The Indian Panorama

Year: 2018

  • Upset Hindus seek apology as Brooklyn’s Etsy sells Ganesh Flip Flops after removing Ganesh Toilet Seat

    Upset Hindus seek apology as Brooklyn’s Etsy sells Ganesh Flip Flops after removing Ganesh Toilet Seat

    NEW YORK (TIP): Upset Hindus are urging Brooklyn (New York) headquartered e-commerce company Etsy, Inc. for immediate withdrawal of flip-flops carrying image of Hindu deity Lord Ganesh; calling it highly inappropriate.

    In July last, Etsy withdrew toilet seat carrying image of Lord Ganesh from its website within less than two hours after a protest spearheaded by Hindu statesman Rajan Zed on this product, which Hindus thought was highly insensitive.

    Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism said that Etsy should have been enlightened by now that Lord Ganesh was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to adorn one’s feet. Hindus considered it a sacrilege to trample his image under one’s feet. Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees.

    Rajan Zed also urged Etsy and its CEO Josh Silverman to offer a formal apology, besides withdrawing Ganesh Flip Flops.

    Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Zed noted.

    Rajan Zed further said that such trivialization of Hindu deities was disturbing to the Hindus world over. Hindus were for free artistic expression and speech as much as anybody else if not more. But faith was something sacred and attempts at trivializing it hurt the followers, Zed added.

    Is offering products like Ganesh Flip Flops really matches Etsy’s belief that “the power of business can create a better world”, its claim to “Keep Commerce Human” and its stated Mission “to reimagine commerce in ways that build a more fulfilling and lasting world”? Zed asks.

    Rajan Zed suggested that Etsy and other companies should send their senior executives for training in religious and cultural sensitivity so that they had an understanding of the feelings of customers and communities when introducing new products or launching advertising campaigns.

    Item description of Ganesh Flip Flops states: “Traditionally, Ganesh is thought to provide prosperity, fortune and success. He is the Lord of Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles of both material & spiritual kinds… Stand out from the crowd in these cute flip flops!” It sells for $25.00.

    Etsy, founded in 2005 in an apartment in Brooklyn and now headquartered in its Dumbo neighborhood with additional offices in France, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, San Francisco (California), Hudson (New York); describes itself as “a global creative commerce platform”. It claims to have had annual gross merchandise sales of $3.25B in 2017.

    In Hinduism, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

  • Hindus commend Emory University for Ramayana exhibition curated by students

    Hindus commend Emory University for Ramayana exhibition curated by students

    ATLANTA (TIP): “Tell the Whole Story from Beginning to End:” The Ramayana in Indian Painting— exhibition has been launched at Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University (Carlos Museum), which will continue till May 20.

    Claimed to be first-of-its kind art exhibit which was curated, organized and researched exclusively by Emory students; uniting artwork and classwork; in the class “The Art of an Hindu Epic”; which was taught by professors Ellen Gough and Marko Geslani from Emory’s Department of Religion.

    The paintings in this exhibition are reportedly dated between the 17th and 19th centuries, including “The Coronation of Rama” (1840). Students included Darby Caso, Parth Goyal, Kristin Kimberlain, Saayli Kokitkar, Marshall Kupka-Moore, Elizabeth Muse, Thomas Shen, Tarun Swaminathan; most of whom had little background in art history; reports suggest.

    Hindu statesman Rajan Zed commended Emory University for highlighting Hindu heritage through Ramayana exhibition.

    Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged major universities of the world; including Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, Cambridge, Princeton, UC Berkeley, Yale, Columbia, Toronto, Tokyo, Melbourne, etc.; to frequently offer Hinduism focused classes and exhibitions, thus sharing rich philosophy-concepts-symbols-traditions-art of this oldest religion with the rest of the world. If they needed any assistance, he or other Hindu scholars would gladly help, Zed added.

    Carlos Museum, founded in 1919, “collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets art and artifacts from antiquity to the present”. Its collections include some 17,000 artifacts. Bonnie Speed is the Director.

    Internationally recognized Emory University in Atlanta (Georgia), one of the world’s leading research universities, was founded by Methodists (university maintains a formal affiliation with the United Methodist Church) in 1836. It serves about 15,252 students with about $5.4 billion annual operating budget and has been ranked among top in most beautiful campuses and happiest colleges. Dr. Claire E. Sterk is the President, while Robert C. Goddard III is its Trustees Chair.

    Hinduism, third largest religion of the world, has about 1.1 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA. Ramayana, a narrative poem of about 25,000 slokas beginning in BCE period is divided into seven kandas.

  • Trump Sets Nov 11 as date for Military Parade

    Trump Sets Nov 11 as date for Military Parade

    No Heavy Tanks, but heavy air component

    WASHINGTON (TIP): President Trump is believed to have decided on the date of his Parade. It is Nov 11 or Veteran’s Day. However, according to a Pentagon memo, the spectacle won’t include tanks, to “minimize the damage done to local infrastructure,” Al Jazeera reported.

    Trump asked the Pentagon to plan a parade in February after he visited France in July for Bastille Day festivities.

    Per the Pentagon memo, which released on Friday, March 9, the parade will travel from the White House to the Capitol in Washington D.C. Instead of tanks, the show will end with a “heavy air component,” which will incorporate older aircraft. While the memo didn’t reveal the parade’s cost, it did mention that it will “highlight the evolution of women veterans from separate formations in World War II to today’s integrated formations.”

    Military parades are unusual in America; the last time we had one was in D.C. in 1991, after the Gulf War. That parade cost $8 million and would cost considerably more today. According to White House press secretary Sarah Sanders, Trump’s goal is to have “a celebration” of the military. People have criticized Trump for the idea, comparing the parade to those that occur in China and North Korea.

    And speaking of North Korea: A couple of days after news broke that Trump wanted to plan a military parade, Kim Jong-Un executed his own on Feb. 8, the eve of the opening ceremony of South Korea’s Winter Olympics. Kim’s celebration included troops, missiles, and tanks, the entirety of which traveled to Kim II Sung Square in a large choreographed military display. An estimated 50,000 people assembled to watch the parade, 13,000 of which were troops.

  • AAPI Legislative Day on April 12th

    AAPI Legislative Day on April 12th

    WASHINGTON DC (TIP):  The growing influence of doctors of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in the healthcare, academic, research and administrative positions across the nation. With their hard work, dedication, compassion, and skills, they have thus carved an enviable niche in the American medical community. AAPI’s role has come to be recognized as vital among members and among lawmakers.

    In this context, as the nation continues to be divided on the health reforms, AAPI’s legislative day planned for next month on capitol and is expected to be addressed by dozens of US lawmakers from both the major parties, comes to be a vital part of AAPI’s growing influence and having its united voice heard in the corridors of power. “We are excited to announce that our next Legislative Day is on April 12th on capitol Hill in Washington, DC,” said Dr. Gautam Samadder, President of AAPI.

    “Our daytime program begins at 09:00 am and will include lunch on the Capitol in the Rayburn Building. We will conclude in the afternoon, giving participants the opportunity to meet their own Congressman on their own time. That evening, we are planning for a reception and dinner with several dignitaries at the Indian Embassy,” summarized, Dr. Samadder.

    Describing that AAPI is a non-political umbrella organization which has nearly 90 local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations. Almost 10%-12% of medical students entering US schools are of Indian origin. AAPI represents the interests of over 60,000 physicians and 25,000 medical students and residents of Indian heritage in the United States, Dr. Samadder, a prominent physician with decades of service to the country, said, “The mission AAPI, the largest ethnic organization of physicians, is to provide a forum to facilitate and enable Indian American physicians to excel at inpatient care, teaching and research, and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs.  The Executive Committee is working hard to ensure active participation of young physicians, increasing membership, and enabling AAPI’s voice to be heard in the corridors of power, and thus taking AAPI to new heights.”

    There are many issues affecting our community. An important debate is about the merits of doing away with the individual mandate. “As Congress has now passed a repeal of this part of the Affordable Care Act, which takes place in 2019, what does this mean for the average physician practice if patients drop their health care coverage and how will this impact premiums?” Dr. Naresh Parikh, President-Elect of AAPI, asks.

    “Now is the time to ensure our voices are heard on these vital issues. Additionally, those with good contacts with their own congressman, should reach out to his/her office and ask them to join us at our program in the Rayburn Building, banquet room B-338, between 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. If your congressman would like to speak, we can arrange their participation,” Dr. Ashok Jain, BOT chair, said.

    According to AAPI Legislative Chairman, Dr. Vinod K. Shah, AAPI’s legislative initiatives for 2017-18 include, addressing Physician Shortage, and urged the Congress to increase Residency Positions across USA. “Our nation is currently experiencing a physician shortage, which will be exacerbated by retiring baby boomers. The result of such a shortage may affect thousands of patients’ access to a physician, and ultimately the health care they need. The only way to address this future crisis is to increase the number of residency positions available for future physicians to get trained, so that our nation can effectively manage the need for increased patient care. Increasing the size of medical school classes is not enough. There must be a simultaneous increase in the size of residency positions to train these future doctors. As Congress capped the number of residency positions in 1997, it is time for Congress to act NOW to remedy this critical situation. AAPI believes that all Americans have the right to see a physician.”

    AAPI Legislative Co-Chair, Dr. Sampat Shivangi, pointed to some of the other initiatives that are being presented to the Congressmen. “They include: Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs; Immigration Reform: H-1 and J-1 visas are used by many Indian American physicians, playing an important role in providing critical health care across the country. Combined with the Green Card backlog consisting of more than 4 million people, AAPI members are very concerned about the impact immigration reform will have on the Indian American community.”

    Dr. Samadder pointed to Medicare and Medicaid Reimbursements. He said, “These programs have not kept up with the cost of care and the growing populations utilizing them. It is critical that Congress review reimbursement schedules; otherwise, patients may not be able to find a physician in their community who accepts Medicare and/or Medicaid patients.

    AAPI has been urging the Congress to enact Tort Reform: In order to reduce the practice of defensive medicine, bring down the overall cost of health care, and limit the number of meritless lawsuits, tort reform will bring fairness into the court system and better serve both the doctor and patient communities.

    AAPI supports federal and state legislation that places effective caps on non-economic damages, limits the use of joint-and-several liability, provides physicians with flexibility to negotiate settlements with medical insurers and further limits the statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice claims.

    Pointing out that from 1980-2005, while medical school enrollment remained flat, the U.S. population increased by more than 70 million people. Because the percentage of baby-boomer generation doctors (55 and older) rose from 27 percent to 34 percent during this time, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts that America will need 90,000 physicians by 2020, Dr. Ashok Jain, said, the number of physicians needed by 2025 according to the AAMC will reach a staggering 130,000. One way to address this shortage is to increase medical school class sizes to meet this future health care need. This issue is vital as it pertains to health care reform, as more physicians will be needed to provide quality health care to our nation’s uninsured patients.

    “In order to raise our voices together and to have our voices heard on Capitol, Hill, we look forward to seeing you on Capitol Hill on Thursday, April 12th, for our Legislative Day,” Dr. Samadder added.  For more information on AAPI and its programs and initiatives, please visit:  www.aapiusa.org

    (Based on a Press Release)

  • Eminent Women deliver Message on International Woman’s Day celebration at Indian Consulate in New York

    Eminent Women deliver Message on International Woman’s Day celebration at Indian Consulate in New York

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): A grand program for Woman’s Empowerment was planned by the FIA at Indian Consulate, New York on March 8. Five prominent women addressed more than 100 guests. Women from social, economic, industrial, music and educational fields as well as some successful women who created their own place in communities graced the occasion.

    The program started with lighting of the lamp by  FIA Chairman Ramesh Patel,  President Srujal Parikh, TV anchor Nisha Mathur, writer Mayra Godfrey, social worker Ishita Chakrabarti, musician and successful Industrialist Chandrika Tandon, celebrated professor Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, violinist Daisy Joplin, and Consul General  Sandeep Chakraborty and his wife Dr. Taruna Chakraborty.

    Miss India USA, women pilots and co-pilots from Air India were also invited specifically to attend this program. Women who created their unique  place in different fields were honored by Ambassador  Sandeep Chakraborty.

    The program organizer and president of FIA Srujal Parikh, addressing  the gathering  said, “I am surrounded by women with  strong talent every day- my mother, my wife, my daughter, and my friends.” He thanked the women brigade of FIA in particular for making it possible for FIA to organize the Woman’s Day celebrations.

    Consul General Sandeep Chakraborty introduced the panel and talked about impressive percentage of women employees at the consulate. He also mentioned about Air India employing one eighth of woman pilots as compared to one in twenty in the industry. 8 woman pilots of Air India were also present at the event. Ambassador Chakraborty said:  “I want to congratulate every woman on this special day, who has made her own special place with her hard work and courage.”

    Speaking on the occasion, Nisha Mathur, a TV producer said, “Whether you are a man or woman, we all have the ability to share and inspire”

    Myra Godfrey shared her struggle on various fronts. She found a way to heal herself through understanding herself in totality. Her spiritual understanding of life helped her regain her strength and positive perception of life. She said, negative thinking affects digestion; our mental health demands taking care of emotions.

    Ishita Chakrabarti opined that political empowerment is necessary. Only about a quarter of the positions belong to women. Women of Indian origin have not been represented, and upholding right values requires that we assimilate with main stream.

    “If we women put our minds together we can make a difference. We should initiate change towards global empowerment of women.”

    Daisy Jopling said, “When a woman lights up, she lights up the whole world”.

    She played violin, energetic and full of joy. She uplifted the packed hall by her music with complete absorption.

    Chandrika Tandon, a philanthropist, said: “We have 41 percent of women in the engineering class of NYU Tandon school of engineering “

    She talked about the usual way that prevents people from realizing their dreams. She talked about how she overcame her fears. She said, we need to break free from low self- esteem.

    Her single message was “I am perfection, you are perfection, we all are perfection.” “I salute feminine energy in the form of love, in the firm of peace”, she added.

    Padma Bhushan Prof Gayatri Chakravorty said: “I am a hand in activist with very poor woman. I am 76-year-old, happy old lady but I try to bring top and bottom together. I tell my students that in order to save the work, we have to work. Gender equality need not be confused with sameness.  “Ya Devi Sarvi bhuteshu…” “Feminism forever is my title, not because of race and class but this work has to be approached with newness by every generation.  I work all over the world, feminism is education strategy against prism of truth. We must learn that we don’t represent all women. She talked about tape culture and bribe culture. She drew attention towards people who are still facing discrimination based on gender.

    She said, Enforcement and punishments alone don’t lead to just society; feminist education should be forever. It is an important part for creating social justice. Our world is full of hope. She remembered her mother and her social work.it is in her memory that I shall remain fearless and mention unpleasant facts.”

    Those recognized on the occasion included Shashi Vishnu of Manavi and Dr Raman Kaul of AWAKE.

    Miss Uma Narayan of Sneha could not come from Connecticut to receive her award.

    (With inputs from Ashok Vyas and FIA)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Miss World Manushi Chillar presents South Asian Empowerment Awards

    Miss World Manushi Chillar presents South Asian Empowerment Awards

    NEW YORK (TIP): At a glittering ceremony held at Leonards in Great Neck, New York, Twelve South Asian women who have achieved extraordinary success against insurmountable odds received honors from current Miss World Manushi Chillar. The 1st such South Asian Women Empowerment Gala dinner to be held in USA was attended by 300 guests from New York despite an unprecedented snow storm. The grand event marked the International Women Empowerment year.

    The event that was organized by Miss Bindu Kohli, a well-known promoter and television host

    Neeta Bhasin, the CEO and President of ASB Communications and EVENTGURU Inc. receiving the South Asian Empowerment Award from Miss World 2017 Manushi Chillar

    from New York left an indelible mark in the minds of guests from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali and Caribbean community.

    The evening started with Mr Chintu Patel’s Welcome address and an introduction of Miss Manushi Chillar from India who won the much-coveted title of Miss World 2017. This feat was accomplished by an Indian after seventeen years when Miss Priyanka Chopra had won it last. A medical professional from Sonepat near New Delhi, Manushi stunned the audience when she walked in and received standing ovation. She was received by Miss Bindu Kohli who hosted the evening with support from Prashant Gupta, a film star and a native of Long Island in New York. Miss Chillar was presented a bouquet of flowers by Mrs. Falguni Patel. The first of its kind set up by Bindu Kohli Entertainment with a LED projection screens, beautifully decorated tables and guests who had dressed for the evening made a perfect setting for a glamorous event.

    Miss World 2017 Manushi Chillar honoring Meera Gandhi CEO Founder Giving Back Foundation for Up lift and Empowering young women and Children through Education
    Photo /Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

    Miss Kohli kicked off the evening with a QA and interactive with Miss Chillar to unfold her story. This was followed by a presentation of plaques to patrons by Miss Chillar. The grand patrons included Chintu and Falguni Patel of Irada Foundation, Deepak Verma of Amba Jewelers, and Pemal Badiani. This was followed by a presentation of honors to twelve individuals who presented a unique story of success which was shared on audio visual setup by Sam Tristar of Media Logistics and designed as well as created by Shitiz Sehgal.

    Each honoree was introduced by Miss Kohli. The honoree accepted the honors and briefly narrated their struggle with an audience that listened with rapt attention. Honorees were also presented with Proclamation from New York Senate by Mr Dilip Chauhan, former Deputy Comptroller of Nassau County in New York.

    Sunil Hali (second from left) contributed hugely to the success of the event

    Miss Bindu Kohli thanked Mr Sunil Hali, publisher and Promoter for his achievements and contribution to the event to make it a success. Mr Hali congratulated Miss Chillar for making India and Indians proud worldwide, especially NRIs since she won the title in a competition where contestants were from all over the world.

    The evening included with a dance performance and a fashion show by Sunny Gill.

       SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN HONORED

    1)     CHANDRA DA SUGRIM

    2)     JAWERIA AFZAL KHAN

    3)     LAKHWINDER KAUR

    4)     MEERA GANDHI

    5)     MUKTA SINGH

    6)     NEETA BHASIN

    7)     POONAM KHUBANI

    8)     RAFEIYA HUSSAIN 

    9)     SHANTI AMMAR

    10)  SHEHLA IFTEKAR

    11)   SHREE SAINI

    12)   SONIA ADNAN MUNAWER

    AMERICAN WOMEN HONORED

    1) TINAMARIE FRANZONI

    2)  CHRISTINE SCHAFFER

    3) VIVIANNE KIONG

  • Indian Overseas Congress, USA condemns vandalizing of statues in India

    Indian Overseas Congress, USA condemns vandalizing of statues in India

    NEW YORK (TIP): The IOC Vice Chairman George Abraham, in a statement to The Indian Panorama said that the Indian Overseas Congress strongly condemned the vandalizing of statues in India.

    “We strongly condemn the widespread vandalizing of statues across India to score cheap political points thereby exacerbating tension between communities and political parties’ said George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA. ‘attacking and defacing statues of Indian icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, and Periyar Ramasamy is a symptom of growing intolerance in the society that is anathema to the basic tenets of the democratic tradition’ Mr. Abraham added. IOC also condemns the destruction of statues in Tripura and West Bengal and calls for the peaceful transition of power after an election.

    “Undoubtedly, under BJP rule, a climate of division and intolerance has been fostered for political gains. It is to be noted that these acts of vandalism are primarily directed at figures mostly revered by Dalits, whom some of the BJP supporters disdain. Emboldened by the BJP victory in Tripura, the vandals appeared to have destroyed the statue of a Lenin and ransacked the offices of the Communist Party of India.  While BJP is trying to woo the Dalits with their ‘Hindu card’ strategy, the true color of their attitude towards them is quite evident with their destructive and polarizing actions.

    “We welcome the statement by the Prime Minister condemning these pernicious acts by a few and call upon the authorities to bring those who are responsible for to swift justice”.

  • Police gun down hit-and-run driver who fatally struck man amid rage-filled crime spree

    Police gun down hit-and-run driver who fatally struck man amid rage-filled crime spree

    Mohammed Jaffer

    NASSAU COUNTY, NY (TIP): A hit-and-run driver who killed a Brooklyn pedestrian Monday, March 5, was later fatally shot in a bizarre confrontation with police on Long Island, authorities said.

    The fatal shooting in Great Neck capped a bloody, rage-fueled crime spree that began at 8:35 p.m. Saturday, March 10 when the suspect punched out a 77-year-old man in the South Bronx and robbed him of $20, authorities said.

    At 3:45 a.m. Monday, the 46-year-old culprit, whose name wasn’t immediately released, struck a 50-year-old pedestrian at Metropolitan Ave. and Grand St. in Williamsburg.

    The pedestrian, who has a young son and lives in Brooklyn and relatives in Mexico, died of head trauma at Woodhull Hospital less than an hour later, authorities said.

    The spree then spread to Manhattan, where the killer carjacked a Honda Odyssey from a woman delivering newspapers at Madison and Montgomery Sts. at 4:30 a.m., leaving the hit-and-run vehicle behind.

    About 10 minutes later, at West and Harrison Sts. in Tribeca, he punched the driver of a 2018 Acura in the face and switched cars again.

    His rampage ended at Maple St. and East Shore Road in Great Neck at about 10:30 a.m. — when the 46-year-old, by then driving a Volkswagen, refused to move at a stop sign, Nassau County police said. When two van drivers behind him started honking, he emerged, baseball bat in hand and the clobbered driver in the head.

    A cop on patrol confronted him, but he refused to drop his bat. A good Samaritan then rushed to help, and the suspect hit him in the head with the bat too, Ryder said. “And the officer had no option but to fire,” he said.

    Medics rushed the bat attacker to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, where he died. The bat-attack victims were also treated at the same hospital, while the officer went to Nassau County Medical Center.

  • Man kills his 1-year-old daughter, stepdad and half-brother in Brooklyn home before shooting himself

    Man kills his 1-year-old daughter, stepdad and half-brother in Brooklyn home before shooting himself

    Mohammed Jaffer

    BROOKLYN, NY (TIP): A festering family feud ended in a Brooklyn bloodbath, with a deranged gunman executing his 1-year-old daughter, stepdad and half-brother before turning the gun on himself.

    The bodies of Terrance Briggs and his three relatives were discovered Wednesday, March 14 in the blood-spattered apartment when Briggs’ mother returned home around 5 a.m., police said.

    Briggs marched methodically from room to room, pumping bullets into the heads of his victims, including helpless little Laylay Briggs, Loyd Drain Jr., 57, and his 16-year-old namesake son Loyd III.

    Briggs, whose previous domestic battles with the stepdad brought cops to their home at least twice, saved the last bullet for himself, cops said.

    Manhattan dad recalls shock of learning nanny killed his two kids

    The little girl’s mother, Olivia Callender, was away on an overnight gambling trip when the horror unfolded, police sources said.

    “My baby! My baby,” the 27-year-old woman wailed at a prayer vigil outside the Riverdale Osborne Towers in Brownsville.

    “She’s gone. She’s not coming back. My Laylay. Oh my God,” she cried, her tear-streaked face buried in her hands.

    Cops believe Briggs, 27, shot his stepfather first in the bathroom, then blasted his teen brother in a bedroom as he played video games. He finally killed his own daughter in a second bedroom.

  • 60-year-old dies after man he met for rendezvous bashed him in the head with dumbbell

    60-year-old dies after man he met for rendezvous bashed him in the head with dumbbell

    Mohammed Jaffer

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): A Brooklyn man was bludgeoned to death with a dumbbell Wednesday, March 14, by a man he tried to put the moves on, police said.

    Clifford Williams, 60, met the 21-year-old suspect on the street outside his apartment on Willoughby Ave. near Marcus Garvey Blvd. in Bedford-Stuyvesant shortly before 2 a.m., sources said.

    The pair went up to Williams’ fifth-story apartment, where Williams came on to the suspect, cops said.

    The younger man allegedly grabbed a dumbbell and smashed Williams in the head.

    Williams’ stepfather, who also lives there, called 911.

    The septuagenarian was rushed to Woodhull Hospital, where he died, according to authorities.

    The suspect remained in the apartment, where cops took him into custody pending charges.

  • Indian American Senator Vin Gopal introduces Firearms Restrictions Bill Package

    Indian American Senator Vin Gopal introduces Firearms Restrictions Bill Package

    Bills concern those convicted of animal cruelty, safe storage of firearms, and seizure of firearms from those considered a threat.

    TRENTON, NJ (TIP): Senator Vin Gopal introduced, March 7, three pieces of legislation to better regulate firearms in the wake of the tragic Parkland, Florida, shooting that claimed 17 innocent lives and the subsequent national outcry for more stringent gun laws.

    The three-part bill package includes a bill that prohibits an individual who has been convicted of animal cruelty from possession or purchasing a firearm; a bill requiring the safe storage of a firearm and establishing penalties for improper firearm storage; and a bill which establishes a process by which a family or household member, law enforcement agency, or an employee of a high school or institution of higher education may petition a court to have a person’s firearms temporarily seized upon finding that the person poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to self or others.

    “These are common sense measures designed to keep gun owners, their families and their fellow New Jersey residents safe,” Sen. Gopal said.

    “Animal abuse and human violence tend to be linked. The FBI sees animal cruelty as a predictor of violence against people and considers past animal abuse when profiling serial criminals. In assessing youth at risk of becoming violent, the U.S. Department of Justice stresses a history of animal abuse.

    “There is absolutely no reason for individuals with violent histories towards animals to obtain the weapons necessary to continue their acts of violence against humans.

    “In the Parkland, Florida, shooting, there were multiple institutional failures and as a result, we have seen a national call for increased preventative measures. In keeping weapons out of the hands of individuals who have proven their propensity for violence, or who pose a threat to the safety of others, it is my hope that we can prevent future tragedies and save innocent lives.

    “I implore New Jersey firearms owners to embrace the tenets of responsible gun ownership and keep all weapons stored securely.

    “This is a simple, common sense measure that can and will go a long way in keeping gun owners, their families and their communities safer. If a firearm is not in use, there is no reason for it to be left out and accessible. Responsible gun ownership extends beyond when a weapon is in use. New Jersey gun owners must take responsibility for keeping their firearms secure at all times to prevent unnecessary accidental discharges and the resulting injuries or fatalities.”

    “As we saw in Parkland, school district officials, law enforcement officials, students and staff members were aware of the shooter’s propensity for violent outbursts and troubling behavior. In establishing a process by which those closest to a dangerous individual can petition a court to remove their weapons, citizens are empowered to speak out. If a troubled individual even makes it on to school property with a weapon, we have already failed. By removing a weapon from a troubled individual with a documented history of violence or concerning behavior, we are significantly reducing the likelihood of that individual carrying out a violent attack on a large scale.

    Prohibiting Possession and Purchase of Firearms by Individuals Convicted of Animal Cruelty

    Bill S2239 prohibits a person convicted of animal cruelty from possessing a firearm and from being issued a firearms purchaser identification card or a permit to purchase a handgun.

    Current law provides that a person who is convicted of certain crimes is prohibited from purchasing, owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm.  These offenses include, but are not limited to, aggravated assault, arson, burglary, homicide, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, and certain animal cruelty crimes, such as dog fighting, harming or killing a law enforcement animal, and harming or killing a service animal or guide dog.

    The bill provides that a person who has been convicted of any animal cruelty offense also would be prohibited from possessing a firearm.  A violation of the bill’s provisions would be a fourth degree crime. Fourth degree crimes are punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Additionally, the bill disqualifies a person who has been convicted of an animal cruelty offense from being issued a firearms purchaser identification card or a permit to purchase a handgun.

    Safe Storage of Firearms

    In New Jersey, there are storage requirements and penalties that protect minors from accessing loaded firearms when they are not in use in the home.  However, there currently are no general requirements for storing firearms when they are not in use.

    Bill S2240 requires a legal owner of a firearm that is not in use at a premises under the owner’s control to store the firearm: in a securely locked box or container; in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure; or to secure the firearm with a trigger lock.  If the owner of the firearm fails to properly store the firearm as required under the bill, the owner will be guilty of a disorderly person’s offense punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

    Under current law, the legal owner of a firearm is authorized to lawfully keep or carry a firearm at the owner’s place of business, residence, premises, or other land owned or possessed by the owner, and is permitted to transport the firearm under limited circumstances, as specified under current law.  The bill clarifies that these provisions of current law regarding a legal owner’s right to keep or carry a firearm are not modified by the bill. Current law also provides that the legal owner of a firearm may temporarily transfer a firearm to another person under certain circumstances, whether or not that person has a firearms purchaser identification card or a permit to carry a handgun.  The bill clarifies that its provisions do not apply to or modify current law regarding the temporary transfer of a firearm.

    Process for Seizure of Firearms

    Bill S2238 establishes a process by which a family or household member, law enforcement agency, or an employee of a high school or institution of higher education may petition a court to have a person’s firearms temporarily seized upon finding that the person poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to self or others.

    Under the bill, a family or household member, law enforcement agency, or school employee would be permitted to petition the court for an extreme risk protection order which would allow a law enforcement agency to hold a person’s firearms for one year.

    The bill requires a court to hold a hearing and issue an extreme risk protection order upon a finding by a preponderance of the evidence that the person poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to self or others by having a firearm in the person’s custody or control, or by purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm. In determining whether grounds for an extreme risk protection order exist, the court may consider: a recent act or threat of violence by the person against self or others, whether or not the act or threat of violence involves a firearm; a pattern of acts or threats of violence by the person within the past twelve months; any dangerous mental health issues of the person; and other factors.

    Under the bill, a family or household member, law enforcement officer or agency, or school employee, by motion, may request a renewal of an extreme risk protection order at any time before the order expires.

     

  • OFFICIALS TO MTA: RESTORE ORIGINAL “FREEDOM TICKET” PLAN

    OFFICIALS TO MTA: RESTORE ORIGINAL “FREEDOM TICKET” PLAN

    Elected Say Eliminating Proposed Discounted LIRR Fare Between Southeast Queens and Penn Station Renders Freedom Ticket Pilot “Inferior” and “Set Up For Failure”

    QUEENS, NY (TIP):  In advance of the upcoming Board Meeting of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Borough President Melinda Katz, U.S. Representatives Gregory Meeks, Senators Leroy Comrie and James Sanders, Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman and Clyde Vanel and Councilmembers Adrienne Adams and Daneek Miller in a joint letter to MTA Chairman Joe Lhota expressed their opposition to the MTA’s proposed revision to the “Freedom Ticket” plan, which would force Freedom Ticket riders seeking to get to and from midtown Manhattan to first transfer at Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn.

    The proposed revision would eliminate the discounted LIRR one-way $6.50 Freedom Ticket fare originally proposed in 2015 between six southeast Queens stations (Rosedale, Laurelton, Locust Manor, St. Albans, Hollis and Queens Village) and Penn Station in Manhattan or Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. Currently, the $10.25 one-way peak weekday fare is cost prohibitive for many between the Queens stations and Penn Station or Atlantic Terminal.

    “As you know, we have been avid supporters of the ‘Freedom Ticket’ plan put forward by the New York City Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC) in 2015,” the elected officials wrote in a joint letter this week to Chairman Joe Lhota. “The inferior Freedom Ticket pilot program now under consideration, however, would force users… a transfer that would substantially increase their commuting times…  Given this significant limitation, without the option of Penn Station, I expect few southeast Queens residents would use Freedom Tickets if the pilot program is implemented in its current state. The pilot is therefore being set up for failure, an outcome that is unacceptable, as it will not properly serve SEQ residents, allow for sufficient outreach in the community, nor gauge their use of a long term program.”

  • New York State Catholic Conference Blocks Access to Justice for Sex Abuse Survivors

    New York State Catholic Conference Blocks Access to Justice for Sex Abuse Survivors

    Testifies at budget hearing on Child Victims Act, opposes look-back window for survivors

    A February 15 Quinnipiac poll finds that 90% of New Yorkers support the Child Victims Act

    NEW YORK (TIP): The New York State Catholic Conference just released its testimony from the joint Legislative Hearing regarding the 2018-2019 Public Protection Budget, which addressed the Child Victims Act (CVA).

    While the Conference supports a prospective extension of criminal statute of limitations for survivors, it hypocritically continues to reject providing any avenue of relief for survivors over the age of 23 whose claims have expired, claiming:

    “This extraordinary provision would force institutions to defend alleged conduct decades ago about which they have no knowledge, and in which they had no role, potentially involving employees long retired, dead or infirm, based on information long lost, if it ever existed. To be clear, this provision would allow claims from even the 1940s or 1950s to be resurrected. Statutes of limitation are an essential protection of American law because they ensure that claims can be fairly adjudicated in a timely manner based on credible evidence.”

  • Uplift Humanity Celebrates Transforming the Lives of Over 1,000 Juveniles & Orphans in India

    Uplift Humanity Celebrates Transforming the Lives of Over 1,000 Juveniles & Orphans in India

    The organization is hosting SHAKTI, a soiree in New York City on April 14th

    NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): Uplift Humanity, founded in 2010, is a New York-based organization whose mission is to use disruptive and innovative curriculums to empower detained juveniles and orphans in India to achieve their full potential through education. The organization’s goal is to ensure that these children successfully assimilate back into society and have higher career prospects once released, ultimately reducing recidivism rates.

    Anish Patel founded Uplift Humanity at the age of 16

    Uplift Humanity, which was founded by Anish Patel, who was 16 years-old at the time, has now launched four locations throughout India: Gujarat, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and the newest this year in Delhi. Over the past eight years, Uplift Humanity has contributed over 250,000 hours of volunteer work and brought over 500 Americans to volunteer in India. This month, the organization celebrates transforming the lives of over 1,000 students in India.

    The organization delivers through three key programs:

    The Summer Program: A yearly program in July whereby hundreds of American teenagers travel to India for an 18-day volunteer excursion. These students undergo a rigorous application process to volunteer in either of the organization’s programs in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Gujarat, and Delhi. The purpose of this program is to provide ostracized students in India with life and behavioral skills ranging from anger management to public speaking – taught by like-minded American teenagers.

    The Academic Program: Perhaps the most crucial element of the on-site work done at the juvenile centers, this is a daily program where juveniles and orphans are taught English-speaking skills by local teachers.  This program is intended to equip students with the right skills they will need to secure employment once released. By providing these students with these core-skills, it reduces the probability that juveniles and orphans will resort to crime once released, thereby building safer communities.

    Students
    Motherly care
    Anish Patel with a student

    The Health and Wellness Program: Launched this month, the health and wellness program is designed to empower kids to learn about themselves and explore their identities. Lessons range from hygiene to mental health and are delivered through hands-on activities and games. The objective of this program is to normalize educating youth about complex topics like mental disorders and puberty, enabling them to be more mature and understanding individuals.

    These programs are all developed in-house by Uplift Humanity’s team, which is one of the youngest teams in the nonprofit space. In fact, the average age of an Uplift employee is 26. Because the team is so young, the organization heavily relies on creative grassroots fundraising to fuel its programs in India, instead of high-net-worth donors and corporations like most nonprofits.

    “I think that we have one of the most amazing teams here at Uplift. Our team comes from such global and diverse backgrounds that it enables us to develop effective state-of-the art curriculums. In fact, just within 5 months of us implementing our Academic Program curriculum, we’re seeing results: students are now actually starting to speak English” says Founder & CEO Anish Patel

    To celebrate the success of educating 1,000 students, Uplift Humanity is hosting SHAKTI, a soiree in New York City on April 14th. Uplift Humanity along with co-host Zee TV will have an evening of food, drinks and entertainment at Manhattan’s Distilled Lounge. Tickets can be purchased on: http://bit.ly/2D2J4QP

    For more information on Uplift Humanity, please visit: www.uplifthumanityindia.org

  • Indian National Congress Party Plenary Session to take place from March 16

    Indian National Congress Party Plenary Session to take place from March 16

    George Abraham and Mohinder Singh Gilzian from New York are special invitees to the Congress Party Plenary session.

    NEW YORK (TIP):  Indian National Congress will hold its plenary session to discuss and evolve the party’s future strategy in Delhi on March 16, 17 and 18.

    George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA and Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the INOC have been invited to attend the 84th plenary session of the Indian National Congress.

    This will be the first Congress Plenary session after the election of Rahul Gandhi as the President of the Indian National Congress. The leadership of the party from all states is expected to participate.

    George Abraham is the Founder-General Secretary of Indian National Overseas Congress and served as its President and Chairman. He is a former Chief Technology Officer at the United Nations and regularly writes on the political dynamics in India.

    Mohinder Singh Gilzian served as its Vice-President before assuming the post of the President.

    AICC recently has appointed Mr. Sam Pitroda as the Chairman of the newly created Overseas Congress department who also act as the Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, the newly reorganized wing of Congress Party in the USA.

  • Weekly Horoscope March 19 – March 25, 2018

    Weekly Horoscope March 19 – March 25, 2018

      By Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla

    Aries: Ganesha says as the period dawns, your attention will be drawn towards laying strong foundations for your finances. Though you are in a stable financial position, you realize that you need to make more money and make your family more secure. Dig the well before you need the water – this proverb could aptly describe your mindset as you explore investment options that will give you lucrative returns.

    Taurus: You continue to make determined efforts towards strengthening your financial position and explore every investment opportunity. You are generally restless and are always on the lookout for action of some kind. Travelling for work / higher studies / business is a possibility this period. You are always open to learning new strategies that could help you in your career and yet also indulge in play in equal measure. Your industrious, result-oriented nature finds approval from your boss.

    Gemini: You have been involved, till now, in seriously and conservatively building your family’s nest-egg. You have been a responsible child / parent / spouse / friend / employee and have won kudos for your cool, caring and calm nature. Now, at this phase, you could feel an upsurge of emotional energy which could cause restlessness and loneliness. You may indulge in disruptive and decadent behavior and shock your loved ones.

    Cancer: Your reckless behavior is under control as you knuckle down to the sedate job of making a living and creating wealth. You are interested right now in fulfilling your professional and personal obligations. You determinedly slog away at your routine chores, commitments. There could be some problems at work which you will have to resolve, and accusations from the home front of being a workaholic could cause added stress. It will be a good idea to find a balance and spend more time with your family / loved ones.

    Leo: You have been devoting to much of your energies to work and this has been causing difficulties in your relationships. You are benefitted too as improved ties and bonds give you great joy and harmony. Besides your close family, you show interest in the activities of your local community and even volunteer to help out. There could be collaborations with international partners / job opportunities in a multi – national company, and your reputation at work receives a huge boost. You earn applause and are the toast of all.

    Virgo: Your natural inclination is towards spirituality and you involve yourself in studying the scriptures / visiting holy and sacred shrines / meditation / chanting. Finances continue to occupy your attention but Ganesha advises you to stay alert in all money matters. This is the right time for parking your money in safe and stable investments and not risking or squandering it away in get-rich-quick schemes.

    Libra: You are on a high as you involve the 3 Cs – communication, contacts and correspondence – to take your career / business up the next rung of success. Your stupendous inter-personal skills attract attention and just dividends. You could be tempted to venture into risky territory; the indications are all there and you will have to control yourself. Ganesha advises caution in money matters, love affairs and in over-indulgence.

    Scorpio: Money matters continue to demand attention. But along with that, friends / loved ones / extended family demand your attention and you do not hold back as you respond. You overextend yourself to bring peace and harmony in all your relationships, both professional and personal, and the results are spectacular. Ganesha blesses you with happy bonding. You have pleasurable moments with your lover and, if a parent, great times with your kids.

    Sagittarius: You have an inherent edge in communicating with people and so any relationship issues with children / family elders / siblings can be sorted out by talking. Friends are the source of fun and frolic and you will enjoy partying virtually all period. You manage to give equal and quality time to both your career and your children. Spirituality and religious matters also interest you.

    Capricorn: The Moon gives you significant gains especially in relationships. The trend of the past period continues, and you put in dedicated efforts in all your projects and initiatives. The focus has shifted from work to home and this requires detailed planning. All issues related to the home and highlighted; from restorations / renovations / additions to investments in property, land, leases and loans. Tact and diplomacy are required to tackle awkward issues and to resolve them to everyone’s satisfaction.

    Aquarius: The 3 Cs – contacts, communications and correspondence – are this period’s theme and there will be a flurry of letters, e-mails, SMS as well as travel and trips. You will be in touch with the world and there will be many new work projects. A personal situation / work issues could put you in a dilemma, but you manage to come through unstuck with some deft maneuvering. There is a good chance to meet up with extended family and friends in religious functions / family, get-togethers / celebrations.

    Pisces: You have continued to work hard and diligently even in the midst of all the interpersonal drama in your private life, winning approval with your superiors. Your reputation will soar. Prestige, promotions and pelf are the results of your own hard work and dedication and you deserve it. As your self – esteem and self – confidence, along with your social standing, soar you manage to, thankfully, retain your helpful and gracious attitude with all and sundry irrespective of their status in life.

     

  • Indian American Renu Khator Awarded For Her Role In Mentoring Professionals In US

    Indian American Renu Khator Awarded For Her Role In Mentoring Professionals In US

    HOUSTON (TIP):  A top Indian American woman academic, Renu Khator, has been awarded by American Council in Education for her role in mentoring professionals.

    Ms. Khator, 62, Chancellor of University of Houston System and President of University of Houston (UH), awarded the 2018 Council of Fellows/Fidelity Investments Mentor Award during the opening plenary of American Council in Education’s 100th annual meeting.

    The award is bestowed annually to acknowledge the substantial role of mentors in the success of the council’s fellows program participants.

    Ms. Khator, who was born in Uttar Pradesh and educated at the University of Kanpur, is the UH System’s first woman chancellor, UH’s first foreign-born president, and the first ever Indian immigrant to lead a comprehensive research university in the US.

    Ms Khator assumed her current post in January 2008. She now oversees a four-university system that serves nearly 71,000 students.

  • Indian American Ram Villivalam running for Illinois state Senate

    Indian American Ram Villivalam running for Illinois state Senate

    CHICAGO (TIP): Indian American, former congressional aide Ram Villivalam is challenging 20-year incumbent Ira Silverstein in the next week’s Democratic primary for the Illinois state Senate 8th district.

    If he wins, Villivalam will be the first Indian American elected to the Illinois statehouse.

    The primary will be held on March 20, next Tuesday.

    The 8th Senate district has the highest concentration of Asian Americans in Illinois. It includes 21 Chicago neighborhoods, among them, all of Devon Ave.’s business district — which is known as a “Little India” — and the suburbs of Lincolnwood, Skokie, Morton Grove, Niles, Des Plaines and Glenview.

    Villivalam, whose parents immigrated from India in the 1970s, believes Illinois needs more diversity in government and a new generation of elected officials like him to lead on challenging issues it faces at the moment.

    Villivalam was born and raised on the Northwest side of Chicago, where he continues to live. The area is part of the 8th district.

    “As the son of Indian immigrants who came to this country to seek out a better quality of life and opportunities for their children, I feel the responsibility to step forward and speak out on the important issues that working and middle-class families are experiencing every day,” said Villivalam.

    He added that his parents, who were professionals in India, had to work minimum wage jobs before going back to school. They retired with a combined 50 years in public service.

    Villivalam said, based on his own family’s experience, he believes in lowering taxes for middle-class families while raising them for millionaires and billionaires, reducing gun violence, equitably funding public schools, and ending discrimination based on race, gender and religion.

    He pointed out that, his opponent, Silverstein, was reprimanded by an independent inspector general for violating the legislative ethics act and behaving in a manner “unbecoming of a legislator.”

    The taxpayers of the 8th state Senate district deserve a senator who is solely focused on effective representation, he said.

    The candidate said he has both the advocacy and legislative experience to make progress on his agenda in Springfield.

    His experience includes working as a legislative coordinator for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where he fought to protect home care for seniors and people with disabilities, child care for working families, and Medicaid for those in need.

    Prior to that, Villivalam was the Outreach Director for Rep. Brad Schneider, D-IL, where he signed people up for the Affordable Care Act and put on job fairs.

    Villivalam said he has built a broad coalition of support, including from four members of the Illinois’ Democratic congressional delegation — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Jan Schakowsky, Mike Quigley and Brad Schneider. He also has the endorsement of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and the Indo-American Democratic Organization. These elected officials and organizations trust his to be the effective, proactive, and truly progressive our community deserves, said Villivalam.

    “As I knock on doors to speak with voters about the challenging issues we face, I hear the frustration people have with business as usual in Springfield,” he said. “Voters want a change. We can’t expect different results if we keep sending the same people down there.”

  • Indian American Nikesh Patel sentenced to 25 years for fraud

    Indian American Nikesh Patel sentenced to 25 years for fraud

    ORLANDO (TIP): Indian American, Nikesh Patel has been slapped with a 25-year jail term after he was found impersonating as a bank executive to fund his escape to Ecuador to evade a conviction for swindling $179 million worth of fake loans to a Milwaukee investment firm.

    According to the Justice Department, Nikesh Patel was the CEO of First Farmers Financial LLC from 2012 to 2014, during which the company sold close to $179 million worth fabricated loan to a Milwaukee investment firm and $20 million to another investment firm based in Tennessee.

    Court documents state that during the period of defrauding, Patel created false documents in favor of his company to submit before the Milwaukee investment firm showing that his company had lent money to borrowers in Florida and Georgia.

    He also made false claims that a portion of the loans were guaranteed by the federal government.

    In October 2014, Patel, 30, who had then launched a hotel redevelopment company, Alena Hospitality, was arrested by federal authorities on fraud charges.

    He pleaded guilty in 2015 but requested to allow him to remain free on bail till his sentencing so that he would help authorities recover funds to repay his victims.

    Patel deceived the court by not making any effort to repay the defrauded; instead, he spent huge amounts on luxury trips and hosted a $30,000 birthday celebration for his one-year-old daughter.

    He funded his trips and expensive events by once again involving in a swindle, posing as a VP of Banco do Brasil. Using a con name “Ron Elias,” he sold more than $19 million bogus loans to different investors in Iowa.

    To add authenticity to his illicit deals, Patel created a phony website and sent emails to convince the victims that his loans were legitimate.

    ‘There’s a certain diabolical genius to what he did here,” Judge Charles Kocoras said at sentencing.

    “It’s a little insulting,” Kocoras said adding that “His (US) citizenship was the gift of his birth, yet he’s so quick to throw it away because he doesn’t want to face the piper.”

    Patel is a former executive of Fifth Third Bank, Beach Business Bank and Comerica Bank. He has also been involved in restaurant businesses, including part ownership of downtown Orlando’s Mingos.

    There are also reports that Patel was a spendthrift who had an addiction to latest luxury cars. As per reports , the prosecutors made the court aware that he owned a Rolls Royce, a Lamborghini and other high-end cars.

    He also reportedly wore custom-made jewels and flew around the world in private jets with Panama being his favorite holyday getaway where he “blew off steam” at brothels, according to the prosecutor.

    An influential political donor, Patel funded Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Florida’s Republican Party during his prime years, and both gave all of Patel’s donations to charity after the FBI booked him for fraud.

    Hundreds of public school districts, parks departments and other public entities, including Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund, became the victims of Patel’s bogus loans, which had taxpayer dollars invested in Pennant through management funds.

    According to reports, after Judge Kocoras announced his 25-years prison sentence calling him “a certain diabolical genius,” a sobbing Patel reportedly told the court that “Greed and selfishness may have a short-term benefit, but in the long run it only hurts those closest to you.”

    Source: DOJ

     

  • Indian Origin Jay Shetty Goes To US For Potentially Path-breaking Autism Treatment

    Indian Origin Jay Shetty Goes To US For Potentially Path-breaking Autism Treatment

    LONDON (TIP):  Jay Shetty ,A seven-year-old Indian origin, suffers from a debilitating form of cerebral palsy and autism since he was a baby, which means he cannot walk, talk or sit up unaided. He left with his family for the US on March 11th for a revolutionary treatment that has the potential to improve the quality of his life and give hope to others with neurological disorders.

    He is now set to undergo a pioneering clinical trial at Duke University Medical Centre in North Carolina, which relies on the infusion of his younger brother’s umbilical cord blood frozen at birth.

    After a lot of research on stem cells, we had decided before I got pregnant with Kairav, our younger son, that we would save our child’s cord blood. Then towards the end of the pregnancy in 2015, I got in touch with Duke University and they were planning on doing a sibling cord blood therapy trial, said Jay’s mother Shilpa.

    She and husband Raj had the umbilical cord blood of their younger child frozen and stored by UK-based blood bank Cells4Life.

    Umbilical cord blood is rich in a kind of stem cell that can, in theory, help heal most parts of the body, either by stimulating growth or by transforming into the required type of mature cell.

    These can then be put back into the body, even many years later. It relies on a close tissue match for the recipient, to lower the odds of the body rejecting it.

    When the Shettys contacted Duke University, they were told that Kairav’s blood was a match for Jay’s raising the prospect of the UK’s first such sibling cord blood therapy on Jay.

    Stem cell is a cure for some and improvement for all, so we are pretty sure it will definitely have some improvement in Jay’s life, said Shilpa.

    The family from Maharashtra, who have been based in London for over 15 years, are determined not to be put off by some dissenting voices within the medical community who cast doubts on the rare procedure.

    According to Shilpa, because it is not an invasive therapy , they want to go into it with a positive nothing to lose attitude.

    It is in its early stages and it has always been the norm that people will doubt treatments which have not been proved yet. But stem cells in general after years of proven research are known to have the ability to reach the damaged organ and regenerate new cells, she said.

    Claudia Rees, Operations Director at Cells4Life, describes the procedure as a cutting-edge treatment , considered a cornerstone of a relatively new area of science known as regenerative medicine.

    Stem cells and cord blood have already been used to cure diseases such as leukaemia, lymphoma and testicular cancer; in the near future it is likely that these treatments will provide hope for common and often life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, said Rees.

    Jay will be in the US for the treatment for a week and undergo rehabilitation in the UK after the cord blood transfusion procedure. The family have managed to raise nearly 26,000 pounds through fundraising to assist with the massive costs involved.

    Jay cannot express and communicate much but we are pretty sure he knows what’s going on as he is pretty bright.

    Kairav is two and half, so doesn’t know much. But he knows a lot of travelling revolves around Jay for therapies. So, he is used to it, said their mother, who believes even a small improvement in Jay’s quality of life as a result of the therapy would be a success story for their family.

     

  • Indian Origin Steel Tycoon Appointed As UK Skills Ambassador By Prince Charles

    Indian Origin Steel Tycoon Appointed As UK Skills Ambassador By Prince Charles

    LONDON (TIP):  Indian origin steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta has been appointed by Britain’s Prince Charles as an official ambassador for the Industrial Cadets program designed to nurture manufacturing skills.

    Mr. Gupta was appointed to the flagship program to give children and young people direct structured experience of the industry while still at school or college.

    The Industrial Cadets annual awards ceremony was held on March February 28th in London.

    “Gupta is doing so much to apply real imagination, innovative thinking and sustainable rejuvenation to our nation’s heavy industries and I’m thrilled that he, through his GFG Alliance, has so enthusiastically become involved with Industrial Cadets as well,” said the 68-year-old Prince of Wales.

    As the Executive Chairman of UK-based GFG Alliance, Mr. Gupta has been on an acquisition spree in the steel industry over the past few months which has helped secure hundreds of jobs.

    “Coming from a family of industrialists, I had the opportunity while growing up to spend time in steel works and engineering plants. That left a lasting impression on me and really inspired me to pursue an active career in industry. I see Industrial Cadets fulfilling the same function and am very excited about the impact it is facing,” Mr. Gupta said.

    His GFG Foundation is actively involved in funding and promoting the Industrial Cadets program, through a partnership with the Engineering Development Trust.

    GFG Alliance companies, including Liberty House and SIMEC, currently support 1,300 cadets from 26 schools across Britain to participate in the scheme, with a target of 5,000 students by next year.

    Around 26 GFG executives located at 13 industrial sites in the UK are regularly engaged in organizing work placements at their respective plants, helping the youngsters to maximize the benefit they get from time spent in the group’s steelmaking, engineering, power generation and manufacturing facilities.

    Mr. Gupta said that the task of ensuring the next generation has the motivation and skills to enable the UK to remain competitive and successful on the world stage in manufacturing as one of the most important tasks facing modern society.

    As part of his role as ambassador, the 46-year-old businessman has also been tasked with establishing Industrial Cadets in Australia, where the GFG Alliance already employs 6,000 people in its integrated mining, steel and energy businesses.

     

     

  • Indian Americans supported India’s LGBTQ community by hosting a first-ever fundraiser at New York’s Stonewall Inn

    Indian Americans supported India’s LGBTQ community by hosting a first-ever fundraiser at New York’s Stonewall Inn

    NEW YORK (TIP): The first ever fundraiser in the United States to benefit the LGBTQ community in India was held at the historic Stonewall Inn in New York on March 8.

    The beneficiary of the event, “Equality in India,” was the Lakshya Trust, an organization that raises funds for the LGBTQ community in India.

    Lakshya, a community-based public charitable trust launched in 2000, works on various issues addressing and advocating the social, economic, legal, psychological, spiritual and health aspects of sexual minorities (gay, bisexual and transgender population) in the Indian state of Gujarat. It primarily works on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention among MSM — men having sex with men — and GBT (gay, bisexual and transgender) in three major cities of Gujarat, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot.

    More than 80 guests attended the event, which was hosted by human rights activist Joshua Patel. The attendees included business leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, attorneys, physicians, artists and scholars.

    The event raised more than $7,000—all of which will go to India.

     “The truth is, myself and all of the other allies in this room have such an admiration and respect for each and every one of you,” said Roshani Patel, a dentist and a supporter of the community. “For your story, for your strength, and for your beliefs.  We are here to stand beside you and to fight with you and for all of our brothers and sisters in India for the simple things that matter to all of us. Freedom, Equality, and Love.”

    Joshua Patel shared with the audience the steps the Lakshya Trust is taking to gain a more inclusive India. He cited the Trust’s campaign against the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which was introduced by the British in 1861, which indicates that sexual intercourse that “goes against nature,” including homosexual relations, can lead to a life sentence in prison.

    “The Lakshya Trust has a holistic approach to fighting against India’s archaic laws,” he said. “As I visited three of their sites in Vadodara, Gujarat — I saw that they valued empowering the community from the grassroots level — educating people from all backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses.”

    One of the highlights of event was performances by New York’s LGBTQ South Asian community, including a performance by Lal Batti, Indo-Carribean dancer Zaman, and a tribute to the late Bollywood star Sridevi, who died last month, by Hariqbal Basi.

    The event also featured remarks from Joshua’s parents, PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) supporters, Prashant (Paul) and Mona Patel and a video message from Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil.

    The event overhead was generously covered by Prashant (Paul) and Mona Patel.

    Stonewall Inn, a National Historic Landmark, is the site of the 1969 riots that launched the US gay rights movement.

     

  • Indian diabetologist Dr. V. Mohan honored by American Diabetic Association

    Indian diabetologist Dr. V. Mohan honored by American Diabetic Association

    FLORIDA (TIP): Dr. V. Mohan, diabetologist and founder of the Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Center, Chennai, has been bestowed with the Harold Rifkin Distinguished International Service in the Cause of Diabetes Award. This makes him the first Indian physician to receive the highest accolade conferred by American Diabetic Association (ADA).

    A noted diabetologist, Mohan has been working in the field of diabetes in Chennai for over three decades. He is the Chairman and Chief of Diabetology at Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre which is a WHO Collaborating Centre for Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention and Control and an IDF Centre of Education. He is also President and Director of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation.

    Presented in memory of Harold Rifkin, the award is meant to honor individuals who have provided outstanding service in the cause of diabetes. The awardees are usually doctors who have made an impact in the field of diabetes with an international perspective. The award also recognizes individuals whose efforts have increased the awareness of the burden of diabetes worldwide.

    Mohan will receive the award during the National Scientific Achievement Awards Presentation Ceremony on the sidelines of the 78th Scientific Sessions of the ADA at Orlando, Florida.

    Recipient of more than 160 awards, Mohan started working on diabetes as an undergraduate medical student when he joined his father Prof. M. Viswanathan a pioneer in diabetes in India. Together, they founded the first private diabetes center in India in 1971. He continued to work at this center till 1991.

    Mohan and his wife, Dr. Rema Mohan, subsequently established their own diabetes centers under the name ‘Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre.’ Currently, he oversees 20 diabetes centers and clinics in India and one international diabetes center in Oman. More than 350,000 diabetic patients have been registered at these centers.

    In 2012, Govt. of India awarded Mohan with Padma Shri – the highest civilian award – for his accomplishments in the field of diabetology. He is also the winner of Dr. BC Roy Award from the Medical Council of India and the Basanti Devi Amir Chand Prize from the Indian Council of Medical Research.

     

     

  • Indian American Vivek Wadhwa among winners of 2018 Silicon Valley Forum’s Visionary Award

    Indian American Vivek Wadhwa among winners of 2018 Silicon Valley Forum’s Visionary Award

    SAN CARLOS, CA (TIP): Indian American author, entrepreneur and Carnegie Mellon Fellow Vivek Wadhwa has been selected as one of the recipients of 2018 Visionary Award established by Silicon Valley Forum.

    Delhi-born Wadhwa also holds the position of Director of Research at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization at the Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University. He has done extensive research on advancing technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, computing, synthetic biology, 3D printing, medicine, and nanomaterials. Wadhwa believes that these technologies will change our world by causing disruption in industries and paving way for the creation of many new policies, laws, and ethics.

    Every year, the forum shortlists experts from the Silicon Valley for its annual accolade that is bestowed on “Silicon Valley’s brightest stars and leading founders will take the stage in celebration of their achievements, work, and contributions to Silicon Valley’s renowned business and technology ecosystem.”

    This year’s four winners are: Vivek Wadhwa, distinguished fellow at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering; Kimberly Bryant, founder and CEO, Black Girls Code; Caterina Fake, cofounder, Flickr and Hunch, author, entrepreneur, and angel investor; and, Astro Teller, entrepreneur, scientist, and author, Captain of Moonshots, X. The winners will be honored in an award ceremony at Domenico Winery in San Carlos, California, on May 17, 2018, the organization said in a press release.

    “Every year at our annual Visionary Awards, we look forward to the opportunity to celebrate the absolute best of the best of Silicon Valley—the leaders whose work is synonymous with what makes this region so magnetic,” said Denyse Cardozo, Silicon Valley Forum CEO. “We’re proud to invite the Valley to join us this year as we celebrate the achievements of this extraordinary group.”

    The forum has been actively helping people to learn how to build a business in the Silicon Valley for the last 35 years. The organization focuses on creativity and innovation, using technology to bring society towards a better future.

    Since its inception, the forum has hosted thousands of successful events, programs, and conferences that educate, train, inspire and connect technologists, entrepreneurs, corporates, investors, innovation and startup hubs, and students in the Silicon Valley, nationally as well as internationally.

    “As my friends know, I have been merciless in condemning it for sexism and ageism. And of late, I have been calling out tech companies for widening the equity gap, leading us into a jobless future, and stealing our happiness. Yet, what does the Valley do? Give me an award!” wrote Wadhwa in an email to his colleagues. “These awards are considered to be the ‘Oscars’ of Silicon Valley.”

     

     

     

  • Indian American Neil Chatterjee to deliver keynote address at World Utility Summit

    Indian American Neil Chatterjee to deliver keynote address at World Utility Summit

    WASHIGNTON (TIP): US Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioner Neil Chatterjee will deliver a keynote address at the World Utility Summit in New Delhi.

    Chatterjee will talk on ‘Harmonizing the Regulatory Framework for Utilities’ on the first day of the World Utility Summit.

    While in Delhi, he will also meet various government officials and representatives from the energy industry to discuss various challenges facing the industry and its solutions.

    Chatterjee is the first Indian American to become a Commissioner of the Federal Electricity Regulatory Commission. He also served as its chairman for a short duration August 10 to December 7 last year.

    PTI