordinating and leading AAPI’s numerous efforts to help India, as our motherland has been impacted by the recent ongoing Corona pandemic disaster . The soft spoken, thoughtful and visionary leader, Dr. Gotimukula is the only 4th Woman elected to be the President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin in its nearly four decades long history. Dr. Anupama says “I like to hope. I am a passionate people-person with a pleasing personality. I strive to be an empathetic team leader and good listener, always seeking and doing my best to achieve the team’s goals,”

As a woman leader, being the leader of the largest ethnic physician medical organization in the United States, Dr. Anupama wants to make AAPI a premium  healthcare leader, primarily focussing to improve and reform the current healthcare system and help towards making a better healthcare model for the patients;  create awareness projects on major chronic diseases burdening our health care system through Lifestyle modifications ; establish a support system to members going through racial discrimination in the US; support AAPI legislative efforts to make healthcare better and affordable to all and promote charitable activities globally;

Beginning her long association with AAPI as a volunteer in San Antonio in 2009, inspired by the AAPI activities, she became life member of AAPI 2010. Her passion, dedication, leadership and people skills made her President of Texas Indo-American Physician Society  SW Chapter (2013) , Treasurer/Co Chair  of AAPI National Convention (2014), IT Chair(2015),  2 years as Regional Director of AAPI, and later elected as AAPI Treasurer (2017), Secretary (2018), Vice President (2019) with a huge majority and currently President-Elect (2020) A resident of San Antonio, TX, Dr.Gotimukula  is a board certified Pediatric Anesthesiologist, practicing since 2007, is affiliated with Christus Santa Rosa, Baptist and Methodist Healthcare systems in San Antonio

After graduating with distinction from Kakatiya Medical College, NTR University of Health Sciences in India, she did Residency at University of Miami & University of Illinois, and Fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology at University of Michigan.Narrating her childhood ambitions “my parents always encouraged and nurtured me the skills to be a leader and this positive culture influenced me throughout my childhood,” recalls Dr. Gotimukula, who grew up in a family of engineers at Regional Engineering College Campus all her childhood. Her ambition in childhood was “to become a doctor, both to make her parents happy, and to do good for the community. Joining medical school and later on, practicing Medicine was a dream come true and says “I am thankful to my parents and my family who motivated me and mentored me to achieve my goals.”

 

 

As the President of AAPI, Dr. Gotimukula will work towards “strengthening the organization’s mission, encourage participation of more young physicians, develop the best communications platforms  for Indian American Physicians and keep the members well connected.  “Patience, Perseverance, Passion and Positive Attitude,” are her mantra to be successful  in leadership. She realizes that leadership is a skill and these attributes within her have been well recognized by the physician community locally and nationally.

With a vision to make AAPI financially strong : 1. Dr. Gotimukula has been instrumental in creating $250,000 Endowment Fund for operations in 2020 with a goal to reach $2.5 Million in the next five years; 2. Dr. Gotimukula understands that education is at the heart of all that AAPI stands for.  She wants to focus on offering CMEs & Educational & Leadership Seminars for Members; 3. In addition, Dr.Gotimukulawants to provide Educational Projects in India by collaborating with Global Association of Indian Medical Student Council and mentor them to get the best medical education in India and abroad; 4. Working towards Healthcare Reforms by being proactive, AAPI is biggest stakeholder in American Medical healthcare system , will collaborate with AMA and other allied medical organizations; 5. Provide research opportunities to the Premed and Medical students; and, 6. Global Mission work across the globe, while stating “Charity and Service are my mission. We, the doctors are fortunate that due to the hard work and support of our family and friends, we were able to get into good schools and started practicing in the United States. I see it now as our duty to help our communities, both in India and the US. It is my duty and pleasure to support charitable causes and serve our communities.”

Under her leadership, AAPI will organize and facilitate physicians services through telehealth platforms to serve the needy in the rural areas of India. “We dedicate our professional expertise and services to both India (Janmabhoomi) and the United States, (Karmabhoomi).”Dr. Gotimukula believes and understands that “AAPI is the one and only strong voice of Indian American Physicians in the United States of America. We are 40 years old and we are growing in membership every year, with currently about 14,000 lifetime members and many members through patron chapters. We are robust, united, strong and will be even stronger through our strong mission, vision, and values. I will lean on these traits of AAPI and work with my team to strengthen the growing organization.”

 

 

As a woman leader and as the elected leader of a diverse organization such as AAPI, Dr. Gotimukula is aware of the many challenges she is likely to encounter as AAPI’s President. “As leader of the largest physician ethnic nonprofit organization with diverse cultures, yes, challenges are expected.” “On a personal note, time management, balancing career and family responsibilities,” will be challenging. Dr. Gotimukula plans to address them with proper communication, nurture team and engage BK members in problem solving. Being an anesthesiologist, profession has taught me the skills of multi-tasking and staying focused! Daily Meditation and physical exercise keep me energetic and productive until the last minute of my day. Being a woman, I have leaned into being compassionate, empathetic, persevering, patient, and resilient.

 

 

Enumerating some of the programs for AAPI to serve the diverse members of AAPi across the nation, Dr. Gotimukula wants to have collaborative efforts with Specialty, Alumni, and Chapter societies for the physicians. On the Legislative front, Dr. Gotiumukual will initiate efforts as she beleives: ”Our voice should be heard at the Corridors of power at the federal, state and local levels focus to address IMG issues, Visa/Green card issues, increasing Residency Slots, Medicare Physician payment cuts, Malpractice liability, and other healthcare issues that impact the South Asian and the larger American society.”For patients and the larger community, AAPI will: “Create Awareness Initiatives to control the killer diseases- Obesity, Diabetes, Coronary Heart disease, Cancers, Mental health, Women Health etc. And, educate on the need and ways to Healthy Lifestyle techniques to revert disease to normal health: in collaboration with Lifestyle Medicine experts from US.”

 

 

APPI will continue and strengthen several noble initiatives it has in India, especially Adopt-a-village program, through which AAPI will help improve rural health in India. AAPI will strengthen initiativs such as: 1. Adopt a Village Project: 1000Free Health screenings per village in 75 villages in 5 states 2. Global Medical Education, working with National Medicine Council, India 3. Continuation of current ongoing projects: Make India an accredited member of World Federation of Medical Education which is mandatory to be ECFMG certified for the aspiring Medical Students who like to pursue further medical education in US.

 

 

Her biggest achievement in life so far is “Being what I am today, a physician, a leader, and a humble human being and be able to give back to my society,” says Dr. Gotimukula.  Among the goals for AAPI, the visionary woman leader says, “With the collaboration, cooperation and support of the Executive Committee, and the entire AAPI family, I want to build a strong support system to protect the IMG physicians and their issues and help with physician burnout. I will further the existing educational goals and charitable goals and engage member physicians to support these goals.” While dedicating her talents, skills, and experiences for the AAPI family, which she has come to call as her own, Dr. Gotimukula says, “I am looking forward to get the best wishes & blessings from our members in my pursuit to lead this prestigious organization and do the best to our physician community.”

 

Trump Is 4th Worst President In US History, Historians Say

C-SPAN released its 2021 Historians Survey of Presidential Leadership on June 30th, its fourth since 2000 — and the first to include Donald Trump. The survey organizers have assembled a broad ideological and demographic spectrum of 142 presidential historians and professional observers of the presidency invited to participate. The results from the survey suggest, Donald Trump is not our worst president. James Buchanan has held a lock on the bottom spot as the worst president in US history. Trump ranks in 41st place among the 44 US Presidents, with three presidents beneath him. Historians deemed him the fourth worst of the 44 former presidents, with Andrew Johnson and Franklin Pierce rated below him.

The scores, rendered by 142 independent historians looking at 10 criteria like “crisis leadership” and “performance within context of times,” range from 897 (out of a possible 1,000) for the top-rated president, Lincoln, to Buchanan’s 227. Trump got 312. “The case for Buchanan as the worst president in American history is, after all, a very strong one,” writes Thomas Balcerski, a historian and was among the 142 presidential historians who were part of the current study, rating the best and the worst presidents in US history. From unwise meddling into the affairs of the Supreme Court during the Dred Scott case — he allegedly influenced the court’s ruling that Black people are “not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word ‘citizens’ in the Constitution” — to his role in the struggles that split his own Democratic Party in two, Buchanan blundered badly when the nation needed a steady hand to guide the ship of state, states Balcerski.

Buchanan presided over the secession of seven Southern states from the Union and declared himself unable to stop it. “It is beyond the power of any president, no matter what may be his own political proclivities, to restore peace and harmony among the states,” he said in his annual message to Congress in 1860. “Wisely limited and restrained as is his power under our Constitution and laws, he alone can accomplish but little for good or for evil on such a momentous question.” The idea that Donald Trump would surpass James Buchanan for last place had seemingly become standard thinking by 2021. A veritable torrent of opinion pieces arguing for the historical magnitude of Trump’s failures — such as those in the The Washington Post and in the Atlantic — make the point.

In December 2020, a Fox News poll found that 42% of voters said history would remember Trump as one of the worst presidents. Of course, this initial polling about Trump’s place in history took place before the riot at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, the ramifications of which are ongoing. A recent Gallup poll on the question, conducted over January 4 to 15, 2021, revealed that fully six in 10 Americans thought Trump would be rated either “below average” or “poor.”

According to Balcerski, Trump scored highest in Public Persuasion — no surprise given his once massive Twitter following — and Economic Management — again, unsurprising given the historically large tax cuts passed earlier in his term. However, he scored dead last among all presidents in both Moral Authority — perhaps as a result of his two impeachments — and Administrative Skills, equally expected, given his administration’s disastrous handling of the Covid-19 crisis. But Trump’s ranking also implicitly relies on comparison to his immediate predecessor. Back in 2017, nearly half of Americans polled thought Barack Obama’s presidency would go down as either “outstanding” or “above average.” In the 2017 C-SPAN Historians Survey of Presidential Leadership, Obama ranked 12th overall, and he has now cracked the top 10, coming in at 10th place. Certainly, Obama continues to cast a long shadow over his successor.

But even as Trump’s relative underperformance ensured a low ranking, his failures as president did little to raise the profile of other poorly ranked presidents. In fact, the needle had hardly budged among the bottom quartile of presidents. Besides Buchanan, Andrew Johnson (43rd), Franklin Pierce (42nd), and William Henry Harrison (40th) join Donald Trump in the bottom five of the 2021 poll. So why didn’t Donald Trump take over James Buchanan for the bottom spot? Perhaps the most powerful explanation is a version of historical inertia. Once historians have decided a president’s place in history, they rarely leave the basement of American history.

At the same time, there have been some notable exceptions of historical reevaluation. Ulysses S. Grant, who placed 33rd in 2000, now sits comfortably at 20th place. In Grant’s case, his efforts to suppress the Ku Klux Klan through the Enforcement Acts of 1870 and 1871 increasingly stand out for their executive vigor and courage. Beyond inertia, however, a longer view of history also explains why Trump did not finish last. While it may have been common to call Trump the worst president in American history, the passions of the immediate moment tend to cool over time. Perhaps, too, historians take a somewhat longer view of events.

It’s hard to know how Trump will be ranked in the years ahead. He may follow a course similar to George W. Bush, who landed 36th overall in the 2009 C-SPAN survey, but just 12 years later, he now sits considerably higher, standing at 29th overall. By contrast, Richard Nixon finished 25th in the 2000 poll, but he had dropped considerably, down to 31st place since then. Mark K. Updegrove of the New York Times writes, “It’s too early to draw a dispassionate view of Mr. Trump’s single term. Normally it takes at least a generation for the appraisals of historians to become rooted in more reasoned judgment. In a poll conducted by Arthur Schlesinger in 1962, Dwight Eisenhower, just a year out of office, tied with the forgettable Chester Arthur for 20th out of the 29 presidents measured. Likewise, in a survey done two years after leaving the White House, Ronald Reagan placed 28th out of 37 presidents.”

Balcerski writes, “As for me, I ranked Donald Trump number 43 out of the 44 presidents scored, ahead only of Andrew Johnson, a man to whom he has been often compared. And I placed James Buchanan two spots above the blatantly racist and politically recalcitrant Johnson. But like American democracy itself, mine was just one vote of many. For now, at least, James Buchanan remains our worst president. Whether Donald Trump will surpass him as our worst president in the long run, only time can tell.”

Ambassador AtulKeshap Appointed Chargé d’Affaires In US Embassy In India

The US State Department announced on June 29, 2021 that  AmbassadorAtulKeshap, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, will be leaving for New Delhi to serve as Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, following the retirement of Ambassador Daniel Smith. “Ambassador Keshap will bring a wealth of experience to the role, having served previously at U.S. Embassy New Delhi and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia,” the statement from the spokesperson said, adding, “Ambassador Keshap’s appointment will reinforce the close U.S. partnership with the Government and people of India, demonstrated by our collaboration to overcome global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Over his 27-year career as an American diplomat, Ambassador Keshap has served at postings in India, Morocco, and Guinea, and as U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives. He has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, as U.S. Senior Official for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, and as an Office Director in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs and in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, according to his biography available on the State Department website.

Ambassador Keshap has negotiated or advanced bilateral and multilateral initiatives at senior levels with counterparts from the European Union, United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, and governments across the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and North and South America, the biography states. He has also served at the Department of Defense as the National Defense University’s Vice Chancellor for the College of International Security Affairs.

Earlier in his career, he served as Director for North Africa and Middle East regional affairs on the National Security Council staff in the Executive Office of the President of the United States. In 2018, Ambassador Keshap received one of the State Department’s highest honors, the Distinguished Honor Award, in recognition of his leadership in advancing U.S. interests in the Indian Ocean region. He is also the recipient of a 2019 Presidential Meritorious Rank Award, as well as numerous individual State Department Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards, and six senior executive performance pay awards.

CEO Satya Nadella Elected Chair Of Microsoft Board of Trustees

Microsoft has elected Satya Nadella as Chairman of the tech giant, the first in two decades when Microsoft’s chairman will also be its CEO.Bill Gates was the only other Chairman and CEO of Microsoft who stepped down as CEO in 2000. In this role as Chairman, Nadella will lead the work to set the agenda for the board, leveraging his deep understanding of the business to elevate the right strategic opportunities and identify key risks and mitigation approaches for the board’s review, the company said in a statement late on Wednesday.

Gates stepped down as chairman in 2014 and the board then elected John Thompson as independent chairman. Gates left the Microsoft board entirely last year to pursue his philanthropic ambitions. Microsoft also unanimously elected John Thompson as lead independent director, a role he held previously from 2012 to 2014. As lead independent director, Thompson will retain significant authority including providing input on behalf of the independent directors on board agendas, calling meetings of the independent directors, setting agendas for executive sessions, and leading performance evaluations of the CEO, Microsoft said. In addition to these role changes, the board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.56 per share.

Accolades and congratulatory messages poured in for Satya Nadella, who was elected as Microsoft Chairman even as he held the CEO post at the tech giant, a feat achieved first time in two decades.

J.C. Pavan Reddy, a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader said the elevation of Nadella is a very proud moment for all the Telugu people across the globe. “Satya Nadella on his new role as Microsoft chairman! A very proud moment for Telugu people across the globe,” said Reddy on Friday. Earlier, TDP supremo and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu echoed with a similar message. “Congratulations to Nadella on his new role as Microsoft chairman! A very proud moment for Telugu people across the globe.

Nadella met Naidu back in 2015 when he was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Likewise, TDP national general secretary and the party’s second in command Nara Lokesh was elated to know about Nadella’s promotion. “Elated to hear that Nadella has been appointed as the chairman of Microsoft. He has made every Telugu proud with his stellar achievements,” said Lokesh. Congratulating the new MS chairman, Lokesh wished him all the best for his new role.

The new Microsoft chairman’s father, B.N. Yugandhar, was an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and belonged to Anantapur district in the Rayalaseema region of the southern state. Nadella was born in Hyderabad (present-day Telangana) and earned bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology in Karnataka. “I always knew I wanted to build things,” he once said. On February 4, 2014, he was announced as the new CEO of Microsoft, the third CEO in the company’s history following Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.

Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has become one of the most valuable companies in the world, riding on its growing Azure Cloud, Microsoft 365 and enterprise communication businesses (including Teams). Microsoft reported a strong growth of $41.7 billion in sales (up 19 per cent year-over-year) and $15.5 billion in net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

The biggest growth engine was its Azure Cloud division that saw $15.1 billion in revenue, a 23 per cent year-over-year increase. “Over a year into the pandemic, digital adoption curves aren’t slowing down. They’re accelerating, and it’s just the beginning. We are building the cloud for the next decade, expanding our addressable market and innovating across every layer of the tech stack to help our customers be resilient and transform,” Nadella had said. Driven by online work and learning amid the ongoing pandemic, Microsoft Teams now have 145 million daily active users globally, almost double the numbers a year ago. (IANS)

Antonio Guterres Appointed To 2nd Term As UN Secretary General

The UN General Assembly has appointed Antonio Guterres to a second term as the Secretary General to lead the world body through the crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fight against global warming, which he has made his priority. After being sworn-in to his second term, Guterres said that he would work for a “breakthrough” for a world at “a critical moment in history”. The world is “at the cusp of a new era”, he said. “We are truly at a crossroads, with consequential choices before us. Paradigms are shifting. Old orthodoxies are being flipped.”

The 193-member General Assembly’s resolution adopted by acclamation said that in “appreciation for the effective and dedicated service rendered to the United Nations”, it approved the Security Council recommendation to give the former Portuguese Prime Minister another five years starting in January as the world’s top diplomat. Security Council President Sven Jurgenson said that Guterres confirmed to the highest standards of competence and integrity. The Assembly’s endorsement of the Council’s recommendation was only a formality because, in reality, the five permanent members of the Council through their veto powers control the selection and reappointment of the Secretary General.

Guterres ran unopposed because none of the self-nominated candidates was sponsored by a member nation. India, which is a non-permanent member of the Security Council, supported Guterres’s re-election there and in the Assembly. After a meeting with Guterres last month, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar tweeted that New Delhi “values” his leadership and would back his re-election. Guterres said: “We are writing our own history with the choices we make right now.” But he warned, “It can go either way: breakdown and perpetual crisis or breakthrough and prospect of a greener, safer and better future for all.”

However, he said that there were hopeful signs and “we feel a new momentum everywhere for an unequivocal commitment to come together to chart a course towards a better future” because of the pandemic’s lessons of “our shared vulnerability, our inter-connectedness and the absolute need for collective action”. The cooperation seen now in the fight against Covid-19 may not have been possible a decade ago, he said. He said that the world was beset by “geostrategic divides and dysfunctional power relations” that are manifest in “too many asymmetries and paradoxes”.

They have to be met head-on and “we also need to be aware of how power plays out in today’s world when it comes to the distribution of resources and technology”, he said. The global proliferation of mistrust is another problem that should not be allowed to overwhelm the world, he added. Guterres displayed masterful diplomacy in navigating a deeply polarised Council without antagonising the permanent members while managing the reflexive opposition of former US President Donald Trump to the UN and China’s aggressive diplomacy.

Earlier this month announcing the Council’s recommendation for a second term for Guterres, Jurgenson described him as a “bridge-builder”. Seven of Guterres’s predecessors were re-elected and only Boutros BoutrosGhali, an Egyptian, was limited to a single term because of Washington’s opposition. During the Covid-19 crisis, Guterres pursued the equitable distribution of vaccines and other resources while fighting disinformation, and set an agenda for post-pandemic rebuilding to put the world back on track in pursuit of the UN’s sustainable development goals.

His first term was marked by his passionate advocacy of fighting global warming, which he has called an existential threat to humanity, and a top agenda item. Guterres, who was a UN High Commissioner for Refugees, was the surprise consensus candidate in 2016 when the bets were on a woman, likely from East Europe, getting the job that had been held only by men and never by a East European. In his first bid in 2016, he received the essential approval of the Security Council after six straw polls in which he outlasted 12 candidates, seven of them women.But this time Guterres, who was nominated by Portugal, had no official rivals as the Security Council did not recognise at least seven other self-nominated candidates — including Arora Akanksha, a Canadian of Indian descent — because they lacked the backing of any nation.

The requirement for sponsorship by a UN member is not unambiguously stated in the UN Charter or its regulation, but the Council and the Assembly considered it a de facto qualification based on tradition. The Assembly resolution appointing Guterres to a second term, said it was “guided by the principles of transparency and inclusivity” as set out in its 2015 resolution that established a modicum of openness to a process that had been shrouded by backroom deals. The Assembly required the candidates to appear before it to make a pitch for their election.

This time only Guterres came before the Assembly to layout his vision for his second term and the others were excluded because they were not recognized. Jugenson and General Assembly President VolkanBozkir have maintained that a nomination by a member state is necessary — a requirement that would prevent a stampede of self-nominated candidates demanding equal time at the General Assembly with the officially nominated candidates.

Of the self-nominated candidates, only Rosalia Arteaga, a former President of Ecuador, had any shred of credibility and the self-nominations were publicity stunts. Akanksha, 34, is an employee of the UN Development Programme who made a splashy campaign video pitching her youth and the need for change at a UN weighed down by a sclerotic bureaucracy. Although she received media coverage, she could not get the support of even her country, Canada, or of India and Saudi Arabia, where she had lived earlier.

(Arul Louis can be reached at [email protected] and followed @arulouis)

Sumita Mitra Wins European Inventor Award 2021

Indian-American chemist SumitaMitra has won the European Inventor Award 2021, one of Europe’s most prestigious innovation prizes, in the “Non-European Patent Office countries” category for her application of nanotechnology in dentistry. Mitra was the first to successfully integrate nanoparticles into dental materials to produce stronger, durable and more aesthetically pleasing fillings. Her innovation has been successfully commercialised and used in more than 1 billion tooth restorations by dentists around the world.

“SumitaMitra took an entirely new path in her field, and demonstrated how technological innovation, protected by patents, can transform a sector, and in this case bring benefits to millions of dental patients,” said Antonio Campinos, President at the European Patent Office (EPO), on Thursday. “Her invention remains commercially successful nearly 20 years after its launch — another reason why she is an inspiration to the next generation of scientists,” he added.

The 2021 European Inventor Award ceremony was held digitally and, for the first time, was open to the public who tuned in to the event from around the world. The Award, one of Europe’s most prestigious innovation prizes, is presented annually by the EPO to distinguish outstanding inventors from Europe and beyond who have made an exceptional contribution to society, technological progress and economic growth. The finalists and winners in five categories (Industry, Research, SMEs, Non-EPO countries and Lifetime achievement) were selected by an independent international jury.

“Curiosity and exploration are the essential points of starting an innovation. It is something that we really need to cultivate in our children,” Mitra said. SumitaMitra is a partner at Mitra Chemical Consulting, LLC, which advises companies on new technology development, product design, commercialisation, mergers and acquisitions. She was named the American Chemical Society Hero of Chemistry in 2009, inducted into the US National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2018 and elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2021 for her work related to inventions in nanotechnology for use in dental materials. (IANS)

The European Patent Office June 18 honored Indian American chemist SumitaMitra with the European Inventor Award 2021 in the “Non-EPO countries” category. Mitra, who was named among the finalists for the award last month (see India-West article here: https://bit.ly/3gMCvI4), was the first to successfully integrate nanotechnology into dental materials to produce stronger and more aesthetically pleasing fillings, which are now used by dentists around the world.

“SumitaMitra took an entirely new path in her field, and demonstrated how technological innovation, protected by patents, can transform a sector, and in this case bring benefits to millions of dental patients,” EPO president AntónioCampinos said in a statement. “Her invention remains commercially successful nearly 20 years after its launch – another reason why she is an inspiration to the next generation of scientists.”

The 2021 European Inventor Award ceremony was held digitally and, for the first time, was open to the public who tuned in to the event from around the world. The award, one of Europe’s most prestigious innovation prizes, is presented annually by the EPO to distinguish outstanding inventors from Europe and beyond who have made an exceptional contribution to society, technological progress and economic growth, according to a news release. The finalists and winners in five categories — industry, research, SMEs, Non-EPO countries and lifetime achievement — were selected by an independent international jury.

While working in the oral care division of U.S. multinational 3M in the late 1990s, Mitra became aware of the limitations of existing materials used in dental fillings, which were either too weak to be used on biting surfaces, or quickly lost their polish, the release notes of the Indian American winner. At the same time, nanotechnology was emerging as a field of research and Mitra decided to explore how these new developments could be applied to dentistry. She began working on nanotechnology-based solutions for a new dental material, driven by a desire to use her expertise in polymer chemistry and materials science to develop inventions that solve real-life problems, it said.

Mitra and her team developed a technique for creating linked clusters of nanoparticles, which they called nanoclusters. These clusters combine single nanoparticles of varying diameters, resulting in a strong, durable and shiny material. By adding tiny amounts of pigment, and altering the chemical composition of the nanoparticles, the team was also able to create a range of different shades that can be matched to individual teeth, and layered to create a more natural finish, the release noted. “The use of nanotechnology gave me the opportunity to make a new material,” Mitra said in a statement. “It restores people’s smiles and improves the quality of their lives.”

Following this successful development process, Mitra worked closely with 3M’s patent attorneys to draft the patents to protect her ground-breaking research. Although several new generations of the material have been developed since its launch in 2002 as FiltekTM Supreme Universal Restorative, the current line of products is still based on Mitra’s European patents, according to the release. The enduring legacy of Mitra’s work can be seen in the fact that 3M was named as one of the top three manufacturers of global composite fillings in the dental restoration market in 2019.

Although she retired from the company in 2010, the success of her technology continues with products based on her inventions used in over one billion tooth restorations worldwide to date. Mitra herself continues to contribute to research and development through her own consulting company. In addition, she enjoys volunteering at schools and colleges, passing on her enthusiasm for science to young people: “Curiosity and exploration are the essential points of starting an innovation. It is something that we really need to cultivate in our children,” Mitra said in the release.

Mitra is a partner at Mitra Chemical Consulting, LLC, a company she set up with her husband after leaving 3M in 2010, and which advises companies on new technology development, product design, commercialization, mergers and acquisitions. She was named an American Chemical Society Hero of Chemistry in 2009, inducted into the U.S. National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2018 and elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2021 for her work related to inventions in nanotechnology for use in dental materials.

Other awards include a Hollenback Memorial Prize from the Academy of Operative Dentistry (2020); a Peyton-Skinner Award for Innovation in Dental Materials from the International Association of Dental Research (2012); and a Top 25 Women in Dentistry Award (2010). Mitrawas elected to the 3M Carlton Society in 1998 – the highest 3M award given for lifelong contribution to R&D, her bio notes. Mitra is named on 58 European patents, four of which are related to her nomination for the European Inventor Award 2021.

Dr. Srinivas (Bobby) Mukkamala Elected As Chair, AMA Board Of Trustees

Srinivas Mukkamala was elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association (AMA) on June 16th, 2021, for a term of one year. He served as chair Elect from June 2020 to June 2021. He is the only doctor of Indian origin ever to be elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Assocation. Bobby Mukkamala, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon, was elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees in June 2017. A graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School, he is in solo, private practice in Flint, Mich.

Born to Sumathi&AppaRao in 1971 in Pittsburgh, Srinivas grew up in Flint, Michigan since he was 3.
SumathiMukkamala practiced Pediatrics in Flint from 1978 to 2000 and AppaRaoMukkamala practiced Radiology in Flint from 1975 to 2020. Dr. AppaRaoMukkamala served as President of Michigan State Medical Society in 2007-2008. Bobby Mukkamala served as President of Michigan State Medical Society in 2020-2021. Bobby &AppaRao are the only father & son to have served as Presidents of MSMS in the past 150 years. MSMS represents 15,000 physicians in Michigan.

Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala, who has been active in the AMA since residency, is a past Michigan representative to the AMA Young Physicians Section, a past recipient of the AMA Foundation’s “Excellence in Medicine” Leadership Award and, for the last 13 years, a member of the Michigan delegation to the AMA House of Delegates. In 2009 he was elected to the AMA Council on Science and Public Health and served as its chair from 2016 to 2017.Dr. AppaRaoMukkamala has been active in the AMA since his residency days in 1970 till his retirement on 2020. Both AppaRao& Bobby served on the AMA Councils at the same time from 2007 to 2010.

In addition to leadership roles at the AMA, Dr. Mukkamala has served as a member of the Michigan State Medical Society Board of Directors since 2011, as board chair for the past two years, and served as its president. He is also a past president of the Genesee County Medical Society (GCMS) and continues to serve on the GCMS Board of Directors. While a wide range of public health issues are important to Dr. Mukkamala, no issue strikes closer to home than his own city of Flint’s nationally publicized struggles with high levels of lead leaching into the drinking water. As the immediate past chair of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, he and the foundation’s board became the clearinghouse for funding projects focused on mitigating the effects of lead in local children. He is a member of the board of the Foundation for Flint, a supporting organization of the Community Foundation that is working to increase access to high-quality early education for children—a proven strategy for helping children who have been exposed to lead.

Deeply committed to the revitalization of his hometown, Dr. Mukkamala returned to Flint after completing his residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago in 2000. Today, he shares an office with his wife, Nita Kulkarni, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist. Together, as a further demonstration of their dedication to Flint, in 2012 they established the Endowed Health Professions Scholarships at the University of Michigan, Flint. Outside of medicine they enjoy family time with their twin teenaged sons, Deven and Nikhil, who are currently in college at the University of Chicago and University of Michigan, respectively.

American Medical Association (AMA), organization of American physicians, the objective of which is “to promote the science and art of medicine and the betterment of public health.” It was founded in Philadelphia in 1847 by 250 delegates representing more than 40 medical societies and 28 colleges. In the early 21st century the AMA had about 240,000 members. Its headquarters are in Chicago.

The AMA disseminates health and scientific information to its members and to the public and carries out a broad range of health education programs via the mass media and lectures. It keeps its members informed of significant medical and health legislation, and it represents its profession before the U.S. Congress and other governmental bodies and agencies, advocating its own views in the process. It helps set standards for medical schools and internship programs, and it tries to detect and alert the public to both quack medical remedies and medical charlatans.

In the AMA headquarters office are various departments concerned with a wide variety of medical topics, including geriatrics, maternal and childcare, hospital facilities, medical education, nutrition, drugs, insurance plans, scientific exhibits, health in rural areas, mental health, the cost of medical care, the health of industrial workers, and medical publications. Much of the work of the AMA is carried out under the guidance of committees and scientific councils, which collect and analyze data concerning new medical discoveries and therapies. Such bodies include councils on medical education, medical service, legislation, and ethical and judicial affairs. Publications of the AMA include the Journal of the American Medical Association, which is released 48 times a year, and 11 journals issued either monthly or bimonthly and devoted to such medical specialties as internal medicine, psychiatry, and pediatrics. In addition, the AMA publishes the online journal JAMA Network Open, which focuses on original research.

Vijayalakshmi Appareddy, M.D. Reappointed To AMA-COL

Dr. Appareddy was recently reappointed to the Council on Legislation (COL), of the American Medical Association (AMA).  The COL reviews proposed federal legislation and recommends appropriate action in accordance with AMA policy. It also develops model state legislation, recommends changes in existing AMA policy when necessary to accomplish effective legislative goals, and recommends to the Board of Trustees new federal legislation and legislation to modify existing laws of interest to the AMA.

The COL meets during the Annual & Interim meeting of the AMA, during the Sate advocacy conference, twice at Washington DC including the National advocacy conference.  The COL works closely with the AMA legislative staff at Washington DC.  During these unprecedented times the COL has been very involved in advising the AMA Board of Trustees in advocating for Physicians and Patients; with CMS, HHS, Congress and the White House.

Dr. Appareddy served AAPI as the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees from 2002-2003.  She was appointed by President Trump and President Bush to serve on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID).

Her continuum of service to the medical profession has spanned over three decades.  She has been a Delegate/Delegate (A) to the AMA since 2007.  Delegate to the Tennessee Medical Association (TMA).  She is the past Chairperson of the AMA-IMG Governing Council. She represented AMA at the Commission to end Health Care Disparities. She is the recipient of several awards including the AMA Foundation leadership award.

2 Journalists Of Indian Origin Win Pulitzer Prizes

Indian American journalist MeghaRajagopalan has won the United States’ top journalism award, the Pulitzer Prize, for innovative investigative reports harnessing satellite technology that exposed China’s mass detention camps for Muslim Uighurs and other minority ethnicities, Pulitzer Board announced on June 11th, 2021.

The 2021 award in the International Reporting category has been shared by MeghaRajagopalanwith two colleagues from the internet media, BuzzFeed News. When China had started to detain Muslims in Xinjiang, Megha was the first journalist to visit a detention camp in 2017. China had denied such places existed and had her visa revoked. She was forced to leave the country. Working from London, she along with Alison Killing, an architect specialising in forensic analysis of architecture and satellite images of buildings,  and Christo Buschek, a programmer who builds tools tailored for data journalists, investigated and published one of the worst human rights abuses in history.

Another Indian American journalist, Neil Bedi, won a Pulitzer in the Local Reporting category for investigative stories he wrote with Kathleen McGrory for exposing the Sheriff’s Office in Pasco County’s program that could identify people believed to be future crime suspects using computer modelling. Nearly 1,000 people including children were monitored under the program.

Bedi and Kathleen McGrory were given their award for exposing “how a powerful and politically connected sheriff built a secretive intelligence operation that harassed residents and used grades and child welfare records to profile schoolchildren,” the Pulitzer Board said. Bedi, who has a degree in computer science, is now a Washington-based reporter for ProPublica. He was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2019. This is the 105th year of the Pulitzer Prizes awarded by a board at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in New York recognizing outstanding work.The Pulitzer Prize is awarded yearly in twenty-one categories with each winner receiving a certificate and a $15,000 cash award. The winner in the public service category is awarded a gold medal.

In recognition of the proliferation of citizen journalism in the internet age, teenaged non-journalist Darnella Frazier was awarded a Pulitzer Special Citation for her courage in filming the killing of George Floyd, the African-American who died in police custody in Minneapolis last year. MeghaRajagopalan along with Alison Killing and Christo Buschek bagged the award for exposing a vast infrastructure of prisons and mass detention camps secretly built by China. The prisons had detained and housed thousands of Muslims in the Xinjiang region.

The video clip made on her smartphone go viral and set off prolonged nationwide protests against police brutality and led to measures in many states and cities to reform policing. The sight of a policeman kneeling on the neck of dying Floyd as he repeated, “I can’t breathe,” appealed to America’s conscience and led to a broader consideration of the problems faced by African-Americans. The Board said her that her video “spurred protests against police brutality around the world, highlighting the crucial role of citizens in journalists’ quest for truth and justice.” Rajagopalan and her colleagues used satellite imagery and 3D architectural simulations to buttress her interviews with two dozen former prisoners from the detention camps where as many as a million Muslims from Uighur and other minority ethnicities were interned. “I’m in complete shock, I did not expect this,” she said.

According to the publication, she and her colleagues, Alison Killing and Christo Buschek, identified 260 detention camps after building a voluminous database of about 50,000 possible sites comparing censored Chinese images with uncensored mapping software. Rajagopalan, who had previously reported from China but was barred from going there for the story, traveled to neighboring Kazakhstan to interview former detainees who had fled there, BuzzFeed said. “Throughout her reporting, Rajagopalan had to endure harassment from the Chinese government,” the publication said. The series of stories provided proof of Beijing’s violation of Uighurs’ human rights, which some U.S. and other Western officials have called a “genocide.”

Sarala Vidya Nagala Nominated By President Biden To Be A Federal Judge

Sarala Vidya Nagala of South Asian origin has been nominated by President Joe Biden to serve on the District Court for the District of Connecticut. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, she would be the first judge of South Asian descent, nominated by President Biden. The White House announced last week that President Joe Biden has made a slate of judicial nominees June 15, 2021. She was chosen for this nomination being an “extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and US Constitution,” the White House said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Indian-American civil rights attorney Sarala VidyaNagala, who is working as a federal prosecutor in New Haven, Connecticut, has been nominated by US President Joe Biden as a federal judge in the state. She brings 13-year-long experience to the table. The appointment, if comes through, will make her the first judge of South Asian descent to serve on the federal bench in the state, media reports suggest. Besides her, Biden has also announced the names of four more judicial nominees on June 15.

The new nomination of VidyaNagala and others, according to the White House, is a continuation to fulfill President Biden’s “promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of the greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds,” a statement said.

Indian-American VidyaNagala will receive a wide opportunity to use the leadership qualities that she has developed in many roles during her tenure at the US Attorney’s Office. She joined the US Attorney’s Office as an assistant attorney in 2012 and has been serving the state for over nine years now. In 2016, she took over the position of deputy chief. In her leadership role in the office, for the past four years, VidyaNagala has provided extensive results in a number of projects, including as Hate Crimes Coordinator, the White House announcement revealed. She had previously overseen the programs at Munger, Tolles, & Olson in San Francisco, California as an associate. She worked there between 2009 to 2012.

Nagala joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2012, and has served in a number of leadership roles in the office, including as Hate Crimes Coordinator, the White House announcement noted. Previously, she was an associate at Munger, Tolles, & Olson in San Francisco, California from 2009 to 2012. She began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Susan Graber on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2008 to 2009. Nagala received her J.D. from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law in 2008 and her B.A. from Stanford University in 2005.

Many Desis Win Primaries In New Jersey

Several persons of South Asian origin have won the party primaries in the state of New Jersey,held on June 8th this year in the state of New Jersey. Currently, there are three elected to the NJ state Assembly/Senate. Indian-American State Senator in Vin Gopal won the primaries and the other two Indian-Americans in the Assembly are Raj Mukherji and Sterly Stanley, who won a special election tonight for State Assembly in the 18th district in January 2021. All the three are set to go in November and will most probably win back their seats. Nevertheless, Gopal told Desi Talk he would take no chances and campaign for every vote.

Samip Joshi won the Democratic party Primary in his run for the Mayor of Edison Township. Joshi had many high-profile endorsements party high-ups favored him with, from U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, and Gov. Phil Murphy downwards, and was engaged in a battle with fellow Democrat Mahesh Bhagia. Joshi won 5,995 votes to Bhagia’s 3,185, according to centraljersey.com reporting based on Middlesex County Board of Elections.

“I want to thank my campaign team, the many Democratic leaders who embraced my candidacy and especially the people of Edison who saw clearly that we need a new direction for our community,” Joshi went on to say, concluding with, “I look forward to the General Election and hopefully to beginning a new administration in January that will deliver the bold, transformative leadership that Edison deserves.” Joshi is expected to face Republican candidate Keith Hahn, retired township police officer, and incumbent Mayor Tom Lankey, in the November elections.

In the State Senate, Gopal will fight against Republican Lori Annetta on November 2. Gopal turned the Red County (Montgomery) into blue when he got elected in an upset victory four years ago. “New Jersey is becoming more and more blue – over the last ten years,” he told Desi Talk. There are one million more Democrats registered today than before, he said, which gives this party the advantage. “I beat a very, very, very difficult incumbent in the last election, and I am going to take nothing for granted.” Gopal draws support from members of both parties, he noted. Sadaf Jaffer, two-term mayor of Montgomery Township, won the district 16 primary for the Democratic Party nomination and goes on November. At last count when the mail-in votes had yet to be added, Jaffer had won 44.19 percent of the vote and her running mate had secured 42.07 percent.

“This District is a purple district till a few years ago when it was all Republican,” she said. “I am very confident of winning the seat,” and she attributes that to the hard work done during the pandemic to keep the public informed and working as a team to marshal local and state resources and help small business and others. At the local grassroots level, Jaffer developed a Crisis Plan, and networked with very diverse communities. Jaffer’s ancestry goes back to the Kutch region of India and to Pakistan.

In District 18, Republican Vihal Patel was uncontested in his party primary for the State Assembly. On the Democratic side in this district, Mohin Patel lost the primary against Patrick Diegnan Jr. who won 75 percent of his party’s vote. So Patel will face off against Diegnan in November. Another uncontested Republican was Agha Khan who is running for the NJ State Senate Seat from District 33. He will face off against incumbent Sen. Brian Stack who was also unopposed. Notably, Stack won the 2017 election to the State Senate with 88.22 percent of the votes while his Republican opponent got less than 12 percent. Khan’s fate is not on the winning side. Khan tried his luck back in 2016 running as a Republican for the U.S. House of Representatives from District 8 in New Jersey.

Hirsh Singh, a Republican lost in a four-way primary for the Governor’s seat, but did not do too badly, securing 21.49 percent of the vote. Bina Shah, another GOP candidate for the State Assembly from District 14, along with her partner on the slate Andrew Pachuta, will be pitted against Wayne DeAngelo and Daniel Benson. One of the difficult races is the one from District 21, that saw Anjali Mehrotra, a community organizer and is President of the National Organization for Women of New Jersey. “This is a very competitive district,” Mehrotra told Desi Talk, with incumbents being all Republicans for the longest time, but with a trend favoring Democrats over the last decade.

“This year is a great opportunity for a pick up,” Mehrotra said. “We’re hoping to get two more Democrats into the Assembly.” Mehrotra and Elizabeth Graner go against Republicans Michele Matsikoudis and incumbent Nancy Munoz, who Mehrotra noted got the lowest percentage of votes despite being an incumbent.“This is definitely an opportunity to grow the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) caucus in the Assembly,” Mehrotra said, emphasizing that she decided to run when Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, the first Indian-American to be elected to the NJ lower house, said more South Asians needed to put their hats in the ring. District 21 is a suburban area with generally highly educated and wealthy electorate. Mehrotra sees women in the District going for her because of her past work on women’s issues.

4 Persons of Indian Origin Feature in Fortune’s 2021 World’s 50 Greatest Leaders List

Adar Poonawalla, head of the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, is among the top 10 among the 50 Word’s Greatest Leaders, 2021 listed by Fortune magazine. Others named to the list featured Armman organization’s Indian founder and chairperson Dr. Aparna Hegde at No.15; Indian Americans Sunrise Movement executive director Varshini Prakash at No. 28, and Brown University School of Public Health Dean Ashish Jha at No. 50. Topping the 2021 list is New Zealand Prime Minister JacindaArdern, “who had already sealed her position as a great leader early in her premiership of New Zealand, by empathetically steering her country through the aftermath of a terror attack and the deadly eruption of a volcano. Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and Ardern targeted not just suppression of the virus, but its complete elimination.”

While introducing the Top 50 world leaders, Fortune wrote: “Many of them emerged almost instantly, seemingly out of nowhere, to meet unimagined crises. Like Fairley, they embody Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s conception of “a true leader”—someone who “has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.” MacArthur also pointed out that such a person “does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of [their] actions and the integrity of their intent.”

On Poonawala, Fortune wrote: “Tasked with no less than bringing an end to the global pandemic, the SII has pledged to deliver up to 2 billion vaccine doses in the coming years to COVAX, a global initiative to provide vaccine to lower- and middle-income countries—and it has already provided more doses to that initiative than any other vaccine maker. The SII is producing two vaccines. The first, Covishield, is one of only a few vaccines approved by the World Health Organization and is based on the COVID vaccine AstraZeneca developed. SII’s other vaccine, called Covavax, is being produced in partnership with American firm Novavax, and may provide a 1.1 billion–dose boon to global vaccine stocks starting later this year once it clears clinical trials.”

Hegde, aurogynecologist, witnessed too many horrors delivering babies at a government hospital in Mumbai during her Residency. Worse, they were preventable: Time after time, she’d seen an infant or its mother, or both, die in childbirth, tragedies that could have been avoided with basic prenatal care or more timely dispatching of hospital resources, according to her profile. That’s what led her in 2008 to found Armman, an organization focused on bettering outcomes through the use of low-cost technology—like targeting pregnant women and new mothers with information through their cellphones, the bio said.

Today her nonprofit, which partners with the Indian government and dozens of NGOs in 17 states across the country, and represents one of the largest mobile health programs in the world and a lifeline for women in India: Armman has reached more than 24 million of them and trained more than 170,000 local health workers, it added. The model has proved powerful beyond prenatal care, too: When COVID struck, Armman’s network and virtual training platform made it a vital tool in educating women and health workers about the virus and vaccine.

Prakash was joined at her No. 28 ranking with Sunrise Movement training director Sara Blazevic. Co-founders Blazevic and Prakash helped officially launch the group of youth activists in 2017, and it is now one of the most effective coalitions fighting for climate action in the United States, according to the feature. Sunrise initially campaigned heavily for Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders, but Joe Biden actively courted it after emerging as the party’s frontrunner. Prakash was chosen by Biden to serve on the “unity task force” commissioned by both candidates to help assemble the party’s climate message. After the election, Sunrise leaders were also included in Biden’s transition, the profile said.

Rounding out the list was Jha. In the effort to contain an outbreak of COVID’s scope, there’s a delicate balance between messaging, compassion, and sober analysis, and Ashish Jha has become a downright Ariadne of this maze, the magazine said. A respected physician and public health scholar, Jha is a familiar face on cable news channels seeking insight on all matters COVID. Jha has a way, both in his public commentary and social media presence, of breaking down complicated public health issues in accessible language. His lack of a government affiliation has also helped him appear more trustworthy to skeptically inclined viewers, Fortune said. Jha’s unrelenting effort to share hard facts, easy-to-understand analysis, and a healthy sprinkling of empathy without judgment is a standard worth aspiring to, the report noted.

Nagaraj Naidu Appointed As New UN President-Elect’s Chef de Cabinet

India’s Deputy Ambassador to United Nations Nagaraj Naidu will be the Chef de Cabinet of the President-elect of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Abdulla Shahid. This is for the first time that an Indian diplomat has been given this post, and his tenure will be for one year.The post is similar to chief of staff, or like in the Indian system, PM’s principal secretary.On June 7, Abdulla Shahid, Maldivian Foreign Minister President-elect of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. He got 143 votes out of the 191 ballots cast in the 193-member General Assembly, winning against Afghanistan former Foreign Minister DrZalmaiRassoul, who got 48 votes.

“Today, I have appointed Ambassador Thilmeeza Hussain as Special Envoy of the PGA, and Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu Kumar as my Chef de Cabinet. They will be instrumental in delivering my vision for the #PresidencyOfHope,” Shahid tweeted.The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. Comprising all 193 Member States of the UN, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of international issues including peace and security,” Naidu said.

“It is indeed a privilege and an opportunity to serve under the leadership of President-elect Abdulla Shahid. We are looking forward to a Presidency of hope, Naidu told PTI. Shahid, accompanied by Naidu, met current General Assembly President VolkanBozkir on Wednesday to thank him for his support during the election and discuss the next steps. “Thank you Mr President, for sharing your insights and your experiences with me. We are both committed to a smooth and seamless transition to #UNGA76,” he tweeted.

An Indian Foreign Service Officer of the 1998 batch, Mr. Naidu is a fluent Chinese speaker and has served in China in four separate stints.Between 2000 and 2003, he had served at the Indian Embassy in Beijing, he served as Third and Second Secretary (Special Projects;) while between 2003 and 2006, he served as Consul (Political and Commercial) at the Indian Consulate in Hong Kong.From 2009 to 2012, he served as First Secretary and Counsellor (Economic & Commercial Affairs) at the Indian Embassy in Beijing. He took over as the Consul General at the Indian Consulate in Guangzhou, China from 2013 to 2015.From 2015 to 2017: After his return to the Foreign Ministry in New Delhi, Ambassador Naidu served as the Joint Secretary/Director General of the Economic Diplomacy Division in the Ministry of External Affairs.

During his term, the Economic Diplomacy Division of the MEA was given the “SKOCH Platinum First Prize for Smart Governance” in 2017. Mr. Naidu was also the National Coordinator for establishing the International Solar Alliance in India. He also served as a Board member in a number of Public Sector organizations including India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), Water & Power Consultancy Services Ltd. (WAPCOS), Invest India, and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT).

From 2017 to 2018,Naidu served as Joint Secretary/Director General of the Europe West Division. During this period, Naidu was responsible for India’s bilateral political engagement with the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and the European Union.Naidu has a Master’s Degree in Law and Diplomacy from Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy (Class of 2008). He is married to Padmaja and has two children.

Kamala Harris On Trip To Central America, Urges Illegal Immigrants, ‘Do not come to US’

Harris warned Central Americans not to migrate to the US and said the administration will intensify efforts to combat corruption in the region, after meeting with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei. “Do not come. Do not come.”

Vice President Kamala Harris offered an optimistic outlook for improved cooperation with Guatemala during her first ever visit abroad since she assumed office as the Vice President of the United States. Harris warned Central Americans not to migrate to the US and said the administration will intensify efforts to combat corruption in the region, after meeting with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei. “Do not come. Do not come,” Harris said at a news conference in Guatemala City. “If you come to our border, you will be turned back.”

Speaking on her first overseas trip since taking office, she said the journey north was dangerous and would mainly benefit people smugglers.  Her comments, during a press conference after she met privately with Giammattei, underscored the challenge that remains even as Harris engages in substantive talks with the Guatemalan and Mexican presidents during a three-day visit to the region this week, her first foreign trip as vice president.“I want to emphasize that the goal of our work is to help Guatemalans find hope at home,” Harris said. “At the same time, I want to be clear to folks in this region who are thinking about making that dangerous trek to the United States-Mexico border: Do not come, do not come.”

In conjunction with Harris’ trip, the Biden administration announced that the Justice Department would create an anti-corruption task force and an additional task force to combat human trafficking and drug smuggling in the region. Harris also promised a new program focused on creating education and economic opportunities for girls there, among other new initiatives. And she told Giammattei that her goal in the region was to restore “hope” to residents so they no longer felt the need to flee their homeland for better opportunities in the U.S.

Harris’s trip is part of the Biden administration’s effort to address the so-called root causes of migration from Central America, after more than 200,000 attempts by migrants from the region to enter the US since the start of the year. President Joe Biden directed Harris to lead the effort to stem the surge in migration.Harris and Giammattei had a “very frank and very candid” conversation that included “the importance of anti-corruption and the importance of an independent judiciary,” she said. In April, the country’s legislature — controlled by Giammattei’s party — refused to seat an anti-corruption judge, Gloria Porras, a move criticized by US officials.

More than 178,000 migrants arrived at the border this April, the highest one-month total in more than two decades, according to US border officials. Of those migrants, more than 40% originated from the Central American region known as the Northern Triangle: Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. A central issue contributing to the border crisis is the corruption of government officials in the region, who have been accused of aiding in drug and human trafficking. Many migrants leaving the Northern Triangle say they are fleeing violence, discrimination and poverty.

The steady “brain drain” of locals has exacerbated problems caused by decades of political instability. These countries have also stressed that they are feeling the most adverse effects of global warming – most notably hurricanes – despite hardly contributing to climate change.The new announcements follow $310 million in humanitarian aid for Central America that Harris unveiled in April. US and regional leaders must “give the people a sense of hope that help is on the way and to then follow through, understanding that hope does not exist by itself,” Harris said earlier as her meeting with Giammattei began. “It must be coupled with relationships and trust. It must be coupled with tangible outcomes, in terms of what we do as leaders to convince people that there is a reason to be hopeful about their future and the future of their children.”

Republicans have criticized Harris’s effort, repeatedly noting that she has yet to travel to the US border. She said in response that the reason she’s in Guatemala is “because this is one of our highest priorities,” adding that she wanted to talk about “what we can do in a way that is significant, is tangible. I will continue to be focused on that kind of work as opposed to grand gestures,” she said.The Biden administration’s migration strategy is not yet fully formed, and Harris’s advisers have framed her first overseas trip as a fact-finding mission to help develop the policy. The final strategy is not expected to be released until after Harris returns to the US

US officials have said the Biden administration’s plan will center on improving economic conditions in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador so their citizens have less reason to leave. That strategy has been tried before with mixed results; those countries remain among the poorest in the Western Hemisphere and racked by violence.Harris regards corruption as a main driver of migration since it affects all sectors from the economy to criminal justice. She has pledged to work with non-governmental organizations and companies to direct assistance. Later Monday, she plans to meet with civil society leaders and entrepreneurs before flying to Mexico.

”These are efforts that have not been tried in the past that we believe will be quite productive,” Harris said. The benefits of greater US financial aid may be used to soften the blow of tough messages Harris and other officials are expected to send about cracking down on corruption and upholding democratic principles. The US has already condemned the government of El Salvador for a recent purge of the judicial branch and views Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez warily since federal prosecutors implicated him in a drug trafficking ring involving his brother.

Harris has been tasked by President Joe Biden with controlling a surge in migration at the southern border. Harris has described her task as finding solutions to tackle the root causes of the border crisis, including corruption and the lack of economic opportunities. Her staff say this first visit is primarily an information-gathering trip.

Family Of Dr. Vivek Murthy Sends Medical Supplies To Hospitals In Karnataka

The Scope Foundation, run by the family of U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is sending medical supplies to hospitals in the Indian state of Karnataka as the country continues to work toward curbing the recent COVID-19 surge.Media reports state Murthy’s father, Lakshmi Narasimha Murthy, said that the shipment containing 70 oxygen concentrators, four ventilators, N95 masks, respirator masks, step transformer pieces and cleaning supplies worth Rs 1.40 crore will soon arrive on behalf of the Scope Foundation.

Speaking with media, Murthy said that the supplies will be distributed in 12 smaller hospitals as these are short on medical resources, further adding that only taluk hospitals and two village PHCs have been selected. The foundation is trying to send more material worth Rs 70 lakh soon from New Delhi so that it can be distributed to other PHCs. The consignment contains 70 oxygen concentrators with adapter, 25 digital oral thermometers, 1,96,000 K95 face masks, 5000 full face shields, 5000 forehead foam, 300 surgical earlobe masks, 1200 medical face shields, 400 nitrile powder-free gloves, 50 oxygen cannula and five voltage transformers. The supplies have reached Bengaluru and will be handed over to the districts on Monday.

Vivek Murthy’s cousin Vasanth informed that the medical supplies will be handed over in his native village Hallegere, Mandya, Maddur, Malavalli, Nagamangla and other places, further adding that plans to build a Covid ward at the cost of Rs one crore are also in the pipeline.This essential medical equipment will be dispatched to 12 hospitals in two districts that are facing a shortage of equipment, the report added.

The Indian American surgeon general has roots in Hallegere village of Mandya district in Karnataka.Dr. Vivek H. Murthy was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March 2021 to serve as the 21st Surgeon General of the United States as a returning role. As the Nation’s Doctor, the Surgeon General’s mission is to restore trust by relying on the best scientific information available, providing clear, consistent guidance and resources for the public, and ensuring that we reach our most vulnerable communities As the Vice Admiral of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Dr. Murthy commands a uniformed service of 6,000 dedicated public health officers, serving the most underserved and vulnerable populations domestically and abroad.

During his previous tenure as 19th Surgeon General, Dr. Murthy has created initiatives to tackle our country’s most pressing public health challenges. As “America’s Doctor he helped lead the national response to a range of health challenges, including the Ebola and Zika viruses, the opioid crisis, and the growing threat of stress and loneliness to Americans’ physical and mental wellbeing. He also issued the first Surgeons General’s report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health, in which he challenged the nation to expand access to prevention and treatment and to recognize addiction as a chronic illness, not a character flaw. Dr. Murthy continued the office’s legacy on preventing tobacco-related disease, releasing a historic Surgeon General’s report on e-cigarettes and youth.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla Announces Re-Election Bid

Mayor Ravinder ‘Ravi’ Bhallaof Hoboken, New Jersey has formally announced his re-election bid, pledging to serve as a regional and national leader in a post-pandemic world. “Nearly four years ago, Hoboken residents gave me the privilege of a lifetime, electing me as mayor of our great city,” Bhalla wrote on his campaign website.“Since then we’ve come together, friends and neighbors moving our city forward in the midst of a global pandemic, creating durable quality of life improvements, while also keeping Hoboken on a sound long-term fiscal path.”The campaign will formally kick off June 24, with an event at the PilsenerHaus and Biergarten, beginning at 6 p.m.

The Indian American mayor, who was first voted into office in 2017, has the distinction of being one of the first mayors to issue “shelter-in-place” orders in March 2020, as the pandemic was making its presence known in the U.S. New York and New Jersey were hit particularly hard in the initial months of the global crisis.Bhalla also holds the distinction of being the first Sikh American directly elected to office. He won his seat in 2017, emerging victorious from a crowded field of six candidates, by earning the endorsement of former Mayor Dawn Zimmer, who decided not to seek re-election.Previously, Bhalla had served on Hoboken’s city council for six years. Bhalla serves a town that is exactly one square mile, with 55,000 residents.

A 2014 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists notes that more than half of the coastal city’s residents live in areas that are below five feet above-average sea level, placing them at great risk for flood damage.The city council has acquired eight acres of additional green space, some through eminent domain. The recreational spaces have another purpose: through a novel scheme, the city has incorporated storm water collection tanks underneath the park which can store up to 500 million gallons of water.The water is pumped off the street during flooding and stored in the tanks until it is treated properly, then discharged into the nearby Hudson River, explained Bhalla. “We have made the city more resilient against flooding.”

In a press statement reviewing his first term in office, Bhalla noted: “With an eye to the future, we looked at ways to create sustainable, environmentally sound infrastructure improvements that reflect the values we share as a community.”“We began construction on our historic Northwest Resiliency Park, kicked off our Rebuild by Design flood protection project, renovated our neighborhood parks, and proactively replaced aging water mains for the first time in decades. We’re creating safer streets through our Vision Zero pedestrian safety campaign and a more resilient city through our Climate Action Plan.”

Bhalla, who has already secured two high-profile labor union endorsements, as well as the support of the local Police Superior Officers Association to name is few, is currently running unopposed though 1st Ward Councilman Mike DeFusco and 6th Ward Councilwoman Jen Giattino have left open the possibility of challenging him again.While still a councilman-at-large, Bhalla won a six-way contest that included DeFusco and Giattino in November 2017. He had the support of outgoing Mayor Dawn Zimmer at the time, who unexpectedly decided not to seek a third term.

Bhalla has lived in Hoboken, New Jersey since 2000. He lives with his children, Arza and Shabegh, and his wife, Navneet (also known as Bindya), a human rights attorney.Bhalla received his undergraduate education from U.C. Berkeley, where he received a B.A. in political psychology. He later received his master’s in public administration and public policy from the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom and his juris doctorate from Tulane Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Eric GarcettiLikely To Be Named US Envoy ToIndia

President Biden is said to nominate Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti,50 to be the U.S. ambassador to India; and former senior State Department official Nicholas Burns to serve as his ambassador to China. With these selections, Biden is turning to a longtime political ally and a seasoned diplomat to serve in two of the country’s highest-profile diplomatic postings.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti,50, is likely to be nominated as U.S. ambassador to India by President Biden. The Associated Press reported last week that Biden is expected to announce that Garcetti will be picked for the post, citing a person familiar with the matter.Biden, who has yet to announce any of his picks to fill ambassador posts, has been planning to roll out the list all at once, a strategic move that has allowed speculation to build around several likely nominees. Sources also stated, former senior State Department official Nicholas Burns to serve as his ambassador to China, according to a person familiar with the matter.With these selections, Biden is turning to a longtime political ally and a seasoned diplomat to serve in two of the country’s highest-profile diplomatic postings.

It was not clear when either nomination would be announced, according to the person familiar with the matter, who was not authorized to publicly comment on the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity. The White House declined to comment on either Garcetti or Burns and noted that “no one is final until they’re announced.”Garcetti and Burns, if confirmed by the Senate, would come to their postings at high-pressure moments in the U.S. relationships with India and China. Garcetti, if confirmed, would be dispatched to India as it has been overwhelmed by a surge in coronavirus infections and deaths. India’s death toll is the third highest reported in the world after the U.S. and Brazil, and true numbers are thought to be significantly greater.

Garcetti had considered a 2020 White House bid and later on, became part of Biden’s inner circle, emerged as a widely discussed possibility to join Biden’s Cabinet last year. But he took himself out of the running, saying the raging coronavirus crisis made it impossible for him to step away.The two-term mayor would leave LA with an uneven record. He has been credited with continuing a transit buildup in a city choked with traffic, establishing tougher earthquake safety standards for thousands of buildings, and steering the city through the deadly pandemic as it became a hot spot for infections. Cases have fallen steeply in the city and some restrictions have been rolled back, consistent with the trajectory in the state.

Garcetti’s popularity has slipped in recent years, and Black Lives Matter protesters had banged drums outside his official residence earlier this year to urge Biden not to choose Garcetti for a Cabinet position. Garcetti was overmatched by a crisis of homelessness that became a national embarrassment despite the massive jump in government spending to fight it. Many streets and sidewalks remain cratered and crumbling, despite his early pledge to make fixing them a cornerstone of his administration.In picking Garcetti, the president would be rewarding a loyalist who was one of his national campaign co-chairs, who served on the committee that vetted his pool of vice presidential contenders, and who served as one of several co-chairs for Biden’s inaugural committee.

Garcetti was elected mayor in 2013 and reelected in 2017. He is serving a longer second term — of 5½ years, as opposed to four — because voters in 2015 backed a one-time change in the city’s election dates. Garcetti’s possible departure for India comes as the city slowly recovers from the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and grapples with an ongoing homelessness crisis.The overseas position, if it goes to the mayor, will be viewed as a reward to a longtime supporter of Biden’s. The India posting would allow the politically ambitious Garcetti to burnish his foreign policy credentials ahead of a possible future White House run. That’s a conspicuous gap on his resume — the Ivy League graduate and Rhodes scholar has spent two decades in city government, either as mayor or a city councilman.

Arun Venkataraman Nominated as Director General for Foreign Commercial Service in Commerce Department

President Joe Biden announced the nomination of Arun Venkataraman to serve as Director General of the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service and Assistant Secretary for Global Markets in the Department of Commerce on May 26th.

Venkataraman currently serves in the administration as Counselor to the Secretary of Commerce, advising the department on trade and other international economic matters. The Indian American attorney also served in the Obama administration as the first-ever director of policy at the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. In that role, he helped shape the U.S. government’s responses to critical challenges faced by firms in the U.S. and in markets around the world, including China and India, according to a White House statement announcing the nomination.

These challenges included excess capacity in the global steel and aluminum industries; online piracy and counterfeiting; improper application of competition laws; unjustified limitations on data flows; and national security-based restrictions on goods, services and technology, according to his profile on the Steptoe and Johnson LLP Web site.In this role, Venkataraman also led the International Trade Administration’s efforts to conclude negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership and secure passage of Trade Promotion Authority legislation.

In the Obama administration, Venkataraman also served in the Office of the US Trade Representative, where he led the development and implementation of U.S.-India trade policy as the director for India, for which he received the agency’s Kelly Award for outstanding performance and extraordinary leadership.Before joining USTR, Venkataraman was a legal officer at the World Trade Organization, advising the organization on a wide range of issues raised in appeals of trade disputes between countries. In the Obama administration, Venkataraman also served as Associate General Counsel, representing the United States in litigation before the World Trade Organization and in negotiations on international trade agreements.

The Tufts University alumnus — who received his J.D. from Columbia Law School and earned a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy — has over 20 years of experience advising companies, international organizations and the U.S. government on international trade issues. Before joining the Biden-Harris administration, Venkataraman was a senior director at Visa, leading global government engagement strategy on a range of international policy issues including digital economy, trade, tax and sanctions.

He previously served as trade and investment policy advisor at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where he counseled multinational firms and other organizations on e-commerce, intellectual property rights, and U.S. and foreign trade policies. “Arun’s extensive experience across all facets of trade policy-making — domestic and international, negotiation and litigation, legislation and executive action — underpins the unique perspective and creative solutions he offers clients,” reads his Steptoe & Johnson profile. Venkataraman began his career as a law clerk for Judge Jane A. Restani at the U.S. Court of International Trade.

Amartya Sen Receives Spain’s Top ‘Princess of Asturias’ Award

Amartya Kumar Sen, an Indian economist and philosopher who studied the causes of famines, will be recognized with this year’s Princess of Asturias award in the social sciences category, the Spanish foundation behind the prizes announced May 26.The 87-year-old Sen has devoted his career to studying poverty and theories of human development. His 1981 essay on “Entitlement and Deprivation” famously proved that the greatest famines in history took place when food was available but some groups couldn’t access it.

Sen’s theories on a person’s capacity, interacting with the concept of “positive freedom,” or absence of interference, have been incorporated into different social science disciplines and inspired U.N. development plans. Amartya Sen is Thomas W. Lamont University Professor, and Professor of Economics and Philosophy, at Harvard University and was until 2004 the Master of Trinity College, Cambridge.  He is also Senior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows.  Earlier on he was Professor of Economics at Jadavpur University Calcutta, the Delhi School of Economics, and the London School of Economics, and Drummond Professor of Political Economy at Oxford University.

Amartya Sen has served as President of the Econometric Society, the American Economic Association, the Indian Economic Association, and the International Economic Association.  He was formerly Honorary President of OXFAM and is now its Honorary Advisor.  His research has ranged over social choice theory, economic theory, ethics and political philosophy, welfare economics, theory of measurement, decision theory, development economics, public health, and gender studies.  Amartya Sen’s books have been translated into more than thirty languages.

Amartya Sen’s awards include Bharat Ratna (India); Commandeur de la Legion d’Honneur (France); the National Humanities Medal (USA); Ordem do MeritoCientifico (Brazil); Honorary  Companion of Honour (UK); the Aztec Eagle (Mexico); the Edinburgh Medal (UK); the George Marshall Award (USA); the Eisenhower Medal (USA); and the Nobel Prize in Economics.“His entire intellectual career has contributed in a profound and effective way to promoting justice, freedom and democracy,” the Princess of Asturias award jury wrote in a statement.Sen won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998.

The 50,000-euro award ($61,000) is one of eight prizes, including in the arts, communications and sports, handed out annually by the Asturias Princess Foundation, which is named for Spanish Crown Princess Leonor. The awards are among the most prestigious in the Spanish-speaking world. An awards ceremony typically takes place in October in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo.

Prof. Bellamkonda Kishore, Recipient of Outstanding Editor Award In Physiology Journal, Pens Pandemic Gitanjali

Bellamkonda Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., MBA.,an academician, innovator and entrepreneur of Salt Lake City, Utah, has composed a Pandemic Gitanjali on COVID-19,an inspiring poetical tribute, aptly reflecting his unique skills as a writer and thoughtful leader. In addition to being a physician leader, Dr. Kishore is a freelance writer and composer in Telugu ad English.

It’s noteworthy that Dr. Kishore has been honored with the Outstanding Editor Award in Renal and Epithelial Physiology Specialty Section of Frontiers in Physiology, a Switzerland-based publication last week. In a message sent to Dr. Kishore, Publishing Development Journal Manager Georgina Harris, Ph.D. at Frontiers in Lausanne, Switzerland, wrote: “As Frontiers in Physiology reaches 10,000 published articles and more than 10 years online, on behalf of our Chief Editors, we are honored to award you the Outstanding Editor Award in Renal and Epithelial Physiology Specialty Section for your strong editorial contribution to Frontiers in Physiology.” Dr. Harris added: “We would like to highlight our outstanding editors and share our gratitude towards your editorial efforts via social media. Thank you for your strong support for the Journal and providing your time and expertise towards our mission to make all science open!”

For Dr. Kishore, this award follows on the heels of successful launching of JAAPI (Journal of AAPI), a peer-reviewed medical and healthcare journal, as its Editor-in-Chief. UNN has recently covered that event, which is a milestone in the annals of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, the largest physicians organization in the United States after the American Medical Association.

Dr. Kishore has decades of academic research experience in kidney physiology, pathophysiology and experimental therapeutics gained in India, Japan, Belgium, and the United States, which includes the Intramural Research Program of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.  Over the years, Dr. Kishore and his collaborators identified and patented novel drug targets for obesity, and kidney and other diseases. In recognition of his academic and research contributions and scholarly activities, he has been inducted as Fellow by professional organizations such as the American Society of Nephrology (FASN), Royal Society of Biology (FRSB), American Physiological Society (FAPS) and American Heart Association (FAHA).

After directing an internationally recognized kidney research program as a Principal Investigator at the US Department of Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System for about 20 years, where he received a Superior Performance Award and News Release local radio broadcast of his research, in May 2020 Dr. Kishore moved out to build ePurines, Inc a startup drug development company focused on developing innovative purinergic signaling-based therapies for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and kidney and liver disease. Currently he is an Adjunct Professor of Medicine (Nephrology) with affiliations to Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology and Center on Aging at the University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dr. Kishore believes that Passion, Perseverance and Patience (3Ps) are the only ingredients anyone needs, despite his/her status at the start of career or life. If these three are there, everything will fall in tplace one day or other. It is just a question of time. Dr. Kishore says that there are still plenty of opportunities to grow in this world and do meaningful work, provided we prepare by changing our attitude, and recognize and follow our priorities in life whether they are pleasant to us or not. He says that people fail often not because they are not smart or intelligent, but they chose wrong priorities in life and pursue them without thinking where they will lead them.

Dr. Kishore adds, a purpose-driven life is far more superior than a success-driven life. Because, a purpose-drive life expands our consciousness and horizons, whereas success-driven life narrows our consciousness and options. By putting together his philosophy and experience in life, Dr. Kishore has written and published two books TamasomaJyothirgamayaand Life is Creating Yourself to benefit aspiring students and youth seeking direction and guidance in life beyond the academics. These books are available freely to download as PDF copies by clicking on the hyperlinks. Dr. Kishore considers that academics only prepare us to earn livelihood, but not teach us how to lead our lives. He hopes that his books will provide much needed insights to the youth to shape their lives and thus lead purposeful lives.

Dr. Manju Sheth’s Candid Conversation With Panera Bread CEO, Niren Chaudhary

With an impressive track record of establishing brands and leading companies around the world, Niren Chaudhary leads Panera Bread as CEO with passion since May 2019. In an exclusive interview With Dr. ManjuSheth, Mr. Chaudhary talks about his personal life story, inspiration, interests, how Panera leads food industry during the pandemic, and on ways to make global brands succeed in India.Watch The Interview Online at: https://youtu.be/8CEPgSpKzRE

Niren Chaudhary believes in leading with compassion and channeling pain into purpose. His philosophy to live each day to its fullest is inspired by his daughter Aisha who lived each day of her life fully and with gratitude till she passed away in 2015 at the age of 18.

Her life has been made into a powerful movie called ‘Sky is Pink’ with Priyanka Chopra Jonas , Farhan Akhtar and ZairaWasim playing lead roles. The movie is now streaming on Netflix. It was inspiring to share Niren’s journey on Chai with Manju. His input in the food and hospitality industry were very insightful including leading Panera profitably in tough Covid times. His advice to those looking to invest in India is worth a watch. His emotional appeal to donate bone marrow to save lives is important as Indian lag behind and his daughter’s life would have been saved with a timely bone marrow donation I loved his three step recipe to make dreams come true and to live life fully describing life as an unfinished painting.

When it comes to food retail industry, Panera CEO Niren Chaudhary has established himself as an undisputed leader of corporate leadership on a global scale. Mr. Chaudhary joined Panera from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., where he served as Chief Operating Officer and President of the International Division. Prior to that, he spent 23 years at Yum! Brands in a number of positions, including serving as President of Yum! India, and most recently in the role of President of KFC Global, where he was responsible for 5,000 stores in 50 countries with $5 billion in revenue.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, an MBA in marketing from the University of Delhi, and also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.One of the best parts of the interview with Dr. Manju Shethwas to watch him sing. Music plays a huge role in his life. Indeed, he is a rockstar CEO.

A physician by profession, having a passion for media and commitment to serve the larger humanity, with special focus on women’s empowerment, Dr. Manju Sheth is a Board Certified Internist, currently serving patients at Beth Israel Lahey Hospital.in the Boston Region in Massachusetts. Dr. Sheth is the co-founder and CEO of INE MultiMedia, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting and supporting charitable organizations, art, culture, education and empowerment through workshops, seminars and multimedia. Dr. Sheth is known to be a natural storyteller her popular “Chai with Manju” celebrity series is one of the most read news features in the New England region, where she featured celebrities and spiritual leaders such as Sadhguru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Kennedys and the like.Watch the live Interview Dr. Manju Sheth had with https://youtu.be/8CEPgSpKzRE

How My Family Dynamics Gave Me a New Path

“My son was attached to my stepmother and my daughter enjoyed the attention from my mother. This camaraderie, unity and selfless teamwork was and is uncommon amongst divorced couples: Eshani ShahShares Her Fascinating Journey Growing Up in The Taarak Mehta Family

Today’s woman dreamer, Eshani Shah, the daughter of Taarak Mehta, one of India’s most famous writers, fondly known for the famous show, Taarak Mehta KaOoltahChashmah, shares her incredible journey growing up in this creative, artistic celebrity family, and how being immensely loved and nurtured by both her mothers (birth-mother and step-mother) helped her grow into the woman she is today.

Eshani, a very talented artist, shares how effective co-parenting changed her life in this heartwarming story. An inspiring story for all generations on the power of great parenting and putting children first! Enjoy her story below!

A healthy relationship between separated parents leaves a very positive impact. Honest, straightforward co-parenting is the best way to raise a content child. They should never have to make choices of time and lifestyle between parents. For an only child this can become challenging but my family dynamics made a profound impact on who I am today.

My childhood was mostly normal with one main exception: Since both my parents did theater, I spent a lot of evenings alone at home with domestic help or at the rehearsals with one of them. The weekends again would be spent backstage or dozing in the auditorium. Living in an apartment complex eventually introduced me to lots of friends, whose houses became another good option for weekends. When they toured for plays, I spent a lot of time with my maternal grandparents. While I didn’t see my parents often, being surrounded by people 24/7 definitely gave me a supportive environment to grow up in. Although I grew up in a vibrant theater background, the theater bug did not really bite till much later in life after I met my Husband Chandu Shah, who is also from a similar background.

My parent’s marriage was a love marriage which always comes with higher expectations. You have already put your partner on a pedestal and believe that they are your soulmate or your dream partner. When these presumptions start shattering, it becomes difficult to save a relationship. Giving time to each other, shouldering responsibilities equally or respecting each other’s ambitions are some of the key elements of a happy marriage; when these somehow started diminishing from their marriage, they mutually decided to part ways.

I was 11 and a bit young to understand what was going on, but a decision was made to put me in boarding school. I went to a boarding school in Panchgani, the most memorable time of my life. My parents used to visit but never came together. I was 13 when they officially divorced. I was a very mature child at 13 so they did not fight for custody but gave me a choice of who I would stay with. I chose to stay with my dad primarily because it was an environment I grew up in. My mom eventually remarried. I came back to Mumbai when I was 16. after graduating high school. Whenever I visited during vacations, both my parents always presented a unified front spending some quality time together with me. Even my step father joined at times. My transitions spending time with both my parents were peaceful. The time at boarding school helped to build my high-spirited personality, which has helped me all my life.

I have seen my mom struggle in the initial years of marriage trying to balance work and personal life. She was fiercely independent and worked very hard to fulfill her dreams. Divorce in the 70s was very uncommon and most of my maternal family, including my grandmother, broke ties with her. She was heartbroken, but with her resilience, continued her journey of theater. By then, she had taken a job with a bank and was multitasking. She never let her personal struggles influence me. My step father passed away when I was 19 and it was devastating. As now she was alone all over again, I started staying with her. In all those years, what I learnt from her is to be independent. She taught me that emotional dependency and financial dependency can lead to disappointments. This holds true for partners, friends, family and children. She had excellent taste in clothes and jewelry and was always very presentable. She was a good singer, dancer and an artist and always the life of a party. I think I have inherited most of her traits.

After I came to Mumbai, I stayed with my father but he was as busy as I had seen him growing up. I was then going to college and busy with my life. It was around then that my step mother Induben used to visit. Dad first introduced her as a friend. But whenever she visited, she cooked for us and did errands for my dad. That’s when I told my father that if he feels that she is the right life partner for him, I am with him. That’s when they got married and my step mother became a bigger part of my life. I did not need much parenting at that point, so she became more of a friend… She was very lovable and took such good care of my dad. Her struggles were similar to my moms, due to my fathers lifestyle, but she took it in her stride. She gave up her ambitions and became a homemaker. Starting the 1980s, my father had become a household name with his column “ Duniya ne UndhaChasma “ in a Gujarati magazine Chitralekha and my step mother was his PR. With all his popularity, he was shy and a bit of an introvert, but my step mother responded to his fans and made them feel special. Her reverence for my father is what kept her going. When I got married, both my mothers did my “Kanyadan” (gave me away). They were a team from the start. I came to the USA in 1984 and my relationship with both my moms became long distance – despite this, they were unified looking after my needs. Whenever either visited, there would be goodies from both of them.

This tradition continued after my twins were born. It looked like God had created a miracle so they each had a bundle of joy they could pamper. My son was attached to my stepmother and my daughter enjoyed the attention from my mother. This camaraderie, unity and selfless teamwork was and is uncommon amongst divorced couples. As for me, because I did not have to make any difficult choices and there was so much harmony in the relationship with both of them , I did not grow up with any emotional baggage.

My stepmother and my father even after achieving celebrity status was not abashed about his divorce and supported/ took care of my mother through thick and thin till her last days. Their solidarity gave me a lot of peace of mind. These days, divorces are common and custody cases can get nasty, creating a negative impact on the child. Fighting parents is not an uncommon sight for children and if things just don’t work out then I think a seamless separation and giving the child a guilt free upbringing is the key. I was blessed that I did not have to choose and balance my affections, so in turn they were never competing for my attention.

I have fulfilled most of my dreams and now just want to support my children and whatever they do and live their dreams. I want to travel. I love planning events but with this pandemic the dynamics have changed so hoping to find a new avenue…I want to thank the Women Who Win team for inviting me to share my personal journey that I am blessed with. First by love of 2 mothers and now love of twins….

(Eshani Shah is an accomplished entrepreneur, award winning actor, event planner and a community leader combined with experience in two very distinct fields, Entertainment and National Security. Eshani’s leadership contribution includes organizing various theatrical as well as cultural events in the New England Area and helped non-profit organizations to raise funds for educational, cultural and religious purposes. She has volunteered her services and skills to many local Boston and National organizations. As a part of the executive team at S4, Eshani helped S4, Inc. growth over 700% in last 10 years which has been in top five growing companies of Boston Business Journal Pacesetter and fastest growing small business as rated by Inc 500. Being an award winning actress dancer herself she is also the owner of a very successful Entertainment/Event management company called Dhoom Entertainment which arranges programs all over USA.)

Founded in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, Women Who Win was born with the belief that every woman has a dream and a story to tell.  Created by three South-Asian women based in Boston, Dr. Manju Sheth, Dr. Deepa Jhaveri, and ShaleenSheth, Women Who Win is the platform that brings women of all cultures, industries, and age groups together. Their global network of contributors share inspiring, relatable, and relevant original stories, educating and empowering the everyday woman dreamer.  Through education, empowerment, and a global community, they equip women with the tools and motivation to make their dreams a reality.  Their platform covers all topics from women’s health, women in the workplace, women in tech, arts & lifestyle, wellness & workouts, and global recipes. With a global network of women in over 80 countries, their members learn from and inspire each other in their personal and professional careers, they invite you to join their leading women’s community here.

 

For more details on Women Who Win, and other brave and pioneering women featured,  please visit: https://www.womenwhowin100.com/blog/how-my-family-dynamics-gave-me-a-new-path-eshani-shah-taarak-mehta

Share Your Dreams with Us By Joining Our Empowered Women’s Facebook Group ; Follow our Facebook Page; Connect on LinkedIn; Follow Us on Instagram; Explore our Website at: https://www.womenwhowin100.com

Dr. Suresh Reddy Officially Sworn In As Trustee Of Oak Brook, IL

Dr. Suresh Reddy was officially sworn in as a Trustee of Oak Brook during a solemn ceremony held on Tuesday, May 11th  at the Bath & Tennis Club, Oakbrook, IL. Dr. Reddy took the oath placing his hand on the Gita, Quran, Bible, and AdiGranth.

Dr. Suresh Reddy, the Immediate Past President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) was officially sworn in as a Trustee of Oak Brook during a solemn ceremony held on Tuesday, May 11th  at the Bath & Tennis Club, Oakbrook, IL. The Honorable Justice Ann Jorgensen, Presiding Judge of the Appellate Court Second District in Illinois, delivered the Oath of Office to the new Trustees of the Village of Oak Brook, as Dr. Reddy took the oath placing his hand on the Gita, Quran, Bible, and AdiGranth.

Attended by family and friends of Dr. Suresh Reddy, the Swearing In Ceremony was livestreamed on the Village’s Oak Brook TV YouTube Channel. The ceremony began with invocation led by Reverend Dr. Daniel Meyer, a graduate of Yale University and both Princeton and Fuller Seminaries. Along with Dr. Reddy, others who were administered the oath included: Trustees Larry Herman and Jim Nagle and Suresh Reddy. The retiring Trustees, John Baar, Phil Cuevas and MoinSaiyed were given official farewell.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Reddy said, “As a practicing physician, I will use my training and experiences to ensure that appropriate and effective health policies are approved by the board and implemented by our village staff. There are many expert doctors and medical professionals in our community. I will find ways to engage them through informal work groups or more formal committees if needed to ensure the safety of our residents.”

“I am grateful to the citizens of my hometown Oak Brook  and to the key leaders of Oak Brook, including the sitting mayor and members of the governing body of Oak Brook for endorsing and supporting my candidacy to be a Trustee of Oak Brook,” Dr. Suresh Reddy said. Dr. Reddy thanked Rep. Raja Krishnamurthy, “a good friend” of Dr. Reddy for his best wishes.Present Mayor of Oak Brook Dr. Gopal Lalmalani and Trustee Mr. MoinSaiyed of Oak Brook had strongly supported Dr. Reddy and have endorsed his candidacy, as his leadership skills will benefit the residents of the suburban town in Illinois.

In his presidential address, Dr. Gopal Lalmalani said, “I thank Trustees John Baar, Phil Cuevas and MoinSaiyed for their service and dedication to the Village of Oak Brook. It has been an honor working with all of you in the betterment of Oak Brook.” As the Village Clerk Pruss read out the Resolutions of Appreciation, Dr. Gopal Lalmalani presented them with a Resolution Plaque, Service Pin and an engraved medallion which was designed by Paul Butler.

Dr. Suresh Reddy won the election to be a Trustee of the Village of Oak Brook convincingly at the elections held on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021.  Dr. Reddy along with the other 2 winners, Laurence “Larry” Herman and James P. Nagle had received  “the three highest unofficial vote totals with 100% of precincts reporting in the election for three four-year terms on the Village Board,” Chicago Tribune had reported. Dr. Reddy said he decided to run with Herman and Nagle because he believes the three of them can address the most critical issues impacting the village better than anyone else, each with their own unique skills.

Having a population of nearly 10,000 people, the city of Oak Brook is located 15 miles west of the Chicago Loop and is served by a network of major federal, state, and county roads including the Tri-State Tollway system, the East-West Tollway and the Eisenhower Expressway. One of the affluent communities in the nation, Oakbrook’s adjacent neighbors include the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace, Westchester, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, and Hinsdale.

Dr. Reddy comes with immense experiences and proven leadership. He grew up in the suburbs of Hyderabad in Southern India. A financial conservator, Dr. Reddy always had a passion for “uniting and bringing people together.” Recalling his childhood, the dynamic leader says, “It all started during my childhood with bringing neighborhood kids together to play “gully cricket” and also bringing people together in college to organize events, demonstrations, and educational tours. Bringing opposing parties to the table for resolving issues has always been my strong strength since my schooling days.”

Not being satisfied with his achievements as a physician and leader of the Diaspora Physicians group, Dr. Reddy says, “I always had a strong passion for bringing a positive outlook and giving back to the community. I got involved in several alumni activities and have facilitated to raise funds to build a million dollar alumni educational center for my Alma Mater.”

Dr. Reddy completed his advanced medical training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School and has stayed on Harvard Faculty for more than a decade where he had also served as Chief of Interventional Neuroradiology.  Subsequently, Dr. Reddy and family moved to Chicago which has now become his home. “Now that I call Oak Brook my home, I would like to contribute and serve my community by participating in public service,” says Dr. Reddy.

What motivates him to take on yet another challenging role for the betterment of the community? “My mantra is: If you don’t lead, someone else will lead you. If you don’t pick the right leader, the wrong leader will pick you, and as my good friend US Congressman Raja Says, and if you are not on the table, you will be on the menu,” says Dr. Reddy.

A dynamic leader, Dr. Reddy has devoted a greater part of his life to numerous initiates within the United States , in addition to serving his people back in India, As part of his community service, Dr. Reddy has facilitated and organized numerous health camps and workshops, with special emphasis on CPR  training , obesity prevention in conjunction with Chicago Medical Society.

During the Covid Pandemic, as the President of AAPI, Dr. Reddy facilitated more than a hundred webinars and health awareness events. He facilitated honoring of more than 10,000 nurses who work selflessly in the line of duty against Covid in over 100 hospitals in over 40 states including Alaska. He led a campaign donating blankets to the needy during the last winter and would like to do the same this winter.

His wife Leela, who was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina has a Master’s Degree in Health Management and Policy. Previously, she was a Director of Network Health Boston, a HMO Health Plan in Boston prior to moving to Chicago. Their son, Rohun is currently doing his JD/MBA at Kellogg School of Management /Pritzker School of Law at Northwestern University.

Committing himself to ensure and work tirelessly to keep Oak Brook a strong village, living up to its name as a model village around the nation, Dr. Reddy says, “As a Trustee of Oak Brook, I would like to continue and strengthen many programs and services the city offers to all sections of the people. More than ever, fiscal conservatism and wise spending, has become the most important attribute for a financially secure future. I am honored and humbled that the people of my hometown have placed their trust in me and have given me a chance to perform my public service with utmost integrity and dignity to the office.” For more details, please email: [email protected]

Dr. Kiran Patel Invests In Mumbai-Based EV Charging Startup

An eminent Indian-American cardiologist and philanthropist, has raised more than $15mn in Series A funding for a Mumbai-based electric vehicle charging solutions company, Magenta EV Solutions. Besides being a cardiologist, Dr. Kiran Patel is a billionaire and a serial entrepreneur.

“My wife and I have always believed in building a legacy by partnering with companies who are passionate in making this planet better for the next generation. I met the Magenta team over lunch when I was in India and within minutes into the discussion, I felt I found a team who are as passionate as I am, to bring about a difference,” Dr. Patel said.

Founded by Maxson Lewis and Darryl Dias, Magenta was Incorporated in 2017, and in the last three years, it has established itself as a key player in the EV charging market under the ChargeGrid brand. The company aims to have a share of 30% in the Indian EV charging market, which it estimates to be 3000 GW.hr by 2030.Seed funded by HPCL and incubated by Shell, ChargeGrid is also backed by the Microsoft Startup Program to further boost its advanced technology platform. At present, Magenta has operations in more than 10 cities.

“With Dr. Kiran Patel coming aboard, Magenta would be exposed to global markets, backed by financial and strategical management bandwidth. Dr. Patel has been investing and supporting start-ups and early-stage businesses in India and across the globe and mentor them through their scale-up journey,” said the company in a statement. It further added that Pantomath Capital Advisors Private Limited is the sole investment banker to Magenta for the transaction.In 2018, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd invested in Magenta Power, as it plans to get into the electric vehicle charging business in the future.

“Magenta provides end-to-end hardware, software, installation, operations and maintenance of electric vehicle charging solutions. Magenta will expand its product line with new streetlamp integrated EV charger, one of many new innovative products currently under development,” said the company in the above-mentioned statement.Lack of charging stations has been one of the biggest impediments for adoption of electric mobility in the country and startups like Magenta are playing a crucial role in developing low-cost chargers which can be deployed in different parts of the country.

The Indian government in collaboration with manufacturers of electric vehicles and charging devices has been developing a low-cost charging device for electric two and three-wheelers which is expected to help push the adoption of such vehicles in the coming years.The Narendra Modi government has been urging vehicle manufacturers to develop and manufacture electric vehicles to reduce vehicular emissions and curb oil imports. The union government has also been incentivizing the purchase of such zero-emission vehicles and setting up of changing devices through the second phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing Electric and Hybrid vehicle (FAME) scheme.

Dr. Patel has generously contributed his fortune for several noble causes in India, his country of origin, the United States, his adopted country, and Zambia, the country of his birth. Dr. Patel is also the Chairman and President of Optimum Healthcare, Inc.All philanthropic campaigns, contributions and projects have resulted from his passion for health, education and charity. That’s why he has also commissioned Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Global University, a 120-acre institute under construction in India.Sharing his own experiences of investing in the state of Gujarat and in the United States, Dr. Patel, said, with the state requiring more trained personnel to support the growing needs, he is willing to establish a Medical College in Rajasthan.

Dr. Patel, a very soft spoken physician of Indian origin, said the projects combine his passions for health education and charity. In his first venture in running a university, he hopes to fulfill a need for competent doctors in the area while also educating generations of physicians who can serve in underprivileged areas across the globe.Dr. Patel had purchased the former Clearwater Christian College property with a goal of developing an osteopathic medical school in his home-state, Florida. The Indian American physician closed on the $12 million purchase of the 25-acre campus overlooking Old Tampa Bay at the west end of the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

Dr. Bellamkonda Kishore Honored with Outstanding Editor Award in Renal and Epithelial Physiology

Dr. Bellamkonda Kishore has been honored with the Outstanding Editor Award in Renal and Epithelial Physiology Specialty Section by Frontiers in Physiology, a Switzerland-based publication last week.

In a message sent to Dr. Kishore, Publishing Development Journal Manager at Frontiers in Lausanne in Switzerland, Georgina Harris, PhD wrote: “As Frontiers in Physiology reaches 10,000 published articles and more than 10 years online, on behalf of our Chief Editors, we are honored to award you the Outstanding Editor Award in Renal and Epithelial Physiology Specialty Section for your strong editorial contribution to Frontiers in Physiology.”

Mr. Harris added: “We would like to highlight our outstanding editors and share our gratitude towards your editorial efforts via social media. Thank you for your strong support for the Journal and providing your time and expertise towards our mission to make all science open!”

Dr. Kishore has more 30 years of research experience in renal physiology,  pathophysiology and experimental therapeutics gained in India, Japan, Beligum and the United States, which includes the Intramural Research Program of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland. Currently he directs an internationally recognized research program at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System and the University of Utah Health. His current research focuses on the role of purinergic signaling in the genesis of clinically relevant water balance disorders, diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, and vasopressin excessive states, such as cirrhosis of liver, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and others.

Dr. Kishore and his collaborators identified and filed patents for novel drug targets for the treatment of acquired NDI and diet-induced obesity, and vasopressin excessive states. In addition, Dr. Kishore and his collaborators developed and patented a novel method to induce proliferation of erythropoietin (EPO)-producing cells in the kidney. Over the years, Dr. Kishore’s research has been funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Foundation of Utah & Idaho, University of Utah Research Foundation, Western Institute for Biomedical Research and Eye Foundation of America. Dr. Kishore was recently appointed the Chief Editor of JAAPI, the Journal of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.

The poetical Tribute, A Pandemic Gitanjali by Dr. Kishore on The Pandemic: Covid -19 displays this unique skills as a writer and thoughtful leader in the Healthcare Industry.

 

How My Family Dynamics Gave Me a New Path

“My son was attached to my stepmother and my daughter enjoyed the attention from my mother. This camaraderie, unity and selfless teamwork was and is uncommon amongst divorced couples: Eshani ShahShares Her Fascinating Journey Growing Up in The Taarak Mehta Family

Today’s woman dreamer, Eshani Shah, the daughter of Taarak Mehta, one of India’s most famous writers, fondly known for the famous show, Taarak Mehta KaOoltahChashmah, shares her incredible journey growing up in this creative, artistic celebrity family, and how being immensely loved and nurtured by both her mothers (birth-mother and step-mother) helped her grow into the woman she is today.

Eshani, a very talented artist, shares how effective co-parenting changed her life in this heartwarming story. An inspiring story for all generations on the power of great parenting and putting children first! Enjoy her story below!

A healthy relationship between separated parents leaves a very positive impact. Honest, straightforward co-parenting is the best way to raise a content child. They should never have to make choices of time and lifestyle between parents. For an only child this can become challenging but my family dynamics made a profound impact on who I am today.

My childhood was mostly normal with one main exception: Since both my parents did theater, I spent a lot of evenings alone at home with domestic help or at the rehearsals with one of them. The weekends again would be spent backstage or dozing in the auditorium. Living in an apartment complex eventually introduced me to lots of friends, whose houses became another good option for weekends. When they toured for plays, I spent a lot of time with my maternal grandparents. While I didn’t see my parents often, being surrounded by people 24/7 definitely gave me a supportive environment to grow up in. Although I grew up in a vibrant theater background, the theater bug did not really bite till much later in life after I met my Husband Chandu Shah, who is also from a similar background.

My parent’s marriage was a love marriage which always comes with higher expectations. You have already put your partner on a pedestal and believe that they are your soulmate or your dream partner. When these presumptions start shattering, it becomes difficult to save a relationship. Giving time to each other, shouldering responsibilities equally or respecting each other’s ambitions are some of the key elements of a happy marriage; when these somehow started diminishing from their marriage, they mutually decided to part ways.

I was 11 and a bit young to understand what was going on, but a decision was made to put me in boarding school. I went to a boarding school in Panchgani, the most memorable time of my life. My parents used to visit but never came together. I was 13 when they officially divorced. I was a very mature child at 13 so they did not fight for custody but gave me a choice of who I would stay with. I chose to stay with my dad primarily because it was an environment I grew up in. My mom eventually remarried. I came back to Mumbai when I was 16. after graduating high school. Whenever I visited during vacations, both my parents always presented a unified front spending some quality time together with me. Even my step father joined at times. My transitions spending time with both my parents were peaceful. The time at boarding school helped to build my high-spirited personality, which has helped me all my life.

I have seen my mom struggle in the initial years of marriage trying to balance work and personal life. She was fiercely independent and worked very hard to fulfill her dreams. Divorce in the 70s was very uncommon and most of my maternal family, including my grandmother, broke ties with her. She was heartbroken, but with her resilience, continued her journey of theater. By then, she had taken a job with a bank and was multitasking. She never let her personal struggles influence me. My step father passed away when I was 19 and it was devastating. As now she was alone all over again, I started staying with her. In all those years, what I learnt from her is to be independent. She taught me that emotional dependency and financial dependency can lead to disappointments. This holds true for partners, friends, family and children. She had excellent taste in clothes and jewelry and was always very presentable. She was a good singer, dancer and an artist and always the life of a party. I think I have inherited most of her traits.

After I came to Mumbai, I stayed with my father but he was as busy as I had seen him growing up. I was then going to college and busy with my life. It was around then that my step mother Induben used to visit. Dad first introduced her as a friend. But whenever she visited, she cooked for us and did errands for my dad. That’s when I told my father that if he feels that she is the right life partner for him, I am with him. That’s when they got married and my step mother became a bigger part of my life. I did not need much parenting at that point, so she became more of a friend… She was very lovable and took such good care of my dad. Her struggles were similar to my moms, due to my fathers lifestyle, but she took it in her stride. She gave up her ambitions and became a homemaker. Starting the 1980s, my father had become a household name with his column “ Duniya ne UndhaChasma “ in a Gujarati magazine Chitralekha and my step mother was his PR. With all his popularity, he was shy and a bit of an introvert, but my step mother responded to his fans and made them feel special. Her reverence for my father is what kept her going. When I got married, both my mothers did my “Kanyadan” (gave me away). They were a team from the start. I came to the USA in 1984 and my relationship with both my moms became long distance – despite this, they were unified looking after my needs. Whenever either visited, there would be goodies from both of them.

This tradition continued after my twins were born. It looked like God had created a miracle so they each had a bundle of joy they could pamper. My son was attached to my stepmother and my daughter enjoyed the attention from my mother. This camaraderie, unity and selfless teamwork was and is uncommon amongst divorced couples. As for me, because I did not have to make any difficult choices and there was so much harmony in the relationship with both of them , I did not grow up with any emotional baggage.

My stepmother and my father even after achieving celebrity status was not abashed about his divorce and supported/ took care of my mother through thick and thin till her last days. Their solidarity gave me a lot of peace of mind. These days, divorces are common and custody cases can get nasty, creating a negative impact on the child. Fighting parents is not an uncommon sight for children and if things just don’t work out then I think a seamless separation and giving the child a guilt free upbringing is the key. I was blessed that I did not have to choose and balance my affections, so in turn they were never competing for my attention.

I have fulfilled most of my dreams and now just want to support my children and whatever they do and live their dreams. I want to travel. I love planning events but with this pandemic the dynamics have changed so hoping to find a new avenue…I want to thank the Women Who Win team for inviting me to share my personal journey that I am blessed with. First by love of 2 mothers and now love of twins….

(Eshani Shah is an accomplished entrepreneur, award winning actor, event planner and a community leader combined with experience in two very distinct fields, Entertainment and National Security. Eshani’s leadership contribution includes organizing various theatrical as well as cultural events in the New England Area and helped non-profit organizations to raise funds for educational, cultural and religious purposes. She has volunteered her services and skills to many local Boston and National organizations. As a part of the executive team at S4, Eshani helped S4, Inc. growth over 700% in last 10 years which has been in top five growing companies of Boston Business Journal Pacesetter and fastest growing small business as rated by Inc 500. Being an award winning actress dancer herself she is also the owner of a very successful Entertainment/Event management company called Dhoom Entertainment which arranges programs all over USA.)

Founded in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, Women Who Win was born with the belief that every woman has a dream and a story to tell.  Created by three South-Asian women based in Boston, Dr. Manju Sheth, Dr. Deepa Jhaveri, and ShaleenSheth, Women Who Win is the platform that brings women of all cultures, industries, and age groups together. Their global network of contributors share inspiring, relatable, and relevant original stories, educating and empowering the everyday woman dreamer.  Through education, empowerment, and a global community, they equip women with the tools and motivation to make their dreams a reality.  Their platform covers all topics from women’s health, women in the workplace, women in tech, arts & lifestyle, wellness & workouts, and global recipes. With a global network of women in over 80 countries, their members learn from and inspire each other in their personal and professional careers, they invite you to join their leading women’s community here.

 

For more details on Women Who Win, and other brave and pioneering women featured,  please visit: https://www.womenwhowin100.com/blog/how-my-family-dynamics-gave-me-a-new-path-eshani-shah-taarak-mehta

Share Your Dreams with Us By Joining Our Empowered Women’s Facebook Group ; Follow our Facebook Page; Connect on LinkedIn; Follow Us on Instagram; Explore our Website at: https://www.womenwhowin100.com

Neera Tanden Appointed As Senior Adviser To President Biden

President Joe Biden’s lone Cabinet choice who was rebuffed by Congress has landed a job as a White House senior adviser, Associated Press reported. Neera Tanden had been Biden’s pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget but withdrew her nomination in March after it was clear that she would not garner enough Republican support to be confirmed. Several GOP senators objected to her previous tweeted criticisms of her political rivals.

Tanden will now be a senior advisor to Biden, the White House said May 14. She will launch a review of the US Digital Service and begin planning for possible policy changes that could result from the forthcoming Supreme Court decision on GOP legal challenges to the Affordable Care Act. Tanden worked in former President Barack Obama’s administration as the act was designed and implemented.

Tanden, a close ally of White House chief of staff Ron Klain, will depart the think tank Center for American Progress. Its founder, John Podesta, said that “Neera’s intellect, tenacity, and political savvy will be an asset to the Biden administration.”Podesta added, “While we will be sorry to lose her considerable policy expertise and leadership at the Center for American Progress—an organization which we founded together in 2003—I am exceptionally thrilled to see her step into a new position serving this White House and the American people.” He further said that many of the policy solutions under the Biden administration were developed and led by Tanden at CAP over many years.

“The administration’s efforts will be magnified with Neera Tanden on the team, and I am excited to see what she will achieve in the role of senior adviser and in the years to come,” he added. Tanden serves as president and CEO of CAP and has served as the CEO of the Center for American Progress Action Fund.

A loyal Democrat with decades of senior policy-making experience, Tanden was a close ally of former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and served as a senior adviser to President Obama’s Department of Health and Human Services, where she helped draft the Affordable Care Act. She most recently served as president of the Center for American Progress (CAP), a left-leaning think tank with deep ties to Democratic policy-makers.

The daughter of Indian immigrants, Tanden was raised by a single mother who relied on government assistance programs before attending the University of California at Los Angeles and Yale University’s law school.“After my parents were divorced when I was young, my mother relied on public food and housing programs to get by,” Tanden tweeted Monday. “Now, I’m being nominated to help ensure those programs are secure, and ensure families like mine can live with dignity. I am beyond honored.”

Tanden held prominent policy positions in the administrations of Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and her resume played a role in her selection to lead the OMB. She has denied playing a role in Clinton’s welfare policy, which many Democrats now view as a mistake. At the Center for American Progress, Tanden also helped push the party left on budget and spending issues, though she initially expressed openness to cutting Social Security and Medicare along with many other Washington liberals at the time.

A Yale law graduate, Tanden had earlier worked for former President Bill Clinton’s campaign and went on to work at the White House as an associate director for domestic policy and as an adviser to Hillary Clinton. When Hillary Clinton ran successfully for senator, Tanden was her deputy campaign manager and became her legislative director after her election.

Shiv Kapuria Passes Away At 82

Shiv Kapuria, Air India’s Sales Manager for the Northeast USA passed away peacefully near Boston, MA on Friday, May 14th, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 82.“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Shiv Kapuria (Watertown, Massachusetts), who passed away on May 14, 2021, at the age of 82, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family,” a note from the family stated.

He was loved and cherished by many people including: his wife Sarita; his children, Samir (EneryKapuria) and Aarti (Manu Goel); and his grandchildren, Ishaan, Rohan Kapuria and SimrenGoel.Visitation was held on Sunday, May 16th 2021 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Devito Funeral Home – Watertown (761 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472).

Mr. Kapuria was born on Oct. 28, 1938. Through a maze of history, circumstance, and ambition, Mr. Kapuria went from Delhi to Srinagar to New York to London and then to Massachusetts.His story can be written as a resume: Shiv, an ambassador of his country and its rich heritage, who came to a new country with a young wife to the Air India office in New York, and later established himself in New England, while covering the region for advancing travel and tourism to India.

He went on to having the longest tenure in the company when he retired 57 years later. One could add, he was the founding member of the Pacific Asian Travel Association, New England and received several global awards from the industry. His friends and colleagues recognized Mr. Kapuria as a person with the highest integrity who always respected the dignity of others and would offer his hand to help anyone.

A stalwart of the Indian community in the Boston area, Mr. Kapuria was a founding member of the Indian American Forum for Political Education. He took as his personal mission to connect friends and newcomers across the span of industries to show the power of having a single voice. He worked tirelessly to establish a strong sense of Indian identity in Massachusetts.

The true legacy of Mr. Kapuria is his compassion towards all and his generous personality. His mantra of life was: “Cherish every moment, together.”

“It is so shocking that my dearest friend, Shiv Kapuria, is no more with us. About 45 years ago, Shiv and Sarita moved from England to New York and soon after to Boston. Shiv did not know anybody and wanted to talk to an Indian family settled here. Somebody suggested that he should contact me,” said Puran Dang, an Indian-American community leader and a resident of Lexington, MA. “I was the fortunate one he contacted. He came to our home in Lexington and the rest is history. We became dear friends for life. Because of their exceptional genial nature, Shiv and Sarita became part of our family. Shiv was a master of creating genuine and loving relationships.”

Mr. Dang said that Mr. Kapuria was a rare personality and both he and his wife, Sarita, became the most popular couple in inner circle of friends.“Shiv was a great Community Leader and served the community on various levels. I have a very sweet memory of those years when Shiv and I led the United India Association of North India for two years,” recalled Mr. Dang. “It was such a joy for me. He always thought the best for our community. In Shiv, Kamlesh and I have lost a dear brother. We will miss his love, smile and loving hugs all our life. Shiv and Sarita’s life has been a model of love and mutual respect.”

Sushil Tuli, Chairman and CEO of Leader Bank said he was saddened with the loss of Mr. Kapuria who was like a big brother to him.

“He was greatly loved, respected and admired. Our community has lost a humble member and wonderful friend. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude for the service and affection he has show towards everyone he knew,” said Mr. Tuli. “Throughout his life, he devoted himself to worthy causes and to others. He represented the Indian community in the Boston area with dignity. We are fortunate that we enjoyed the charm and wit of his company and we know how much he will be missed. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and pray the his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Upendra Mishra, publisher of INDIA New England News and the Managing Partner of the The Mishra Group, said that the newspaper has lost a big supporter.“Mr. Kapuria was a man with a golden heart and, and was always trying to promote Air India, travel to India, tourism and–of course, INDIA New England News,” said Mr. Mishra. “We will miss him and his smile deeply and so will the Indian-American community in New England and the travel industry.”

Mr. Andy Bhatia, acolleague and friend of Mr. Kapuria, and had led the AIR India’s Sales Initiatives in North America said, “I  have no adequate words to describe how  I  feel about losing  my Air India colleague and   dear friend, Shiv.He was a very special person . Very thoughtful and caring  . People admired him for his knowledge and consul in developing new tour products    to India and around the world.”

According to Mr. Bhatia, “Mr. Kapuria had “served with Air India for more that 50 Years and his last position was Area Sales Manager North East USA.  He worked in India, London, Nairobi, and in the North American market.He had a sterling reputation in the travel industry and helped one and all. His passing is heart breaking but we all take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and  he is in peace with God.May his soul rest in peace.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Akshaya Patra, using this link: https://apusa.givingfuel.com/in-honor-of-kapuriaFurther details for the service can be found here: https://www.devitofuneralhomes.com/memorials/shiv-kapuria/4620992/index.php

Koshy Thomas Campaign Holds Interfaith Prayer S For Covid Relief

Religious leaders from different faiths gathered at Koshy Thomas campaign headquarters on Saturday, May 8 at 260th and Hillside Ave, Queens, N.Y., where he is running for the New York City Council (District 23), to offer prayers for the victims of the pandemic that is ravaging India and for the healing of the nation. Speakers, one after another, highlighted the grave situation India is facing and encouraged participants to pray for the country while extending a helping hand with medical supplies and financial resources.

Those who participated in the prayer include Guru jiGarud Gopal Prabhu, Father John Thomas of Jackson Heights Orthodox Church, Imam Muhammad Waliullah of Hillside Islamic Center, Ashok Vyas of ITV, Hemanth Shah of FBIMA, Suhag Mehta of Ganesh Utsav, Kripal Singh, VirendraVora, Paul Karukapally, Ashok Vora, Philipose Philip, V.M. Chacko, Varghese Abraham, Mercedes Buchanan and George Abraham of IOCUSA.

“We are growing in numbers and influence, and we need a voice in the NYC council,” said  New York State Senator Kevin Thomas inaugurating a fundraising event at Cotillion restaurant in Jericho, Long Island, New York.  “At the end of the day, we need someone who has ties to the community, that has organized events, who has given back to the community, and has a good heart.  And we need someone who can empathize with the community when there is sorrow or joy, whom we can put our burden on the strong shoulders. The city council is a tough and complicated place. If you do not have someone who is well prepared to take up the responsibility, we will be at a loss. Koshy is the right candidate. He wants to represent you. So on election day, make sure that he gets your vote, and there should be volunteers calling people to go and vote,” Mr. Thomas added.

The fundraising was attended by many community leaders who expressed their support for the candidacy of Koshy Thomas. Mr. Ashok Vora, a businessman from District 23, applauded Koshy to focus on the needs of the local businesses in the community, especially during these Covid times. “Koshy has the courage to stand up for the community, and next time when we gather, we would be celebrating his election as the NYC council member,”  Mr. Vora added. He requested the participants to come forward and help Koshy Thomas as he has a great chance to win this coming election.

Kamalesh Mehta, Businessman and publisher of South Asian times, characterized Koshy as a polite person but a persistent person who can get things done. He promised his full support and wished him all the success.  DilipChouhan, a community leader, lauded Koshy’s work as one of the architects of the India Day Parade and urged our community to go out and vote to elect him as the next city councilman. Mr. Vimal Goyal, a community leader and activist said he was excited about to hear that Koshy was running. “He is the only one in our community who can win in this election and our community has to come together and support him”. He added.

George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, pointed out the significance of this race and asked the community to pool our resources and manpower to create history in electing the first Asian Indian to the NYC Council. George Parampil spoke about encouraging Koshy Thomas to run for the District and emphasized the need for a “go-to”  person in this complex environment. Dr. Anna George, Educator and Medical professional talked about the need to have a person representing us to tap the resources needed to be a thriving community. Dencil George spoke about many politicians making empty promises but pointed out that Koshy Thomas, would make a  difference in our community. Regi Kurian, President of the Kerala Cultural Association of North America, promised his support for the candidacy of Koshy Thomas. Dr. Thomas Mathew, former President of AKMG, thanked Koshy for his community activities and offered his help as well.

Rev. John Thomas, Rev. John Melapuram, V.M. Chacko, Varghese Abraham, Mary Philip, Neal Koshy, Paul Chulliyil, Hema Virani, Lona Abraham, and Zach Mathai spoke in support of Koshy Thomas.  Ajit Abraham and  Biju Chacko were the EMCEEs. For further information: Please contact at 347-867-1200

Sadiq Khan Re-elected As Mayor Of London

Sadiq Khan has been re-elected as Mayor of London for a second term after beating his closest rival with a vote share of 55.2 per cent versus 44.8 per cent in an election that was closer than expected.

Labor Party candidate Khan, 51, defeated his Conservative Party rival, Shaun Bailey, after winning a total of 1,206,034 votes as against 977,601 when both first and second preference votes from Thursday’s mayoral election were fully counted overnight on Saturday.

The Pakistani-origin former Labor member of Parliament was the first Muslim mayor of a European capital city when he was first elected in 2016. The mayoral poll was due last year but was postponed by a year at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

“I am deeply humbled by the trust Londoners have placed in me to continue leading the greatest city on earth,” said Khan. “I promise to strain every sinew, help build a better and brighter future for London, after the dark days of the pandemic and to create a greener, fairer and safer city for all Londoners, to get the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. I am proud to have won an overwhelming mandate today,” he said, speaking at his City Hall office.

“The results of the elections around the UK shows our country, and even our city, remains deeply divided. The scars of Brexit have yet to heal. A crude culture war is pushing us further apart,” he added.

“Economic inequality is getting worse both within London and in different parts of our country. “As we seek to confront the enormity of the challenge ahead, and as we endeavour to rebuild from this pandemic, we must use this moment of national recovery to heal those damaging divisions,” Khan, also the first Muslim mayor of an European capital city, added.

Labor continues its dominance in the capital, remaining the largest party on the London Assembly. Labor took nine constituency seats, with the Conservatives winning the remaining five.

His victory is one of the few positives for the Labour Party as the party held on to its dominance in the London Assembly as well. Labour also kept hold of its mayoralty in Greater Manchester, where Andy Burnham was re-elected in a landslide win.

However, overall the local election performance has been largely dismal for the Opposition party as it lost many of its strongholds. The Conservatives have gained control of around 12 councils and the Labour has lost control of seven and the Labour failed in its attempt to oust Conservative Andy Street as the popular mayor of the West Midlands.

UK Environment Secretary George Eustice said the Labour had been punished in Leave-voting areas by “wrangling” over Brexit in recent years. The Boris Johnson led Conservatives are also seen to have benefitted from the successful roll-out of vaccines against COVID-19.

Dr. Manju Sheth’s Interview With Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Candid Conversations Featured on UNN.COM From “Chai with Manju”

“Interviewing Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni felt like catching up with an old friend,” says Dr. Manju Sheth, a Boston-based physician by profession, having a passion for media and commitment to serve the larger humanity, with special focus on women’s empowerment.

“This is because I have been reading her books for decades and have been fully absorbed in the strong characters that she has created in her magnificent books. I have always believed that best authors have their essence and personality seeped in the characters, who also tend to evolve over the years along with the journey of the writer.”

Ms. Banerjee is an award-winning and bestselling author, poet, activist and teacher of writing. Her work has been published in over 50 magazines, including the Atlantic Monthly and The New Yorker

Describing her experience of meeting (via zoom) and having a face to face interview with Ms. Banerjee, Dr. Sheth says, “I was very impressed with her simplicity. She does not wear a burden of ego or of her tremendous success and is deeply interested in hearing from her audience.”

According to Dr. Sheth, “One of the most inspiring and fun part of the interview was her explanation of the difference in personality between Panchali  and Draupadi of Palace of illusions and Sita from Forest of enchantment. Both are very strong women, yet one has a flair for drama and the other is very demure.”

A world renowned author, Ms. Banerjee’s works have been made into films and plays. A resident of Houston, Ms. Banerjee was born in Kolkata, India, and came to the United States for her graduate studies, receiving a Master’s degree in English from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley.

Ms. Banerjee’s most recent book written in Covid times is “The Last Queen,” based on life of Rani Jindan of Punjab. A story of a strong queen and a mother with her invincible spirit, who though imprisoned, never gives up on finding her son who is forcibly taken away from her by the British.

 In her interview with Dr. Sheth, Ms Banerjee “takes you to a visual wonderland with the spell of words that she weaves very effortlessly, so it is not surprising and perhaps was a prophecy that she was named Chitralekha by her maternal grandfather,whom she adored and was the earliest inspiration for her books with the beautiful tales from mythology that she heard from him in her school vacations.”

Dr. Manju Sheth is a Board Certified Internist, currently serving patients at Beth Israel Lahey Hospital.in the Boston Region in Massachusetts. Dr. Sheth is the co-founder and CEO of INE MultiMedia, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting and supporting charitable organizations, art, culture, education and empowerment through workshops, seminars and multimedia. Dr. Sheth is known to be a natural storyteller her popular “Chai with Manju” celebrity series is one of the most read news features in the New England region, where she featured celebrities and spiritual leaders such as Sadhguru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Kennedys and the like. She is the creator and host of celebrity interview series called Chai with Manju which has had over 2 million views.

Dr. Sheth says, “My interview with Chitra Banerjee is surely one of my most memorable conversation with a celebrity guest .I hope that the viewers enjoy it as much as I did.” Please click the link below to watch Dr. Manju Sheth’s Interview with Ms. Banerjee:https://player.vimeo.com/video/545402566

Seema Govil Spreads Earth Day Messages Via PodCast

In my podcast, Fablife360 I have been trying to covers positive stories from celebrities and philanthropists,” says Seema Govil, founder and manager of Podcast, Fablife360. “I want to spread this incredible knowledge with the maximum number of people.” Declaring her love for a safer and cleaner environment, Govil says, “Earth day might be over. However, every day should be earth day.”

On Earth Day this year, she interviewed Swati and Mark in an engaging Podcast, “Let’s Talk Climate Change,” about the various facets of this challenging topic. They discussed the Texas governance debacle that led to the disastrous power failures during the winter storm in February. “We also talked about the biggest culprits of climate change, common myths on this issue, and provided information on the solutions at hand & what actions individuals can take TODAY to make a REAL impact,” Govil adds.

Govil’s Fab guests Swati Srivastava and Mark Bartosik, are engineers, filmmakers, environmentalists, and early adopters. As a testament to their passion for climate change, they retrofitted their 1960s suburban home to Net Zero Energy in the early 2010s. They have appeared in various radio and TV interviews, including NBC, written articles on the urgency of this vast challenge.  They are currently working on a docu-series & podcast on the topic.  Now, this episode is loaded with information and would surely energize you and inspire you.

Govil interviewed Swati and Mark in an engaging Podcast, “Let’s Talk Climate Change,” about the various facets of this challenging topic. They discussed the Texas governance debacle that led to the disastrous power failures during the winter storm in February. “We also talked about the biggest culprits of climate change, common myths on this issue, and provided information on the solutions at hand & what actions individuals can take TODAY to make a REAL impact.”

Podcast can be found on all podcasts platforms under Fablife360

Here are the Spotify, apple and Google  links:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4DSPWSNab7GmK0J80dP6LC?si=JomtzeK0Sp6EOqIrVSrjDQ

On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fablife-360/id1531588738

Google:https://podcasts.google.com/feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2ZhYmxpZmUtMzYw&episode=ZWJjNmI4ZjEtZjcyYy00NTM4LWFmOWEtOTI3NGFjZDE3MTg3

Pls find Seema Govil on @fablife360 on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, Apple and Google.

Dr. Parag Mehta Elected President-Elect of the Medical Society of New York

Internist Parag Mehta, MD, was elected President-Elect of the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) on May xx. Dr. Mehta is the Senior Vice Chairman of the Department of Medicine and the Chief Medical Information Officer at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital (NYPBMH). In addition, he is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.

A graduate of NHL Medical College in Ahmedabad, India, Dr. Mehta completed his residency in OB/GYN at NHL Medical College and his Internal Medicine residency at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Care, and Integrative and Holistic Medicine. He has taken courses in Health Information Technology from Cornell University and Artificial Intelligence from MIT Sloan School of Management.

An active member of organized medicine, Dr. Mehta is the Governor for the New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians (NYACP) for Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. In addition to MSSNY and NYACP, he is a member of AMA, Kings County Medical Society, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, and Indian Medical Association.  In 2011, NYACP awarded him its highest honor, the Laureate Award, to recognize his extraordinary contributions in governance, quality, public policy, and education. As a Physician Wellbeing Champion, he promotes wellness and engages in the discussion through every opportunity, including grand rounds.

Dr. Mehta’s many contributions to MSSNY include service as Councilor, Assistant Treasurer, Vice President, Commissioner of the Membership Division, Chair of the Future Task Force for Infrastructure/Organization, Chair of the International Medical Graduate Committee, and Young Physician Councilor. He presently serves as Vice President of MSSNY and as a New York Delegate to the American Medical Association.

Dr. Mehta has been involved with implementing EHR at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital for the last 16 years and has helped the institution reach HIMSS Level 7. In this role, he brings IT and clinicians together to improve the user’s experience based on the user’s input.

Dr. Mehta lives in Manhasset Hills with his wife, Isha Mehta, MD, Chief of Gynecology at Elmhurst Hospital, and is a founder of “A Stitch in Time,” an organization that treats gynecological conditions at no cost to women around the world. They have two daughters, Ruju, an environmental engineer, and Setu, a pre-med student at Harvard College.

Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents, and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all.

Dr. Himanshu Pandya Honored By World Peace & Diplomacy Organization

(Long Island, NY: May 1st, 2021) “It gives me tremendous pleasure to share the good news of getting one of the most prestigious awards on April 30: World Peace & Diplomacy Organization, an organization, working towards the agenda of The United Nations, has honored me with “ILLUSTRIOUS HUMANITARIAN SERVICE HONOR,” Dr. Himnashu Pandya announced here.

Past President at American association of physicians of Indian Origin, Queens Long Island. (AAPIQLI), Dr. Pandya is an internist in Floral Park, New York and is affiliated with North Shore University Hospital. He received his medical degree from B. J. Medical College Ahmedabad and has been in practice between 11-20 years.

“We are honored to share the title of ‘Illustrious Humanitarian Service Honor’ with Dr. Himanshu Pandya, who would take forward the initiative of spreading Peace and Harmony for promoting humanity through sustainable leadership,” World Peace & Diplomacy Organization stated on its web portal about the honor bestowed on Dr. Pamdya.

Dr. Pandya in his response said: “Considering my Work in the US and India since March 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, including COVID and blood tests at patients’ homes, a concept of the home hospital to treat Covid patients at home in the US and India, vaccination help, and providing free of the cost telehealth in the rural areas in India. The award was given at a virtual ceremony on the auspicious day of World Peace and Humanitarian Summit 2021 with several International dignitaries, including Princess Sanyogita Atres,  Friederike Irina Bruning, Apostle Victoria Samusongha, etc.  My journey and fight against Covid will continue.”

WPDO is a not-for-profit organization, working diligently towards United Nations prime agenda of maintaining global peace by humanitarian means. United Nations – Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) has recently Granted its parent organization, Confederation of Indian Healthcare Foundation (CIHF) “Special Consultative Status” which enables it to become the voice of various non-member NGOs.

Gujarati Seniors of Chicago Honor Dr. Mehboob Kapadia for Covid-19 Vaccination Camps

Gujarati Seniors of Chicago was established in 2019 under the Presidentship of Praful Shah. Due to the recent Pandemic, it had curtailed its activities. They have approximately 250 members. On Saturday, May 01, 2021, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Gujarati Seniors of Chicago had organized an entertainment cum social program to recognize Dr. Kapadia’s community service to help seniors during the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was held at Swaminarayan Temple, 1020 Bapa Road, Streamwood, IL.

In the beginning all attending members were given lunch tokens. Membership renewals as well as New Members were enrolled.

Bharat Thakkar, addressing the audience, informed Members to celebrate Gujarat Day along with Ram Navmi and Mother’s Day. To commemorate Mother’s Day all mothers present were given flowers. Birthday cards were given to all those who had their Birthday this month. He also outlined ensuing programs.

Mahen Patel introduced Dr. Mehboob Kapadia who was felicítated for arranging Vaccinations camps at many places and serving the community.  A plaque encasing the Recognition and Appreciation letter from the Governor of Illinois was presented to Dr. Kapadia as token of love from Gujarati Seniors of Chicago.

The Appreciation letter from the Governor concluded: “On behalf of the people of the State of Illinois, it is my pleasure to thank you for your ongoing work of Vaccination. Your dedication and leadership have created a lasting impact in your community and you have been an asset to all of Illinois in our collaboration to overcome the Pandemic. “J.B. Pritzker, Hon. Governor of Illinois.

Dr. Kapadia in his reciprocal speech deliberated various facets of Covid- 19, its variants, in depth comparison of various vaccines, their importance and dangers, inter relationship of each type, highlighted dangers and their effects.  Due to efforts of his team, they have already vaccinated more than 100,000 people and target to administer at least 1 million shots at the earliest possible. He warned not to take it lightly till all the variants come under control.

Dr Kapadia and his wife Seema Kapadia thanked each member of the team including Gujarati Seniors of Chicago team who made the vaccination camp a huge success. Dr Kapadia mentioned how his wife Seema Kapadia and his sons have been a driving force behind all these campaigns to ensure smooth execution. He added that Ms. Seema Kapadia has been present at many vaccination camps from the beginning till the end to ensure a safe, timely and equitable administration of the vaccine.

Sumptuous Gujarati Lunch prepared by Swaminarayan Temple was enjoyed along with enjoyable music. Shaila Khedkar and Abdul Gafoor of Sursangam performed at Gujarati Seniors Day celebration. Shaila Khedkar is a versatile singer and well-known for her melodious singing of all types of songs like bhajans, Garba and Bollywood songs. She has been performing in Chicago and other cities for various functions. Her Latajis songs are very much appreciated by the audience!

She and Mr. Gafoor started with bhajans- payoji and Sukh ke Sab, and then rendered old and new songs. Some of her solos included Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Tumhi Mere, Ruk Ja Raat, Tu Kitni Acchi hai, Ankhiyo Ke, E dil Muze, and Ashaji’s dance Medley. After a few old movie songs by Gafoor ji (Rafi and Kumar Sanu hits) they sang few old and new duets including. ye Raat, Ude Jab, Sagar Kinare, itna na, Tuze Dekha, Shyam Teri, humko Hamise. They delighted the audience with their melodious singing.

With Strong Support From Communities, Koshy Thomas’ Candidacy for District 23 of NYC Council Gaining momentum

Koshy Thomas, a strong and committed Indian American leader’s candidacy is gaining momentum as the Asian Americans Queens community gathered to throw their full support to him in his efforts to become the first New York City Council member in the upcoming Democratic party Primaries on June 22nd. The meeting took place in Santoor Restaurant in Floral Park, NY and was attended by community leaders and activists. The meeting was convened in light of increasing endorsements and enthusiastic reception from voters for his candidacy. The challenge for Koshy Thomas is to translate the newly created enthusiasm into votes in the days ahead!

Koshy Thomas, in his speech, talked about his involvement with the community for the last 27 years and said he knows the community well and their concerns and aspirations. “ I consider this upcoming election as a great opportunity to serve the people in the District. There is so much to be done in terms of helping the community and the small business in these COVID times. “If you walk around this District, you may see so many small businesses are closing down, and they are truly hurting. They need help with tax breaks and other financial incentives to survive in this economic downturn”, he said.

Dr. Annie Paul, Legislator from Rockland county, called for unity among us and encouraged everyone present at the meeting to get involved.  “when I ran for the election, people from all over the country extended help. I am expecting the same for Koshy’s campaign. This District has so many Asian Indians, and if we come together, victory is certain”. She said.  She also offered whatever assistance in this effort and urged the community to join her in this great endeavor to elect the first Asian Indian to the NYC Council.

Aniayan George, President of FOMAA (Federation Of Malayalee Associations of Americas), characterized Koshy Thomas as someone who identifies with the community regardless of their background and someone who has the energy, willingness, and capacity to elevate his contributions further as an NYC Councilman. “ I believe Koshy Thomas can win this election, and he will be our first Asian Indian representation in the City Council,” he added.

Father John Thomas, Vicar of the Orthodox Church in Jackson Heights, reminded the people of our duty as responsible citizens to participate in the elections and especially to vote.  He cited “the issue of non-participation in voting as one of the serious concerns involving our community.” He also urged the participants to discharge our constitutional responsibility as new citizens of this great country. Mr. Denzel George, President of the North Hempstead Malayalee Association, reiterated the basic principle of faith and said, ‘we ought to believe in the candidacy of Koshy as the first step towards winning this great challenge. If we do, it is achievable ”.

George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the Indian overseas Congress, encouraged the community to take advantage of this historic opportunity to place Koshy Thomas in the City Council. He lauded him for his work in the community in the last several decades as an indication of his commitment and dedication to serving the people. ‘Undoubtedly, for anyone to succeed in an election, it requires financial resources and manpower. There is no shortage of that in our community; the question is whether we are willing to help in the next two months to attain our goal,” he asked.

Robin Singh, representing the Caribbean community, said, “Koshy’s candidacy is appealing to all  sectors of the community, and having known him over the years, I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy and assure you of our support for his campaign.”

V.M. Chacko, a leading community activist in Queens over four decades, pointed out the potential the community has in this upcoming election and said, “this is not the time to be lackadaisical, and please get involved for the sake of the safety and wellbeing of our community.” Mr. V. Abraham (Raju) described the success the campaign has had in terms of timely submission of the nomination forms and increased awareness of Koshy’s candidacy across the District. Mr. George Parampil, who has been urging Koshy Thomas to run over the years, applauded his dedication to the community and threw his full support behind him.

Mary Philip, Thressiamma Sebastian, Dr. Anna George, George Kottarathil, Leelamma Appukuttan, Lizzy Kochupura,  also spoke. Ajit Abraham emceed the event.

In his reponse, Koshy Tomas told the leaders of the community, introducing himself, said: “Hello, my name is Koshy O. Thomas, as you know, I am running for New York City Council from District 23, Queens, NY. I am a husband, father, a resident of Queens and Equal Opportunity for ALL Activist for over 27 years, small business associate, and with your support, I will be working efficiently to rebuild our district and neighborhood. “

Enumerating his key ideas and vision, Koshy Thomas said: “Along while improving healthcare, housing, education, employee protection, public transit and justice for all, I will fight to implement a tax rebate of a minimum of THOUSAND DOLLARS for all homeowners and NYC Residents and a TWO THOUSAND DOLLAR TAX REBATE for all small business owners and those who are self-employed. We will accomplish this by enacting stricter enforcement on tax evading large corporations by enforcing them to pay their fair share. We will continue to fight for those who have lost their loved ones, for those who are still suffering, and we look on to a future of hope and prosperity. The journey may not be easy, but the fight is worth it for a better tomorrow. To join or host our campaign via virtual media or to share your concerns call/text me at 347-867-1200. Let’s Unite for Peace and Prosperity.”

Nikki Haley Says She’ll Support Trump, Stand Down If He Runs in 2024

Indian American former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, often mentioned as a possible 2024 GOP presidential contender, has said that she would not seek her party’s nomination if former President Donald Trump opts to run a second time. “Yes,” Haley said, when asked if she would support a second bid by Trump, in whose Cabinet she served for the first half of his administration.

“I would not run if President Trump ran, and I would talk to him about it,” Haley said, asked by The Associated Press if a possible Trump bid could preclude her own effort, were he to announce first. “That’s something that we’ll have a conversation about at some point, if that decision is something that has to be made.”

Haley spoke after touring the campus of South Carolina State University, an HBCU in Orangeburg where current President James E. Clark showed her campus improvements including a revamped student center and state-of-the-art cancer research and cybersecurity facilities.

The visit was one of Haley’s first public events in months in her home state. Since her 2016 resignation as South Carolina governor to join Trump’s Cabinet, Haley has maintained a delicate balancing act among Republicans who have in some ways been sharply split on the now-former president. In two years at the United Nations, Haley treaded a path of speaking out against Trump while not directly drawing his ire. She justify the office on her own terms in 2018, a rarity then during a wave of staffing turmoil.

Haley has made several moves in recent years to fuel speculation her sights are on higher office. In 2019, she and her family moved back to South Carolina, purchasing a home in the Kiawah Island community. She also launched a political action committee, published a memoir and commanded as much as $200,000 for speaking appearances.

Republicans had already been grappling with the party’s future following Trump’s tumultuous term. But after the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill violence as lawmakers gathered to certify Joe Biden’s election victory, Haley said Trump had been “badly wrong” in stoking the crowd before the riot, telling an audience at the Republican National Committee winter meeting that Trump’s “actions since Election Day will be judged harshly by history.”

Haley also said the whole notion was “deeply disappointing” because of the effect it will have on the legacy of the Trump administration, echoing remarks by some including fellow South Carolinian Sen. Lindsey Graham, who called the melee Trump’s “self-inflicted wound.”

On Monday, Haley defended her former boss, who this past weekend lit into fellow Republicans including his own vice president, saying he was “disappointed” in Mike Pence and calling Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell a “stone-cold loser.”

The Biden Has Stronger Support As He Nears 100-Days In Office

U.S. President Joe Biden marks his 100th day in office this week with a relatively strong job approval rating and the public continuing to express positive views of the coronavirus aid package passed by Congress last month. Moreover, nearly three-quarters of Americans (72%) say the Biden administration has done an excellent or good job managing the manufacture and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to Americans.

A national survey by Pew Research Center was conducted on the Center’s nationally representative American Trends Panel from April 5-11, 2021 among 5,109 adults. It finds that the administration gets high marks for handling the manufacture and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Currently, 59% approve of the way Biden is handling his job as president, while 39% disapprove. Biden’s job approval rating has increased modestly from 54% in March. Biden’s job approval is comparable to several of his predecessors – including Barack Obama and George H. W. Bush – and much higher than Donald Trump’s in April 2017.

Views of Biden and his administration highlight several stark contrasts with opinions of his predecessor. Far more Americans say they like the way Biden conducts himself as president (46%) than say they don’t (27%), while another 27% have mixed feelings about his conduct. Similarly, 44% say he has changed the tone of political debate for the better, while 29% say he has made the tone of debate worse (27% say he has not changed it much).

In another report, ABC has found that Intense partisanship is holding Joe Biden to a tepid job approval rating — the third-lowest for any president at 100 days in office since Harry Truman — along with continued economic dislocation, pandemic impacts and questions about Biden’s view of the size and role of government.

All told, 52% of Americans in the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll approve of Biden’s work in office, lower than any president at 100 days in office since 1945, save Gerald Ford in 1974 (48%, after his unpopular pardon of Richard Nixon) and Donald Trump at 42% in 2017. For the 14 presidents from Truman to Biden, the 100-day average is 66%.

Behind Biden’s overall rating is a range of varying assessments in this poll, produced for ABC News by Langer Research Associates. The president wins broad approval for his pandemic relief package, 65%; for his handling of the pandemic, 64%; and for his proposal to raise corporate taxes, 58%. But support for his $2 trillion infrastructure package slips to 52%, as does his rating for handling the economy; and he has just 37% approval for his work on the immigration situation at the U.S.-Mexico border.

More broadly, 53% express concern that Biden will do too much to increase the size and role of government in U.S. society. Relatedly, 40% see him as “too liberal,” more than either of his most recent Democratic predecessors at 100 days – Barack Obama, 33%, and Bill Clinton, 26%. (This rose for Obama later in his presidency.)

At the same time, public preference for smaller government with fewer services, at 48%, is its lowest in ABC/Post polls dating back nearly 30 years. Virtually as many, 45%, now favor larger government with more services — an opening, if not broad endorsement, for Biden’s call for a greater role for government in addressing social ills.

Overall, preference for larger government with more services is up 7 percentage points since last asked in August 2012, driven by increases among Democrats (+17 points), college graduates (+17), liberals (+15) and men (+8). It’s essentially unchanged among their counterparts.

Notably, too, while Biden’s overall rating lags in historical terms, it surpasses his immediate predecessor. Trump, the first president on record never to achieve majority approval, left office with a 38% job approval rating, 14 points below Biden’s today. Trump had the same 38% approval for his handling of the coronavirus — 26 points below Biden’s now.

By contrast, Biden’s rating for handling the economy is essentially the same as Trump’s in January, marking this as a clear challenge. Indeed, just 42% of Americans rate the economy positively, far below its pre-pandemic level; 58% instead say it’s in not-so-good or poor shape. Presidential fortunes often are closely linked to economic conditions.

Biden’s approval peaks among those who were most apt to support him in the presidential election: Democrats (90%), liberals (86%) and Black people (82%). It’s 12 points higher among college graduates than those without college degrees (60% versus 48%), and 8 points higher among women than men (56% versus 48%), again reflecting familiar patterns from November.

On both questions, there are sizable differences in views of Biden and Trump. Last year, just 15% said they liked the way Trump conducted himself as president, which was little changed from telephone surveys dating to 2017. In both 2020 and 2019, majorities (55% on each occasion) said Trump had changed political debate in the U.S. for the worse.

However, the share of the public saying they agree with Biden on important issues is little different from the share saying that about Trump last year. Fewer than half of Americans (44%) say they agree with Biden on all or nearly all (13%) or on many (31%) of the important issues facing the country; 25% say they agree with Biden on a few issues, while 29% say they agree with him on almost no issues. Last year, 42% of Americans said they agreed with Trump on nearly all (19%) or many issues (23%).

While an overwhelming share of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (88%) say the administration has done an excellent or good job in managing the vaccine rollout, so too does a much smaller majority (55%) of Republicans and Republican leaners. Public support for the coronavirus aid package, which Biden signed into law a little more than a month ago, remains robust. More than twice as many Americans approve (67%) than disapprove (32%) of the $1.9 trillion aid bill. That is little different from the 70% who favored the economic aid package in March, shortly before it was enacted.

The Pew survey finds that, for the most part, the public’s views of major problems facing the U.S. are little changed from about a year ago. However, the share of Americans saying the coronavirus is a very big problem has declined 11 percentage points since last June (from 58% to 47%), while the share citing illegal immigration has increased 20 points (from 28% to 48%).

While views of most national problems are divided along partisan lines, including illegal immigration, increasing shares of both Republicans and Democrats rate illegal immigration as a very big problem. Nearly three-quarters of Republicans (72%) say illegal immigration is a major problem, up 29 points since last June. The share of Democrats who say this is a major problem is now 29%, compared with 15% nearly a year ago.

Over this period, Republicans and Democrats have moved in opposite directions in concerns about the federal budget deficit. Currently, 71% of Republicans say the budget deficit is a very big problem; about half of Republicans (49%) said this in June 2020. By contrast, just 31% of Democrats rate the deficit as a major problem, down from 45% last year.

Vanita Gupta Confirmed as Associate Attorney General, the Third-Highest Position at the US Department of Justice

Indian-American civil rights lawyer Vanita Gupta has been confirmed as the US Associate Attorney-General with the help of a breakaway Republican Senator overcoming stiff opposition from her fellow party members who accused the nominee of espousing “radical” policies. She makes history becoming the first Indian American and first woman of color to hold the position.

Senator Lisa Murkowski gave her the crucial vote on Wednesday, April 21st in the 100-member Senate, which is evenly divided between the Republican and Democratic parties, to assume the third-highest position in the Justice Department.

Gupta is a legendary figure in the US civil rights movement having as a newly-minted lawyer won the release of 38 people, most of them African-Americans, who had been wrongly convicted by all-White juries on drug charges in a Texas town and also got them $6 million in compensation.

IMPACT congratulated Vanita Gupta on her historic confirmation as Associate Attorney General of the United States, the third-highest ranking position at the Department of Justice.  “Vanita Gupta is the daughter of Indian immigrants who came to the U.S. with only eight dollars and a dream. She has become one of the foremost civil rights advocates in the country and will effectuate our highest ideals of justice as Associate Attorney General,” said Neil Makhija, Executive Director of IMPACT.

“We are deeply proud of Vanita Gupta, knowing that she will be a stalwart champion for all Americans and in particular communities that have been marginalized. At a time when we see assaults on our voting rights and a rise in hate crimes, our country needs a champion for civil rights like Vanita Gupta at the highest levels of the Justice Department.”

Born and raised in the Philadelphia area to Indian immigrants, Ms. Gupta received her BA from Yale and her JD from NYU and has had a long and illustrious career of fighting for civil rights. She started her legal career in the ACLU and then became an Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights under President Obama. She went on to become the Principal Deputy Associate Attorney-General and head of the Civil Rights Division during former President Barack Obama’s administration.

Gupta overcame a campaign against her estimated to have run close to a million dollars by conservative and right-wing groups portraying as a “radical” who was against law enforcement. But she also received the support of other conservative Republicans and law enforcement groups.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, which has to give preliminary approval for Gupta’s confirmation, was deadlocked on her nomination for more than a month and the Senate bypassed it. Gupta was the second Indian-American nominee of President Joe Biden to run into difficulties in the Senate, which must approve all senior appointments, because of previous policy stances as well as divisive tweets.

Neera Tandon, who was nominated to the important cabinet position of the director of the Office of Management and Budget, withdrew herself from consideration after it became clear that she would face opposition from Democrats in addition to all the 50 Republicans making her confirmation impossible.

But Gupta was able to keep the support of all the Democrats and get one crucial Republican vote in the full Senate. Vice President Kamala Harris was at the ready to cast a tie-breaking vote as the Senate president if the votes had been split 50-50.

Murkowsi, who represents Alaska, said that Gupta “has demonstrated throughout her professional career to be deeply, deeply committed to matters of justice.” Democratic Party Senator Leader Chuck Schumer said: “Not only is Gupta the first woman of colour to ever be nominated to the position, she is the first civil rights attorney ever to be nominated to the position.”

But Republican Party Senate Leader Mitch McConnell called her “way outside the mainstream” and “an activist for justify-wing causes” who had attacked Senators. Appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, Gupta had apologised for some of her tweets saying that she had “fallen prey” to “the rhetoric (that) has gotten quite harsh over the last several years”.

The campaign against her was spearheaded by the right-wing Judicial Crisis Network which launched an ad campaign accusing her of being soft on crime. Five Republican Attorneys-General circulated a petition against her confirmation.

Defending Democracy Together (DDT), an organisation of conservatives who had opposed former President Donald Trump, countered with a campaign supporting Gupta, saying that she “has been building bridges across partisan divides, she has the broad backing of law enforcement”. Three groups of law enforcement officials, Fraternal Order of Police, Major County Sheriffs of America and Federal Law Enforcement Officials Association, also supported her. (IANS)

Pandit Rajan Mishra Dies Of Covid-19 Related Complications

Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Pt Rajan Mishra died of Covid-19 complications at a hospital in Delhi on Sunday evening, shortly after friends and well-wishers put out SOS messages on social media looking for a ventilator for him. He was 70. Mishra, one of the foremost exponents of khayal gayaki along with his brother Sajan Mishra, had been at the St Stephen’s Hospital for the last three days, his son Rajnish said.

“Pandit Rajan Mishra had been battling the coronavirus for the last four-five days,” a family source told media. “He suffered a heart attack in the morning, which worsened his health. By the time we could arrange for a ventilator, the second heart attack happened in the evening and he couldn’t survive that. He passed away around 6.30-7 pm. He had no other health issues. We are yet to accept that he is no more.” The family will take a call on the last rites tomorrow morning, the source said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled his demise. “I am saddened by the death of Pandit Rajan Mishra ji, who justify his indelible mark in the world of classical singing. Mishraji demise, who was associated with the Banaras Gharana, is an irreparable loss to the art and music world. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of mourning. Om Shanti!,” the PM wrote in Hindi.

Veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar also paid a tribute to him. “I came to know that the highly talented classical singer Padma Bhushan Sangeet Natak Akademi award winner Pandit Rajan Mishra ji has passed away. I am very sorry to hear this. My condolences to his family,” she wrote on Twitter.

Mishra is survived by his wife and three children, daughter Anju and sons Ritesh and Rajnish, who like their father and uncle, are singers. The family had tried to shift Mishra to a hospital with a ventilator with well-wishers sending out messages on Twitter but to no avail. The musician’s condition worsened and he could not be shifted. Mishra’s nephew Amit told PTI that the musician, who was suffering from COVID-19, had taken the first dose of the vaccine about 15-20 days ago.

Their ancestral home is in Varanasi’s Kabir Chaura area, home to other musicians as well. The brothers began their music career early when Rajan Mishra was around 10 and younger brother Sajan was around eight. They began by singing in the temples of Varanasi, with their first performance in Varanasi’s famous Sankat Mochan temple.

They were trained in music by their father Pt. Hanuman Prasad Mishra and uncle Pt. Gopal Mishra. They also trained with Pandit Bade Ramdas Mishra. Soon the brothers found fame and started touring and performing across the world with well attended concerts in places such as Germany, Switzerland, the UK, Qatar and the US. There were awards and accolades aplenty. These included the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, the Sanskrit Award, Sangeet Ratna (Allahabad), Sangeet Bhushan, the Kumar Gandharva Award and the Kashi Gaurav Award (Varanasi) and the Padma Bhushan.

Prince Philip, 99, Husband Of Queen Elizabeth II, Is No More

Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, father of Prince Charles and patriarch of a turbulent royal family that he sought to ensure would not be Britain’s last, died on Friday April 9th at Windsor Castle in England. The  99 old will go down in history as the one who had brought the British monarchy into the 20th century.

As “the first gentleman in the land,” Philip tried to shepherd into the 20th century a monarchy encrusted with the trappings of the 19th. But as pageantry was upstaged by scandal, as regal weddings were followed by sensational divorces, his mission, as he saw it, changed. Now it was to help preserve the crown itself.

Though his ancestry could be traced back to Queen Victoria, Prince Philip’s family was in fact spread out over all of Europe and was testimony of widespread intermarriages between royal families in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Much has been said about the extraordinary life led by the Duke after he gave up on his career in the Royal Navy at the age of 29 to marry the Queen and assist her in royal duties. Prince Philip’s early life though was a far more turbulent one involving the exile of his father from Greece, the break down of his parents’ marriage, the marriage of his sisters to men who had associations with the Nazi party in Germany, his mother being diagnosed with Schizophrenia and being placed in an asylum and the young prince being passed around relatives for much of his childhood.

In an interview to CBC news in 2012, royal historian Carolyn Harris had noted, “In marrying the Queen, [Philip] gained that sort of stable home life that he didn’t have when he was younger.” The prospect of a 21-year old Elizabeth marrying Philip was in fact not taken well in Buckingham Palace, with many hoping that the queen would rather marry a pure Englishman than a foreign prince.

The label of a ‘foreign prince’ was a product of the fact that the Duke was born in the Greek island of Corfu, as the prince of Greece and Denmark. Though his ancestry could be traced back to Queen Victoria, Prince Philip’s family was in fact spread out over all of Europe and was testimony of widespread intermarriages between royal families in the 18th and 19th centuries.

“Prince Philip can claim kinship with the whole compass of European royalty: kings, emperors, kaisers, tsars. Include his sisters and his cousins and his aunts (princesses, admirals, grand duchesses) and it is the cast of a comic opera,” writes author and politician Gyles Brandreth in his book, ‘Philip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage’.

Prince Philip was the only son and the last child of Alice and Andrew. He was born in June 1921 at the Greek island of Corfu in a villa named Mon Repos which the couple had inherited from Andrew’s father, king George.

In 1922, when the Greeks lost out to the Turks in the Graeco-Turkish war, Philip’s uncle who was then the king of Greece was forced to abdicate. Prince Andrew and his family too was banished from Greece for life. Prince Philip was still a baby when he was carried out of the country in a cot made out of a fruit box. The family settled down in Paris, but only for a very brief while.

In the course of the next three years, the mental health of Philip’s mother deteriorated and she was put in an asylum; his father went off to Monte Carlo to live with his mistress and his four sisters were married and left for Germany. As Jonny Dymond of the BBC writes, “In the space of 10 years he had gone from a prince of Greece to a wandering, homeless, and virtually penniless boy with no-one to care for him.”

Later, he went on to study at Cheam School in England, where he lived with his maternal grandmother, Victoria Mountbatten. He later went to Gordonstoun, a private school on the north coast of Scotland, where he was famously put under a strict discipline.

By 1939, when Philip met and fell in love with Elizabeth, he had given up on his Greek and Danish titles and taken on the surname ‘Mountbatten’ from his mother’s side, and had become a naturalised British subject. A well known episode of Philp and Elizabeth’s marriage is that of the former insisting his children adopt the surname Mountbatten, so as to put the name on British monarchy. But that was not to be. “I am nothing but a bloody amoeba. Am I the only man in this country not allowed to give his name to his own children?” he had thundered in response to the decision.

Philip’s public image often came dressed in full military regalia, an emblem of his high-ranking titles in the armed forces and a reminder of both his combat experience in World War II and his martial lineage: He was a nephew of the war leader Lord Mountbatten.

Many saw Philip as a mostly remote if occasionally loose-lipped personage in public, given to riling constituents with off-the-cuff remarks that were called oblivious, insensitive or worse. To a Black British politician he was quoted as saying, “And what exotic part of the world do you come from?”

Philip presided over the Coronation Commission, and in 1952 the new queen ordained that he should be “first gentleman in the land,” giving him “a place of pre-eminence and precedence next to Her Majesty.” Without this distinction, Prince Charles, who was named Duke of Cornwall and later Prince of Wales — the title traditionally given to the heir to the throne — would have ranked above his father.

Philip was a sportsman. He was captain and mainstay of the Windsor Park polo team. When he turned 50, troubled by arthritis and liver problems, he curtailed his playing and turned to carriage racing. He also started painting.

His life spanned nearly a century of European history, starting with his birth into the Greek royal family and ending as Britain’s longest serving consort during a turbulent reign in which the thousand-year-old monarchy was forced to reinvent itself for the 21st century.

He was known for his occasionally deeply offensive remarks — and for gamely fulfilling more than 20,000 royal engagements to boost British interests at home and abroad. He headed hundreds of charities, founded programs that helped British schoolchildren participate in outdoor adventures, and played a prominent part in raising his four children.

Philip is survived by the queen and their four children — Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward — as well as eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

India’s Richest Man Ambani Fined For Irregularities In Reliance Share Issue

India’s market regulator fined Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and others 250 million rupees ($3.36 million) last week over irregularities in a two-decade-old share issue in the company.
India’s market regulator fined Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and others Rs 25 crore ($3.36 million) on Wednesday over irregularities in a two-decade-old share issue in the company.

Ambani, the country’s richest man, his family members and some entities linked to them were penalised by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for not making regulatory disclosures when they collectively raised their shareholding in Reliance by nearly 7% by subscribing to the January 2000 issue.

Reliance Industries did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ambani and others “by their failure to make public announcement, deprived the shareholders of their statutory rights/opportunity to exit from the company”, the SEBI said in its order. In January, the regulator fined Reliance 250 million rupees, and Ambani 150 million rupees, for what it said were fraudulent trades while selling a stake in a subsidiary in 2007.

Mukesh D. Ambani (DIN 00001695) is a Chemical Engineer from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai (erstwhile the University Department of Chemical Technology, University of Mumbai). He pursued an MBA from Stanford University in the US. He has been on the Board of Reliance since 1977. He initiated Reliance’s backward integration journey – from textiles to polyester fibres and further onto petrochemicals and petroleum refining, and going upstream into oil and gas exploration and production. He created multiple new world-class manufacturing facilities involving diverse technologies that have raised Reliance’s petrochemicals manufacturing capacities from less than a million tonnes to about 21 million tonnes per year.

In the late nineties, Mukesh Ambani spearheaded the creation of the world’s largest grassroots petroleum refinery at Jamnagar in Gujarat, India, with a capacity of 660,000 barrels per day (33 million tonnes a year), and integrated it with petrochemicals, power generation, port and related infrastructure. Further, he steered the setting up of another 580,000-barrels-per-day refinery next to the first one in Jamnagar. With an aggregate refining capacity of 1.24 million barrels of oil per day at a single location, Jamnagar has become the refining hub of the world.

He also led Reliance’ development of infrastructure facilities and implementation of a pan-India organized retail network spanning multiple formats and supply chain infrastructure. Today, Reliance Retail is the largest organized retail player in India. He has created global records in customer acquisition for Jio, Reliance’ digital services initiative. He led and established one of the world’s most expansive 4G broadband wireless network offering end-to-end solutions that address the entire value chain across various digital services in key domains of national interest, such as education, healthcare, security, financial services, government-citizen interfaces, and entertainment.

Mukesh Ambani is a member of The Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum. He is an elected Foreign Member of the prestigious United States National Academy of Engineering. He is a member of the Global Advisory Council of Bank of America. He is also a member of International Advisory Council of The Brookings Institution

Rajnikanth To Receive The Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2019

 

Megastar Rajinikanth has been chosen to be conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, for excellence in cinematic achievement, is the highest honor in the film world and is awarded by the government.

Megastar Rajinikanth will be conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2019, the Government of India announced last week. The Dadasaheb Phalke, awarded for excellence in cinematic achievement, is the highest honor in the film world and is awarded by the government. The recipient of the 2018 award was Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth’s co-star from ‘Hum’.

The 70-year-old star has featured in Bollywood as well as South Indian films and has a humongous fan following. The ‘2.0’ star had made his debut in 1975 with K Balachander’s ‘Apoorva Ragangal’ and has completed more than 45 years in the Tamil film industry.

Superstar Rajinikanth will be honored with the 51st Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar announced. Calling Rajinikanth “one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema”, he said that the actor was being awarded for his contribution in the field of acting, production and screenwriting for Indian cinema.

Posting a picture of the actor, Javadekar wrote: “Happy to announce #Dadasaheb Phalke award for 2020 to one of the greatest actors in history of Indian cinema Rajnikant ji His contribution as actor, producer and screenwriter has been iconic I thank Jury @ashabhosle @SubhashGhai1 @Mohanlal @Shankar_Live #BiswajeetChatterjee.”

Rajinikanth has extended ‘deepest gratitude’ for all the love, greetings, and wishes he received after the announcement. The award will be given to the star for his stupendous contribution to the world of Indian cinema. The ‘Robot’ actor took to Twitter and extended his deepest gratitude to all those who took out time to wish him. “For all the love, greetings & wishes I’ve received from eminent political leaders, my film fraternity friends & colleagues, well-wishers, media, every person who took the time to wish me & my beloved fans from across India & all over the world .. my deepest gratitude and thanks,” tweeted Rajinikanth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rajinikanth with a tweet, “Congratulations Talaivar”. Soon Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu too, tweeted.

“Hearty congratulations to Shri @rajinikanth on being conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Over the past many years, the versatile actor has been enthralling people by portraying a vast array of roles depicting myriad hues of human experience and emotions.#Rajinikanth,” said Naidu and added: “My best wishes for the renowned thespian’s future endeavours! #Rajinikanth.”

Calling Rajinikanth “one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema”, the I&B minister said that the actor was being awarded for his contribution in the field of acting, production and screenwriting for Indian cinema. Actor-turned-politician, Kamal Haasan also congratulated Rajinikanth.

Several B-town celebs had also taken to their social media handles to congratulate Rajinikanth. Neena Gupta, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Karan Johar, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Sidharth Malhotra, Boney Kapoor, among others, wished him on Twitter. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2019 should have been announced last year but was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as were the National Film Awards for 2019.

He has delivered hit films such as ‘Billu’, ‘Muthu’, ‘Baashha’, ‘Sivaji’, and ‘Enthiran’. Rajinikanth was last seen in AR Murugadoss’s ‘Darbar’. Currently, he is shooting for his upcoming film ‘Annaatthe.’ Among his numerous hits are films like “Baashha”, “Sivaji” and “Enthiran”. He is known as Thalaivar or leader by his fans.

Widely regarded as one of the most popular cinematic icons in India, Rajinikanth has also been honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2016 by the Government of India.

The Dada Saheb Phalke award jury consists of Malayalam super star Mohanlal and Tamil music composer and singer, Shankar Mahadevan, besides veteran singer Asha Bhosle, and moviemaker Subhash Ghai.

Tamil Nadu villages and cities bursted with joy on the announcement of Rajini’s feat. People took to streets and hundreds reached Poes Garden residence. At Salem people celebrated Rajini’s Phalke win by distributing sweets and lighting crackers. Congratulatory messages are pouring in from political leaders, actors, directors and social workers, besides people from all walks of life.

AAPI Urges Government To Proactively Prevent Attacks on Asian Americans

 

AAPI urges the federal, state and local Governments to make all the efforts possible to prevent violence against Asian Americans and all those innocent people around the nation who continue to suffer due to violence, harassment and discrimination.

“AAPI wants to express our deep concerns and anguish about the violence the nation has witnessed against people of Asian origin,” Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President of American Association of Physicians of India Origin (AAPI) said here today. In a statement issued here Dr. Jonnalagadda condemned the incidents of growing violence, and said, “We at AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation, urge the federal, state and local Governments to make all the efforts possible to prevent violence against Asian Americans and all those innocent people around the nation who continue to suffer due to violence, harassment and discrimination.”

A coalition tracking reports of racism and discrimination against Asian Americans says it has received at least 3,795 firsthand complaints since last year.  Stop AAPI Hate began tracking violence and harassment against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in March last year.

From then through the end of 2020, Stop AAPI Hate received a total of 3,292 complaints from all 50 states and Washington, DC, according to a Stop AAPI Hate news release. There were at least 503 anti-Asian hate incidents reported between January 1 and February 28 according to the group’s latest report, released last week.

Quoting the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Dr. Sajani Shah, Chair of AAPI BOT, said, “AAPI recognizes that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set out therein, without distinction of any kind, in particular as to race, color or national origin. All human beings are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law against any discrimination and against any incitement to discrimination.”

While recognizing the pain and sufferings of the people impacted by the increasing violence and harassment against Asians and Asians Americans, especially in the past few months, Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President-Elect  of AAPI stressed on the need for education. She said, “We commit to educating ourselves about racism that manifests in our own community. We will work to address racism and health disparities through policy and by working with affected communities and the healthcare providers who serve them. Our fate is linked to the fate of our fellow citizens, and our work must include lifting up and supporting all the communities so we can all thrive.”

“We stand in solidarity with peaceful protestors across the nation condemning the increasing violence and harassment against some minority groups,” said Dr. Ravi Kolli, Vice President of AAPI. “As immigrants to the U.S., our families may not always understand this history, but we join in solidarity with the minority communities and call for justice and peace.”

“We are saddened by the divisive rhetoric and racial tensions that seem to be getting worse each day. AAPI supports the Bills introduced by two Democratic lawmakers in the House and the Senate calling for the expedited review of hate crimes related to the pandemic,” ,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, Secretary of AAPI.

Rep. Grace Meng of New York, who sponsored the bill in the House, said she hopes the legislation tackles the “disgusting pattern of hate” that Asian Americans are facing since the start of the pandemic.

“We thank and applaud President Joe Biden for condemning the hate and discrimination that Asian Americans have faced.  We support his call to do what we all as a nation can do to save lives, working with each other, preventing vicious hate crimes against Asian Americans, who have been attacked, harassed, blamed and scapegoated,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Treasurer of AAPI

President Biden had said, “At this very moment, so many of them, our fellow Americans, they’re on the front lines of this pandemic trying to save lives, and still, still they’re forced to live in fear for their lives just walking down streets in America. It’s wrong. It’s un-American. And it must stop,” he added.

The members of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), an umbrella organization which has nearly 110 local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations, with over 37 years of history of dedicated services to their motherland and the adopted land, are appalled at the growing violence against our fellow citizens, Dr. Jonnalagadda said. “We strongly condemn this ongoing violence. And we want immediate action against the culprits, who have been carrying on these criminal acts.” For more information on AAPI, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

Dr. Suresh Reddy & Team Win Landslide Victory In Trustee Elections Of Oak Brook, IL

Dr. Suresh Reddy, the Immediate Past President of Immediate Past President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has won the election convincingly in his bid to be a Trustee of Oak Brook, in the suburbs of Chicago at the elections held on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021.

(Chicago, IL – April 7th, 2021) Dr. Suresh Reddy, the Immediate Past President of Immediate Past President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has won the election convincingly in his bid to be a Trustee of Oak Brook, in the suburbs of Chicago at the elections held on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021. Dr. Reddy was among the six candidates running to be Trustees for the three openings that were being contested.

Dr. Reddy along with the other 2 winners, Laurence “Larry” Herman and James P. Nagle last night have accumulated “the three highest unofficial vote totals with 100% of precincts reporting in the election for three four-year terms on the Village Board,” Chicago Tribune reported today. Dr. Reddy said he decided to run with Herman and Nagle because he believes the three of them can address the most critical issues impacting the village better than anyone else, each with their own unique skills.

“I am grateful to the citizens of my hometown Oak Brook  and to the key leaders of Oak Brook, including the sitting mayor and members of the governing body of Oak Brook for endorsing and supporting my candidacy to be a Trustee of Oak Brook,” Dr. Suresh Reddy said here today.

“As a practicing physician, I will use my training and experiences to ensure that appropriate and effective health policies are approved by the board and implemented by our village staff,” Dr. Reddy said. “There are many expert doctors and medical professionals in our community. I will find ways to engage them through informal work groups or more formal committees if needed to ensure the safety of our residents.”

Present Mayor of Oak Brook Dr. Gopal Lalmalani and Trustee Mr. Moin Saiyed of Oak Brook have strongly supported Dr. Reddy and have endorsed his candidacy, as his leadership skills will benefit the residents of the suburban town in Illinois.

Having a population of nearly 10,000 people, the city of Oak Brook is located 15 miles west of the Chicago Loop and is served by a network of major federal, state, and county roads including the Tri-State Tollway system, the East-West Tollway and the Eisenhower Expressway. One of the affluent communities in the nation, Oakbrook’s adjacent neighbors include the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace, Westchester, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, and Hinsdale.

Dr. Reddy comes with immense experiences and proven leadership. He grew up in the suburbs of Hyderabad in Southern India. A financial conservator, Dr. Reddy always had a passion for “uniting and bringing people together.” Recalling his childhood, the dynamic leader says, “It all started during my childhood with bringing neighborhood kids together to play “gully cricket” and also bringing people together in college to organize events, demonstrations, and educational tours. Bringing opposing parties to the table for resolving issues has always been my strong strength since my schooling days.”

Not being satisfied with his achievements as a physician and leader of the Diaspora Physicians group, Dr. Reddy says, “I always had a strong passion for bringing a positive outlook and giving back to the community. I got involved in several alumni activities and have facilitated to raise funds to build a million dollar alumni educational center for my Alma Mater.”

Dr. Reddy completed his advanced medical training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School and has stayed on Harvard Faculty for more than a decade where he had also served as Chief of Interventional Neuroradiology.  Subsequently, Dr. Reddy and family moved to Chicago which has now become his home. “Now that I call Oak Brook my home, I would like to contribute and serve my community by participating in public service,” says Dr. Reddy.

What motivates him to take on yet another challenging role for the betterment of the community? “My mantra is: If you don’t lead, someone else will lead you. If you don’t pick the right leader, the wrong leader will pick you, and as my good friend US Congressman Raja Says, and if you are not on the table, you will be on the menu,” says Dr. Reddy.

A dynamic leader, Dr. Reddy has devoted a greater part of his life to numerous initiates within the United States , in addition to serving his people back in India, As part of his community service, Dr. Reddy has facilitated and organized numerous health camps and workshops, with special emphasis on CPR  training , obesity prevention in conjunction with Chicago Medical Society. During the Covid Pandemic, Dr. Reddy facilitated more than a hundred webinars and health awareness events. He facilitated honoring of more than 10,000 nurses who work selflessly in the line of duty against Covid in over 100 hospitals in over 40 states including Alaska. He led a campaign donating blankets to the needy during the last winter and would like to do the same this winter.

His wife Leela, who was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina has a Master’s Degree in Health Management and Policy. Previously, she was a Director of Network Health Boston, a HMO Health Plan in Boston prior to moving to Chicago. Their son, Rohun is currently doing his JD/MBA at Kellogg School of Management /Pritzker School of Law at Northwestern University.

Committing himself to ensure and work tirelessly to keep Oak Brook a strong village, living up to its name as a model village around the nation, Dr. Reddy says, “As an elected Trustee of Oak Brook, I would like to continue and strengthen many programs and services the city offers to all sections of the people. More than ever, fiscal conservatism and wise spending, has become the most important attribute for a financially secure future. I am honored and humbled that the people of my hometown have placed their trust in me and have given me a chance to perform my public service with utmost integrity and dignity to the office.” For more details, please email: [email protected]om

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