The Indian Panorama

Year: 2018

  • Indian American Devinder Malhotra announced as the new Chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

    Indian American Devinder Malhotra announced as the new Chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

    MINNEAPOLIS,MN(TIP) :Indian American Devinder Malhotra has been named as the new chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities on March 2.

    Malhotra has been serving as the interim chancellor since August 2017. His appointment came after an extensive nationwide search for a new chancellor failed to produce a candidate agreeable to the board of trustees.

    The Minnesota State system, one of the largest public university systems in the United States, consists of seven public state universities and 30 community and technical colleges. Roughly 400,000 students are enrolled at the schools, making it the fourth-largest system of two-year colleges and four-year universities in the nation.

    Malhotra was named interim chancellor last year after a similar search failed to identify the right candidate.

    “I look forward to continuing to build on the great work of @MinnStateEdu faculty and staff in our shared commitment to student success,” the University of Delhi economics graduate tweeted on March 2.

    The 70-year-old Malhotra’s appointment is for three years. “I guess I failed retirement,” he said. “I’m having too much fun.”

    “He has performed brilliantly as interim chancellor,” board chairman Michael Vekich was quoted as saying by the Press. “He has never been a mere placeholder.”

    “Malhotra has accomplished much during his service as interim chancellor,” Vekich said. “He has deepened the relationship between Minnesota State and both the bargaining units and the student associations. He has brought a laser focus to student success.”

    Prior to becoming the interim chancellor at Minnesota State, Malhotra served as the Interim President of Metropolitan State University from 2014 to 2016. From 2009 to 2014, he was the provost and vice president of academic affairs at St. Cloud State University.

    Malhotra’s appointment was welcomed by Minnesota State’s faculty union leaders.

    “Best possible outcome,” Kevin Lindstrom, head of college faculty union, said. “He’s done a lot in the last few months to build the foundation for a lot of meaningful progress.”

    Malhotra, who earned his PhD in economics from Kansas State University, in Manhattan, KS, is an expert on Indian economy. During his career as a professor, he published dozens of papers on a bevy of topic ranging from US manufacturing to inflation in Asian countries.

    With his interim tag now removed, Malhotra joins a number of Indian Americans to serve as president or chancellor of a US university. Others Indian American university leaders include Renu Khator, who is the chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of the University of Houston, and Ashish Vaidya, president of North Kentucky University.

     

  • Indian American Hasan Minhaj to host a weekly comedy show on Netflix

    Indian American Hasan Minhaj to host a weekly comedy show on Netflix

    WASHINGTON (TIP) : Indian American comedian Hasan Minhaj is all set to host his first weekly comedy show on Netflix. Minhaj, a correspondent with The Daily Show, is the first Indian American to host a weekly comedy show.

    The comedian marked another milestone last year as his stand-up show Homecoming King debuted as a Netflix Original.

    According to the report, Netflix has already ordered 32 episodes of the show, which will start streaming later this year. Netflix, which reportedly outbid the Comedy Central, home of The Daily Show, considers it as an opportunity for Minhaj to explore the modern cultural and political landscape.

    “I’m thrilled to be joining the Netflix family as the country braces for another election season — and like you, I cannot wait to find out who Putin picks this time,” Minhaj was quoted as saying by Hollywood Reporter.

    Minhaj will executive produce in addition to hosting. Prashanth Venkataramanujam, Michelle Caputo and Shannon Hartman of Art & Industry and Jennie Church-Cooper of Haven Entertainment will also join him to executive produce the show.

    “I’ve been a big fan of Hasan’s for many years,” Netflix’s VP of Content Bela Bajaria said. “He’s a phenomenal writer with a distinct point of view [and] he is a brilliant performer, who is hilarious both onstage and off. And more importantly, he isn’t afraid to share his thoughtful voice and unique perspective.”

    With the introduction of the new show, Netflix aims to expand its global presence, especially to countries like India, where the company started offering its service a few years back.

    Minhaj, 31, first gained national attention when he joined the Comedy Central’s Daily Show as a correspondent in 2004.

    The next year, he made his Off-Broadway debut with Homecoming King, which is based on autobiographical incidents from the comedian’s experience as a first-generation Indian American.

    Minhaj has also appeared on Netflix’s Arrested Development, HBO’s Getting On and Comedy Central’s @midnight, among other shows.

     

     

     

  • Indian American Sandeep Rehal, former Personal Assistant to Weinstein, files lawsuit against mogul in New York

    Indian American Sandeep Rehal, former Personal Assistant to Weinstein, files lawsuit against mogul in New York

    Sandeep Rehal’s  lawsuit in California was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds.

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Indian American Sandeep Rehal , former personal assistant of Harvey Weinstein, has filed a federal lawsuit at a New York state court after her suit was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds by a federal judge.

    The case was dismissed by District Judge Jesse Furman on February 26th  citing a jurisdictional reason. The lawsuit had named Weinstein, his brother Bob, former human resources director Frank Gil and the Weinstein Company as defendants.

    While Rehal lives in California, The Weinstein Co. is a Delaware limited liability company based in New York. An LLC is considered a citizen of the state where its members reside. The New York federal court dismissed the case as Rehal couldn’t establish that none of the defendants were residents of California.

    According to the lawsuit filed by Rehal, during the course of two years that she worked as the personal assistant of Weinstein, she was subjected to many sexually harassing actions, statements, and physical touching. The producer also dictated emails while being naked, she alleged.

    Rehal said that the hostile work environment and the repeated sexual harassment have caused severe emotional distress, humiliation, and loss of self-esteem.

    She said Weinstein sought her assistance to even get him clean underwear and to clean up semen after his “extremely prolific sexual encounters.”

    Rehal said Weinstein made offensive sexist comments about her quite frequently and were made openly in the presence of other employees of TWC.

    Rehal added that Weinstein had asked her to maintain a special list of contacts of his “girls,” who were his many sexual partners. She was also asked to buy gifts and dresses for his “girls”.

    She also revealed in the suit that Weinstein wanted her to manage the stock of Caverject shots, which he used for his erectile dysfunction and was required to place one in his pocket every time he went for a sexual encounter, which she says was at least three times a week when he was in New York.

    Weinstein’s spokesperson had denied the allegations saying they would “respond in the appropriate legal forum with evidence proving they are untrue.”

  • Joint Secretary Vinay Kumar appointed India’s Ambassador to Afghanistan

    Joint Secretary Vinay Kumar appointed India’s Ambassador to Afghanistan

    NEW DELHI(TIP) : Senior diplomat Vinay Kumar has been appointed as India’s ambassador to strategically key Afghanistan.

    He will replace Manpreet Vohra in Kabul.

    Kumar, a 1992 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, is currently serving as Joint Secretary (South) in the headquarters of the external affairs ministry here.

    “He is expected to take up his assignment shortly,” the ministry said in a release.

    Vohra has been serving as ambassador of India to Afghanistan since January 2016.

    Kumar, a graduate from IIT Kharagpur, has served in various positions. He had also worked in India’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.

    India and Afghanistan are strategic partners and relations between the two countries have been on an upswing in the last few years.

    India has invested over $2 billion in aid and in development projects in the war-ravaged country.

    In September last year, India made a fresh announcement of taking up 116 “high impact community developmental projects” in 31 provinces of Afghanistan.

  • Indian American’s $ 1 Million Research May Change Cancer Treatment

    Indian American’s $ 1 Million Research May Change Cancer Treatment

    HOUSTON (TIP):  An Indian American scientist has been awarded a grant of over $1.1 million for his ground- breaking research on cancer.

    Navin Vardarajan, along with another University of Houston researcher Sanghyuk Chung, were awarded huge grants by Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) , an organization that funds pioneering cancer research and prevention programes in the state.

    Associate professor of chemical and bimolecular engineering, Navin was given $1,173,420 to improve effectiveness of T-cell immunotherapy, while his fellow researcher Sanghyuk Chung, associate professor of biology and biochemistry, was awarded $811,617 to define molecular targets for the treatment of cervical cancer.

    Mr Varadarajan will use his grant to bring consistent results to cancer patients undergoing T-cell immunotherapy by manufacturing programmed T cells to meet, recognize and destroy tumors, a statement said.

    “We have to understand every single T cell and what each one is capable of,” said Mr Varadarajan, who is looking for a perfect cell composition in order to manufacture only those that cure tumors.

    “Once we know what is required to get a positive response, we can control the composition of the cells so that they all can work to fight cancer,” he said.

    Mr Varadarajan said studying what makes better T cells will guide the development of the next generation of genetically modified cells, and all of immunotherapy in general.

    “The big challenge with T cells is that there isn’t one single thing that can be used to define what a T cell is supposed to do. Because it’s a living cell, it’s capable of so many different things but studying them at the single-cell level allows us to map all of these different things onto the same cell,” he said.

    Although cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, there has been little progress in the treatment of it over the past decade.

    Mr. Chung will use his award to delve into the little-researched topic – the role of oestrogen in the development of cervical cancer.

    “It is clearly demonstrated that human papillomavirus (HPV) is required for the development of cervical cancer, but evidence indicates that other co-factors are required for cervical cancer,” Mr Chung said.

     

  • Moody’s says India recovering from GST, DeMo; sees 7.6% growth rate

    Moody’s says India recovering from GST, DeMo; sees 7.6% growth rate

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Moody’s Investors Service said on Wednesday Indian economy is starting to recover from the negative impact of demonetisation and disruption caused by GST roll out, but kept GDP growth estimates unchanged at 7.6% for 2018.

    In its global growth forecasts for 2018 and 2019, Moody’s said the Budget for fiscal year beginning April 1 (2018-19) includes some measures to stabilise rural economy that was disproportionately hit by scrapping of high denomination 500 and 1000 rupee notes.

    “There are some signs that the Indian economy is starting to recover from the soft growth patch attributed to the negative impact of the demonetisation undertaken in 2016 and disruption related to last year’s rollout of the Goods and Service Tax (GST),” Moody’s said.

    It kept the growth forecast for India in the calendar year 2018 unchanged at 7.6% and for 2019 at 7.5%. “Among the other major emerging market countries, we have left our growth expectations for India and Indonesia unchanged.”

    In November last year, Moody’s had raised India’s sovereign rating for the first time in 13 years, saying growth prospects have improved with continued progress on economic and institutional reforms. The US-based agency had upped India’s rating to Baa2 from Baa3 and changed its rating outlook to ‘stable’ from ‘positive’, saying the reforms would help stabilise rising levels of debt.

    At that time, it had projected India’s real GDP growth to moderate to 6.7% in the current fiscal year ending March 31 (2017-18), from 7.1% last year, and put the growth at 7.5% for 2018-19 fiscal.

    “The 2018 budget includes some measures that could stabilise the rural economy that was disproportionately hit by the demonetisation policy and is yet to recover,” Moody’s said today.

    “As we have said before, the bank recapitalisation plan should also help credit growth over time, thereby supporting growth,” the agency added.

    Moody’s Investors Service revised its global growth forecasts for 2018 and 2019, incorporating stronger than expected economic data and reflecting the likely pick up tied to additional US fiscal stimulus.

    It revised real GDP growth forecasts upwards for the US, Japan, Germany, France, UK, South Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey for 2018.

    The rating agency raised its projections of real GDP growth for the US to 2.7% in 2018 and 2.3% in 2019, from a prior forecast of 2.3% and 2.1%, respectively. “These revisions account for stronger than expected momentum going into 2018 and additional fiscal stimulus from the February 2018 congressional budget deal. The recent financial market selloff does not alter Moody’s US and global growth outlook,” it said.

    G20 economies will collectively grow 3.4% in 2018 and 3.2% in 2019, up from prior forecasts of 3.2% and 3.1%, respectively, Moody’s says. “Notably, the euro area is exhibiting the best economic performance since the 2012 sovereign debt crisis.”

    Moody’s said stronger inflationary pressures would lead to a steady convergence of the monetary policy outlooks of global central banks over the next two to three years.

    The current “goldilocks” period of synchronised upward growth momentum, low inflation, low interest rates, steadily rising asset prices and historically low volatility will gradually wane, it said adding the recent return to financial market volatility is likely here to stay.

    Source: PTI

  • AIRCEL FILES FOR INSOLVENCY AFTER ‘NEGATIVE BUSINESS AND REPUTATIONAL IMPACT’

    AIRCEL FILES FOR INSOLVENCY AFTER ‘NEGATIVE BUSINESS AND REPUTATIONAL IMPACT’

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Telecom operator Aircel said on?Wednesday it has filed for bankruptcy as the company has been facing “troubled times” in “highly financially stressed” industry.

    In a statement in New Delhi, Aircel said that intense competition following the disruptive entry of a new player, legal and regulatory challenges, high level of unsustainable debt and increased losses had together caused significant “negative business and reputational impact” on the company.

    “The Board of Directors of the Corporate Debtor today announced that they have filed an application under Section 10 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 for undertaking Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process for the respective companies: Aircel Cellular, Dishnet Wireless, Aircel Ltd,” the the statement said.

    Sources said that the filing was made in National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Mumbai.

    The company statement also noted that efforts to merge wireless business with another operator did not yield any results and had ultimately lapsed in September 2017.

    “Post detailed discussions with the financial lenders and shareholders, the company could not reach consensus with respect to restructuring of its debt and funding. Despite these discussions and the invoking of a Strategic Debt Restructuring scheme in January 2018…no agreement could be reached,” Aircel said.

    The company also said it believes that in the current circumstances, resolution process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is an “appropriate recourse”.

    “The Company would like to emphasise that CIRP is not a proceeding for liquidation, rather is a process to find best possible resolution for the current situation and that would be in the best interest of everyone (vendors, distributors, employees, etc) to protect and preserve the value of the company and manage the operations,” it added.

    Aircel said it will strive to provide uninterrupted service connectivity to its customers and sought their support in the “current difficult period”.

    Source: PTI

  • Vladimir Putin, before election, unveils new nuclear weapons to counter West

    Vladimir Putin, before election, unveils new nuclear weapons to counter West

    MOSCOW (TIP): President Vladimir Putin unveiled an array of new nuclear weapons on March 1, in one of his most bellicose speeches in years, saying they could hit almost any point in the world and not be intercepted.

    Speaking weeks before an election he is expected to win, Putin also said that a nuclear attack on any of Moscow’s allies would be regarded as an attack on Russia itself and draw an immediate response.

    Putin, who polls indicate should be easily re-elected on March 18, backed his tough rhetoric with video clips of some of the new missiles he was talking about, which were projected on a giant screen behind him at the conference hall in central Moscow where he was addressing Russia’s political elite.

    “They have not succeeded in holding Russia back,” said Putin, referring to the West.

    “Now they need to take account of a new reality and understand that everything I have said today is not a bluff.”

    Among the new weapons that Putin said were either in development or ready: a new intercontinental ballistic missile, a small nuclear warhead that could be attached to cruise missiles, underwater nuclear drones, a supersonic weapon and a laser weapon.

    The audience, made up of Russian lawmakers and other leading figures, frequently stood up and applauded his presentation, which culminated with the Russian national anthem being played.

    NATO MEASURES “USELESS”

    Putin, who has dominated his country’s political landscape for the last 18 years and often used anti-Western rhetoric to mobilize support, said the technological advances meant that NATO’s build-up on Russia’s borders and the roll-out of a US anti-missile system would be rendered useless.

    “I hope that everything that was said today will sober up any potential aggressor,” said Putin.

    “Unfriendly steps towards Russia such as the deployment of the (US) anti-missile system and of NATO infrastructure nearer our borders and such like, from a military point of view, will become ineffective.”

    Steps to contain Russia would also become unjustifiably expensive and pointless, he forecast. The Russian leader also voiced concerns about a new US nuclear doctrine, saying that Russia’s own doctrine was defensive and only envisaged the use of nuclear weapons in response to an attack.

    Russia has repeatedly said it is keen to hold talks with the United States about the balance of strategic nuclear power.

    “We will view any use of nuclear weapons against Russia or its allies, be it of small, medium or any force, as a nuclear attack on our country,” said Putin.

    “Our response will be immediate. Nobody should have any doubts about that.”

    (Reuters)

  • Pakistan says ready for mediation between Afghanistan govt and Taliban

    Pakistan says ready for mediation between Afghanistan govt and Taliban

    ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistan on March 1 said it was ready for mediation between the Afghan government and the Taliban as it extended support to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s political process in the war-torn country.

    Speaking at the second Kabul Process conference, Ghani yesterday said that his government was ready to recognise the Taliban as a political group and offered unconditional talks with the militant group to “save the country”.

    The Afghan Taliban are a political entity and Pakistan supports the dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif told journalists here.

    “The talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government are actually discussions between two political forces, and Pakistan will support it…Pakistan is also ready for one-on-one mediation with the Afghan Taliban,” he said.

    He said Pakistan wants peace and stability in the neighbouring country, while stressing that there was no military solution to the Afghan conflict.

    The foreign minister also asked Washington to strike a balance in its policy towards South Asia if it was interested in having a dialogue between Pakistan and India.

    “The US can have an interest in Pak-India discussions, but before that it should create some balance in its South Asia policy,” he said.

    He also talked about the so-called “institutional interests” in Pakistan and said that practice of portraying interests of institutions as the greater national interest “will also be changed soon”.

    Asserting that Pakistan will frame its foreign policy keeping in view the national interests, Asif said, “We will not sacrifice our own interests for the protection of the interests of the United States.”

    “The effects of the 80s and the Musharraf era still exist, Pakistan will not make the same mistakes now to keep American interests above its own interests,” he said.

    He was referring to the military governments of General Zia-ul Haq and General Pervez Musharraf that allied with the US respectively in 1980s and after 9/11 to support it against erstwhile USSR and terrorism.

    (PTI)

  • MPs’ perks hiked, Rs 39-crore extra burden on exchequer

    MPs’ perks hiked, Rs 39-crore extra burden on exchequer

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Members of Parliament are set to get increased allowances with the Union Cabinet approving a proposal in this regard.

    The constituency allowance, furniture allowance and communication expenses of the MPs would go up considerably, sources in the government said. The parliamentary affairs ministry had proposed an increase in the constituency allowance from Rs 45,000 a month to Rs 60,000.

    The ministry had also proposed that the one-time furniture allowance be hiked to Rs one lakh from the present Rs 75,000.

    Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced in his budget speech that a permanent mechanism would be set up to revise the salaries of MPs every five years, and it would be linked to inflation.

    The remuneration of an MP includes a basic salary of Rs 50,000 per month and Rs 45,000 as constituency allowance, apart from other perks. The Centre spends around Rs 2.7 lakh a month on an MP.

    As of today, excluding the Speaker, the Lok Sabha has 536 MPs, including two nominated from the Anglo-Indian community. There are eight vacancies. The Rajya Sabha has 239 members.

    Source: PTI

  • PNB FRAUD: ED ATTACHES RS 1,217 CRORE ASSETS OF MEHUL CHOKSI GROUP

    PNB FRAUD: ED ATTACHES RS 1,217 CRORE ASSETS OF MEHUL CHOKSI GROUP

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 1 (Thursday) said it has attached 41 properties, valued at over Rs 1,200 crore, in connection with its money laundering probe into the PNB scam against Gitanjali Gems and its promoter Mehul Choksi.

    The central probe agency issued a provisional order for attachment under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The attached assets include 15 flats and 17 office premises in Mumbai, a mall in Kolkata, a four-acre farm house in Alibaug and 231 acres of land at locations like Nasik, Nagpur, Panvel and Villupuram in Tamil Nadu.

    A 170-acre park in Hyderabad’s Ranga Reddy district valued at over Rs 500 crore has also been attached, it said.

    Four flats in Borivali (east) area of the Maharashtra capital and nine others in Khemu Towers in Santacruz (east) have been attached as part of the action.

    “The total value of the 41 seized assets controlled by Choksi is estimated at Rs 1,217.2 crore,” the ED said. Choksi and designer diamond jewellery businessman Nirav Modi and others are being investigated by the ED and other probe agencies after the bank fraud recently came to light, following a complaint by the PNB that they allegedly cheated the nationalized bank to the tune of Rs 12,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

    The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case. Both Choksi and Modi are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.

    They have, however, denied any wrongdoing.

    The ED, a central probe agency under the Union Finance Ministry, is investigating if the allegedly defrauded bank funds were laundered and proceeds of crime were subsequently used by the accused to create illegal assets and black money.

    Source: PTI

  • Anti-terror fight is against a mindset, not any religion, says PM Modi

    Anti-terror fight is against a mindset, not any religion, says PM Modi

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the fight against terrorism and radicalization was not against any religion, but against a mindset that misguides the youth.

    Speaking at a conference on “Islamic heritage: Promoting understanding and moderation”, Modi said India’s values of equality, diversity and harmony strengthened it in a world of uncertainty and these were important to defeat violence and extremism.

    “Indian democracy is a celebration of age-old pluralism,” Modi said in a speech to an audience that included King Abdullah II of Jordan and many Islamic clerics and scholars.

    Abdullah, a 41st generation direct descendant of Prophet Mohammed, is known for his global initiative to fight radicalization and terrorism. He is also the custodian of holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, located in the Old City of Jerusalem.

    India views Jordan as an “oasis of stability and harmony” in conflict ridden West Asia and New Delhi is looking to deepen bilateral ties with the country, according to senior government officials in New Delhi.

    India has been a victim of terrorism since the 1980s and, since the 1990s, witnessed an Islamist insurgency in Kashmir that has claimed many thousands of lives. India blames Pakistan for supporting anti-India terrorist groups inimical in Kashmir.

    In his speech, Modi said that “those who perpetrate acts of violence against humanity perhaps don’t realise that they harm the religion they claim to stand for.”

    “The fight against terrorism and extremism, against radicalization is not a fight against any religion. It is a fight against a mentality that misguides our youth to perpetrate acts of violence against innocents,” he said, urging the youth to associate themselves with the humanitarian aspects of Islam on the one hand and the use of modern technology on the other.

    In his speech, the Jordanian king said the current global war against terror should not be viewed as a fight between religions. “It is between moderates of all faiths and communities and against extremists who spread hatred and violence,” he said. He also emphasized the need to “recognize and reject the misinformation groups promote about Islam, or indeed any religion.”

    “We need to take back the airwaves and internet from the voices of hatred, those who have victimized our world not only with bombs and terror but with ignorance and lies,” the king said, adding that inclusion was the path to coexistence.

    “The fact that the king came to India and delivered this address is very significant given that he is the direct descendent of the Prophet (Mohammed). His words carry great weight,” said a person familiar with Abdullah’s visit.

    Later in the day, India and Jordan signed 12 agreements including a framework pact on defence cooperation that defines the “scope of such cooperation and making provisions for implementation of the cooperation in some of the recognized areas like training; defence industry; counterterrorism; military studies; cybersecurity; military medical services, peace-keeping, etc.,” a statement from the Indian foreign ministry said.

    Another pact aims to set up a Centre of Excellence in Jordan “for training of minimum 3,000 Jordanian IT professionals over a period of 5 years, and setting up of a resource centre in India for training of master trainers in IT field from Jordan,” the foreign ministry statement said.

    A third pact on setting up a fertilizer production facility in Jordan “with a long-term agreement for 100% off take to India” was also signed. It is aimed at ensuring long-term and sustained supply of rock phosphate to India, the statement said.

    Briefing reporters after official talks between Modi and Abdullah, S. Tirumurthy, secretary-economic relations in the Indian foreign ministry said, “There was a keenness on both sides to take this (the relationship) further.”

    Both sides are looking at closer security cooperation given that Jordan sits at the crossroads of a very volatile region neighbouring Israel, Palestine, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

    Source: PTI

  • Rahul Gandhi leaves for Italy to ‘surprise’ grandma on Holi

    Rahul Gandhi leaves for Italy to ‘surprise’ grandma on Holi

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday left for Italy to “surprise” his maternal grandmother and spend the Holi weekend with her.

    Announcing this on Twitter, he also extended Holi greetings to fellow citizens.

    “My Nani is 93. She’s the kindest soul ever. This Holi weekend, I’m going to surprise her! I can’t wait to give her a hug…

    “Happy Holi to all of you. Have a joyful celebration,” Gandhi wrote on the microblogging website.

  • Furious over ‘special invitee’ tag, Mallikarjun Kharge boycotts Lokpal meet

    Furious over ‘special invitee’ tag, Mallikarjun Kharge boycotts Lokpal meet

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha on March 1 boycotted a meeting of the committee that will select an anti-corruption ombudsman, or Lokpal, in protest against being asked to attend as a “special invitee”.

    The selection committee is supposed to have the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, Lok Sabha Speaker, the opposition leader and an eminent jurist.

    Though Kharge leads the Lok Sabha’s largest opposition party, he is not the designated leader of the opposition since his party falls short of the minimum number required to claim that post.

    In a strongly worded letter to the Prime Minister, Kharge said he “respectfully denied” the invite as the process was being reduced to “political pretence”.

    Kharge charged that there was a concerted effort by the Union government to exclude the independent voice of the opposition from the Lokpal selection process.

    “A perusal simplicitor of the Lok Pal Act, 2013; its intent and objective reflects that Leader ‘of Opposition’ cannot be substituted as a Special Invitee’. It is a matter of surprise that your government is choosing to adopt this route as a mere paper formality rather than seek any meaningful and constructive participation,” Kharge said in the letter.

    The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was passed in 2013 to constitute a statutory body to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries.

    “The Select Committee of Parliament had put its seal of approval on the amending bill, yet the government has failed to introduce and pass it. This amending bill continues to languish in cold storage for want to appropriate intent, commitment and objectivity on part of the government,” Kharge said in the letter.

    A party that lays claim to the leader of opposition post in Lok Sabha must have at least 10% of its 545 seats. Congress, which won 44 seats in the 2014 general election, currently has 48 seats.

    The meeting of the selection panel took place on Thursday evening at the official residence of the Prime Minister.

    “At the outset, let me state on behalf of myself, my party and the entire opposition that the ‘Special Invitee Invitation’ is a concerted effort to exclude the independent voice of the opposition altogether from the selection process of the most important anticorruption watchdog,” Kharge wrote in the letter to Modi.

  • INX Media case: Karti Chidambaram sent to five-day CBI custody

    INX Media case: Karti Chidambaram sent to five-day CBI custody

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Karti Chidambaram, arrested in the INX Media case, was on March 1 remanded to five days of CBI custody by a Delhi court.

    Special Judge Sunil Rana extended Karti’s custody till March 6 after the CBI contended that there were “very shocking evidences” of what he has done when he went abroad and alleging “when he went abroad, he closed bank accounts in which funds were received”.

    Karti was produced before the court on expiry of one-day CBI custody amidst the presence of his parents P Chidambaram and Nalini Chidambaram, both senior advocates, and were seen talking to him.

    Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for CBI, maintained that this was “not a case of political vendetta” and the investigation was going on in accordance with Article 21 of the Constitution.

    “There are very shocking evidences of what Karti did when he went abroad,” he said, adding that “when he went abroad, he closed bank accounts in which funds were received”.

    Even though Karti did not complain of any uneasiness during his regular medical check up yesterday, doctors at Safdarjung Hospital last night sent him to cardiac care unit and he was brought to CBI office only in the morning.

    Due to his hospitalisation, the CBI’s one-day custody was virtually wasted as it got Karti’s custody only at 7:30 pm and he returned from the hospital this morning, he said.

    Senior advocate Abhishek Mani Singhvi, who is leading a team of lawyers for Karti, contended that in connection with the May 2017 FIR, CBI has spent roughly 22 hours with Karti in August last year and no fresh summons was issued to him after August 2017 till date, which shows the agency has nothing more to ask him.

    “The only way of establishing noncooperation is to issue summons. You never tested my non-cooperation.

    Sudden arrest after six months. Its bizarre, I am arrested as I stepped out of plane.

    “There is not an iota of evidence against Karti. He is being arrested despite complying with court orders repeatedly.” he said.

    Singhvi asked if Karti has done something illegal while being abroad, why didn’t CBI file a contempt petition before the court which allowed him to travel abroad.

    The CBI said that in May 2007, first FIPB approval was given to INX Media and in April 2008, this reference was made in the Finance Ministry.

    From June 2008 onwards, the payment of the bribe money was started. The second FIPB approval was given on November 2, 2008. We are investigating whether the April 2008 reference was a “pressure technique”, the CBI contended.

    “We have emails and invoices indicating money was given to Advantage Strategic Consultancy Private Limited (ASCPL), which is related to Karti, around the time period when INX Media received favours.

    “There is substantial evidence with the agency which needs to be confronted with Karti. Three mobile phones have been recovered from him which need to be examined. 14 days is the minimum time required to keep him in custody,” Mehta contended.

    Karti was arrested yesterday at Chennai Airport on his return from the United Kingdom in connection with the FIR lodged on May 15 last year alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when P Chidambaram was the union finance minister.

    Source: PTI

  • Lindsay Lohan attends Fashion Week wearing a hijab

    Lindsay Lohan attends Fashion Week wearing a hijab

    Actor Lindsay Lohan, who has fielded rumours of having converted to Islam for months, was seen wearing a hijab at the recent London Fashion Week. Pictures of the star, who now lives in Dubai, have been doing the rounds online.

    Before her appearance at the show, Lohan posted a live Instagram video in which she was learning to tie a hijab. “I think it needs (to be) a little bit more tighter in the (back). I don’t want it to come off and show too much,” she said.

    She also spoke to the BBC about her new avatar. Lohan was once considered a sex symbol. “Fashion doesn’t always have to be so naked and can be adventurous and still beautiful, with a strong group of women behind it,” Lohan said.

    In addition to the traditional attire, Lohan also wore halal makeup to the event. According to a post by halal/vegetarian/vegan makeup retailer HawaCosmetics, Lohan stopped by their booth and told them “how she’s into halal cosmetics and what she’s actually wearing on her face today was all halal!!”

    Lohan’s choice was met with mixed reactions online. One person on Twitter commented, “It amazes me how the western civilization sees wearing the hijab as an act of liberation and empowerment while women in Iran are removing their hijabs off as a protest, meaning the hijab is actually a sign of oppression in muslim countries.”

    Another person replied to the BBC’s tweet by saying, “Since when did promoting oppressive articles of clothing become a thing? Especially when women take off their hijab’s in protest…seems counterproductive…”

  • JENNIFER LAWRENCE ANGRY AT TABLOIDS CALLING HER ANTI-FEMINIST

    JENNIFER LAWRENCE ANGRY AT TABLOIDS CALLING HER ANTI-FEMINIST

    Jennifer Lawrence on Wednesday blasted a controversy over a photo of her wearing a plunging black dress outside on a cold London day as sexist, ridiculous and “not feminism.”

    The Oscar-winning star, 27, said in a Facebook posting that she was also “extremely offended” by what she called the “utterly ridiculous” reaction on social and mainstream media to the photo, taken as part of promotions for her upcoming movie Red Sparrow.

    The picture, taken outdoors on a bitter winter’s day in London earlier this week, showed a bare shouldered Lawrence wearing a black gown, while actor Jeremy Irons and three fellow cast members donned thick wool coats.

    Many commentators saw the photo as a reflection of the pressure on women in Hollywood to look good, particularly given Lawrence’s previous outspoken criticism of the gender pay gap in the movie industry.

    “True equality means either Jennifer Lawrence getting a coat, or Jeremy Irons having to pose for a photo call in assless chaps,” tweeted London journalist Helen Lewis.

    Australian journalist Stephanie Peatling remarked on Twitter that it was “cold enough that the bloke actors have to wear coats and scarves to their press call and yet poor Jennifer Lawrence is wearing a small amount of fabric some might call a dress.”

    Lawrence, one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood, was having none of it.

    “That Versace dress was fabulous, you think I’m going to cover that gorgeous dress up with a coat and a scarf ? I was outside for 5 minutes. I would have stood in the snow for that dress because I love fashion and that was my choice,” she wrote on Facebook.

    “This is sexist, this is ridiculous, this is not feminism,” she added. “It’s creating silly distractions from real issues. Get a grip people” Red Sparrow, a thriller in which Lawrence plays a Russian spy, opens worldwide next week.

    Source: Reuters

  • WHAT MADE RUTH WILSON TURN DOWN A ROLE IN A MARVEL MOVIE?

    WHAT MADE RUTH WILSON TURN DOWN A ROLE IN A MARVEL MOVIE?

    Actor Ruth Wilson has said that she once turned down a role from Marvel Studios as she found the character “boring”.

    The 36-year-old actor said she still looks forward to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and wants to play a “baddie” in a film.

    “I did have an interview for a Marvel thing ages ago. They wouldn’t say what the part was, so I made a questionnaire for the two directors.

    ‘Is she a baddie?’ They said she was a bit of both. ‘Does she wear leather or latex?’ They said no. I was like, ‘EER-EEER!’” Wilson said, according to FemaleFirst.

    “I said, ‘How many days filming is it?’ They said 14. I said, ‘14? That’s not very long… EEREEER!’

    So I said no. If you want to be in a Marvel movie, you’ve got to be a baddie or a superhero. Just being the girl on the side is boring. I’d be up for being a baddie,” she added.

    The only time a Marvel movie has been directed by a duo is Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War.

    Both films were helmed by Joe & Anthony Russo, who will return to direct Avengers: Infinity War. The forthcoming Captain Marvel movie will also be directed by a team – Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck.

    Source: PTI

  • PRIYANKA CHOPRA TERMINATES CONTRACT WITH NIRAV MODI, NOT SUING HIM YET

    PRIYANKA CHOPRA TERMINATES CONTRACT WITH NIRAV MODI, NOT SUING HIM YET

    Priyanka Chopra has decided to cut ties with billionaire diamond trader Nirav Modi’s brand following the news about the alleged banking fraud carried out by him. “In the light of recent allegations, Priyanka Chopra has chosen to terminate her contract with the Nirav Modi brand,” a spokesperson of Priyanka, who was the global brand ambassador for Nirav Modi, said in a statement issued on Friday.

    As the news about the multi-crore scam involving Nirav Modi came to light earlier this month, a statement from the actor read that she was seeking legal opinion on her contract. There were also speculations that she is suing the brand for non-payment of dues. But her spokesperson denied this.

    The termination news comes in the wake of after Kangana Ranaut and Bipasha Basu accusing Mehul Choksi-owned Gitanjali Group of breaching the contracts with them and not paying their dues.

    Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, along with the directors of the Nirav Modi and Gitanjali groups, are under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for an alleged Rs 11,300 crore fraud on Punjab National Bank through illegal use of Letters of Undertaking and Foreign Letters of Credit to raise and roll over money.

    Both Nirav Modi and Choksi are said to have left the country, along with their family members, in early January.

    Source: IANS

  • MANDIRA BEDI OPENS UP ABOUT WHY SHE HAD TO ‘COVER UP’ HER TATTOO

    MANDIRA BEDI OPENS UP ABOUT WHY SHE HAD TO ‘COVER UP’ HER TATTOO

    Along with making quirky style statements — noodle strap blouses, bob hairdo and religious tattoos on navel and nape — actor Mandira Bedi is known for apologetically following her heart.

    However, it has not been a smooth ride.

    In 2010, the actor got into trouble when her Ek Onkar tattoo — that she got made on the back of her neck in 2004 — left some fringe groups fuming.

    Mandira recalls, “It all started during the 2007 Cricket World Cup tournament. And people in Punjab [after noticing the tattoo on TV were burning my effigies. I had to put an apology in newspapers, and things became calm for a while. But, a couple of years later, when I had worn a sari for an event in Ludhiana, some photographer clicked a photo and tried to incite things. Then around election time [in 2010], a criminal case was filed against me.” She adds that she felt bad for her parents who had to go through so much “as the apology was put in all vernacular papers in Punjab.”

    It was then that she decided to cover it up in 2014. She says, “Although I found out later that there’s no case as such but I decided I’m not going to fight it now. If there are people who are narrow minded and having a problem with something like this, I wanted to get done with them.”

    About its new version, she shares, “The central element is an African symbol that means ‘God is great’ and the wings symbolize: ‘now I am free’. Otherwise, whenever I used to go to Punjab, I had to hide my previous tattoo with a bandage or conceal it with makeup.” She also reveals that she went with tears in her eyes to the tattoo artist and asked him to cover it up.

    Mandira maintains that it was unfortunate that her beliefs were questioned and taken out of context. “The idea was never to hurt anyone’s sentiment. It’s my body and I am not disrespecting it in any way.

    The reason I got it in first place was because it meant [and still means] so much to me. Ek Onkar [God is One] is a beautiful philosophy, and I thought there’s nothing more permanent in my life than this. My grandmother used to have it on her hand and it’s something I’ve grown up with since I was a child,”she says.

    Source: HT

  • Batti Gul Meter Chalu is entertaining, has substance: Yami Gautam

    Batti Gul Meter Chalu is entertaining, has substance: Yami Gautam

    Yami Gautam says her next film Batti Gul Meter Chalu is entertaining and has a lot of substance.

    “Batti Gul Meter Chalu is a social drama on the electricity issue faced by people in the country, especially in small towns,” said Yami.

    “And given the kind of films that producer Prernaa Arora (KriArj Entertainment) has been doing and what Shree Narayan Singh (director) has done with Toilet: Ek Prem Katha“… you can expect a very fine amalgamation of entertainment and a relevant social issue which has been talked about for the very first time,” she added.

    The actor is excited to play a lawyer for the first time. “I think it is very interesting, quirky, entertaining and has a lot of substance at the same time. I am extremely happy to be working with the team. I play a lawyer in a film for the first time. So, I am very happy,” she said.

    The film also features actors Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor.

    Source: IANS

  • Jugaad Culture is the Best Improvisation in Corporate India, but it can’t take the place of established systems, says Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria

    Jugaad Culture is the Best Improvisation in Corporate India, but it can’t take the place of established systems, says Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria

    NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): Indian CEOs are best at improvisation or jugaad culture which is unique as well as remarkable, said Professor Nitin Nohria, Dean of Harvard Business School. Prof. Nohria was speaking at the second ‘New India Lecture’ series at the Indian consulate in New York on February 26. Eminent journalist Bobby Ghosh moderated the session.

    In his brief welcome address Consul General Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty explained the significance of the lecture series, which will be held on fourth Monday of every month. “We are exchanging visions for creating a new India – India of our dreams”, he said.

    Speaking on ‘Doing Business in India – The Good and the Bad’ Professor Nohria touched upon all aspects of corporate culture in India. “Findings of a study on how Indian CEOs practice leadership are very compelling and connect with my own experiences. The thing that Indian CEOs are best at is improvisation or jugaad as we call it. This is the unique quality in India, it’s a remarkable capacity”, he said. But he also explained why jugaad can’t take the place of established systems. “Too often, our conversations tend to focus on the extremes. It’s like punditry on the Indian cricket team. They’re either so good that can’t get beaten or they’re in their worst form. We need to be able to focus on the middle. So, my comments on jugaad culture should not be misunderstood as pessimism. But then, jugaad cannot take the place of established systems and processes either”, he further added.

    Seen in the picture, from L to R: Bobby Ghosh, Dr. Nitin Nohria, and Consul General Sandeep Chakraborty

    Professor Nohria also explained how the corporate culture of USA is different from India’s. “In the US, the relationship between employers and employees is very transactional. In India, so many family businesses dominate the Indian landscape that the employer- employee relationship becomes one of familiarity. They (employer) begin to think of the business itself as their Parivaar.”

    “For many Indian business owners, these are people whose mission for the company is more than just to create shareholder value. American leaders are preoccupied with creating shareholder value. In India, the firm is seen by most people as an instrument for society”, he further explained.

    A view of the gathering

    The event was followed by a Q&A session. The next ‘New India Lecture’ series will be held on March 26 where Hussain Haqqani, who served as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States from 2008-2011, will deliver the lecture.

    The response to the lecture was tremendous, with a roomful attendance.

  • South Asian Leaders Recognized

    South Asian Leaders Recognized

    FLUSHING, NY (TIP): Several South Asian leaders of  the Queens Borough Community were recognized for their services to their communities as well as for their contribution for  the betterment of neighborhoods and for  promoting   environment and quality of life at  a crowded ceremony attended by many elected officials which included  Senator Roxanne Persaud, Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblyman David Weprin, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Council Member Peter Koo,  Council Member Costa Contantines and Council Member Paul A Vallone.

    Amongst those recognized were Indian American South Asian leaders Harbachan Singh and Malini Shah.

    Harbachan Singh is a former Chairman of the United Nations Headquarters Committee on Contracts and since his retirement has been a civic activist in Queens for the past several years.  He served as a President of several organizations including the Sikh American Friendship Foundation, the Queens Civic Congress, the Saul Weprin Democratic Club, the Holocaust Center at the Queens borough Community College and on the Boards of Queens Borough President’s General Assembly, Queens District Attorney’s Advisory Council, Committee Chair of Community Board 8 and First Vice President of Queens Hospital Center’s Advisory Board. His activity involves giving testimony at the NYC Council Hearings, addresses at Churches and government agencies or institutions and fighting for the Queens residents vis a vis the authorities.  He is a recipient of numerous accolades for his work and Contribution

    Malini Shah is Community and Cultural Liaison for Council Member Paul A. Vallone. She Volunteered and served as representative for NYC Speaker Melissa Mark-Vivirito to the Museum of Arts and Design Board of Trustees in Manhattan and continues to volunteer and serve as a representative for the NYC Speaker Corey Johnson to the Museum of Arts and Design.

    Malini also serves on The Clinton Democratic Club, Executive Board as Membership Chair.

    She is a prominent and well -known community leader who is currently President of a diamond company, Difference Inc. In addition to running a successful jewelry business, Malini is the founder of Nritya Kala Kendra, Inc., and Indo-American Arts and Cultural Forum. a cultural organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient and modern arts of India. Through classes, workshops, lectures, visiting artist programs, Nritya Kala Kendra presents numerous educational programs all around New York City and abroad and has assisted with event such as “Year of India” at Queens College and International children’s Day to name a few.

     

     

     

  • Zee TV’s New Family Quiz Show Attracts Top Brands

    Zee TV’s New Family Quiz Show Attracts Top Brands

    NEW YORK (TIP): Bolstering its debut this past Saturday, Zee TV’s new family quiz show Americas Smartest Family (ASF) has seem to have attracted some of the top advertisers and brand names servicing the South Asian demographic.

    A quick look at the show revealed State Farm Insurance as the presenting sponsor, McDonalds as the Co-presenting sponsor, Remitly as the powered by sponsor and Kawan Foods along with St. Judes as Associate sponsors.

    This stellar line up of brands bears testimony to the need of local and relevant programming for the community. Zee TV has taken the much-awaited initiative to program locally sourced content for audiences in the US.  ASF joins a growing list of local programs developed by Zee TV that include “Married in 7 days”, “Breakthrough”, “Made in America” and “Those who Made It”.

    All shows are being developed and produced in the US and contain relevant content designed specifically to target the evolving South Asian demographic.

    “For Kawan, it’s important to continually connect with our consumer. The Kawan brand is specifically. Catering to the Desi audience living in the US and it is our endeavor to always support initiatives that drive locally sourced content”, said Tim Tan, Managing Director of Kawan Foods.

    Hosted by 23-year-old YouTube sensation Zaid Ali, “America’s Smartest Family” is a unique mashup of the American household favorites “Family Feud” and “Jeopardy,” but with that special ZEE TV twist that celebrates its South Asian heritage. Complete with a diverse set of categories and a buzzer, each episode will feature five challenging in-studio question rounds, testing pre-screened contestants on their ability to answer quickly and more importantly – their ability to work as a team. Only the fastest, most well-rounded family will get to take home the crown.

    Round one consists of four questions, with a toss deciding which family goes first. Participants can choose from one of five topics – including science, math, arts, history and geography. Once a category is chosen, it may not be selected for the remainder of the round. During the first round, 100 points will be awarded for every correct answer. There are no deductions for wrong answers until round three and four, when a mistake can cost a team 100 points for every incorrect answer.

    As the game progresses, questions become increasingly difficult. By rounds three and four – each correct answer is worth 200 points. During the fifth and final round, the game takes a turn and host Zaid Ali spices things up by offering clues. If the team answers correctly without a clue, a maximum of 1000 points is awarded. If the family choses to get clues, each clue costs them 200 points. At the end of five rounds, scores may vary from -2400 to 5500. In the event of a tie, an extra tie-breaker round will identify the winner.

    In the first four episodes of the season, four families will compete against one another, accumulating points for every correct answer. The eight winning teams from those early contents will move onto the semi-finals until just two families remain. The winners of the semi-finals will make it to finals, for the ultimate face-off, where one family will be named “America’s Smartest Family.”

    “Nobody will dispute the fact that there is demographic shift in the South Asian Segment in USA. More than 35% of the market now reporting to be born in the United States, it is challenging yet exiting times for Indian programmers that so far have depended upon the first generation for consumption. Efforts like Zee US originals give us that opportunity that not only expands our reach but also engage the existing viewer more deeply.

    We are extremely happy and feel privileged to have the support of these brands for the show. They share and support our vision for the community. Also, very proud of our ad sales team for all their smart work,” said Sameer Targe, Head of Americas for Zee TV.

     “America’s Smartest Family” is broadcast every Saturday at 9:00 p.m. EST; 9:30 p.m. PST; and 9:00 p.m. AST on ZEE TV.

    To learn more about “America’s Smartest Family,” visit https://www.zeeoriginals.com/americas-smartest-family/

    About Zee Network

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited is one of India’s leading television media and entertainment companies. It is amongst the largest producers and aggregators of Hindi programming in the world, with an extensive library housing over 222,000 hours of television content. With rights to more than 3,818 movie titles from foremost studios and of iconic film stars, ZEE houses the world’s largest Hindi film library. Through its strong presence worldwide, ZEE entertains over 1 billion viewers across 172 countries.

    About Zee TV USA

    Zee TV USA was the first ever Hindi General Entertainment channel to be launched in the US way back in 1998. Since the start of the journey more than 2 decades ago, Zee now has 43 networks and full time dedicated work force across 5 different locations all across the North America and Caribbean. Zee TV USA was the first Asian channel to launch in HD. Zee TV was the first Hindi network to be measured by Nielsen in the US, Zee TV is also the most widely available Hindi General Entertainment network on all major DTH, Cable, Telco and IPTV platforms with availability over 86 million US households.

    (Press Release)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Second Drishti Collegiate Conference Explores Hindu Identity and the Impact of Hindu Scientific Achievements on World Cultures

    Second Drishti Collegiate Conference Explores Hindu Identity and the Impact of Hindu Scientific Achievements on World Cultures

    NEW YORK (TIP): “Hindus are seekers of truth,” remarked Maitreyee Kale, president of Hindu Students Council’s (HSC) chapter at Stony Brook University, as she kicked off a panel discussion on Hindu identity. These words captured the general theme of the conference as it explored the meaning of being a Hindu, misconceptions about Hindu identity as well as the remarkable impacts of Hindu scientific discoveries on world cultures.

    Students from New York University and Stony Brook University, along with members of the HSC National Team engaged in a lively interaction on Hindu practices, traditions and texts that are most appealing to today’s Hindu youth. The panelists shared their experiences of growing up in a western society and how they managed to balance their Hindu and non-Hindu identities while staying rooted in their cultural ethos. They also interacted with conference participants on questions such as how to handle common misconceptions about Hinduism, how to positively engage with non-Hindus to explain Hindu practices and symbols, how concepts such as yoga and Ayurveda are important Hindu contributions, and many other topics.

    Student panel on Hindu identity and practices

    “I’d never seen a stage where people my age could weigh in on some of the most pressing topics facing Hinduism today,” shared Kavindra Sahabir, an attendee from Stony Brook University. “I was also impressed with the members of the panel and the way they carried themselves throughout the conference.” Sai Chaluvadi, a panelist and co-president of the HSC chapter at NYU also added: “Learning from their perspectives helped me view various components of the religion differently, broadening my understanding and making me aware of certain issues that Hindus face.”

    Dr. Alok Kumar, Distinguished Teaching Professor of Physics at SUNY Oswego and the author of “Sciences of Ancient Hindus” delivered the conference keynote address. Utilizing years of research and quoting numerous non-Hindu literary sources, Professor Kumar told a fascinating story of how medieval Muslim and Europeans scholars and writers openly acknowledged and credited several important mathematical achievements to ancient Hindus. Unfortunately, today’s math and science classes fail to tell this important story for the benefit of today’s students and to promote multicultural harmony. For example, Sa’id Al Andalusi, a famous Eleventh Century Muslim judge and philosopher in Spain, ranked Hindus at the top of all the world cultures in terms of scientific achievements, concluding that “…the Hindus, as known to all nations for many centuries, are the essence of wisdom, the sources of fairness and objectivity.” In another example, Leonardo Fibonacci credited the mathematical genius of ancient Hindus in his Liber Abaci, by admitting that he had strictly applied the Indian method and combined that with his calculations to come up with the Fibonacci sequence and other works. To quote Fibonacci: “…the art of the nine Indian figures, the introduction and knowledge of the art pleased me so much above all else…” Similarly, Copernicus, while writing his De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium used the Hindu mathematical system versus the Roman one.

    Dr. Kumar shared numerous other examples and ideas of such contributions. However, he lamented that this information is just the tip of the iceberg and that there are over 30 million unstudied ancient Indian manuscripts that are in dire conditions, though some private and government institutions are attempting to preserve and translate them for future generations.

    Conference attendees were mesmerized by Dr. Kumar’s talk and examples. Varun Rao, a student at Stony Brook summarized his perspective as follows: “Initially, I did not expect to take the HSC Drishti conference seriously as I did, but I can honestly say I left the conference with a changed perspective on how Ancient Hindu Civilization has made an everlasting impact on mankind.”

    Indeed, HSC’s conferences and events aim to bring out such important discussions and exchanges about Hindu heritage and culture and provide the youth an opportunity to understand their Hindu identity and its connections with the rest of the world.

    Hindu Students Council (HSC) is the largest Hindu youth organization in North America. Started in 1990, HSC provides college students and young professionals the opportunity to learn about Hindu heritage and culture, as well as advocates for issues impacting Hindus.  For information, please visit www.hindustudentscouncil.org or contact us at info@hindustudentscouncil.org