UNITED NATIONS (TIP): The 2nd Anniversary of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund was commemorated , June 7, at the UN in an event organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN together with the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.
The President of the Economic and Social Council and Permanent Representative of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, H.E. Ms. Inga Rhonda King; the Administrator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Mr. Achim Steiner; the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Ms. Grete Faremo; and the Secretary-General’s Envoy on South-South Cooperation Mr Jorge Chediek took part along with Ambassadors, Stakeholders and prominent United Nations officials. The event highlighted the positive role of India-UN Development Partnership Fund in promoting sustainable development projects in partner countries in the spirit of South-South cooperation.
The Report of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund was also launched during the commemoration.
NEW YORK (TIP): The Senate Democratic Majority June 5 passed the Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act (SHIELD Act). This bill, S.5575-A, sponsored by Indian American Senator Kevin Thomas, Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee, will return control of personal data back to New Yorkers and require businesses to put customers’ privacy over profits. Specifically, the SHIELD Act will broaden the definition of a data breach, expand the scope of information subject to current data breach notification laws, and empower the Attorney General to bring action over privacy violations.
Bill Sponsor, Senator Kevin Thomas said, “It is critical that our laws keep pace with the rapidly changing world of technology. The SHIELD Act raises security standards so that no more New Yorkers are needlessly victimized by data breaches and cyber-attacks. This legislation serves as a collaborative approach to privacy and consumer protection that will set the standard for New York and the rest of the nation.”
The SHIELD Act, S.5575-A, will:
Expands the scope of information subject to the current data breach notification law to include biometric information, email addresses and their corresponding passwords or security questions and answers, and protected health information as defined under HIPAA.
Broadens the definition of a data breach to include unauthorized access to private information. It applies the notification requirement to any person or entity with the private information of a New York resident, not just to those that conduct business in New York State.
Updates the notification procedures companies and state entities must follow when there has been a breach of private information.
Creates reasonable data security requirements tailored to the size of a business and provides protection from liability for certain entities that take steps to verify their safeguarding of private information.
WASHINGTON (TIP): The Asia Group, a Washington based leading strategic and business consultancy foundation to the world’s most impactful and innovative companies operating across Asia, recently hosted an event where India’s Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla was the keynote speaker.
The Ambassador spoke on “India’s Elections: Understanding the results and implications” at the event, moderated by former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma, Vice Chairman and Partner at The Asia Group, where he leads the firm’s growth in South Asia.
Characterizing the Indian elections as the world’s largest democratic exercise, Ambassador Shringla referred to the historic voter turnout; record participation of women; aspiration of young voters; and the significance of a clear and unambiguous mandate for the growth and economic development of India. Ambassador also responded to queries from the audience comprising of representatives of US government agencies, think tanks, and corporate houses.
TORONTO (TIP): Leaders of Toronto’s Vishnu Mandir dedicated a bronze statue of Dreamer of World-Peace Sri Chinmoy holding aloft the Peace Torch on Sunday, May 26 afternoon in their Peace Park dedicated to interfaith harmony.
The life-sized likeness of the peace leader recognises a lifetime of his devoted service to fostering peace through music, art, writings, sports and silent all-faith meditation. Sri Chinmoy’s message is that each and every human being can be a peace-builder—and starting first within himself or herself. The spiritual leader led the interfaith silent Peace Meditation at the United Nations at the invitation of UN Secretary-General U Thant for 37 years. As well, he founded the global Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run which includes millions running for the cause of world peace.
After showing a video on Sri Chinmoy’s life and contributions, the ceremony moved outdoors to the Peace Park where the statue is located, beginning with the ceremonial blowing of conches. Arriving Peace Runners passed the lighted Peace Torch to Dr. Budhendranauth Doobay, Chairman of the Board and Religious Advisor of the Vishnu Mandir. “Sri Chinmoy was a great soul…Sri Chinmoy was a man of peace who has been recognized by so many people from around the world,” stated Dr. Doobay. “It is a great honour for us to welcome Sri Chinmoy in the form of this statue which will be here for all times to come.”
Ms. Ranjana Ghose, President of the Sri Chinmoy Centres, spoke with deep insight about
Sri Chinmoy’s peace activities and offered heartfelt gratitude to the Vishnu Mandir for this 38th peace statue dedication saying, “Sri Chinmoy’s life was an amazing success story of bringing the peace of the soul to the fore, within himself and in those with whom he interacted. He was greatly respected by many dignitaries around the world, who cherished Sri Chinmoy for his compassionate manner of thinking and peaceful way of addressing a dynamic life.”
Dr. Doobay then received the Torch Bearer medallion for his tireless devotion in fostering living spirituality and oneness amongst the faiths. Mr. Salil Wilson, Executive Director of the global Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, presented the award. In 1987, Sri Chinmoy founded the Peace Run and, for the first time ever, the run will be covering every country in the world in the coming two years.
Col. Gerry Nudds of the Mandir then invited illustrious representatives of many faiths to each lead participants in a prayer from their own faith. Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Jain and Jewish prayers added greatly to the spirit of interfaith harmony. As Sri Chinmoy wrote, “Spirituality is not merely tolerance. It is not even acceptance. It is the feeling of universal oneness…Spirituality is not mere hospitality to others’ faith in God. It is the absolute recognition and acceptance of their faith in God as one’s own.”
A few other homes of Sri Chinmoy’s statues include the Kala Academy in Goa, India; ARMA museum in Ubud and Ngurah Rai International Airport, both in Bali, Indonesia; and Seattle’s Burke Gilman Trail.
LONDON (TIP): India Inc. a London-based media house that produces incisive content and events on investment, trade and policy matters relating to India’s increasingly globalised economic and strategic agenda, announced May 30 the shortlist for this year’s UK-India Awards.
A key highlight of UK-India Week (24 – 28 June 2019), the UK-India Awards brings together and celebrates the innovative and trailblazing individuals and organisations that are making a significant contribution to the strong global partnership between the UK and India.
The Awards announcement comes at a time when there are 842 Indian companies operating in the UK, with combined revenues of over £48 billion – an increase from £46.4 billion in 2018 [source: Grant Thornton India Meets Britain Tracker 2019]. Last year investment from India increased an incredible 321% over the previous year [source: ONS] and London sits at the very epicentre of this prosperity, attracting more investment projects from India than any other major European city [source: London & Partners].
This year’s UK-India Awards will be judged by an all-women panel of leading figures in business, technology, media, and politics:
Ruth Davidson MP, Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party
Shalni Arora, CEO, Savannah Wisdom
Deborah D’Aubney, Director, General Counsel, Rolls Royce
Hon. Patricia Hewitt, Former UK Cabinet Minister
Gina Miller, Founder of True and Fair Foundation
Falguni Nayar, Founder of Nykaa.com
This year, thirty-five organisations have been shortlisted, including:
John Lewis Foundation for Social Impact Project of the Year
tech UK for Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of the Year
Energy Efficiency Services Ltd, for Deal of the Year
Buffalo Grid, for Start-up of the Year
Baker McKenzie, for Law Firm of the Year
The Softbank Vision Fund for Fund of the Year
PwC for Consultancy of the Year
The winners of the UK-India Awards will be announced at a glittering ceremony in London taking place on 28th June 2019.
In its third year, the Awards ceremony takes place during the inaugural UK-India Week, running 24th-28th June. UK-India Week celebrates the strong partnership between the UK and India and is a catalyst for promoting opportunities for future collaboration.
LONDON (TIP): A demonstration and protest march, organized by Federation of Sikh Organisation UK, was held by thousands of the Sikhs in London Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square on Sunday, June 2, 2019, to protest against the Blue-Star Operation of 1984 by the then Indira Gandhi government.
Beside Sikhs belonging to the London areas and Gurdwaras, Sikhs from 100-miles away cities like Birmingham, West Midlands, Southampton, Gravesend, Bedford, Leicester reached there in trains, cars and in the buses arranged by the Gurdwaras and Sikh organizations for their members. The speakers from the stage were seen shouting slogans ” Khalistan- Zindabad “, and the demonstrators were seen supporting and demanding “Khalistan”, by wearing T-Shirts with “Khalistan” printed on the front and back.
Nirpal Shergill at Trafalgar Square, London
The Sikhs have been protesting in India and abroad against this Indian government army action for the last 35 years, since 10th June 1984, when there were protests and demonstrations all over the world e.g. Hyde Park corner London, Madison Square, New York., Canberra, Toronto, Frankfurt etc.
The first Sikhs demonstration, outside India, against the Blue Star Operation at Golden Temple Amritsar, I attended, and reported worldwide, was at Robson Square Vancouver Canada on 10th June 1984, and this London Trafalgar Square protest was 36th demonstration I attended since 1984.
Southampton-based Amrik Singh Gill, President of the Federation of Sikh Organisation, Gurmail Singh Malh, i President of Sri Guru Singh Sabha gurdwaras Southall and a lot of Sikh community leaders , namely Lavshinder Singh Dallewal, Devinderjit Singh, Mangal Singh,Inder Singh Jammu Ex-Mayor, Gurdip Singh Sandhu, Balwinder Singh and many others addressed the gathering.
June 10th: Ganesha says imagination and practical know-how are an unbeatable pair for acquiring what you need, achieving a success in work or business.
June 11th: Something nice that happens could be the sort of event you’ll want to keep under your hat for a while. A limiting situation eases.
June 12th: Calls, invitations, and meet-ups would be fun, except for the possibility that they could be excessive in some way or someone pressures you.
June 13th: The Moon focuses your attention on talking and running around with others. Interchanges are engaging, lively, friendly, and fun.
June 14th: The day stars off on an exciting note. But to make it last, you’ll have to say yes to adventure and be willing to take a surprising turn.
June 15th: Minor distractions could be upsetting. It’s okay to tolerate a little rebelliousness and independence, but you have to know where to draw a line.
June 16th: “Give someone an inch and they’ll take a yard” could apply. Home, family, travel problems could multiply; you’ll need a strategy for managing worries.
Aries: Ganesha says you look at new horizons and new targets and set very high goals for yourself. You also get indulgent and, if not careful, this could lead to medical problems. You will have to exert strong discipline over yourself. Get to a gym or hire a personal trainer. Watch your intake of food and drink too. You can gain weight easily and this is the cause of most of their health issues.
Taurus: You need to take special care of yourself. You could also visit spas, go for healing massages, and look at preventive alternative treatments. Hard work and no play can be disastrous. There are also several new expenses on both, the work and personal fronts. The family needs more attention and children, in particular, may need medical help. Elders in the family may need hospitalisation too.
Gemini: There is rapid recovery from the troubling issues of the last period. But this is also an intense phase with more work and more demands on your time. You look closely at more opportunities to make money and also find them. You have a lucky streak, maybe even the Midas touch. There is love, or may I say, more accurately, a lot of lust in the air.
Cancer: You lose yourself in the arms of a new partner. Passion overwhelms you. You neglect work and family duties in this moment of madness. To err is human, what more can I say? Ganesha asks you to be careful while playing with fire. Put a cap on your famed passion and temper as they are both very inflammable and could only get you into trouble.
Leo: You will also have to pay off loans, possibly take new loans, and strengthen your monetary base. It is a mixed bag with many things happening all at once and Ganesha wants you to slow down and take stock of the situation. You are at the crossroads; please look at both sides and drive carefully. Ganesha urges you to make the most of it.
Virgo: The period favours travels / meetings / conferences / interviews / trips / more brain power / contacts / communication / correspondence / contracts. The period has a special connection with the circuits of the brain. Chess, crossword and other such games belong to you. Your sustained hard work over the last period provides results. You haven’t buckled down to pressures and you get your due.
Libra: There is tremendous appreciation for your work and loyalty and your image catapults into the stratosphere. You are basking in the spotlight. The 3 P’s – power, pelf and privileges – are yours. It is time for you to have your feet on the ground now as fame can be heady and life has a way of imparting valuable lessons. Is it any wonder that the University of Life is the greatest teacher of all!
Scorpio: There is a good chance that you could indulge in philanthropy. You may visit homes for the destitute and institutions for the challenged and help out. This is a good sign, says Ganesha as it will keep you grounded and prepare you for more important tests in the days to come. You are reaching out to all corners now. You cast your net wide. You meet with friends and extended family and take a break from the mundane and the humdrum.
Sagittarius: You look at new machinery for business expansion. Technology and its uses seem to excite you and you look at new ways of streamlining your work. This is also party time and you seem to be overdoing the bubbly. You will make inroads into many new areas of your life and there will be rapid business expansion. Ganesha blesses you in each and every way.
Capricorn: The work area intensifies. You slog away and burn the midnight oil. There is a lot of paperwork and accounts to attend to, and you count the pennies despite making huge profits. It may be wise to loosen the purse strings a bit. You are in expansion mode and are making new contacts and connections. There could be a rich haul if all the new contacts are optimised. You see many opportunities and go all out to seize them.
Aquarius: You are now in travel mode and renewing old contacts and making new ones. There are journeys of all kinds ahead. You go full steam to achieve your goals. You are a great hit with people. Though normally reticent and retiring by nature, you make waves in group activities. This surprises everyone and you are the toast of the party. This is a lucky phase and you seem to make one conquest after another.
Pisces: This period makes you sensitive and emotional. You get moody and may brood. You think about the past and the mistakes you have committed. This maudlin note is not in your temperament which is normally sunny, and the sooner you snap out of it the better. You are not the party animal and prefer the comfort and sanctuary of the indoors of a romp in the outdoors. But now you spend more and more time alone and with your innermost thoughts.
WASHINGTON (TIP): India’s Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla inaugurated Education Promotion Society of India (EPSI)’s India Pavilion at 2019 NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo on May 28. Ambassador also addressed the participants at the EPSI Pavilion. Education Promotion Society of India (EPSI), a not for profit organization from India put up the pavilion to offer an opportunity to education administrators from across the globe to acquaint themselves with the strengths of Indian education system.
Noting that the Indian Education system is the world’s third largest Higher Education System with 907 universities, 43,000 colleges and a capacity of enrolling more than a whopping 30 million students, the Ambassador explained how the higher education institutions in India offer courses/degrees that are competitive in the world market in terms of quality but are delivered at one-fourth the cost.
“The Indian Education system is vast in size, as well as its academic offerings. A vibrant and diverse education system means a wide variety of courses are available; from the modern and cutting edge to the traditional. Indian education ranges from exposure to the latest advancements of science and technology like Virtual and Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Computing to Yoga, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, languages, and classical music and dances. This vastness of the Indian education system directly translates to enhanced opportunities for its students and global learning for an all-round academic and personal development”, he said.
Ambassador visited the pavilion set up by Educational Consultants India Limited (EdCIL) at the NAFSA Expo and lauded their initiative ‘Study in India.’ The web portal, ‘Study in India’ developed by EdCIL is a wonderful platform for students and education administrators across the globe to understand the process of getting admission into Indian Universities.
Later, a delegation of top educators led by the President of the Board of Trustees of MIT Peace University, Pune also called on Ambassador and presented plans for a joint conference to exchange best practices in the education sector.
Ambassador visited the pavilion set up by Educational Consultants India Limited (EdCIL) at the NAFSA Expo and lauded their initiative ‘Study in India.’
SAN JOSE, CA (TIP): On May 30, the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) announced that Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) is a winner for the 2019 Democracy Awards, CMF’s honors program recognizing non-legislative achievement in operations and constituent service by congressional offices and Members of Congress. Rep. Khanna is recognized for excellence in the Constituent Service category, which focuses on how an office interacts with and serves constituents, especially how it utilizes and leverages specific, methodical, and consistent processes for achieving measurable results in constituent service.
“I congratulate my team for this well-deserved recognition for their hard work,” said the Indian American Congressman. “From securing veterans’ benefits to navigating the complex immigration process, congressional work is centered on improving the lives of our constituents. I am incredibly proud of the tremendous job we have done for Silicon Valley.”
“As a Democracy Award winner, Rep. Khanna’s office is one of the best in Congress,” said Bradford Fitch, President and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation. “This designation demonstrates that Rep. Khanna has made a significant commitment to being the best public servant for his constituents in California. Rep. Khanna and his staff are to be congratulated for not only being a model for colleagues in Congress, but for helping to restore trust and faith that our democratic institutions can work,” he said.
California’s 17th congressional district represents the only majority Asian district in the continental United States, and as a result manages an unusually high number of cases that fall into the general category of immigration. These cases constitute over 80% of their constituent services work, thus personal interactions with constituents play a significant role in their district. Due to the diverse origins of their constituents and the heavy immigration-related caseload, the office places a premium on language ability in both their interns and permanent staffers. To address these unique constituent needs, they have hired staffers with fluency in in Tagalog, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Russian, and this summer have paid interns fluent in Spanish, Cantonese, Hebrew and Hindi. Finally, the office continually updates their “Wall of Fame”, where emails of thanks from constituents are posted. They have received so many notes from appreciative constituents that they have now spread to a second wall.
California’s 17th congressional district is one of two congressional offices across both chambers of Congress to receive this honor. A committee comprised primarily of former Members of Congress and former congressional staffers selected the two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) for each category. A ceremony to honor finalists and winners will be held on June 20, 2019.
CHICAGO (TIP): India’s Consul General in Chicago Mr. Sudhakar Dalela last week interacted with a group of young minds from India selected as Bose and Khorana Fellows for 2019 to undertake research in U.S. universities during summer break. University of Chicago hosted them for the orientation program. The Khorana Program will provide opportunities to Indian students to undertake research at University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) and partner universities in Summer 2019 for a period of 10-12 weeks.
The Khorana and Bose Programs are leadership programs that are designed to spark the imaginations and broaden intellectual horizons by introducing the top Indian and US students to scientific and innovation ecosystems of leading US and Indian institutions. The goal is to nurture and inspire future thought leaders across a broad spectrum of sciences, industry and society. The programs also intend to seamlessly bridge the academic, industrial and entrepreneurial communities in US and India.
The Khorana program is named to honor Har Gobind Khorana, a pioneering Chemical-Biologist who deciphered the genetic code, chemically generated the first synthetic gene and won the 1968 Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine while a faculty member at University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Khorana Program is funded by the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and supports students whose research interests are at the interface of biology and physical sciences, medicine, and technology.
The S. N. Bose program honors Satyendra Nath Bose, whose groundbreaking mathematical insights, first on his own in India and then with Albert Einstein underlie the fundamental principles of quantum physics. His fundamental breakthroughs led to several discoveries with the latest, the Higgs-Boson, being awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics. The term “Boson” for fundamental particles was coined by the Nobelist Paul Dirac to honor S. N. Bose. The Bose program was launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), in collaboration with Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) and Winstep Forward (WSF) to support scholars from all sciences and engineering disciplines.
DALLAS, TX (TIP): Rohena Gera’s feature directorial debut, SIR, wins big at the 5th annual DFW South Asian Film Festival, presented by Toyota, which took place from May 16th to 19th in Dallas, Texas. The opening night feature won for “Best Director” (Rohena Gera), “Best Actor” (Vivek Gomber, in attendance) and “Best Film.”
“The modern-day Indian Cinderella story about the relationship between a maid and her handsome employer clearly struck a chord with our international jury,” said Founder and Festival Director Jitin Hingorani. “We had a feeling this film would do well at our festival, given the recent success of ROMA, as it is such a nuanced portrayal of the classism that is alive and well in the domestic servitude relationships of third world countries.”
This the first year the festival has chosen to appoint a jury and present award. Thus the theme…’Five Years: Five Awards.’
“We wanted to wait until we had international gravitas, so that an award from us actually meant something,” explains Hingorani.
Other winners include:
Best Actress – Kalyanee Mulay for NUDE
Best Short Film – Gaurav Sharma’s THAT MAN IN THE PICTURE (Eros Now)
Audience Favorite: Aijaz Khan’s HAMID, now available on Netflix
Best Child Actor: Sunny Pawar for CHIPPA
(From L to R): Director Vasan Bala and Actor Abhimanyu Dassani (Bhagyashree’s son) for the U.S. premiere of their film MARD KO DARD NAHIN HOTA
(From L to R): TV Asia reporter Gupri Dosanjh with child actor Sunny Pawar on the red carpet
(From L to R): Vinay Shahani, VP of Integrated Marketing Operations for Toyota Motor North America, Festival Director Jitin Hingorani and actor Vivek Gomber
Toyota RAV 4 on display at the festival All Photo Credit: Le Taang
* 20 MPs take oath of office as cabinet ministers for the first time
* 24 cabinet ministers, ministers of state sworn in
* Nine sworn in as MoS (Independent charge)
* Smriti Irani, 5 other women in Modi government
NEW DELHI (TIP): Narendra Modi took oath of office and secrecy as the Prime Minister of India for a second consecutive term amid thunderous applause from a select gathering in the sprawling forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, May 30th evening.
President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath to Modi, 24 Cabinet colleagues, nine Ministers of State (Independent Charge) and 24 Ministers of State. The loudest cheer was reserved for BJP chief Amit Shah, whose induction means the party will have to elect a new president.
The event was marred by ally Janata Dal (United) deciding not to take oath even as party chief Nitish Kumar marked his presence by attending the ceremony. Among the allies, Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan retained his place in the Cabinet, as did Harsimrat Kaur Badal of the SAD.
Arvind Sawant, who defeated Milind Deora in South Mumbai, made it from the Shiv Sena quota. There was no representation from Tamil Nadu. Tamil-speaking Nirmala Sitharaman, who took oath as a Cabinet minister, represents Karnataka in Rajya Sabha.
Besides Shah, the new members from the BJP include Prahlad Joshi, former Chief Ministers Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Arjun Munda, while party’s UP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey makes a comeback into the Council of Ministers and has been elevated to Cabinet rank, as was Giriraj Singh, who was MoS (Independent Charge) earlier.
Former Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar was the lone surprise inductee into the Cabinet, becoming the second former ranking Indian Foreign Service officer to be drafted into the new team led by Modi. Modi has retained former diplomat Hardeep Singh Puri as Minister of State (Independent Charge).
Missing among the Cabinet ministers from the outgoing government were Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj. While the former opted out, Swaraj did not contest the polls, both citing health concerns.
Similarly, missing from the MoS (Independent Charge) list were Dr Mahesh Sharma, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and K Alphons, while Manoj Sinha failed to make the cut as he lost the election.
The new Ministers of State include Nityanand Rai, Suresh Angadi and first-time MPs G Kishan Reddy (Telangana), Debosree Chowdhury (West Bengal) and Pratap Chandra Sarangi (Odisha).
PM Narendra Modi has dropped parliamentarians and key economic ministers in the previous NDA government like Suresh Prabhu, Jayant Sinha and Manoj Sinha. The name of Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was also missing from the list of ministers who took oath.
NEW YORK (TIP): India’s national carrier Air India announced schedule change for travel to and from Chicago. In its release it stated that effective June 1, 2019, up to June 30, 2019, their daily non-stop flight AI 127/AI 126 Delhi-Chicago-Delhi would operate as Delhi – Stockholm-Chicago -Delhi.
AI 127 departs from Delhi at 22:05 hours (local time) and arrives in Chicago at 07:25 hours (local time) the following day. AI 126 departs from Chicago at 12:00 hours (local time) and arrives in New Delhi at 14:15 hours (local time) the following day.
According to media reports, the debt-laden airline recently decided to discontinue direct flight service between Mumbai and New York. The airline is reportedly discontinuing the flights on this route due to poor demand. It may be noted that direct flights between Mumbai and New York were started by the airline in December last year.
According to reports, the direct flight operation between Mumbai and New York were causing losses to the airline. The carrier operated Mumbai-New York direct flights thrice a week. The operations were temporarily suspended in February when Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian flights and was expected to resume in June but the airline has decided to discontinue the service.
WASHINGTON (TIP): In a testimony to the strength of India-US relations, unprecedented congratulatory messages have been received from over 50 US leaders in every domain, including the Administration, Congress, business, academia/think tanks on the historic electoral victory of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
ADMINISTRATION
President Donald Trump
Just spoke to Prime Minister @NarendraModiwhere I congratulated him on his big political victory. He is a great man and leader for the people of India -they are lucky to have him!
Vice President Mike Pence
Congrats to an American ally & friend PM @narendramodi, on his party’s win in India’s parliamentary election. This was a strong display of the Indian people’s commitment to democracy! We look forward to continuing to work with India for a freer, safer, & more prosperous region.
Secretary Mike Pompeo
Congratulations to @narendramodi and the NDA for their victory in India’s election, and to the Indian people for casting their votes in such historic numbers. As the world’s largest exercise in democracy, #India’s election is an inspiration around the world.
Ivanka Trump, Advisor to the President
Congratulations @narendramodi on a great victory! Exciting times ahead for the wonderful people of India!
Governor Phil Murphy (New Jersey)
Congrats to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the NDA on your historic election! New Jersey has a vibrant Indian American population and deep ties to the world’s largest democracy –we look forward to strengthening our relationship in the years ahead.
Governor Greg Abbott (Texas)
Prime MinisterModi, Congratulations on your election win. I view it as a very important to the future of India. Texas looks forward to continuing to work with you as we advance the economies of India and Texas
CONGRESS
Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)
Congratulations to the new government and the people of India for concluding the world’s largest democratic election in which 600 million votes were cast for the country’s leadership.·I look forward to continuing my work to strengthen and deepen ties between the United States and India, two of the world’s great democracies, in the years ahead.
Senator Mark Warner (D-VA)
As co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, I want to congratulate the Indian people on today’s historic election —the largest democratic election in history. I look forward to continuing our work with PM Modi’s administration to strengthen our important alliance with India.
Senator Kevin Thomas
Congratulations to @narendramodi on his win in the Indian elections today. India and the U.S. share a great relationship and looking forward to continuing cooperation going forward.
Senator John Cornyn
Congratulations @narendramodi on your historic victory. Looking forward to seeing you soon
enator Dan Sullivan
I want to congratulate @PMOIndia@narendramodion achieving a commanding victory in his reelection bid today. Modi, a steadfast friend of America and free people everywhere, has clearly earned a strong and lasting confidence among the people of India.
Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL)
The world’s largest democracy and one of our strongest partners in the Indo-Pacific has chosen their leadership in free and fair elections. Congratulations to @BJP4India and @narenbramodi on your historic re-election.
Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN)
Congratulations to @narendramodi and his party for their landslide victory in India’s election. The relationship between India and the United States has never been stronger!
Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY)
Congratulations to @narendramodi on his re-election! The India-U.S. relationship is based upon shared values. This alliance will be very important overthe next 50 years & I am looking forward to continuing our work with PM Modi & Indian government to strengthen our alliance.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on his re-election —it was truly an inspiration to see so many Indians exercise their democratic rights, and I look forward to working with PM Modi and the Indian government to strengthen the US-India partnership.
Congressman Steny Hoyer
Congratulations @NarendraModi on winning re-election this week. I look forward to strengthening the important U.S.-India partnership.
Congressman Ami Bera
Great job to the people of #India on their historic election. Never before have so many voted in a single democratic election. Congratulations to PM Modi for his win and I look forward to working with his government to strengthen the ties between our two great nations.
Congressman Ro Khanna
One lesson from Modi’s win is that dynastic, establishment candidates are weak. Democrats need to make sure that our candidate against Trump can connect with people’s frustration and offer a positive vision for change.
Congrats to @narendramodi on a decisive reelection and to the Indian people on the largest display of participation in democracy in the history of the world. Looking forward to furthering the strong bilateral ties between our two great democracies. @IndiainNewYork
THINK TANKS/ ACADEMICS
Ambassador Nikki Haley , Stand for America
India continues to have amazing potential and is a strong US partner. Congratulations to @narendramodi on your success with the elections and the direction you are taking India. We look forward to seeing our partnership continue to strengthen
Ambassador Nicholas Burns, Professor, Harvard Kennedy School
A major victory for PM Modi and the BJP in #India. The Trump Administration now has an opportunity to expand our military and economic partnership with Delhi, particularly to limit China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.
Renu Khator, President of University of Houston ·Congratulations to Prime Minister Modi on his decisive victory in election…1.3 billion people have chosen their leader to continue to shape India’s future at home and abroad!
BUSINESS
Bill Gates, Microsoft
Congratulations @NarendraModi on a remarkable win in #IndianElections2019. Your continued commitment to improve health, nutrition, and development will significantly improve lives of many.
IBM CEO Ginni Rometty
IBM congratulates Prime Minister Modi on his reelection, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on issues that are critical to India and its people -from skills to emerging technologies like AI.
Ajay Banga, President & CEO, Mastercard
Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this historic win with this decisive mandate from the world’s largest democracy, he will propel the country further on all fronts. We are proud of our long-standing commitment to India and its citizens. And, we are excited to expand our investments and local partnerships in the country to deliver on the Digital India vision and help power it’s continued economic growth.
NEW DELHI (TIP): “Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa will be the Chairman COSC with effect from May 31 consequent to relinquishment of charge by Admiral Sunil Lanba upon superannuation,” a Defense ministry spokesperson said.
The Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee is tasked with ensuring synergy among the three services and evolve common strategy to deal with external security challenges facing the country.
Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa is a Kargil war veteran and top rated fighter pilot with over 3,000 hours of flying experience.
An alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College and the National Defense Academy, he was commissioned in the flying branch of Indian Air Force in June 1978.
The Air Chief Marshal has primarily flown the MiG-21 aircraft with flying experience across the entire spectrum of fighter aircraft of the IAF.
During the Kargil war in 1999, he was the Commanding Officer of a frontline ground attack fighter squadron.
He has led many coveted operational and staff assignments that include command of a frontline fighter base and director of the fighter operations and war planning at Western Air Command.
He was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command and has also been the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
NEW YORK (TIP): “I’ve worked with Vaishali for 3 years now. She is not just our Pharmacy Manager , she is my friend. Vaishali is a team player at work and at home. She is compassionate, friendly and empathetic. Vaishali is always available to our patients, customers, and myself Vaishali is very passionate about what she
does. She learned very carly about taking care of others from both her parents especially her Father who is a Dr. She is very involved with her children and still finds time to hold clinics in her community and speak al our local high schools. I look up to Vaishali and the way she deeply cares about others.
She always knows how to make me feel better afler a bad day. Last year Vaishali went out of her way to help me for one of my fundraisers. She knew I was stressed at work and home. She drove all the way out to my house in the pouring rain after a long shilt to drop olf homemade backed goods she made
for my bake sale the next moming. I told her not to but Vaishali being who she is, is ALWAYS trueto her word. I’ve met alot of wonderful people in my 21 years at CVS but she truly is 1 of a kind ”
-Dee (Store Manager)
Vaishali’s has been with CVS tor 20 years. Vee has always modeled our core values of innovation, collaboration, caring. integrity and accountability. Our core values created a strong foundation for influencing and leading her past and current teams. Vee started her career as a technician, then went on to become an intem, a staff pharmacist, and currently a pharmacy manager.
Vee has been married to her husband Amit Deshmukh for 15 years; they have 3 beauuful children together, The first time I met Vee Lasked her to tell me a little bit about each of her children… here is what she said:
Manav is 11 and our eldest boy. He has shown me that if we truly believe in ourselves anything is possible. Meera is our 10 year old girl… she is a free spint. She has shown me that living in the moment is important. Milan is 7 and our youngest boy… he has a heart of gold. Without my family I am nothing. [ would not be able to do any of the things I do without their support, They tuly keep me grounded, humbled, and blessed every day.”
Vee always speaks highly of her father, another source of inspiration in addition to her family. Her father is a doctor and has practiced for many years on Long Island. Vee says that she tries to emulate the same care and empathy for her patients and team that her father (as a doctor) has for his. Vee has also shared her admiration for her mother. She sacrificed many things tor Vee and her sister. She left India at an carly age not knowing anyone in America, and managed to raise her children successfully.
Anyone that knows Vee, knows that she provides her team with a nurtunng environment tor her colleagues by inspinng then. She listens to them and demonstrates a deep level of understanding tor her team. As a result, Veo has built a strong connection with past and present colleagues.
Vee is a preceptor and has developed many great pharmacists. She provides a strong foundation for them and in the process has become a great mentor for them. As a preceptor she offers the opportunity to tum their potential into reality.
One of the things I admire the most about Vee is her natural ability to identify potential. I think of a recent example of a technician that worked with Vee and due to her intluence and guidance is now in pharmacy school and has completed his first professional year.
Vee lives in Farmingdale and is proud of that, She is proud of the fact that the commitment she has to her store is also the same level of commutment she has to her community. Vee shares stories of how she runs into many of her patients at local events and around her neighborhood.
A quote that Vee constantly shares is: “Mentors impact eternity because there is no telling where their influence will stop.”
Vee constantly shows that her influence, coaching. values. and teaching has a deep impact on everyone that interacts with her.
EDISON , NJ (TIP): Among the candidates vying for their party’s endorsement in this year’s Democratic Primary for Edison Town Council, one is unique – Dr. Nimisha Shukla. A 25-year resident of the township, Nimisha has led a life of service to her community as a pediatrician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Apolitical by nature, she was encouraged to run by Mayor Thomas Lankey and will provide an independent voice and fresh ideas to resolving the challenges facing the community.
Dr. Shukla’s views have been shaped by her life experiences. Growing up in a tenement in her native India, she learned the importance of prudence, thrift, and hard work in achieving one’s ambitions. Caring for her mother in the battle against depression instilled in Nimisha the desire and compassion that have fueled her career in the field of pediatric medicine.
Traversing three continents in pursuit of her professional development, she ultimately immigrated to the United States where she held distinguished teaching and leadership positions at Michigan State University as Assistant Clinical Professor and at SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine in Brooklyn, New York as Chief Resident providing clinical and administrative direction to 149 physicians.
Settling in Edison, she raised twin daughters and built a successful individual pediatrics practice; subsequently, acquiring two other practices to form 7 Days Pediatrics, an innovative, multi-facility primary care practice that she currently operates. Together with her husband, she ventured into an early form of what would today be considered e-commerce – enabling Indian Americans to affordably connect with friends and relatives in India. Cognizant of her cultural heritage, she founded Nrityanjai USA, a dance institute dedicated to teaching the classical Indian form of dance known as Kathak and to promoting it and its integration into other dance forms through cultivation of broader public awareness.
Her Indian heritage also led her into the world of broadcast communications in which she joined DHOOM-FM Radio Station. Her experiences with DHOOM inspired her to purchase WWRL 1600-AM where she transformed a 90-year-old station that had operated under a variety of formats into a hub for Indian and South Asian talk, music, and culture.
In all of her professional, entrepreneurial, and philanthropic endeavors, Nimisha has sought to educate and empower her audiences. She vows to do no less should she be honored by election to the Edison Town Council.
Dr. Shukla is beholden to no special interests in the Township. She considers herself a resident of Edison – no more, no less. She is concerned with the same issues that disturb many residents – rising property taxes, crumbling roads and infrastructure, poorly planned development, and a general decline in the overall quality-of-life experienced by many residents of the community.
She believes that variable costs within the community can be contained through enhanced budgetary due diligence and that additional funds can be secured through identification and proper application for municipal aid and economic development funding from the State of New Jersey and Middlesex County. The funding produced by savings and grant awards can then be earmarked for property tax relief and various quality-of-life initiatives – among them, preservation of open space, repair of roads and infrastructure, and protection of families and neighborhoods.
Through enforced fiscal responsibility and renewed energy in identification of funding opportunities from state and county sources as well as municipal-business partnerships, Nimisha believes that the Township of Edison can solidify its financial footing and remain a desirable place to live and work for its residents and businesses for years to come.
Nimisha encourages all residents concerned with their community to join with her in restoring Edison’s quality-of-life for all of its residents and to support her candidacy for Town Council by voting for her in Column A in the June 4th Democrat Primary Election.
LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Yash Modi, a student of Jericho High School, son of Sudha and Mukesh Modi was honored by Town of Oyster Bay board headed by all local Councilmen and Town Supervisor Joesph Saladino.
The New York State FBLA (Future business leaders of America) conference was held in Binghamton from April 10-12. One of the events there was PSA (Public Service Announcement) where students had to make a video on soft skills and present it to panel of judges. It is a great honor that a Long Island native team, Jericho, came in first place.
Yash Modi’s father Mukesh Modi is a successful businessman, community leader, philanthropist and a very good human being. He is involved in many social and public organizations.
“There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. … I had been seeing the world in black & white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant Technicolor”
– Keith Bellows, late Editor, National Geographic Traveler
“The more we understand culture and diversity, the more acceptance and tolerance children and youngsters learn.”
– Archana Athalye, Founder-Director
It is believed that a lifetime isn’t enough to see and truly understand India!
Ever wished you could re-live your Indian childhood and introduce your kids to the multi-splendored wonders of Indian culture?
Headquartered in Rutherford, NJ, Kulture Kool, an Indian cultural center dedicated to developing creative potential in the performing arts for children and adults, announced their 10th Anniversary with an Indian Odyssey, a grand cultural show on June 8 at Victoria Theater, NJPAC at 2 pm. The show, featuring more than 250 performers, will showcase music, dances and audio visuals from the 28 states in India, taking the audience on a cultural Odyssey across the country.
They say a lifetime isn’t enough to see and truly understand India. Keith Bellows, the late editor of the National Geographic Traveler, said, “There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. … I had been seeing the world in black &
white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant Technicolor.”
To know, love, be exasperated, irritated and confounded but always surprised by this land is to capture her ageless spirit. A spirit that blazes even stronger in the hearts of those who have built new homes and lives in other countries. Their identity and that of their children will forever be
shaped by this overwhelming cradle of humanity.
Kulture Kool is on a mission to spread the joy and wisdom of India by sharing different aspects of the grandmother of all cultures with youngsters and adults through the performing arts and language education, community events, cultural outreach programs in schools, museums and libraries and enrichment workshops across the tri-state area. The school also offers the option to get certification from prestigious boards and institutes from USA and UK, for all Indian Classical dance & music and western instrumental music programs.
“Our goal is to simplify all aspects of Indian performing arts including classical and popular forms, making culture relevant, relatable and enjoyable to children’s life here in the USA. We have courses for children as well as adults in Hindustani Vocals, Carnatic Vocals, Tabla, Sitar, Piano, Guitar,
Drums, Kathak, Bharata Natyam, Bollywood Dance, Theater & Voice to Language enrichment with an enviable roster of talented teachers”, said Archana Athalye the founder and director, who is very passionate about promoting cultural education through workshops and assemblies at schools,
libraries and museums. “The more we understand culture and diversity, the more acceptance and tolerance children and youngsters learn. Cultural Education should be an integral part of school curriculums from elementary school. The mindset of cultural curiosity and tolerance will be essential for succeeding in our global economy”, she added.
About Kulture Kool:
Since its launch in 2009, Kulture Kool is the first center in North Jersey to provide year-round comprehensive programs and workshops in Indian Classical and Instrumental music, Indian Classical Dance, Indian Popular and Folk dance, and has enjoyed tremendous success in Bergen County with its Rutherford venue, leading it to expand its brand beyond to Glen Ridge, Hoboken and West New York. Kulture Kool has an enviable roster of highly trained exponents and talented teachers that teach more than 15 programs to over 280 students of all ages and all ethnicities. The school also carries out year-round outreach programs in libraries, public and private schools and community events throughout the state.
(Mabel Pais writes on the Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness)
At the 85th Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony, the Drama League’s Executive Director, Gabriel Stelian-Shanks, announced the winners at a star-studded luncheon ceremony hosted by Kristine Nielsen and Julie White on Friday, May 17, 2019 in the Broadway Ballroom at the Marriott Marquis Times Square located at 1535 Broadway, New York City.
Outstanding Production of a Musical, “Hadestown;”
Outstanding Production of a Play, “The Ferryman;”
Outstanding Revival of a Musical, “Kiss Me, Kate;”
Outstanding Revival of a Play, “The Waverly Gallery;” and
Distinguished Performance Award, Bryan Cranston.
The festivities also celebrated the 2019 Special Awards Recipients: Tony®Award winning actress and singer Kelli O’Hara, currently starring in “Kiss Me, Kate!” on Broadway, received the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater Award; two-time Tony®Award nominated director Alex Timbers, of the upcoming “Beetlejuice” and “Moulin Rouge” on Broadway, received the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing; and MacArthur Genius Grant-winning playwright, actor, singer-songwriter, performance artist, director and producer Taylor Mac, writer of this season’s “Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus” on Broadway, received the Unique Contribution to the Theater Award.
During the ceremony, legendary writer Kenneth Lonergan and Director Lila Neugebauer introduced the 2019 Directing Fellows of The Drama League Directors Project: NJ Agwuna, Sharifa Elkady, Raz Golden, Chika Ike, Rebecca Marzalek-Kelly, Ismael Lara, Jr., Amanda McRaven, Lindsey Hope Pearlman, Ben Randle, Tai Thompson, Gabriel Torres, and Sophia Watt.
The 85th Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony and Luncheon included a nominees cocktail reception, luncheon, and awards presentation held at the same venue. The Drama League Awards Event Chair is Bonnie Comley.
About The Drama League Awards
First awarded in 1922 and formalized in 1935, The Drama League Awards are the oldest theatrical honors in America. The Drama League Awards recognize distinguished productions, performances, and exemplary career achievements. The first Drama League Award was presented to Katharine Cornell in 1935; since then, the Distinguished Performance Award has been accorded to a roster of theatre legends such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Chita Rivera, Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Lane, Audra McDonald, Liam Neeson, Hugh Jackman, Patti LuPone, Glenn Close, Liev Schreiber, Sir John Gielgud, Harvey Fierstein, Cherry Jones, Alec Guinness, James Earl Jones, Helen Hayes, Jeremy Irons, Mary-Louise Parker, Sir Ian McKellen, Bernadette Peters, and Christopher Plummer.
DALLAS, TX (TIP): Nitin Rakesh, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Mphasis, an Information Technology solutions provider specializing in cloud and cognitive services, was named the winner of a Gold Stevie Award for ‘Tech Innovator of the Year – Services’ in The 17th Annual American Business Awards.
The jury of American Business Awards said, “Mphasis has been reignited from grounds up and cloud down with great strategies and efficacious solutions implemented under Nitin’s leadership.” The jury also commended Nitin for reinvigorating Mphasis’ business strategy to lead with cloud and cognitive technologies, implement a new go-to-market strategy and build an innovation engine fueled by its future-ready talent, citing recent acquisitions and key partnerships as major wins for Mphasis.
“At Mphasis, we developed a unique approach in providing next generation solutions and services that are empowering enterprises in the digital age and helping them stay ahead. I am excited to be recognized by American Business Awards and would like to thank the Stevie Awards and the jury for this incredible acknowledgement,” said Nitin Rakesh.
“The nominations submitted to the 2019 American Business Awards were outstanding. They illustrate the continued vibrancy of innovation and high level of achievement across the American economic landscape,” said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards.
The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. More than 3,800 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories.
More than 200 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners.
NEW YORK (TIP): Columbia University Professor Venkat Venkatasubramanian has been awarded the Ngee Ann Kongsi Distinguished Visiting Professorship this summer at the National University of Singapore. He will deliver lectures on artificial intelligence and teach a short course on an analytical theory of income inequality using his recent book on the same topic.
Prof. Venkatasubramanian earned his Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering (with a Minor in Theoretical Physics) at Cornell University, M.S. in Physics at Vanderbilt University, and B. Tech. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Madras, India. Venkat worked as a Research Associate in Artificial Intelligence in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie-Mellon University, taught at Purdue University for 23 years, where he was Reilly Professor of Chemical Engineering, before returning to Columbia in 2011. At Columbia, Venkat directs the research efforts of several graduate students and co-workers in the Complex Resilient Intelligent Systems Laboratory. He is also the founding Co-Director of the Center for Systemic Risks Management, a transdisciplinary center with faculty from a number of departments at Columbia University.
He is a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, which also awarded him the Computing in Chemical Engineering award in 2009. He joined the faculty of Columbia Engineering in 2012. Prior to that, he taught chemical engineering at Purdue University, where he won the Norris Shreve Prize for outstanding teaching three times.
(Source: Columbia University)
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