The Indian Panorama

Year: 2017

  • Modi has ushered in a golden age for BJP: US think tank

    Modi has ushered in a golden age for BJP: US think tank

    Touting his business-friendly policies, nationalist rhetoric, and an aspirational appeal that struck a chord with a young and increasingly restless India, Modi led his party to a historic electoral rout.

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Prime Minister

    Narendra Modi has ushered in a golden age for the BJP as the party made a comeback to power in Bihar after chief minister Nitish Kumar relegated coalition partner Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) to the Opposition last week, notes a top Indian-American think tank.

    “The upheaval is only the latest signal that the BJP is the new centre of political gravity in a country long controlled by the storied Nehru-Gandhi dynasty of Congress Party,” Milan Vaishnav, director and senior fellow of South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said in an op-ed yesterday.

    The BJP not only occupies prime position for the country’s next general election — scheduled for 2019 — but it is also moving at “breakneck speed” to cement its hold over powerful state governments, he wrote. “Although the BJP government’s gathering strength, signals policy stability and political consolidation, it simultaneously raises concerns about the health of India’s democratic checks and balances,” Vaishnav said.

    Touting his business-friendly policies, nationalist rhetoric, and an aspirational appeal that struck a chord with a young and increasingly restless India, Modi led his party to a historic electoral rout, he said. “Securing the first single-party parliamentary majority in three decades, Modi has ushered in a golden age for the BJP,” he wrote in his op-ed.

    Noting that the BJP’s momentum has opened up “unprecedented opportunities” for the party, Vaishnav wrote, in the longer term, the addition of Bihar will hasten the arrival of the BJP’s majority in the upper house, whose members are indirectly elected by India’s state legislatures; this could materialise as soon as late 2018.

    “With control of both legislative chambers, the BJP can push through its legislative agenda with few impediments,” the Carnegie scholar wrote.

    At the same time, he warned that this concentration of power also has its downside. “The BJP, which has rapidly centralised authority under Modi and party president Amit Shah, would do well to heed the lessons of the past,” Vaishnav said.

    Source: PTI

  • In a first, BJP is largest party In Rajya Sabha, Congress No. 2

    In a first, BJP is largest party In Rajya Sabha, Congress No. 2

    With 58 seats in the Rajya Sabha, one more than the Congress, the BJP is the largest party in the Upper House of Parliament though it still remained in minority

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Sampathiya Uikey, the new lawmaker from Madhya Pradesh, has made history for the BJP by ending the Congress’ 65-year run as the Rajya Sabha’s biggest party. The BJP now has 58 members, the Congress has 57, though the BJP-led government is still short of a majority in the 245-seat Upper House of Parliament.

    The Congress may have remained the largest party till 2018, but its numbers were depleted by the death this year of two lawmakers. Ms Uikey was elected unopposed in a by-election for the Rajya Sabha seat held by union minister Anil Madhav Dave, who died in May this year.

    On Tuesday next, elections will be held for nine seats, six in West Bengal and three in Gujarat, but these may not affect the BJP’s lead. The party is set to win the two seats for which its MPs’ terms end in Gujarat and is also attempting to prevent the Congress’ senior leader Ahmed Patel from returning to the House.

    In Bengal, the term of two Congress MPs ends, but the party can win back only one seat, with Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress set to send five lawmakers to the Upper House after a mammoth win in assembly elections last year.

    A big boost will come next year when the BJP will win eight of nine Uttar Pradesh seats that will be vacated, after sweeping assembly elections in the state this year. Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by legislators in a state.

    While the BJP and its allies have a big majority in the Lok Sabha after they swept the national election three years ago, the government has struggled to push through reforms and legislation in the Rajya Sabha because it is in a minority. Big wins in state elections have helped it narrow the gap but it still relies on the support of friendly regional parties like Tamil Nadu’s AIADMK and the Biju Janata Dal.

    The BJP’s new partnership with Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United in Bihar is expected to help too, though there has been no announcement yet of an alignment at the Centre. The JDU has 10 lawmakers in the Rajya Sabha.

    Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who is also Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, said the BJP becoming the Number 1 party is a “natural consequence of our support base increasing”. “We are in power in most states and since the Rajya Sabha is a council of the states, the strength of the BJP has to be reflected,” he said.

    The minister was confident that his party’s “base will increase in every election”. The Congress’s senior leader Digvijaya Singh conceded it was a natural process. “They have won in the states and this is a house of states,” he said.

    The DMK’s Kanimozhi said she hopes regional parties and the states’ views will be respected. Mr Jaitley has said the government will work with the opposition and will try to ensure that most bills in parliament are passed with consensus and not through a vote.

    The government was embarrassed this week when the opposition forced changes in a bill that sought to amend the constitution and so needed the support of two-thirds of the members present. The government was also hit by the absence of about 30 lawmakers of the BJP and allies when the vote was held. The missing BJP lawmakers have been asked to explain their absence in writing to party chief Amit Shah.

    Source: NDTV

  • War not a solution, issue can be resolved through talks: Sushma on Doklam standoff

    War not a solution, issue can be resolved through talks: Sushma on Doklam standoff

    Sushma Swaraj said in the Rajya Sabha that ‘patience is key to resolving problems’ because of patience is lost, there can be provocation on the other side.

    NEW DELHI (TIP): War was not a solution and India would resolve the border standoff with China through dialogue, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Aug 3 (Thursday), as the Communist neighbour again asked New Delhi to withdraw troops from Doklam if it wanted peace.

    It was not possible to resolve every issue through war and solutions could be found through talks, Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha about the standoff between the border guards of the two countries close to Sikkim in India’s northeast.

    “Patience and bhasha saiyam (restraint) are very important to resolve the issue. If there is no restraint, it provokes the other side,” Swaraj said during a four-and-a-half-hour discussion on India’s foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners.

    Opposition member raised various issues including Doklam standoff, China’s attempts to encircle India and New Delhi’s Pakistan policy. “Countries have armies to stay prepared for war. But war is not a solution to anything. Even after war, there has to be a dialogue. So have dialogue without a war,” she said.

    Faced with an aggressive Opposition charge led by the Congress, Swaraj hit back at the party over Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with Chinese ambassador Luo Zhaohui in July. Without naming the Congress vice-president, Swaraj said the Opposition leader met the Chinese envoy without seeking information about the standoff from the government.

    The Opposition leader should have first understood the government’s viewpoint on and then met the Chinese envoy and conveyed him India’s viewpoint, the minister said.

    “You should have first sought details from the government and then confronted the Chinese envoy,” she said. Indian and Chinese soldiers are locked in a standoff since June 16, with China accusing India of trespass and preventing its soldiers from building a road in disputed region of Doklam.

    Bhutan and India maintain that Doklam, or Donglang as the Chinese call it, is a Bhutanese territory. The road, if built, would have serious implication for India’s security. The Chinese have taken an aggressive stand on the border impasse and has even warned of a war. India was negotiating with China not only on Doklam but issuing relating to the overall bilateral relationship, she said.

    The minister also brushed aside the Opposition’s contention that the government had no policy to deal with Pakistan, saying India had a roadmap for peace but it could not be one-sided.

    “Terror and talks cannot go together. The day they stop promoting terror, we will start the talks,” Swaraj said. She said the government had extended hand of friendship towards Pakistan but the whole story changed after Hizbul militant Burhan Wani’s killing in Kashmir last year.

    “The Pakistani PM called him shaheed (martyr). Things changed after that,” she said. Dismissing allegations that Indian foreign policy wasn’t delivering, Swaraj said New Delhi was shaping global agenda.

    “You say during 1971, the US was with Pakistan, and Russia was supporting India. Today both Russia and the US are supporting India. This reflects the success of our foreign policy,” she said.

    Source: HT

  • August 4 New York & Dallas Print Editions

    August 4 New York & Dallas Print Editions

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    Print Replica ~ Digitally

    E-Editions

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  • Consular Camp on August 19

    Consular Camp on August 19

    HOUSTON (TIP): Consulate General of India, Houston in association with the India Association of North Texas (IANT) would be organizing a one-day Consular camp on Saturday, 19 August at the India Association of North Texas, 701, North Central Expressway, Building #5, Richardson, TX 75080

    US passport holders of Indian origin, who are in the process of applying OCI Card, Visa and Renunciation of Indian nationality, may bring in their applications with the supporting documents to the Consular Camp.

    Indian passport holders who are in the process of applying for renewal of their Indian passport, may also bring in their applications with the supporting documents to the Consular Camp.

    Officers of the Consulate General of India, Houston will verify the applications and supporting documents.    Applicants may thereafter send the approved applications to CKGS, Houston.

    Since this is a special drive, Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin may avail of this opportunity and meet officers of the Consulate General of India, Houston.

    Those interested to avail of the service are advised   to   schedule   an   appointment   by   visiting   the   website www.iant.org

  • Parents Accuse Irving ISD of Retaliation After Son Forced to Change Schools

    Parents Accuse Irving ISD of Retaliation After Son Forced to Change Schools

    With the school year right around the corner an Irving family doesn’t know which school their child will attend.

    IRVING, TX (TIP): When Iqbal Bhombal got the letter from Irving Independent School District in the mail he wasn’t shocked. Every year the district notifies parents of the school to which their children have been assigned.

    What shocked Bhombal was that his son, Zain, was not assigned to the school he’s attended since kindergarten, John Hayley Elementary School.

    “The school is more than two miles away, and there is no bus service,” Bhombal said. “It’s like dropping him into a foreign school.”

    Bhombal is still waiting on an explanation from the district as to why Zain is being moved, but he’s going to appeal the decision.

    He believes the decision is retaliation for the lawsuit he filed against Irving ISD in May. The lawsuit accuses the district and administrators at John Hayley Elementary School of discriminating, harassing, and violating Zain’s civil rights.

    The lawsuit was filed after an incident on March 9, right before spring break. Bhombal said he arrived at school to find Zain being bullied by another student who said Zain had a bomb in his lunch box.

    Zain said he told the student he did have a bomb in his lunch box so the boy would stop teasing him. He also claims a student called him “Tally,” short-hand for Taliban.

    No disciplinary action was taken until several weeks later when Zain and his father met with administrators. Zain was given a one-day, in-school suspension. His father thought that the situation had been resolved, but his lawsuit claims his son was continuously harassed and questioned.

    Bhombal does not know when his appeal will be heard, but he fears time is running out. Irving ISD trustees don’t meet until after the school year starts.

    “I want justice. The boy should be able to go to a school of his choice and he should be free from any harassment, or retaliation, or discrimination,” Bhombal said. “If they’re going to punish him, fine, but there has to be equal punishment, you know. He should not be singled out for punishment.”

    NBC 5 reached out to Irving ISD for comment, but our calls were not returned. Due to the district’s summer hours NBC 5 will update this story as soon as a response is available.

    (Source: NBC 5)

  • Indian Americans slam Mika Singh’s ‘unforgivable’ comments

    HOUSTON (TIP): An Indian-American business executive and founder of the JVB Preksha Meditation Centre, Houston, said: “We are two separate countries and have been celebrating our independence days separately Moreover, India and Pakistan are not on good terms If they have to be celebrated together, it has to be left to the Prime Ministers’ of India and Pakistan to decide that”. He was reacting to the comment of Mika Singh who had urged his fans in Houston to join him in celebrating the independence days of India and “Apna Pakistan”, His comment has drawn criticism from Indian Americans for his “unforgivable” remarks.

    Singh, popular for his hip-hop dance tracks, is scheduled to perform in Houston on August 12, ahead of the independence days of Pakistan and India on August 14 and 15 respectively.

    In the run-up to his show, he posted a video on the Internet, urging his fans and supporters from India and Pakistan to join the celebration. In the video, he could be seen with a local Pakistani-origin promoter of his show.

    A large number of Indian Americans have criticized the “ill-timed” video calling for a joint celebration at the show.

    They say the video comes across as a “cruel joke” in the wake of the ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the LoC, resulting in “deaths of innocent civilians and the armed forces personnel.”

  • NYC CHARGES QUEENS LANDLORD WITH RETALIATING AGAINST IMMIGRANT TENANTS WHO FILED DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS

    NYC Commission on Human Rights continues enforcement against landlords discriminating against tenants based on immigration status, sending cease and desist letters to other landlords in violation of the NYC Human Rights Law and warning of legal consequences

    NEW YORK (TIP): New York City announced charges today against a landlord in Ridgewood, Queens for retaliating against immigrant tenants after they reported him to the NYC Commission on Human Rights for discrimination based on immigration status. In March, the Commission served the landlord a notice of the complaint alleging discrimination after Make the Road NY brought the case to the Commission. In his response letter to the Commission, the landlord denied the allegations and indicated that he sent a copy of the letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which included tenants’ personal information, in violation of the NYC Human Rights Law’s retaliation protections.

    The Commission is now charging the landlord with retaliation against his tenants and filing a complaint against him on behalf of the City. Out of concern for the tenants’ safety, the Commission is not releasing the names of the tenants in these cases. The Commission has notified the landlord of the retaliation charges and is awaiting a response.

    “Our message is loud and clear: we will hold landlords accountable for discrimination in our city,” said Mayor de Blasio. “We stand with tenants, regardless of their origin, in Queens and across the five boroughs.”

    “The Commission will not hesitate to take action against bad actors when they retaliate against New Yorkers who have reported discrimination,” said Assistant Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Bureau at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Sapna V. Raj. “The NYC Human Rights Law makes it illegal to retaliate against any individual for reporting discrimination, regardless of their immigration status. Everyone in New York City deserves the right to live free from discrimination and harassment and should not fear for their safety when reporting violations of the Law.”

    “This repeated harassment and retaliation against immigrant tenants is unlawful and unacceptable in New York City,” said Nisha Agarwal, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “It is very unfortunate that certain bad actors feel emboldened to follow Washington’s lead in hostility towards immigrants. We are proud of our colleagues at the NYC Commission on Human Rights for taking action, standing with our fellow New Yorkers, and making clear that immigrants’ rights must be respected in our city.”

    “While landlords have been threatening to call ICE on immigrant tenants for years, we have seen a significant increase in this form of harassment since Trump was elected,” said Senior Staff Attorney at Make the Road New York, Ryan Napoli. “The Commission on Human Rights has been an important partner and advocate for the immigrant community in combating this intimidation, and we applaud the Commission’s actions in this case.”

    “My landlord has been harassing and threatening me and my family for over a year. Most recently, he started threatening us with ICE unless we moved out of our apartment immediately,” said a tenant and member of Make the Road New York. “With the help of Make the Road New York and the Commission on Human Rights, I know that I have rights and I no longer feel that I have to live in fear. I am grateful for this support and I am glad that the Commission is launching these investigations. I urge other immigrant families to reach out to the Commission and stand up for their right to live with respect and dignity.”

    In an effort to further crack down on landlords for discriminating against tenants based on their immigration status, the Commission recently sent a cease and desist letter to landlord Zara Realty Holding Corp (Queens) for discriminating against immigrant tenants. Last month, the Commission sent a similar letter to landlord Jaideep Reddy (Queens) after it learned he was discriminating against tenants based on their immigration status. The Commission has heard from these landlords and is exploring further enforcement actions.

    When the Commission identifies housing discrimination, it may take the following actions to address the violation:

    Launch investigations against landlords based on complaints from tenants.

    Launch its own Commission-initiated investigations into landlords the Commission believes is discriminating against members of the public. The Commission may launch a Commission-initiated investigation after receiving anonymous tips, reports, or complaints from members of the public or based on evidence uncovered through its testing program.

    Send a “cease and desist” letter when it learns a landlord has engaged in discriminatory behavior to direct the landlord to immediately comply with the Law.

    In this specific case, the Commission filed additional charges against the landlord after he copied ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in his response to the Commission’s initial complaint filed by tenants alleging discrimination based on their immigration status. The NYC Human Rights Law explicitly prohibits retaliation for filing discrimination claims with the Commission. It is also illegal in New York City to discriminate against or harass a tenant because of their immigration status or national origin, among other protected categories.

    The Commission has the authority to fine violators with civil penalties of up to $250,000 for willful and malicious violations of the Law and can award compensatory damages to victims, including emotional distress damages and other benefits. The Commission can also order trainings on the NYC Human Rights Law, changes to policies, and other relief such as community service and mediated apologies.

    Over the past two years, Commission has increased enforcement efforts to address housing discrimination based on immigration status and national origin.

    Over the last two years, the Commission has doubled the overall number of investigations into discrimination based on immigration status and/or national origin, filing 376 claims in those areas in 2016/2015 compared to 155 claims in 2014/2013.

    In 2016 alone, the Commission more than doubled the number of new investigations into discrimination based on immigration status and/or national origin in housing, filing 60 claims in 2016 compared to 22 in 2015.

    The Commission is currently investigating 291 claims of discrimination based on immigration status and/or national origin, 89 claims specifically in housing.

    Additionally, the Commission has held nearly 400 workshops and outreach events this year to educate tenants about their housing rights. The Commission also trains housing providers on their responsibilities under the Law with the goal of preventing future acts of discrimination and regularly engages housing advocates and vulnerable communities to address housing discrimination and inform people of their rights. Learn more about housing protections against discrimination in New York City at www.nyc.gov/fairhousing.

    If you or someone you know believes they are the victim of discrimination or harassment by their landlord, call 311 and ask for NYC Commission on Human Rights or call the Commission’s Infoline at 718-722-3131. Reports may also be filed anonymously. People may also report discrimination on the Commission’s website.

     

  • ‘Paper marriages’ mushroom, but police await complaint

    CHANDIGARH (TIP): It is literally a marriage of convenience. Far away from the infamous phenomenon of abandoned brides that left nearly 30,000 Punjabi women undefended when their NRI grooms deserted them, a cool ‘paper marriage culture’ has developed in the state. There is virtually no police check.

    Sample this: A girl from Mohali belonging to a poor economic background was extremely good in studies, especially in English language. She was excited by an advertisement in a newspaper about paper marriage. The ad seemed to promise a fortune. All she had to do was marry a ‘below average’ youth from a village near Faridkot settled abroad.

    The ‘package’ offered by the prospective groom’s family through a ‘smooth talking’ agent stated the groom’s family would bear all expenses of her education, marriage and settlement in a foreign country. She would be a paper wife only and won’t have to even move to her husband’s house after the wedding. The deal clinched and both are settled in Australia now but with different partners. They got divorced as already agreed. Both have Permanent Residency in that country.

    Everyone doesn’t end up as ‘lucky’.

    The paper marriage is a worrying trend where either partners or both end up being exploited. The sole vow of the marriage in such cases is the commitment to help each other in search for greener pastures in the US, UK, Europe, Australia or New Zealand.

    When the conflict gets serious, the matter lands up with NRI police stations in the state. This is when the police come into picture. The Special NRI Wing, formed to look into marital disputes or fraud against NRIs, does not have any policy or proactive approach to stop such ads. The Punjab Police has no plan at all.

    Though the ads offer such illegal paper marriages, the police just await a formal complaint. IG-NRI Wing Ishwar Singh says the district police must look into such fraudulent ads. The NRI wing comes into picture when the fraud is already committed. “We spread awareness,” he said.

    Director, Bureau of Police Investigation, ADGP IPS Sahota, said the police do crack down “from time to time” on such travel agents. “We do conduct checks, but such ads have not come to our notice.”

    Kamaldeep Singh AIG NRI Wing sees a legal bottleneck. “On the face of it, such a marriage is legal. What can the police do unless there is a complaint? The couple goes through all the rituals of a wedding. Other than the immediate family, no one is aware. Unlike the fraudulent sham marriages scripted by NRIs in the abandoned brides’ case, the parents and baraatis are real. It is all verbal,” he said. Things, he says, get complicated only when money is sought to be refunded. He cites data: Of the 141 FIRs registered against or by NRIs, only 52 were about marital disputes and none of these was about the failure of such a legal marriage. Last year, from the 195 cases, 58 were related to marital disputes and none involved paper marriage.

    There is a hope, if at all. “Sometimes, a paper marriage develops into a real one. Two such cases came to the knowledge of the NRI wing where couples tied in such a contract marriage told their parents they were in love. “The bond developed when they moved abroad. The wedding had already taken place only the vows were exchanged afresh.”

    A look at most of such ads shows that more boys than girls seek a partner through such deals. A teacher with a local academy, which offers preparation courses on IELTS, says “very few boys are able to clear the test.” As most boys are unable to get the requisite grade, they try to migrate with the help of a sponsor or a girl who has cleared the IELTS exams.

    What is IELTS?

    The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. The IELTS assesses all English skills — reading, writing, listening and speaking, and is designed to reflect how a person will use English in one’s studies, work, and at leisure activities, says Wikipedia.

    It says the test is developed by some of the world’s leading experts in language assessment. It has an excellent international reputation, and is accepted by over 9,000 organizations worldwide, including in schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies.

    The candidate is given marks or bands out of 10. Those scoring 6.5 or more have better chances of getting a student or work visa in a foreign country.

  • August is National Immunization Awareness Month

    Nassau County Reminds Parents of Importance of Vaccinations

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP):  Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein remind parents that updating their children’s vaccinations should be added to their back-to-school list.  Vaccines offer the best-known protection against many life-threatening and debilitating diseases.

    County Executive Mangano stated, “The single best way to protect our children and the entire community from these serious diseases is by ensuring age appropriate vaccinations.  Vaccines are among the safest most cost-effective ways to prevent disease and protect health.”

    In addition to the State required immunizations for day care settings, schools and health care providers, the following are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: influenza, rotavirus, hepatitis A and human papilloma virus vaccines.

    “Nassau County continues to see cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, including mumps and pertussis, added County Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein.  Protecting our children from preventable diseases will keep them healthy and in school.  Vaccines are recommended throughout our lives and are a proven and successful public health tool in protecting society from many of these serious diseases.”

    Vaccines are recommended for infants, children, teenagers and adults based on many different factors including age, health conditions, lifestyles, occupation and travel.  Vaccination is a critical step in protecting those who are most vulnerable to illness – infants and young children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems.

    For additional information on immunizations for children and adults, visit the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization or contact the Nassau County Department of Health Immunization Hotline weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at (516) 227-9416.

  • Curran Snubs Hispanic Community Preferring Party with Glitzy Friends: George Maragos for Nassau County Executive

    Curran Snubs Hispanic Community Preferring Party with Glitzy Friends: George Maragos for Nassau County Executive

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP): George Maragos for Nassau County Executive in a statement on August 3 said, “Last night’s Hispanics United for Nassau County candidate’s forum in Hempstead marked the third consecutive time where Laura Curran and her establishment ticket failed to show up and discuss issues important to Nassau County voters. They were previously truant from forums hosted by the Portuguese Heritage Society and Hicksville Chamber of Commerce. Their absence as candidates is an insult not only to our ethnic and Latino communities but to all whose issues and voices continue to be ignored by both the Democratic and Republican establishment. Rather than face voters to address their concerns and articulate her positions on items of importance to the community, it appears, Curran and her Democratic slate chose to party with select glitzy and special interest friends at a fundraiser.

    The Democratic slate of George Maragos for County Executive, Ama Yawson for County Comptroller, Carl DeHaney for County Clerk and George Siberon for the 5th Legislative Seat presented last night at the Candidates Forum a bold, progressive agenda directly to the people of Nassau County. An agenda that calls for lower property taxes for the middle class, seniors and veterans, more affordable housing, improved public transit and greater opportunities for women, minorities and veterans.

    We have shown that we take no vote, and no community for granted, respect our residents and want to serve everyone fairly and equally. We will continue to work tirelessly to earn every single vote and the trust of all residents we wish to serve.

    (Press release)

  • New York City needs Public Toilets – Take a cue from New Delhi

    New York City needs Public Toilets – Take a cue from New Delhi

    A Reader of The Indian Panorama writes to Mayor of New York

    It is heartening to read that the Hon’ble Mayor and the Council members are seized of the problems of the citizens in the matter of public toilets.  But it is a dismal reading that so far, only 5 automatic public toilets (APTs) have been placed in different areas of New York during the last 2 years (since 2015).

    As an occasional visitor to New York, I can understand the feelings of the citizens doing shopping in the Flushing markets at Main and Kissena Boulevard, or at Jackson Heights, or at Hillside Avenue (Street Nos. 250 to 268), and who may have to answer the call of nature.

    No public toilet is to be seen anywhere.  So is the case at Times Square, and the frequent-visited Avenues of America nearby (Avenues V, VI, VII etc.).

    I am not a resident of New York, yet please see below what a senior resident of the city has written to me saying it’s a real problem.

    Also, kindly see below the extracts from a Press Report dated July 13, 2017 as appeared in a prominent newspaper of New Delhi, (India).

    NEW DELHI: With the help of Google, now people can locate 331 public toilets in New Delhi areas. All you need to do is to write ‘Toilet’ or ‘Public Toilet’ in Google map and it will help you navigate through the busy New Delhi lanes to the toilet. Aimed at making New Delhi areas cleaner and reducing public urination, the facility was launched on Wednesday.

    The toilets of New Delhi Municipal Council, its chairperson Naresh Kumar said, have been mapped on Google so that any person can easily search it. Currently NDMC has uploaded 331 public toilet units on Google Map. The toilets can also be searched on NDMC mobile application ‘NDMC311’.

    Within three months 41 more public toilets in NDMC areas would be mapped on Google. I am hopeful that the concerned authorities will give a serious consideration to this problem,  and make the great New York city a better place to live and to visit as a tourist.

     Thanks.

     Dalip Thukral

    11663 Tahiti Dr., Sterling Heights, MI-48312.

    Phone: 586 268 5266.    e-mail:  dalipthukral@sbcglobal.net

  • Nassau County Comptroller Maragos welcomes Dr. Avadhoot Shivanand

    Nassau County Comptroller Maragos welcomes Dr. Avadhoot Shivanand

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos recently welcomed World Renowned Philanthropist and International Pioneer of Holistic Healthcare, Dr. Avadhoot Shivanand, to Nassau County at a ceremony hosted by the Shiv Yog Foundation at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building.

    Dr. Avadhoot Shivanand is a celebrated humanitarian and spiritual leader of the global Indian community with followers in over 100 countries. His teaching of self-empowerment, sharing unconditional love, and accepting everyone in their originality is believed by his followers to have cured many psychosomatic diseases. His followers, who lovingly call him Baba Ji, felt like they were in the presence of divinity. The honoring ceremony was attended by a standing room only audience of Nassau County followers.

  • Maragos: County Trending 2017 with $57M GAAP Deficit

    Maragos: County Trending 2017 with $57M GAAP Deficit

    Administration expected to find revenue and expense opportunities to reduce projected deficit

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos released the 2017 mid-year financial projections, which indicate that the County is trending to end 2017 with a $57.6 million deficit on a Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) basis and the presentation mandated by the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA). The Administration, however, is expected, to find revenue and expense opportunities to reduce the projected deficit, but may be hard pressed to achieve GAAP balance by year-end 2017. The projected GAAP ending fund balances are expected to decline to $67.8 million, down from $170.5 million at 2016, assuming the gap closing opportunities do not materialize.

    “Although the County’s financials appear to have improved both on a GAAP and NIFA basis, and the long-term debt of the County decreased by over $100 million compared to 2009, the County’s fiscal challenges remain masked by the use of non-primary funds set aside in prior years to pay approximately $43.8 million in litigation expense,” said Comptroller George Maragos. “These same challenges will continue and increase in 2018 due to anticipated structural cost increases in labor, health care and other mandated costs.”

    The noteworthy items affecting the budgetary projection are $10 million of risk in Income and Expense reporting revenue due to litigation, $60 million in lower bond proceeds for property tax refunds offset by a lower expenditure for property tax refund payments due to a 2016 accrual reversal, and a risk of $12.5 million in payroll expense, primarily due to higher termination pay for an increased number of police officers retiring in 2017.

    The total long-term debt for the County and its blended component units, NIFA, Nassau County Sewer and Storm Water Finance Authority (SFA) and the Nassau County Tobacco Settlement Corporation (TSC), are projected to decrease by $102.2 million to approximately $3.532 billion after pay-down of $243.8 million in maturing debt (see Section 6.4).  We understand that the Administration does not expect to issue any further long-term debt in 2017.

  • ‘Bhoomi’ poster reveals an intense Sanjay Dutt

    ‘Bhoomi’ poster reveals an intense Sanjay Dutt

    NEW YORK (TIP):  After the teaser poster created a storm, today the makers of Bhoomi released the main poster and it has created even more curiosity about the film. The poster which has an intense looking Sanjay almost glaring with eyes full of anger and his hair and face covered with mud has got everyone talking about the film directed by Omung Kumar and produced by Bhushan Kumar and Sandeep Singh.

    Director Omung Kumar says, “When the teaser poster came, I had said that people will want to know more & more and this poster is testimony to Sanjay’s amazing way of transforming and portraying different characters & intensity.” ​ Producer Bhushan Kumar adds, “This poster is just a slice of the magic of Sanjay Dutt and the intensity of his role in Bhoomi.”

    Producer Sandeep Singh adds, “Bhoomi is vintage Baba. I think his fans have been waiting too long for him and I am quite confident that they won’t be disappointed.”​ ‘Bhoomi’ is an emotional and sensitive revenge drama that explores the relationship between a father and daughter.

    Produced by T-Series & Legend Studios, ‘Bhoomi’ releases worldwide on September 22nd, 2017.

  • Indo-American Press Club’s 4th Media Conference in Philadelphia on October 6 to 9

    Indo-American Press Club’s 4th Media Conference in Philadelphia on October 6 to 9

    NEW YORK (TIP):  The Indo-American Press Club (IAPC) is holding its 4th International Media Conference in Philadelphia, PA.  It was jointly announced by IAPC Chairman Dr. Babu Stephen and President Prof. Indrajit S Saluja at a planning meeting in Washington DC recently. The prestigious conference will be held at Radisson Hotel Philadelphia Northeast from October 6-9, in which renowned journalists and media professionals from the US, India and other countries will lead innovative seminars and workshops.

    IAPC was founded in 2014 under the chairmanship of Ginsmon Zacharia and held its inaugural media conference in New Jersey that year to bring together the Indo-American media professionals under one umbrella. Its second IMC was held in New York, and the third one in Connecticut last October attracting lawmakers from the US and India, renowned people from media, social work and philanthropy.

    Over the four years, IAPC has been devising and implementing different projects to enhance the efficiency and integrity of media professionals of Indian origin, and by bringing media experts from different parts of the world to lead the IAPC Media Conferences.

    “IAPC envisions to enhance the style and activities of media professionals in the American continent by infusing new ideas and updated information of media industry in other countries,” stated IAPC Chairman Dr. Babu Stephen who hosted the kickoff in his palatial house in DC.

    IAPC President Prof Indrajit S. Saluja added that IAPC is already interacting and jointly working together with renowned experts in the media industry in America, Canada, Australia, UK and Gulf countries. He pointed out that IAPC is very active in training and encouraging upcoming journalists with the latest technology, and requested the support of all for the successful running of the forthcoming conference in Philadelphia.

    “Having created a strong footprint in the media industry by conducting its first International Media Conference within a few months of its incorporation, IAPC is again proud to announce the preparedness going into its fourth Conference,” said IAPC founder Chairman and present Coordinating Director Mr. Ginsmon P. Zacharia.

    IAPC Executive Committee 2017 members under the leadership of Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja include Korason Varghese (Exe Vice President), James Kureekattil, Mini Nair, Anil Mathew, Thressiamma Nadavallil (Vice Presidents), Eapen George (General Secretary), Biju Chacko (Treasurer), Jinu Ann Mathew (PRO), Parveen Chopra (Ex Officio) and Roopsi Narula (National Coordinator). The Board of Directors Chaired by Dr. Babu Stephen include Vineetha Nair (Vice Chairperson), Dr. Mathew Joys (Board Secretary), Ginsmon P Zacharia (Coordinating Director), Ajay Ghosh, Sunil Kuzhampala, Paul D. Panackal, George Kottarathil, Dr. P.V. Bijou, Cyrier Saria, Joji Kavanal.

  • The 2017 MoneyGram Cricket Bee: Chicago and New Jersey winners announced

    The 2017 MoneyGram Cricket Bee: Chicago and New Jersey winners announced

    METUCHEN, NJ (TIP): Six new champions have been crowned in Chicago and New Jersey with four of them heading to the Cricket Bee Finals in New Jersey next month. In Chicago, Sohail Malik of Westmont, IL was declared second runner up, Kevin Paul of Chicago, IL was first runner up and the Regional champion was Alpesh Gohil of Schaumburg, IL. In New Jersey, Ashwin Iyer of Jersey City, NJ was declared second runner up, Senthilkumar Sethuraman of Shrewsbury, MA was first runner up and the Regional champion was Shyamsundar Soundararajan of Edison, NJ. The competition allows cricket fans to compete for prizes while sharing their knowledge of the game to win a cash prize of $10,000.

    Open to those 18 and older, the MoneyGram Cricket Bee is continuing the search of the brightest Cricket fan with regional rounds in San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, New Jersey and will conclude in Toronto, each testing participants’ general cricket knowledge. The regional contest will have two components, a written test and an oral test. In the written qualifier, contestants will be asked 35 questions. They must get at least 25 correct to advance to the oral round. In the oral round, the contest will be held on a miss and out basis; simply if a contestant misses the right answer, they are eliminated.

    Unlike quiz shows, the Cricket Bee will be conducted so that contestants are competing with themselves and the question posed to them as opposed to their peers.

    Cricket enthusiasts can still participate at the remaining centers in Toronto. Contestants can register to compete in the game of their choice at www.cricketbee.com. A sample set of questions and sources will be provided for the participants.

    “We are thrilled to sponsor the 2017 Cricket Bee and as always, we enjoy being a part of an initiative that our customers are passionate about,” says Wendi Schlarb, MoneyGram’s head of marketing for the Americas. “Cricket is a sport that brings friends and loved ones around the world closer together, much like MoneyGram’s services. It’s always exciting to be a part of activities that support our South Asian communities.”

    Kawan Foods serves as the powered by sponsor for the innovative event and has been deeply involved with the South Asian community through various initiatives and hopes to connect with the entire Cricketing community here in the US and Canada.

    “We want to congratulate the winners of the regional contest and wish them continued success in their endeavor to win $10,000,” said Tim Tan, MD Kawan Foods.

    “There was a lot of excitement and immense talent at the regional which goes to show how passionate people are about the game. Participants had an opportunity to network and interact with other cricket players and enthusiasts from various cities and I am very happy to have our first set of finalists.” said Rahul Walia, Founder of the Cricket Bee.

    TV Asia serves as the exclusive broadcaster for the event and has been a strong proponent of promoting Cricket in the country.

    “We are so proud to be a part of the MoneyGram Cricket Bee, it’s definitely a great platform for cricket enthusiasts across the country and we are excited to see them at the finals.” said HR Shah, chairman and CEO of TV Asia and an avid cricketer himself.

    The finals are slated for August 12th and are open for the public to watch. You can reserve seats by calling 848-248-4199.

  • Hicksville Downtown Revitalization Wins $10 Million Award from NY State

    Hicksville Downtown Revitalization Wins $10 Million Award from NY State

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): New Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Anthony Macagnone and Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia announced, August 2, that the Town successfully won $10 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds from Governor Cuomo and the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council for downtown revitalization in Hicksville.

    Supervisor Saladino stated, “Hicksville’s downtown is a prime location for revitalization, new jobs and new housing opportunities.  These economic development funds will assist the Hicksville community and all of our residents by creating new jobs, new housing opportunities and by transforming downtown Hicksville into an attractive, walkable and bicycle-friendly environment.  I thank Governor Cuomo for his commitment to our downtown and Councilmembers Rebecca Alesia and Anthony Macagnone for their dedication to advancing plans for downtown Hicksville.  This puts the Town of Oyster Bay on the map across New York State!”

    The Local Planning Committee (LPC) – comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders, and community representatives – will establish and approve a community-based vision for revitalizing the downtown.  Potential projects may include decorative pavers, attractive lighting, newly planted trees, benches street art and a homogenous street and storefront signage program to create a strong sense of place intended to celebrate Hicksville’s history and cultural diversity.  Additionally, funds may be utilized for Complete Street initiatives that include new sidewalks and improvements to preexisting pedestrian pathways, footpaths, bicycle paths, bicycle racks and cross walks.  Furthermore, the Town envisions the creation of a plaza area—large community gathering space to be used for events such as fairs, farmers markets, art exhibitions, food truck nights, classic car nights, concerts, and much more.

    Councilman Macagnone added, “In partnership with community stakeholders, our Town Board has taken a leadership role in shaping the future of downtown Hicksville.  I thank Governor Cuomo for investing in our vision to transform the downtown Hicksville community into a walkable city center that can successfully attract new jobs, new housing and keep our young people and senior citizens on Long Island.  I commend Supervisor Saladino and my colleagues on the Town Board for their dedication to this project and for working to enhance our community.”

    Councilwoman Alesia stated, “Through extensive resident input and in close coordination with Vision Long Island, the Hicksville Community Council, Hicksville Chamber of Commerce and Hicksville Downtown Revitalization Committee, the Town has proposed a new zoning concept for the Downtown Central Business District to create new jobs and housing opportunities.  With these new State funds and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $132 million investment in the Hicksville railroad station, we can transform the Hicksville community into a vibrant downtown for millennials, downsizers, empty nesters and senior citizens alike.”

    Kevin Law, President of the Long Island Associated, added, “The Long Island Association commends Governor Cuomo, Supervisor Saladino and the Oyster Bay Town Board for their commitment to growing the local economy by investing in our downtowns like Hicksville.”

    Hicksville Chamber of Commerce President Lionel Chitty concluded, “It is truly wonderful to see this positive movement with the Hicksville Downtown Revitalization efforts.  All the hard work done over the past seven years by the Downtown Hicksville Revitalization Committee, the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, the local civic associations, the Town of Oyster Bay and all of the community stakeholders has finally paid off.  This award will be a catalyst for future growth in Hicksville. We look forward to seeing Hicksville become a true destination where people can live, work and play.”

    Home to 42,000 residents, Hicksville is a transit-rich and diverse community located at the confluence of two Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) branch lines. The Hicksville LIRR train station is the busiest on Long Island, averaging 22,000+ commuter trips/weekday. The Hicksville Downtown has strong physical suitability for revitalization and redevelopment as evidenced by high LIRR ridership, intensity of existing commercial land uses, infill-ready parcels, converging arterial roadways and ample sewer and utility infrastructure. Hicksville is poised to capitalize on the strong Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) market and LIRR Third Track improvements through the implementation of a strategic zoning initiative, walkability enhancements, parking management and storefront beautification.

  • Election Commission of India mulling over Proxy Voting and Postal Balloting for NRIs

    Election Commission of India mulling over Proxy Voting and Postal Balloting for NRIs

    NEW YORK (TIP): In a first ever outreach to NRI’s, a two-member delegation from the Election Commission of India held, July 31, a news conference and a community meeting, organized with GOPIO’s initiative, at the Consulate General of India in New York. The delegation members briefed the gathering about the Election Commission’s proposals to facilitate voting by proxy and postal ballot to NRI’s. They also sought suggestions to ensure that the NRI poll process will be seamless. As of now the NRI voter has to be physically present in India to cast his/ her vote.

    It may be mentioned here that it was for the first time in many years that a delegation from Election Commission visited the US to brief the media and interact with community. The visit helped community to understand what the government of India was doing and the delegation got a feedback as to the expectations of community abroad.

    The delegation — comprising Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha and Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena – held a meeting last week with in-charge Consul General Paramita Tripathi and other consulate officials. About 30 NRIs representing various organizations and members of the Indian news media were present at the meeting.

    “We have launched a No (NRI) Voter Left Behind campaign,” they said last week. “Proxy voting is in a very advanced stage and electronic postal balloting is also under serious consideration.”

    In the proxy voting method, an NRI voter will be given the opportunity of choosing a voter in India on whom the voter has immense trust. Basing on the voter’s opinion, the proxy person will cast the voter’s ballot physically at the polling station concerned.

    The PTI news agency, citing a senior government functionary, reported on August 2 that the Cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had accepted the proxy voting proposal recommended by the Election Commission.

    In the e-postal balloting, the prospective NRI voter will have to take a printout of the voter form and mail it to the Election Commission offices in respective states.

    The two poll panel officials made it clear that the two proposals have not yet become law. Only after an act is made, NRIs will be able to participate in the election process in India beginning first with national and state polls. But both are confident that the relevant laws will be made by parliament in time for the next general elections scheduled for April-May 2019.

    There are an estimated 16 million NRIs who hold Indian passports. Of them up to 70 percent are eligible voters, according to the duo.

    Another noteworthy proposal of the Election Commission related to involving young Indian students studying abroad in the electoral process of India. Emphasizing the importance of involvement of the young Indians abroad, the two members of the delegation announced that senior students at colleges and universities will be asked to take initiative to register student voters. They will be designated Election Commission ambassadors.

    Among the community organizations  present was the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, represented by veteran NRI Thomas Abraham, who still holds the Indian passport. Several other NRI attendees also hold the country’s passport. However, some Indian-Americans holding the US passport also took part in the meeting.

    The attendees with the Election Commission delegation and the Deputy Consul General

    A few questions were also raised by media persons and community members. A question related to voting rights for those who for some reason have not been issued passport by Government of India. Another related to allowing the persons of Indian origin the right to vote which, it was argued will lead to their greater involvement in the affairs of the country of their origin. A suggestion was made that the Indian missions abroad could be the polling booths for NRI voters.

    The reply of the delegation was it was not for them to do anything in respect of the suggestions made about the voting right to a category: it was for the lawmakers to decide.

  • China blocks UN ban on Azhar once again

    China blocks UN ban on Azhar once again

    UNITED NATIONS (TIP): China has once again extended by three months its technical hold on the US, France and UK-backed proposal to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN. China had in February blocked the US move to designate Azhar, the Pathankot attack mastermind, as a global terrorist at the UN. The deadline for China to take action on its technical hold was till August 2.

    If China would not have extended the hold, Azhar would have automatically been designated under the UN as a terrorist. Sources said just before the deadline lapsed, China again sought a three-month extension until November 2 on its technical hold on the proposal.

    A veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, Beijing has repeatedly blocked India’s move to put a ban on Azhar under the al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the council. JeM has already been in the banned list.

    Last year in March, China was the sole member in the 15-nation UN organ to put a hold on India’s application with all other 14 members of the council supporting New Delhi’s bid to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would subject him to assets freeze and travel ban.

    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American Dilip Chauhan appointed Nassau County Deputy Comptroller for Minority Affairs

    Indian American Dilip Chauhan appointed Nassau County Deputy Comptroller for Minority Affairs

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP):  Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos announced, August 2, promotion of Mr. Dilip Chauhan to the position of Deputy Comptroller for Minority Affairs.

    “Our minority communities are an integral part of the fabric of our County. These vibrant minority communities have grown in population accounting for nearly 40 percent of our residents, but remain under represented in government and often experience difficulty navigating the bureaucracy to get the services that they need and deserve”, Mr. Maragos said.

     “The Comptroller’s Office has been a driving force in advocating for increased business opportunities for Minority and Women Owned Enterprises (MWBEs), and Veterans to meet the County’s aspirational goals. The County, however, still lags its goals and in complying with state requirements.  Mr. Chauhan has been a leader in this effort in the Comptroller’s Office and his promotion recognizes the importance of helping the County increase its outreach to the minority communities” Mr. Maragos added.

    Mr. Maragos further said, “Mr. Dilip Chauhan has done an outstanding job for the County in advancing the Comptroller’s mission by assisting members of the minority communities to better navigate local government, helping resolve governmental issues faced by minority constituents and ensuring MWBEs gain full access to business opportunities,” said Comptroller George Maragos.  “I have the utmost confidence that Dilip will be a strong advocate for our minority communities in ensuring that Nassau County Government serves all resident equally.”

    Mr. Chauhan took oath with “Vachanamrut” the Hindi scripture, and said, “it’s an honor and a privilege to be appointed the position of Deputy Comptroller. I am excited to continue my work, supporting the Comptroller’s efforts to provide equal opportunity for MWBEs to do business with Nassau County. It’s my great honor to work alongside Mr. Maragos who in one of the most honest and decent man in public service. I look forward to continue working with Mr. Maragos as I take up the responsibility as a Deputy Comptroller.”

    Mr. Chauhan has been active in numerous community and business organizations including: “Advisor” to the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), a “Board member” for Service Now for Adult Persons (SNAP) – a social service agency dedicated to improving and enhancing the quality of life for older adults, a “Volunteer” for the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit, and as an “Advisor” for South Asian Affairs, New York State Assembly.  Mr. Chauhan has been recognized with numerous awards for his community service in last one decade.  Dilip Chauhan is married with two children and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.

    To Congratulate Mr. Chauhan please email to diliproc@gmail.com.

  • Sandeep Chakravorty takes over as India’s Consul General in New York

    Sandeep Chakravorty takes over as India’s Consul General in New York

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Mr. Sandeep Chakravorty, a member of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) since 1996, has taken over as Consul General of India in New York on August 3. He was India’s ambassador to Peru.

    49-year-old Mr. Chakravorty has served in India’s Missions in Madrid, Bogota, Dhaka and Lima. In the Ministry of External Affairs of India, New Delhi, he worked on several desks including Press Relations Officer as well as Private Secretary to Minister of State for External Affairs. He also served in the Eurasia Division dealing with Central Asia and in the East Asia Division on China, Japan, Koreas and Mongolia. He was India’s Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2012 to June 2015. From July 2015 to July 2017 he was Ambassador of India to Peru and Bolivia with residence in Lima. He assumed charge as Consul General of India in New York on August 3, 2017.

    He holds a Master’s Degree in Advanced Studies from Geneva University and has an MA in Sociology. He has a PG Diploma in Forestry Management from Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal. He graduated in Physics from Delhi University. He is fluent in Hindi, Bangla, English and Spanish.

    He was born in 1968 and is married. The Chakravotys have twin daughters.

  • Merit and not family ties to facilitate Green Card

    Merit and not family ties to facilitate Green Card

    Proposed law will scrap lottery system to come to US; Professionals from India to benefit

    WASHINGTON (TIP): US President Donald Trump, on August 2, endorsed a legislation that would drastically cut the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country and implement “merit-based” visa scheme which could benefit highly-educated and technology professionals from countries like India.

    The Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act would scrap the current lottery system to get into the US and instead institute a points-based system for earning a Green Card. Factors that would be taken into account include English language skills, education, high-paying job offers and age.

    If passed by the Congress and signed into law, the legislation could benefit highly-educated people and technology professionals from countries like India.

    “The RAISE Act will reduce poverty, increase wages, and save taxpayers billions and billions of dollars. It will do this by changing the way the US issues Green Cards to nationals from other countries. Green Cards provide permanent residency, work authorization, and fast track to citizenship,” Trump said at a White House event to announce his support to the RAISE Act.

    The Bill, Trump said, “would represent the most significant reform to our immigration system in half a century.”

    Standing along with two top authors of the Bill-Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue-Trump said the RAISE Act ends chain migration and replaces the low-skilled system with a new points-based system for receiving a Green Card.

    This competitive application process will favor applicants who can speak English, financially support themselves and their families and demonstrate skills that will contribute to our economy, he said.

    The RAISE Act prevents new migrants and new immigrants from collecting welfare and protects US workers from being displaced, he added.

    “That’s a very big thing. They’re not going to come in and just immediately go and collect welfare. That doesn’t happen under the RAISE Act. They can’t do that. Crucially, the Green Card reforms in the RAISE Act will give American workers a pay raise by reducing unskilled immigration,” he said.

    “It has not been fair to our people, to our citizens, to our workers,” Trump said of the current immigration system.

    Trump said this legislation will not only restore America’s competitive edge in the 21st century, but it will restore the sacred bonds of trust between America and its citizens.

    “This legislation demonstrates our compassion for struggling American families who deserve an immigration system that puts their needs first and that puts America first,” he said. — PTI

    What authors of the Bill Cotton and Perdue say

     First, we bring over a million immigrants into this country a year. That’s like adding the population of Montana every single year; adding the population of Arkansas every three years. The vast majority of those workers come here not because of their job skills or educational attainment. — Tom Cotton, senator

    We looked at countries like Canada, Australia. What we’re introducing today is modelled on the current Canadian and Australian systems. It’s pro-worker, it’s pro-growth, and it’s been proven to work. Both have been extremely successful in attracting highly skilled workers to those countries. — David Perdue, senator

    RAISE Act against South Asians: SAALT          

    The RAISE Act would hit the South Asian community, a top American non-profit body has claimed. If passed by the Congress and signed into law, the legislation would significantly reduce the number of immigrants who can obtain green cards and other visas, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a national South Asian civil rights organization said

    The RAISE Act would eliminate preferences for extended family members similar to the ‘Muslim ban’, eliminate the diversity visa lottery, limit refugees offered permanent residency to 50,000 per year, and institute a ‘skills-based points’ merit system, SAALT said

    Numbering over 4.3 million, the South Asians are the fastest growing demographic group in the US, with the majority of the communities foreign-born, SAALT said.

  • Enforced disappearances and extra judicial killings of workers in Pakistan

    Enforced disappearances and extra judicial killings of workers in Pakistan

    • MQM Holds Large Demonstration in front of White House

    • MQM Leader Altaf Hussain vows to continue the struggle for justice and rights for Muhajirs

    WASHINGTON (TIP): MQM held a large demonstration, on July 30, in front of White House against para military operation to suppress Mohajirs, enforced disappearances and extra judicial killings of MQM workers in Karachi. The demonstration was attended by MQM Convener Nadeem Nusrat, members of Coordination Committee; office bearers along with large numbers of workers, supporters and members of Pakistani Diaspora from all walks of life, including ladies, elders and youth.

    The demonstrators demanded that the Pakistani establishment should stop these cruel tactics of “unlawful kidnapping” of Mr. Hussain’s relatives in order to cause him to bow his head down, a wish of their which will never fulfill. They held banners and placards demanding US government to take notice of worst form of human rights Violations, Enforced Disappearances, Extra Judicial Killings, Inhumane Torture, Ban on Political and Social activities of MQM, Media Blackout of MQM’s Founder and Leader Altaf Hussain.

    MQM’s Founder Altaf Hussain joined the participants via tele-conferencing and addressed the participants in a brief speech. In this address, he went on to condemn the role of Pakistan Army and ISI in Karachi, particularly against the Muhajir community. In his speech, he urged US government to play its role in stopping the genocide of Mohajirs and Baloch in Pakistan. Mr. Hussain said that US and international aid which Pakistan gets is being spent to nourish jihadi infrastructure in the country. The military and civilian aid to Pakistan should be made conditional on the human rights record of the country. He said that Mohajirs are looking towards US administration and Congress to help them in their struggle for an autonomous province in Pakistan. If the demand of a separate Mohajir province is not met by Pakistan then Mohajirs will decide their future line of action. Mr. Hussain said that Pakistan has become the epicenter of global terrorism. Supreme court took action against elected prime minister but can they take action against those who provided refuge to Osama bin Laden and other most wanted terrorists.

    On this occasion, MQM’s Convener Nadeem Nusrat addressed the participants. In his address, he denounced the state oppression upon most liberal political force of Pakistan in strongest words possible, and went on to term is a Genocide upon innocent Muhajirs in Pakistan. He stated, that our Political Offices have been razed to the ground, dozens killed extra-judicially by the state, hundreds are missing, thousands are behind bars awaiting justice for crimes they didn’t even dare to commit. If this wasn’t enough, family of our Founder and Leader Mr. Altaf Hussain and Coordination Committee member Mustafa Azizabadi have been targeted. He went on to question, how long will the world allow Pakistan to carry-out such heinous acts against Mohajirs?

    Furthermore, he elaborated that Nawaz Sharif has been convicted for his corruption, when will the army generals be convicted for their corruption, human rights violations, and for fostering and harboring jihadi terrorists.

    The demonstrators vowed to continue raising their voices till justice is sought in Pakistan, and perpetrators of such deliberate Human Rights Violations are brought to justice.

    (Based on a press release)

     

  • Hindus welcome BBC plan to produce films on Hinduism

    Hindus welcome BBC plan to produce films on Hinduism

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Shown on BBC One, a new documentary strand of five films a year will reportedly explore faith and ethical issues in all the major religions in stimulating and contemporary new ways, including Hinduism.

    Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), August 3, welcomed British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for the idea of producing films on Hinduism, calling it a step in the positive direction.

    Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, hoped that BBC would project Hinduism in these films accurately and basing on the ancient Hinduism scriptures and not reimagine Hinduism concepts and traditions to fit its agendas.

    Moreover, we would like BBC to show fairness to Hinduism by broadcasting more Hindu programs and dedicating more hours to Hinduism, Rajan Zed stated.

    According to a 2016 report in The Sunday Times, “The BBC is too Christian in its religious output, according to an internal review, and should increase its Muslim, Hindu and Sikh programming”.

    Zed urged BBC Director-General Lord Tony Hall to seriously and honestly look into this and increase broadcasting of Hinduism related programs and issues substantially on BBC TV, radio and online.

    Hinduism was highly underserved at BBC, Rajan Zed stressed.

    Zed pointed out that multi-culturalism had been fast growing in United Kingdom (UK) and it was now a diverse society formed of various religions and denominations and non-believers, but BBC had not kept pace with it. Hindus deserved more airtime at BBC and live aarti broadcasts from major Hindu temples in UK should regularly feature in BBC schedules. It was time for the disproportionate religious output at BBC to end, giving way to evenly distributed time among various religions/denominations/non-believers.

    BBC should also ensure adequate coverage of Diwali, Holi, Krishna Janmashtami, Maha Shivaratri, Ram Navami, Ganesha Chaturthi, Navaratri, Duserra, Hanuman Jayanti, Makar Sankranti, Yugadi and other Hindu festivals, Rajan Zed added.

    Hymns from ancient Sanskrit scriptures, contemporary bhajans and Hindu sermons should regularly form part of BBC One’s about 54 years old “Songs of Praise” program, one of the world’s longest-running religious television series. Hindu hymns, songs and faith stories were also highly inspiring, warm and engaging; and moreover, God liked all songs-of-praise, irrespective of the religion these came from, Zed indicated.

    Rajan Zed further said that BBC, being “a public service broadcaster funded by the licence fee paid by UK households”, including the Hindu households, should have been more responsible and inclusive in its religious programming. It should not ignore “other” faiths in its content and productions, and across its various channels and services.

    Zed requested the intervention in this multi-faith issue of The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, whose “priorities” included “people, communities and nations learning to live together with deeply-held differences – in a spirit of love and respect”.

    Rajan Zed noted that BBC; whose “values” included “celebrate our diversity” and “great things happen when we work together”; and whose “purposes” included “reflect, represent and serve the diverse communities”; should show some maturity on this issue. BBC should take religion more seriously, and help us build interconnections and create harmony.

    Zed also urged Ofcom Chairman Dame Patricia Hodgson and Chief Executive Sharon White to thoroughly investigate this matter as the license fee placed a duty on the BBC to serve all audiences.

    BBC labeled “yoga” as “fad” in 2013. BBC also labeled Hindu festival of Holi as “filthy festival” in 2012 to which it apologized later. BBC has been blamed in the past for racism, imperialist stance, Indophobic bias, anti-Hindu bigotry, anti-American bias, etc.

    Launched in October 1922, headquartered in London, and established by a Royal Charter; BBC claims to be the “world’s leading public service broadcaster”. Every UK viewer needs to have a TV License, which costs £147.

    Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion in the world, has about 1.1 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.