MICHIGAN (TIP): An Indian American former CEO of an IT company based in Detroit pleaded guilty for orchestrating a bribery scheme.
Parimal D. Mehta, 54, a former CEO of FutureNet Group Inc, made multiple cash payments worth more than USD 6,500 to Charles Dodd, the former Director of Detroit’s Office of Departmental Technology Services between 2009 and 2016. These payments include two cash bribes hand-delivered by Mr. Mehta to Mr. Dodd in the restrooms of Detroit-area restaurants in 2016 in return of preferential treatment for his company.
Mr. Mehta pleaded guilty to one count of federal program bribery before U.S. District Judge Robert H. Cleland of the Eastern District of Michigan. He is now expected to be sentenced on September 27.
Mr. Mehta is also alleged to have employed Dodd’s family members at FutureNet and its subsidiaries. Mr. Dodd pleaded guilty to bribery on September 27, 2016. The previous indictment in the case indicated that Mr. Mehta and FutureNet benefited from Mr. Dodd’s influence over the implementation of particular technological projects, the hiring and selection of contract personnel.
Furthermore, Parimal D Mehta obtained confidential information about Detroit’s internal budgets for specific technology projects, which would benefit FutureNet in its dealings with Detroit.
JOHANNESBURG(TIP): Sadia Sukhra, a nine-year-old Indian origin girl was killed after being shot during a car hijacking in South Africa, outraging the community members and sparking angry protests in Durban.
Sadia, a grade four student from Chatsworth, was on her way to school with her father when three armed men allegedly ran into their car. They allegedly forced her father out of the car and sped away with her.
In an ensuing chase, the carjackers and community members shot at each other. The suspects later crashed the car near a park. The girl was found shot and critically injured while one of the suspects tumbled out of the car dead.
Sadia was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
A second carjacker was arrested by an off-duty policeman. A third suspect remains at large.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed that one of the hijackers was killed.
Following the incident, more than 3,000 members of the community gathered outside Chatsworth police station demanding swift police action.
As the small contingent of officers at the police station allegedly came under severe verbal abuse and threats of physical action from protestors, they resorted to firing rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades to disperse the crowd, which included scores of children.
Chatsworth is an Indian township in Durban.
Mahendra Lillkan, chairperson of the local Crime Forum, said there had been a spike in crime in the area despite community patrols at night.
“It seems that the criminals have now resorted to striking at soft targets, such as parents taking their children to school, as we have seen with this tragic incident.”
Police and community leaders have appealed for calm amid fears that the protests would escalate as the distraught family prepared for the funeral.
Tributes for the little girl have poured in on social media as news of her shooting went viral.
LONDON(TIP): An Indian origin biochemist Priyanka Joshi has been named alongside the likes of actress-turned-royal Meghan Markle, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and bestselling author J K Rowling as the 25 most influential and aspirational women in the UK by ‘Vogue’ magazine.
Joshi has been chosen for her cutting-edge research in the inaugural ‘The Vogue 25’ list released on May 31st, which includes artists, activists and executives across different fields.
“Priyanka Joshi had barely completed her PhD when ‘Forbes’ named her one of the most important young faces in science. A research fellow at Downing College, Cambridge, the 29-year-old sits at the cutting edge of Alzheimer’s research, and has been praised for her ground-breaking work building a ‘library’ of drug-like molecules to target irregular proteins that cause degenerative brain diseases,” notes the citation on the young biochemist.
“With dementia now the leading cause of death for women in England and Wales, her early breakthroughs and research could not be more vital,” it adds in reference to Ms. Joshi, who completed her MSc in Biotechnology from University of Pune before moving to the UK.
LOS ANGELES(TIP): Indian American Preethi Kasireddy who founded TruStory, an online fact-checking platform, has raised a $3 million in seed funding.
The funding will help TruStory, a Los Angeles-based startup that was launched seven months ago, “build a world-class engineering, design, and community development team to work towards its mission”, Kasireddy said in a blog post.
The funding, led by True Ventures, had participation from Pantera Capital, Kindred Ventures, Homebrew, Coinbase Ventures, Wonder Ventures, Abstract Ventures, Ausum Ventures, and Dream Machine (Alexia Tsotsis), among others, she wrote.
Several angels also invested in the round, among them Fred Ehrsam, David King, Scott Belsky, Josh Elman, Alok Vasudev and Jessica Verrilli. “It’s an honor to have each of these partners on board,” Kasireddy wrote.
The platform allows users to find out and validate various claims people make online on blogs, website and social media posts.
“Unlike in today’s web where the onus for fact-checking is on the reader, in TruStory, every ‘story’ or claim goes through a unique validation process that leverages a distributed network of participants with robust economic and social incentives to surface the truth,” the founder wrote.
Kasireddy, who grew up in Monroe, New Jersey, has a B.S. in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Southern California. She quit a Silicon Valley job to found the blockchain startup.
Kasireddy added that in her experience as a developer in the blockchain space, including at the digital currency exchange Coinbase, she has “been haunted by the proliferation of low-quality information, rampant inauthenticity, and sheer disinformation.”
“There are no longer universally trusted central parties to keep tabs on what’s real,” she wrote, adding, “That’s why I started TruStory. TruStory is a platform that uses the collective knowledge of the crowd, combined with the right incentives and disincentives, to validate and curate a better reality — starting with the blockchain space.”
BUFFALO, NY(TIP): Indian American doctor Sreekrishna M Cheruvu, M.D., 58, of East Amherst, NY has been arrested and charged with health care fraud and submitting false statements relating to health care matters. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He has pleaded guilty, announced U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Ellen Kresse, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendant treated patients for opioid addiction at his office in Williamsville, NY. Between January 2009 and December 2013, Cheruvu submitted false and fraudulent claims to private insurance companies seeking reimbursement for services allegedly provided. Claims submitted by the defendant included reimbursement for individual counseling sessions when patients were actually seen in a group therapy setting, and reimbursement for services Cheruvu allegedly provided while he was, in fact, out of the country.
For example, some of the defendant’s patients reported that between eight and fifteen patients attended the group therapy sessions that were billed as individual counseling sessions. The patients also stated that counselors, not Cheruvu, led the group therapy sessions and that when the defendant did attend a session, he stayed for about 10 minutes at the beginning or end of the session.
In November 2013, a search warrant was executed at the defendant’s Williamsville office. Records seized during the search revealed that on multiple occasions, Cheruvu billed insurance companies for therapy sessions that he did not attend.
According to the complaint, the defendant submitted false and fraudulent claims for payment to HealthNow, Independent Health and Excellus totaling approximately $628,000. The complaint further alleges that Cheruvu submitted claims for payment totaling $147,000 on dates it was determined that the defendant was outside of the country.
“Perpetuating fraud on the health care industry drives up the cost for everyone, including taxpayers who fund government health care programs and all who contribute directly to their own health care costs,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and is being detained.
The Criminal Complaint was the result of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
LOS ANGELES, CA: On May 7, in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics In Entertainment) and U.S. Bank launch Season 4 of the #IAm Campaign, a series of mini-documentaries showcasing the voices and achievements of Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders. This is the first year that CAPE, a non-profit organization that champions diversity in entertainment and media, joins forces with U.S. Bank to produce their flagship #IAm digital awareness campaign.
Season 4 highlights the inspiring stories of the following five artists and leaders (www.iam-campaign.com):
Abhijay Prakash, COO, DreamWorks Animation
AJ Rafael, musician and YouTube pioneer
Mari Takahashi (@atomicmari), ballerina and gamer
Michelle Kwan, Olympian
Sandra Oh, actor (KILLING EVE, MEDITATION PARK, GREY’S ANATOMY)
“CAPE is thrilled to partner with U.S. Bank to highlight these trailblazing titans,” said Michelle K. Sugihara, CAPE’s executive director. “This year we celebrate the possibilities of what’s to come, as we build on what’s been done. I hope it inspires everyone to share their #IAmStory.”
“The stories featured in the ‘I Am’ campaign inspire people to embrace their own authenticity and difference,” said Reba Dominski, U.S. Bank chief social responsibility officer. “We’re excited to support this amazing campaign and help close the gap between people and possibility.”
To learn more about #IAm and to join the conversation online, visit www.iam-campaign.com. Follow and share your own story on social media at #IAmStory.
Since 1991, CAPE has championed diversity by educating, connecting, and empowering Asian American & Pacific Islander artists and leaders through entertainment and media. We create systemic change by training the next generation of artists and leaders through our signature writing and executive fellowships in TV, Film, and Digital. Please join the cause at capeusa.org/support.
Support future storytellers by donating to CAPE today!
About U.S. Bank
At U.S. Bank, we believe in the power of making Community Possible. Whether your plans are big or small, we’re here to help you take the steps you need to reach your goals. We’re dedicated to supporting and celebrating our employees, customers and communities – because every time one person succeeds, we all succeed. U.S. Bank honors the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who blazed trails – and the future trailblazers who carry the torch. Learn how we’re celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at usbank.com/AAPIHeritage.
U.S. Bancorp, with 74,000 employees and $460 billion in assets as of March 31, 2018, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest bank in the United States. The Minneapolis-based bank blends its branch and ATM network with mobile and online tools that allow customers to bank how, when and where they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial and corporate, and investment services customers across the country and around the world as a trusted financial partner, a commitment recognized by the Ethisphere Institute naming the bank a 2018 World’s Most Ethical Company. Visit U.S. Bank online or follow on social media to stay up to date with company news.
DALLAS(TIP): Community members of all ages came out with their families to support the annual BAPS Charities Walk Green 2018 in Dallas, TX on May 19th. 2018 marks the third year that the annual BAPS Charities walkathon will benefit The Nature Conservancy and their effort to conserve the lands and waters on earth to sustain life for upcoming generations. BAPS Charities will contribute $165,000, an equivalent of planting 130,000 trees, to The Nature Conservancy to support their initiative to plant a billion trees globally by 2025. In addition to supporting this global effort, this year’s BAPS Charities walkathon also supported Irving Schools Foundation and the Irving Citizens Fire Academy Association. The Irving Schools Foundation provides financial resources to maximize educational opportunities for teachers and students in Irving ISD by funding innovative programs, scholarships, and activities that enhance creativity, leadership, and academic success.
Altogether, over 1200 participants attended the walk. “Coming out to support BAPS Charities is always rewarding, and it makes me feel proud to be helping The Nature Conservancy and its Plant a Billion Trees campaign. It is a great way for me to teach my children about protecting the planet and accepting environmental responsibility,” said Rina Jariwala from Southlake, who has participated in the BAPS Charities Walk Green efforts for the past three years.
BAPS Charities uses these opportunities to instill a spirit of service and commitment to preservation and environmental responsibility in community members. Events such as this help instill consciousness in community members surrounding their actions, and, in turn, helps inspire global harmony with nature.
Commenting on activities of BAPS Charities, Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer said, “There’s so many good things that can be done and when you see everyone coming together, when you see these young people here realizing how important it is to volunteer and give back to the community, I want to thank BAPS for teaching us how to all work together and take care of the environment. The fact that we’ll have 300,000 trees planted by the end of the year it is amazing!”
About BAPS Charities
BAPS Charities is a global charity active in nine countries across five continents. Volunteers drive its efforts, dedicating a portion of their lives in selfless service of others, both in their local neighborhoods as well as globally. Working in five key areas, BAPS Charities aims to express a spirit of selfless service through Health Awareness, Educational Services, Humanitarian Relief, Environmental Protection & Preservation and Community Empowerment. From organizing Walkathons that raise funds for local and global needs, to supporting humanitarian relief in times of urgent need; from hosting community health fairs to sustaining hospitals and schools in developing countries, BAPS Charities provides an opportunity for individuals wishing to serve locally and globally.
Best Revival Of A Play: Drama League Award Nomination
Lauren Ridloff: 2018 Tony Award Nominee
2018 Drama League Award Nominee
2018 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee
2018 Theater World Award
Joshua Jackson: 2018 Drama League Award Nominee
“Fierce, crackling, passionate and profound. Lauren Ridloff gives a blistering, knockout debut performance. And, I am awestruck by Joshua Jackson.”
– The New York Times
“Intense, primal, and show-stopping”– New York magazine
“Lauren Ridloff is a silent storm. Luminous and expressive, she needs no spoken words to get across her emotions. Her Sarah is remarkable.”– The Boston Globe
Children of a Lesser God, in 1980, premiered on Broadway and asked: how can we truly communicate? Now, Tony Award®-winning director Kenny Leon (of plays, A Raisin in the Sunand Fences) is laying this question bare in a breathtaking new production of this landmark play starring Joshua Jackson (of the Golden Globe Award-winning television seriesThe Affair, and Dawson’s Creek), Lauren Ridloff (of the Palme D’Or-nominated 2017 film, Wonderstruck), and Anthony Edwards (Emmy Award-nominee for his role in ER,Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the 1998 Golden Globe Award).
Lauren Ridloff and Joshua Jackson Photo / Matthew Murphy
Playwright Mark Medoff wrote Children of a Lesser Godspecifically for Phyllis Frelich, a deaf actress who made her professional debut as the character Sarah Norman in the 1979 production at the Mark Taper Forum and went on to play the part on Broadway the following year. The deaf actress Marlee Matlin appeared opposite William Hurt in the 1986 film version.
Medoff received the Tony and Olivier Awards for Children of a Lesser God,was nominated for an Academy Award for the movie of the same title, and received a Writers Guild of America (WGA) Best Adapted Screenplay Award for its film adaptation. His Obie Awards are When You Comin Backand Red Ryder?He is Distinguished Achievement Professor and Artist in Residence, New Mexico State University.
Now, Lauren Ridloff, who starred as Sarah in the Berkshire Theater (Stockbridge, MA) production last year, repeats the role on Broadway, continuing the tradition of deaf actresses who come out of nowhere and sweep us off our feet. A former Miss Deaf America, Lauren is of African-American and Mexican descent.
Lauren Ridloff has been nominated for the 2018 Tony award in the category: Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play, among Drama League and other nominations.
Lauren Ridloff and Joshua Jackson Photo / Matthew Murphy
Joshua Jackson, Drama League nominated for his roleplays that speech therapist, James Leeds, who is tutoring Sarah and falls in love with her. But “Sarah has a certain aversion to learning speech,” as the school’s headmaster played by Anthony Edwards (Mr. Franklin) delicately puts it, so human communication — the bedrock of civilization and the language of lovers — becomes a huge challenge for this mismatched couple. James eventually wins Sarah’s heart in a cleverly pleasing way.
Winner of the Tony, Drama Desk, and Olivier Awards for Best Play, when it premiered in 1980, Children of a Lesser God, one of themost indelible love stories of the modern age, brings to life the passionate and personal connectionthe story of an unconventional teacher at a school for the deaf and the remarkable woman he meets there. As their relationship heats up, so does their need for control, igniting a thrilling exploration of passion, intimacy, and connection.
Watching the current production of Children of a Lesser God you immediately become a very active, implicated participant in its study of the relationship of a deaf-from-birthwoman, Sarah Norman (Lauren Ridloff), and her hearing husband, James Leeds (The Affair’sJoshua Jackson), a teacher at a State School for the Deaf.
The first-ever Broadway revival of Mark Medoff’s groundbreaking play, Children of a Lesser God, is
lead produced by Hal Luftig, starring film and television favorite Joshua Jackson and breakout star Lauren Ridloff, alongside Emmy Award® winner and Golden Globe Award® winner Anthony Edwards, Drama Desk Award nominee and Obie Award winner Kecia Lewis, Julee Cerda, Treshelle Edmond, and John McGinty.
L to R: Joshua Jackson, Anthony Edwards, and Lauren Ridloff Photo / Matthew Murphy
The pungency of sign language isa wonderful bonus to the play’s fierce rivalry between those who promote spoken English as the highest attainable form of communication and those who are staunch partisans of silence.
To Sarah, as to many deaf people today, deafness is an identity, not a defect or a curse imposed by a lesser god.
Now, Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon (NPR) invigorates this landmark play with astounding new relevance and a pair of performances that cannot be missed. Jesse Green of The New York Times raves, “Joshua Jackson is a revelation in a tour de force role, and Lauren Ridloff is sensational and explosive.” Leon received the 2010 Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing by the Drama League of New York. Prior to co-founding True Colors Theatre Company, he served 11 years as Artistic Director of The Alliance Theater.
The creative team for Children of a Lesser Godfeatures Tony Award winner Derek McLane (set design), Dede Ayite (costume design), Tony Award nominee Mike Baldassari (lighting design), Jill BC Du Boff (sound design), two-time Grammy Award ® winner Branford Marsalis (original music), and Alexandria Wailes (director of artistic sign language). Casting for the production is by Telsey + Company.
The producing team is led by Hal Luftig and includes LHC Theatrical Development, Craig Haffner & Sherry Wright, Yasuhiro Kawana, James L. Nederlander, Rodney Rigby, Albert Nocciolino/Independent Presenters Network, Blue Fog Productions, Suzanne L. Niedland, The Shubert Organization, Jhett Tolentino, Steve & Paula Reynolds, Nyle DiMarco, and Roundabout Theatre Company. Tamar Climan serves as executive producer and Sandy Block as associate producer.
The production is the most accessible play in Broadway history with every performance featuring supertitles seamlessly incorporated into the show’s scenic design and closed captioning available through the GalaPro app which is available on Apple or Android devices. Additionally, at select performances of Children of a Lesser God, American Sign Language interpreters are present.
For more information and tickets, please visitchildrenofalessergodbroadway.com.
Tickets can also be purchased at telecharge.com, by calling 212-239- 6200, or at the Studio 54 box office (254 West
54th Street). For groups of 10 or more, contact Broadway Inbound at BroadwayInbound.com or by calling 866-302-0995.
Location: Studio 54, 254 W. 54th St., Midtown West
Category: Broadway,Comedy/Drama, Play
Runtime: 2 hrs. and 20 min.
Credits: Written by Mark Medoff; Directed by Kenny Leon
Cast: Joshua Jackson, Lauren Ridloff, Anthony Edwards, Kecia Lewis, Julee Cerda, Treshelle Edmond and John McGinty
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)
MILPITAS, CA(TIP): On May 20, Indian immigrant communities from throughout California gathered to protest a “Cow Culture” conference at the India Community Center in Milpitas, CA which featured Indian Member of Parliament Subramanian Swamy.
“We welcome all cow lovers,” announced the OM Sri Surabhi Campaign (OSSC), which organized the conference. “Join use for an engaging Cow Culture Conference for Global Auspiciousness in service to our universal mother, Sri Surabhi.” The name “Surabhi” refers to the idea of a “divine mother cow.” The conference called people to “adopt our universal mother.”
Protestors who gathered outside the India Community Center claimed that “cow culture” is being used a political tool to coerce minorities. “Dalit and Muslim people stand here with our Bahujan brothers and sisters saying, ‘enough is enough with this violence,’” declared Thenmozhi Soundararajan at the protest. Soundararajan, who is President of Ambedkar Association of North American, led the group of approximately 40 protestors in chants of “No more lynchings, no more rapes, Hindutva is a culture of hate.”
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reports that the BJP embraces “an ideology of Hindutva, which holds non-Hindus as foreign to India.” The BJP achieved national power in India in 2014, with Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. In 2017, Swamy praised Modi’s work with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the parent organization of the BJP, stating, “If you peel off his exterior, it is all Hindutva.” Explaining the BJP’s victory, Swamy said, “We articulated this Hindutva — of uniting the Hindus and dividing the minorities.”
Inside the conference, Swamy praised the benefits of cows. “Milk, urine, the gobar — excreta — is converted into fertilizer, pesticide, as well as bricks for building huts,” said Swamy. “So here is an animal which gives you everything. Why is that you want this to be killed?” He said people do not have the right to eat what they want, stating, “In India, there is no such thing as an absolute fundamental rights to anything.” Demanding that India pass a national law criminalizing cow slaughter, he added, “Anyone killing a cow should be prosecuted for murder.”
Outside, protestors chanted, “Cow culture has got to go. Cow culture is hatred.” They displayed signs and banners, including one featuring a photo of Mohammed Ikhlaq underneath the tagline, “Hindutva cow culture lynches.” Ikhlaq was a Muslim who was dragged from his home in Uttar Pradesh on the night of September 28, 2015 and beaten to death on suspicion of possessing beef. Citing a 2017 report by IndiaSpend, a public interest journalism website, the banner also stated, “Since 2010, 97% lynchings by ‘cow protectors’ happened after Modi’s 2014 victory.”
Expressing concern that “Hindu Sharia law” is coming to the United States, several protestors took to a bullhorn to deliver short speeches. “We love India,” said Zafar Haq. Speaking on behalf of the Indian American Muslim Council, he continued, “India is our country. We cannot let Hindutva claim their share and say that, ‘We will drive you out.’ They cannot tell us that the cow is a deciding factor for life and death for so many Muslims. Just yesterday, in Madhya Pradesh, an innocent Muslim man was lynched and killed for allegations that he had beef in his house.”
“Subramanian Swamy is the big culprit who is behind the policy of killing Muslims, killing minorities, and he’s coming here to demand more killing of the minorities,” warned Jaswant Singh Hothi of Milpitas Gurdwara. “We are here to send him a message that we will not put up with what he is doing. Cow culture is a culture of rape, it’s a culture of hate, and we will not put up with this. We pledge to galvanize the Sikh Sangat of the Bay Area against this Hindutva.”
Sandeep Singh of Turlock Gurdwara called the conference “an RSS program,” adding, “Cow culture is against American values of liberty and equality.” He joined in chants of “RSS, go away.” Other slogans raised by the protestors included “RSS out of America,” “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Hindutva has got to go,” and “Hindutva out of India.”
Inside the conference, leaders of Hindu Swayamevak Sangh (HSS) — the international affiliate of the RSS — took the podium before Swamy gave his keynote speech. “Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to speak at the cow conference which is so needed, especially in a country like the US,” said Ajay Singhal. Sanjay Tripathi, assuring the conference that HSS stands ready to provide “whatever is needed,” claimed, “The god came to serve cow.”
Meanwhile, a few conference attendees stepped outside to engage protestors.
One large white man dressed as a swami walked up to the protest, saying, “My friends.” He quickly turned to anger, however, and began screaming, “One cow is equal to a thousand humans.” As he was escorted away by fellow conference attendees, protestor Bhajan Singh remarked, “This is the cow culture.” Singh continued, “You saw his violent attitude. If this is the cow culture that is coming in America, where they’re going to come and attack you like that, it’s a scary thought for all of us.”
Narayan Higgins, manager of Hawaii-based Krishna Cow Sanctuary, briefly engaged in debate with Soundararajan. “If the Hindutvas are as bad as you say they are, they will destroy you for acting like this,” said Higgins. “They actually are killing our people,” replied Soundararajan. They were then joined by Sriramadas Brs, the Continental Coordinator (Asia) of OSSC, who told Higgins, “We need to go.” Higgins replied, “I was just trying to talk with them.” Sriramadas quickly escorted Higgins away. Protestors then began chanting, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Brahmanism’s got to go.”
Delivering remarks from a bullhorn, Singh declared, “They have successfully fooled the world into declaring from the United Nations October 2nd as a Nonviolence Day. They then decided that wasn’t enough. They then said they will declare International Yoga Day, which is now being celebrated all over the world. Guess what’s coming next? International Cow as Our Universal Mother Day…. We do not want the universal cow mother day. I respect my mother. If I called my mother a cow, she would slap me.”
“Subramanian Swamy is Hindutva in a cow mask,” remarked Arvin Valmuci, a spokesperson for Organization for Minorities of India (OFMI). “The Bahujan Mulnivasi people of India are being oppressed and persecuted by Hindu supremacist elements who politicize cow worship and use it as a pretext for violence.”
Laws in 21 of India’s 29 states criminalize the slaughter of cattle to one degree or another. Violence related to cow protection has been a feature of Indian society for a long time, but the country has undergone a massive spike in incidents since 2014. IndiaSpend, which conducted the first statistical analysis of cow-related attacks and lynchings, documented and analyzed all reported incidents since 2010. “Of 63 attacks recorded since 2010, 61 took place under Mr. Modi’s government,” reported IndiaSpend.
Further data analysis reveals several shocking trends. Of 28 people killed, 24 were Muslim. Out of 63 attacks, 32 victims were Muslim, five were Dalit, and one was Christian. In 13 of 63 attacks, police pressed charges against the victims. In 23 of 63 attacks, the attackers were identified as members of Hindu nationalist groups. Of 63 attacks, 32 occurred in states governed by the BJP. Finally, 2017 has seen a 75% increase in attacks versus the same period in 2016.
Commenting in March 2018, Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy accused the BJP of holding a double-standard by only seeking a ban on the slaughter of cows. “If they want to ban, let them ban everywhere and all animals,” said Reddy. He added, “They say that they will ban cow slaughter if they come to power in Karnataka, while our country exports cow meat, beef to other countries. It has been four years since they came to power. Why have they not stopped these exports.”
Groups participating in the protest included OFMI, B. R. Ambedkar Sikh Foundation, American Religious Freedom Coalition, Ambedkar King Study Circle, Indian American Muslim Council, and Ambedkar Association of North America.
HICKSVILLE, NY(TIP): Long Island University (LIU), one of the largest private universities in the United States, conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Rao Anumolu, ASR’s Founder, President & CEO, during LIU’s 2018 Commencement ceremonies.
Mr. Rao Anumolu is the President & CEO of Long Island (New York) based ASR International Corporation. He obtained a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and also an MBA degree from Illinois Institute of Technology. He has attended several Advanced Management Courses at Defense Systems Management College, Harvard University and Wharton School of Business Management. He is also an OPM graduate of Harvard Business School (HBS).
Mr. Anumolu is the only Asian Indian to have been cited by the US Congress for the contributions made by him and ASR International Corporation towards homeland security in USA. Mr. Anumolu is the recipient of the 2010 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. This Medal recognized recipients for outstanding contributions to their communities, their nation and the world. It is the highest civilian award in the US for immigrants – for their contributions in the development of this country. Mr. Anumolu has held senior management positions directing commercial and government programs that included major aerospace design and development projects.
Mr. Anumolu founded ASR International Corporation in 1986 in Long Island, NY. ASR is a world renowned high technology company providing Engineering, Information Technology, Training, Project Management, Logistics, and Supply Chain Quality Management Support Services to global Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. ASR is ISO 9001:2015 certified and assessed at SEI CMMI Level 3.
The full citation from LIU may be viewed at http://www.liu.edu/CWPost/Commencement/Honorary-Degree-Recipients
NEW YORK(TIP): A new book is here to rock the literary world. 100% Life by Rajan Thapaliya is a book unlike any other. Its ability to inspire and heal will change your life. If you want to heal and achieve a better state of existence, then this book is a must-read. If you don’t want to change your life, then put this book down and walk away.
100% Percent Life was published by Lulu Press in Raleigh, North Carolina. Written by Rajan Thapaliya, this book is meant to inspire and encourage people on their path through life. Each chapter is a story of redemption, survival, and gratitude that will melt your heart.
Far beyond the average self-help book, 100% Life is real and raw. It offers frank and candid advice about discovering your purpose in life, becoming happy, and finding love both within and without. It will show you how to cleanse your body and soul for your maximum health, and how to attract the opposite sex. There is even advice about how to deal with life’s ickier parts, such as cheating partners or lack of motivation.
Written in a simple, concise style, you will fly through this book. You won’t want to set it down. When you finally do set down this book after the last page, you will possess all of the tools that you need to make your life amazing. Nothing can stop you now. You will take over your own life and use your own power to excel at life. 100% Life is now available at Barnes and Nobel, Amazon and Ebay.com.
Rajan Thapaliya is a motivational, inspirational, and self-help author. He is the author of several books about love, life, and success. He now studies medicine in New York City. Many of his stories and articles deal with life or adjusting as an American immigrant.
Link:
Barnes and Nobel: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/100-life-rajan-thapaliya/1126409903?ean=9781365953774
India’s regional reset won’t be complete without a change in its Pakistan policy
By Rakesh Sood
“Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s critics acknowledge his uncanny ability to take bold decisions and this reflects in his foreign policy initiatives. Interestingly, he is also demonstrating an ability to undertake course corrections. The informal summit at Wuhan, China, last month and a visit to Nepal this month reflect a change aimed at reviving the ‘neighborhood first’ policy, announced in 2014. The big challenge, however, will be providing a sense of direction to the policy on Pakistan which has oscillated between ‘jhappi’ and ‘katti’.”
Mr. Modi had received Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2014 in Gujarat reflecting his personalized diplomacy even though the ongoing stand-off in Chumar in eastern Ladakh cast a shadow on the visit. The personalized diplomacy was reciprocated the following year when Mr. Modi visited China and Mr. Xi received him in Xian, but its limits soon became apparent.
In mid-2016, China blocked India’s bit to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) despite a meeting between the two leaders in Tashkent on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This was followed by China vetoing Masood Azhar’s listing as a terrorist in the UN Security Council even though the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is a banned entity. China’s veto continued even after the Uri Army camp attack by JeM cadres later that year, adding to India’s growing annoyance. Hydrological data sharing stopped amid reports of diversion of Brahmaputra river waters. The 73-day stand-off at Doklam last year and accompanying rhetoric reflected a marked downturn. India responded through all this by voicing skepticism regarding Mr. Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), stepping up maritime engagement with the U.S. and Japan and reviving the Quad (with Australia) in Manila last year.
Both leaders soon realized the risks of the downward spiral of confrontation and were pragmatic enough to understand the need to restore a degree of balance to the relationship. Mr. Xi had emerged stronger after the 19th Communist Party Congress and the decision by the Central Committee to remove the restriction of two terms for a President made it clear that he would continue beyond 2023.
Significant messages were carried by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Politburo member Yang Jiechi last December during their visits to Delhi. Follow-up visits to Beijing by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earlier this year prepared the ground for the informal summit meeting in Wuhan last month. The leak of the government circular advising officials to stay away from events commemorating 60 years of Dalai Lama’s exile in India and declining Australia’s suggestion to participate in Malabar naval exercises indicated Indian interest in a reset.
The Wuhan summit was projected as ‘informal’ (something the Chinese have engaged in with U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump), without an agenda. Over two days, the two leaders met for 10 hours, four times one-on-one and twice with their delegations. Instead of a customary Joint Statement, there were separate briefings by Mr. Gokhale and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou indicating the key takeaways. It is clear that messages have gone out to the Army to improve communications and understanding and prevent the stand-offs that were becoming frequent. Both sides have agreed to undertake a joint project in Afghanistan. No softening of Chinese position on the NSG or India’s reservations on the BRI was visible though these issues would have figured in the discussions. However, with three more meetings likely during the SCO, G-20 and BRICS summits later this year, it is clear that there is an effort to bring the relationship on track.
Rebuilding trust with Nepal
A similar exercise appears to be under way with Nepal. Mr. Modi’s visit in 2014 had generated considerable goodwill but subsequent decisions queered the pitch. India’s public display of unhappiness with Nepal’s new Constitution and support for the Madhesi cause created ill-will. The economic impact caused by the disruption of supplies of essential items such as liquefied petroleum gas, petroleum products and medicines fed the anti-Indian sentiment which K.P. Oli effectively exploited to score a decisive electoral victory late last year. Clearly, Delhi was disappointed with the election outcome but decided that the relationship with Nepal was too important to let past misunderstandings fester. A new beginning was necessary.
A couple of phone calls between Mr. Modi and Mr. Oli followed in December-January and Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj was in Kathmandu even before Mr. Oli was sworn in as Prime Minister to convey congratulations and an invitation from Mr. Modi to visit India. Mr. Oli responded positively, and much was made of the fact that in keeping with tradition, he made Delhi his first foreign destination last month. A surprise one-on-one meeting with Mr. Modi on the first day provided the two leaders an opportunity to clear the air about the past and rebuild a degree of trust.
A return visit by Mr. Modi to Nepal within a month (on May 11-12) indicates that both sides are keen to show positive movement. Expectations are being kept low key, but the optics of positive messaging are evident. Included in the itinerary are a visit to Janakpur to offer prayers at Janaki Mandir and a public address which will announce the inauguration of the Ramayana pilgrimage circuit linking Ayodhya and Janakpur. The same idea had been shot down earlier when the Nepali authorities had cited ‘security issues’. In addition, Mr. Modi will visit Muktinath and the pension paying office at Pokhara, highlighting the historical, cultural and religious ties between the peoples of the two countries. Undoubtedly, the fact that he begins his visit to Nepal by landing in Janakpur, capital of the sole Madhes-ruled province will give comfort to the Madhesi community, but Mr. Modi realizes that his challenge is to repair ties with the wider Nepali community.
The Pakistan challenge
With Pakistan, after the opening when the then Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, visited Delhi in 2014 and Mr. Modi dropped in to have tea with him in Lahore in December 2015, relations stalled in 2016 following the Pathankot and Uri attacks. Firing across the Line of Control (LoC) has intensified leading to higher casualties on both sides, both civilian and military. In September 2016, India launched ‘surgical strikes’ as retaliation for the Uri attack but this has not reduced infiltration. Since Burhan Wani’s death, local recruitment by radical groups is also on the rise. India has successfully stalled the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit since 2016 and Mr. Trump’s tweets criticizing Pakistan have given Delhi satisfaction. But limits to the policy of isolating Pakistan are also apparent.
Elections are likely in July and the Army would prefer to keep Mr. Sharif’s PML(N) out of power. Mr. Sharif’s dismissal and disqualification for life from politics by the Supreme Court makes it clear that the Army is determined to control the political transition. Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa has, on more than one occasion, emphasized the need for improving relations with both India and Afghanistan.
The resumption of the stalled Track II Neemrana Dialogue last month in Islamabad indicates that a shift may be likely. Pakistan realizes that the time frame for a shift is limited before India goes into election mode. The question is whether Gen. Bajwa can make good on his suggestion by showing forward movement on the issues flagged by India — curbing the Lashkar-e-Toiba and JeM, the Kulbushan Jadhav and 26/11 trials, etc. Faced with a similar situation, Gen. Pervez Musharraf had gone in for a unilateral ceasefire on the LoC in 2003. The guns fell silent, tensions were defused, and Pakistan hosted the SAARC summit in 2004.
A change in the Pakistan policy may well be the reset to enable Mr. Modi to reclaim his ‘neighborhood first’ policy.
(The author is a former diplomat and is presently Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation. E-mail: rakeshsood2001@yahoo.com)
“The president’s inflammatory rhetoric is counterproductive to the goal that we the people, including new arrivals in America, seek—to live in peace, security and happiness and to eradicate MS-13”, says the author.
I applaud President Trump’s mission to combat MS-13. The gang must be disrupted, dismantled and defeated. There should never be any disagreement about that, and presidential involvement is incredibly beneficial.
MS-13 members are ruthless and depraved. The gang models itself on organized crime syndicates throughout history. It is a murderous and destructive force in too many good communities across America, including Long Island, where I’m from.
But Mr. Trump’s failure to distinguish properly between MS-13 members and other immigrants, along with his divisive, discriminatory language, particularly against immigrants from Latin America, hampers efforts to rid our communities of MS-13. The president’s inflammatory rhetoric is counterproductive to the goal that we the people, including new arrivals in America, seek—to live in peace, security and happiness and to eradicate MS-13.
During my tenure as mayor of Glen Cove, N.Y., we enjoyed the lowest crime rate of any community with more than 20,000 people on Long Island. My city is a mashup of immigrants and multigenerational families. We achieved public safety and harmony by relying on two fundamental American credos.
First, all men and women are created equal. Not “all men and women with U.S. passports or green cards.” All human beings are entitled to the same respect and dignity. Issues from public safety to immigration reform cannot become an excuse for racism or other forms of discrimination.
The second credo is “all men and women are equal under the eyes of the law.” If you live in America, whether you are a newcomer or a descendant of the Pilgrims, you must obey the law.
And that’s where our 45th president’s words and actions become problematic. To protect those who obey the law, and to take down those who break it, particularly members of MS-13, community policing is central.
The key to community policing is a healthy, respectful and productive relationship between police officers and the community they are sworn to serve and protect. Mr. Trump’s approach—his sweeping rhetoric that lumps all immigrants together, his proposal to curtail legal immigration drastically, his failure to support a bipartisan permanent fix for beneficiaries of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, his elimination of temporary protection status safeguards—amounts to a war on immigrants, a war far beyond MS-13, which has a chilling effect on police-community relations with Latinos in America.
Police must be able to work with law-abiding people to identify MS-13 members and movements in their communities. While overseeing police departments as Glen Cove mayor and Nassau County executive, I saw community-policing stop MS-13 in its tracks. During my time as executive, Nassau was the safest county of more than 500,000 inhabitants in the U.S.
In contrast, when people are afraid to cooperate with the police because of Mr. Trump’s words and his administration’s crackdown on Latino immigrants, local leaders in the fight against MS-13 are pushed into the shadows. It’s a tragedy when people are afraid of the police and of government in general—afraid of reprisal from the officials every American relies on for protection.
My grandfather and father were immigrants from Italy. As a first-generation American, I could not be prouder or more inspired by their success as newcomers to this great nation. I am also keenly aware of how the criminal actions of a sliver of Italian immigrants were once used to disparage and deny opportunity to all Italian newcomers to America in the first half of the 20th century.
We cannot make the same mistakes by equating MS-13 with law-abiding immigrants from Latin America. Sadly, Mr. Trump—on a near daily basis—careens down this dangerous and destructive path. The president should put divisive language aside, support law-abiding immigrants, and make community policing more effective. And then he needs to be open to common-sense solutions for the DACA crisis and for comprehensive immigration reform.
(Mr. Suozzi, a Democrat, represents New York’s Third Congressional District)
Unmindful, or perhaps too mindful, of the date, the U.S. inaugurated its new embassy building in Jerusalem last week, on May 14. Proceeding ahead full steam to shift its diplomatic mission in Israel from Tel Aviv to the disputed city, Washington sent Ivanka Trump to point proudly to the shiny plaque that had her father, U.S. President Donald Trump’s name in inordinately large font. The timing was significant as it was the eve of Nakba Day, on which Palestinians mark the forced exodus 70 years ago of hundreds of thousands from their homes in what became the state of Israel in 1948. Just a few miles away, thousands of residents of Gaza had surged in protest towards the barrier that marks the border with Israel — Israeli forces fired at the crowd, killing at least 60 Palestinians.
The way borders operate
In that overlay of cheer at the new embassy in Jerusalem and the bloodshed in Gaza could be found the different ways in which borders are heeded. Jerusalem is not just a disputed city, it was divided by the Green Line till the Six-Day War of 1967, when Israeli forces occupied East Jerusalem, where crucially some of the holiest sites of Judaism, Islam and Christianity are. Palestinians are firm that East Jerusalem be the capital of their state in the much recommended two-state solution. Many Israelis make a distinction between the West Bank and Gaza territories on the one hand and East Jerusalem on the other, contending that the city is an organic whole. The inauguration was a challenge to that old border. In Gaza, the barrier put up by Israel with inhumanely stern procedures to get past the checkpoints, and with the supplies of essential commodities so easily blocked in difficult times, the violence highlighted that fact that borders operate to the dictate of the militarily stronger party.
The Israeli wall — or security barrier or separation barrier as it’s variously called, depending on your politics — is among the most contentious and photographed physical demarcations of a boundary, whether imposed or mutually agreed upon. In a new book Divided, Tim Marshall, a British journalist and writer, explains the theme in the subtitle: Why We’re Living in an Age of Walls. The data bear him out: “At least sixty-five countries, more than a third of the world’s nation states, have built barriers along their borders; half of those erected since the Second World War sprang up between 2000 and now. Within a few years, the European nations could have more miles of walls, fences and barriers on their borders than they were at the height of the Cold War.”
Marshall’s analysis
His analysis is sometimes unsatisfying, as he tries to see each wall (though in most parts they are not concrete walls, but fences, concertina wire, etc.) from the viewpoint of those who erect it as well as those it seeks to keep out, and the space is too limited for local nuances to be explored enough in this around-the-world tour. That equation in itself is a comment on the 21st century world, but Marshall’s tour of the great man-made barriers of today is instructive. Of course, he lingers at the Israeli wall — though as he points out, just 3% of the separation barrier is concrete. Other numbers are startling too: if the line drawn by the wall becomes a new fact on the ground, in a two-state solution, Palestinians would lose “at least 10 per cent of the West Bank land, as the wall’s current position lies well inside Palestinian land”. He describes the disparity in the checks that, say, Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents undergo, or those at the Palestinian end of the checkpoint and the Israeli. He explores the security dividend that’s accrued to Israel on account of the wall, and he also visits British graffiti artist Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem overlooking, well, the wall.
Around the world
Marshall roams the globe, looking at “the longest border fence in the world” on the India-Bangladesh border, and also the issues of ethnicity, religion and humanitarian plight around the flight of the Rohingya from Myanmar to Bangladesh in the most fraught conditions to cross international boundaries. He looks at the wall Iran has built along its border with Pakistan. He describes the 1,700-mile Moroccan wall through Western Sahara. There’s the wall Trump wants to build/reinforce on the U.S.-Mexico border, the walls Hungary started building on its border with Serbia and Croatia. And so on.
And there is the memory of that wall in Berlin that came down. Marshall doesn’t see the probability of a border-less world any time soon. But for now, he sees an antidote in the “great halls” that have been and are being built “to meet, discuss and try to resolve our differences”. Call it the alphabet soup of our hopes: “The United Nations, the EU, the African Union, ASEAN, MERCOSUR, OPEC, NATO, the World Bank…” Keep adding.
LONDON(TIP): The second Indian Awards, organised by the India Business Group (IBG), a leading business advisory consultancy took place last night (17thMay) in the Palace of Westminster.
The awards, attended by UK Home Secretary, Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, recognise UK-‐based individuals, businesses and organisations that have contributed to furthering the relationship culturally, socially or economically, between India and the UK.
The Awards were founded by Amarjit Singh,Chief Executive Officer of the India BusinessGroup (IBG), an established thought leader on UK -‐ India business affairs and Special Advisorfor India to the University of Southampton.
The UK Home Secretary, Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP said:
“As Home Secretary, I am delighted to be able to attend the 2018 Indian Awards ceremony, which recognises outstanding contributions to the UK-‐India relationship. The UK is one of the world’s oldest democracies, and India the largest. Our collaboration is a force for good – our shared values magnified by the ‘living bridge’ formed of a breadth of personal, professional, cultural and institutional ties. With so much in common, it’s only natural that Britain and India continue working together to make our people, and the world, safer and more prosperous”.
H.E. Mr Y.K. Sinha, The High Commissioner of India said:
“Commencing last year, The Indian Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding workdone by individuals, businesses and organisations in the UK, who have contributed to strengthening the UK-‐India partnership in recent years.I had the pleasure of presenting the Special Recognition Award to the former Prime Minister David Cameron last year. I would like to extend my best wishes for the second edition of these Awards.”
Following last month’s successful UK visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the gala invitation-‐only dinner and ceremony featured senior business leaders, Government officials, opinion formers and prominent members of the Indian community and guests from India and other parts of the World. Nominations were invited by members of the public and the handful of winners were chosen by a panel of esteemed judges and announced on the evening.
The UK’s International Trade Secretary, The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP said:
“India is the world’s seventh-‐largest economy and the fourth largest investor into the UK, while UK investment in India grew by 8.8% in the year to 2016. As an international economic department, the Department for International Trade continues to work closely with our Indiancolleagues to maximise trade between our nations and I welcome this fantastic initiative, celebrating the historic trading ties between the UK and India.”
The Awards ceremony was supported by a range of high profile partners, including Associated British Ports,Heathrow Airport,Invest India, the Institute of Directors Hampshire Cricket,the Lalit Hotel,Niine and Star TV Networks was the official media partner. The awards werealso supported by Indus Net Techshu, Chivas Brothers, HCL, Here&Now365 and Taylor Wessing.
The esteemed judging panel was made of up senior figures, including: Lord Patel of Bradford OBE, Chair of IBG, Virendra Sharma MP, Chair of the Indo-‐British APPG, Baroness Prashar CBE, Deputy Chair of the British Council, Rajiv Luthra, Founder and Managing Partner of Luthra & Luthra Law Advocates, Dr Catherine Raines, Former Director General of Department for International Trade, and Alan Fitzwater, Director of Regional Engagement at the Institute of Directors.
The Rt Hon Mark Field MP, FCO Minister of State for Asia said:
“As the Minister for Asia, I am delighted that the Indian Awards ceremony is happening again this year to recognise outstanding contributions to the UK-‐India relationship. While there is plenty in our shared culture that binds us closely together, what excites me is the relationship we can forge for the future, in technology, in tackling the many global challenges we face. Working together, the UK and India can be a powerful force for good in the world.”
The Special Recognition Award which applauds ‘an individual’s outstanding commitment to building UK-‐India relations’ was presented to Dr Rami Ranger CBE, Chairman of Sun MarkLimited.
On receiving the award, Dr Ranger said:“It is a great honour to receive this special recognitionaward from the India Business Group. I am grateful to the judges who considered me worthy of this accolade. I am privileged to receive the award as last year the same recognition was bestowed upon my hero, the Former Prime Minster of the UK, The Rt. Hon. David Cameron. This award also represents India’s emerging stature and standing in the world as a positive economic and political force. The partnership between India and Britain is based on similar values and as a result, it will go from strength to strength”.
“The India Business Group is delighted to present the second Indian Awards initiative,” says Mr Singh. “The modern relationship between the UK and India is at a key juncture. Through The Indian Awards, we aim to inspire and encourage the next generation of UK and Indian entrepreneurs, facilitators and bridge builders who will take the bilateral relationship to greater heights.”
THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS:
Larger Business Award -Rolls-Royce PLC
Larger Business Award -Rolls-Royce PLC
SME Award - EnergyPro Limited
SME Award - EnergyPro Limited
Professional Adviser Award - Deepak Lalwani OBE, Founder and Chairman of LalcapLimited
Professional Adviser Award - Deepak Lalwani OBE, Founder and Chairman of Lalcap Limited
Entrepreneur Award - Alpesh Patel, Founder of Praefinium Partners
Entrepreneur Award - Alpesh Patel, Founder of Praefinium Partner
Arts & Culture Award- Gurinder Chadha OBE
Arts & Culture Award - Gurinder Chadha OBE
Special Recognition Award - Dr Rami Ranger CBE, Chairman of Sun Mark Limited
Special Recognition Award - Dr Rami Ranger CBE, Chairman of Sun Mark Limited
Professor, The Lord Patel of Bradford OBE, Chairman of India Business Group said:
“This special initiative celebrates, for the first time, the efforts of outstanding organisations and individuals (based in the UK) who have worked over the years to strengthen the bond between the UK and India. This influential awards ceremony is a timely reminder about the mutually beneficial, evolving and special relationship between our two great nations.”
Lord Deighton KBE, Chairman of Heathrow Airport, one of the partner organisations for the awards said:
“Heathrow is the UK’s gateway to India with more connections to the country than any other UK airport. It plays a key role in maintaining Britain’s links to India with flights to six destinations, carrying 2.5 million passengers and more than 127,000 metric tonnes of cargo to and from the country via Heathrow last year alone. We’re proud to be attending the India Business Group Awards, recognising the groups and individuals who have contributed to strengthening the UK-‐India partnership. Having recently received India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in April, we understand the important role that India plays in the UK’s economy and are working to see that grow.”
Virendra Sharma MP, Chair of the Indo -‐ British APPG
“The Indian Awards is an important UK wide initiative for recognising entrepreneurs, inspirational people and organisations that have championed international cooperation between the UK and India. This is an opportune moment to celebrate the dynamic UK-‐India partnership”.
Stephen Martin, Director General of the Institute of Directors, one of the partner organisations for the awards said:
“The IoD is delighted to have participated in The Indian Awards, particularly at a time when the UK needs to turn its idea of “Global Britain” into a tangible reality. Growing business and trade links between our two countries is essential as we prepare to exit the European Union.”
The India Business Group (IBG) is a leading advisory consultancy that specialises in helping organisations develop bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the UK and India markets. It is globally recognised as having specialist expertise and regional know-‐how designed to support organisations with market entry and cross border business transactions.http://www.theindiabusinessgroup.com/site/about/about-ibg/
The Indian Awards comprise a handful of six elite awards, with the following categories to the awards: larger business (annual turnover greater than £100m); SME business (annual turnover up to £100m); individual entrepreneur award, professional adviser; arts and culture and special recognition. http://www.theindianawards.com
The IBG is delighted to be supporting the Niine Movement, an ambitious India based initiative aimed at raising awareness of menstrual hygiene: http://www.niine.com
For further information, contact:
Amarjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer -‐ India Business Group: 0844 313 3133 or email: a.singh@theindiabusinessgroup.com
YMCA will create 100 permanent jobs and include two pools, a full basketball court, and programming for New Yorkers of all ages
NEW YORK CITY, NY(TIP): New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced, May 24, that the Edenwald YMCA community and wellness facility has officially completed the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), allowing the project to move forward into the construction phase this fall. Following unanimous support by Bronx Community Board 12, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and the City Planning Commission, the project was approved by the City Council.
The 50,000 square-foot state-of the-art center will provide local families and residents of all ages and income levels with a full-service facility that will include two pools, a full-length basketball court, a gymnasium, and other programming. The center will also provide after-school care and summer camps, health and wellness improvement classes, and activities to strengthen the community, including senior adult programs and civic classes for new Americans. The YMCA was selected in July 2016 to develop and operate a recreation center.
“All New Yorkers should have access to first-class recreation space, no matter where in the city they live,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “The unanimous approval of the Edenwald YMCA will bring much-needed athletic facilities, wellness and after-school programming to Bronx residents, making the neighborhood both healthier and stronger. The YMCA will benefit community members of all ages, and I look forward to its opening.”
“The YMCA is here for all New Yorkers, to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community,” said Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. “This new Y will act as a true center of community in the Northeast Bronx. We are grateful to have this opportunity to work with local elected officials and community leaders to bring this project to fruition and to help more people in the Bronx learn, grow, and thrive.”
NEW YORK CITY, NY(TIP): The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) will today announce a planned major expansion of the City’s network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers. The City currently operates 500 EV chargers, which are used to charge City government vehicles. It is the largest network of EV chargers for any vehicle fleet in the country, and the City expects to add 100 new chargers. The new chargers will also be the City’s first ‘fast electric vehicle chargers,’ which will keep electric vehicles in continuous use by reducing lengthy charging periods that can take vehicles out of commission. The new chargers can charge vehicles in as little as 15 minutes. Most of these new chargers will be located at existing City-managed fueling locations. This project is expected to be funded by $10 million from the City’s proposed capital budget with construction to begin early next year. The EV expansion is part of a series of announcements to be made today at the City’s 30th Annual Truck and Equipment Show presented by the NYC Parks Department and DCAS at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
“New York City government has the cleanest and greenest vehicle fleet in the country, and we’re building upon our success by installing 100 new electric vehicle chargers that will significantly decrease charging times,” said Lisette Camilo, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. “In as little as 15 minutes, we’ll be able to charge environmentally-friendly electric vehicles and get them back on the streets serving the people of New York City.”
Construction of 50 new solar carports. Solar carports capture solar energy to fully charge EVs without any connection to the electric grid. In addition to environmental benefits, the solar carports offer an important resiliency measure if the City were to lose power and need to charge EVs. The City currently operates 37 carports that were put into operation over the last six months.
The City of New York has installed over 12,000 new safety features on City vehicles in the first year of the Vision Zero Safe Fleet Transition Plan. The plan, part of Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero initiative to protect the public by reducing injuries and fatalities stemming from traffic collisions, formalized best practices to integrate vehicle safety technologies into City vehicles. Installed safety features include automatic braking systems, rear-view cameras, sideguards that prevent pedestrians and bicyclists from going under large trucks during side-impact collisions, and adaptive headlights, among other technologies.
These advances in greener and safer vehicle technologies are part of record investments in the specialized emergency and heavy fleet units that support NYC government operations. In FY18, over $380 million has been invested in new City fleet vehicles, including 662 sanitation trucks for the City of New York Department of Sanitation. This is the third consecutive year of record investments in the fleet that supports City government agencies. This includes $1.1 billion invested in the last three years alone.
“NYC is one of the nation’s largest procurers of safe and sustainable fleet technology,” said DCAS Deputy Commissioner and NYC Chief Fleet Officer Keith Kerman. “At today’s 30th Fleet Show, we celebrate our latest milestones including 1,500 electric vehicles, our first contract for hybrid police vehicles, expanding electric charging, and the safest fleet we have ever ordered. We thank our partner agencies and our vendors at the show.”
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) ensures that all City agencies have the critical resources and support needed to provide the best possible services to the public. It does this in part by working with City agencies on recruiting, hiring, and training; providing facilities management for 55 public buildings; purchasing, selling, and leasing City property; purchasing more than $1 billion in supplies and equipment annually; and implementing conservation and safety programs throughout they City’s facilities and fleet.
Aries: Emotions continue to run high. You are traipsing an electric wire, ready to snap. Nothing works out your way completely and several compromises will have to be made in all your dealings. Sometimes, you feel defeated but Ganesha advises you to just hang in there and wait patiently for the tide to change. You do spend time at work and at home solving various domestic issues, but you are not all there.
Taurus: You make a conscious effort to handle the situation that is slowly getting out of hand. This results in dividends, and a type of parity is restored in your affairs. There are splendid opportunities for advancement and this is a good time to strike. There is money to be made and new ventures waiting to be started. You are looking at achievements and recognition. You identify areas of potential growth and go for it.
Gemini: The hard work phase continues. You do well and earn plaudits from your peer group. You are moving ahead uncompromisingly and are meeting all your targets and schedules. There are expenses, wining and dining and affairs of the heart. You could be embroiled in an office affair and this disturbs the peace. You are much more alert, lively and healthy and filled with new found zeal. You are driven to make a success of your life and your hormones are also flying off in different directions.
Cancer: A lot of quality time will be spent with family and friends in this period. There could be weddings, engagements and other family functions to attend. While a lot of time is spent with family, I must hasten to add here that it may not all be happy. There could be illnesses and some strife in the form of divorce or some problem in an alimony suit. You will either be the mediator or one of the parties needing help; any which way you will be in the thick of it.
Leo: There is sharpness in your life, an edge that was never there. You realize that you have been procrastinating and postponing the settlement of various pending issues in your life. So, this period, you try to set your house in order. Friends and new and old romances show up, but you are preoccupied with the nitty gritty. Your life is on the verge of an upheaval and if you don’t plug the corners now, it may just be too late. So, you go about cleaning the stables with single-mindedness.
Virgo: A lot is happening in your life now. You are in the edge of many cross-currents and will participate in all kinds of social activities. You feel wanted, cherished and loved. You realize that you are really popular and don’t have to be the lone wolf any more. You don’t have to carry the cross and chafe your shoulders. You are publicly feted and are the cynosure of all eyes. You feel blessed, loved, humbled and feel at peace and in gratitude to existence for making this happen.
Libra: No full lasts long, and work calls. You’ll get back to business and profession in a really big way now. Work is on an upward swing and you will be actively involved in new business enterprises and undertakings. You make good money and will feel secure. There will be travel too. Collaborations, purchases, comforts, luxuries and vestiges of the good life infuse you with fresh enthusiasm. You display awesome stamina and can move mountains during this period.
Scorpio: You continue with a scintillating performance and consolidate your gains. There will be expenses and a hectic social life. Family ties will be strengthened, and you will be busy renovating, redecorating and refurbishing. You will be the center of attraction at family gatherings and you will enjoy it. Your interactions will be stronger and more meaningful, and life will acquire a pleasant hue.
Sagittarius: This can be a period of new beginnings both at home and at work. You will make money and also spend it. Lending / borrowing, funds, capital-raising, loans, stocks, realty and buying and selling will occupy your time. This is the tie to plan and strategies for the coming period. There are many new openings on the anvil and a lot depends on how you optimize the chances that come your way. This can be a very profitable phase and it all depends on how you cash in on it.
Capricorn: You spend time helping the poor and the downtrodden. You visit old people’s homes, hospitals, hospices, shelters, half-way homes and other such institutions and help out with cash and kind. You have great empathy for the underdog and frequently take this route. Even if you don’t have the resources to do this you spend time helping out family members, friends, colleagues and others in distress. You feel god about it and the world is a better place thanks to souls like you.
Aquarius: You scatter your energies and they don’t result in much. Money comes in through one hand and goes out with ease through the other. You while away time merrymaking and hanging out with friends as though you have no care in the world. Momentarily, at least, your life has lost direction. You look for approval, but it isn’t forthcoming. You are told in no uncertain terms, by friends and family that you need to get your act together, and fast. You value their opinion and make amends.
Pisces: The period sees a thread of intensity in all your dealings. You are pushing ahead without stops with a new resolve and ambition. You are confident and charismatic, full of magnetism and drive. Your popularity soars and all that you embark on or consolidate leads to success. You don’t have much time for the family now, but work and its rewards are appetizing. Ganesha sees you turbo charged as you successfully accomplish one task after another.
HICKSVILLE, NY(TIP): New York International Punjabi Society, Inc. held Vaisakhi Celebrations and Awards gala dinner, May 18 at Antun’s in Hicksville.
Prominent Punjabis were honored for their contribution in various fields. The honorees included Dr. Urmilesh Arya (Community Appreciation Award); Sant Singh Chatwal (Punjabi Icon of the Year); Harry Singh Bolla (Punjabi Entrepreneur of the Year); Saleem Iqbal (Community Appreciation Award); and Mohinder Singh Taneja (Ambassador of Diversity Award).
Harry Singh Bolla and Mrs. Bolla receiving award from Tom Suozzi and NYIPS President Dr. Uppal.Mohinder Taneja receiving the award. Seen in the picture, from L to R: Jagjit Singh Bedi, Mohinder Taneja, Joseph Saladino, Tom Suozzi, Laura Curran, Dr. Uppal, Paul Kandhari
Present on the occasion, besides community, were Congressman Tom Suozzi, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, among others.
A lighter momentA group photo of the occasion
An attractive cultural program and a delicious feast added to the pleasure of the gathering.
ALBANY, NEW YORK(TIP): Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D – Fresh Meadows, Richmond Hill) announced passage of legislation prohibiting physical contact or activity in any organization’s initiating ceremony. Introduced in 2014, after the hazing death of Michael Deng at Baruch College, A5200 aims to decrease the amount of dangerous hazing incidents that occur in New York each year.
Deng, who was pledging the Baruch College chapter of Pi Delta Psi when he died during a December 2013 fraternity retreat at a house in Pennsylvania, was subjected to a hazing ritual known as ‘glass ceiling’, in which he suffered a massive head injury after he was blindfolded and forced to lug a knapsack loaded with 20 pounds of sand as fraternity members repeatedly took him down.
Passage of Weprin’s bill follows a November 2017 Pennsylvania court ruling finding Pi Delta Psi Inc. guilty of involuntary manslaughter, hazing, and aggravated assault, as well as the January 2018 sentencing of 4 of 37 individuals charged with aggravated assault, hazing and murder in Pennsylvania after Deng’s death.
“The best way for us to prevent hazing is to ensure that no student is ever put in a situation where their safety is in jeopardy,” said Assemblyman David I. Weprin. “By prohibiting reckless physical conduct and physical activities during initiation ceremonies, we can protect students and other individuals from the substantial risks caused by hazing. There is no better way to honor the death of Michael Deng, one of my constituents, by ensuring that this will never happen to another student again.”
HICKSVILLE, NY(TIP): An era ended with the resignation of Joseph Mondello, who has chaired the Nassau County Republican Party for the past 35 years.
Although his announcement cites a desire to spend more time with his wife, kids and grandkids as the reason for stepping down, Mondello, 72, is up for an ambassadorship to Trinidad and Tobago, and has long been expected to give up the chairmanship.
He went out with one last salute to his allies and a final barb to his antagonists in the media. “No matter what the future holds, or where that future takes me a big part of me will always be here – at 164 Post Avenue – where so much history was made – and no matter what the media says – so much good was done for the people of Nassau County,” he said in a statement.
What now for the future of the Nassau County Republican Party and its leadership? The county committee is expected to meet Thursday and a vote on leadership could come then. But in some ways, the future is as uncertain as it was when Mondello took over after the conviction of his predecessor, the late Joseph Margiotta, on extortion and mail fraud charges.
Authorities said the agent opened fire after he came under attack by a group of migrants, but a witness disputed that account.
DALLAS(TIP): A U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed a migrant near the Mexican border in Texas, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Thursday, May 24.
The agent was responding at about 12:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. ET) Wednesday, May 23, to a report of “illegal activity” near a culvert in Rio Bravo, in Webb County about 10 miles south of Laredo, when he encountered a group of migrants, according to Customs and Border Protection.
“Initial reports indicate that as the agent attempted to apprehend the group, he came under attack by multiple subjects using blunt objects,” the agency said in a statement.
The agent fired at least one round and fatally shot one of the migrants, according to the agency, which said three people whom it described as “illegal aliens” were arrested. It didn’t identify the officer or the shooting victim.
Marta Martinez, who lives near the scene, said that she heard the shot and began recording video on her cellphone. She told NBC affiliate KGNS of Laredo that the victim was a young woman.
In the video, which Martinez posted to Facebook, people in uniform can be heard yelling, apparently at the migrants, “See what happens?” and “See what you caused?”
Martinez said she was shocked by the events.
“They come here to the United States to live the American dream,” she told KGNS. “So, there’s no American dream right there. She died right there on the scene.”
The FBI and the Texas Rangers are investigating, Customs and Border Protection said. Authorities scheduled a news conference for Friday, May 25.
The shooting comes as President Donald Trump has been ramping up his rhetoric about illegal immigration. In a speech last week in Washington, the president referred to some people who cross the border illegally as “animals.”
DALLAS (TIP): On the auspicious day of Akshaytrutiya, holy saints performed first mahapuja and thal in the new magnificent facility of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul USA located in Plano, Texas, USA.
This new 32-acre campus boasts the beautiful temple with the idols of Lord Shree Swaminarayan, Shree Radhakrushn dev, Shree Sita-Ramji, Shree Venketeshwar Balaji, Shree Siddheshvar Mahadev, Shree Vighnvinayak Ganapatiji, and Shree Kashtbhanjan Hanumanji.
Campus also includes cultural and education classes for kids, function hall for social events, exhibition on Vaidik Sanskruti, and residential facilities for the guests. This beautiful campus has in-built natural surroundings with lake, river and wooded areas. Its serene environment provides tranquility and relaxation to all of its visitors. Thousands of families living near-by will greatly benefit from it. This place will provide spiritual and cultural guidance to persons of every age. For kids, there will be cultural and spiritual classes during the weekends. It will act as a bridge for Indian descendant kids to connect with their rich Indian heritage.
This new temple’s Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav will be celebrated with great zeal and devotion from August 11th to 19th. More than 30 saints and 5000 devotees will arrive to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity in the divine presence of His Holiness Sadguru Guruvarya Shree Devkrushnadasji Swami. Various spiritual and community programs like 25 Kundi Mahavishnu yag based on Vaidik rituals, 1008 Mahapuja, discourses on Shrimad Satsangijivan, special discourses on various topics by scholarly saints, 51-hour Swaminarayan mantralekhan and dhoon, cultural programs by kids, youth and women devotees, health camp, blood donation etc. are organized during this event.
WASHINGTON(TIP): President Donald Trump said May 24 he opposes any immigration legislation that doesn’t include “a real wall” along the Mexican border and “very strong border security.” Moderates House Republicans are pushing a deal that could lead to citizenship for young “Dreamer” immigrants brought to the US illegally. But Trump told “Fox & Friends” that unless any bill “includes a wall, and I mean a wall, a real wall, and unless it includes very strong border security, there’ll be no approvals from me.”
NEW YORK (TIP): The New York Police Department (NYPD) has got its first female turbaned Sikh auxiliary police officer, whose induction aims to motivate others to join law enforcement and help create better understanding of Sikhism.
Gursoach Kaur will join the New York Police Department as an Auxiliary Police Officer (APO), after having graduated last week from the New York City Police Academy.
“We are proud to welcome first Sikh turbaned female Auxiliary Police Officer in the New York Police Department. APO Gursoach Kaur and other Auxiliary Police Officers graduated from the academy. We are proud of you. Stay safe. #sikhsinlawenforcement,” the Sikh Officers Association tweeted.
Sikh Officers Assoc.
@SikhOfficers
We are proud to welcome first #Sikh Turbaned female Auxiliary Police Officer in the @NYPDnews. APO Gursoach Kaur and other Auxiliary Police Officers graduated from the Academy. We are proud of you. Stay safe. #sikhsinlawenforcement
The association said in a Facebook post that it is “proud” to welcome Kaur to the Police Department.
“Your service will be a motivation for others to join the Law enforcement Family,” it said.
The association is the nation’s first organization to represent Sikh Officers in Law Enforcement.
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri also tweeted about Kaur, expressing hope that a turbaned lady officer will help create better understanding of Sikhism in the US.
@HardeepSPuri
Follow @HardeepSPuri
Delighted to see a turbaned lady officer in NYPD. Hope this fosters better understanding of Sikhism & Sikhs & corrects perceptions in US so that incident which happened with me in 2010 & recently with @Canada minister @NavdeepSBains do not recur.
Sikhs are ambassadors of harmony.
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