Tag: Modi

Modi meets with Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg

Ajay GhoshScience & Technology 0

India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy, and use of the Internet and smartphones is growing rapidly, providing new markets for American companies. In addition, tens of thousands of Silicon Valley technology workers are of Indian descent and eager to give something back to their country of origin.

Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, an avid user of Twitter and Facebook, sees technology as a way to lift India out of poverty. “In this digital age, we have an opportunity to transform the lives of people in ways that were hard to imagine just a couple of decades ago,” Mr. Modi said in San Jose on Saturday in a dinnertime speech to about 500 technology leaders, including the chief executives of Microsoft, Google, Adobe and Uber.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg and discussed bringing India fully into the digital world. Modi is an avid user of Twitter and Facebook, and believes technology can lift India out of poverty.

Modi, the prime minister of India, oversees a nation of 1.25 billion people. Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Facebook, runs a social network with 1.5 billion active users. Both see themselves as global leaders pushing for broad social change, and both routinely use social media to communicate with their many millions of fans.

On Sunday, September 27th, the two men engaged in a mutual admiration session at Facebook’s Silicon Valley headquarters, with Modi fielding preselected questions from a crowd of Facebook employees and guests invited by the Indian Embassy. Modi praised social networks like Facebook, Twitter and even China’s Weibo as useful tools for governing and diplomacy.

“The strength of social media is it can tell government where they are going wrong,” Mr. Modi said. “We used to have elections every five years. Now we have them every five minutes.”

Modi’s visit to Facebook came halfway through his weekend tour of Silicon Valley, where he has been meeting with technology executives and seeking their ideas and assistance in bringing India fully into the digital world.

Modi’s message of partnership with American technology companies has been carefully choreographed to appeal to his constituents back in India, a country that is rapidly discovering the Internet and the start-up culture.

A group of academics raised concerns about the free speech and privacy policies of Mr. Modi’s government in an open letter before his visit. Outside Facebook headquarters, Sikh separatists also protested his visit. On Saturday, Modi stopped by Tesla Motors, the electric-car maker, and held private meetings with three of the technology world’s most powerful executives: Timothy D. Cook of Apple, Sundar Pichai of Google and Satya Nadella of Microsoft.

At the subsequent dinner, the tight connections between American companies and the Indian government were apparent. Modi announced that Google had agreed to provide free public Wi-Fi in hundreds of Indian railroad stations, which are major transit and social hubs for their communities.

Recalling his childhood in India, Nadella pledged that Microsoft would help India bring wireless Internet to its 500,000 villages, but offered no details. “What opportunities can we unlock, what changes can we spark?” he said. Qualcomm, a chip maker with thousands of employees in India, promised $150 million to finance Indian start-ups.

After the Facebook visit on Sunday, Modi visited Google and Stanford University, and to drop by a meeting of Indian tech entrepreneurs. In the evening, he was scheduled to address a sold-out crowd of about 18,000 people, mostly Indo-Americans, at an arena in San Jose.

Climate Change & UNSC Reform On Modi-Obama Agenda In New York

Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Summit on Monday, September 28th, 2015 with the U.S. President Barack Obama focused on climate change and India’s appeal for reform of the U.N. Security Council. Modi’s America visit saw him travel to the West Coast, visiting San Jose, Calif., where he interacted with the tech giants. In a message before leaving for home, Modi said his U.S. visit demonstrates the “extraordinary depth and diversity” of the bilateral relationship and that a lot of ground had been covered in his five days in the U.S.

Modi said, “As terrorism threats grow, we have resolved to deepen our cooperation.” He also thanked Obama for the U.S.’ support to India for a permanent seat in a reformed U.N. Security Council and appreciated its support for India’s membership of the international export control regimes within a targeted time frame.

This was the third meeting between the leaders of the world’s oldest and the largest democracy in about a year. They met last year during Modi’s US visit and then in January earlier this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met US President Barack Obama in New York and discussed a host of issues. Obama warmly received Modi by hugging him before their meeting, the third between them since May last year. “I am encouraged by India’s commitment to clean energy. Its leadership on climate change will set tone for decades,” President Obama said after the meeting.  We appreciate our friendship and partnership with India,” the US president said.

As per reports, Modi flew down from San Jose, holding bilateral meetings with British Prime Minister David Cameron and later with French President Francois Hollande. In his address at the Leaders’ Summit on U.N. Peacekeeping, hosted by the U.S., Modi said India is ready to contribute monetarily to a memorial for slain U.N. Peacekeepers. He announced new contributions to the U.N. Peacekeeping Operations including additional battalion of up to 850 troops.

The peak of the 5 day visit was the India-U.S. summit meeting, lasting an hour, saw Modi and Obama exchange warm hugs in greeting, in a reiteration of the personal chemistry between the two leaders. Obama in his media statement, said his talks with Modi focused on climate change and the upcoming climate change talks in Paris. He said both sides agreed that it is a crucial issue and all countries have responsibility for fighting climate change. Obama said he was “encouraged by the impressive nature of Modi’s commitment to clean energy. And I really think the Indian leadership in the upcoming Paris conference will set the tone not just today but in the decades to come (on climate change).”

India and the US discussed trade, investment, defense and education. Modi, in his statement, said the U.S. president and he “share an uncompromising commitment on climate change, without affecting our ability to meet the development aspirations of humanity. We have both set ambitious national agendas.”

Talking about his visit to the West Coast, the PM said, “I was in Silicon Valley over the weekend and experienced the strength of American innovation and enterprise. Youth, technology and innovation are the driving forces for the natural partnerships of Indians and Americans in advancing human progress,” the PM said. The meeting gave the two leaders an opportunity to build on the discussions they had in New Delhi in January when Obama travelled to India to attend the Republic Day Parade as its chief guest.

In the dialogue, India and the US on Monday agreed to deepen cooperation in fighting terrorism and asked Pakistan to bring to justice the 2008 Mumbai attack perpetrators. The Modi-Obama meeting comes close on the heels of the conclusion of the inaugural strategic and commercial dialogue between the US and India.

Narendra Modi’s US Visit: A Missed Opportunity

Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

The UN General Assembly was an important forum for India and PM Modi to reaffirm the country’s commitment to the sustainable development goals, said Himanshu, an author and an associate professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and visiting fellow at Centre de Sciences Humaines, New Delhi.

“The media euphoria about the US visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is yet to die down. While the visit has been termed successful for the excitement it generated over Modi’s meeting with top corporate honchos, and the primary reason for the world leaders to assemble at the UN General Assembly was to launch these ambitious goals and targets, the cacophony of the historic reception accorded by the corporate giants to the Prime Minister meant that SDGs, which would have been guiding principles of governance, remained at best at the periphery,’ he stated.

Describing it to be a historic opportunity where the world community led by the UN had agreed on basic principles and goals of development to be pursued by individual countries for the next 15 years, which is a follow-up to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were launched 15 years ago with 8 goals and 12 identifiable targets, anchored to specific targets with the objective of reducing the extent of these deprivations to half by 2015, including poverty eradication, gender empowerment, sanitation, and maternal and child health, the Indian writer said, “The overall performance of MDGs may be questionable, with many countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, falling behind most targets on health, gender and nutrition, but they were successful in initiating a debate on key targets for measuring and tracking development in the last 15 years.”

According to Himanshu, India’s own performance on many of the MDG indicators has not been great, with the country missing targets on nutrition, health, sanitation and education, he pointed out that, of the 12 indicators, India is on course to meet the target of poverty reduction, reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS, reducing gender disparity in primary education and making technology accessible to the poor, but is lagging behind on all other indicators. “Notable among these are the targets of reduction in hunger, universal primary education, reduction in under-5 mortality rates, reduction in maternal mortality rates, reduction in the spread of malaria and other diseases, and basic provision of safe water and sanitation. This, despite the fact that the last 15 years were the years of fastest rate of growth for the Indian economy since independence and also the years of significant reduction in poverty,” Himanshu wrote.

As per Himanshu, SDGs remain merely guiding documents agreed upon by the members of the UN. They do not impose any obligation on nation states to include them in national social and economic policies. This has been the problem with MDGs and will continue to be the issue with SDGs. But they do suggest issues of convergence on some of the vexed topics of development. In that sense, these are like the directive principles of state policy in our Constitution.

India’s own performance has not been satisfactory, although there are signs of marginal improvement in recent years, Hinshu states. “We continue to remain the country with the highest rate of open defecation, the highest rate of malnutrition and the lowest work participation of women. The improvements in these are not just necessary as development indicators, but also for growth to be sustainable.

“While the present National Democratic Alliance government has been sensitive to these issues, with the Prime Minister making sanitation, hygiene, protecting and educating the girl child and education important national issues, these have not been backed by adequate attention to planning. Nor has there been any increase in additional spending for these.:

Himanshu is of the opinion that the UN General Assembly was an important forum for India and Prime Minister Modi to reaffirm the country’s commitment to these development goals. This was also an opportunity to build consensus on the urgency of undertaking reforms to tackle these persistent problems. “However, the priority given to India’s demand for permanent status in the Security Council and the focus on “Digital India” meant that this was another missed opportunity.”

NRIs Responsible for changing the world’s perception of India: PM Modi in San Jose

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics 0

Indians living abroad are responsible for changing the world’s perception of India, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India told the Indian American community in California here on Sunday, September 27th, 2015. Using the analogy of cricket broadcasts, he said Indians in the US had a better view of what was happening in India than those who live in the country. “You are making the world change from here. Those who resist change will become irrelevant in the 21st century,” addressing thousands of Indian-Americans at the SAP Centre in San Jose, Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the 21st century belongs to India and the world has begun to acknowledge the fact, as he addressed an 18,000-strong cheering crowd of Indian community members at the SAP Centre in San Jose. According to reports, Modi, in an over hour-long address to a “Modi, Modi” chanting crowd, also said that terrorism and climate change are the main challenges facing the world and urged all nations to unite in facing the twin threats. In a rock star reception like the one he had received at Madison Square Garden last year, Modi also asked the crowd for a “certificate” of his performance in the 16 months he has been in power.

He said the world now acknowledges that the 21st century belongs to India, to loud cheers.

“Sometime ago India was striving to join with the world, but today the times have changed and the world is thirsting to join with India,” he said. He also said he will give his every moment and every particle of his body in working for India’s betterment.

Asking the crowd for a certificate of his 16 months in power, Modi asked the rapturous crowd: “Did I live up to my promises, working day and night, and the responsibility that I have undertaken…Have I lived up to that?” to loud cheers and chants of “Modi, Modi”.

Modi, who said he was visiting the West Coast after 25 years, said he was seeing a “vibrant picture” of India in the large Indian tech community that lives and works here. Modi praised the “nimble fingers” of the Indian tech experts who “have made the world acknowledge India” with their competence, innovations.

He said he did not see the large numbers of Indians working in the US and other foreign countries as a brain drain, but as a “brain deposit”. Modi called terrorism and global warming as world’s main challenges and asked all nations to unite to fight this scourge as there was no such thing as good or bad terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said terror and global warming were the two big threats the world was facing. Modi said the world should stop differentiating between “good terrorism and bad terrorism. The UN is celebrating its 70th anniversary but till now it has not been able to arrive at a definition for terrorism. If defining it takes so much time, how many years will it take to tackle terrorism,” he said.

“Humanist forces in the world will have to put pressure so that it is decided in black and white what is terrorism. Since there is no definition, talk about good terrorism and bad terrorism is going on. We cannot protect humanity with this good and bad terrorism,” Modi said, adding that “terrorism is terrorism”.

Standing on a podium that turned slowly so that he could address everyone, Modi said the brain drain that was discussed for many years has now become brain gain. “I look at it differently. This is actually a brain deposit that is waiting for an opportunity to be of use to the motherland,” he said, adding that the time for that had arrived.

Highlighting how he had opened a new silent front against corruption, he said Aadhaar cards had helped weed out five crore fake gas connections and subsidy was now being given only for 13 crore units. This, he said, led to a saving of at least Rs 19,000 crore. He added that 30 lakh people had given up their gas subsidy under the Give It Up campaign.

Recalling the Ghadar movement in the US by Sikh migrants in the early 20th century, Modi said, “If those who came to work on the farms then wanted to do something for the Independence movement, the youth of today want to work for alleviating poverty back home.” The speech also mentioned the first Indians who made a mark in West Coast, including Jayaprakash Narayan, who studied in California.

“The world now accepts that this century will be India’s. And this has happened not because of me, but the 1.25 billion Indians,” he said, adding that India has now moved from the fringes to become the focal point. Often having to pause for the cheering crowd to settle down, Modi said his confidence in the country stemmed from the fact that India was young. “A country with 800 million youth and 1.6 billion young arms cannot be held back,” he said. The PM finished his address by announcing a direct Delhi-San Francisco Air India flight thrice a week from December 2 onwards.

Narendra Modi Concludes Historic Visit to USA

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics 0

After a highly successful visit, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, on a visit to the United States from September 23 to September 28, 2015, to attend the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, returned on Monday, September 28th after a historical visit, winning many a heart.

During the visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended and spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City at the headquarters of the United Nations. India also hosted a G-4 summit in New York, which was attended by Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, President of Brazil, Dilma Roussef.

In a first for the Premier of India, Modi visited the Silicon Valley, and the West Coast of USA on September 26 and September 27, 2015. During which he met several business leaders and the Indian diaspora in USA. Modi, who is known for using the social media extensively, visited the headquarters of the social networking site ‘Facebook’ and held meetings with Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Tim Cook CEO of Apple, Sundar Pichai CEO of Google, Paul Jacobs of Qualcomm, John Chambers of Cisco Systems. Prime Minister Narendra Modi garnered support for ‘Digital India’ campaign by these top Chief Executive Officer’s of different companies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met several world leaders on September 28, 2015 in New York and also attended the peacekeeping summit. He held bilateral talks with the President of United States of America, Barack Obama, President of France, Francois Hollande, Prime Minister of United Kingdom, David Cameroon, President of Mexico, Enrique Pena Neto, President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas, President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, President of Sri Lanka Mathripala Sirisena, President of Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fateh el- sisi, President of Guyana David A. Granger.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his United States visit from New York last week with unmistakable signals that he wishes to take India on a higher growth path through American investments and technology collaboration, inviting U.S. business to enter India without inhibitions and join his “Make in India” campaign.

That Modi, during his second visit to the U.S since becoming the prime minister, devoted his five-day visit largely to wooing the investment community, and the tech-entrepreneurs later in California to make his dream of digital India program, an emphatic success, was evident from the list of people he was to meet both in New York and California – Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation and CEOs from other media entities as well as Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of JP Morgan, Steve Schwarzman, chairman, CEO of Blackstone, Charles Kaye, Co-CEO of Warburg Pincus, and Peter Hancock, president and CEO, AIF Insurance, all in New York and, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, CEO of Google Sundar Pichai, Paul Jacobs of Qualcomm, John Chambers, CEO of Cisco and Shantanu Narayen, the president and the CEO of Adobe. The Prime Minister visited Google while in California where he will reach evening of Sept. 26.

Starting in New York Sept 24, Modi made a strong pitch for investment in India during a roundtable with top Wall Street CEOs at Waldorf Astoria where he is staying. He touted India’s 7.3 percent GDP growth last year, noting that there has been a 40 percent increase in Foreign Direct Investment. He talked about his government’s efforts during the last 15 months to increase investment in areas of taxation, infrastructure and FDI.

By and large, the CEOs appreciated the steps taken by the government on ease of doing business, on economic growth and reforms. All of them, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters, were very bullish on India and said that India has a lot of potential for investment. They also acknowledged that financial market reforms have already started and more reforms would happen in the days to come.

Together, these companies like JP Morgan, Blackstone, Warburg Pincus and AIF Insurance, at the roundtable, manage billions and billions of dollars. “Most of them have exposure to India. So, this was a very good opportunity for the Prime Minister to listen to their experience of doing business with India, to see what concerns they had and how we could work to remove those concerns,” Swarup said.

“CEOs were very interested in India’s start-up sector. They appreciated steps taken by government to make business easier,” Modi tweeted after the hour-long meeting with CEOs.

The Prime Minister assured the investors that “work is already underway” to resolve their issues and asked the CEOs to give him a detailed note on all the concerns raised during the meeting which will be examined in detail and responded to. Modi “took on board” suggestions made by the executives as he outlined the scale of development he expects to happen in India and the tremendous opportunities it offers to foreign institutional investors and for FDI.

Giving the CEOs an indication of the quantum of investment required, Modi told them that India is going to construct 50 million houses, 600 villages are going to be connected with broadband and 24×7 electricity would be provided to all in an environmentally sustainable way. For these developments, 175 Giga watts of renewable energy are going to be created, 50 big cities are going to have metros. Modi’s point was India was not just among the fastest-growing economies but had also done much towards the ease of doing business, something that should attract investors.

Before flying back to India after his 5-day visit to US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made another pitch for reforms in the United Nations Security Council, during the world body’s peacekeeping summit today. At the summit, he also acknowledged his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharief, with a wave.

In New York, PM Modi and President Barack Obama decided to “further refine” the Indo-US strategic partnership while pushing ahead with cooperation in the areas of security, counter-terrorism, defence, economy and climate change. However, linking with the diaspora comprises an important facet of Modi’s foreign visits, including the current visit to the United States.

Modi makes strong pitch for UNSC reforms

Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed for reforms in the UN Security Council in order to maintain its relevance and credibility as an international body and for proper representation in the core UN body so that countries can strive to reach their goals more effectively.

In an address on Friday at the UN Sustainable Development Summit, Modi, speaking in Hindi, also outlined India’s goals for fighting climate change and said he hoped developed countries would make separate provisions for fighting climate change without slotting it under the head of development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the audience at the opening session of the UN summit with ‘namaste’.

New York (US): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the United Nations Summit
New York (US): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the United Nations Summit

Wearing a brown bandgalla, the prime minister came to the podium and turned to the dais where those presiding over the session on Friday were seated and greeted them with a ‘namaste’.

On either side of the dais, large TV monitors showed Modi speaking while on a split screen a sign language interpreter relayed his speech.

His Hindi speech was simultaneously translated into English, Russian, French and Spanish and made available on earphones and on the internet.

Making a strong pitch for reforms in the UNSC and its expanded membership, Modi said: “Change is necessary in the UNSC in order to maintain its relevance and credibility, as also proper representation by countries so that we are able strive for our goals more effectively.”

Modi spoke of the need for reducing dependence on energy so that the world can strive towards “sustainable consumption”. He suggested a global education programme to prepare future generations to protect the environment to make it sustainable.

“I hope that developed countries will fulfill their financial commitments towards development and climate change without in anyway putting the two under the same head,” he said.

Modi outlined India’s climate change goals saying he represents a culture that calls the earth “mother” and that India over the next seven years will create 175 GW of renewable energy capacity.

“I represent that culture that calls the earth Ma.. The Vedas says that the earth is the mother and we are its sons,” he said in Hindi at the summit.

He said that India has outlined ambitious programmes to fight climate change.

Besides creating 175 GW renewable energy capacity, the country would also stress on energy efficiency, tree plantation, coal tax, clean environment, cleaning up of rivers, waste to wealth movement and sustainable development.

He outlined the government’s programmes towards financial inclusion, saying 180 million new bank accounts had been opened, which he termed as the biggest empowerment for the poor. He said the government was working towards a Pension Yojana to ensure pension reaches the poor.

Modi said earlier there was talk only of the private sector or public sector, but his government has focused on the “personal sector”, like individual enterprise through micro finance, innovation, start ups, creating opportunities and providing clean water, power, health, education, hygiene for all — all that is needed to live a decent life.

He said the government has fixed a time limit for the programmes, and added that women empowerment is a major part of his government’s policy through “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save the girl child, educate the girl child), which the government has made into a household mantra. Another was to make agriculture more remunerative by connecting fields to markets.

Modi said his government is taking steps to mitigate the agrarian crisis, revive the manufacturing sector, improve the services sector, and stressing on investments in the infrastructure sector and focusing on creating smart cities, which are sustainable and the centres of development.

He said India’s path is linked to sustainable development as it is linked to India’s tradition of calling the earth Ma.

He said in the UN international cooperation should be at the centre of sustainable development and to fight climate change.

“The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities is the bedrock of our enterprise for a sustainable world,” he stressed.

He called for international partnership to fight climate change. Modi ended his speech with a ‘namaste’ to his audience.

Study Ranks U.S. Cities Based on the Urban Heat Island Effect on Temperatures

Ajay GhoshEnvironment 0

Athens, Ga. – Inner cities as well as suburbs show distinctly warmer temperatures—known as the urban heat island effect—than rural areas as a result of land use and human activities, which can affect rainfall, air quality and public health. A University of Georgia study using a new method for calculating urban heat island intensities clarifies the conflict on whether urban density or sprawl amplify these effects more. It also provides a ranking of the top urban heat island cities among the 50 largest metropolitan statistical areas.

The urban heat island effect describes how the spatial configuration of cities, the materials in them (such as asphalt), lack of vegetation and waste heat can modify temperature. The study, published in the journal Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, identifies Salt Lake City, Miami and Louisville as the top three urban heat island cities in the U.S.

Urban morphology—the patterns of a city’s physical configuration and the process of its development—has long been associated with the formation of urban heat islands. By examining the UHI intensities of 50 cities with various urban morphologies, the researchers evaluated the degree to which city configuration influences the UHI effect.

“The overall goal of our study was to clarify which urban form—sprawl or more-dense development—is most appropriate for UHI mitigation,” said the study’s lead author Neil Debbage, doctoral student in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ department of geography.

The study establishes a method for estimating UHI intensities using PRISM—Parameter-elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model—climate data, an analytical model that creates gridded estimates by incorporating climatic variables (temperature and precipitation), expert knowledge of climatic events (rain shadows, temperature inversions and coastal regimes) and digital elevation.

The use of spatially gridded temperature data, rather than urban versus rural point comparisons, represents a new method for calculating a city’s canopy heat island intensity. The results identify the spatial contiguity of developed areas as a significant factor influencing the magnitude of the heat island effect.

“Not just whether cities have high-density development, but how the built infrastructure is connected—and disconnected by green spaces—has a great impact on heat island intensity,” said study co-author Marshall Shepherd, the UGA Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences.

“We found that more contiguous sprawling and dense urban development both enhanced UHI intensities. In other words, it does not appear to be a simplistic either-or situation regarding sprawl or density,” Debbage said.

The researchers hope the results can help influence local governments and city planners in the formulation of effective codes and policies to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

“It’s crucial to work toward a better understanding of the complex processes at the intersection of urbanization, climate and human health,” Shepherd said. “Current and future cities will be modified or designed with weather and climate in mind, and research at UGA will play a key role.

The study on “The Urban Heat Island Effect and City Contiguity” is available at www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0198971515300089.

Cisco Executive Chairman John Chambers Elected Chairman of U.S.-India Business Council

Ajay GhoshFinance/Economy 0

September 21, 2015 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) Board of Directors announced that Mr. John T. Chambers, Executive Chairman of Cisco, has been elected as the Council’s next Chairman. The formal announcement of the appointment was made at the Council’s 40th Anniversary Leadership summit that kicked off the U.S.-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue.

The transition will come at the end of a four-year term by Ajay Banga, President and CEO of MasterCard. Mr. Banga has been the Council’s longest-serving Chairman. “On behalf of the USIBC Board, it’s my privilege to announce and to welcome USIBC’s incoming chairman, John Chambers. John will of course be building on USIBC’s 40-year legacy which we’re celebrating tonight. We look forward to working with John and supporting him as his tenure officially begins the first of next year,” said Ajay Banga through a video message at the Council’s 40th Anniversary Leadership Summit.

“As a longtime supporter of USIBC, I have witnessed the Council’s influence rise dramatically as a direct result of the leadership provided by current chairman, Ajay Banga, and former chairs such as Terry McGraw and Indra Nooyi,” said John Chambers. “It is an exceptional honor to be entrusted with such a legacy and I look forward to building on their successes as USIBC’s next Chairman. With Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to the Silicon Valley, the important focus on building a digitally empowered nation through Digital India and the ongoing strategic and commercial dialogue, it is an exciting time to join the Council.”

“We are grateful for Ajay’s leadership and commitment to furthering U.S.-India ties over the last four years. During his tenure, he blazed an equally impressive path by adding top American and Indian companies to the Council’s membership, increasing Council revenue and adding staff capacity at the Council’s regional offices to serve members. Due to Ajay’s leadership, the Council’s board of directors now includes 14 global Presidents and CEOs. The Council and its board are delighted to welcome John Chambers as the new Chairman. His global business acumen will be instrumental as we move forward to realize the full potential of U.S.-India relations. I look forward to working closely with John and the USIBC board to build on the Council’s proud, 40-year history,” said Mukesh Aghi, President of USIBC.

Formed in 1975 at the request of the U.S. and Indian governments, the U.S.-India Business Council is the premier business advocacy organization, comprised of top-tier U.S. and Indian companies advancing U.S.-India commercial ties. USIBC is the largest bilateral trade association in the United States, with liaison presence in New York, Silicon Valley, and New Delhi.

India Can Establish Leadership Role In The World Economy: Study

Ajay GhoshFinance/Economy 0

Ahead of the first India-U.S. Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, a new study has suggested that India could establish its leadership role in the world economy by greatly expanding engagement in global markets. The study “India’s Rise: A Strategy for Trade-Led Growth” by C. Fred Bergsten of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, argues trade liberalization would enable India to increase its annual economic growth from the current 7 to 8 to 10 percent.

The study released here Thursday noted the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed a series of sweeping reforms to reach the goals of employing its rapidly rising population and to eliminate its sizeable pockets of remaining poverty.

“But even this ambitious programme will not be enough. India must also greatly expand its engagement in global markets to both meet its economic objectives and establish its leadership role in the world economy,” it said.

“In particular, India must sharply increase its exports of both manufactured goods and services to achieve its target growth rate with the corresponding job creation and poverty reduction,” the study suggested.

India could increase its exports by $500 billion per year by joining the next stage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, Bergsten said. Alternatively, it could proceed step-by-step, perhaps starting with investment concerns via the bilateral investment treaty (BIT) now under consideration between India and the U.S.

As major services economies and exporters, the two countries could negotiate a services-only agreement en route to comprehensive free trade. “The United States has strong economic and foreign policy interests in pursuing such a course with India,” Bergsten said.

“As the soon-to-be third largest economy in the world, India can provide strong support for global prosperity and enhance regional stability and balance throughout Asia.” Under free trade with India, the U.S. could double its services exports to that country and increase its merchandise exports by 50 to 60 percent, the study suggested.

The crucial starting point for enhanced Indian trade must be the reform programme proposed by Modi, Bergsten said. Its success, coupled with new policies toward international trade and investment, can propel India to a new “growth miracle”.

As both the domestic reforms in India and the international negotiations involved are complex and highly political processes, Bergsten said, India and the U.S. must urgently begin the process “to enable the earliest possible payoff for both countries.”

“The bonding between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Modi has re-established a strong rapport between India and the U.S., dramatically reversing the difficulties that prevailed as recently as early 2014,” he said.

They have instituted consultations on a wide range of economic (and other) issues in an effort to deepen the relationship, with 77 initiatives emerging from their January 2015 summit alone, Bergsten noted.

Meanwhile, State Department spokesman John Kirby noted during President Barack Obama’s January visit to New Delhi he and Modi had elevated the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue to the Strategic and Commercial Dialogue. This reflected “the United States and India’s shared priorities of generating economic growth, creating jobs, improving the investment climate, and strengthening the middle class in both countries,” he said.

The dialogue, Kirby said, “will be an opportunity for the United States and India to further strengthen their partnership to meet the challenges of the coming decades, from climate change to regional security, and of course, to deepen the economic and commercial ties between our two countries.” Thus the U.S. was “very much looking forward to that dialogue next week,” he said.

Combatting Terrorism Is Top Priority For India, US

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics, U.S. 0

Washington, DC: September 22, 2015: Describing Indo-US relationship into “a defining counter-terrorism partnership for the 21st century” India and the US have called on Pakistan to bring perpetrators of 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to justice on Tuesday in an India-US Joint Declaration on Combating Terrorism issued at the end of the first India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue that set the stage for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third summit with President Barack Obama next week.

Both the nations reaffirmed the commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms, which constitutes a profound threat to global peace and security, and to uphold our common values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law. They reaffirmed President Obama’s and Prime Minister Modi’s vision to transform the U.S.-India relationship into a defining counterterrorism partnership for the 21st century, while reiterating the threat posed by entities such as Al-Qa’ida and its affiliates, Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, D Company, and the Haqqani Network, and other regional groups  that seek to undermine stability in South Asia.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and US Secretary of State John Kerry, who led the dialogue, “reaffirmed the commitment of India and the United States to combat terrorism in all its forms,” the declaration said. Describing terrorism as “a profound threat to global peace and security, and to uphold our common values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law,” the declaration reaffirmed Obama and Modi’s “vision to transform the US-India relationship into a defining counterterrorism partnership for the 21st century.”

The declaration also “reiterated the threat posed by entities such as Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, Lashkar-e-Taeba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, D Company, and the Haqqani Network, and other regional groups that seek to undermine stability in South Asia.” Calling on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attack, Swaraj and Kerry strongly condemned the July 27, 2015 terrorist attack in Gurdaspur, Punjab, and August 5, 2015, attack in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir.

Swaraj and Kerry, the declaration said, had also commended the continuing efforts to finalise a bilateral agreement to expand intelligence sharing and terrorist watch-list information.

They also commended progress toward India’s entry into the US Department of Homeland Security Global Entry Programme and the inclusion of Mumbai in the Strong Cities Network, a forum to build sub-national resiliency against violent extremism,

Swaraj and Kerry also commended progress toward a Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian National Police Academy (Hyderabad) and the New York Police Department.

The proposed next meeting of the Homeland Security Dialogue will be held in early 2016.

The declaration also recognised the serious threat posed by ISIL/Daesh to global security and affirmed efforts to degrade and defeat this threat in accordance with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolutions. The declaration recalled the signing of the US-India Counter-terrorism Cooperation Initiative (CCI), establishment of the Homeland Security Dialogue in 2010, and several other joint initiatives.

It also reaffirmed their support for a UN Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism that advances and strengthens the framework for global cooperation and reinforces that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism. Swaraj and Kerry also commended the meeting of the US-India Terrorist Designations Exchange in July 2015 to strengthen cooperation on domestic terrorist designations. Also commended was the proposed next round of the Counter-terrorism Joint Working Group in early 2016.

Innovation, Digital Economy, Clean Energy On Modi’s Agenda During U.S. Visit

Ajay GhoshPolitics, Science & Technology 0

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi sets out to win over America again with an outreach to the Indian-American community, three themes would animate his journey-entrepreneurship and innovation, digital economy and renewable energy. According to reports, landing in New York on Sep 23 evening, Modi will have an interaction with potential investors, a discussion with media and communication majors and a dinner with CEOs of 40-plus companies focusing on infrastructure and manufacturing in aid of his “Make in India” initiative, next day.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit the Bay Area since Morarji Desai picked up an award at University of California, Berkeley in 1978 and Indira Gandhi visited Los Angeles in 1982.

Among the leaders of Fortune 500 companies expected at the dinner meeting with Modi at New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel are Lockheed Martin chairman Marillyn A Hewson, Ford Motor president Mark Fields, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi and Johnson & Johnson chairman Jorge Mesquita. Modi will then head to the Silicon Saturday after addressing the UN global summit Friday.

The first Indian Prime Minister to visit California in more than three decades, Modi is set to have meetings among others with Apple CEO Tim Cook, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerbergand electric carmaker Tesla’s iconic CEO Elon Musk. Besides a town hall style question-answer session at Facebook’s Menlo Park headquarters, Modi will also be meeting Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai and Shantanu Narayen, India-born CEOs of Microsoft, Google, and Adobe respectively. His first stop in California will be at Tesla’s Fremont plant on Saturday. Here more than the zero emissions cars that it makes, Modi would be interested in its “Powerwall”, a home battery charged by solar panels, for India’s clean energy initiative.

With many an Indian at the forefront of innovation in the Silicon Valley, Modi will be looking at how to maximise opportunities at a digital economy dinner that evening attended by several Indian-American tech leaders as also Cisco Chairman John Chambers, and QualcommChairman Paul Jacobs among others.

Next day after discussing “how communities can work together to address social and economic challenges” at the Facebook townhall, Modi, who has more Facebook fans than any politician except Barack Obama, will head to the Googleplex in Mountain View, Santa Clara. Besides Pichai, Modi will also be meeting Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Google’s new holding company Alphabet Inc, there.

At Googleplex, Modi will also witness the start of a 15 hour hackathon or a marathon software coding session with some 150 Indian programmers looking to produce software and applications relevant to India for Modi’s Digital India and Skill India missions. Hosted by the Indian IT industry trade body, the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), along with a clutch of start-ups in India and the U.S., the hackathon will have a simultaneous session at Tech Mahindra’s Noida facility.

Later that day he would participate in a roundtable on renewable energy hosted by Precourt Institute for Energy of Stanford University in cooperation with the U.S. Commerce Department.

Modi, who last year got a rockstar like reception when he gave a speech at New York’s Madison Square Garden, would be hoping to recreate that magic at a community reception in San Jose on the evening of September 27.

More than 45,000 people have registered for free passes for the event at the 19,000-seat SAP Centre organised by an Indian American group. Back in New York on September 28 after his two-day visit to the Silicon Valley, Modi will have his third summit with Obama within a year in the backdrop of the first India-U.S. strategic and commercial dialogue in Washington on September 21 and 22.

Joe Biden, John Kerry, & Sushma Swaraj Renew Commitment to Grow U.S.-India Trade Relations

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics, U.S. 0

Washington, D.C., September 21, 2015 – Kicking off the inaugural U.S.-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue and commemorating the 40th anniversary of the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), the annual USIBC Leadership summit featured addresses by Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry, Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, and other high-ranking officials from both governments and industry leaders.

Continuing the dialogue established by President Obama and Prime Minister Modi in the last year, Vice President Biden delivered an address highlighting the importance of the U.S.-India trade relationship and the U.S. commitment to growing bilateral trade to $500 billion over the next few years. Secretary of State John Kerry spoke to the importance of building stronger U.S.-India ties and reinforcing India’s position as an ally in the region.

USIBC Chairman Ajay Banga – who is President and CEO of MasterCard – delivered the State of the Council address. “The eyes of history remain fixed on India and the United States as they move closer to ushering in what could be a whole new era.  A new era for India.  A new era for India-U.S. Relations. It’s a new era that could see global trade accelerate and increase with Indian membership in organizations like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum,” said Banga.

The summit welcomed addresses from Penny Pritzker, Secretary of Commerce, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State, Independent Charge, for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy.

The summit also featured a panel discussion on “Why Make in India?” moderated by CNBC anchor Seema Mody, featuring Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Amitabh Kant; Emerson President Ed Monser; Chairman of HDFC Deepak Parekh and Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises Sunil Bharti Mittal.

USIBC presented its prestigious Global Leadership Awards to Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo
Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo

USIBC presented its prestigious Global Leadership Awards to Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, and Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson and Editorial Director of HT Media, one of India’s largest publicly listed media companies. Both were honored for their contributions and commitment to driving a more inclusive global economy and for their roles as women leaders.

The awardees were introduced by Purna Saggurti, Chairman Global Corporate & Investment Banking, Bank of America Merrill Lynch who also serves as one of USIBC’s board of directors.

“These extraordinary leaders have made a lasting impact on their industries and on U.S.-India relations,” said Saggurti. “They have been a true inspiration to business and leaders across the globe and have raised the bar for all of us.”

 

“The USIBC plays a critically important role in strengthening the relationship between two great nations,” said Indra Nooyi. “There are tremendous opportunities ahead to work together in new ways that capitalize on our collective strengths and pave the way to shared prosperity for our countries, our companies and our citizens. PepsiCo is deeply committed to being part of this dialogue, and it is humbling to be honored at this year’s historic celebration.”

“As the representative of a media group that realizes the importance of looking at both India Shining, and the Other India to get a real picture of what is happening in our country, and as a woman leader in a nation where women are finally coming into their own, I am delighted to receive this award. Our two countries, both democracies, have a strong and free media and I see increasing opportunities for collaboration as media and technology companies from India and the U.S. navigate the evolving digital landscape,” said Shobhana Bhartia.

Renowned Indian-American artist, Natvar Bhavasr who is known for his abstract expressionism and “color-field” painting was awarded the Artistic Achievement Award. “My work aims to transcend boundaries and I am honored to receive this award that recognizes my Indian roots and my training in arts that took place in the United States. I would not be the artist I am today had it not been for the inspirations that have guided me in my absorbing the gifts offered by both cultures, my birthplace India and my half a century’s participation in the creative life of New York City,” said Natvar Bhavsar.

USIBC President Mukesh Aghi said, “In a world filled with complex security and economic challenges, the U.S.-India relationship matters more now than ever before. It is no surprise that Prime Minister Modi’s next stop is in Silicon Valley, the bedrock of entrepreneurship and innovation – those are the areas that will grow our economies, but also an area that requires strong talent and a continual commitment to foster a strong business environment. To achieve this end a crucial step is being taken to launch U.S. Business Centers in India to support the entry of U.S. small and mid-sized companies, universities, and skills’ providers into the market.”

Attending companies included leaders from MasterCard, PepsiCo, Bank of America, Boeing, American Tower Corp, Amway, Cigna, Dow, Pfizer, and UST Global.

Brookings Study Finds PM Narendra Modi’s PMJDY makes India #1 in commitment to financial inclusion

Ajay GhoshFinance/Economy 0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for financial inclusion has enabled India to earn the no. 1 rank in commitment to financial inclusion in the latest Brookings Institution’s 2015 Financial and Digital Inclusion Project (FDIP) Report and Scorecard. The report that aims at evaluating the access to and usage of affordable financial services by underserved people across 21 countries gave India ninth rank overall. The scorecard is prepared upon examining individual countries on four key parameters: country commitment, mobile capacity, regulatory environment, and adoption of traditional and digital financial services.

According to the report, India accounts for 21 per cent of world’s and 67 per cent of South Asia’s unbanked population. “Current guidelines, such as those for payment banks, and the overall JAM framework (Jan Dhan-Yojana, Aadhaar and Mobile numbers) are expected to facilitate a more enabling environment for digital financial services by allowing a multiplicity of providers to offer innovative financial services to underserved populations,” the report states. It notes the importance of recent government initiatives in helping India enhance its access to formal banking services by the underserved population, remarkably. It goes on to commend the prime minister’s Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana — one of the biggest financial inclusion initiatives in the world — for helping the country make huge strides in financial inclusion and financial literacy.

The initiative launched on August 28th, 2014 has already facilitated the opening of 185 million bank accounts as of September 2015. The report credited the government for its JAM (Jan-Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile) framework which seeks to allow government to transfer benefits and subsidies directly to the bank accounts of entitled households. “Further digitization of government payments could benefit both the government and recipients alike, as some sources project the government could save over $22 billion a year by paying subsidies for services like health care and education directly to the beneficiaries,” the report states.

Prime Minister Modi’s Approval Ratings Spike: Pew Research Study Finds

Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

Almost three-quarters of Indians now think economic conditions are good. And about two-thirds have a very favorable view of current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This high level of approval is two to three times that for other leading Indian politicians, according to a new 2015 Pew Research Center survey conducted among 2,452 respondents in India from April 6 to May 19, 2015.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is, by far, India’s most popular political figure. And the intensity of his support is much stronger than that enjoyed by other leading politicians. He enjoys robust backing among both his own party members and adherents of the opposition, and in rural areas as well as in cities. Fully 87% of Indians say they have a favorable opinion of Modi. This backing is up from 78% in 2013, prior to his election as prime minister. (See this Pew Research Center survey for pre-election sentiment.) And this support is quite intense. Almost seven-in-ten Indians (68%) have a very favorable view of the BJP leader today.

Modi’s appeal is a driving force behind this upsurge in Indians’ positive mood. Those who have a lot of confidence in Modi voice greater satisfaction with the direction of the country today than those with only some confidence in the prime minister. Respondents who have a lot of confidence in Modi also say the nation’s economic situation is very good.

And those who have a lot of confidence in Modi are more likely to expect the economic situation in India to improve a lot over the next 12 months.

In 2015, a year after an election swept the opposition Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) into power, public satisfaction with India’s direction has nearly doubled and pride in the country is up compared with findings from a Pew Research Center survey conducted in December 2013 and January 2014.

Moreover, Modi’s aura has reinvigorated Indians’ faith in their government. About two-thirds of respondents who have a lot of confidence in the prime minister say the influence of the national government is now very good. On the world stage, Indians still feel underappreciated. But their belief that India gets the respect it deserves is up 12 percentage points after Modi’s first year in office. Moreover, more than seven-in-ten of those surveyed express a lot of confidence in Modi’s handling of international relations.

The Modi phenomenon transcends India’s traditionally partisan politics. On most of the challenges facing the nation, the prime minister and his party enjoy support from both the BJP party faithful and followers of the opposition Congress party. Moreover, Modi and the BJP now have greater backing than Congress in rural areas, traditionally a Congress stronghold.

Roughly six-in-ten or more self-identified Congress supporters approve of Modi’s handling of a range of issues: access to clean toilets (66%), unemployment (62%), helping the poor (61%) and inflation (61%). And majorities of Congress backers approve of the prime minister’s efforts against terrorism (56%) and corruption (56%). Only on Modi’s dealing with communal relations do less than half of Congress followers approve of his efforts.

Modi has also succeeded in winning over rural Indians, both for his party and himself. The BJP is now slightly more popular in the Indian countryside than in its cities. And the party’s favorability now exceeds that of Congress in urban areas by 31 points (83% for BJP, 52% for Congress) and in rural India by 25 points (89% for BJP, 64% for Congress). Modi is more popular than presumptive Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi in both rural areas by 23 points (Modi 89%, Gandhi 66%) and in cities by 31 points (Modi 84%, Gandhi 53%).

Nevertheless, Indians believe their country still faces myriad challenges. More than eight-in-ten say crime, jobs, inflation and corruption are very big problems. Concern about air pollution is up 22 points in just the past year, complaints about poor-quality schools are up 20 points and worry about health care is up 15 points. And Indians see the world as a challenging place. Nearly three-quarters say they are very concerned about global climate change. A similar proportion say neighboring Pakistan poses a very serious threat to India.

Indian-Americans Form New Group to Boost Republicans

Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

Although Indian Americans are known for their leanings towards the Democratic Party, conservative-minded Indian Americans are forming a new Republican group to mobilize the community to back Republican candidates in what the founder calls “a very important time in history,” according to a media report.

Shalabh “Shalli” Kumar, a prominent Indian-American businessman and a major supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken the lead in forming the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC). The coalition aims to promote conservative principles such as free markets and limited government, with a focus on how they relate to Indian Americans, Fox News reported.

According to reports here, the organization is modeled after groups like the Republican Jewish Coalition, and plans to spend big in next year’s elections, it said. “This is a very important time in history. The country has suffered so much so dramatically in the last eight years, and another four or eight years of the same direction, the US as we know it will come to an end,” Kumar told FoxNews.com.

While many Hindus are ideologically conservative-leaning, they have not yet mobilized to vote for Republicans, he said. “Hindu Americans tend to be like other minorities when it comes to voting – they are Democrats or are neutral, or they just don’t vote,” said Kumar, chairman of AVG Advanced Technologies.

Yet the RHC is hoping to change this, and has gained the backing of some big-name Republicans, with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich agreeing to serve as honorary chairman for the group. Kumar said they have received a great deal of support from the Republican National Committee and high-ranking congressional Republicans. They are also hoping to organize a congressional delegation to travel to India after they formally launch the coalition next month.

Kumar said that while the RHC is proud that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal – whose family is from India – is running, they have not yet backed any of the candidates seeking the Republican nomination in 2016. However, Kumar has pledged to personally donate at least $2 million and raise millions more for the eventual Republican nominee, Senate and House candidates and Republican groups.

Hindu statesman Zed awarded at “Global Dharma Conference” in New Jersey

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Hindu statesman Rajan Zed was honored with “Pride of Dharma Award” at Global Dharma Conference in Edison (New Jersey, USA) on September 11 evening. The “Pride of Dharma Award” citation said: “In appreciation of the significant contributions made towards the protection, preservation and propagation of Dharma”. This Award “recognizes the outstanding contributions of those Hindus who have made a major impact on Hindu society”.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, has taken-up interfaith, religion, Roma (Gypsies) and other causes all over the world. He has read opening prayers in United States Senate and US House of Representatives in Washington DC, various State Senates and State Assemblies/Houses-of-Representatives, various County Commissions and City Councils all over USA. Bestowed with “World Interfaith Leader Award”, many cities in USA have named October 25 as “Rajan Zed Day”. Others who received this Award at the Conference were Dr. Mahesh Mehta and Rajiv Malhotra.

Opening ceremony on September 11 of this three-day Conference, attended by a few hundred people, included Bharatnatyam performance by Arsha Kala Bharati founder Pavithra Srinivasan; addresses by Swami Tattwamayananda of Vedanta Society of Northern California, Dr. Mahesh Mehta, Infinity Foundation founder Rajiv Malhotra, American Institute of Vedic Studies founder Vamadeva Shastri, Sreepeetham founder Swami Paripoornananda; Shiv Pachakshara Stotra by Sparsh Shah; and Garba and Bhangra folk dances and musical performance.

Over 50 eminent spiritual, business, science, social, arts and political leaders/experts are participating in this Conference whose tagline is “Reconnect-Rejuvenate-Realize”, an initiative of Hindu Students Council, which has chapters in over 50 university campuses in North America and which was launched in 1990.

Conference Executive Committee included: Nikunj Trivedi, Ravindra Jaishankar, Shaivi Sukhadia, Sohini Sircar, Harshit Agarwal, Parth Parihar and Darshna Modi.

India to join UN-based ‘Better Than Cash Alliance’

Ajay GhoshBusiness 0

India is joining the UN-based ‘Better Than Cash Alliance’, which promotes transition from cash to digital payments to reduce poverty and drive inclusive growth, the government said today.

“The new partnership with the Better Than Cash Alliance, made up of governments, companies, and international organisations, is an extension of Indian government’s commitment to reduce cash in its economy,” the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

India joins the Alliance for digitisation of payments to achieve financial inclusion and to share success stories from PMJDY, the world’s largest financial inclusion programme, the statement said. Under PMJDY, in one year, about 180 million new accounts have been opened, with deposits totaling more than USD3.4 billion (223 billion Rupees).

The announcement has come ahead of United Nations Special Summit in New York, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other world leaders will launch Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Commenting on the development, Better Than Cash Alliance Managing Director Ruth Goodwin-Groen said that India’s leadership and progress are inspirational for countries around the world.

The Better Than Cash Alliance is a partnership of governments, companies, and international organisations that accelerates the transition from cash to digital payments in order to reduce poverty and drive inclusive growth.

36th annual convention of the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates held in Philadelphia

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The 36th annual convention of the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG) at the Downtown Marriott in Philadelphia, September 5-7, was attended by hundreds of doctors and their family from the US, Canada, England and India. The AKMG is a pioneering organization of Indian physicians in the US, which was formed three years earlier than the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.

Dr. Seema Jain, president of AAPI, noted that AKMG inspired the formation of AAPI. At the concluding public meeting, Dr. Jain said there are more than 110,000 doctors and medical students of Indian origin in the US. The number of medical students is estimated at 38,000. In some universities, more than 30 percent of the students are of Indian origin.

“In several states, one in four patients, consult a doctor of Indian origin. Nationally it is one in seven. It means that the Indian physicians play a major role in the healthcare in the US and their absence would disrupt the health sector,” Dr. Jain said. “AAPI continues to play a major role in in the health care in this country. We played a crucial role in securing the approval of Dr. Vivek Murthy as Surgeon General.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom she met recently, is keenly watching the activities of AAPI and in his future plans AAPI has a special place. She asked all the Indian physicians to join AAPI.

Anto Antony MP, the only political leader from India to attend the event, praised the achievements of the Indian doctors using the knowledge gained from India. Once their departure from India was considered as brain drain, but now they are the brain bank of the country.

He pointed out the fast changing technology and the difficulties to cope up with it. More than 85 percent of technology and innovation happens in the US. America conquers the world with it. People may say that America gains importance through its armed strength. “The truth is that their gains are mostly through technology. Many nations tried to compete or challenge America and are unsuccessful till now.” Companies from India have employed 10,000 Indian is the US while they have given jobs to more than 22,000 Americans. He also congratulated the organization for keeping its unity even after 36 years, which should be a model for other organizations that split frequently.

Dr. Azad Mooppan, who runs upscale hospitals in several countries and five states in India, employing more than 13,500 people, quoted Silicon Valley experts who said that machines will replace 80 percent of the work currently done by the doctors. In future, the patient could sit at home and consult the doctor. “Yet the importance of the physicians or the profession will not be diminished. The roles may change,” he said.

Dr. Alex Thomas, president of AKMG, noted the revival of AKMG in recent years. Yet many of the doctors and medical students would not take membership in AKMG or AAPI, which needs to be changed. He noted that there about 4000 doctors of Kerala heritage, but only a few are associated with AKMG. “I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve as your president for its 36th year. As I undertake to represent the AKMG as its President for 2014-2015,” he said. He thanked the convention team with Dr. Joseph Mathew as the Convention Chairman, who had put together the event that included CMEs and a great cultural and entertainment program.

At the event, he handed over the charge to incoming president Dr. Sunil Kumar from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Kumar announced that the next convention will be held in Miami Beach in July 14-16 in 2016. He said he will work to strengthen the organization and improve relations with other organizations like Fokana and Fomaa and also with organizations of other medical professionals. The attitude of the physicians keeping aloof from other medical professionals has no place in the US

An aggressive move to enroll more members, especially youngsters will be launched soon. To attract youngsters, AKMG members will work as mentors for the medical students and those who wish to study medicine. As always, AKMG will continue the focus on charity activities and helping the medical colleges back in Kerala. He said AKMG will strengthen the relations with AAPI, which can work nationally. Dr Kumar also promised to help Indian American candidates running for elections pointing that they deserve our support as part of our community irrespective of party affiliations.

Dr. Kurian Abraham, patron of the convention noted the reasons for the lack of participation of the young doctors. He said the medical education is very expensive in America and many young doctors are more concerned about repaying the huge student loan they have taken, which has high interest rate too. They are more focused on career and money than social activities, he pointed out.

Dr. Joseph Mathew, convention chair, Dr. Narendra Kumar, former president of AKMG and AAPI, Dr. Aravind Pillai, former president of AKMG and current chair of the AAPI Board of Trustees, addressed the delegates at the convention. The cultural events include Amrutha sandhya, a dance program by New Jersey based Kalashri school led by Bina Menon.  The entertainment for the concluding night on Sept 6th was the Bobby Chemmanur Jayaram show 2015 directed by Nadirshah with star performers Padmasree Jayaram the film actor, Priyamani, the award winning film actress,   Pisharodi & Dharmajan of Badai Bangalaw fame and an ace singer Unnimenon.

The three day convention began with a cruise around Philadelphia. On the second day, Onam was celebrated with traditional festivities including a reception to King Mahabaili with thalapoli and chenda melam followed by an Onam feast. Various seminars, CME classes and campus comedy night which showcased the artistic talents of the doctors were the highlights of the convention. At the literary seminar several doctors read their literary works including poems. Dr. MV Pillai, who moderated the event noted the contributions of doctors like Dr. Siddharth Mukherji and Dr. Abraham Vergese for literature.

Dharma Conference in New Jersey Showcases Hindu Religion, Traditions

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The 2nd Global Dharma Conference held from September 11-13, 2015 at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, N.J. organized by the Hindu Students Council, brought to the limelight the rich traditions and contributions of Hindu religion to the world.

More than 1,000 people attended the event from 13 countries, including some 40 speakers on 14 panels, and numerous performers and artists, Nikunj Trivedi, chairman of the board at HSC and chair of the conference, said. The conference was largely a paean to Hinduism and what most attendees considered its seminal contributions in the history of civilization, and how those teachings were relevant today.

According to Mathematician and Field Medalist Manjul Bhargava of Princeton University, several inaccuracies in the history of science need to be corrected to recognize Hinduism’s contributions to civilization. He was among a multitude of world famous leaders who had addressed the conference. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal yoga instructor H.R. Nagendra, was one of the high-profile guests at the conference. Nagendra described yoga as a holistic science and dwelt on the Indian government’s efforts to draw global attention to it. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation speaking via video-conference from Bangalore Sept. 12, to a packed audience at Edison, said “dharma” could be used to build a conflict-free world.

A multi-faith panel “Dharma: A Framework for a Pluralistic World Order” included a Rabbi, a Buddhist monk, a Sikh, a Jain, and a Hindu. The Muslim panelist could not make it to the conference, Trivedi said. Panelists agreed there was a need for various faiths to learn to coexist by recognizing and respecting each other’s differences.

Bhargava said there were several misconceptions about the contributions made by Hindus to mathematics and science. In mathematics, for instance Bhargava contended the numbers used today should be called the “Hindu Number System” rather than Arabic Number System and the Fibonacci Sequence (of integers) outlined in the 12th century, should be renamed Hemchandra Numbers after Jain scholar Acharya Hemchandra who developed them 900 years earlier. The Pascal Triangle should be renamed “Pingal’s Meru Prastar” after the 200 B.C. Indian scholar who studied the metrics of verse 1800 years before French mathematician Blaise Pascal, Bhargava said.

Negative numbers and quadratic formula should both be named after 7th century astronomer Brahmagupta who first documented the algebraic properties of negative numbers and wrote the first full quadratic formula, the Princeton professor contended. And the seeds of calculus Bhargava said, were laid by 14th century Kerala-based mathematician Madhava, three centuries before Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz. “So Madhava and the subsequent members of his school should be mentioned in any discussion on the foundations and history of calculus!”

Bhargava said in an email clarification sent to News India Times by organizers. The Princeton professor was on a panel with physicist G.N.R. Tripathi and computer scientist Subhash Kak.

At the opening plenary Sept. 11, keynote speaker Padma Bhushan recipient David Frawley, a Vedic scholar and founder of the American Institute of Vedic Studies said the Hindu heritage of yoga should be recognized and not cut off from the practice.

A Women’s Empowerment panel and a Media & Human Rights panel were well attended. Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri, a former HSC member, was among the speakers and dwelt on her experience on college campus while growing up as a Hindu; Pratibha “Patti” Tripathi, former CNN anchor and media advisor to the conference, told Desi Talk Davuluri had made it fashionable to say “Hindu-American.”

 

“When I was a CNN anchor, we had to hide our ethnic identity. HSC celebrates their heritage. It’s great to see that sense of pride,” Patti Tripathi said. A panel discussion on India’s political system and how “Dharma” could help reduce poverty, featured University of California, Berkeley economist Atanu Dey, and Rajesh Jain, founder of NitiCentral who is considered the mastermind behind Modi’s “272” campaign strategy, the number of seats needed to win India’s general election.

Entertainers at the conference included flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, mandolin player U. Rajesh, ghatam player Giridhar Udupa, and percussionist Rajeev Mahavir, along with Rachna Sarang Academy of Performing Arts which performed classical Kathak, and a Balinese dance theater group which performed the Ramayana. The HSC honored Prime Minister Modi, Sri Sri Ravishankar and Swami Dayanand Saraswati in absentia with the Light of Yoga award, and bestowed it in person on Nagendra, for their contributions to globalizing the benefits of yoga.

The Conference was packed with panel discussions, yoga/pranayama and meditation workshops/sessions, prayers, demonstrations, classical concert, Bharatnatyam, Garba, Bhangra, Balinese dance, Kathak, etc. Students, young professionals and others from over 20 countries and 50 universities/colleges attended the event.

Topics covered at the Conference included Dharma’s role in Bridging Science and Spirituality, Women’s Empowerment, Showcasing the Arts, Media, Environmental Sustenance, Corporate Social Responsibility, Global Influences and Practices; Guide for the Inner Battlefield, Perceptions of Dharma in Academia, Contributions of Hindus, Youth Perspectives, Reconnecting Yoga to its Roots, Unity of Dharma, Dharma in the 21st Century, Yoga, Sanskrit, etc.

The Executive Committee of this Unique Hindu Unity Conference in US includes: Nikunj Trivedi, Ravindra Jaishankar, Shaivi Sukhadia, Sohini Sircar, Harshit Agarwal, Parth Parihar and Darshna Modi. The key organiser of this event, Hindu Students Council (HSC) is an international forum providing opportunities to learn about Hindu heritage and culture. It is the largest Hindu youth organization in North America, with over 50 chapters across university campuses. Over 130,000 students and youth have participated in HSC activities since its birth in 1990.

Obama, Modi Likely to Meet in New York on September 28th

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics, U.S. 0

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to meet in New York later this month. Both are coming to the United Nations to address the General Assembly. Obama along with Vice President Joe Biden and several of his cabinet ministers, is set for a high-level engagement with the Indian leadership in a series of meetings later this month. This would be the highest level of engagement between the two countries since Obama’s trip to New Delhi in January to attend the Republic Day parade as the chief guest of Prime Minister  Modi.

Officials had a hard time setting up the meeting on one of the busiest days for the American president, given his address to the U.N. General Assembly earlier that day. Modi, on the other hand, would be flying in from Silicon Valley on Sept. 27 after addressing Indian Americans at the SAP Center in San Jose.

While no official announcement has been made yet, the proposed meeting is a reflection of the seriousness and commitment of the two leaders to this bilateral relationship. Notably, in the January joint statement, the two leaders committed themselves for more regular meetings. The Modi-Obama meeting in New York would cap more than a week of high-level India-U.S. engagement, most of it in Washington.

It is believed that Biden is keen to be part of this engagement. It was Biden who, during a visit to India a few years ago, who set the ambitious goal of increasing bilateral trade from the current $100 billion to $500 billion per annum.

Therefore, it might not be surprising to learn that Biden is taking the lead once again when it comes to economic ties. Several cabinet-ranking officials, along with corporate leaders from both countries, are expected to be present at the 40th anniversary Leadership Summit of the US-India Business Council on Sept. 21.

Energy Minister Piyush Goyal and Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzeker are among those confirmed to attend the event. The next day TERI North America is to host the 6th India-U.S. Energy Partnership Summit. However, the first ever India-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue, to be hosted by Secretary of State John Kerry at Foggy Bottom, is likely to be the center of attraction. While the dates of this dialogue have not been announced, it is expected to be held on September 22.

The decision to expand the India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue to a commercial one was taken during Obama’s January visit to India. Kerry, along with Pritzeker, would lead the U.S. delegation, while the Indian delegation would be led by Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Sitharaman.

Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar will be part of the Indian delegation. Indian Ambassador Arun K. Singh and his American counterpart Richard Verma are expected to be present.

Modi has digital designs on Silicon Valley

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics 0

After wowing Indian Americans on the East Coast and wooing US big business to ‘Make in India’ last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now out to win over the Silicon Valley for his Digital India initiative.

The first Indian leader to visit California in more than 30 years later this month, Modi will go to Facebook for a town hall style question answer session and visit other top tech companies like Google and Adobe systems as also electric carmaker Tesla.

As the Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced Sunday the September 27 town hall at the company’s Menlo Park, California, headquarters will “discuss how communities can work together to address social and economic challenges.”

Modi, who has more Facebook fans than any politician except for Barack Obama, is the first Indian prime minister to visit the Bay Area since Morarji Desai picked up an award at University of California, Berkeley in 1978 and Indira Gandhi visited Los Angeles in 1982.

Besides meetings with Sundar Pichai and Shantanu Narayen, India born chief executives of Google and Adobe respectively, he is also expected to attend events with Indian American entrepreneurs and social investors.

At Tesla, more than the zero emissions cars that it makes, Modi may be interested in its “Powerwall”, a home battery that charges using electricity generated from solar panels, for India’s clean energy initiative.

Modi’s visit to the Bay Area, home to a large number of Indian techies, is designed to win support for his “Digital India,” initiative that aims to expand Internet access, boost electronics manufacturing and develop apps to improve the delivery of government services.

“The visit allows Modi to build relationships with tech firms that want to invest in India, while also fostering support from the Bay Area’s influential Indian-American community,” Venktesh Shukla, president of the Silicon Valley branch of non profit organization TiE, also known as The Indus Entrepreneurs, told the San Jose Mercury News.

For Modi, “it’s a very well thought effort to capitalise on the connection he has with the diaspora and involve them at a point in time when India is perceived to be on a positive track in terms of governance,” Subimal Bhattacharjee, a cyberspace policy analyst and former India head of General Dynamics, the US defence contractor, told the Los Angeles Times.

Modi, who last year got a rock star like reception when he gave a speech at New York’s Madison Square Garden, is expected to do it again Sep 27 in San Jose.

An Indian American group organizing a community reception for Modi at the 19,000-seat SAP Centre says that more than 45,000 people have registered for free passes.

After the San Jose event, Modi flies back to New York for a summit meeting with US President Barack Obama Sep 28. The Modi-Obama meeting in New York would cap a week long high level India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue in Washington DC.

Santa Clara University Begins Driverless Shuttle Service Trial

Ajay GhoshScience & Technology 0

An Indian American-led Sunnyvale, Calif.-based startup is opening the door to a potential groundbreaking service at Santa Clara, Calif., University this fall. Nalin Gupta’s Auro Robotics, which he co-founded and is the CEO, provided the university with a driverless shuttle service. After a three-day trial last month, the company and university are embarking on a three-month pilot program this fall.

While the pilot program is ongoing, test engineers will occupy at least one of the four seats on the modified golf cart to monitor the technology, safety and user experience. Auro Robotics saw Santa Clara University, a largely pedestrian campus, as the perfect location for the pilot program as it tests out this autonomous shuttle system.

The electric vehicle uses an array of sensors such as laser scanners, radar, cameras and GPS to create a 360-degree view. It is conditioned to avoid pedestrians by adjusting its route or to stop completely if necessary.

A rider’s experience should be smooth, with sensors evaluating up to 200 meters away. The prototype at the campus is the company’s only vehicle at this time. As the tests turn into next-generation vehicles, they will move away from the golf cart look and will be able to carry up to five passengers and sometimes even more, if at, say, an amusement park.

In addition to colleges, Auro Robotics hopes to incorporate the vehicles at places like theme parks, resorts, industrial campuses and retirement communities.

Godfrey Mungal, dean of the school of engineering at SCU, said, “This is a unique way to bringSilicon Valley to their doorstep and expand their education beyond the classroom.” Aside from SCU being about five miles from Auro Robotics’ headquarters, the college is forward thinking with technology, according to Gupta.

Gupta’s company’s business model is based on low upfront costs and a monthly subscription. The pilot program will test whether the shuttle bus mode – with fixed routes and a certain number of stops – or the on demand mode – more direct – is more feasible and popular.

The autonomous shuttle could benefit students, faculty and staff on campus and if the final mile trek needed to be made from nearby public transportation stops. For the first month of the pilot, the vehicle will not have any university passengers. As Auro Robotics gathers data and makes adjustments, the company and university will develop guidelines for faculty, staff and students to use the service.

Gupta said in a statement the experience on campus, with or without passengers, provides valuable information that can’t be produced in a lab. “Every type of environment has some peculiarities. Those kinds of things take the most time and represent the greatest engineering challenge,” he said.

Modi to Visit Tesla, Google on Silicon Valley Visit

Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the campuses of electric car manufacturer Tesla and search engine giant Google when he visits the Silicon Valley here Sept. 26 and 27.

Various media have reported that Modi is also scheduled to visit SanDisk, Adobe Systems, Facebook and Twitter. But Venkatesan Ashok, India’s Consul General in San Francisco, toldIndia-West that only the Google and Tesla visits are confirmed thus far. “We are exploring other options as well,” he said.

At Tesla, Modi is scheduled to meet Indian American Deepak Ahuja, who has served as the company’s chief financial officer since 2008. Jai Vijayan, Tesla’s CIO, is also scheduled to participate in the meeting. At Google, Modi is tentatively scheduled to meet with Sundar Pichai, the company’s recently-appointed CEO.

Modi will also be meeting with Adobe Systems president and CEO Shantanu Narayen, Madeline Burr, a spokeswoman for the company, told the media. Two events have been scheduled for Sept. 26, at the San Jose, Calif., Fairmont Hotel. That afternoon, Modi will address a group of community leaders at a luncheon hosted by the Consulate.

That evening, the prime minister will attend a “Digital India, Digital Economy” presentation at the Fairmont, also hosted by the Consulate. Indian American business leaders, as well as the non-Indian business community, are expected to attend the evening event, said Ashok.

More than 45,000 people have registered to see the prime minister give a speech at the SAP Center in San Jose. Tickets – which are free – were distributed through more than 500 community organizations partnering in the event. Registration ended Aug. 24.

The SAP Center seats a maximum of about 18,000 people. The mega-event is being organized by the newly-formed Indo American Community of the West Coast. IACWC volunteer Khanderao Kand, who is co-chairing the event with Silicon Valley venture capitalist Naren Gupta, told India-West that tickets will be distributed on a random lottery draw, with first priority going to those who registered through participating organizations.

Plans are currently underway to facilitate the additional 22,000 people who will not get SAP Center seating, said Kand. A live feed of the prime minister’s speech will be broadcast at a nearby location.

The IACWC had initially considered AT&T Park in San Francisco from which to broadcast the live feed. The outdoor ballpark seats more than 41,000 people. But Kand said that venue was ruled out because of noise from nearby San Francisco International Airport and the possibility of rain.

The committee is now considering the Arena Green Park, nearby the SAP Center. Kand said details will be finalized within the next two weeks. Each registrant for the event is undergoing a background security check and will also have to undergo a security check at the event site, said Kand.

No public funds are being used for the event, reported The Times of India, noting that the IACWC turned down a $50,000 donation from the State Bank of India. The newspaper also reported that several Silicon Valley companies have donated $50,000 apiece towards an $800,000 fund that is being used to host the SAP Center event. Organizers have warned attendees not to pay for tickets, as the event is free, both at the SAP Center and at the live feed site.

Silicon Valley To Roll Out Red Carpet For Modi

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics 0

It’s going to be a love-fest when India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Silicon Valley this September, bringing together technology giants and a leader who believes in technology as a weapon for good governance and economic development. Multiple events may be in store for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Silicon Valley, scheduled to take place around Sept. 27, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings.

While numerous community organizations are getting together to have a big bash on the lines of the Madison Square Garden extravaganza last September, some technology leaders are chalking up a smaller, more intimate gathering with the Prime Minister.

In the San Francisco Bay area, which houses an estimated half million people of Indian descent, a large number in the technology industry, a reception is being planned on the evening of Sept. 27 at the SAP Center, an indoor arena in San Jose which can seat close to 20,000. That effort is being led, as was the case in Madison Square Garden, by a newly formed organization, Indo-American Community of West Coast USA, which is looking to entrepreneurs, community leaders, physicians, motel owners and representatives of various organizations, as well as individuals for support, Khanderao Kand, one of the founders, told News India Times. Rao has served in senior capacities in the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh of the West Coast area and is a big-data technology entrepreneur.

The IACWC-USA held its first meeting July 19, attended by Vijay Chauthaiwale, head of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Foreign Relations Department, visiting San Francisco to oversee preparations for the community reception and India’s Consul General in San Francisco Venkatesh Ashok. India’s Ambassador Arun K. Singh conferred via video from Washington, D.C. “The event is a historic moment for the Indian community in Silicon Valley and the diaspora in general,” Chauthaiwale is quoted saying in a press release. The last Indian prime minister to visit Silicon Valley was Jawaharlal Nehru in 1949.

“He is the first (Indian) leader to be tech savvy,” and the community is all enthused by the prospect of his being here, Kand said. “He could even connect with Mark Zuckerberg,” of Facebook fame, Kand said, adding, “There is tremendous interest among techies.”

That is the part of the program being drawn up by the Indian government in coordination with a number of Silicon Valley high profile entrepreneurs. Shailesh Mehta, managing general partner at GraniteHill Capital Partners, a venture capitalist firm based in San Mateo, Ca., told News India Times, planning was just getting off the ground. The “big fan” of Modi said Indian-Americans in California want to put their best foot forward. “America does not stop in Washington, D.C. There’s a lot going on elsewhere,” he laughed.

Mehta said the meeting he is helping organize, “will be smaller and discussion will be on specific issues,” and it might be held at Stanford (University). “Our approach is – what can we offer to India, about technology here in the Valley, and on India’s technology agenda.” The focus will be on initiatives the Prime Minister has taken like Digital India, Swachh Bharat and the tech aspect of India’s development, said Mehta who is also a co-founder of The Indus Entrepreneurs or TiE, the storied IT mentoring organization.

Indian-Americans in Silicon Valley were very active in Modi’s elections, Vivek Wadhwa, a technology entrepreneur and academic, recalled. “People donated and held events to support Modi’s victory and many multimillionaires here gave money and advice,” during the BJP campaign, he said, adding, “Modi owes them a lot for helping him.” Besides, “His values are in sync with people here. His ministers are applying technology solutions to India’s major systems. It’s a love fest,” Wadhwa said, one which the likes of Zuckerberg, and Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin would might likely join.

Indian Diaspora In Plans Grand Reception For PM Modi

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics 0

The Indian community in the U.S. is planning to host a mega reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will travel to San Francisco after addressing a United Nations summit on sustainable development on September 25. About 500 Indian-American organisations have joined hands to host a grand reception for Modi in San Jose, Silicon Valley, on September 27, Rakhi Israni, spokesperson of Indo-American Community of West Coast (IACW) said in a statement.

“Prime Minister Modi has done a superb job in his first year in office, and it is evident by the public’s response to the upcoming event how excited the Indian diaspora is about the future of India,” the statement said. Online process for registration of reception’s organisers has been completed, it said. The United Nations summit for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda will be held from September 25 to 27 and will be convened as a high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly. Modi is expected to address the gathering on September 25 and then travel to San Francisco, becoming the fourth Indian premier to visit the U.S.’ West Coast.

His visit to San Francisco would also revive — after a gap of four decades with the exception of the former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao in 1994 — the post-independence tradition of Indian prime ministers visiting the US cities other than New York or Washington DC.

The thriving Indian diaspora in the US, in particular those on the West Coast and the Silicon Valley has welcomed Modi’s decision to visit San Francisco. Massive preparations are on to accord a grand welcome to him at the SAP Center, one of the largest indoor stadium in the Silicon Valley, known as the tech hub of the world. The event is expected to be attended by an around 18,000-strong audience.

“The reception is timed around the scheduling of many high impact meetings and programs, all of which stand to promote the shared ideals of innovation and entrepreneurship that define both Vibrant India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Silicon Valley,” the IACW statement said.

The visit shall also highlight the contributions of India and Indian-Americans to the technology and clean energy sectors, it said. The PM is likely to visit the offices of Internet giant Google. In California, he will make a speech at the famous Stanford University. Modi had given his maiden address to the UN General Assembly last year and had then travelled to Washington to meet U.S. President Barack Obama.

Bappi Mesmerizes FIA’s Independence Day Crowd

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Chicago IL: In the presence of 5,000 people, Bollywood musical and singing legend Bappi Lahiri, Actor Sarfaraz Khan, dozens of distinguished community leaders, generous sponsors, a dozen top ranking elected officers, entertaining emcees and committed FIA officers and volunteers, the Federation of Indian Associations presented a signature event honoring and celebrating the 69th Indian Independence Day on Sunday – August 16, 2015 at Boomers Stadium, 1999 Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, IL with a finale of high octane fireworks. Bappi was delighted to see the thousands of cheering crowd. “I am spellbound. I want to come here again, and again,” the rock star said.

“It was certainly magical and enchanting,” said Founder President Sunil Shah. “Our event topped all the celebratory events happened in the last week.” Shah was instrumental in bringing the maximum number of advertisements and sponsorships for the event. For his exemplary works, he was honored with a Life Time Achievement Award.

While acknowledging cheers and accepting a community service award from the FIA, Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, applauded the extraordinary efforts of the Asian Indians. “The Indian community are creating its positive narrative and life size imprints everywhere, she said.

In his welcoming speech, FIA President and Founder, Onkar Sangha was ebullient on the turnout of the huge crowd. “I am simply speechless to witness the community’s response,” he added. The FIA team felicitated him with an Outstanding Leadership Award.

FIA Vice President Neil Khot dedicated his last few months in interacting with the Village of Schaumburg and Boomers Stadium ensuring the event’s smooth operation according to the legal codes. “It was a complex and tedious job and it needed laser like focus,” Khot said. Later, Khot was recognized with was a “Rising Star” award honoring his industrious work.

Bringing the huge crowd would not have been possible without the extensive support from the Indian news media, mainstream newspapers, and social media. “We created a connecting-all-the-dos plan to develop a publicity package and it was successful,” said FIA Vice President Moon Khan.

“The Indian Independence Day festivity may be seen as a symbol of the rapid growth of the Indian American community in the Chicago suburbs. From 1990 to 2000, Indian-Americans became the largest Asian ethnic group in Illinois, according to data from the last census. We received an overwhelming response from local businesses that have supported the event as sponsors and partners, some of whom will showcase their products through stall and celebration participation such as fashion show by Dilli Darzi . Thanks to all the sponsors of the grand event without their support it would not be possible to have such a wonderful event also thanks to audience of Chicago and well wishers who attended the event to make this magnificent event successful”  said by Hitesh Gandhi, Treasurer, FIA

The program began with a solemn flag hoisting ceremony performed by FIA officers before noon. Opening the event, dancers trained at Nrutya Kalashree Dance Academy, Chicago Bollywood Dance School, and Junoon Dance Group elevated the heartbeats of the audience. Displaying similar enthusiasm, FIA Secretary Mona Bhalla, and singers Sana Khan, Sarang Sane, and Mahijit Singh enthralled the cheering crowd with their melodious songs. In solo appearances, young singers Sa Re Ga Ma Little Champ Pritesh and Zee TV Contestant Ashley Singh enthused the crowd as well.

Ashley Singh, Sana Khan, and Rita Shah performed duet songs with Bappida. One of the main attractions of the colorful event was a parade of all the available dignitaries, sponsors, FIA officers and artists led by a Bagpiper band and a look alike Gandhi Jee portrayed by  Mohammad Wajihuddin. While the parade was encircling the stadium, Rita Shah recited the Indian national anthem in her sonorous voice. Mira Chotalia sang American National Anthem.

To keep the audience’s eyes glued to the main stage, Swapnil Shah, Gaurav Arora, and Shaan Khan masterfully engaged the audience with their eloquence and oratory. While Sahaj Shah, also known as Mr. Shaw, showed his professional talent in deejaying the broadcast.  Admiring the efforts made by FIA in strengthening and popularizing the Indian culture in suburbs, India’s Consul General posted in Chicago, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, expressed his appreciation and satisfaction.

The program went one notch up when Fashion Show was introduced by FIA Vice President Shalini Saxena with about a dozen exquisite models. Mehar Dance models were managed by Gopi Engineer and Dilli Darzi presenters were coordinated by Noman Khan.

While everybody was watching the glittering programs, FIA officers, Dhitu Bhagwakar, Mukesh Shah, Payal Shah, Hitesh Gandhi, Khaja Moinuddin, Ali Khan, Shital Daftari, Sunny Kular, Ninad Daftari, Manjeet Bhalla, were devoting their energies on coordinating with ticket sales, taking care of all the money related problems, vendor placement, deliverance of food and beverages, organizing rides for children, placing numerous banners, lining up artists, directing volunteers, welcoming dignitaries, managing parking lot issues and guiding technicians to present a successful firework show.

The traditional Lamp Lighting ceremony brought another focal point in the program, which was attended by State Senator – Michael Noland and candidate for US Congress, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois State Representative – Fred Crespo, Illinois State Representative -Michelle Mussman, Illinois State Representative – Jim Dirken, and Hoffman Estates Mayor – William McLeod.

FIA decided to honor a few elected officials on this occasion with an award. Awardees were Schaumburg Village President, Al Larson, Oak Brook Village President Gopal Lalmalani, Hoffman Estates Village President William McCloud Raja Krishnamoorthy, US Congressional candidate, and State Representative Fred Crespo

On this occasion, prominent sponsors were felicitated that included Mafat Patel of Patel Brothers, Santosh Kumar of Metropolitan Family Services, Manish Gandhi of Power Plant Services,  Ketu Amin VINAKOOM, Syed Hussaini of Wintrust Bank, Nakul Singh Chand of Air India,  Neil & Raj Patel of  Medstar, Rob Hodgkiss of  New York Life Insurance, Anil Shah of Money Exchange, Sunil Shah of , Ayodhia Salwan, President of Hari Om Mandir of , Mitchell Sklare of , Ramesh Vitha of Vitha Jewelers, Bhavna Modi of  Manpasand IMC, Harinderpal Singh of  MITS, Brij Sharma of Power Volt, Rita Singh of  S.R. International, Pritesh Gandhi of Waterford Banquets, Jagmohan Jayara of   India House, Jasbir Suga of Suga Builders, Happy Heer of  Maharaja Restaurant,K.C.Patel of CGMT Inc. Sunil Shah of R.N. International, Ayodhia Salwan of Salwan Trading, Mitchell Sklare of Miska’s Liquors  and Vinod Ghelani of Meghna Jewelers.

FIA also honored its star stalwarts Payal Shah, Dhitu Bhagwakar, and Toral Chaudhari of Nrutya Kalashree Dance Academy. A new kind of energy spiked up in the audience when winners of Air India roundtrip tickets were announced by Air India Chicago Manager Nakul Singh, Chand. A lucky draw was also taken out for the shows of Asha Bhosle as well as Talat Aziz, and Arijit Singh.

A large number of volunteers of Association for India’s Development (AID) offered their services under the leadership of Amit Rami. Also helpful were Viqar Moinuddin, Shanu Khan, Bharti Desai, Raghu Mudumbai, and their family members. Nirav Shah took care of Bappi’s transportation and food.

FIA also acknowledged the contributions of Hi India’s Hemant Brahmbhatt, TV ASIA’s Vandana Jhingan, India Post’s Ramesh Soparawala, Asian Media’s Suresh Bodiwala, and Punjab Times’ Amolak Singh Jammu by bestowing upon them community service awards.  Executive Board: Sunil Shah (founder president), Onkar Sangha (President), Mukesh Shah and Dhitu Bhagwakar (Executive Vice Presidents), Shital Daftari, Ravi Kapoor, Moon Khan, Neil Khot, Payal Shah (Vice Presidents), Mona Bhalla (Joint Secretary), Surinder Singh Palia (Treasurer), Hitesh Gandhi (Joint Treasurer), and Manjit Singh Bhalla, Ninad Daftari, Shalini Saxena and Ali Khan (Directors).

US stocks sink as fears of a China-led global slowdown intensifies

Ajay GhoshFinance/Economy 0

For six straight days, as of August 25, 2015 US stocks have sunk as fears of a China-led global slowdown intensified. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average, continue to drop, with the benchmark index suffering its biggest two-day move since the financial crisis in 2008.

According to reports, all ten of the S&P 500’s main sectors have fallen since the index began its decline last Tuesday, August 18, 2015 led by a 14.5 per cent slump in the energy industry. More than  10 billion shares  have traded hands on the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and NYSE MKT for each of the last three trading days.

August 25th, which saw the S&P 500 advance as much as 2.9 per cent, had alleviated concerns that the recent sell-off had been overdone. Investors hoped they could step in to buy shares they now perceived as cheap. China’s decision to ease monetary policy further boosted sentiment at the start of the day. “It just looks like the rally ran out of air,” said Brian Jacobsen, a strategist at Wells Fargo Funds Management. “People played the bounce and then just wanted to take their money out.”

Turmoil in Chinese financial markets, which has since spilled over across the emerging and developed world, has shaken the ruling Communist party and left prime minister  Li Keqiang fighting  for his political future, analysts and people familiar with the internal workings of the party say.

August 24, which some have already dubbed “Black Monday,” was not a kind day to global equity markets. The rout began with a massive sell-off in China, where the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index plunged 8.49 percent in just one day. Those losses echoed in major indices worldwide, including those of Japan (down 4.61 percent), Germany (down 4.70 percent), and the United States (where the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.58 percent).

US  stock markets whipsawed  on that day, clawing back some of their early losses but nonetheless finishing sharply lower as a tumultuous session in China wrangled global financial markets on a day now known as ‘Black Monday’. The benchmark S&P 500 finished the day 3.9 per cent lower at 1,893.21, suffering a  technical correction , while the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 3.6 per cent to 15,871.35. Earlier in the day, the Dow slid more than 1,000 points as investors closed positions and rushed into haven assets.

The US sell-off followed painful sessions in both Europe and Asia, with French, German and  UK bourses  all sliding. “The mood is one of apprehension and worry,” said Jim Kochan, a strategist at Wells Fargo Fund Management. “When prices are this volatile, it’s natural for investors to recall the financial crisis, and then they become fearful.” Fed’s cloudy view The China-induced equity slump has added an  extra challenge  to policymakers at the US central bank who are readying to raise interest rates for the first time since the financial crisis. While policymakers with the Federal Reserve have emphasised the weight placed on the US economy, labour market and inflation expectations, traders have been rapidly reducing their expectations that the central bank will  pull the trigger  in September.

Oil slides to six year low Oil slipped more than 6 per cent to levels last seen during the financial crisis and a broad index of commodity prices slid to the lowest point of this century as economic doubts gathered over China, the engine room of demand growth over the past decade.  West Texas Intermediate , the US standard, slid to $38.24 a barrel while Brent declined to $42.47 a barrel. (FT)

Stock market jitters spread throughout Asia and the rest of the world, and Wall Street sustained a major plunge, after Chinese stocks recorded their biggest slump in eight years during what China’s state media dubbed “Black Monday.”

The collapse in Chinese stocks was fueled by mounting concerns about an economic slowdown here, but it has fed into a wider sell-off in emerging markets. Asian shares hit a three-year low Monday, and the nervousness led to a  rocky day on Wall Street after last week’s sharp falls there.

“A lot of questions are being asked by investors,” said Chris Weston, chief markets strategist at IG in Melbourne. “This is a confidence game, and when you don’t have confidence, you press the sell button.”

Shanghai’s main share index closed down 8.49 percent, but trading in hundreds of shares was suspended after they lost 10 percent.

The Shanghai Composite Index has fallen by nearly 40 percent since June, after rising more than 140 percent last year. Tokyo’s Nikkei-225 index recorded its biggest drop in more than two years, falling 4.6 percent to a six-month low, while the MSCI index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan sank 5.1 percent to a three-year low.

The pummeling investors delivered to Chinese stocks surely had global knock-on effects, yet it is not the sole cause of the Aug. 24 swoon. Bill Bishop, who edits the influential China focused newsletter  Sinocism , told Foreign Policy that China’s stock market “has historically been irrelevant both to the domestic Chinese economy and the global economy,” but that China’s government “has tarnished its reputation with its  bungled response , and so now even those foreign investors who had some confidence in the ability of Beijing bureaucrats to navigate their very difficult economic problems are now wondering if they are competent.” That may have provided “the spark for the broader global sell-off,” though Bishop also pointed to anxiety about the Federal Reserve possibly raising interest rates and an “extended rally” in U.S. stocks that made them a more expensive investment.

Meanwhile, Damien Ma, a fellow at the Paulson Institute, said that “it’s premature to conclude that this is some kind of major crisis” for the Chinese economy. “The key,” he told FP, “is how the government will now manage the real economy so that it stabilizes rather than continuing to search for a bottom” and “whether any of this has actually moved the needle on the elite consensus in pushing through reforms” on the economic front

The worldwide losses have had their own impact on Indian stock market too. In the worst daily falls in over six years, the benchmark stock market index Sensex in India on August 24th crashed by 1,624.51 points, or about 5.9%, amid a rout of global markets following a selloff in China. The intra-day fall was even larger at 1,741.35 points – the third biggest and highest in over seven years – as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, among others, sought to allay fears and said fundamentals of Indian markets remain strong.

The BSE’s 30-share index closed the day at 25,741.56 points as stocks across the board fell. The total investor wealth, measured in terms of cumulative market value of all listed stocks, plunged by nearly $106 billion. The broader 50-share NSE Nifty too witnessed heavy selling pressure and plunged by 490.95 points, or 5.9% to 7,809.00. The Indian rupee also plunged to a nearly two-year low to trade at about 66.65 against the U.S. dollar.

Over 40,000 Sign Up for Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to California

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics 0

More than 40,000 people have signed up for India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reception being organized by the Indian American community in the Silicon Valley area of California September 27th this year. As per reports, the number is expected to increase after the registration process is opened to those not affiliated to the 500 community organizations which have joined hands for the reception.

Given that the capacity of SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. — an indoor arena in the heart of Silicon Valley — is just 18,000, the “Indo-American Community of West Coast,” a group created recently to organize the reception, would have to resort to a lottery to determine who would get free tickets to attend the event.

Khanderao Kand, convener of the Indo-American Community of West Coast, tweeted Aug. 22: “25K already registered for Silicon Valley event. Individual registrations to open next week.” In September last year, Modi addressed about 20,000 Indian Americans at the Madison Square Garden in New York, which was also attended by about 40 top American congressmen and senators. Modi is scheduled to travel to San Francisco after addressing a high-level summit on sustainable development hosted by the U.N. on Sept. 25.

Modi’s visit to San Francisco would also revive — after a gap of four decades with the exception of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1994 — the post-independence tradition of Indian prime ministers visiting U.S. cities other than New York or Washington, D.C.

Mark Ruffalo Goes Green, Supports Bihar’s Solar Energy Project

Ajay GhoshEnvironment 0

Mark Ruffalo, “The Hulk” star from New York has called himself “100% Bihar” in a recent Twitter post expressing his support for the Indian state’s clean energy project. Bihar is aiming to become the first state to run completely on solar energy and a lot of folk from the Hindi film industry like Manoj Bajpayee, Swara Bhaskar, Shilpa Rao, Prakash Jha and Sanjay Mishra have already shown their support for the project by joining the “I am 100% Bihar” campaign.

This came as a part of a celebrity-endorsed campaign which is aiming to make Bihar a state run entirely from clean energy. Others like Sanjai Mishra, Swara Bhaskar and Manoj Bajpai also feature in a video for the campaign: The plan gained impetus from an accomplishment earlier this month, when Dharnai in Jehanabad district of Bihar, became the first Indian state to be fully solar powered. Though the task of making Bihar 100% green is completely achievable, there are many obstructions. Getting land is one major concern as farmers won’t just give up their land. Regulatory changes as well as infrastructure issues have slowed down growth.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had launched a project in 2011 with an aim to generate 20,000 mega watt solar energy for sustaining power requirement of the country. Narendra Modi took that forward and has raised the bar to 1 lakh MW, which, though ambitious, is achievable if obstacles are overcome. 2400 villagers will get electricity in houses as well as 30 kw to run water pumps, thanks to efforts of Centre for Environment and Energy Development and Greenpeace, which faced trouble from authorities earlier this year.

Ruffalo, who portrays the green Hulk on silver screen, is going green in his real life too. The Hollywood star recently took to Twitter to show his support to Bihar government’s endeavor to run on clean energy.

Challenges To Journalists In A Digitalized World

Ajay GhoshEditorial, Social Media 0

Globalization and digitalization are two realities of our times. They pose tremendous challenges to all people especially the men and women in the mass media. There are two realities of globalization and digitalization. We also need to study the challenges posed by these two realities. Regarding digitalization, India, for instance, after China (575 m) and USA (275 m) has the 3 rd  largest internet population in the world. Internet Statistics shows that 111 million Indians are internet users as on January 2013. Among the 1210 million Indian population 904 million are mobile subscribers and among them 78.7 million people are mobile internet users. (“Internet Statistics India” web page downloaded on August 17, 2013).

In this context we need to answer for ourselves two fundamental questions. First: what are our responsibilities as professionals in the media? Second: how our International Christian Organization of the Media (ICOM) can help the people in the media to carry out these responsibilities?

We need to understand the globalization of capitalism, ownership patterns and consumerism in the light of human (individual & family) needs and human rights. In our globalized and digitalized world we see precisely the concentration of wealth in a few hands and the mass media applauding it! This is 100% true of India where I come from.

As against Mukesh Ambani, the richest person in India, who has a lavish lifestyle, the richest American is Warren Buffett, the owner of more than three score companies. He has been ‘numero uno’ for several years the Forbes’ list of richest persons in the world. Buffett lives with his family in a single story building with three bed rooms house, which he bought some 50 years back! Buffett drives his car himself He hardly uses private jet travels even though he owns the biggest private Jet Company.

When the globalized world took note of the infamous Antilia on one side, it took note that on the other side Buffett gave a generous donation of $31 billion to charity. He shared his wealth with those in dire needs like the marginalized people, the refugees, victims of wars and conflicts. When Buffet visited India in 2012 he called the rich people in India to share their wealth with the poor.

It may be by way of exception, but there are a few people who may not be rich like Ambanis and Buffetts but they do have care and concern for the poor and the needy. My senior bachelor friend and a well known Gujarati poet, Niranjan Bhagat of my city, Ahmedabad has recently done an unusual thing. He has transferred the ownership of his luxury flat in a posh Ashram Road area not to any of his relatives but to his servant of many years, Jagath Sinh and his family. We in India also have the example of Narayana Murthy of Infosys fame who has spent a substantial sum of his income in welfare programs for the needy people.

The rich and not so rich people in India need to follow the example of Buffett, Murthy and Bhagat. When the people learn to care and share their wealth with the BPL people and contribute to the basic need of education and health-care. India can get rid of the scourge of poverty. But will that happen in our globalized world where money is often pursued as the only goal of one’s life!? Many worship money as their God!

Pope Francis in a speech to ambassadors at Vatican in May 2013 said, “Our human family is resently experiencing something of a turning point in its own history, if we consider the advances made in various areas. We can only praise the positive achievements which contribute to the authentic welfare of mankind, in fields such as those of health, education and communication.”

Science and technology have made tremendous progress which was unimaginable a few decades back. But today they are realities. We have explored the depth of the seas and exploited the wealth of the waters. But the sad fact is that we have not reached out to our neighbours – the poor, the needy, the displaced, the refugees, in short the ‘anabim’ (the poor people of God) in the world.When everything has become big, has our heart become small?

I can give an example of the Gujarat state where I come from. Chief Minister Narendra Modi is certainly making an all out effort leaving no stone unturned to capture the Prime Minister’s chair projecting himself as a man of development and Gujarat as a model of a developed state! Modi does not want to compare the development of Gujarat to any other Indian state but with China! What is the ground reality in the state of Gujarat?

Modi does not want the development of Gujarat compared to other Indian states because in many criteria of Human Development Gujarat is far behind other states! According to India Human Development Report 2011, Planning Commission of India, Gujarat lags behind many other Indian states in development! [Naya Marg, (fortnightly), 16-7-2013, p.5] Yet Modi’s hugely paid advertisements in India and abroad project Gujarat at the top of the developed world! This is the biggest lie about Gujarat.

The rationalist people who care for facts say that Modi’s popularity is media-managed. No wonder even Nobel Laureate (Economics 1998) Amartya Sen has voiced his concern against Modi and Gujarat model of development. Sen has clearly stated that Modi should not be the Prime Minister of India. He says that Modi is a divisive force.  position! The child mortality rate according to 2009 information Gujarat  position! Basic human development index of health, primary  position (of 28 states) in India. A former member of planning commission and former Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University Bhalchandra Mungekar wrote in The Indian Express: “Modi’s claim is too tall and not supported by evidence” Most of Modi’s claims for development are hollow that an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer told me simply, “Modi plus advertisements is Hero. Modi minus advertisements is Zero!”

As writers and journalists working in mass media we can be trend setters. This sort of ground realities of our globalized and digitalized world brings us back to our basic, fundamental questions. In answering the two vital questions, here are my seven practical suggestions for your consideration: 1) Develop a Sense of Fraternal Responsibility;  2) Highlight Developmental Issues; 3) Develop a nose for news about the progress of the aboriginals, tribals and the depressed class of people (Dalits) and for their problems and difficulties. And voice these concerns in the media and in our lives; 4) Be Defenders & Protectors of the Voiceless; 5) Fight the Evil of Corruption; 6) Protection of our Environment; and, 7) Be an Agent of Peace and Harmony.

In a societal analysis of our contemporary world we see spectacular progress of science and technology, communication and transportation, management and entertainment. On the other side we also see that the number of those excluded from the benefits of our globalized and digitalized world is increasing! There is no justice, equality and fraternity for all. The gap between the haves and the have-nots is growing wider and wider.

Fifty years ago, Dr Martin Luther King called for racial solidarity in his famous speech “I have a dream…” Today in our globalized and digitalized world we need not only racial solidarity but we also need economic solidarity, inter-religious solidarity and cultural solidarity.

We need solidarity with all people of good will leading to love and peace, equality and justice, freedom and fraternity. So we should firmly resolve that each one of us will work through mass media for the attainment of a new world of solidarity, a better world of solidarity.

Glorious Gujarat exhibition Celebrates Gujarati Culture And Entrepreneurship

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

The first ever Glorious Gujarat exhibition in the United States held late last month in Edison, New Jersey, ended on a high note with impressive dance and cultural events as well business seminars that organizers said indicated investment interests by American businesses in the western Indian States, media reports here suggest.

The organizers did not immediately say if there were any tangible markers of such interest saying that a number of memorandum of understandings were signed  between American businesses and their Indian counterparts from Gujarat.

The business seminar focusing on investment opportunities in Gujarat was opened by Anil Patel, former Industries Minister in the Narendra Modi government in Gujarat. Addressing the large gathering of trade, industry and investors at the opening day of the August 22-23 event, he spoke about the conducive investment in Gujarat.

He talked about the impressive foray Gujaratis have made in India and across the world with their sheer business acumen and foresight. He also talked about various key areas that make Gujarat the most investor-friendly and lucrative destination for foreign investors, and also the investment opportunities available.

Eminent speakers at the event included H.K. Dash, former secretary in the department of Home Affairs and Param Shah, head of FICCI Gujarat State Council. Drumil Patel, Domain Expert- ports and logistic in his presentation on “Destination Gujarat,” provided detailed information on Indian and Gujarat economies, strengths of Gujarat and investment opportunities in various sectors. He mentioned that though not endowed with natural resources like coal or natural gas, Gujarat is now a power surplus state because it could leverage upon its strength in port sector and use imported coal and gas for power generation.

He also shared key information about major projects like Gujarat International Finance Tec City, Delhi- Mumbai Industrial Corridor and Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemicals Industrial Region that would change the industrial landscape of the State.

But it was not just business that made the event attractive to people who attended in large numbers, not only from New Jersey, but also from neighboring states like New York and Philadelphia. True to its event title, the event showcased the state’s rich variety and art and culture, holding a number of dance, musical recitals as well as stage plays.

The Sugam Sangeet program with Nayan Pancholi, Gargi Vora, Bhumik Shah and Himali Vyas Naik   presented several soul stirring renditions, including folk music and Gujarati songs. The musical extravaganza with singers like Nayan Pancholi, Gargi Vora, Himali Vyas Nayak, Dipti Shah and Shaili Shah offered excellent mélange of Bollywood and Gujarati folk music in one of the cultural sessions.

At the exhibition zone a real life model of Mahatma Gandhi with the spinning wheel was the cynosure of all eyes. Several visitors lined up to take their pictures along with Gandhiji’s model.  Photos of Gujarat’s wildlife of Gujarat were displayed.

Exhibitor companies representing real estate, garments, gems and jewelry, food products and art and paintings drew enthusiastic crowds. The performance hall came live with programs like Sugam Sangeet and with people like Nayan Pancholi, Gargi Vora, Bhumik Shah and Himali Vyas Naik presenting several soul stirring renditions, including folk music and Gujarati songs.

At the event, the organizers gave ‘Glorious Gujarat Award’s to recognize the extraordinary contribution of the U.S. and India-based talents in the field of business, entertainment, medicine have made. Several people, including Manoj Joshi, Prachi Mehta, Zarine Khan, Daisy Shah and Sachin-jigar were among the award recipients. Organizations like Gujarat Maritime Board, Indian Business Association and Federation of Indian Associations also received the award.

With excellent exhibition setup and application of experience and knowledge in organizing mega events, Glorious Gujarat USA left indelible impression among the visitors at the event and far exceeded the expectations with its debut performance at Edison,  the organizers said.

U.S. Waiting For Prime Minister Modi’s Visit Next Month: Nisha Biswal

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics, U.S. 0

The month ahead is going to be intense for the United States-India relations as the two countries inaugurate strategic and commercial dialogue in September in Washington during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second visit to the U.S. since becoming India’s Prime Minister last year, Nisha Desai Biswal, assistant secretary of state for south and central Asian Affairs, said in New York last week.

Biswal spoke on August 4th at the Indian Consulate in New York as part of the series of monthly Media- India lecture. The topic was “Vision of India-U.S. Relations in the coming years and its strategic significance in the global context”. She covered a range of subjects starting from economic relations to strategic aspects of bilateral partnership, the strong political relations, frequent visits at ministerial level and the role played by Diaspora.

The lecture was followed by Q & A session moderated by Consul General, Ambassador Dnyaneshwar M Mulay. The event was attended by a large number of people representing diverse backgrounds.

“We are very much looking forward to Prime Minister Modi’s return visit to New York” as well his visit to Silicon Valley,” Biswal said. She said that California is abuzz with anticipation and excitement over the tremendous opportunity Modi’s visit to the state brings.

Biswal visited California late last month to meet with IT entrepreneurs in the Silicon Valley apparently to prepare ground for the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister, the second only by an Indian Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru in 1949.

She said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker “are very much looking forward” to hosting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the whole Indian delegation this fall. She said that work is already underway to make the visit an increasingly “significant and consequential” engagement between the two countries.

She said that during her visit to Silicon Valley, she noticed that entrepreneurs, scientists and investors are very focused on how to find new paths to partnership between the two countries are looking at new technologies that will power solution to the big challenges. “India is a development laboratory for very cutting edge new ways of tackling old challenges,” news reports quoted her as saying.

Biswal said bilateral trade has tripled in the past decade from $36 billion in 2005 to over $100 billion in 2014-15, setting the leaders of the U.S. and India on a more ambitious trajectory, calling for a quadrupling to 500 billion dollars in two-way trade in future. “We are ambitious, but we are bullish that that the ambition is going to be realized,” she said, implying that while $500 billion in two-way trade may be a pretty high target to be achieved, the U.S. is hopeful that it can be realized.

Indian American Leaders Endorse Long Island Candidates In Polls

Ajay GhoshPolitics 0

Community activists, business leaders and prominent Indian Americans from across Long Island gathered in Albertson last week to endorse Anthony J Santino, candidate for Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, and Nasrin Ahmad running for re-election as Town Clerk. “Both candidates were endorsed by the Indian American Voters Forum,” said Varinder Bhalla, chairman and founder of the INVF, an organization formed in 2003 to screen candidates in local elections.

Representatives from several other organizations also endorsed the two candidates, among them Sunil Modi, president of NY Association of Indians in America; Surender Dhall, president of the World Punjabi Organization; Usha George, president of Indian Nurses Association of New York; Mohinder Verma, president, Indian American Business Association of New York; Benjamin George, chairman, Long Island Malayalee Association; Animesh Goenka, former national president of Association of Indians in America; Gobind Munjal, past president of the India Association of Long Island, as well as Inder Bindra, former president of the Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation.Businessman Harry Singh Bolla and cancer physician and recipient of India’s Padma Shri award Dr. Dattatrey Nori, as well as Meena Chopra of the Akbar chain of restaurants were also present.

Santino, the recipient of many awards from Indian-American community organizations, was praised for his two decades of support for the community for which he was recognized by India’s Consul General in New York Dnyaneshwar Mulay on India’s Independence Day Aug. 15 last year.

Those present also praised Ahmad. “Nasrin is a very important leader of the South Asian community of Long Island and is worthy of our total support”, said Goenka. Her office processes marriage and birth certificates as well as passports, among its other responsibilities.

The Santino Ahmad endorsement meeting was also attended by Matthew Thomas, treasurer, Long Island Malayalee Association, Gunjan Rastogi and Jyoti Gupta, both executive committee members of Indian American Leadership Initiative; Rohit Vyas, founder president of New York’s Diwali Mela, Nassau County Human Rights Commissioner Thomas George; and Alpa Singhvi, deputy county attorney of Nassau County.

Registration Web Site Launched for Narendra Modi’s Silicon Valley Visit

Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics 0

Consul General in San Francisco Venkatesan Ashok, Deputy Chief of Mission Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu and national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party Ram Madhav were among hundreds in attendance Aug. 9 to launch the registration process for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Nearly 400 representatives from more than 160 organizations met to discuss Modi’s arrival to the Bay Area. The prime minister will address a reception at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., Sept. 27.

The majority of the passes for the event will be distributed through the partnering organizations. Those interested in attending the event can visit the Web site, which was launched at the conclusion of the meeting:www.pmmodiinca.org.

Plans are well underway for the visit, including high-impact meetings and programs to promote the shared ideals of innovation and entrepreneurship that define Silicon Valley and the Modi-led India, said a press release.

Modi’s visit is anticipated to further his mission of empowering Indian people through the use of technology, as well as allow him to connect with the technology hub of the world with one of the world’s largest customer bases, India.

The Aug. 9 meeting got underway with Ashok issuing the mandate entrusting the organization called Indo American Community of the West Coast with the task of uniting all organizations for the purpose of planning the event. In accepting the mandate, the event’s convener, Khanderao Kand, noted the diversity of organizations present at the inaugural event. “We understand that the IACWC is a platform through which we must bring together the entire community, regardless of language, culture, religion or profession.”

Ashok, Sandhu and Madhav all stressed the importance of the diverse communities of IACWC to unite for the planning, with Madhav addressing the crowd at the meeting, stating three main prongs to Modi’s goals: unity, security and prosperity. The national general secretary said the event will help the prime minister communicate his objectives to a larger audience and help create the unity he wants.

Sandhu concurred with Madhav’s comments, stressing the importance of the event in the eyes of the world. He said that unity brings political strength, which could lead to a stronger India of the future.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis Pitches For Investment During Visit to New York

Ajay GhoshFinance/Economy, India, Politics 0

NEW YORK — Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis last week made a high pitch for investment in his state, telling U.S. businesses that he wants to provide a boost to not just “make in India’ campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year, but supplement that with ‘Make in Maharashtra’ as well. And he explained why investors should be in interested in Maharashtra.

Addressing prospective investors at a round table organized by the U.S.-India Business Council in New York June 29Fadnavis said the state government has taken measures to promote ease of doing business in Maharashtra because the government wants the state should be viewed as a top destination for doing business by domestic and international investors.

The chief minister, who was on a five-day visit to the United States was accompanied by senior government officials from the state. The USIBC meeting in Manhattan was the first of his official engagement in New York.

He said that the government wants to provide business to both medium and small enterprises and create much-needed jobs in his state. Fadnavis pitch for foreign investment was endorsed by USIBC. Its president Mukesh Aghi said at the meeting that Council’s member companies have been encouraged by the ease of doing business in Maharashtra.

“Now is the right time to invest in Maharashtra. It is a land of immense opportunity. I assure you that once you decide to come…we will do everything for you. Our government has decided that there is going to be no more red tape but only red carpet,” he told investors and the business community.

He said that the government is looking for joint ventures in critical projects such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial corridor, smart cities, adding that the government was inviting investments in manufacturing, agriculture, aviation, engineering and information technology.

The Chief Minister was also hosted by the Friends of Maharastra and the Indian Consulate in New York at the at the Pierre Hotel in New York. The sit-down dinner was attended by an estimated 300 people, inclduing leadeers of the Indian American community from the Tri-State area. The minister and his family were welcomed with koli dances and vada pav was on the menu.

At the Pierre Hotel, the minister reiterated what he said ealier during the day at the USIBC, urging people to come and make investment in Maharashtra which he said has the best infrastructure for doing business. At the reception he was accompanied by Minister of Industry Subash Desai who also spoke about the availability of skilled labor and a business friendly climate in Maharashtra.

The chief minister’s visit came less than two weeks after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley visited U.S. and w as also hosted by the USIBC in New York. The visit primarily aimed at attracting foreign direct investment in India’s infrastructure and other sectors.

Said Aghi: “I have no hesitation in saying that the state has the potential to emerge as a high ranking state on the ease of doing business index.” Earlier, the chief minister was received at the Newark International Airport by New Jersey Governor. During the day-long visit, Fadnavis met with the New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as well as other senior political leaders from New York City and Connecticut.

In a press release, India’s Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay told reporters that, given the large population of Indians in the New York-New Jersey area, Fadnavis will hold meetings with the states’ leadership and promote it as an attractive investment destination, not only among the diaspora but to a larger American audience.

Mulay said given Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on the ‘Make in India’ campaign and the country’s ambitions to grow at a fast economic rate, states must also take the lead and contribute actively to the economic development of the country. “Unless that happens, rapid growth will not take place and benefits of the economic growth will not reach small towns and rural areas,” he said.

Over $15 Billion Invested in U.S. by Indian Firms, Employ Over 91,000 Jobs

Ajay GhoshBusiness, Finance/Economy 0

India-based companies have invested over $15 billion across the U.S., creating an estimated 91,000 jobs, according to a new report released by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Grant Thornton. Of the investment destinations for Indian firms, New Jersey, California, Texas, Illinois and New York lead the way, noted the report, “Indian Roots, American Soil,” released on July 14 at an event on Capitol Hill.

Those states have the most Americans directly employed by Indian companies, with New Jersey accounting for 9,278 hires; California employs 8,937; Texas has 6,230 jobs; Illinois has seen 4,779 people land jobs; and New York employs 4,134.

Texas at $3.84 billion; Pennsylvania with $3.56 billion; Minnesota at $1.8 billion; $1.01 billion for New York; and $1 billion from New Jersey account for the highest foreign direct investment from Indian-based companies, the first time a state-by-state breakdown of tangible investments made by Indian firms has been provided.

Indian ambassador Arun Singh
Indian ambassador Arun Singh

Indians are “making a significant contribution to the U.S. economy, investing billions of dollars and creating thousands of jobs across states and sectors,” Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Arun K. Singh said. “This trend has grown stronger over the years and is continuing to show remarkable progress.”

The report said that 100 Indian companies have employed more than 91,000 people across 35 states, as well as Washington, D.C. Those 100 companies have made in excess of $15.3 billion in investments.

On average, the investment from Indian companies for each state is $443 million.

“Today Indian companies are not just investing and creating jobs, they have also become significant stakeholders in the growth and prosperity of their local communities,” Singh added.

CII’s study also said that roughly 84.5 percent of the companies intend to make more investments in the U.S., and 90 percent plan to hire more employees locally in the next five years.

“Prime Minister (of India, Narendra) Modi and President (Barack) Obama’s vision for the U.S.-India relationship is in many ways best exemplified through these Indian companies in America that, though they have Indian roots, are completely enmeshed into U.S. soil,” CII president Sumit Mazumder said.

Devendra Fadnavis Keynotes 2015 Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal Convention

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Over 4,000 people packed the Anaheim Convention Center here July 3-5 to attend the 17th biennial convention of the Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal, which was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Fadnavis, who was on a visit to the U.S., told his audience — greeting them in Marathi — he was pleased with the theme of the convention, “Maitra Peedhyanche,” as there were many generations of Maharashtrians living in the U.S. now, and it provided an occasion to celebrate the “sanskriti” of all generations.

The chief minister said he wished to connect the different American Marathi generations with the different Marathi generations back home in Maharashtra. During his speech, which was heartily applauded by the attendees, Fadnavis spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, and stressed that it will succeed only if “we embark on ‘Make in Maharashtra’.”

Urging the Indian Americans in the audience to invest in Maharashtra, the chief minister spoke of how “India is young” and that it can provide human resources to the entire world, adding that the average age of India’s population is only 25. There will be a “red carpet” for investors, he emphasized, not “red tape.”

Inviting the audience members to come and visit Maharashtra, Fadnavis said the state has many unexplored tourist spots, from beaches to jungles, and offered a 25 percent discount to anyone booking through the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.

On the occasion, the chief minister also unveiled the convention’s Smaranika, or souvenir book, as well as a tri-monthly magazine by the Maharashtra Government — Maharashtra Unlimited.

The three-day convention actually began July 2, termed a pre-convention day, that included many seminars such as a Business seminar for accomplished Marathi businessmen wishing to network. Among the main speakers were Harsha Bhogale, a well known cricket commentator, and his wife Anita Bhogale. Also featured was a business plan competition.

Among other features of the convention were Continuing Medical Education provided for physicians, and a panel, “La Cinema,” which offered an opportunity for discussions on the movie industry. Several Marathi film personalities took part in the discussions, along with those from Hollywood, such as the team from “Outsourced.”

Companies in India create thousands of U.S. jobs

Ajay GhoshBusiness, Science & Technology 0

Arun Singh with President ObamaA remarkable story that has often escaped public attention in the overall context of the vibrant India-U.S. relationship is that Indian companies have been pouring investment dollars into businesses in the U.S. and creating tens of thousands of American jobs. A new report from the Confederation of Indian Industry and the accounting firm Grant Thornton reveals that not only is Indian investment in the U.S. large, it’s also extremely widespread and clearly growing.

The 100 Indian-based companies surveyed for the study have made an aggregate $15.3 billion investment in their U.S. operations. That, in turn, has created 91,000 jobs in the U.S., which by any measure is a substantial contribution to the American economy. Those jobs are scattered throughout the country. In fact, the survey found that Indian companies have a presence in all 50 states.

The U.S. isn’t just a favored destination for the time being; it is likely to remain attractive for Indian investors for years. When asked if they plan to invest in the U.S. in the next five years, 84.5 percent of the Indian companies surveyed said yes. Only 4 percent said no. Asked if they plan to hire more employees locally in the U.S. over the next five years, 90 percent of the companies answered in the affirmative.

The survey also challenges the greatest stereotype about the kinds of Indian companies in the U.S. They are not all information technology companies. Far from it. In the U.S., IT comprises 40 percent of Indian-company investment, according to the survey. The rest is highly diversified. Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and health care companies make up 14 percent of Indian investment here. Another 14 percent are manufacturers and mining companies. 16 percent offer financial, engineering, construction and entertainment services. The remainder is companies in the automotive, energy, hospitality and food businesses.

The average investment received from Indian companies per state is substantial: $433 million. The top five states with the highest volume of investment – $1 billion or more – are Texas ($3.85 billion), Pennsylvania ($3.56 billion), Minnesota ($1.8 billion), New York ($1.01 billion) and New Jersey ($1 billion).

In terms of employment generated by Indian companies, the top five states are New Jersey and California, each with about 9,000 jobs, Texas (6,000 jobs), Illinois (5,000 jobs) and New York (4,000 jobs).

Arun Singh with NRIsAll of these numbers have been rising steadily, a sign that the U.S. market is among the strongest investment destinations in the world. These substantial investments are also a testament to the trust and openness that India and the U.S. enjoy both at the people-to-people and government-to-government levels. According to Select USA, India is now the fourth-fastest growing source of foreign direct investment into the United States. The significant and growing contributions of Indian investments in the U.S. remain a vital component of the bilateral relationship.

American firms, of course, have long been major investors in India. Foreign direct investment by U.S. firms in India has been more than $1 billion a year. Efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make economic growth a hallmark of his administration have accelerated U.S. investment there.

India has been lowering barriers to investment and encouraging business expansion. For example, the Indian government has over the past year raised limits on foreign investment in sectors such as insurance, medical devices, railways and defense. This will no doubt provide myriad opportunities for U.S. companies to increase their presence in India and will strengthen Indian companies so that they can enlarge their footprint in the U.S.

The exchange is good for both nations and should be encouraged. The U.S. and India have much in common. They are the largest democracies in the world. They are also economic powerhouses that are helping each other grow in a dynamic global marketplace. We have a stake in each other’s economic future – and that future is very bright.

Arun K. Singh is India’s ambassador to the U.S.

US committed to take partnership with India still higher: Joe Biden

Ajay GhoshFinance/Economy, India, Politics, U.S. 0

“We are committed to take this relationship further” for the well being of both the US and India as also for the advancement of the international community, Joe Biden said suggesting that the world was “at the cusp of another sea change decade.” To seize this “historic moment, Biden said “the US was pursuing a strategy of rebalancing to the Asia Pacific region” and “America’s deepening friendship with India is an indispensable part of our Asia rebalance strategy.”

“US-India partnership has reached a new level” under President Barack Obama, he said last week in keynote speech on the future of the US-India partnership to mark the tenth anniversary of the landmark India-US civil nuclear deal. The nuclear deal “removed the single largest irritant in the relationship between the two greatest democracies,” he said on the conclusion of a conference hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

“Together we transformed the bilateral relationship into a global partnership based on shared values, interests, responsibilities,” he said. “All of these will go to shape the next century if we stay the course. India’s Act East and US Rebalance in Asia is good news for the region as well as good news for the partnership,” he said.

The joint strategic vision for the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean region that Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had issued in January “serves as a beacon,” Biden said. “And every day we are working to try to make this vision a reality,” he said recalling that Obama had during his January visit to India had “declared that the US can be India’s best partner.”

“That’s our goal,” he said. “Change is taking place,” Biden said. “It’s a historic moment in the world, let’s seize it. We have a chance to bend history just a little bit,” he said. “This is one of those moments when our common interests are going to continue to converge and our countries have the potential to reach new heights.”

Earlier, addressing the Conference, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Nisha Desai Biswal recalled that “Ten years ago, access to nuclear, space, and other forms of high technology were among the most contentious issues between India and the United States.”

“Today those issues are part of the foundation on which we’re building a lasting partnership,” she said.

“In defence, the US is now India’s largest supplier, and we are launching new co-development and co-production projects that will expand our ties and advance Prime Minister Modi’s Make in India initiative,” she noted.

“Clearly, our relationship with the US has transformed rapidly in the last ten years to become a full-spectrum relationship, covering virtually all fields of human endeavour,” said the Indian ambassador Arun Singh.

Indian ambassador Arun Singh
Indian ambassador Arun Singh

“It is now embedded in the larger vision of a global strategic partnership,” he said asserting “that no relationship between India and another country can today match the range, depth, quality and intensity of the India-US partnership. Going forward, I see the US continuing to play a role in India’s transformation, and see India and the US joining hands to make the world a better place for our two nations and the rest of the world,” Singh said.

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