The Indian Panorama

Year: 2014

  • Inauguration of Kate Murray

    Inauguration of Kate Murray

    On the day of her induction to a sixth term, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray led a group of 5 newly elected officials and a compelling tribute to the heroes and the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The ceremony detailed Hempstead Town’s resilience and strength in the wake of the Superstorm. Murray, the first elected female supervisor of America’s largest township, was sworn in during a moving ceremony at Hempstead Town Hall on January 2, 2014.

    The event featured a musical performance by American Idol finalist and Merrick resident Robbie Rosen, a special video presentation, appearances by heroes of Superstorm Sandy and the unveiling of a state-of-the-art recreation facility for children with special needs. Along with Murray, Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Gary Hudes and Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad, winners of November 2013 elections were also inducted during the ceremony. More than a year ago, on October 29, 2012, Hempstead Town encountered a storm unlike any other. Devastating floods and high winds destroyed thousands of homes in the South Shore communities.

    Under Murray’s leadership, Hempstead Town went right to work, distributing supplies, replenishing decimated beaches, restoring essential facilities and services, assisting victims as they rebuilt their homes and supporting Sandy-impacted businesses. “Over the past year, we’ve confronted the aftermath of a natural disaster, we’ve struggled, persevered and continue to recover,” Murray said. “What became most evident during this time of trial and tribulation was that, indeed, home is not made up of bricks, mortar and lumber. Rather, home is where memories are made, neighbors care for one another and a community exudes the warmth of a family’s loving embrace. Welcome home, Welcome to Hempstead Town.” In recognition of bravery in the face of danger, Murray presented a distinguished service pin to Chief Anthony D’Esposito of the Island Park Fire Department.

    In the dark of night, the chief and his crew of volunteer firefighters marched through several feet of floodwater, damaged utility wires, dangerous fires and wind-driven debris to rescue trapped neighbors in their Sandy-slammed community. Murray recognized the efforts Mike and Gabrielle Fehling, who lost their home and business, Empire Kayaks, to Superstorm Sandy. They worked tirelessly to re-open their popular business and rebuild their home. The supervisor also saluted Rocco Anastasio, co-owner of Tropix on the Mile in Freeport, who rebuilt the Sandyimpacted business with his own hands, working closely with craftsmen throughout the process. “While some of our families are still struggling and recovering from Sandy, I am here to reassure those members of our family that they will always have a home in Hempstead Town,” Murray said. “Neighbors have rebuilt their houses while our township is rebuilding our island home.”

  • Inauguration of Edward P. Mangano.

    Inauguration of Edward P. Mangano.

    Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano celebrated the inauguration for his second term Thursday, January 2, at Bethpage High School, his alma matter. When a paper Bible couldn’t be located, he took the oath of office with his hand on an iPad that had the Bible onscreen Various speakers included Governor Andrew Cuomo and Rep. Peter King, as well as Senators Charles Schumer, Alfonse M. D’Amato and Dean Skelos. “Ed Mangano has had four years of moments,” Cuomo said.


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    Mangano is sworn in for his second term by the Honorable Thomas Feinman

    “In those four years, he has demonstrated a leadership capacity that is extraordinary.” Christopher Macchio serenaded the audience with performances of “Nessun Dorma” and “You Raise Me Up”. The oath of office was performed by the Honorable Thomas Feinman, after which Mangano offered his gratitude to the residents of Nassau County. “Now is the time for me to thank Nassau County,” Mangano said. “Thank you for allowing me to serve as County Executive for a second term. The support is overwhelming and very heart-warming.”

  • January, the month of Inaugurations

    January, the month of Inaugurations

    NEW YORK (TIP): November, 2013 was a month of elections. December, 2013 was a month of celebrations. And January 2014 is a month of Inaugurations. The Indian Panorama brings alive for our readers some of the more important inaugurations that took place in the first week of January.

    Inauguration of Bill de Blasio as Mayor of New York City
    Bill de Blasio was elected 109th Mayor of New York City in November elections. In his landslide victory, he defeated his Republican rival Joe Lhota by a colossal margin. Blasio was earlier Public Advocate of New York. In the beginning of the race for a Democratic nomination, he was considered an underdog, trailing almost behind everyone (there were three other contenders) but he came on top.


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    Early on in his campaign he established a huge lead over his Republican rival who was no match for him. In his inauguration speech , January 1, in front of City Hall, Bill de Blasio laid out a mayoralty that emphasized social and economic justice. Also inaugurated were Letitia James as Public Advocate and Scott M. Stringer as City Comptroller. Letitia has been a Councilwoman while Scott has been the Manhattan borough president.

  • Diplomatic Retaliation: India Expels Senior US Diplomat

    Diplomatic Retaliation: India Expels Senior US Diplomat

    NEW YORK (TIP): A full scale diplomatic war seems to have erupted between India and USA over the arrest and strip-search of a senior Indian Diplomat Devyani Khobragade in New York on December 12, 2013 and her subsequent indictment for “visa fraud”. In what can be seen as a tit for tat action, India, on January 10, expelled a senior US diplomat in retaliation for the expulsion of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade hours earlier after she had been indicted by a grand jury in New York in a visa fraud case.

    Arrest of Khobragade had led to tense diplomatic stand- off between the two countries which saw the US finally approving her accreditation to the UN on Wednesday, January 8 which gave her full immunity against partial immunity she enjoyed in her position as Deputy Consul General at the time of her arrest.Khobragade was told by the US to leave the country immediately after India refused to waive her diplomatic immunity to face trial. In a quick retaliation, New Delhi ordered the expulsion of an American diplomat of similar rank who was involved in arranging for the “evacuation” of three members of the maid’s family from India two days before Khobragade was arrested.

    Refraining from using the term “expulsion”, official sources said in New Delhi that the US Embassy has been asked to “withdraw” one of its diplomats. Government of India has “reasons to believe that the diplomat is closely involved in the processes relating to the Khobragade case and subsequent unilateral action by the US”, the sources said without divulging the name of the American diplomat. The diplomat was understood to be closely involved in the “evacuation” of the family of Sangeeta, whose husband and two children were flown to the US with tickets issued by the official travel agency of the US Embassy. The diplomat is believed to have also signed the tax exemption for the air tickets using his diplomatic card. India’s tit-for-tat action is only the second instance of a US diplomat being expelled, the first instance being expulsion of George Griffin, then political Counselor, 33 years ago. That was in retaliation against similar action taken by the US against Prabhakar Menon, an Indian diplomat.

    It is understood that it was always the effort of the government to bring back Khobragade, who had surrendered her passport after the arrest and was out on a bail of USD 250,000, through G-1 visa route which would have given her full immunity. Meanwhile, the office of US Attorney Preet Bharara made it known that the charges against Khobragade will remain pending until such time as she can be brought to Court to face the charges, either through a waiver of immunity or on her return to the US in a non-immune status which would make her liable to arrest. The United States has “deeply regretted” that India felt it necessary to expel the American diplomat. “We deeply regret that the Indian government felt it was necessary to expel one of our diplomatic personnel,” the State Department spokesman Jen Psaki said. “I can confirm that a US official accredited to the (American) Mission in India will be leaving post at the request of the government of India”, Psaki said. The spokesman said “this has clearly been a challenging time in the USIndia relationship” and the US expected that “this relationship will not come to a closure and India will take “significant steps” to improve the ties and return to a more “constructive place”.

  • 2013 — THE DEAR DEPARTED

    2013 — THE DEAR DEPARTED

    Renowned film actor Farooq Sheikh passed away on December 28 following a massive heart attack in Dubai. The 64-year-old actor was last seen in Club 60, released earlier this month. Sheikh was best known for his roles in Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Sai Paranjpe’s Chashme Baddoor and Sagar Sarhadi’s Bazaar.


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    PETER O’TOOLE

    Peter O’Toole was an Irish actor. Often called the Hamlet of his generation. Nominated for eight Academy Awards for Best Actor in his lifetime. Some of his well-known works include ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘Venus’ and ‘The Stunt Man’. Died on December 14.


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    VIDYA CHARAN SHUKLA

    Vidya Charan Shukla, Former Union Cabinet minister and Congress leader. Close aide of Indira Gandhi. Critically injured in Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh on May 25. Succumbed to his injuries on June 11.


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    TARLA DALAL

    Tarla Dalal, one of India’s most celebrated chefs and prolific cookbook writers. Died on November 6.


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    SYD FIELD

    Syd Field was an American screenwriting guru. Died on November 17.


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    SRIKANTA DATTA WODEYAR

    Scion of the erstwhile Mysore royal family, former Congress MP from the Mysore constituency and also a fashion designer. Died on December 10.

    SIR JOHN TAVENER
    Famous British composer. Some of his wellknown works include ‘Song for Athene’ and ‘The Whale’. Died on November 12.

    SIR ANTHONY CARO
    Widely regarded as the greatest British sculptor of his generation and worked as an assistant to Henry Moore in the 1950s. Died on October 23.


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    SHAMSHAD BEGUM

    She was one of the first playback singers in the Hindi film industry. Died on April 23.

    SHAKUNTALA DEVI
    Known for her mathematical prowess and the ability to compute complex equations mentally. Died on April 21.

    SEAMUS HEANEY
    One of the world’s best-known poets and winner of the 1995 Nobel Prize for literature. Died on August 30.


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    SANDEEP ACHARYA

    Winner of second season of Indian Idol. Died on December 15.


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    RITUPARNO GHOSH

    National Award winner filmmaker. His widely acclaimed films include ‘Unishe April’, ‘Dahan’, ‘Asukh’, ‘Chokher Bali’, ‘Raincoat’, ‘Bariwali’, ‘Antarmahal’ and ‘Noukadubi’. Died on May 30.

    RAY PRICE
    Famous American singer and guitarist. Some of his well-known works include ‘Night Life’, ‘Release Me’ and ‘Crazy Arms’. Died on December 16.

    RAJENDRA YADAV
    Noted Hindi author and a pioneer of the literary movement ‘Nayi Kahani’. Died on October 28.


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    PRAN

    Appeared in over 350 films. His widely acclaimed films include ‘Madhumati’, ‘Ram Aur Shyam’, ‘Don’, ‘Zanjeer’ and ‘Upkar’. Winner of Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Died on July 12.

    Hugo Chavez (March 5)
    Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez died after a two-year battle with cancer, ending 14 years of tumultuous rule that made the socialist leader a hero for the poor but a hate figure to his opponents. The flamboyant 58-year-old had undergone four operations in Cuba for a cancer that was first detected in his pelvic region in mid-2011. His last surgery was on December 11, 2012 and he had not been seen in public since.


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    Margaret Thatcher (April 8)

    Britain’s first woman Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, known as the Iron Lady, passed away in April this year following a stroke at the age of 87. Thatcher’s three terms as Prime Minister brought enormous change to the UK.

    ABIR GOSWAMI (MAY 30)
    Television actor Abir Goswami, who acted in Hindi films such as ‘Khakee, Lakshya’ and ‘Darna Mana Hai’, died at the age of 37 following a heart attack.. Abir Goswami had acted in TV serials like ‘Kkusum, Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli, Hotel Kingston’ and ‘Pyar Ka Dard Hai’. Abir was diagnosed with lymphoma in May 2012 and had unndergone surgery.

    JIAH KHAN (JUNE 3)
    The 25-year-old actress, best remembered as the ‘Nishabd’ girl, was found hanging at her flat in suburban Mumbai this year. A six-page suicide note was discovered by Jiah Khan’s mother a few days after her death. In the note Jiah wrote about her relationship with Suraj Pancholi, that landed the budding actor in jail. After spending over 20 days in jail, Suraj was released on bail. While the police claimed it was a case of suicide, Jiah’s mother Rabiya Khan alleged that it was not suicide and sought police to probe the angle of murder.

    CORY MONTEITH (JULY 13)
    ‘Glee’ star Cory Monteith died of intravenous heroin use combined with the ingestion of alcohol in his hotel room in Vancouver. Monteith became famous as Finn Hudson with the success of Fox’s musical series since its launch in 2009. He was dating Lea Michele, who also played his onscreen love interest in the series and supported his decision to get into rehab.

    MANNA DEY (OCTOBER 24)
    Legendary playback singer Manna Dey died at a city hospital in October after prolonged illness. Manna Dey, 94, who was admitted to Narayana Hrudayalaya five months ago for respiratory problems, died of cardiac arrest. He was born as Prabodh Chandra Dey but was popularly known as Manna Dey. Manna Dey then began his journey in Bollywood as an assistant music director in 1942 when he accompanied Krishna Chandra Dey to Mumbai (then Bombay). During his lifespan, the legendary singer received Dadasaheb Phalke Award and National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.

    RESHMA (NOVEMBER 3)
    Legendary Pakistani folk singer Reshma, who mesmerised music lovers in the Indian subcontinent with soulful rendition of songs like ‘Lambi Judai’ and ‘Dama Dam Mast Kalandar’ in her trademark rustic voice, died in Lahore on after a prolonged battle with throat cancer.

    PAUL WALKER (NOVEMBER 30)
    The star of the ‘Fast & Furious’ movie series died in a tragic car crash this November. The horrifying car crash killed Walker and his friend in north of Los Angeles. Walker, 40, was working on ‘Fast & Furious 7’ at the time of his death. He also starred in the suspense drama, ‘Hours’, which is set for release this month.


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    NELSON MANDELA (DEC 5)

    Anti-Apartheid leader and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela died at his Johannesburg home after a prolonged lung infection. He was born on 18th July 1918 in a small village of Mvezo which was then a part of South Africa’s Cape Town province. He was given the forename Rolihlahla which basically means ‘troublemaker’. Mandela’s name was going to have a huge effect on him in the future as he would go onto create enormous trouble for the ruling racist regime in South Africa.

    DAVID COLEMAN (DEC 21)
    British sports broadcaster David Coleman, who covered 11 Summer Olympics for the BBC and six football World Cups, died at the age of 87. Coleman retired from the BBC in 2000 after covering the Sydney Olympics. He became the first broadcaster to receive an Olympic Order medal to recognize his contribution to the Olympic movement.

    MIKHAIL KALASHNIKOV (DECEMBER 23)
    Mikhail Kalashnikov, the designer of famed Russian AK-47 assault rifle, passed away in his home city of Izhevsk, an industrial town. Kalashnikov was the carnage of World War II, when Nazi Germany overran much of the Soviet Union, which altered his course and made his name as well-known for bloodshed as Smith, Wesson and Colt. The distinctive shape of the gun, often called “a Kalashnikov,” appeared on revolutionary flags and adorns memorabilia

  • SIR ANTHONY CARO

    SIR ANTHONY CARO

    Widely regarded as the greatest British sculptor of his generation and worked as an assistant to Henry Moore in the 1950s. Died on October 23.

  • SHAMSHAD BEGUM

    SHAMSHAD BEGUM

    She was one of the first playback singers in
    the Hindi film industry. Died on April 23.

  • SHAKUNTALA DEVI

    SHAKUNTALA DEVI

    Known for her mathematical prowess and the
    ability to compute complex equations
    mentally. Died on April 21.

  • SEAMUS HEANEY

    SEAMUS HEANEY

    One of the world’s best-known poets and winner of the 1995
    Nobel Prize for literature. Died on August 30.

  • SANDEEP ACHARYA

    SANDEEP ACHARYA

    Winner of second season of Indian Idol. Died on December 15.

  • RITUPARNO GHOSH

    RITUPARNO GHOSH

    National Award winner filmmaker. His widely acclaimed films include ‘Unishe April’, ‘Dahan’, ‘Asukh’, ‘Chokher Bali’, ‘Raincoat’, ‘Bariwali’, ‘Antarmahal’ and ‘Noukadubi’. Died on May 30.

  • RAY PRICE

    RAY PRICE

    Famous American singer and guitarist. Some of his well-known works include ‘Night Life’, ‘Release Me’ and ‘Crazy Arms’. Died on December 16.

  • RAJENDRA YADAV

    RAJENDRA YADAV

    Noted Hindi author and a pioneer of the literary movement ‘Nayi Kahani’. Died on October 28.

  • PRAN

    PRAN

    Appeared in over 350 films. His widely acclaimed films include ‘Madhumati’, ‘Ram Aur Shyam’, ‘Don’, ‘Zanjeer’ and ‘Upkar’. Winner of Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Died on July 12.

  • Hugo Chavez (March 5)

    Hugo Chavez (March 5)

    Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez died after a two-year battle with cancer, ending 14 years of tumultuous rule that made the socialist leader a hero for the poor but a hate figure to his opponents. The flamboyant 58-year-old had undergone four operations in Cuba for a cancer that was first detected in his pelvic region in mid-2011. His last surgery was on December 11, 2012 and he had not been seen in public since.

  • Margaret Thatcher (April 8)

    Margaret Thatcher (April 8)

    Britain’s first woman Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, known as the Iron Lady, passed away in April this year following a stroke at the age of 87. Thatcher’s three terms as Prime Minister brought enormous change to the UK.

  • ABIR GOSWAMI (MAY 30)

    ABIR GOSWAMI (MAY 30)

    Television actor Abir Goswami, who acted in Hindi films such as ‘Khakee, Lakshya’ and ‘Darna Mana Hai’, died at the age of 37 following a heart attack.. Abir Goswami had acted in TV serials like ‘Kkusum, Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli, Hotel Kingston’ and ‘Pyar Ka Dard Hai’. Abir was diagnosed with lymphoma in May 2012 and had unndergone surgery.

  • JIAH KHAN (JUNE 3)

    JIAH KHAN (JUNE 3)

    The 25-year-old actress, best remembered as the ‘Nishabd’ girl, was found hanging at her flat in suburban Mumbai this year. A six-page suicide note was discovered by Jiah Khan’s mother a few days after her death. In the note Jiah wrote about her relationship with Suraj Pancholi, that landed the budding actor in jail. After spending over 20 days in jail, Suraj was released on bail. While the police claimed it was a case of suicide, Jiah’s mother Rabiya Khan alleged that it was not suicide and sought police to probe the angle of murder.

  • CORY MONTEITH (JULY 13)

    CORY MONTEITH (JULY 13)

    ‘Glee’ star Cory Monteith died of intravenous heroin use combined with the ingestion of alcohol in his hotel room in Vancouver. Monteith became famous as Finn Hudson with the success of Fox’s musical series since its launch in 2009. He was dating Lea Michele, who also played his onscreen love interest in the series and supported his decision to get into rehab.

  • MANNA DEY (OCTOBER 24)

    MANNA DEY (OCTOBER 24)

    Legendary playback singer Manna Dey died at a city hospital in October after prolonged illness. Manna Dey, 94, who was admitted to Narayana Hrudayalaya five months ago for respiratory problems, died of cardiac arrest. He was born as Prabodh Chandra Dey but was popularly known as Manna Dey.

    Manna Dey then began his journey in Bollywood as an assistant music director in 1942 when he accompanied Krishna Chandra Dey to Mumbai (then Bombay). During his lifespan, the legendary singer received Dadasaheb Phalke Award and National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.

  • RESHMA (NOVEMBER 3)

    RESHMA (NOVEMBER 3)

    Legendary Pakistani folk singer Reshma, who mesmerised music lovers in the Indian subcontinent with soulful rendition of songs like ‘Lambi Judai’ and ‘Dama Dam Mast Kalandar’ in her trademark rustic voice, died in Lahore on after a prolonged battle with throat cancer.

  • PAUL WALKER (NOVEMBER 30)

    PAUL WALKER (NOVEMBER 30)

    The star of the ‘Fast & Furious’ movie series died in a tragic car crash this November. The horrifying car crash killed Walker and his friend in north of Los Angeles. Walker, 40, was working on ‘Fast & Furious 7’ at the time of his death. He also starred in the suspense drama, ‘Hours’, which is set for release this month.

  • NELSON MANDELA (DEC 5)

    NELSON MANDELA (DEC 5)

    Anti-Apartheid leader and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela died at his Johannesburg home after a prolonged lung infection. He was born on 18th July 1918 in a small village of Mvezo which was then a part of South Africa’s Cape Town province. He was given the forename Rolihlahla which basically means ‘troublemaker’. Mandela’s name was going to have a huge effect on him in the future as he would go onto create enormous trouble for the ruling racist regime in South Africa.

  • TERRORISTS STRIKE AGAIN

    TERRORISTS STRIKE AGAIN

    On October 27, a series of bomb blasts rocked Patna at a massive election rally for BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi at Gandhi Maidan. Of the estimated 3,00,000 present at the “Hunkar” rally, six people were killed and many were injured. Investigations point to the role of the Indian Mujahideen. Earlier on July 7, a series of ten bombs exploded in and around the Mahabodhi Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bodh Gaya.

  • DAVID COLEMAN (DEC 21)

    DAVID COLEMAN (DEC 21)

    British sports broadcaster David Coleman, who covered 11 Summer Olympics for the BBC and six football World Cups, died at the age of 87. Coleman retired from the BBC in 2000 after covering the Sydney Olympics. He became the first broadcaster to receive an Olympic Order medal to recognize his contribution to the Olympic movement.