Tag: narendramodi

S.P. Kothari, the Gordon Y. Billard Professor of Management and former deputy dean at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, will receive India’s prestigious Padma Shri award for 2020.  Last year, Prof. Kothari was appointed chief economist and director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Along with Prof. Kothari, three other Americans will receive this award: Prasanta Kumar Pattanaik, emeritus professor at the Department of Economics at the University of California; Robert Thurman, Buddhist author and academic who has written, edited, and translated several books on Tibetan Buddhism; and Romesh Tekchand Wadhwani, chairman and CEO of Symphony Technology Group.

Jagdish Sheth, the Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Marketing at the Goizueta Business School of Emory University, will receive Padm Bhushan award.

Sheth, the Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Business at Emory University Goizueta Business School, is among 16 awardees to receive India’s third highest civilian award. Last year in January, Sheth presented the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to reports in Indian media, several Twitter users drew a link between Sheth’s Padma Bhushan, to him conferring the leadership award on Modi.

1. P. Kothari

Padma Shri recipient, Kothari, is the Gordon Y. Billard Professor of Management and former deputy dean at MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Last year, he was appointed chief economist and director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Pattanaik is emeritus professor at the Department of Economics at the University of California, a research associate for the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative, and a fellow of the Human Development and Capability Association.

Wadhwani is the chairman and CEO of Symphony Technology Group, which brings in $2.5 billion in annual revenues. According to Forbes, he combined nine of his companies that were AI-focused into a new group called SymphonyAI in 2017. Last year, Wadhwani ranked at number 261 of the Forbes list of 400 richest Americans and at number 667 in Forbes list billionaires.

Robert Thurman, a Buddhist author and academic who has written, edited, and translated several books on Tibetan Buddhism, was named for the Padma Shri award as well. Thurman, father of actress Uma Thurman, is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, president of the Tibet House U.S., and president of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies.

A total of 14 foreigners, majority of them of the Indian origin, including Mauritian politician Anerood Jugnauth, have been named for the Padma Awards on the eve of 71st Republic Day for 2020.

Jugnauth has been named for Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award, in the field of public affairs. Jugnauth, who served as the President and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, was a central figure in the Mauritian politics in the 1980s and 1990s.

Twelve foreigners have been named for Padma Shri. It included late Indra Dassanayake, a well-known Hindi literary personality who taught Hindi at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Dassanayake strived for emergence of Hindi as a world language.

Another awardee is Barry Strachan Gardiner, British Labour Party leader who has served as Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade since 2016.

Another notable foreign personality in the list is late Tetsu Nakamura for his social work in Afghanistan. A Japanese physician and honorary Afghan, Nakamura headed the Peace Japan Medical Services (PMS). Devoted to the Kunar river canal projects in eastern Afghanistan, he was credited for transforming the desert of Gamberi, on the outskirts of Jalalabad, into a lush forest and wheat farmlands. He also helped build two hospitals and two mosques.

The awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March or April every year.

The Padma Awards are given in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri — in various fields of activities like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service.

Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.

The third Indian Diaspora Health Summit was held on October 12, 2019, at TV Asia Auditorium in Edison, NJ. The meet was organized by GOPIO International Health Council, The Consulate General of India in New York, and TV Asia, with support from Indian Health Camp of NJ, Princeton Lions Club and Central Jersey Business Organization.

Deputy Consul General of India in New York Shatrughna Sinha attended the event as a Chief Guest along with CEO and Chairman of TV Asia Padma Shri Dr. H.R. Shah, Piscataway Township Councilman Kapil Shah, health professionals and community leaders from various organizations.

The summit included comprehensive discussions on medical, dental, mental health, alternative medicine, life-style modifications and wellness and yoga sessions from various renowned experts from the Tristate area.

The GOPIO Health Council recognized and awarded four leaders in their respective fields for their contribution as well as for promoting health awareness among the Indian Diaspora in the community.

The awardees were Rahul Shukla, CEO, S.S. White Technologies & Shukla Medical – For achievement and contributions in manufacturing latest medical equipment; Hitesh Bhatt, Bhatt Foundation Inc. – achievement and contributions  in health care technology; Padma Shri H.R. Shah, Chairman & CEO, TV Asia – for promoting health awareness among the Indian Diaspora and Sabinsa Corporation – for achievement and contributions in health supplements.

GOPIO Health Council Chair Dr. Tushar Patel said at the meet that access to care, especially preventive health care, is the biggest challenge for South Asian community. Early detection and timely intervention for diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders and many types of cancer brings overall positive outcome and reduce long term complications and help in healthier living.

Sinha mentioned in his speech that “we have vulnerabilities in terms of our genetic makeup and our earliest problems were access to healthcare and insurance for healthcare but now the number of doctors in India are reducing, so we have created more medical schools to fix this.” He briefed the gathering about various initiatives taken by the Government of India in the health sector. He also spoke about opportunities for investments in India’s health sector.

The health summit concluded with 45 minutes of yoga, meditation and breathing exercise session from Dr. Aparna Chawla of Art of Living Foundation.

The entire health summit lasted more than seven hours with various experts from medical, dental, mental health and alternative care specialists in attendance for the second consecutive year.

“Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA)” sponsored historic 14^th annual ‘Hindu Mandir Executive Conference (HMEC)’ in New Jersey concluded with resounding success on Sept.22 at ‘Fairbridge Inn & Suites’ in East Hanover, N.J. This annual fair takes place in different regions of N. America, (includes Caribbean Islands), for the benefit of Hindu temples and religious organizations. The primary objective of this eminent gathering is to collectively enhance their relevance to the Hindu society-at-large and to the rising second generation. In this pioneering effort, VHPA’s role is limited to that of a facilitator or a catalytic-supporter. According to Vipul Patel, the Convener, the theme of this year’s HMEC was – “Sustaining Temples and Institutions by Building security and Strength through community Outreach and Seva programs”. This year, several dozen Temples and Organizations participated in 3-day affair that had 35 speakers and approx. 200 delegates.

The main coordinator of the entire conference was Bhakti Mehta-Modi who kept the tightly paced sessions adequately focused on their subjects from the beginning. The conference began on Friday, September 20 evening with Swami Pratyagbodhanandaji, along with other seers, blessing the event with Sanskrit shlokas and lighting the auspicious lamp. This first session was devoted to safety initiatives and emergency precautions in case of Medical crisis, Fire, Vandalism or an active shooter prowling on the premises. This was expertly handled by representatives of ‘Homeland Security’, Chief Officers of local firefighting unit and emergency management unit. Mark Curcio (Emergency Mgmt.) recommended that all places of worship should have a ‘crisis management team’, adequately installed surveillance gadgets, properly established rapport with local concerned authorities, and periodic safe evacuation drills under their supervision. Most of the temples it seemed lacked this preparedness. Sohini Sarcar’s (Hindu Student Council – ‘HSC’) weeks of interactions with these ‘security professionals’ was not only evident but also was overwhelmingly appreciated by them. Chaplain Shawn Lee’s (‘US Army Chaplaincy’) assertion on how difficult it is to recruit qualified Hindu Chaplains for Army’s spiritual wing came as a surprise to most of the people. This is something the Hindu diaspora needs to delve on in the interest of Hindu soldiers in US Army.

Saturday, September 21 morning session focused on prevention, protection and sustenance. It dealt with adopting a public-relation road map for the surrounding community by educating children about Hindu culture in temple-based classroom, bringing our festivals on public platform to remove any misgivings rather than just internalizing their importance and adopting ‘Seva’ projects. As part of community outreach by temples and institutions, Neha Srivastava suggested that they become catchment centers for society’s ills and address issues like loneliness, caregiving, poverty, domestic violence resulting out of marital discord etc. Given an opportunity of 2 hrs. /wk. time and space, she offered to establish such pilot programs in temples that are willing to give a try. To sustain the cultural values among the college youths, Nikunj Trivedi of ‘HSC’ gave insight into what they had accomplished in past 29 years. In spite of inadequate support system 150,000 students have been nurtured by them at 60+ college campuses.

“HMEC” is not only a vehicle for the executives of temples and religious organizations for their own networking, but also, to collectively overcome various hurdles faced by them by addressing commonality among them or by drafting reference charter-booklets. Abhaya Asthana, President of ‘VHPA’, along with his associate Sanjay Mehta (Gen Secretary, VHPA) expanded on this approach with Sant Gupta, Tejal Shah, Vinod Gupta explaining the subtext of it. It is remarkable to note that through HMEC initiative ‘Hindu Mandir Priest Conference (HMPC)’, ‘Hindu Women Network (HWN)’, ‘Hindu American Vanaprasthi Network (HAVAN) have been established. Moreover, this has resulted in publication of informative books like ‘Hindu Prayer Book’ and a book on ‘Antimsanskar’ (last rites). Abhayaji, also talked on Hindu’s biggest global event – “World Hindu Congress” – that took place last year in Chicago, USA where 3,000 delegates from 65 countries participated. Keeping up with the theme of the conference Swami Pratyagbodhananji, released a new book titled ‘Hindu Temple Security Guidelines’ that details the steps that need to be taken by the members of HMEC for the safety of their institutions and gatherings.

Saturday afternoon was devoted to ‘Media’ as a strategic tool of influence to connect with the larger audience and especially with our second generation. On the outset, Ajay Shah who is vigilant about anti-Hindu defamation attempts, expressed displeasure about the way Hindus are portrayed in the Media by well-financed hate-groups. He advised that more concerted efforts on the part of Hindus are necessary to counter this onslaught. Continuing on 2017 Media-workshop, Fred Stella emphasized that HMEC cadre needs to be Media-savvy (print, audio-visual, Social-media etc.) as the technology is here to stay. He disclosed that, as the raw data was being compiled, a handbook, as a guide, to interact with the Media in positive manner was on its way. Bhakti Mehta-Modi, Parth Parihar and Yogi Jayanathaji touched on modern modes of communications prevalent among younger generation. As an off-shoot of previous HMECs, quite a few ‘guidance books’ are being prepared.  Among them, some relate to youth issues, namely, love-hate relation with their own identity, silent suffering when ostracized, freewill marriage, social stigmas atypical to Hindus in alien culture, depression etc. In late afternoon there was a special youth session to tackle their existential problems.

The highlight of Sunday, September 22 was the deliberations on wide-spread ‘religious conversions’ in Caribbean Islands and in India. Pt. Ram Harodwar revealed that lot of religious zealots, worldwide, are raising huge amounts of money to entice Hindus to change their religion. In Guyana, it was alleged that there is 25% drop in Hindu population since their arrival. The panel, consisting of Ram Sahadeo, Dwarka Persaud, Ram Harodwar and Fred Stella blamed the situation on governmental agencies, Hindu’s callous indifference and religious extremists preying on the disadvantaged. The possible solutions? Education, Financial aid, Reconversion, and Temples as help-centers for the people in need – and not just acting as the citadel of rituals. Everyone agrees that spirituality in all its forms is not the only contribution of Hindus to U.S. To encapsulate and celebrate all their contributions & achievements a unique symposium – ‘THREADS Conference 2019’ – is being hosted in Boston, MA on November 1-3 < https://www.threads2019.org >. Jai Bansal, who is one of the conveners of this gathering revealed that, “the purpose is to share the story of Hindu-Americans, appreciate what the America has done to embrace them and increasingly engage them to shape a collective future”.

For the benefit of participating institutions, Sanjay Mehta summarized the action items that the members had agreed on. The gathering resolved to (1) to create ‘Hindu Seva and outreach portal’, after database collection is complete (2) publish visitor’s guide for various Temples spread across the landscape (3) establish ‘HMEC Library’ to catalogue progressive ideas, suggestion and practical projects. Before the historic conference came to an end, Bhakti Mehta-Modi made a constructive suggestion that ~ it would serve everyone’s interests if the ‘Seniors’ give more time and thought to what the youths have to say in executing any task. She further elaborated that the definition of respect for seniors has different resonance to the youths born in USA and they also expect Seniors to take them seriously and not brush them aside. The gathering appreciated VHPA’s comprehensive efforts to bring various institutions together for collective brainstorming on issues that affect them most.

India is marking the 150th birthday of Mohandas Gandhi, the man known as the father of the nation, and across the country there are exhibits, commemorations, marches, prisoner releases and even a 1,000-foot-long greeting card.

But the celebrations this week mask a deeper unease. A century and a half after the birth of the revered leader of India’s independence struggle, Gandhi and his legacy are getting an update — and much of it is not positive.

Even as admiration for Gandhi remains widespread, aspects of his life and philosophy are increasingly a source of controversy. Scholars have highlighted the racist language he used as a young man living in South Africa as well as his defense of India’s caste system.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the political spectrum, India’s right-leaning Hindu nationalist ideologues have long had an ambivalent relationship with Gandhi. Some view his dedication to nonviolence as a form of weakness, or think he betrayed the cause of Hindus with his support for religious pluralism. Earlier this year, one politician from the ruling party even described the man who assassinated Gandhi as a “patriot.”

In many parts of the world, “Gandhi is seen broadly as a nice, decent, open-minded, reasonable guy who advocated nonviolence, justice, peace and so on,” said Ramachandra Guha, a historian and author of a two-volume biography of Gandhi. But in India, “his ideas and legacy have been deeply contested.”

Gandhi is often given the title “Mahatma,” or “great soul,” and many in India refer to him simply as “Bapu,” a word for father. He inspired leaders such as Nelson Mandela and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who wrote that Gandhi served as a “continual reminder” that “it is possible to resist evil and yet not resort to violence.” But in his long life in the public eye — his collected works comprise nearly 100 volumes — Gandhi delved not only into politics, but also economics, religion, sexuality, sanitation and even diet.

One recent critique centers on Gandhi’s two decades in South Africa as a younger man. During that time, he repeatedly referred to black South Africans using a racial slur and described them as inferior to Indians, views that prompted a university in Ghana to remove a statue of Gandhi late last year.

A growing number of writers and scholars have also criticized Gandhi for his views on India’s caste system, saying he was a conservative who believed in preserving hereditary roles for different caste groups in Indian society rather than eradicating them.

Gandhi denounced the practice of treating certain people as “untouchable” or somehow polluting. Yet he also believed in having a “harmonious social order,” said Anand Teltumbde, one of India’s preeminent scholars on caste and the author of a recent manuscript on Gandhi. “The caste system provided that order,” Teltumbde said.

Other scholars say that Gandhi advocated a gradual reform of the system because he did not want to alienate the upper castes, which were crucial to the independence struggle.

On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Gandhi at an event in Gujarat, the home state of both men. Gandhi was an advocate for better sanitation, and Modi is using his 150th birthday to celebrate the government’s “Clean India” campaign, which has constructed millions of toilets nationwide. Because of the program, India’s rural areas have essentially eradicated the practice of defecating outside, Modi said, although experts cast doubt on that claim.

Modi also praised Gandhi in an opinion piece published in the New York Times, saluting him for giving “courage to millions globally” and for envisioning “a world where every citizen has dignity and prosperity.” Modi challenged “thinkers, entrepreneurs and tech leaders” to find innovative ways to spread Gandhi’s ideas.

Modi’s emphasis on honoring Gandhi in association with the cleanliness campaign strikes some of those who knew him as a strategic choice. Although Gandhi did advocate improved sanitation, they say, it was not his central message. Those connected to the current Indian regime are using a fragment of Gandhi to destroy the core of Gandhi,” said his grandson Rajmohan Gandhi, a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “The core of Gandhi is equality and especially minority rights.”

Modi “exalts Gandhi as a prophet of cleanliness and recycling,” added Guha, Gandhi’s biographer. “He never talks about what Gandhi lived and died for, which was Hindu-Muslim harmony.”

Gandhi was assassinated in January 1948 by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu extremist. Godse was a former member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu nationalist organization that is the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. (Modi spent much of his life as a full-time RSS worker.)

In May, Pragya Thakur, days before she was elected to India’s Parliament for the BJP, hailed Gandhi’s assassin Godse as a “patriot.” Modi said Thakur’s remarks were “condemnable” and she apologized, but the party ultimately took no action against her.

Some rue the fact that Gandhi is becoming irrelevant in today’s India. He has been reduced “to a ritualistic presence in our collective life,” Apoorvanand, a professor at Delhi University who goes by only one name, wrote this month. “He has been made a lifestyle guru, a feel-good presence — something he never was.” To embrace Gandhi would mean reviving “a politics of dissent . . . which sometimes requires going against one’s own people.”

When Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi, his grandson Rajmohan was 12. Now Rajmohan is 84, older than Gandhi was when he died. Rajmohan said he took heart from a recent video of an Indian high school student reciting a poem praising Gandhi that went viral.

“There is a stubborn core of people who have understood him and know that Gandhi represents the better angels of the Indian nature,” said Rajmohan. Gandhi is “not finished in India — no, sir.”

Chicago IL: The Gandhi Memorial Trust in collaboration with Village of Skokie and consulate general of India, organized the remembrance at larger than life, bronze statue of Mahatma, located at the Heritage Public Park in Skokie, Illinois. Between 10 to 12 PM. Confronting fall type Chicago’s cold windy and rainy day, almost 155 Gandhi admirers and followers attended the occasion, Event began by offerings of flower and reciting his favorite song “Vaishnav vajan…., by Bollywood singer Poonam Bhatia.

October 2, 2019 was the 150th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, born in Porbandar, India; He led perhaps the biggest mass movement in the world. The hallmark of this movement was non-violence. It is in recognition of his contributions that the United Nations has declared October 2 as the International Day of Non-violence.

Village of Skokie Mayor, Village Trustees; Indian Consulate General honorable Mr. Sudhakar Dalela with consulate team; Mrs. Santosh Kumar and staff of Universal Metro Asian Services (UMAS), and almost 155 supporters graced the occasion

Opening speech by founder and Chairman Dr. Chandrakant M. Modi, highlighted narration of establishment of Mahatma’s statue 15 years ago. He acknowledged pivotal supportive role played by the Mayor and village Trustees   and entire team. Dr. Modi concluded “If Gandhi’s teaching is followed today, no one have to die to go to haven”, that place will be existent right now on our planet.

The Mayor of Skokie Honorable Mr. George Van Dusen started his speech by that Gandhi’s strength came from his spirituality, his honesty and simplicity and, of course, his absolute conviction. “a Quote on Gandhi, by Albert Einstein had who said, “Generations to come, it may well be, will scarce believe that such a man as this one ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth.” He further remarked Gandhi’s strength came from his spirituality, his honesty and simplicity and, of course, his absolute conviction. The village of Skokie of appreciates the steadfast services of the Gandhi Memorial representatives to bring here through the sculpture and taking active role in spreading his universal eternal message of truth, tolerance and non-violence. He further added that since inception of the statue, every year, in honor of this universal man Gandhi, the village has proclaims October 2nd as peace day.

Honorable Mr. Sudhakar Dalela, Counsel General of India, shared Gandhi’s role in achieving monumental task of attaining the goal of independence of India by non-violence movement. Gandhi’s words, actions and methods won over the masses and as a result, several joined him as he led momentous the “Dandi Salt March” in 1930. In 1942, he launched the Quit India Movement.

Honerable Daleja also shared the messages from President and prime minister of India on this occasion and congratulated the Gandhi Memorial community to continue spreading the message of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mrs. Santosh Kumar, Chairperson of Universal Metro Asian Services (UMAS), Chicago, thanked everyone for coming out in large numbers to celebrate Gandhiji’s birthday and vowed to keep up serving the community in the best manner.

Special award was Given to the Mr. Adil Syed, one of grandson of freedom fighter Mr. Khan Abdul Gafar Khan also called Sarhad ke Gandhi as he was native of border of pre-independence India and Afghanistan.

Mr. Satish Chander closed the event with a vote of thanks. He specially thanked extra ordinary perennial support from entire Village of Skokie officials including mayor, board of trustee village manager Mr. Lockerby, Ms. Cathy Stevens and staff of forestry dept, Security department including chef of Police Mr. AnthonyScarpelli, Indian consulate Mr. Sudhakar Daleja and whole consulate staff, Mr. Santoshkumar, Mrs. Jasbir Kour and UMAS staff for catering snacks and hot brew. The event like this would not have been possible without volunteer supports; Harish Kolasani, Dayal Patel, Muktesh Shah for help with transport and distribution of Snacks and juices, Mrs. Bharati Shah, Dina and Amee Modi, Mina Patel, Sudha Guruji, Mira Chander, DJ Mr. Safi, Shobhana Patel from Asian Media USA capture this historical event in video.

Snacks and beverages at the conclusion of the event were provided courtesy of Raja food owned by Swetal Patel and Family.  Hot tea was served by courtesy of Mrs. Jasbir Kaur and her team of volunteers from MFAS.

A Special Consultative Status to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) was conferred on Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP). The US based non-profit, which received this rare honor in August, is one of four NGOs working in India in the disability sector to have received this status. It marks a huge step forward for the organization which empowers Specially Abled people by pushing for greater accessibility in public places, economic opportunities, inclusion, and their right to live a life of equality and dignity.

Some of the privileges this status brings are opportunities to consult with member states and the UN system, access to UN’s offices in New York, Geneva and Vienna and the use of their facilities. It also enables ECOSOC to tap VOSAP for its expertise.

For VOSAP’s Founder Pranav Desai who calls this a “milestone achievement,” the cause is very personal. At the age of 4, Desai was stricken with polio and lost the use of both his legs. Tested by daily challenges from climbing stairs (the family lived on the 4^th floor for 10 years) to convincing educational institutions to admit him, he credits his parents for never treating him differently from his siblings nor making any particular concessions for him. This matter-of-fact “acceptance of reality” and his own innate drive, he retrospects, allowed him to believe in himself and make a mark in the mainstream world.

Desai’s Engineering and MBA degrees coupled with his expertise in SAP software brought him to the US in 1999. He is currently VP at Nippon Telegraphs and Telephones Data and based out of Los Angeles.  Citing his own life as an example, he points to his cane and braces which help him walk, he drives his own car and as Head of Sales travels extensively. He is thankful for these opportunities and his singular goal is to help others achieve the same.

VOSAP, the Ahmedabad native explains, is a global team of 8000 plus volunteers who have come together to help Specially Abled people rise above their disabilities. His wife, Usha is a co-founder and the couple’s efforts has already made a significant impact in India with its “Accessible India” campaign.

Sharing a unique perspective, Desai says that each of us is “temporarily abled.” One mishap, one misstep or the inevitable process of aging can make us disabled. He emphasizes the importance of coming together to uplift the millions of people whose needs and aspirations are largely ignored due to their disability.

The organization’s volunteers reach out to corporations, religious organizations, social and political leaders to “sensitize” them, foster conversations about disability and bring about a greater acceptance for them. Sewing machines, wheel chairs and hearing aids are distributed on a monthly basis, made possible by fundraisers and generous donors. Sparsh Shah, the singing prodigy who was born with the Brittle Bones Disease, is VOSAP’s articulate Youth Ambassador.

According to WHO’s statistics, 15% of the world’s population suffers from some disability but   India’s figures are dubious due to social stigma, lack of benefits and its vague definition. Some estimates put the number at seven crores. Additionally, special facilities are scarce to non-existent.

However, this seems to be changing. When the Modi government came to power in 2014, Desai met the Prime Minister in a one-on-one meeting to work on a comprehensive new law for people with disabilities. When the proposals were presented to Modi after 2 years, it was approved by him in six hours, passed through both the Houses of Parliament and went to the President for his signature all “within 30 days.” The law provides for greater awareness of disability, revised building codes, 4% reservation for public sector jobs, insurance and reimbursed training. Desai is also an Advisor to the Department of Empowerment of People with Disability in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Desai has also created an App (VOSAP) which allows volunteers to photograph a building’s accessibility. The App updates this information using GPS and helps people in wheelchairs find places they can visit based on accessibility ratings and comments.

A motivational speaker, Pranav wants to use his voice for the Specially Abled in every part of the world. Be the change maker in your community, he urges, be compassionate and most importantly, be accepting of those with disabilities. To learn more about the organization, download the App or visit www.voiceofsap.org.

Chicago, IL: We appreciate all of you joining us to honor the memory of Vipul Ishwarlal Patel. He passed away due to savior heart attack, on Monday – May 20, 2019, at 1:00 pm in Chicago.  Vipul will live forever in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace.

His funeral was well attended by community leaders, family members and friends. Hitesh Gandhi; Vice president of FIA, Lalbhai Patel; Chairman of Umiya Mataji Temple, Chandrakant Modi MD; Chairman Asian Cremation USA, Dinaben Modi, Sailash Masa, Rekha Patel, Usha Masi and Bipin Mama came from L.A. Jayshreeben and Devendra Patel joined from Chicago. Vipul had lots of friends among the photographer and videographer groups, along with Chirag Patel, Hanif, Kalpesh Gandhi, Asish Desai and Urvesh Thakkar. Nilu, Lubna [Threading Salon], Niki, Komal Jani, Manubhai Jani, Amit (Anant) Shah and Sardar Patel Group. Since, his both sons were in India, so, entire “Agni Sanskar Vidhi” was performed by Shital Patel son Devers Desai. Funeral was attended by Shobhana Patel’s coworkers and friends. Even though month of Ramadan, a lot of Muslim friends [Amrin, Noor and Ayesha], also attended the funeral. Kiran Rami and Sonal Rami contribute flowers and David Pimm donate funeral for Vipul Patel. Atul and Alka from Hare Rama and Hare Krushna participate in chanting Chapter 12 and 15 Bhagavad-Gita Adhyāya.

Vipul Patel was a simple man who loved his family and worked every day with reliability and dependably. Vipul was the prime example of accepting perplexing work that others in his profession stayed away. Vipul was successful warrior who met challenges early in life due to death of his father when he was just 11 yrs. old.  He became bread winner and concurrently completed Commerce degree. Motivation and hard work with range and depth of his visionary artistic talent and amazing energy lead him to successful, a self-taught, and talented well-liked popular Photo and videographer. He was known to many members of the Health and Engineering professional groups in the Chicago community.

One example comes to my mind. One day on hot sunny humid August 15 India Independence Day on Devon Avenue in Chicago, he was assigned to the parade route to take full length video, lasting several hours. When no one else wanted such weighty task, Vipul accepted the challenge.  He carried heavy video camera in poignant spectacle and produced an outstanding product. The highlight from his work was selected for broadcast watched by millions of viewers in the evening news on local TV channel.

Vipul and his wife Shobhana, has been the pillar of strength for Asian Media USA. They both burnt lots of midnight oil means long hours to keep up the professional excellence. Their dedication to raise the quality and delivery standards always moved to the higher levels for Asian Media USA. Vipul relentlessly covered numerous high-power events such as, the Governor of Illinois; and the Mayor of Chicago.  He always showed great class in meeting with the elected dignitaries like City Aldermen, Senators and Congressmen. His versatility is evident from the fact that he also covered the press briefing with Honorable Shri Venkaiah Naidu, the Vice President of India. Being an avid sportsman himself, Vipul always took special interest in covering the community sports event like the annual meets of Punjabi Cultural Society, Palatine, Illinois. The wide variety of his professional achievements also included meticulously covering the details of visits of many cultural and movie artists from India.

Vipul, despite his chronic illness exposing him to high risk of becoming dehydrated completed his duty.

His enduring work of creating a photographic memorial will be fondly remembered by many individuals, and families. Despite his health challenges, nothing stopped him from being outwardly, polished professional, running to the event after event, from one location to another, like temples, Consulate Office, Community festivals and community mega events like “Vibrant Gujrat and BJPWorld Hindu Congress”.

He is survived by his wife Shobhana and sons Suril and Ravish. As per the Hindu religious ritual, his body was cremated on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 [12 noon] Vipul has left lasting memory in our heart.

Special messages from Shobhana Patel;

Our hear felt and thanks to all the people who attended funeral services as well as others for their prayers and who sent us massages on social media, e-mail, Text and WhatsApp