The Indian Panorama

Year: 2017

  • Meet Dr. Arati Kreibich-the First South Asian to serve on the Glen Rock Town Council

    Meet Dr. Arati Kreibich-the First South Asian to serve on the Glen Rock Town Council

    NEW YORK (TIP): Dr. Arati Kreibich, one half of the Glen Rock A-Team, is making history as the first South Asian to serve on the Glen Rock Town Council. Kreibich and her running mate, incumbent Amy Martin, ran on a platform of making sure everyone in town has “a seat at the table.” Being the first South Asian on the council will, she feels, help make everyone in town feel welcome and heard.

    “Because I know and have felt what it is like to be overlooked, it is important to me to listen to those in our community who do not feel heard,” says Dr. Kreibich. “I think our voters connected with this, and I hope that knowing that someone on Council has shared these experiences will help our residents feel more welcome and more empowered to engage with our government. This in turn will make us a stronger, more connected community.”

    Dr. Kreibich is looking forward to working towards the goals she and Ms. Martin set during the campaign: keeping the budget low, increased environmental sustainability, shared services, a greater role for our town’s seniors, and long-term solutions for downtown Glen Rock.

    “I bring with me my life experiences as a scientist, an immigrant, a woman, a parent and concerned citizen to the table. I am excited and honored to use my many skills to represent all Glen Rockers on Council, and to start working to fulfill the promises we made to make sure we give everyone a seat at the table!”

     

     

     

     

  • Chairman Crowley, House Democrats Urge Republicans to Hold Hearings on the Rise of Hate Crimes

    Chairman Crowley, House Democrats Urge Republicans to Hold Hearings on the Rise of Hate Crimes

    WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP):  69 House Democrats, on November 30, asked Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, to hold hearings on the rise in hate crimes in America and the urgent need for the federal government to improve how these crimes are tracked and addressed.

    The FBI recently reported that the agency documented 6,121 hate crimes in 2017 – a noted increase from 2015. However, this statistic is far from comprehensive given the broad gaps in reporting from many jurisdictions – meaning the true scope of this epidemic is likely far greater.

    “It’s no secret that the rise in hate crimes has tracked with the campaign of the President. His stated support for the use of violence as well as sympathy for white supremacist groups has created an atmosphere of dread within all too many American communities,” the lawmakers wrote. “Given this disturbing new reality, we urge the committee to convene immediate hearings to address the rise of hate crimes, the need to bridge the data gap, and steps that lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and our communities can take to prevent these crimes from occurring in the first place.”

    The letter is led by House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM), Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus Chair Judy Chu (D-CA), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), the ranking member on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, and LGBT Equality Caucus and Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Mark Pocan (D-WI). The letter was also signed by Reps. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), Donald Beyer, Jr. (D-VA), Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and 59 others.

    The FBI released a report on November 13 that found that hate crimes had increased in 2016. The FBI defines hate crimes as a criminal act motivated by bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.

  • A Closer Look Inside New York City Schools

    A Closer Look Inside New York City Schools

    By Carmen Fariña

    “There’s a lot of work our teachers and principals are doing every day to put us on the path to Equity and Excellence for All, and put our children on the path to success. I look forward to all the work we have ahead of us, and continuing to update you on these reforms and the progress we are making”, says the author.

    As an educator for 52 years, I know that all of our schools’ most important work happens in the classroom.

    In my first four years as New York City Schools Chancellor, we’ve invested in our classrooms through our Equity and Excellence for All agenda – our belief that every child, no matter what zip code they live in or where their parents were born, deserves a great education.

    By any measure, our schools are the strongest they’ve been, with record-high graduation rates, record-high numbers of students going on to college, record-low dropout rates, and improving test scores. We’re building on this progress with 3-K for All, Computer Science for All, and Community Schools. Many of our investments in classrooms across the City – particularly in training teachers and improving classroom instruction – are less splashy and often overlooked, but are just as critical to our vision of Equity and Excellence for All.

    Here are a few of those “under the radar” investments that are making an impact in our classrooms:

    80 minutes of teacher training. Nearly four years ago, one of the first things I did was set aside 80 minutes at every school every week for teacher training. This is a game-changer for schools and the children and families we serve.

    During the 80 minutes, teachers learn how to use new cutting-edge resources; plan for upcoming lessons; and look closely at students’ performance on tests and essays to figure out what they’re teaching well and what they need to do better.

    Passport to Social Studies. Since I was a child and my father read Spanish books with me about the history of Spain (his native country), Social Studies has always been my favorite subject. Unfortunately, it was not seen as a priority in schools, but it has to be. We must prepare students to be thoughtful, productive citizens, and they absolutely have to understand history, civics and current events.

    Last school year, we released a brand-new Social Studies curriculum, the Passport to Social Studies. I’m happy to say it’s now in over 70 percent of our elementary and middle schools, and I’m excited to see that number grow as more schools focus on Social Studies.

    Investments in middle school. If we get middle school right, students can find hobbies and passions, and start carving their path to college and careers. We need to make the investments to reach them and get them ready for high school, college, and beyond.

    We now provide an after-school seat for ever middle-school student, and also started a program called “Teen Thursdays,” where 7th-grade students can visit many local cultural institutions. It’s not a given that kids and families feel welcome at their local museums and cultural centers; programs like this connect our students and parents with their City in a new way. We’re also homing in on middle school math through our Algebra for All initiative – making sure students get the math instruction they need in 5th grade and middle school so they’re ready to take on advanced math courses in high school.

    Collaboration over competition. I’ve always been a believer in collaboration over competition. It is shameful when a school has great things that are helping kids and doesn’t share those resources. Last school year, we tapped into that collaborative spirit and brought the “co-located campus initiative” to 20 campuses across all five boroughs.

    Participating schools are on a single bell schedule so all students on the campus can share AP and enrichment courses, increasing access to more rigorous coursework. Teachers come together for shared professional development, there are family welcome centers to encourage all parents to get involved, and there have even been campus-wide proms. By coming together, schools that would have been siloed are sharing best practices and strengthening campus culture – and students are benefiting.

    Family engagement. None of our instructional work can achieve its potential without a strong partnership between families and schools, and increasing family engagement is a central priority.

    We’ve increased the number of evening parent-teacher conferences to make them more convenient for families – resulting in a 40 percent increase in conference attendance – and provided additional training to parent coordinators on engaging parents in their school communities. We’re looking at creative new ways to get more families involved in their children’s education, like FaceLab, a robotics and technology course taught by parent volunteers, and the Family English Initiative, an English proficiency course that parents and students take together.

    These “under the radar” efforts – and many like them – are making a real impact for children and families across the City. There’s a lot of work our teachers and principals are doing every day to put us on the path to Equity and Excellence for All, and put our children on the path to success. I look forward to all the work we have ahead of us, and continuing to update you on these reforms and the progress we are making.

    (The author is the New York City Schools Chancellor)

  • Perspective : Appeal to Community Leaders to Demand an Apology for Racial Slurs called for Indo-Americans

    Perspective : Appeal to Community Leaders to Demand an Apology for Racial Slurs called for Indo-Americans

    By Dave Makkar
    “Edison Mayor Mr. Lankey must understand if Keith Hahn running against him for the post of mayor in the recently concluded elections can agree to a formal apology to the Indo-American community for the racial slurs called in the Municipal Complex of Edison; what is stopping Lankey’s administration to do the same?”, asks the author who has been vociferously exhorting the community to protect their self -respect as Indo-Americans and demand an unconditional apology for the racial slurs from Lankey.

    It is very unfortunate that for more than a decade our community leaders controlling various political, cultural, business and religious organizations and individuals elected to various public offices in New Jersey with community support and money has been evading the issue of “Apology” for the Racial slurs called for the Indo-American community in the Municipal Complex of Edison; “Indians are cockroaches, animals, illegal & go home”. Till today these are the worst ever called Racial Slurs for any community in over 200 years history of America.

    The Edison Councilman Ajay Patil in an exchange of numerous e-mails since Oct 31, 2017 to Nov. 22, 2017 with him and Mayor Lankey on this issue says that he is not the part of the Edison administration, so he cannot call for an apology! And more over there is no need for Mayor Lankey to tender an Apology. He is joined by Mayor Lankey’s financial supporter; Nilesh Dasondi an ex-convict with dubious dealings and business interest in Edison. Dasondi had actively/aggressively written on social media that Mr. Lankey was not the Mayor at that time so why his administration should give any apology for the Racial Slurs! As usual owners of Edison based IBA that parade themselves on the streets of Edison in the name of India day parade; are least concerned about this issue.  Unfortunately, Mayor Lankey also has not responded at all because some individuals from our own community do not want an apology for the Racial Slurs.

    Edison Mayor Mr. Lankey must understand if Keith Hahn running against him for the post of mayor in the recently concluded elections can agree to a formal apology to the Indo-American community for the racial slurs called in the Municipal Complex of Edison; what is stopping Lankey’s administration to do the same? This is immaterial whether he was the Mayor or not when this unfortunate incident happened. He should not listen to his Councilman Ajay Patil who may have under cover business interest with his financial supporter Nilesh Dasondi because they do not reflect the views of the majority Indo-American community living in various parts of New Jersey and USA. The community has been hurt emotionally and mentally because of these racial slurs. Especially those like my family members and other community members that was present at the Edison Municipal Complex on that fateful day, those racial slurs still haunt us and frighten us that it can happen again because the Edison administration has not come forward with even a formal apology. That sends a racially biased message that they do not care about human dignity and rights of Indo-American community living in Edison and other parts of New Jersey and USA.

    For Mayor Lankey and his supporters it may be an old issue that does not mean that the issue was settled. Look at the history in the case of Japanese comfort girls patronized by US Army, Chinese Rail road workers in USA, the communists in USA- all got formal Apologies for the wrongs done to them from the head of the state, years after the actual incidents. In the case of Jewish Holocaust; Germany gave an apology & still paying pension to the survivors in Germany & Europe. The Jews on their own even after almost 70 years of WW2 are still hunting Nazi’s; putting them on trial and confiscating their assets.

    Mayor Lankey must understand that most recently, even  Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on May 18, 2016 gave a formal “full apology” for the Komagata Maru incident in the House of Commons to the Indian Community. The Komagata Maru incident happened in 1914 when 376 passengers from Punjab, British India were denied entry in to Canada. This was one of several incidents in the early 20th century in which exclusion laws in Canada and the United States were used to exclude immigrants of Asian origin.

    Our community leaders especially those elected to various public offices must understand the gravity of the “Racial Slurs” issue. By demanding an apology for the worst ever called Racial Slurs; they are demanding racial equality to uphold the human dignity of the Indo-American community living in USA. They can learn from similar incidents like when Jack Cafferty former CNN commentator made a comment, “Chinese are goons & Thugs”. American-Chinese lead by their community leaders seized the CNN HQ in Atlanta and CNN had to make an apology and gave undisclosed amount to settle the case.

    In yet another incident when Don Imus called the Rutgers American African women Foot Ball Team “Nappy Headed Hose”, the African-American community lead by their leaders forced Imus to resign from CBS & for more than 2 years could not find a job despite making huge donations to African-American organizations. This was the same Don Imus who was counted among 25 most influential people in America in 2007.

    With this letter on behalf of Indo-American community living in various parts of New Jersey and USA; I appeal to our community leaders, elected individuals and various organizations to do the right thing to uphold their own, honesty, ethics, morality and credibility by demanding a formal apology from Edison administration for the racial slurs called for Indo-American community. They must rise above their self-interest and must respect “Community First”.

    (The author is a New Jersey based community activist. He can be reached at davemakkar@yahoo.com)

     

  • Guest Comment – Reversing slaughter ban: Hindutva succumbs to common sense

    Guest Comment – Reversing slaughter ban: Hindutva succumbs to common sense

    World opinion and economic necessity do matter. And that is why the Modi government finds itself constrained to explore a rolling back of the ban on the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets. The notification was a natural progression of the Modi government’s strategy to use the cow as a tool for consolidating the Hindu vote bank. It appeared to look the other way when Hindutva vigilantes resorted to extortion and lynching; the state governments too failed to prosecute them; the lumpens demanded a comprehensive anti-cattle slaughter law. Largely from urban areas, these Hindutva cheerleaders were uninformed about the role of cattle slaughter (not cows alone) in our daily lives and its integrality of rural livelihoods.

    But it is unpardonable for the Modi government now to pretend to be surprised at the consequences. That is what policy making is all about. Didn’t it know the ban will hit more than the meat industry? Or that the cattle let loose were extracting environmental costs and destroying the livelihoods of Hindus, Jains and Muslims alike? The fact is only 30 per cent of the carcass is used for meat. The rest goes into the making of at least 50 items of daily use. As far as cows go, the Modi government needn’t have burnt the midnight oil to frame laws or its leaders to go around stumping for the cause and leave unbridgeable social tensions in their wake. All that the government had to do, if the cow cause was actually close to its heart, was to implement in spirit a Supreme Court order upholding anti-cow slaughter laws in about 20 states.

    However, utopian visions come crashing down in the actual world. And that is what happened with the ban. New Delhi’s obsession had begun to disrupt rural lives. Prices of many downstream products from shoes to buttons were bound to shoot up. A study showed it would cost over Rs 5,000 crore annually to feed all the bulls in Maharashtra alone. For outsiders, India began to look like Pakistan Lite without the bomb blasts. The political reward from the ban began diminishing when benchmarked against the costs of rural distress and foreign opprobrium. Irresponsible politics invariably produces bad politics.

    (Tribune India)

  • As I See It – Unbought and Unbossed: Honoring Shirley Chisholm, a West Indian/ American Icon

    As I See It – Unbought and Unbossed: Honoring Shirley Chisholm, a West Indian/ American Icon

    By Al Baldeo

    On December 1, 1955 Park Rosa was arrested for refusing to move to the back of a bus and give her seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama which triggered a wave of protests December 5, 1955 that reverberated throughout the United States. (Editor)

    “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”-Martin Luther King Jr.

    Guyanese, and all West Indians, can proudly lay claim to a great American-Shirley Chisholm. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 30, 1924, Chisholm was the oldest of four daughters to immigrant parents Charles St. Hill, a factory worker from Guyana, and Ruby Seale St. Hill, a seamstress from Barbados. She was one of America’s greatest catalysts of change, decades ahead of her time.

    “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi.

    There is a little bit of Shirley in all of us, some more than others. In 2006, I got more involved in the struggle to change the system, include the voices of the oppressed and exploited, confronting treachery and evil in America, and striking at the root of evil-with my blood, sweat and tears! Serphin Maltese, a 30-year entrenched incumbent who was the powerful Chairman of his Party and cronies introduced a bill to legalize racial profiling in NY State to make minorities official second class citizens. He got the required support from hypocritical Democrats for the perverse idea to become law-even beholden minority Assembly members who were also so-called political brokers in Queens.

    These opportunists put their narrow, selfish interests above disenfranchised minorities to protect and advance their own self-interests at their constituents’ expense and peril. This bill was going to put us back to the Jim Crow era in NY State, and eviscerate the civil rights and liberties previous generations fought so hard to forge.

    “The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.”- John F. Kennedy.

    I realized that although I was a lawyer, I could not make the necessary changes. I would be bound to follow the law, like all others in both law enforcement and the judicial system. Our hands would be tied, and generations would be trapped by a racist, bigoted law that was going to put social, economic and political development hundreds of years back to the pre-civil rights era. Inspired by the doctrine of the great martyrs and leaders, I had to launch a campaign to defeat institutional injustice, raise awareness about the putrid issues they stood for, and ensure that, win or lose, our children were not going to be officially relegated to and stereotyped as official second class citizens. Only political courage and change could bring about a solution.

    “I was made, by the law, a criminal, not because of what I had done, but because of what I stood for, because of what I thought, because of my conscience.” (Statement during trial, 1962)-Nelson Mandela

    Consequently, I embarked on a political pilgrimage. Although I was the only Democratic candidate, I sought, but did not get the backing of the Queens Democratic Organization. In fact, other Democratic officials hypocritically crossed party lines to support Maltese. I was treated like a pariah, and shunned from institutional politicians, but embraced by regular folks. I always put people above politics, and progress over dysfunction. I championed bread and butter issues like better education, health care, housing, public safety, jobs, wages, government services, civil rights and became a loud voice for change. Thankfully, that law was never passed.

    My inspiration came from Shirley Chisholm.

    This phenomenal leader broke barriers by becoming the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. In her seven terms as Representative from New York, she fought for education and social justice, was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first major-party Black candidate to run for U.S. President.

    As a trailblazer, Shirley Chisholm paved the way for so many of us today, whether we are running for office or advocating at the grassroots level. She once famously said, “I don’t measure America by its achievement but by its potential.”

    Unbossed and Unbought, the title of her autobiography, exemplified her outspoken advocacy for women and minorities during her seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, overcoming what she aptly termed the “double handicap” for being both black and female. Her ideas were uplifting, her efforts were iconic, and she dared to buck and change the system for others. America has become a much better place because of the blood, sweat and tears of people like her.

     “The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.”- Abraham Lincoln

    In 1964, Chisholm became the second African American in the New York State Legislature. In 1968, after court-ordered redistricting created a new, heavily Democratic district in her neighborhood, Chisholm won a seat in Congress, where she introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation and championed racial and gender equality, the plight of the poor, and ending the Vietnam War. She was a co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971, and in 1977 became the first black woman and second woman ever to serve on the powerful House Rules Committee.

    Inevitably, discrimination hampered Chisholm’s quest for the 1972 Democratic Party presidential nomination. She was blocked from participating in televised primary debates, and after taking legal action, was permitted to make just one speech. Still, her impact was substantial. She entered 12 primaries and garnered 152 of the delegates’ votes (10% of the total), despite an under-financed campaign and contentiousness from the predominantly male Congressional Black Caucus.

    When she left Washington in 1983, she said she did not want to go down in history as “the nation’s first black congresswoman” or, as she put it, “the first black woman congressman…I’d like them to say that Shirley Chisholm had guts,” she said. “That’s how I’d like to be remembered.”

    Those of us who have fought the system to make changes to uplift our fellow beings and bring progress for generations to come, can take counsel from and relate to this extraordinary and courageous woman.

    (The author is a civil rights activist and community advocate. As President of the Baldeo Foundation and Liberty Justice Center, he has continued to fight for equal rights, dignity and inclusion in the decision-making process. He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foundation: (718) 529-2300)

  • UN Women urges robust action to ensure lives free from violence for women and girls

    UN Women urges robust action to ensure lives free from violence for women and girls

    UNITE campaign’s theme “Leave No One Behind” emphasizes the urgency of reaching the most marginalized first, as the 16 Days of Activism begins worldwide

    NEW YORK (TIP): Starting on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November), hundreds of events worldwide, led by UN Women and partners, will bolster efforts to end a pandemic that impacts one in three women globally. From marches, flashmobs and concerts, to football and rugby games, events will be organized and iconic buildings lit up in orange to galvanize attention during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December).

    This year’s commemoration comes at a unique moment, coinciding with the unprecedented mobilization of millions behind #MeToo and other movements in an escalating global protest against sexual harassment and assault. As the annual campaign kicks off, UN Women calls for seizing the opportunity created by the global outcry over sexual harassment and moving it towards solution-based implementation of laws and policies to end violence against women once and for all.

    The 16 Days campaign, which mobilizes governments and public alike, is commemorated by the UN under the umbrella of the Secretary-General’s campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women by 2030. Orange has been designated as the color of the UNiTE campaign as it symbolizes hope and a violence-free world. The call is for everyone to “Orange the World” and play their part to end violence against women and girls, taking the outcry to action. In 2016, people in record 105 countries participated.

    This year’s theme for the campaign is “Leave No One Behind: End Violence against Women and Girls”, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It underscores that while no group of women or girls is exempt, the risks and vulnerabilities for some are greater. Identifying the most marginalized women and girls is fundamental to being able to effectively respond and reach them.

    For instance, migrants, refugees and internally displaced people are at greater risk of sexual violence and may lack formal recognition by the State, which prevents them from accessing health, police, justice or social services. Indigenous women and those from ethnic or racial minorities often face the highest levels of discrimination across social, political and economic dimensions. Women living with disabilities and those living in rural areas face physical and/or communication barriers.

    “Everyone has the right to live their life without violence or the threat of violence. This holds for all people, no matter what their gender, age, race, religion, ethnicity or caste, and irrespective of their income level, sexual orientation, HIV status, citizenship, where they live, or any other characteristic of their identity,” said UN Women Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. “At the heart of today’s theme of ‘leaving no one behind’, is leaving no one out.  This means bringing women and girls as equals into everything that concerns them,” she added. [Read the full statement by the Executive Director on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women here.

    Violence not only has negative consequences for those who suffer it, but also their families, the community and society at large, and it comes at a high economic cost for society. But it is not inevitable—violence against women and girls can be ended with a comprehensive approach that includes the passing and implementation of laws to protect women and girls and boosting efforts to prosecute offenders; prevention that starts at an early age to instill a culture of zero tolerance toward violence; and comprehensive services accessible to all survivors, including medical and psychological support, housing, legal advice, etc. The multilateral UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, managed by UN Women, has for 20 years awarded grants to over 460 organizations with results that show that violence against women and girls can be systematically addressed.

    As part of global efforts to end all forms of violence against women and girls, the European Union and the United Nations launched earlier this year the Spotlight Initiative, with an initial investment of EUR 500 million by the EU. The Initiative will respond to all forms of violence, with a focus on domestic and family violence, sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices, femicide, human trafficking and sexual and economic (labor) exploitation.

    At UN Headquarters in New York, an event with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and including Carey Mulligan, UK Global Dementia Friends and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and Oscar-nominated actor, and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women Executive Director, among others, will take place on 22 November to shine a light on the need to end violence against women. The event will also feature segments of the Emmy-award winning series, “The Handmaid’s Tale”, followed by a panel discussion with members of the cast and crew, including the producer, Bruce Miller and costume designer Ane Crabtree, as well as musical performances. Civil Society will be represented by two UN Trust Fund program participants, Dragana Ciric Milovanovic and Morgen Chinoona.

    Around the world

    As in previous years, iconic buildings and monuments will be ‘oranged’ to call for a violence-free future, including the parliaments in Bangladesh, Liberia, and Morocco, the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City, Mexico, the monuments in Gaziantep in Turkey, La Scala theatre in Milan, the City Hall in Bogota, the National Theatre of Algiers, and Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.

    Staff at the Cape Verde TACV and Binter Airlines will be wearing orange pins; metro cars in Santiago de Chile and buses in Da Nang (Vietnam) will be painted orange, and the Morocco national football championship games will also be decorated orange. Other events foreseen during the 16 Days include a ballet performance in Kosovo, a 5-km run in Ecuador, the unveiling of mural paintings in Guatemala, public lectures at universities of Kyrgyzstan, a cricket tournament in Indonesia, the launch of the Uganda Police Force Gender Policy.

    On 25 November, the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women will host a fundraising gala event in London, United Kingdom. The event will celebrate the life-changing results and achievements of a wide range of UN Trust Fund-supported interventions that work to end the pandemic of violence against women globally. Hosted by UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the evening will bring together notable speakers including H.R.H. Princess Eugenie of York, Frances Corner, Head of London College of Fashion and Pro Vice-Chancellor Digital of University of the Arts London, women’s rights activists, UN officials and the private sector, highlighting the successes of beneficiaries and their life-changing work across the world. Emcee Zeinab Badawi, the International Broadcaster, will interview two UN Trust Fund grantee representatives live at the event—Marija Andjelkovic from ASTRA in Serbia on ending trafficking in human beings in the Balkan region, and Chinyere Eyoh, from SOAR in Nigeria working on protecting girls from sexual violence. Actors Gabriella Wright and Joanne Froggatt will narrate two inspirational stories of beneficiaries, one from Nepal and one from the Gambia.

    Throughout the 16 Days, the UNITE Campaign’s Spotlight Days will focus on the far-reaching consequences of violence within some of the most marginalized and underserved groups of women and girls. For instance, 27 November will spotlight violence against Indigenous Women and Girls, and 29 November will Spotlight on Women Human Rights Defenders.

    Orange your profile picture to show your support and spread the word on all social media platforms using the hashtags #orangetheworld and #16days. Orange graphics, infographics and sample messages are available here.

  • AAPI to hold 11th Annual Global Healthcare Summit in Kolkata

    AAPI to hold 11th Annual Global Healthcare Summit in Kolkata

    The groundbreaking Summit will discuss ways to bring the most innovative, efficient and cost-effective healthcare solutions for India

     NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): The 11th annual Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) organized by the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs & Indian Ministry of Health and the government of West Bengal, with the participation of over 50 world renowned speakers from India, US and from around the world, and industry leaders will be held at the famous JW Marriott, Kolkata, West Bengal, India from December 28th to 31st, 2017, Dr. Gautam Samadder, President of AAPI, announced here November 20th.

    With over 200 physicians from the United States, the Summit is expected to be attended by nearly 1,000 delegates from around the world. According to Dr. Samadder, who was in India recently and had held series of meetings with several Federal and State level Ministers and government officials in Kolkata and New Delhi, said, “To be held for the first time in Kolkata, this year, AAPI Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) will have many new initiatives and also will be carrying the torch of ongoing projects undertaken by AAPI’s past leaders. In addition, several prominent leaders both from India and abroad will be addressing the Summit, including the President of India and the Chief Minister of West Bengal.”

    According to him, GHS will have several prominent leaders from India and the US, who will address the conference and interact with the delegates. With world renowned artists performing on stage, the delegates at the Summit will be treated to an exceptionally high quality cultural extravaganza. The Summit will also result in the inauguration of the first ever free AAPI sponsored health clinic in the state of West Bengal, serving thousands of people from the north-eastern region of India.

    Dr. Naresh Parekh, President-Elect of AAPI, “Many of the physicians who will attend this convention have excelled in different specialties and subspecialties and occupy high positions as faculty members of medical schools, heads of departments, and executives of hospital staff. The GHS offers an opportunity to meet directly with these physicians who are leaders in their fields and play an integral part in the decision-making process regarding new products and services,” he said.

    This international healthcare summit is a progressive transformation from the first Indo-US Healthcare Summit launched by AAPI USA in 2007. Providing a forum for innovative opportunities for learning, networking and giving back to our motherland that have now enabled us to plan ahead and prepare for an outstanding event with 200 very prominent and talented physicians and surgeons from abroad, in addition to the hundreds of physicians from India, who are very passionate about serving their homeland, mother India, Dr. Parikh added.

    Dr. Ashok Jain, Chair of BOT, AAPI, said, “The Summit will also feature a CEO Forum, where a galaxy of CEOs from around the world from hospitals, teaching institutions and major healthcare sectors, including pharmaceutical, medical devices and technology, will join to explore potential opportunities for collaboration. The CEO Forum will focus on the changing trends in the healthcare sector and they impact the providers, hospitals and corporations as well as the patients. The Forum will also offer insights into managing efficiently the growing costs in the delivery of healthcare services. With the changing trends and statistics in healthcare, both in India and US, we are refocusing our mission and vision, AAPI would like to make a positive meaningful impact on the healthcare delivery system both in the US and in India,” he added.

    According to Dr. Suresh Reddy, Vice President of AAPI, “The essence of AAPI is educational. That translates into numerous Continuing Medical Education and non-CME seminars by experts in their fields. CME will provide comprehensive and current reviews and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of various disease states to reduce morbidity and mortality and achieve cost effective quality care outcomes. At the end of the activity, it is expected that attendees will gain an understanding of the causation, diagnosis and the best clinical practices for the management of the diverse group of diseases discussed during this program.”

    Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, Secretary of AAPI, pointed out some of the major highlights of the Summit: “Other major highlights of the Global Healthcare Summit include, interactive roundtables, clinical practice workshops, scientific poster/research session and meet-the-expert sessions. The Summit will facilitate dissemination and exchange of best practices including a special session on Public-Private Partnership featuring AAPI Healthcare Charitable showcase & innovation,” he said.

    Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Treasurer of AAPI, said, “The much anticipated Women’s Leadership Forum scheduled for Dec 30, 2017 is designed to conduct a “Town Hall” session with a group of highly successful Women Leaders representing a diversity of professions, involving public, private and government organizations. The theme for the forum is Women Empowerment in the 21st century, with the speakers planned to be discussing the role and opportunity for Women to address a major challenge presented by high rates of infant and maternal mortality, areas around public awareness, education and access to healthcare.”

    The Young Physicians Research Forum will be held on Dec. 28th at the oldest medical college of Asia, Calcutta Medical College. International Poster Presentation Session, Two Full Days Scientific Sessions (Dec. 29-30), Workshops, CEO Forum, Women’s Forum, Specialty Workshops on Dec. 31st.

    Continuing its tradition of providing the much-needed training to First Responders, American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine will offer the AUA’s Emergency Medicine Training Centre (EMTC) developed a First Aid and CPR courses for first responders, including fire fighters, policemen, and EMTs from West Bengal at the KPC Medical College. According to Dr. Samadder, AUA President and Co-founder, Neal Simon will participate in the panel discussion at the Summit’s Healthcare & Hospital CEO Forum, which[PPK1] will discuss how to establish and maintain a patient-centric approach on the operational and academic levels of organizations.

    Panelists will generate a white paper with recommendations to the Ministry of Health and the Government of India for broader implementation. “The nation of India has contributed greatly to the field of medicine internationally. In light of this and in keeping with AUA’s commitment to increasing diversity in the medical field, we consider India’s medical community to be a major component of our institution’s success” said Simon.

    According to Dr. Ajay Lodha, immediate past-President of AAPI, “GHS 2017 will include a scientific program developed by leading experts with contributions by the Scientific Advisory Board and International Scientific Committee, which will include high priority areas like Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Surgery, Mental Health, Maternal and Child Health, Allergy-Immunology and Lung Health, Health Information Technology (HIT), and the impact of co-morbidities.”

    This Summit will display how well the Indian doctors have shown themselves as an effective force in the medical world in USA. With the objective of enabling people in India to access high quality, affordable, and cost-effective world class health services, the Summit to be held in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs & Ministry of Health, will have participation from some of the world’s most well-known physicians and industry leaders.

    Many of the physicians who will attend this convention have excelled in different specialties and subspecialties and occupy high positions as faculty members of medical schools, heads of departments, and executives of hospital staff. The GHS offers an opportunity to meet directly with these physicians who are leaders in their fields and play an integral part in the decision-making process regarding new products and services.

    The GHS Pre-Summit (DUBAI) at the Hyatt Regency from December 24-28, 2017, will provide a unique Christmas Dinner Cruise, City tour to Palm Island, Khalifa Tower, Burj Hotel, Dubai mall, Dubai Museum, etc. Desert Safari including camel ride and belly dancing shows. The Post GHS TOUR to the heavenly Bhutan from January 1-4, 2018, will take delegates to the world renowned and ancient Takshang Monastery, Hike in Tiger’s Nest, Buddha Dordenma, National Heritage museum & Dochula. For those who want to enjoy the beautiful Assam, can tour this beautiful state of Assam from January 4-8, 2018, touring Kaziranga National Park including Rhino Park, Nehru Stadium, Assam Rajyik State Museum, Guwahati Market, Kamakhya Temple and dinner at the Governor’s Mansion. The Summit will also offer everyday Guided Tours and Evening Entertainments to the delegates, and will conclude with a special New Year’s Eve gala party, welcoming the New Year 2018 with family, fun and entertainment.

     “With the changing trends and statistics in healthcare, both in India and US, we are refocusing our mission and vision of GHS, and AAPI would like to make a positive meaningful impact on the healthcare in India,” Dr. Samadder said. “In our quest to fulfill the mission of AAPI, we are proud to share best practice and experiences from leading experts in the world and develop actionable plans for launching demonstration projects that enable access to affordable and quality healthcare for all people. To accomplish this mission, AAPI is backed by leading healthcare experts and professional associations, including Indian Affairs and Indian Development Foundation Overseas Indians,” he added. For more information on Global Health Summit, please visit www.aapiusa.org

  • Community Unity halts a deportation

    Community Unity halts a deportation

    Bangladeshi immigrant Riaz Talukder scheduled for deportation gets 6 months reprieve due to community, media, legal, and elected representatives’ pressure

    NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP):  Nearly 75 immigrants, elected officials, activists, family, and community members gathered in the cold weather outside Federal Plaza to show their support for Riaz Talukder, a Bangladeshi immigrant who was told by DHS that he would be deported, November 22.  They rallied and held a press conference outside Federal Plaza, and nearly 40 of them went inside to accompany Mr. Talukder to demonstrate the amount of community support behind his case.

    Riaz Talukder was brought to this country as a minor and has lived and worked here for 36 years. He has two US born children, Radi, 11 and Rafi, 15, both of whom were present for the press conference today. Rafi, a Bronx Science High School student, spoke at the press conference and highlighted that no family should have to face such a situation of being torn apart as a result of detentions and deportations. Riaz’ younger son Radi, skipped school to accompany his father into Federal Plaza and waited anxiously in the waiting room for good news. Riaz’s wife suffers from thyroid cancer and is scheduled for surgery in December.

    After two hours of waiting, including praying together, family and supporters received the good news that Mr. Talukder would be going home, and would have 6 months before the next check-in.

    Mr. Talukder stated “I am happy to be going home with my family, and with all these people who are my family and my community who came to support me.”

    Mr. Talukder’s attorney, Edward Cuccia, Esq: “ICE has exercised its discretion to grant a 6-month extension to allow for the processing of all the paperwork that we have filed and will continue to file to fight for Riaz Talukder to stay in the United States, where he belongs.  This was a great day today.  We’re very, very hopeful.

    Lucy Herschel of Jackson Heights Immigrant Solidarity Network said: “We had a great victory today, but Riaz is just one of millions of people in this country living under the constant threat of deportation.  These are our family and friends, our neighbors, our coworkers.   We need to build a mass movement to defend our communities from this attack.

    Kazi Fouzia, Director of Organizing at DRUM – Desis Rising Up & Moving said “He is not asking for a favor. He has spent 36 years building this country, this city, and his community. This is Riaz’s home. And our communities can come out to support and defend each other.”

    Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, who does not represent Mr. Talukder’s district, came to the press conference and joined Mr. Talukder for the whole duration of the check-in. Elected officials  and representatives from the office of NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Councilmember Brad Lander, Council Speaker Mark-Viverito, Councilmember Menchaca, and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer , were also present.

  • SIAEA Announces Annual Scholarship Program

    SIAEA Announces Annual Scholarship Program

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Society of Indo American Engineers and Architects (SIAEA) has announced its Annual Scholarship Program for 2017. The program has been formulated to encourage students to pursue studies in the fields of Engineering or Architecture.

    The Society will be offering, this year, 10 Scholarships of $2000 each, to be awarded to students of Indian origin, who are enrolled in under-graduate and graduate study programs in the fields of Engineering and Architecture. A special Grand Scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded in the memory of past president late Bansi Shah by Bansi Shah Memorial Trust Foundation. This award will be presented to the most deserving student.

     To be eligible for the scholarship, one needs to be a SIAEA Student member. Please website (http://siaeany.org/?page_id=3114) to enroll in SIAEA membership and to seek further information.

     

  • Harlem fire injures several, including police officers

    Harlem fire injures several, including police officers

    Mohammed Jaffer

    NEW YORK (TIP): Authorities say several people were hurt, including responding police officers, when an emotionally disturbed person set fire to her apartment in Harlem.

    Police say the woman had barricaded herself inside her 14th floor public housing apartment on Amsterdam Avenue when the fire broke out at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 21. The fire was under control in less than an hour.

    The woman was hospitalized and is expected to survive her injuries.

    At least five police officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

  • Armed thieves hold up Kennedy Fried Chicken shop in Queens

    Armed thieves hold up Kennedy Fried Chicken shop in Queens

    Mohammed Jaffer

    QUEENS, NEW YORK (TIP): Police are seeking a pair of armed crooks who held up a Kennedy Fried Chicken shop in Queens — with one waving his pistol in front of a worker, dramatic video released Tuesday, November 21 shows.

    The thieves, wearing winter coats and hoods, casually entered the eatery on Hollis Ave. near 205th Place in Hollis just before 1 a.m. on Nov. 11, officials said.

    Police released the video on Tuesday in the hope that someone recognizes either of the two men.

    Police released the video on Tuesday in the hope that someone recognizes either of the two men. (NYPD)

    After they order, one of the men pulls out money as if he’s about to pay, the video shows. Then, a second later, the man pulls a silver gun out of his pocket and aims it at a worker.

    His partner jumps the counter and forces the man to empty the cash register.

    Accused Queens jogger killer asked cop to tell ‘mother I’m sorry’

    The two thieves then run off with about $1,500, cops said.

    Police released the video on Tuesday in the hope that someone recognizes either of the two men.

     

     

  • Desi Republicans are Delta Force of GOP: Cox

    Desi Republicans are Delta Force of GOP: Cox

    Dr. Sampath Shivangi, Dr. A.D Amar, Attorney Anand Ahuja  and Charles Kannankeril honored

    Prakash M Swamy​

    WHITE PLAINS, NY (TIP): Indian-American Republicans are now being recognized as the powerful Delta Force in the GOP with their dedication and hard work in electing Donald Trump as President of the United States, said Edward Cox, Chairman of the New York State Republican Party.

    Addressing the annual get together of Indian-American Republican Committee in White Plains, NY on Thursday, he praised the commitment of the Desi Republicans who smashed the image that Indian-Americans are always supporters of Democratic Party.

    The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta commonly referred to as Delta Force, Combat Applications Group (CAG), The Unit, Army Compartmented Element (ACE), or within JSOC as Task Force Green is an elite special mission unit of the United States Army.

    He said GOP offer freedom, opportunity, lower taxes, fiscal responsibility and local control that were the hallmark of the success of Indians in the US. Indian-Americans are seeking public office like never before all in the past one year of Republican national leadership, he said.

    No President in the past had signed legislation and executive orders in the last one year like Donald Trump fighting all odds against regulations. Stock markets are shooting in the sky and citizens are feeling safe under this presidency.

    Shalab “Shally” Kumar, Chairman of Republican Hindu Coalition, said Trump would usher in Ram Rajya in the US. Many of the so-called Indian-American leaders worked tirelessly against the Hindu rally held in NJ last year to endorse Trump as President by arranging Garbha and other events on the same day to dissipate the crowd. It’s a myth that Indian-Americans are always Democrats and tides are changing, he said.

    Kumar who coined the slogan “Ab ki bar  Trump Sarkar” that caught the social media like a wildfire, said that  all the Modi followers among the 4.2 Million Hindus in the US voted for Trump as they saw  a similarity in both the leaders.

    Ven Parameswaran, senior most Indian-American Republican in the US and Senior Vice Chairman of Indian-American Republican Committee, said the Indian Americans have been building political clout, slowly but steadily since the days of Dalip Singh Saund was  elected as Congressman from California in 1956.

    Republican Bobby Jindal was first elected to the Congress and later elected as Governor of Louisiana and Republican Nikki Haley was elected Governor of South Carolina and now she is our Ambassador to the UN the most important diplomatic post. Ambassador to the UN was the stepping stone for George H W Bush, before he was elected President. Indian Americans are attracted to Republican Party because their ideas of family values, religion, hard work, entrepreneurship, fewer taxes, less government are common to them, he said.

    Within the next two weeks, The Committee is starting chapters in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Queens.  Before the midterm elections, chapters will be in all states with a sizeable Indian American population, he added.

    Doug Colety, Chairman of Westchester County Republican Committee, Terrence Murphy, New York State Senator, Lawrence Garvey, Chairman of Rockland County Republican Committee, Thomas Koshy, national chairman of Indian-American Republican Committee, Paul Karukkupalli, co-vice chairman and Dr. Priscilla Parameswaran, founder of the committee spoke on the contribution of Indian-Americans to the growth of Republican Party.

    Edward Cox and other Republican leaders honored Dr. Sampath Shivangi, Chairman of Mississippi Board of Mental Health with the award of “Person of the Year”;  Dr. A.D Amar, Professor of Seton Hall University, NJ with “Professor of the Year” award; Anand Ahuja, attorney with “Attorney of the Year” award and Charles Kannankeril R &D engineer with “Special Recognition” award.

     

     

     

     

  • Institute of International Social Development celebrated the ‘2017 IISD Award Ceremony’

    Institute of International Social Development celebrated the ‘2017 IISD Award Ceremony’

    NEW YORK (TIP): Institute of International Social Development (IISD), an international NGO in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations, celebrated the ‘2017 IISD Award Ceremony’ with the recognition of three eminent personalities from the United Nations and the spiritual world for their contributions to the society. The program was held on November 17, 2017, at the Tillman Chapel at the Church Center, United Nations. The theme for the event was ‘Realization of our one human family through spirituality and the UN Goals’.

    Salwa Kader, President and Founder, International Federation of Middle East Peace and Sustainable Development, formerly the Director of United Nations Women’s Guild in Manhattan, was presented the 2017 Global Ambassador Peace Award for her immense contributions in bringing about understanding and peace in the Middle East and other regions.

    From the world of spirituality, Nayaswamis Jyotish and Devi, emissaries of Paramahansa Yogananda and Spiritual Directors of Ananda Sangha Worldwide, received the 2017 Global Ambassador Peace Award for their outstanding work in bringing about peace in the world with their international organization which teaches meditation and the kriya yoga in the tradition of Paramhansa Yogananda.

    The Institute’s goal is to attain the UN goal of ‘One Earth One Family’ through UN’s goals and programs and also instilling spiritual values to uplift humanity to a higher level of consciousness for them to help attain the UN goals.

    The award was presented by Shomik Chaudhuri, President, IISD, New York and coordinated by Sharon Hamilton-Getz, Vice President.

  • Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. urges Trump to rescind his senseless dictate to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Refugees

    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. urges Trump to rescind his senseless dictate to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Refugees

    NEW YORK (TIP): “President Trump’s order to end temporary protected status for Haitians is a needlessly appalling concession to his anti-immigrant base at the expense of families who need our humanitarian assistance. The federal government should not be uprooting lives or breaking families apart, nor should we be forcing those who came to this nation looking for help during a desperate time to return to a country that is not entirely prepared for their arrival. The president must rescind this senseless dictate,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. in a statement released to the press.

  • Chairman Crowley, Assembly Member Simotas, Council Member Constantinides call for easing congestion in LaGuardia Airport’s surrounding community

    Chairman Crowley, Assembly Member Simotas, Council Member Constantinides call for easing congestion in LaGuardia Airport’s surrounding community

    QUEENS, NY (TIP):  House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY), NYS Assembly Member Aravella Simotas, and NYC Council Member Costa Constantinides announced November 21 they sent a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio requesting traffic enforcement agents at intersections along 82nd Street between Marine Terminal Road and Astoria Boulevard to ease congestion near LaGuardia Airport.

    “This particularly complicated stretch of 82nd Street presents a series of challenges to the local community, due to the confluence of 23rd Avenue, Ditmars Boulevard, the Grand Central Parkway, and traffic in and out of the airport,” wrote the lawmakers.

    With the ongoing redevelopment of LaGuardia, the officials stressed the need for action to address the flow of traffic.

    “[We] would like to request that traffic officers be positioned at these intersections during peak traffic hours, to ensure the smooth and orderly flow of cars and minimize congestion,” the lawmakers continued.

  • De Blasio Administration and Hispanic Federation host Dreamer Dinner; Renew call for passage of the Dream Act

    De Blasio Administration and Hispanic Federation host Dreamer Dinner; Renew call for passage of the Dream Act

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Center for Faith & Community Partnerships joined the Hispanic Federation to bring over one hundred New Yorkers, including dozens of Dreamers, together last night to break bread, give thanks, and refortify their shared commitment to passing a legislative solution for New York City’s 30,000 Dreamers, and the nearly 800,000 Dreamers nationwide. As families gather around dinner tables across the country to show thanks for their loved ones and communities, New York City’s Dreamers, their families and allies will break bread in a showing of American values and a refortified commitment to fighting for the Dream Act.

    “This city is home to 30,000 Dreamers, who are our neighbors, our colleagues, and our friends. The de Blasio Administration won’t stop fighting to keep them right here where they belong: in New York City,” said Acting Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Bitta Mostofi. “At a time of year when families and friends are gathered together to show thanks and love for one another, we are breaking bread with Dreamers to do just the same.”

    “It is that time of year when many reflect on and honor our national traditions. There is no greater American tradition than immigration – arriving to a nation, making it your own, and making it great – and that is what Dreamers have done,” said Marco Carrion, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit. “New York City supports its Dreamers and will fight for a clean Dream Act in Congress. Although the federal government is trying to limit their rights and opportunities, the City of New York will not leave Dreamers behind. The City is here to help Dreamers achieve their goals and thrive.”

    “Tonight, we affirm New York City’s commitment to our Dreamers,” said Jonathan Soto, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Center for Faith and Community Partnerships. “We honor their dreams and will fight to protect them, as fellow New Yorkers, from anti-immigrant legislation and policy. Working with our partners at the Community Affairs Unit, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Hispanic Federation, and the faith community, we declare to our Dreamers and their advocates: the City has your back.”

    “We call them Dreamers because their story – growing up here as immigrants and building a life here as new Americans – is part and parcel of the American Dream,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “America must do right by our Dreamers. At events like this one, in the streets, in the courts, and wherever else they need us to be, New York will continue to stand by the young people who have grown up here, contributed to our community, and who deserve security, stability, and a full life with their families, outside the shadows.”

    “As a nation built by immigrants, it is fitting that we stand in solidarity with Dreamers this holiday season,” said José Calderón, President of Hispanic Federation. “Dreamers are our family members, classmates, colleagues, friends, and represent in every way the very promise and future of America. Hispanic Federation will never give up on fighting for their rights and a clean Dream Act that will help uplift them, their families, and our communities.”

    DACA recipients are essential to New York City’s communities and economy, playing critical roles such as caregivers, public servants, lawyers, teachers, and members of the armed forces. In New York City, Dreamers contribute $19 million annually in local revenue. The de Blasio Administration continues to advocate for Dreamers in Congress, as well as provide direct resources and support through neighborhood outreach and legal clinics. The City is providing free legal support through ActionNYC, mental health support through ThriveNYC and has supported over 600 Know Your Rights forums this year in immigrant communities across the five boroughs. The City has also brought their fight to the courts, participating in amicus briefs in support of Dreamers. Through Cities for Action, a national coalition of over 100 mayors and county executives, New York City is working with Mayors across the country to urge Congress to pass the Dream Act.

  • Santhigram Wellness Kerala Ayurveda, USA to celebrate its 10th Anniversary on January 20, 2018 at New Jersey.

    Santhigram Wellness Kerala Ayurveda, USA to celebrate its 10th Anniversary on January 20, 2018 at New Jersey.

    EDISON, NJ (TIP): Santhigram Kerala Ayurvedic Co., USA, a leading provider of authentic Kerala specific Ayurveda therapies in the United States, having its presence at 12 locations spread all over US including New Jersey, New York, Texas, Illinois and Wisconsin, proudly announces a grand celebration on the occasion of completing 10 years since its inception in US on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Edison Hotel Banquet and Conference Center, 3050 Woodbridge Ave., Edison, New Jersey.

    More than 500 esteemed guests are expected to attend the function on the said day from various walks of life including clients, stakeholders, friends and well-wishers from various parts of US and abroad. It is also expected that the occasion will be graced by the presence of distinguished guests from Elected officials, Media, Community associations, Chambers of Commerce, business and other forums.

    Series of programs have been lined up as part of the event, including the launch of much awaited Ayurveda training School, Santhigram Herbal products and “Santhigram Foundation” – A charity wing of Santhigram for advocating and promoting health and wellness and making awareness of the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) based on “Ayurveda” principles that nurture the human mind, body and spirit and extending the benefit of cost-efficient Ayurveda treatments and medicinal herbs for chronic ailments to low income patients.

    Theme of the celebration during the extravaganza evening would be “Celebrating the Spirit of Life and Good Health” which will entail walking the audience through various chores involved in daily life and focus on realizing the supreme importance of staying pristine healthy.

    Some of the distinguished members of the community and employees who have supported and contributed immensely to the growth of the unique business model, Santhigram Wellness (Kerala Ayurveda) which has been successfully adopted in United States, will be accorded due recognition during the function.  It will be followed by variety of enthralling entertaining programs replete with a riveting dance and music programs and a sumptuous dinner evening.

    For further details, please contact on email: info@santhigramusa.com or phone number 732-709-3347 or 888-537-2987.

     

     

     

  • Museum in NYC to host The Namaste Express

    Museum in NYC to host The Namaste Express

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Children’s Museum of Manhattan will host an exhibition on Indian culture The Namaste Express, in the summer of 2018, media reports here stated. The Namaste Express will be the latest exhibition in an ongoing series of the museum’s exhibitions devoted to world cultures which have already included Ancient Greece, China, Japan and Jazz in NYC, with America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far as their current cultural exploration.

    An artifact in the America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far exhibition at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Through these exhibitions, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is able to teach children the importance of different cultures around the world and they do this by providing interactive, hands-on activities that the children can participate in, at their will, so they are able to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and its people.

    In their upcoming exhibition, The Namaste Express, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan wants to celebrate the beauty and diversity of India’s different cultures and languages along with its history and technological advancements.

    The exhibition will be “conceptualized as an interactive train journey through the country. The exhibition layout will allow children and families to make multiple stops at states and cities in India and sample the variety of architectural styles, cultures and environments through colors, shapes, structures and landscapes,” said Lizzy Martin, the Director of Exhibition Development and Museum Planning, at a meet to launch the exhibition, on November 6.

    A depiction of an Egyptian spice market in the America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far exhibition at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Some of the activities that are already underway include a Rajasthani puppet show, a Bollywood stage, a Chaat Cart (wheeled street cart), rolling rickshaws, a yoga center and a majestic Indian architectural fort, but the Children’s Museum of Manhattan wants more.

    “We want families to feel like they are in India, so that is why we are asking members of the Indian American community to help us bring this cultural experience to life,” said Andrew Ackerman, the Executive Director of the museum, speaking at the meet.

    “As an Indian American and a mother of two boys, I would love for my kids to learn about India while living in New York,” said Anu Sehgal of Culture Tree, who also brought Diwali to the museum this year in their one day special.

    The Children’s Museum of Manhattan plans to run the scheduled three-month exhibition in the summer of 2018 and depending upon the response, may plan to extend The Namaste Express exhibit for four years, in a much bigger location.

     

     

     

     

     

  • NYC COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS CHARGES 12 NATIONAL AND LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR DISCRIMINATING AGAINST JOB APPLICANTS WITH CRIMINAL HISTORIES

    NYC COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS CHARGES 12 NATIONAL AND LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR DISCRIMINATING AGAINST JOB APPLICANTS WITH CRIMINAL HISTORIES

    NEW YORK (TIP): The NYC Commission on Human Rights announced charges today against 12 local and national businesses for violating the Fair Chance Act, including Estée Lauder, Family Dollar, Kroll Associates, Tavern on the Green, Serafina Restaurants, Resorts World Casino, Barilla Restaurants, Best Market, Goldfarb Properties, inVentiv Health, Safeguard Self Storage, and Aaron’s Rent-to-Own, which together employ more than 140,000 people nationwide according to a combination of online sources. The complaints are the result of evidence collected by Commission testers following tips and complaints. The businesses have been notified of the charges and the Commission awaits their response.

    Under the Fair Chance Act, which amended the NYC Human Rights Law in October 2015, it is illegal in New York City for public and private employers with four or more employees to inquire or make statements about a job applicant’s criminal history during the hiring process, including on job applications and in employment ads, until a conditional offer of employment has been made. The Law gives individuals with a criminal history an equal opportunity to enter the workforce and a chance to move forward with their lives and support themselves and their families. There are more than 9.2 million individuals who have a criminal record in New York State, according to Department of Justice, disproportionately people of color.

    The Commission also announced fines against Yelp totaling $30,000 in civil penalties and damages for violating the NYC Human Rights Law by discriminating against a job applicant with criminal history. As part of the settlement, Yelp has committed to not inquiring about applicants’ criminal histories during interviews or on applications nationwide.

    “Everyone deserves a fair shot at employment, including those with a criminal record,” said Deputy Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Bureau at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Hollis V. Pfitsch. “The NYC Human Rights Law was specifically amended to prohibit employers from asking applicants about their criminal history before offering them a job, so people can be considered based on their skills and qualifications first, not their past. We hope these charges send a clear message to employers across the City that the Commission will not tolerate discrimination based on criminal history and that we will continue to vigorously test, investigate, and hold employers who violate the Law accountable so that every hardworking New Yorker who wants a job can find one.”

    “Good laws are the first step, but they are only as good as our outreach and our enforcement,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “I was proud to sponsor the Fair Chance Act with Council Member Jumaane Williams, but I’m prouder still to see the Human Rights Commission enforcing it and ensuring that employers end discrimination against applicants with criminal records.”

    “Two years ago, we enacted the Fair Chance Act to provide more equity in hiring and give those with criminal records who have paid their debt to society an equal opportunity to compete for jobs as they reenter the workforce,” said Council Member Jumaane D. Williams. “Not only does employment strengthen communities and lower recidivism, but employers have access to a broader range of qualified candidates to consider. I’m pleased that the NYC Commission on Human Rights is forcefully pursuing those who, to their own detriment, are not providing this fair chance, and I am confident that, with the protection of this legislation, both policies and attitudes in hiring will have to change.”

    “One of the most important stabilizing factors in a person’s life is a job. That is why the Fair Chance Act is so important for people on probation: knowing that they will not be discriminated against when they apply for a job removes a key barrier to their employment prospects,” said NYC Probation Commissioner, Ana M. Bermúdez. “I thank the NYC Commission on Human Rights for continuing to partner with us in increasing opportunity for people on probation and helping ensure that New York City is safe and fair for all of us.”

    Today’s charges against the 12 local and national businesses are the result of the Commission’s testing program which uncovered questions about job applicants’ criminal history on online job applications, in violation of the NYC Human Rights Law. The Commission has notified the businesses of the violations and awaits their response. Possible civil penalties in these and any discrimination cases depend on a range of factors, including the size and sophistication of the business, the willfulness of the violation, the extent to which the business cooperated with the Law Enforcement Bureau’s investigation, whether levying civil penalties is necessary to deter future violations, and the fine’s impact on the business.

    The Commission also announced a settlement with Yelp following an investigation into a complaint by an individual who alleged that he was illegally denied employment because of his criminal record. New Yorker Tomas Ramos, who applied to work at Yelp in February 2016 as an Account Executive, was told by a recruiter that his professional “background really impressed [the] recruiting team.” After several successful interviews, Yelp told Mr. Ramos that he must authorize a criminal background check. One week later, the recruiter told him that his background check contained information that would prevent Yelp from hiring him and cancelled his final interview, in violation of the NYC Human Rights Law.

    The Commission investigated and settled the case with Yelp, negotiating $20,000 in emotional distress damages for Mr. Ramos and a $10,000 fine for breaking the Law. Yelp immediately admitted liability, cooperated with the investigation, agreed to train all 800 plus New York City-based employees on the Fair Chance Act, post a Notice of Rights poster in their offices, and committed to not inquire about applicants’ criminal history during interviews or on applications nationwide.

    “Employers should consider my skills and qualifications, not my past,” said Tomas Ramos, a victim of criminal history discrimination. “How is anyone supposed to get ahead when they stop you at the door? Thankfully, New York City has a strong law that protects people from this kind of discrimination and a venue that can help you fight it when it happens. No one should be defined by their past mistakes. Hopefully cases like mine will help more people realize that they have rights and that they deserve a fair chance at employment.”

    Since the enactment of the Fair Chance Act, the Commission has been vigorously enforcing the Law, including:

    Launching 190 Commission-initiated investigations into criminal history discrimination in 2016.

    Conducting 235 tests for criminal history discrimination in 2016.

    Receiving 200 reports of criminal history discrimination in employment in 2016.

    Currently investigating more than 150 claims of criminal history discrimination.

    Levying civil penalties and damages against employers who violate the Law, including $65,000 in fines and damages against an ad agency, $25,000 in damages against a construction company, and $14,650 in damages against residential service non-profit, among others.

    Requiring training on the Fair Chance Act and the NYC Human Rights Law for managerial staff and employees as part of settlement agreements.

    Publishing rules on the Fair Chance Act this year, the first in Commission history, to provide additional clarity to businesses on its enforcement of the Fair Chance Act.

    The Commission also regularly educates New Yorkers about their rights and obligations under the Law, conducting 250 outreach events on this protection last year alone. The Commission also partners with the NYC Department of Probation to provide workshops for New Yorkers reentering the workforce, as well as workshops with the New York State Department of Corrections and at Commission Community Services Centers in all five boroughs. Additionally, the Commission partners with local Chambers of Commerce and business associations to educate them and their members on their responsibilities under the Law.

    If you or someone you know believes they are the victim of criminal history discrimination, 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. Learn more about employment protections against discrimination in New York City at www.nyc.gov/humanrights.

    “The Fair Chance Act ensures fairness for people who face discrimination when applying for jobs. However, without enforcement, many employers may believe they can disregard this crucial law,” said Nicole Salk, an attorney at Brooklyn Legal Services. “We applaud the NYC Human Rights Commission for their strong enforcement of the Fair Chance Act.”

     

     

     

  • Rajvatan Singh Rathour – First Sikh Model in London -India Fashion Week

    Rajvatan Singh Rathour – First Sikh Model in London -India Fashion Week

    LONDON (TIP): Rajvatan Singh Rathour has become the first Sikh Model to walk on the ramp in Olympia London in India Fashion Week 2017 along with The National Asian Wedding Show organised on 11th & 12th Nov. Rajvatan also completed shoot for a London based Khush magazine and soon will be appearing in it. Top Bollywood actresses like Sonam Kapoor, Aditi Rao have also appeared on the same page.

    The Patiala, Punjab born Rajvatan, moved permanently to UK in 2006 along with his family. In 2017 he completed his Masters of Science in International Politics from Royal Holloway, University of London. In 2015, he was appointed to be the Head Delegate representing Brunel University at the conference in the European Council at Cambridge University’s Model United Nations Conference. Rajvatan represented as a delegate in the Social, Cultural and Human Rights Committee in Oxford University’s Model United Nations Conference in 2014.

    During his time in university, he became interested in modelling, something which started off as a hobby in 2014, slowly became a passion for him to potentially pursue it as a career. Rajvatan was co-star in Diljit Dosanjh’s recently released song ‘El Sueno’.

    Transforming “Cat Walk” into a “Tiger Walk”, Rajvatan was adjudged “BEST WALK” award in International “Sardar” World model contest  in Aug 2017 in  Melbourne representing United Kingdom. Moreover, Rajvatan has successfully modelled for UK brands such as Wootz Brand, Anokhi House, and have worked with photographers such as J Dhillon, Gurvir Johal, Abs Kochhar, and Harmeet Singh Sana, and stylists such as Sahil Gulati, on various projects. Rajvatan has also featured in projects related to Sikhs in World War I as an Army man, as well as numerous fashion projects carried out by photographer Manpreet Malhi from University of Hertfordshire. Along with acting and modelling Rajvatan is also involved in the UK Punjabi community as a professional Bhangra dance instructor, and a choreographer. He is currently the captain of Gabru Furteley a UK Bhangra Team, which has competed Internationally. Therefore, Rajvatan possesses specific qualities that many film directors, designers, fashion directors and choreographers may look for.

    Facebook link – https://www.facebook.com/RAJVATANUK/?ref=bookmarks

  • HAITIANS AND OTHER REFUGEES DESERVE AMERICA’S HELP

    HAITIANS AND OTHER REFUGEES DESERVE AMERICA’S HELP

    BY Albert Baldeo

    “Our country has been the leading provider of humanitarian aid for refugees” -Elizabeth Esty

    “I believe in the promise of America. Being a Cuban refugee, having come here when I was eight, I know that this is a shining city on the hill” -Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

    “I have been a foreigner all my life, first as a daughter of diplomats, then as a political refugee and now as an immigrant in the U.S. I have had to leave everything behind and start anew several times, and I have lost most of my extended family”-Isabel Allende

    The recent attack on immigrants and minorities by the Trump administration to end temporary protected status and send 60,000 Haitians back to suffering and pain in their country-the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, is the latest in an alarming trend. Haiti cannot provide for them, and this decision is inhumane and unconscionable. This status was extended to Haitians, as America has done in the past with several other countries, after a destructive earthquake hit the island nation in 2010. With its poor economy, infrastructure and resources, Haiti is incapable of repatriating tens of thousands of people.

    Conscious of, and humbled by, its people’s suffering, the Haitian government had asked the Trump administration to extend the protected status. After all, America has a conscience. Haitians are the second-largest group of foreigners with temporary status. The protection is extended to people already in the United States who have come from countries severely affected by natural disasters or armed conflict that prevents their citizens from returning or prevents their country from adequately receiving them.

    Roughly 40,000 people who lost their homes in the earthquake still live in camps for the displaced, and a cholera epidemic killed thousands of people in the aftermath of the earthquake. Struggling to recover from the earthquake, they relied heavily on the money expatriates send to them back home to survive, but that lifeline will now be cut from them. Moreover, the decision to end the program will uproot the lives of Haitians who have been in the United States for years, most of whom live in Florida, home to roughly two-thirds of Haitian TPS enrollees. Haitians sent home will face dire conditions, including lack of housing, inadequate health services and unemployment. It will precipitate double hardship.

    Indeed, a permanent legislative solution must be found within the 18-month grace period. The move means that the Haitians given temporary protected status, or TPS, may remain until July 22, 2019, but could face deportation after that date. This is unconscionable, and a more humane solution must be found.

    El Salvador has the largest group of Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries in the United States, nearly 200,000 people.  The Department of Homeland Security is scheduled to announce next month whether it will rescind or renew protection for that country, which is plagued with gang violence and high unemployment. The protection applies to Salvadorans who were in the United States without permission on February 13, 2001, and was granted after deadly earthquakes destroyed their home country. Protections for Nicaraguans ended last month, and similar protections for Hondurans loom large. These countries’ citizens living in here need help and humanitarian consideration also.

    Others who now benefit include people from Nepal, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and the Trump administration must not continue to err on the side of cruelty and hostility to these nationals. That’s not the America we want, nor is that the America we have been!

    (Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate. As President of the Baldeo Foundation and Liberty Justice Center, he has continued to fight for equal rights, dignity and inclusion in the decision-making process. He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foundation: (718) 529-2300)

     

     

  • November 24 New York & Dallas Print Editions

    November 24 New York & Dallas Print Editions

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    Print Replica ~ Digitally

    E-Editions

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”New York Edition” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FTIP-November-24-NYC.pdf|||”][vc_single_image image=”89158″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/TIP-November-24-NYC.pdf”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Dallas, Texas Edition” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F11%2FTIP-November-24-Dallas-TX.pdf|||”][vc_single_image image=”89160″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/TIP-November-24-Dallas-TX.pdf”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”82828″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/”][vc_single_image image=”82829″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][td_block_ad_box spot_id=”custom_ad_3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Lead Stories This Week” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2F%20_blank|||”][td_block_5 limit=”8″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”td-default”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Indian-American Vin Gopal is the first Indian to get elected as a senator in history of New Jersey

    Indian-American Vin Gopal is the first Indian to get elected as a senator in history of New Jersey

    MONMOUTH, NJ (TIP): An evening to celebrate Monmouth County small-business owner and newly elected youngest state senator Vin Gopal was held on Friday, November 17, 2017, which was organized by South Asian Registration Initiatives – SARI led by prominent and successful business entrepreneur Ritesh Shah at Monroe Adult Day Care Center in Millstone Township, NJ, attended by more than 200 supporters, volunteers and community leaders.  Senator-elect Vin Gopal won by more than 4,000 votes defeating long-time incumbent politician Jennifer Beck.

    Born in Neptune Township and raised in Freehold Township, Gopal will be the first Indian-American senator to be elected as a state senator in New Jersey.  “It is time for new leadership to tackle New Jersey’s grave fiscal problems to help small business owners and hard-working middle class families” says Senator-elect Gopal in his appreciation address to his volunteers, community supporters, business owners and prominent community leaders.   He added that Monmouth County needs a Senator who will battle with the insiders in Trenton, not just show up and work only for few people.  “I will be your Senator who will spend every day fighting to lower property taxes, one who will work constantly to eliminate the red tape imposed on small businesses and fight against raising minimum wage increase which will destroy small business owners in NJ” said Senator-elect Gopal.   He also added that we needed a Senator who is going to do what’s right in funding women’s health care policies, not use the Senate to fulfill their own personal wishes and ambitions.  As your Senator, I will spend every day fighting against Trenton insiders and fighting for the needs of working people.  That is my pledge to the residents of Monmouth County.”

    The evening was attended by NJ’s 11th Legislative District’s re-elected officials Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey and NJ’s 33rd Legislative District’s third time elected Assemblyman Raj Mukherji were among the many local public officials who addressed the audience and thanked everyone for their contributions in electing Vin Gopal and urge everyone to stay engaged in the future to fight against discrimination and help elected more South Asians at all levels.  Edison Township Councilman Ajay Patil, Passaic County Freeholder John Bartlett and South Brunswick Board of Education re-elected member Deven Patel were amongst the local elected officials attend the evening to be a part of victory celebration.   Ritesh Shah, a successful business entrepreneur and prominent pharmacist who is a Chair of South Asian Registration Initiatives – SARI welcomed everyone and stated that South Asian communities in Monmouth County voted three times more than previous election years to elect Vin Gopal and broke the barrier and myth of Asian communities don’t get involved in elections or political process.  He mentioned that SARI organized the biggest voter’s registration, phone bank and GOTV campaigns for many months prior to the election which was the integral part of Vin Gopal’s victory.   “Our work is not over but just begun as we must continue to engage in a grass root level to volunteer for the community and political process to make a difference”, added Mr. Shah.  He thanked all the volunteers, supporters and community for their time in helping the first Indian Senator in the state.  Amit Jani, young and energetic Indian American who is an outreach director for Asian American and Pacific Islander – AAPI for Governor elect Phil Murphy also attended the event and addressed the audience and thanked everyone for their support in electing large and record breaking numbers of state and local officials in New Jersey.

  • Indian-American White House Official says Trump not anti-immigrant

    Indian-American White House Official says Trump not anti-immigrant

    WASHINGTON (TIP): A prominent Indian-American, who holds a key position in the White House, has refuted the notion that US President Donald Trump is anti-immigrant.

    “First of all, I don’t think that the rhetoric is anti-immigrant. I think it’s anti-illegal immigration,” White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah said.

    Shah’s comments come days after a key Congressional committee passed a legislation that proposes to increase the minimum salary of H-1B visa holders from USD 60,000 to USD 90,000 and imposes a number of restrictions on the work visa that is popular among Indian IT professionals.

    The bill prohibits H-1B dependent employers from replacing American workers with H-1B employees, there are no longer any exceptions.

    It also lengthens the no-layoff policy for H-1B dependent employers and their client companies for as long an H-1B employee works at the company, which means they cannot lay off equivalent US workers.

    Shah said Trump was only trying to make immigration “more merit-based” and “reform” the legal system regarding it.

    “President Trump has put forward a pretty serious set of proposals on immigration; not just on enforcement but also about reforming the legal system to make it more merit-based right with ideas that work for the US economy and for the American worker,” he said.

    “To ask for immigration to support the US economy, for asking for people who are coming here to be vetted for public safety or security threats, I don’t think it’s a very big leap. I think it’s very reasonable. The public supports that,” he added.

    Shah slammed the mainstream media for the “unfair” coverage on the issue, which “sometimes” leaves the White House “frustrated”.

    “There’s a tone in the media on this issue which is not fair. The mainstream media is just not paying attention to and is not focused and not giving kind of credit where it’s due,” he rued, asserting that in today’s modern age, the president has many ways to get his message out.

    “He uses it very effectively with Twitter and other social media. He uses it very effective with public speaking with taking and when he does a question-and-answer session we always say look, the President is his own best messenger,” he said.

    (Source: PTI)