The Indian Panorama

Month: June 2021

  • NJSO CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH

    By Mabel Pais

    Virtual, June 13–18

    The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) celebrates a weeklong Pride Month, June 13–18. The celebration features works by LGBTQ+ composers, an interview with Laura Kaminsky about her chamber opera “As One,” a performance of Rent’s “I’ll Cover You” in collaboration with Paper Mill Playhouse and a free Zoom event presented in partnership with SAGE, a national advocacy and services organization for LGBT elders. Harmonica Sunbeam, renowned for her Hudson County non-profit Drag Queen Story Hour, hosts the celebration.

    For more information, visit njsymphony.org/pride

    NJSO-PRIDE graphic.(Photo : Courtesy NJSO)

    PROGRAM

    NJSO PRIDE CELEBRATION

    HARMONICA SUNBEAM – host

    Sun, June 13, at 5 pm

    NJSO Family Members

    “What Pride Means to Me”

    Mon, June 14, at 5 pm

    Composer-in-Conversation

    NJSO flutist Kathleen Nester interviews composer Laura Kaminsky. (Photo : Courtesy NJSO)

    NJSO flutist and piccolo player Kathleen Nester talks with her friend and neighbor, composer Laura Kaminsky, about her pathbreaking opera exploring a gender transition, “As One.”

    Violinist James Tsao. (Photo : Courtesy NJSO)

    Tue, June 15, at 5 pm

    NJSO Chamber Players Performance

    TCHAIKOVSKY Andante cantabile

    Bart Feller, flute

    James Tsao, violin

    David Blinn, viola

    Sarah Seiver, cello

    Wed, June 16, at 5 pm

    NJSO Chamber Players Performance

    JENNIFER HIGDON “A Gentle Notion”

    Pascal Archer, clarinet

    Spencer Meyer, piano

    Thu, June 17, at 7 pm

    NJSO Pride Celebration: A Conversation

    Free Zoom Event

    Join NJSO President & CEO Gabriel van Aalst, Edie Windsor SAGE Center Arts & Culture Program Coordinator Christian Appel and NJSO violist David Blinn for a lively conversation and insight into the NJSO’s Pride celebrations, followed by musical performances featuring notable LGBTQ+ composers and artists. Register at njsymphony.org/pride.

    Fri, June 18, at 5 pm

    Collaboration with Paper Mill Playhouse

    LARSON/arr. Robert Wagner “I’ll Cover You” from “Rent”

    Kyle Taylor Parker, vocalist

    Jay Donnell, vocalist

    Héctor Falcón, violin

    Ted Ackerman, cello

    Alexander Bickard, electric bass

    Pascal Archer, clarinet

    James Musto, drums

    New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

    The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra connects with the people and diverse communities of New Jersey through the power of live symphonic music to inspire, entertain and educate. Internationally renowned Music Director Xian Zhang has garnered critical acclaim on the podium and has deepened the NJSO’s commitment to presenting diverse voices that reflect the communities the Orchestra serves.

    Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NJSO has made virtual performances and educational online programs available for free, reaching more than 10 million people across the Orchestra’s digital channels. The Orchestra’s online hub for free musical content is njsymphony.org/virtual.

    Connect with NJSO:

    Website: njsymphony.org

    Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NJSymphony

    YouTube: @NewJerseySymphony

    Email: information@njsymphony.org

    SAGE

    SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBT older people and their caregivers. Learn more about SAGE advocacy and its affiliates at sageusa.org.

    Paper Mill Playhouse

    Paper Mill Playhouse, recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, is a nationally renowned not-for-profit theater under the direction of Mark S. Hoebee (Producing Artistic Director) and Michael Stotts (Managing Director). A beloved NJ arts institution since 1938, Paper Mill creates and produces groundbreaking new musicals and reimagined classics. Several productions have gone on to Broadway and launched national tours, including Disney’s “Newsies,” “Les Misérables,” “Honeymoon in Vegas,” “A Bronx Tale” and “Bandstand.” Learn more at papermill.org.

    ========================

    NJSO with NEWARK MUSEUM RESTORES IN-PERSON CONCERTS

    By Mabel Pais

    “I am incredibly excited for this partnership with our friends at The Newark Museum of Art. This is such a joyful moment for our NJSO community—we are thrilled to begin to perform for our audiences in person again, and we are eager to experience Daniel’s first programs in his new role at the NJSO.” – Gabriel van Aalst, NJSO President & CEO

    “The sounds of live chamber music in our beautiful Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Memorial Garden will make this an incredibly special series as we welcome audiences back to the museum.” — Linda C. Harrison, The Newark Museum of Art Director & CEO

    ‘Newark Museum of Arts’ Garden.( Photo : Courtesy NJSO)

    The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) welcomes in-person outdoor chamber music series in The Newark Museum of Art’s (newarkmuseumart.org) Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Memorial Garden this summer. In nine performances from June through August, the NJSO Chamber Players perform a three-concert series curated by Resident Artistic Catalyst Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR), a three-concert series curated by Concertmaster Eric Wyrick and a three-concert family series for music lovers of all ages.

    Resident Artistic Director, Daniel Bernard Roumain. (Photo/ CourtesyNJSO)

    DB Roumain curates “NJSO & DBR: Now, New and Next,” a series that looks towards a more inclusive and innovative future, with performances on June 9, June 16 and August 11 at 7 pm. His programs will feature impactful new works from compelling new voices — including Gabriela Lena Frank, Roumain and New Jersey’s Allison Loggins-Hill — alongside under-represented voices from the past and classics of the chamber music repertoire. These immersive experiences will include special collaborations with dancers, actors and guest artists.

     Wyrick leads the Chamber Players for three performances that highlight both unsung composers and classical favorites on June 23, July 7 and July 21.

    The three-concert family series features a musical trip around the world (June 26), Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” (July 31) and a storytelling program (August 14). Concerts for this Saturday series begin at 10 am.

    TICKETS, SAFETY

    Health and safety procedures will include seating with chairs set six feet apart; masking for audiences, staff, volunteers and contractors; and temperature checks. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, visit njsymphony.org/museum.

    PROGRAM: ARTS IN THE GARDEN

    With the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players, in collaboration with The Newark Museum of Art

    DBR CURATIONS

    Togetherness with DBR

    Wed, June 9, at 7 pm

    DANIEL BERNARD ROUMAIN curator

    Hearing and Healing with DBR

    Wed, June 16, at 7 pm

    DANIEL BERNARD ROUMAIN curator

    Who We Are with DBR

    Wed, Aug 11, at 7 pm

    DANIEL BERNARD ROUMAIN curator

    In each curation, Resident Artistic Catalyst Daniel Bernard Roumain takes audiences on a journey through classical music’s past, present and future, juxtaposing works by Bach, Brahms and Florence Price with compelling new voices including Gabriela Lena Frank, Roumain and NJ’s own Allison Loggins-Hill. Special collaborations with dancers, actors and guest artists are part of these immersive and imagine a brighter, more inclusive and innovative future.

    Program Information on the second three-concert series: June 23, July 7 and July 21 and the third three-concert family series: June 26, July 31 and August 14, will appear in a subsequent issue.

    New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO)

    To learn about NJSO, visit njsymphony.org

    The Newark Museum of Art

    Founded in 1909, The Newark Museum of Art is the largest art and education institution in New Jersey and one of the most influential museums in the United States.  Its renowned global art collections, supported by significant holdings of science, technology and natural history, rank 12th among North America’s art museums.  To learn more, visit newarkmuseumart.org

    (Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness)

  • June 11 New York & Dallas E – Edition

    June 11 New York & Dallas E – Edition

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    E-Edition

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  • ISRAEL FILM FEST:BEYOND HEADLINES

     

    “Israeli productions have become a leading export and one of the most intriguing industries in the international scene. These films give a nuanced picture with a focus on the human experience in the region and allow us to see the day-to-day life beyond the headlines.” – Isaac Zablocki, Director-Founder, Israel Film Center Festival

    New York’s leading Israeli film festival celebrates its 9th edition with a powerful lineup of award-winning and cutting-edge films from Israel. Featuring in-person rooftop and virtual screenings and showcasing the best new films from Israel’s booming film industry, the festival runs June 15–29, 2021.

    OPENING NIGHT

    Opening Night, “SUBLET.” (Photo / MMJCCM)

    The festival’s Opening Night selection is “Sublet,” directed by Eytan Fox (“Yossi & Jagger,” “Walk on Water”), which follows Michael (played by Tony Award winner John Benjamin Hickey), a ‘New York Times’ travel writer who journeys to Tel Aviv after suffering a tragedy. When he sublets an apartment from Tomer, a young film student, he finds himself drawn into the life of the city. “Sublet” screens Tuesday, June 15 at 8 p.m. on the JCC’s Meyerson Family Roof Terrace.

    For the complete film lineup, events and more information, visit israelfilmcenter.org/festival.

    TICKETS

    To purchase tickets, visit israelfilmcenter.org/festival.

     About the Israel Film Center

    The Israel Film Center of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is the leading resource for Israeli films in America, with the goal of expanding Israel’s emerging film industry and promoting Israeli culture in America. The center, a program of The Carole Zabar Center for Film, serves as an exhibitor, promoter, educator, funder, distributor, network organizer, advisor, and festival producer, and includes a viewing library and online database of Israeli cinema and the leading Israeli film streaming site.

    About the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

    The cornerstone of progressive programming in Manhattan, the JCC serves over 55,000 people annually through 1,200 programs each season that educate, inspire, and transform participants’ minds, bodies, and spirits. Since its inception, the JCC has been committed to serving the community by offering programs, classes, and events that reach beyond neighborhood boundaries, reaching people at all stages of their lives. Learn more at mmjccm.org

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    CINE LAS AMERICAS (CLAIFF) HONORS JUNE PRIDE

    By Mabel Pais

    23rd EDITION, IN PERSON, JUNE 9-13

    Mariem Pérez Riera’s OPENING NIGHT documentary

    “RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT”

    RITA MORENO in Opening Night film. (Photo / Wildworks PR)

    Cine Las Americas, based in Austin, Texas, in its 23rd edition will once again provide a rare showcase of films and videos from Latin America (North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean) and the Iberian Peninsula. The film festival celebrates films and videos made by or about Latinx in the U.S. or the rest of the world; also featured are films and videos by or about indigenous groups of the Americas. This year’s edition of CLAIFF will also continue their efforts to feature inclusiveness in the programming among the films representing over 15 countries throughout Ibero-America. Just over 50% of all films were directed and/or produced by female filmmakers, with the majority of filmmakers people of color, including Indigenous and Afro-Latino filmmakers. The CLAIFF directors and programmers are also proud to continue its dedication to have solid representation within the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Cine Las Americas Executive Director Gabriel Ornelas, said, “In format, this year will serve as a bridge from our virtual showcase during the pandemic last year to returning to the in-person screenings and events we have all been looking forward to enjoying once again.”

    The Opening Night film, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, focuses on the legendary actor’s 70+ year career, as she overcame a humble upbringing and relentless racism to become one of the rare EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) Award Winners of our time. For the complete film lineup, events and more information about the Festival, visit cinelasamericas.org

    TICKETS

    To purchase passes and tickets, visit www.cinelasamericas.org

    ABOUT CINE LAS AMERICAS

    Cine Las Americas, a multicultural organization based in Austin, Texas, offers theatrical screenings of films made by and/or about Latinos or Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Films from Spain and Portugal are also included, enhancing a truly Pan-American cinematic experience. The mission of Cine Las Americas is to promote cross-cultural understanding and growth by educating, entertaining and challenging the diverse Central Texas community through film and media arts.

    —————————————————

    LAKE TRAVIS FILM FEST (LTFF)BEARS INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR

    By Mabel Pais

    DEDICATED TO FEMALE FILMMAKERS AMONG OTHERS

    2ND EDITION, IN-PERSON, JUNE 10-13

    The Lake Travis Film Festival’s (LTFF) 2nd edition, the experiential festival celebrating independent cinema in beautiful Hill Country, just west of Austin, takes place June 10-13. The Festival is in-person.

    The Festival will kick off with an ambitious “Space Out” Opening Night Showcase with Sevgi Hirschhäuser’s Toprak, Matt Richmond’s Brauhaus: A German-American Fairytale, multiple short film programs and a special screenwriting workshop with noted screenwriter/producer J. V. Hart (Hook, Contact, Bram Stoker’s Dracula).

    The four-day in-person film festival will present a film lineup with a decidedly international flavor that will showcase films featuring a wide assortment of genres, styles, and topics. LTFF firmly confirms itself as an event dedicated to female filmmakers, young filmmaker showcases, a music video showcase, a special animation presentation, and more screenings, fun events, and after parties in various popup locations throughout the cities of Bee Cave and Lakeway, Texas.

    “We were fortunate to have seemingly dodged the pandemic’s course to a great extent from our debut last year to this year’s second edition, but that also makes us want to return in the best way we can both for our filmmakers and our film fans,” said Kat Albert, LTFF’s Founder-Exec. Director.

    For a complete film lineup, events and more information, visit laketravisfilmfestival.com

    TICKETS

    To purchase passes, tickets, and updates, visit laketravisfilmfestival.com.

    LAKE TRAVIS FILM FESTIVAL (LTFF)

    Lake Travis Film Festival (LTFF) is a vibrant experiential festival with an eye to showcasing filmmakers around the globe with authenticity, vision, and purpose. The festival connects independent filmmakers and industry professionals with an eager community audience. Featuring intimate discussions, exhilarating after parties, and unparalleled access to some of the most exciting venues in the Lake Travis area make The Lake Travis Film Festival a destination for filmmakers and a cultural enhancement for the community. In addition to an annual slate of films in juried competition, the festival offers a showcase for young filmmakers to screen their work.

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    BIG BEAR FILM SUMMIT

    By Mabel Pais

    2ND EDITION, HYBRID, JUNE 11-27

    Sri Charan’s “HALF & HALF” makes World Premiere

     

    The 2nd Annual Big Bear Film Summit’s (June 11-27) theme “A New Hope” for this year’s hybrid presentation leads into the festival’s highly anticipated in-person screenings at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center (39707 Big Bear Blvd.) the weekend of June 25-27.In addition to the film screenings and events presented both in-person and virtually, the Big Bear Film Summit will also bring back its screenwriting competition, as the film festival builds on its efforts to promote new filmmakers and call attention to new talent. For a complete film lineup, events and more information, visit bigbearfilmsummit.com

    TICKETS

    To purchase passes and tickets, visit bigbearfilmsummit.com.

    (Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness)

  • US to accept student visa applications from June 14

    US to accept student visa applications from June 14

    NEW DELHI / NEW YORK (TIP): Almost six weeks after the US restricted travel from India, it has decided to start taking appointments for students seeking visas from June 14. These appointments will be for the period of July and August, the US Embassy in India posted on its website.

    “The US we will open limited July and August student visa appointments across India.  Students may visit our website, https://ustraveldocs.com/in, to view availability and schedule an appointment,” the statement said.

    Student visas was a top priority for the US, the embassy said. Students beginning a new education programme with a programme start date on or after August 1 may travel to the United States up to 30 days prior to the programme start date.

    Existing students may also resume their programs on or after August 1, and travel 30 days before their programme resumption date.

    On April 30, the US suspended most non-immigrant travel from India. Some 2-lakh students from India study in the US.

    Meanwhile, the spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi while replying to quarries on Indian students facing problems said the government was aware of the challenges faced by students who have not been able to join or return to courses in foreign countries.

    The MEA has been taking up the issue with all countries concerned. Details are on MEA website and social media handles.

  • UNGA President-elect appoints India’s Naidu as Chef de Cabinet

    UNGA President-elect appoints India’s Naidu as Chef de Cabinet

    UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, President-elect of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, has appointed India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador, K Nagaraj Naidu, as his Chef de Cabinet.

    Shahid was overwhelmingly elected on June 7 as President of the next session of the UN General Assembly that will commence in September. He garnered 143 votes out of the 191 ballots cast in the 193-member General Assembly, winning against Afghanistan former Foreign Minister Dr Zalmai Rassoul, who got 48 votes. “Today, I have appointed Ambassador Thilmeeza Hussain as Special Envoy of the PGA, and Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu Kumar as my Chef de Cabinet. They will be instrumental in delivering my vision for the #PresidencyOfHope,” Shahid tweeted.

    Naidu described his appointment as a privilege and said he looked forward to a “presidency of hope”, which Shahid has set as a cornerstone of his upcoming year-long tenure at the world organization.

    “The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. Comprising all 193 Member States of the UN, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of international issues including peace and security,” Naidu said.

    (Source: PTI)

  • G7 to provide 1 billion vaccine doses ‘to world’: United Kingdom

    G7 to provide 1 billion vaccine doses ‘to world’: United Kingdom

    Front page main story

    The announcement came after the United States said it would donate 500 million jabs to 92 poor and lower-middle-income nations.

    LONDON (TIP): G7 leaders will agree to expand global COVID vaccine manufacturing to provide at least one billion doses to the world through sharing and financing schemes, Britain said Thursday, June 10.

    The announcement came after the United States said it would donate 500 million jabs to 92 poor and lower-middle-income nations.

    The UK, which is hosting the big powers’ gathering in southwest England, added it would donate at least 100 million surplus doses within the next year, including five million beginning in the coming weeks.

    The commitments follow growing calls for richer countries to step up their efforts to share COVID-19 shots with less developed nations, with charities warning the current situation is leading to “vaccine apartheid”.

    Britain, which has orders for more than 400 million doses, has faced criticism for failing to begin making donations to poorer countries.

    But on the eve of welcoming world leaders from the group of seven wealthy nations to their first summit in almost two years, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed that would soon change.

    “As a result of the success of the UK’s vaccine programme we are now in a position to share some of our surplus doses with those who need them,” he said.

    “At the G7 Summit I hope my fellow leaders will make similar pledges”.

    A Downing Street statement said: “At the Summit world leaders are expected to announce they will provide at least one billion coronavirus vaccine doses to the world.. and set out a plan to expand vaccine manufacturing in order to achieve that goal.”

    ‘Humanitarian obligation’

    Meanwhile EU members have agreed to donate at least 100 million doses by the end of 2021 — with France and Germany each committing to providing 30 million.

    French President Emmanuel Macron issued his own call for pharma groups producing vaccines to donate 10 percent of their production to poor nations.

    US President Joe Biden on Thursday saluted a “historic” moment in the fight against the pandemic after Washington announced its donation.

    “This is about our responsibility, our humanitarian obligation to save as many lives as we can,” Biden told reporters at the start of his first overseas trip as president.

    Biden said the move was also in the US interest because of the risk of variants while the White House said the decision would “supercharge the global fight against the pandemic”.

    The enduring challenge to defeat the virus was earlier laid bare by the World Health Organization which warned Europeans not to drop their guard because vaccination levels remain too low to stop another wave of infections.

    Although pockets of the rich world have scored successes against the disease, the gains are fragile and billions of mostly poor people remain unprotected.

    Over 100 million people in the 27-nation European Union, or 22.6 percent of its population, have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to an AFP count.

    The contrast with developing nations was further evidenced Thursday when South Africa’s National Institute For Communicable Diseases announced his country had technically entered a third wave with more than 9,000 cases over the past 24 hours.

    On Thursday, India reported a global record of more than 6,000 Covid-19 deaths in a day after one state dramatically revised its data upwards, fueling concerns that the official tally of almost 360,000 deaths, the world’s third-highest toll, is woefully understated.

    WHO warns against complacency

    The United States has also faced criticism for sitting on huge stocks of unused vaccines.

    But with more than 60 percent of Americans having received at least one shot, Washington has moved to reclaim global leadership with its huge donation which will be channeled through the Covax program which aims to ensure equitable global vaccine distribution.

    The White House said the doses will start shipping in August.

    Dismissing suggestions that it is in a so-called vaccine diplomacy contest with Russia and China, Washington has described its initiatives as a return to multilateral action after the nationalist isolationism under Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump.

    In Europe, some lockdown restrictions have been eased of late notably ahead of the Euro football competition starting Friday.

    But Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director, said he feared complacency.

    “Vaccination coverage is far from sufficient to protect the region from a resurgence,” Kluge told reporters, warning against repeating the “mistake” of last summer by easing protective measures prematurely.

    Iran’s government meanwhile warned that recent success in containing the Middle East’s deadliest coronavirus outbreak risks being reversed should the public cease being diligent in their precautions amid a shortage of vaccines.

    The country saw total infections pass the three million mark on Thursday, adding to the global total of almost 174,350,990. The pandemic has claimed more than 3.7 million lives worldwide.

    (Agencies)

  • Donating 500 million Covid vaccine doses not enough, US should do more: Congressman Krishnamoorthi

    Donating 500 million Covid vaccine doses not enough, US should do more: Congressman Krishnamoorthi

    ‘This must be only the first step in a larger effort to expand and accelerate production and delivery of the billions of doses’

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has said that donating 500 million doses of anti-coronavirus vaccine to the world, as promised by President Joe Biden, was not enough and the United States should do more in the global fight against the pandemic.

    Before attending a G-7 summit in England, Biden on Thursday, June 10, promised to donate 500 million doses of vaccine to bolster the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic across the world.

    Later, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the G7 nations are set to commit to providing at least 1 billion coronavirus shots to the rest of the world.

    “While I’m glad the US will purchase 500 million doses to support global inoculation efforts with 200 million doses to be given by the end of 2021, that is not enough. This must be only the first step in a larger effort to expand and accelerate production and delivery of the billions of doses we need to end the pandemic,” Krishnamoorthi said.

    “Expanding global vaccination efforts is imperative for national security when the greatest threat to the success of our pandemic recovery is the emergence of new COVID-19 variants in countries facing outbreaks. Fighting that threat requires that we produce and administer as many jabs as possible as quickly as possible to limit the time and opportunities for the virus to mutate into more dangerous and even vaccine-resistant forms,” he said.

    Biden has announced that the US is taking a major step that will supercharge the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The United States will purchase a half a billion doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to donate to nearly 100 nations that are in dire need of it in the fight against this pandemic. That’s a historic step. The largest single purchase and donation of COVID-19 vaccines by any single country ever,” he said.

    These half a billion vaccines will be shipped starting from August. Two hundred million of these doses will be delivered this year, and 300 million more will be delivered in the first half of 2022, the US president said.

    He claimed the US has contributed more than any nation to COVAX — a collective global effort that is delivering COVID-19 vaccines across the world.

    “We have supported manufacturing efforts abroad through our partnerships with Japan, India, and Australia — known as the ‘Quad’. We’ve shared (vaccine) doses with our neighbors Canada and Mexico,” Biden said.

    However, Krishnamoorthi said to fully meet the global need for vaccines and to safeguard the United States as well, not only does it needs to dramatically expand production but also ensure distribution and end-to-end delivery to vaccinate at least 60 per cent of the population of the countries struggling most in this regard, as quickly as possible.

    “This week, I introduced the Nullifying Opportunities for Variants to Infect and Decimate Act to do precisely that through a USD 34 billion programme that would produce and deliver the eight billion vaccine doses we need while building the infrastructure to monitor and prevent new future strains and pandemics.

    “Protecting our country from new coronavirus variants means producing and distributing billions of vaccines where they are needed and the NOVID Act would do precisely that,” he said.

    The Congressman also said that he was glad that President Biden has taken the first step forward.

    “But it must be the beginning of a far larger and far faster global vaccination effort on a much faster timetable in order to protect our country from the threat of new variants and to end this pandemic for good,” he said.

    (Source: PTI)

     

  • ZEE5, the World’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, to launch in the U.S. on June 22

    ZEE5, the World’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, to launch in the U.S. on June 22

    NEW YORK (TIP): After having won the hearts of millions of South Asians across the globe, ZEE5, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, has announced its launch in the United States on June 22. The platform is currently under beta testing in the market.

    The U.S. is the final and largest launch for ZEE5, setting the stage for its rapid growth in a market with a ready 5.4 million diaspora audience that has a deep cultural and language connect to this content.

    This direct-to-consumer service launch is especially significant at a time when Indians in the U.S., many of whom remain deeply connected to their roots, are unable to travel home.

    ZEE5 will officially announce its launch in the U.S. on 22nd June at a virtual event where its platform and content will be unveiled. The company will share key details about its plans for the market and its local partnerships, launch the brand campaign and more.

    With this launch, the streaming platform will open up access to the largest catalogue of South Asian i.e., Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi content to diaspora and even mainstream content consumers in the U.S. who have been eagerly waiting to access ZEE5’s massive content library.

    With 130,000 hours of content across 18 languages, ZEE5 will offer a premium, highly accessible, and affordable option for viewers to engage with the best of South Asian stories.

    ZEE5’s catalogue aggregates classics as well as modern stories across the widest range of categories and genres.

    3,500+ movies – including 120+ World Digital Premieres like Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, Simmba, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Dream Girl, Operation Java (Malayalam), Ka Pae Rannasingham (Tamil), Switzerland (Bengali) etc.

    1,600+ TV shows including Kundali Bhagya, Mithai (Bangla), Sembaruti (Tamil), Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (various languages) etc.

    200+ Originals – including The Final Call, Kaafir, Mentalhood, Churails, and more.

    600+ music, food and lifestyle videos coming soon.

    100 Hours of fresh content added daily.

    With “language of your comfort” being a key promise across Content, Navigation and even Voice Search, ZEE5’s content library is tailor-made for the diverse cultures and languages of Indian and South Asian communities in the U.S. The languages include Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Punjabi, as well as Malay, Thai, Bahasa, Arabic, Urdu and Bangla (Bangladeshi). Key titles are also subtitled or dubbed in English.

    Amit Goenka, President, Digital Businesses & Platforms, ZEE Entertainment

    “The United States represents our most significant market and the last bastion in our global journey as we launch an ad-free subscription service. As a Global Media Conglomerate, we have had a very deep connection with our diaspora audiences here, so it is a rather happy moment for me to now be bringing this audience the largest aggregation of South Asian content on a single platform through ZEE5,” said Amit Goenka, President, Digital Businesses & Platforms, ZEE Entertainment.

    Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global.

    “The United States is home to millions of people whose families have strong connects with South Asia, and we are glad to bring them the largest and most diverse catalogue of culturally relevant entertainment across Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi stories. These stories have the power to engage deeply and go well beyond the South Asian audience to entertain and delight even mainstream audiences with their authenticity and allure. I am confident that ZEE5 will become the go to platform for all Americans who love great storytelling,” said Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global.

    ZEE5’s Annual pack, priced at $84 USD will be available across all major devices at a limited launch offer price of $49.99.

    ZEE5 subscribers in the U.S. will also be the first to stream Salman Khan’s Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai

    Key initiatives and outreach plans to support the relief efforts for the fight against Covid-19 will also be shared at the launch event.

    Users can download the ZEE5 app from Google Play Store / iOS App Store, on Roku devices, Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TVs, Android TVs, and Amazon Fire Stick. ZEE5 is also available on www.ZEE5.com.

    About ZEE5 Global

    ZEE5 is the digital entertainment destination launched by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), a global Media and Entertainment powerhouse. The platform launched across 190+ countries in October 2018 and has content across 18 languages; Hindi, English, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Punjabi, including six international languages -Malay, Thai, Bahasa, Urdu, Bangla. and Arabic. ZEE5 is home to 130,000+ hours of On Demand Content. The platform brings together the best of Originals, Movies and TV Shows, Music, Cineplays and Health and Lifestyle content all in one single destination. ZEE5 offers ground-breaking features like 15 navigational languages, content download option, seamless video playback and Voice Search.

    Users can download the ZEE5 app from Google Play Store / iOS App Store, on Roku devices, Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TVs, Android TVs, and Amazon Fire Stick. ZEE5 is also available on www.ZEE5.com.

    ZEE5 Global Twitter: twitter.com/ZEE5Global

    ZEE5 Global LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/zee5global

  • Koshy Thomas urges voters to request absentee ballot if they are unable to go to the polling station on June 22nd

    Koshy Thomas urges voters to request absentee ballot if they are unable to go to the polling station on June 22nd

    NEW YORK (TIP): Koshy Thomas, a candidate running for New York City Council from District 23, requests voters who would be unable to go to the polling booth on election day to request an absentee ballot now so that they could participate in the upcoming election on June 22nd, 2021. It is also quite possible that a request form for the absentee ballot may be already in one’s inbox at home if one is a registered voter. “Our community is somewhat lackadaisical in going to the polling booths on election day, and an absentee ballot is a convenient tool to avoid the hassle of travel and waiting in the queue,” said Mr. Koshy Thomas, who is running to represent District 23 for New York City Council that includes, Floral Park, Bellerose, Queens Village, Hollis and Oakland Gardens. “Our participation in the democratic process is vital to the community in terms of bringing out the issues of our concerns and advancing our interests,” Mr. Thomas added.

    You may also go to the website: Find Record | NYC Absentee or call Mr. Koshy Thomas @ 347-867-1200 for any assistance.

  • Extending a helping hand to India, AIA sends $150K for COVID Relief

    Extending a helping hand to India, AIA sends $150K for COVID Relief

    Master of Ceremonies Heeta Thakkaris a 14-year science high school student. She won American debate league champion award in 2019.

    NEW YORK(TIP):  AIA -NY Chapter raised funds for different projects. Most of those funds now are being diverted for Covid Relief and Saving Lives, said AIA President Harish Thakkar. Giving details of the funds utilized for COVID relief, he said. $50,000 was sent to Oxygen Mission in India and $10,000 to a Gurudwara in New Delhi for food supplies. Another $50,000 for Oxygen Concentrators and Medical Supplies to different Hospitals in India was sent through Northwell Health

    Consul General of India, Randhir Jaiswal, Chief Guest, Northwell Health Chief Operating Officer Mark Solazzo, Deputy Consul General Shatrughna Sinha and many community leaders attended the event.

    With a view to coordinating and providing information on AIA Covid relief, AIA on the occasion launched a newwebsite – www.HelpIndiaForCovid.com

     

     

     

     

  • NYC PARKS TO REOPEN 13 RECREATION CENTERS TO MEMBERS MONDAY, JUNE 14

    NYC PARKS TO REOPEN 13 RECREATION CENTERS TO MEMBERS MONDAY, JUNE 14

    NEW HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES TO BE IN PLACE

    NEW YORK (TIP): Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP announced on June 10 that on Monday, June 14, the first phase of recreation center reopenings will begin with the opening of 13 centers to existing members; two additional recreation centers will reopen to members on Wednesday, June 23. To ensure proper social distancing and prevent overcrowding, initially, recreation centers will only be open to members who were active as of March of 2020.

    “Recreation centers sit at the heart of so many communities, providing New Yorkers of all ages the chance to participate in athletics and a variety of other programming,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “As we take these steps to reopen safely, I encourage everyone who isn’t vaccinated already to get their shot today.”

    “As our city continues to take great strides in recovering and reopening, we are thrilled to begin the process of reopening our recreation centers for New Yorkers to enjoy,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “While we are excited to begin reopening our centers, we urge everyone to get vaccinated and continue to follow mask and social distancing guidance, so that we may fully emerge, together, from this pandemic.”

    NYC PARKS RECREATION CENTER REOPENINGS:

    June 14, 2021: Hunts Point (BX), Brownsville (BK), Hansborough (MN), Alfred E. Smith (MN), Highbridge (MN), Rec Center 54 (MN), Thomas Jefferson (MN), Tony Dapolito (MN), Al Oerter (QN), Lost Battalion Hall (QN), Greenbelt (SI), Lyons (SI), Faber (SI),

    June 23, 2021: McCarren (BK), and Ocean Breeze (SI).

    As a precaution due to COVID-19, several new policies are being implemented to keep recreation members safe. The reopened centers will operate at reduced capacity, and mask wearing is required for all. Recreation center equipment has been arranged to promote social distancing and shared equipment will be cleaned frequently. Indoor pools remain closed to the public at this time.

    Parks recreation centers were closed in March 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, recreation centers were repurposed in support of COVID-19 related services including youth education and childcare services, COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and mask and food distribution hubs.

    Since 1910, the NYC Parks has provided the most affordable and extensive network of recreational services throughout New York City. Parks’ 36 recreation centers offer facilities such as indoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, and dance studios, art studios, game rooms, and libraries. All recreation centers also offer a range of programs for people of all ages.

    Hours of operation vary – please visit Parks’ Recreation Center page for more information: nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters.

  • Joyce Smith sworn in as acting Nassau DA

    Joyce Smith sworn in as acting Nassau DA

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Joyce Smith made history Wednesday as she took an oath as Nassau County’s acting district attorney, becoming the first Black person to fill the role. Madeline Singas swore Smith in, just a day after the former Nassau district attorney ascended to a judgeship in the state’s highest court during what had been her second elected term as the county’s top law enforcement official.

    “I wasn’t elected to this position but I promise … to continue to serve the people of Nassau County with humility and integrity,” Smith said as she took the oath.

    A Queens native, Smith joined the Nassau district attorney’s office in 2018 and was executive assistant district attorney for the Community Relations Division when Singas named her as her interim successor under state and county law.

    Smith, 51, a Hempstead resident whom voter rolls list as an Independent, has prior experience leading the Special Prosecutions Division of the Queens district attorney’s office — where she worked for 15 years, concentrating on domestic violence cases.

    A biography her office released also said Smith spent four years as a staff attorney in the office of general counsel for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, investigating and recommending best practices for relations between police and communities.

    Smith, who is single and has no children, also served previously as executive director for the Bronx Family Justice Center and as assistant commissioner and deputy chief of staff for the NYC Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence.

    Smith is a graduate of Adelphi University and Howard University School of Law and teaches as an adjunct professor at Hofstra Law School and at Nassau Community College.

    If Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo takes no action, Smith will continue to serve as district attorney until a special election to fill the job. Election law experts have said that because Singas resigned as district attorney more than 90 days before the next general Election Day, the county will have to hold a such an election to replace her.

    In the meantime, Cuomo also could choose to appoint Smith or a different lawyer as district attorney

    Smith, while heading Community Relations, created several advisory councils comprised of leaders in Nassau’s African American, Hispanic, South Asian and Asian communities to facilitate opportunities for collaboration among those residents, prosecutors and police, according to the district attorney’s office.

    Her other responsibilities included overseeing Immigrant Affairs, Victim Services and employee recruitment, along with the district attorney’s Community Partnership Program Office in Hempstead, according to her biography.

  • 5 Eminent Ophthalmologists from across the World Honored by Eye Foundation of America

    Founder and President of Eye Foundation of America introduced the Foundation and Robert Murphy Award

    NEW YORK (TIP): Eye Foundation of Americaheld  a friend/fundraiser on June 5, 2021 to confer the Robert Murphy Visionary Award on 5 eminent ophthalmologists from across the world.

    The meticulously crafted one hour  virtual event was  co-sponsored  by Eye Foundation of America,GAPIO, Rotary, QUASOURCE, FIPA, Goutami Eye Institute, Bank’s Apothecary, The Indian Panorama, KLM Properties and AlconCares.

    Welcoming and introducing the event, Secretary of Eye Foundation of America, Dr. Leela Raju said that Eye Foundation of America and Goutami Eye Instirute provided services during the harrowing pandemic. She turned over to Dr. VK Raju, founder and president of Eye Foundation of America to introduce the Foundation to participants.

    Dr. VK Raju pointed out that in spite of “tremendous progress in science, technology and resources, 500,000 children go blind each year across the world”. Eye Foundation of America, founded in 1977,  is working to prevent avoidable blindness in children all across the globe. The visuals of the  work of the Foundation and Goutami Eye Institute under Dr. Raju’s watch were exhibited during the program.

    Speaking about the Robert Murphy Visionary Award, Dr. Raju said the award was instituted to honor a great visionary who was a founding member of Eye Foundation of America. About the honorees, he said they all were eminent ophthalmologists  and in honoring them the Foundation was honoring Robert Murphy.

    Senator Joe Manchin applauded the work of Eye Foundation of America

    U.S. Senator Joe Manchin who was the chief guest recalled his long association with Dr. VK Raju and said, “Since 1979, Eye Foundation of Americ and Dr. VK Raju have made a tremendous impact both in West Virginia and across the world”.

    “Childhood blindness is a curse”, he said. Eye Foundation of America has performed  hundreds and thousands of surgeries which have brought eyesight to thousands of children.

    Senator Manchin extended his best wishes to Dr. Raju and the Eye Foundation of America.

    Srinu Maddula, born nearly blind, speaks about his experiences with EFA. Srinu is now the Chief Patron of the Foundation.

    Srinu Maddula, the chief patron of EFA narrated how he was born nearly blind and got his eyesight restored after 2 corneal surgeries performed by Dr. VK. Raju. Srinu, today holds a doctorate in pharmacy ,and is CEO of a multi million dollar pharmaceutical company.

    The Robert Murphy Visionary Award was conferred on 5 eminent ophthalmologists from across the world. Each was introduced by a board member of EFA. The honorees included Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, Dr. R. D. Ravindran, Joel S. Schuman, Dr. Pradeep Y Ramuluand  Dr. Peter J. McDonnell,

    Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu

    Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu

    Dr. Pradeep Y Ramulu MD, PhD is a glaucoma specialist and the director of Glaucoma division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University. He is well known for his exceptional basic and clinical research in glaucoma. He received awards from American academy of ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and most recently Pisart Award from Lighthouse Guild.

    He is fluent in English, Spanish and Telugu languages. He vast expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery and pediatric glaucoma. He has varied research interests in Visual disability and Rehabilitation, Aging and Vision. He has numerous publications in peer reviewed scientific journals.

    Srinu Maddula, chief patron of Eye Foundation of America introduced Dr. Ramulu.

    Dr. Peter J. McDonnell

    Dr. Peter J. McDonnell

    Dr. Peter J. McDonnell is the director of Wilmer Eye Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore. He received numerous national and International awards for teaching, research, and leadership. He belongs to the society of Heeds Fellows, Doheny Society of scholars, Hall of Fame, ARCS Foundation.

    He is editor of the Ophthalmology Times. He is President of National Alliance of Eye and Vision research. He is specialist in Corneal diseases and surgery, Dr. McDonnell is an International Leader in Corneal Transplantation, Laser refractive surgery and treatment of Dry Eye. Dr. McDonnell was introduced by Board Member Sekhar Vempala.

    Dr. Joel S. Schuman

    Dr. Joel S. Schuman

    Joel S. Schuman, MD, FACS is the Elaine Langone Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Ophthalmology and Professor of Neuroscience & Physiology at NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

    He is Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and Professor of Neural Science in the Center for Neural Science at NYU College of Arts and Sciences.

    He chaired the ophthalmology department at NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine 2016-2020 and at University of Pittsburgh/UPMC 2003-2016.

    At Tufts University 1991-2003 he was Residency Director and Glaucoma and Cataract Service Chief. Dr. Schuman and his colleagues were first to identify a molecular marker for human glaucoma, published in Nature Medicine in 2001. Continuously funded by the National Eye Institute as a principal investigator since 1995, he is an inventor of optical coherence tomography (OCT), used world-wide for ocular diagnostics.

    Dr. Schuman has published more than 400 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. Dr. Schuman has received numerous awards and is a 2012 Champalimaud Award Laureate.

    Samuel Stone, Eye Foundation Board Member introduced Dr. Schuman.

    Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao

    Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao

    Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao is the founder – Chair of L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, and Former President   of Academi a Ophthalmologica Internationalis” and former Chair and President of the” International Agency for the prevention of Blindness “

    Among his numerous accolades, he received Doctor of Science, university of Melbourne and International Blindness Prevention award from American academy of ophthalmology. He is a Padma Shri and was elected in 2017 to the Ophthalmology Hall of Fame by American Society of cataract and refractive surgery and in 2020 honored by the All-India Ophthalmological Society by the institution of “Gullapalli N Rao -AIOS Annual Lecture ” (one among the first five honorees). He published over 200 scientific articles in peer reviewed journals. Dr. Rao was introduced by Kathy Martin, EFA Board Member.

    Dr. R. D. Ravindran

    Dr. R. D. Ravindran

    Dr. R. D. Ravindran is the chairman of Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai. He is an outstanding surgeon and leader with numerous accolades. In 2015, he was one among the “100 Compassionate leaders” of SALT magazine.

    Dr Ravindran started his practice under G. Venkata Swamy the founder of Aravind Eye care system in 1987. Every time Aravind opens a new center he was identified to be the chief and thus has vast hands-on experience in science of building and replicating hospitals. He served as a regional co-chair of the International Association for prevention of blindness, and the Board member of Vision2020: The right to sight-India since 2008. He has numerous scientific publications and reviewer of many Ophthalmic journals.

    He has numerous leadership positions in International prevention of Blindness organizations.

    Dr. Rajeev Rai, EFA Board member introduced Dr. Ravindran.

    Trio Solace

    New York based famous music band Trio Solace gave a great musical performance.

    Dr.Leela Raju, Secretary, Eye Foundation of America

    Eye Foundation of America Secretary Dr. Leela Raju, an ophthalmologist based in New York is credited with having crafted the entire program. She thanked all for their support to the Foundation.

    For further information, visit www.EyeFoundationofAmerica.org

  • Indian Americans find themselves being tested over religion, generation and politics: Study

    Indian Americans find themselves being tested over religion, generation and politics: Study

    • 52 percent Indian Americans believe other minority groups discriminated against more than them.

    NEW YORK (TIP): Portrayed as the poster child of America’s historic opening to new immigrants, the Indian American community today finds itself tested over religious cleavages, generational divides and political polarization, according to a new survey.

    More than half a century after the historic 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act brought a new wave of Indian migration to the United States, the Indian American community has come of age, notes the Indian American Attitudes Survey (IAAS).

    “Its rapidly growing size, economic success, and growing political visibility have given it greater salience in American life,” says the survey done by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace with the research and analytics firm YouGov.

    The study released Wednesday is based on a poll of 1,200 Indian Americans — including citizens, Green Card holders and Non-Resident Indians — in September 2020, in the run up to the November presidential election.

    “In many ways, the community is often portrayed as the poster child of America’s historic opening to new immigrants who—in ways big and small—have transformed the country,” it notes.

    However, the paper argues that while there is much that binds the community, there are also nascent signs that these common bonds are being tested as religious cleavages, generational divides, and political polarization invite fragmentation.

    “In that sense, the currents coursing their way through the Indian diaspora are perhaps reflective not only of broader developments in American society but also—and perhaps even to a greater extent—the turbulence afflicting India,” the study concludes.

    “With India reeling under a devastating resurgence of the coronavirus, members of the Indian American community—both individually and collectively—are mobilizing in response,” the study noted.

    “Motivated by their emotional ties to India, as well as their rights and responsibilities as American citizens, Indian Americans have pushed the US government to mount a large-scale humanitarian response,” it said.

    “For Indian Americans, the past is not just a distant country,” it says. “On the contrary, India continues to exist in the present as it influences the lives of the diaspora—even as its members chart a new path in their adopted home.”

    The study is third in a series on the social, political, and foreign policy attitudes of Indian Americans, who have emerged as the second-largest immigrant group in the US with a population of over four million.

    Apart from tensions within the community, the survey also looks at how discrimination against Indian Americans compares to discrimination directed toward other minority communities in the United States.

    Asked if they think discrimination against people of Indian origin is a major problem, 31 percent responded that it is a major problem, 53 percent believe it is a minor problem, and a small minority (17 percent) believes it is not a problem at all.

    Placing discrimination against Indian Americans in a comparative context, the survey asked respondents whether they believe other minorities experience a greater degree of discrimination relative to Indian Americans.

    Narrow majorities—52 percent—of respondents believe that people in the United States discriminate more against all of the other minority groups listed than they do against Indian Americans, it found.

    “That means just less than half of all respondents believe that Indian Americans face a greater degree of discrimination than at least one other minority group,” the survey concluded.

    Seventy-three percent of respondents believe that Asian Americans who are not of Indian origin face more discrimination than Indian Americans.

    Much larger shares believe that other minority groups face greater discrimination than Indian Americans, including Latino Americans (90 percent), LGBTQ Americans (89 percent), African Americans (86 percent), and women (86 percent).

    The survey also asked respondents whether, in the last twelve months, they have personally felt discriminated against along several dimensions beyond country of origin: skin color, gender, religion, and caste.

    One in two Indian Americans reports being subject to some form of discrimination in the past year, the survey noted with data suggesting that discrimination based on skin color is the most common form of bias

    As many as 30 percent of respondents reported feeling discriminated against due to the color of their skin. An equal percentage of respondents—18 percent apiece—reported that they have been discriminated against due to their gender or religion.

    Muslims reported the greatest degree of religious discrimination by far (39 percent), followed by Hindus (18 percent), Christians (15 percent), and believers of other faiths (9 percent).

    Sixteen percent of Indian Americans reported being discriminated against by virtue of their Indian heritage. And, finally, 5 percent of all respondents reported having encountered discrimination due to their caste identity.

    When it comes to discrimination experienced by Indian Americans, a significantly larger share of foreign-born Indian Americans (59 percent) state that they have not been discriminated against on any grounds in the past year, compared to just 36 percent of US-born Indian Americans.

    Both US- and foreign-born Indian Americans report significant discrimination based on skin color—35 percent and 27 percent, respectively.

    “Interestingly, respondents born in the United States report twice as much discrimination along gender and religious lines than those born outside of the United States,” the survey noted.

    Reported discrimination based on country of origin and caste is roughly similar for both groups (around 15–16 and 5–6 percent, respectively).

    The heightened levels of discrimination that US-born respondents report compared to immigrants hold true across categories—whether skin color, gender, religion, or even caste.

    “Although the latter difference in perceptions of caste discrimination is tiny, it is nonetheless interesting given the lower degree of caste consciousness among US-born Indian Americans,” the study noted.

    One might expect that foreign-born respondents might face greater discrimination given that they are more likely to bear obvious markers that tie them to India (such as accents or dress), it said.

    However, the results point in the opposite direction, the study said. “There are a host of plausible reasons why US-born Indian Americans might report greater discrimination, including differences in social norms, greater awareness of discriminatory practices, or less fear of retaliation.”

    With half of all Indian Americans reporting some form of discrimination, the survey asked whether the perpetrators of discrimination were Indian, non-Indian, or both.

    Respondents overwhelmingly blamed non-Indians when it comes to discrimination on the basis of country of origin or skin color.

    In both instances, roughly three-quarters of perpetrators were identified as non-Indians. In about one-fifth of instances, both Indians and non-Indians were perceived to be jointly responsible.

    Second, while respondents suggest Indians hold somewhat greater responsibility for engaging in discriminatory practices along religion and gender lines, here too they point mainly to non-Indians or a combination of Indians and non-Indians as primary sources of discrimination.

    Third, caste discrimination is a surprisingly equal opportunity offense. Responses are divided neatly into thirds when it comes to who is doing the discriminating: Indians, non-Indians, and people of both categories are almost equally to blame.

    The study is authored by Sumitra Badrinathan, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University, Devesh Kapur, the Starr Foundation Professor of South Asian Studies and director of Asia Programs at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Jonathan Kay, a James C. Gaither junior fellow in the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Milan Vaishnav, a senior fellow and director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

  • Probing Covid origin

    World shouldn’t let China’s wild theories pose a hindrance

    Covid-19 has claimed over 37 lakh lives worldwide in the past year and a half, leaving global economy in a shambles, yet the origin of the lethal virus continues to be shrouded in mystery. China’s lack of transparency has been a major stumbling block. An investigation by an expert team of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in January-February this year virtually ruled out the hypothesis that the virus accidentally leaked from a maximum-security biological lab at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The probe was deemed inconclusive and unsatisfactory amid allegations that China did not give unrestricted access to the team, which was allowed to visit Wuhan a whole year after the outbreak of the pandemic. Of late, the lab leak theory has gained ground with the emergence of new evidence, prompting the US, the UK, India and other badly hit countries to raise the pitch for an in-depth probe into the matter.

    With US President Joe Biden giving the American intelligence authorities 90 days to get ‘information that could bring us closer to a definitive conclusion’ on the virus’ origin, China has harked back to the 2003 war on Iraq to counter the US. China fears that American agencies, which allegedly fabricated evidence about Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction to justify the launch of the war, could do something similar in the case of the Covid investigation. This is a preposterous apprehension as there is no doubt that the virus originated from Wuhan — whether from a seafood market or a lab is yet to be ascertained. The two situations are simply not comparable. It’s apparent that Beijing is resorting to diversionary tactics to stall attempts to find out the truth.

    The entire world wants answers, not just America. What’s needed is an unbiased scientific study by an international panel, not a political blame game aimed at scoring brownie points. The WHO must show a sense of urgency to wade through the sinister web of lies and half-truths. The sooner China’s accountability is fixed, the better prepared we would be to face or even prevent any future pandemic.

    (Tribune India)

  • Indian Americans regularly encounter discrimination and polarization: Survey by YouGov

    Indian Americans regularly encounter discrimination and polarization: Survey by YouGov

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian-Americans, who constitute the second-largest immigrant group in the US, regularly encounter discrimination and polarization, according to a survey released on Wednesday.

    The report, ‘Social Realities of Indian Americans: Results from the 2020 Indian American Attitudes Survey’ draws on the Indian-American Attitudes Survey (IAAS) — a collaboration between the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Johns Hopkins-SAIS, and the University of Pennsylvania.

    The findings of the report are based on a nationally representative online survey of 1,200 Indian-American residents in the US — the 2020 IAAS — conducted between September 1 and September 20, 2020, in partnership with the research and analytics firm YouGov, it said in a statement. “Indian-Americans regularly encounter discrimination. One in two Indian Americans reports being discriminated against in the past one year, with discrimination based on skin color identified as the most common form of bias.

    “Somewhat surprisingly, Indian-Americans born in the United States are much more likely to report being victims of discrimination than their foreign-born counterparts,” said the report.

    According to the report, Indian-Americans exhibit very high rates of marriage within their community.

    While eight out of 10 respondents have a spouse or partner of Indian-origin, US-born Indian-Americans are four times more likely to have a spouse or partner who is of Indian-origin but was born in the United States.

    The survey found that religion plays a central role in the lives of Indian-Americans but religious practice varies.

    While nearly three-quarters of Indian-Americans state that religion plays an important role in their lives, religious practice is less pronounced.

    Forty per cent of respondents pray at least once a day and 27 per cent attend religious services at least once a week.

    The report notes that roughly half of all Hindu Indian-Americans identify with a caste group. Foreign-born respondents are significantly more likely than US-born respondents to espouse a caste identity. The overwhelming majority of Hindus with a caste identity — more than eight in 10 — self-identify as belonging to the category of General or upper caste. “Indian-American” itself is a contested identity. While Indian-American is commonly used shorthand to describe people of Indian-origin, it is not universally embraced. Only four in 10 respondents believe that “Indian-American” is the term that best captures their background, the report said.

    Civic and political engagement varies considerably by one’s citizenship status. Across nearly all metrics of civic and political participation, US-born citizens report the highest levels of engagement, followed by foreign-born US citizens, with non-citizens trailing behind.

    Other people of Indian-origin heavily populate Indian-Americans’ social communities. Indian-Americans — especially members of the first generation — tend to socialize with other Indian-Americans.

    Internally, the social networks of Indian-Americans are more homogenous in terms of religion than either Indian region (state) of origin or caste.

    The report says that polarization among Indian-Americans reflects broader trends in the American society.

    “While religious polarization is less pronounced at an individual level, partisan polarization — linked to political preferences both in India and the United States — is rife. However, this polarization is asymmetric: Democrats are much less comfortable having close friends who are Republicans than the converse,” it said.

    The same is true of Congress Party supporters’ as compared to the supporters of the BJP.

    “To some extent, divisions in India are being reproduced within the Indian-American community. While only a minority of respondents are concerned about the importation of political divisions from India to the United States, those who identify religion, political leadership and political parties in India as the most common factors,” the report added.

    Indian-Americans comprise slightly more than 1 per cent of the total US population-and less than 1 per cent of all registered voters.

    Indian Americans are the second-largest immigrant group in the United States. There are 4.2 million people of Indian origin residing in the United States, according to 2018 data.

  • Conflict in Punjab Congress

    • With elections in sight, ambitions begin to soar

    With just nine months to go before the term of the Punjab legislature ends, the conflict in the ruling Congress tells a story about ambition and hunger for power. Dissidents have been firing salvos at Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh for much of his current term, causing embarrassment to their own government over alleged corruption, the inconclusive probe into sacrilege cases and last year’s horrible spurious liquor tragedy. Now, the knives have been sharpened — there is an insistent demand for a change of guard in the state leadership. There is strong sentiment in Punjab against the BJP-ruled Centre over the three contentious farm laws, the Akali Dal is still suspect in the eyes of the voters due to past association with the BJP, the Aam Aadmi Party is also affected by factionalism and seems to have lost steam — the Congress leaders believe, thus, that power would be theirs for the taking when the elections are held early next year.

    Over the past few days, Congress leaders have vigorously washed their dirty linen in public. The dissidents have accused the CM of being distant and autocratic; they have pointed to the criminal syndicates operating in the state, especially the land, sand, drug and illicit liquor mafias. Former minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has been vocal on the sacrilege cases of 2015, alleging that the chief minister is protecting the culprits. Capt Amarinder Singh and the loyalists have countered the allegations, accusing Sidhu of trying to undermine his own party’s government over political ambitions. As the party’s central leadership tries to douse the fire, an unfavorable picture of the leaders’ priorities emerges before the populace, struck by loss, sorrow and economic deprivation amid the pandemic. There are no reports that these issues were discussed with the central leadership — an indication of flawed priorities.

    Currently, only three states in India have Congress chief ministers. In spite of the despair prevailing in Punjab — and indeed, all over the country — due to the pandemic, the party would have hopes of overcoming the anti-incumbency factor in the 2022 elections. Dissidence and ambition, however, have the potential to hurt its chances — as has happened in several other states.

    (Tribune India)

  • China must be held Responsible for COVID-19 Origin and Spread

    China must be held Responsible for COVID-19 Origin and Spread

    Must be asked to pay Reparations to the World

    By Ven Parameswaran

    “Many scientists in the USA, UK, Western Europe, India and other parts of the world have been unanimous in speculating that the Covid-19 virus originated in Wuhan lab.  Let us hope that President Biden is able to discover the findings of his investigation within 90 days as he stipulated.  Once there is a conclusion that the virus was created in a lab in Wuhan, we should prepare an estimate of all damages inflicted on the humanity of the world and the world economy, analyzing country by country.  If so, China must be fully held responsible, and it must pay reparations.”

    It is a matter of commonsense that though the virus originated in Wuhan, it did not spread much in China.  Instead, the virus spread across the world like fire.  China should have on its own forbidden anyone from Wuhan to travel abroad.  Apparently, China was able to contain the virus in Wuhan within China.

     China had a total of 91,316 cases and 4636 deaths.  Huber province where Wuhan is located had 68,159 cases and 4512 deaths.  The rest of the entire China had only 29 deaths.  Does this not reveal that China knew the origin and nature of the virus, and how to protect its population from the virus?  China made sure it did not spread.  Going by the lowest number of deaths for the largest populated country China’s performance is superb.  If so, why China was not careful to take steps to make sure it did not spread globally?

    So far, nobody is challenging the following facts.

    1. The Covid19 virus originated in China in 2019.
    2. It originated in Wuhan, China.

    How it originated in China?  Did it originate from a seafood market?  Or,did it originate from a lab in Wuhan?

    DISCOVERY BY TWO INDIAN SCIENTISTS IN PUNE, MAHARASHTRA

    It has been reported that an Indian scientist couple is working with netizens globally and has discovered some compelling evidence to support the hypothesis that the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Covid19) originated from a lab in Wuhan rather than a seafood market as China has widely informed.

    The Pune-based scientist couple, Dr. Rahul Bahulikar and Dr. Monali Rahalkar, said their theory that was initially dismissed as a conspiracy has again grabbed global attention after President Joe Biden ordered a probe into it.

    Discussing their research, Rahalkar said they do not know exactly if the virus had leaked but it is a strong hypothesis as their research points towards possible lab leak.

    “We started our research in April 2020.  We found that a relative of SARS-CoV-2, RATG13, a coronavirus, was collected from a mineshaft in Mojiang of Yunnan province in South China by the Wuhan Institute of Virology.  We also found out that the mineshaft was infested with bats and six miners hired to clean the fecal matter were infected with pneumonia-like illness,” said Rahalkar.

    “Wuhan Institute of Virology and other labs in Wuhan are experimenting on the virus, and there is a suspicion that they did some changes in the genome of the virus, and it may be possible that the current virus was invented in the process,” she added.

    Bahulikar informed that after they published their first pre-print, they were contacted by Twitter user SEEKER, who is part of a group called DRASTIC, who is working on a common goal to discover evidence to support the hypothesis of the lab leak theory.

    “SEEKER specialize in finding hidden research material.  He shared a thesis in the Chinese language that described in detail the severe illness in miners.  Their symptoms were very similar to that of COVID-19 infection.  Their CT scans were also compared with the COVID patients, and it was discovered that they were almost similar,” said Bahulikar.

    Following Bahulikar’s statement, Rahalkar said the theory about COVID-19 spread from the Yunnan mineshaft does not stand because there are no cases in Yunnan.

    “Other theory that virus was transmitted to someone from a bat and later spread through a market also does not have any proof.  Also, the structure of the virus is such that it was ready to infect humans, and that indicates that it might have come from a lab,” she said.

    The scientists also alleged that W.H.O. has not done enough research to probe the possible lab leak theory.

    SCIENTISTS ARE FRUSTRATED AND DEMANDING INVESTIGATION

    “We are demanding a proper probe into the theory.  We have written three letters to W.H.O., that were published in international publications.  W.H.O. has done very limited research on the theory that the virus may have leaked from a lab.  Now, U.S. President is also saying that the matter should be investigated within 90 days, and India has also supported the notion,” Rahalkar added.

    President Trump had speculated very early in 2020 that he suspected that the virus was manufactured or originated in Wuhan Institute of Virology.   He had applied pressure on W.H.O. to investigate.  But, when the WHO resisted investigation and was trying to support China politically, President Trump was more suspicious.  This resulted in the USA withdrawing from the W.H.O.    President Biden has rejoined it.

    It is a matter of commonsense that though the virus originated in Wuhan, it did not spread much in China.  Instead, the virus spread across the world like fire.  China should have on its own forbidden anyone from Wuhan to travel abroad.  Apparently, China was able to contain the virus in Wuhan within China.

    VEHEMENT SUPPORT OF ATTORNEY RAVI BATRA’S PROPOSAL TO PRESIDENT OF THE USA: TRUMP AND BIDEN

    Iwish to applaud the foresight and initiative of Ravi Batra, a highly reputed and experienced attorney specializing in Personal Injury.     It did not take much time for Ravi Batra to suspect China based on the facts and developments.  He himself was a victim of Covid-19, thank God he survived.   The effect of Covid-19 is several times of World War II.  More people have died on account of Covid-19 in the world than all the wars put together, according to one source.

    The W.H.O. has the resources and the mandate to investigate thoroughly.  It is a mystery why the W.H.O. has not made any progress?  China had increased its contribution to W.H.O.  President Trump thought that W.H.O. chief was obeying China’s secret requests.

    Many scientists in the USA, UK, Western Europe, India and other parts of the world have been unanimous in speculating that the Covid-19 virus originated in Wuhan lab.  Let us hope that President Biden is able to discover the findings of his investigation within 90 days as he stipulated.  Once there is a conclusion that the virus was created in a lab in Wuhan, we should prepare an estimate of all damages inflicted on the humanity of the world and the world economy, analyzing country by country.  If so, China must be fully held responsible, and it must pay reparations.

    (Ven Parameswaran, Chairman, Asian American Republican Committee (founded 1988) and Senior Adviser, Imagindia Institute, a think tank in New Delhi, lives in Scarsdale, NY. He can be reached at vpwaren@gmail.com)

     

  • A ‘crucial’ colloquy at the G7 Summit

    A ‘crucial’ colloquy at the G7 Summit

    Besides addressing issues like global vaccination, vaccine passport, counterterrorism and economy, the G7 Summit could take a stern stance towards China

    By Prabhu Dayal

    “The likely “Policy Priorities” that could be discussed at the Summit include leading the global recovery from coronavirus while strengthening resilience against future pandemics, promoting future prosperity by championing free and fair trade, tackling climate change and preserving the planet’s biodiversity, and championing globally shared values. Some issues will flow from the G7 ministerial meeting which are important from India’s point of view.”

    The G7 Summit between June 11-13 in Cornwall is set to discuss major world issues. As the world’s most influential leaderships prepare to meet at the first in-person meet in two years, a question remains whether the Summit will send a tough message to China.

    The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal club of wealthy democracies consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada. It represents 62 per cent of the global net wealth, more than 46 per cent of the global nominal GDP and more than 32 per cent of the global GDP based on purchasing power parity.

    The UK, which currently holds the G7 Presidency, has invited representatives from India, Australia, South Korea and South Africa as guest members, indicating that it is serious about pivoting the Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Summit virtually given the Covid situation in India.

    The likely “Policy Priorities” that could be discussed at the Summit include leading the global recovery from coronavirus while strengthening resilience against future pandemics, promoting future prosperity by championing free and fair trade, tackling climate change and preserving the planet’s biodiversity, and championing globally shared values. Some issues will flow from the G7 ministerial meeting which are important from India’s point of view.

    UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson could call on fellow G7 leaders to make concrete commitments to vaccinate the entire world against coronavirus by the end of 2022. He is expected to call for stepping up the manufacture of vaccines, lowering barriers to the international distribution of vaccines and sharing surplus doses with developing countries. Another issue is that of “vaccine passports”. Earlier this week, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had indicated that he would like to push the G7 to look at the possibility of agreeing on the issue of “vaccine passports”. The proposal is intended to ease international travel and would involve recording immunity, vaccination or test in the “vaccine passport”. However, there have been concerns that this could create hurdles for citizens from countries that are unable to increase the pace of vaccination due to manufacturing limitations. India’s Health Minister, Harsh Vardhan, had also expressed his opposition to this idea. He pointed out that there are lower levels of vaccination in developing countries in contrast to the developed countries, and vaccine passport will be hugely discriminatory and disadvantageous for the developing countries. He suggested that implementation of the same be made only after duly addressing the concerns.

    The taxation of multinational companies will be yet another important issue. Speaking at the recent meeting of the G7 Finance Ministers, Rishi Sunak, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer said that the world cannot “continue to rely on a tax system that was largely designed in the 1920s”. The G7 Finance Ministers reached an important deal to close cross-border tax loopholes used by some of the world`s biggest companies. This landmark deal aims to squeeze more money out of multinational companies and reduce their incentive to shift profits to low-tax offshore havens. The deal would be discussed at the G7 Summit and later put up before the G20 Finance Ministers meeting on July 9-10, 2021. It could form the basis of a global pact aimed at ending a prevailing trend in which ‘tax haven’ countries have competed to attract corporate giants by offering ultra-low tax rates and exemptions. Rich nations like the G7 have struggled for years to agree on a way to raise more revenue from large multinationals that often book profits in jurisdictions where they pay little or no tax. In terms of this deal, the G7 said it would back a minimum global corporation tax rate of at least 15 per cent, and put in place the measures to ensure that taxes were paid in the countries where businesses operate.

    On the issue of counterterrorism, the communique issued after the recent G7 Finance Ministers meeting stated: “Global implementation of the FATF standards for combating money laundering, terror-financing and proliferation financing remains uneven. We recognize the role of the nine FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs) in assessing and supporting the implementation of the FATF standards around the world.” The G7 Finance Ministers have committed to providing additional expertise and funding to support the FSRB’s assessment programs by at least USD 17 million during 2021-24. From India’s viewpoint, it is a welcome sign that the G7 is devoting attention to terror financing because the abetment and financing of terrorist outfits by Pakistan has shown no signs of abating. An influential grouping like G7 can do much more to rein in the scourge of terrorism.

    China is likely to figure prominently in the discussions at the Summit in Cornwall. The communique issued after the Foreign Ministers meeting called on China to participate constructively in the rules-based international system, guided by the principles such as respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in context of Xinjiang, Tibet and especially the Uyghurs. Moreover, the PRC was reminded that it is obliged to respect the high degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms of Hong Kong, ‘including those set out in the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law’. In terms of economic matters, G7 Foreign Ministers had noted that, as nations that support free and open trade, they expect the fair economic system, trade, investment and capital growth not to be undermined. The PRC was urged to assume and fulfil obligations and responsibilities commensurate with its global economic role. Beijing was also asked to refrain from conducting or supporting intellectual property theft by exploiting cyberspace. Besides, they expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHO and World Health Assembly WHA. They also expressed concern about the situation in the East and South China Seas. India will watch with interest what transpires at the Summit concerning all these important issues.

    (Prabhu Dayal is a retired Indian diplomat. He is an author and a commentator, particularly on foreign affairs. A regular panelist at TV channels, he also contributes articles regularly to many publications, including New York based The Indian Panorama. He can be reached at prabhu_dayal70@hotmail.com)

  • Modi putting gag order against retired officials to manage the public narrative for political interests

    Modi putting gag order against retired officials to manage the public narrative for political interests

    The ‘Pension subject to future good conduct’ rule must be challenged in the courts and in the interim disregarded with contempt.

    By Lt Gen H S Panag (Retd.)

    “All major democracies make optimum use of the experience of their retired government officials. While some become part of the government, others contribute by educating the public and throwing up new ideas/suggestions for the consideration of the government. The domain expert keeps a check on a majoritarian government facing a weak opposition by publicly speaking and writing. All governments try to hide failures and scrutiny for inefficiency. With a weak opposition and government-friendly media, the Bharatiya Janata Party dispensation is more worried about the perceived threat from the retired officials with domain expertise than an ill-informed opposition.”

    On 31 May2021, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, issued a gazette notification amending Rule 8 — “Pension subject to future good conduct” — of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules 1972. The amendment prohibits retired personnel who have worked in any intelligence or security-related organization included in the Second Schedule of the Right to Information Act 2005 from publication “of any material relating to and including domain of the organization, including any reference or information about any personnel and his designation, and expertise or knowledge gained by virtue of working in that organization”, without prior clearance from the “Head of the Organization”. An undertaking is also supposed to be signed to the effect that any violation of this rule can lead to withholding of pension in full or in part.

    There are 26 organizations included in the Second Schedule of the RTI Act, including the Intelligence Bureau, Research & Analysis Wing, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, Narcotics Control Bureau, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Central Industrial Security Force. These organizations are excluded from the RTI Act. Ironically, the armed forces, which are responsible for the external and at times internal security, are covered by the Act.

    In 2008, Rule 8 was first amended to make more explicit the existing restrictions under the Official Secrets Act by barring retired officials from publishing without prior permission from Head of the Department any sensitive information, the disclosure of which would “prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State or relation with a foreign State or which would lead to incitement of an offence.” An undertaking similar to the present amendment was also required to be signed.

    The scope of the 31 May amendment is all-encompassing, and its ambiguity leaves it open for vested interpretation and virtually bars retired officers who have served in the above-mentioned organizations from writing or speaking, based on their experience in service or even using the knowledge and expertise acquired after retirement. There is an apprehension that in future, the rules of other government organizations, including the armed forces, may also be amended to incorporate similar provisions.

    The motive behind the amendment

    All governments are legitimately concerned with safeguarding national security. Almost all countries have laws for the same. However, political dispensations often use these provisions to stifle criticism of the government, particularly by retired government officials who, based on their domain knowledge and experience, enjoy immense credibility with the public.

    Originally, Rule 8 allowed withholding/withdrawal of pension or part thereof, permanently/for a specified period if the pensioner was convicted of a serious crime or was found guilty of grave misconduct. “Serious crime” included crime under Official Secrets Act 1923 and “grave misconduct” also covered communication/disclosure of information mentioned in Section 5 of the Act.

    There was no requirement of prior permission before publication of any book or article, and prosecution under Official Secrets Act was necessary before any action could be taken. No undertaking was required to be given by the retiree officials. There is no noteworthy case in which this provision was invoked.

    The motive behind the 2008 amendment by the UPA and the present amendment by the NDA, was/is to crack down on dissent by retired officials without the due process of law. This, when despite recommendations of the Law Commission and Second Administrative Reforms Commission, no effort has been made to amend the 98-year-old Official Secrets Act to cater for current requirements of national security. The only difference between the two amendments is that the latter makes the rule more absolute by adding the ambiguous rider regarding publication without permission “of any material relating to and including ‘domain of the organization’, including any reference or information about any personnel and his designation, and expertise or knowledge gained by virtue of working in that organization.”

    The amendment to Rule 8 is unlikely to withstand the scrutiny of law. The Supreme Court and the high courts have repeatedly upheld the principle that “pension is not a bounty, charity or a gratuitous payment but an indefeasible right of every employee”. The government cannot take away the right merely by giving a show cause notice to a retired official for having used “domain knowledge or expertise” while writing an article/book or speaking at any forum. Any application of this amendment will be thrown out by the courts. No wonder that there has been no known application of the amended rule since 2008. There has been no alarming increase in cases under the Official Secrets Act. Between 2014 and 2019, 50 cases have been filed in the country and none against a government official. And if a government official is actually guilty of violating national security, then is withdrawal of pension an adequate punishment?

    What does the government then gain by this amendment? Simple, the new amendment acts as deterrent against criticism by retired officials. Which self-respecting retired government official would like to seek permission from her/his former junior or fight a prolonged legal battle to get his pension restored? The government’s will, thus, prevails not by the wisdom of its decision but by default.

    Loss to the nation

    All major democracies make optimum use of the experience of their retired government officials. While some become part of the government, others contribute by educating the public and throwing up new ideas/suggestions for the consideration of the government. The domain expert keeps a check on a majoritarian government facing a weak opposition by publicly speaking and writing. All governments try to hide failures and scrutiny for inefficiency. With a weak opposition and government-friendly media, the Bharatiya Janata Party dispensation is more worried about the perceived threat from the retired officials with domain expertise than an ill-informed opposition.

    Given the Modi government’s obsession with respect to national security and its lackadaisical performance in its management, it is my view that in the near future, the government will incorporate similar provision in the pension rules of other government departments and the armed forces.

    A case in point is the attempt by the Modi government to deny/obfuscate the intelligence failure and the preemptive Chinese intrusions. To date no formal briefing has been given about the actual situation in Eastern Ladakh. Doctored information has been fed to the media through leaks by government/military officials. Three retired defense officers, including the author, brought the real picture before the public through articles and media interviews. All were careful to safeguard operational security. A concerted campaign was launched to discredit these retired officers through government-friendly media and pliant defense analysts until the events overtook their detractors to prove them right. The author extensively used his knowledge of the terrain in Eastern Ladakh to bring the truth before the public. In a similar situation in future, these officers may well be battling in courts to safeguard their pensions.

    Imagine a situation that in future when no historical accounts of our wars, counter insurgency/terrorism campaigns and communal riots can be written by retired government and armed forces officers. No retired official will be eligible to head our security related think tanks or speak in international forums about our experience. Despite provision of Section 8(3) of the RTI Act to declassify documents after 20 years, the government never does so except to score political points as in the case of Netaji Files.

    The amendment to Rule 8 of Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules 1972 is nothing more than a blatant, overarching and draconian gag order against retired officials to manage the public narrative for political interests under the garb of safeguarding national security.

    It safeguards the interests of the political dispensation and not the nation. It must be challenged in the courts and in the interim disregarded with contempt.

    (Lt Gen H S Panag PVSM, AVSM (R) served in the Indian Army for 40 years. He was GOC in C Northern Command and Central Command. Post retirement, he was Member of Armed Forces Tribunal)

    (Edited by Anurag Chaubey)

    (Source: The Print).

    Note: Except for the heading edited by The Indian Panorama, the body, as edited by Anurag Chaubey stays intact.

    Heading suggestion comes from one of our regular contributors Dave Makkar.

  • Birthday Horoscope ;  June14-20, 2021

    Shree Ganeshaya Namah!!!

    By Astro Friend Chirag – Blessed Son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla

    JUNE 14

    Ganesha says you will have a great celebration today. You will have a fun time doing what you usually do. You need to focus on the good in your life today if you want to enjoy your life to the fullest. You must take care of your family and not forget all your responsibilities today.

    JUNE 15

    You would want to elope with your partner on a road trip today, but you won’t be able to come with a plausible excuse to your family to get out of social events. You will be frustrated today because of being forced into attending social events that you absolutely dislike. Take care of the language you use today and try not to be too rude.

    JUNE 16

    A wonderful day ahead for you today. You must focus on your life and how you’re able to move ahead in your life with everything that has been recently going on. You often have the habit of undermining yourself and not giving yourself enough credit for working hard and not giving up despite the obstacles and the challenges that you face in your daily life.

    JUNE 17

    You must focus on your life instead of trying to keep other people happy, as you might face the same mistake again. You need to stop living life so casually and spend your time introspecting yourself and knowing what you want. Make yourself a priority today instead of socializing for other people’s happiness.

    JUNE 18

    Today is a great day for new beginnings for you. You will have to go through the day figuring out a new venture that you have been passionate about and planning since a long time now but you need some courage to forth ahead in life. You will have the best time if you take the leap of faith today. Luck is definitely in your favor today.

    JUNE 19

    You should start the habit of writing a gratitude journal from today itself. Today is a day of reflection for you and you should take care of your future and plan it out today itself. Your gratitude journal will help you find out your passion today. Enjoy each moment of your day today.

    JUNE 20

    Your love life today is better than it’s ever been. You will spend the day feeling content and grateful. Things where you were stuck at before will start clearing up. You will realize how fulfilling and beautiful today was for you as the day goes on. You will experience love in abundance today.

  • Weekly Horoscope : June 14-20, 2021

    Weekly Horoscope : June 14-20, 2021

    Shree Ganeshaya Namah!!!

    Aries

    Ganesha says this is the week of recovery for you. You need to focus on your health, happiness and career this week. You have been slacking off because you have been sick recently but this week you’re doing great. You will have to work as hard as you can this week but make sure you’re not stressing out about working as it will only hinder your productivity during the week. Live a balanced lifestyle, sleep well and help your fellow colleagues this week.

    Taurus

    You are likely to follow your passion this week which might make a lot of people angry and upset from you. Make sure you think a thousand times before you make a decision this week because you will be walking alone on this path. You have to understand the tactics of not getting into confrontations and arguments with you family members that do not lead anywhere this week. Try to stay as isolated as you can this week.

    Gemini

    You have been the number one support system of your family since a long time and this week won’t be any different. You need to focus on how you will have to make some time for your partner and self-improvement while also fulfilling the responsibilities you have towards your family. Your goal this week should be to make as many family members independent as you can so you can work on yourself.

    Cancer

    You’ll feel a vague restlessness that will move you to consider new career options this week. You won’t be tempted to chuck it all away, but you’ll definitely want to make a move of some kind in a completely different direction. Your business will work out great for you this week. You will take a lot of pride in your decisions and hard work. Your loved ones will shower you with praises and appreciation for all that you have done to get to this point.

    Leo

    Luck is not on your side this week when it comes to your finances hence taking any decisions this week won’t turn out to be lucrative. Nothing significantly negative will happen if you lay low and don’t make important decisions. You will feel hurt throughout the week from your loved ones selfish behavior towards you. Indulge yourself in physical activities, as much as you can this week as it seems that laziness will overpower you in many situations this week.

    Virgo

    Your health will keep bothering you this week and will leave you with little to no amount of energy. You have a lot of work to do this week, but you won’t feel like even getting out of bed. Don’t allow stress or tension to influence your health and life. Seasonal allergies or an infection like cold will keep on affecting you this week. But, there is no need to worry much regarding your health. This is the week for change hence it will feel highly uncomfortable to you.

    Libra

     A tough week discussing difficult topics with your loved one will turn out to be very fruitful and productive for as you will be at a whole new level of trust and understanding with each other. You will also come to the realization that you and your partner are very alike hence making you both very compatible. You will have to make some really tough decisions regarding your work this week.

    Scorpio

    While you’re at a new high due to your success in your work this week, your health will quickly take that away from you making you feel drained after minor activities and demanding that you rest. Your long hours spent at work won’t be appreciated by your partner as well. You need to handle your work with care.

    Sagittarius

    You may be attracting partners this week who are more concerned with freedom than with pairing, or who seem to be quite extravagant. Make sure that these partners are actually useful to your company before making a decision. Your mind will be at its creative best this week. New ideas, opportunities, solutions developed by you will be appreciated at your work place this week.

    Capricorn

    Due to your unstable working routine this week, you will feel deprived of energy and stamina. Keep your diet rich with nutrition and proteins to improve your stamina.

    You might feel vulnerable in a negative way in your relationship in the beginning of the week but you’ll soon realize that this was for the best as your relationship has been stuck at the same stage since a while now and it will move forward this week.

    Aquarius

    You will achieve a lot of compliments from your coworkers as you have been the best team mate this week. You will be in the pink of your health as well this week. You will enjoy the company of people around you. Your good health and great energy level will make you popular at workplace and a center of attraction everywhere throughout the week.

    Pisces

     Promotion and salary increments are on your card this week. Your business will get profitable offers for new ventures and projects. Your colleagues and partners will be very cooperative and help you in your quest for success this week. You will experience a positive shift in your finances which will light up your entire week. This success will be well earned by you.Hence, enjoy to the fullest this week.

  • Indian Americans have arrived on the US Political Horizon

    Indian Americans have arrived on the US Political Horizon

    Prof. Indrajit Saluja
    • Indian Americans, according to the latest US Census are the highest family income earners, with $120,000 average income for a family of four.
    • Indian Americans are the highest educated consistently since the 2010 census. They have the highest percentage of Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees.
    • They are brilliant students, researchers, scientists, scholars, teachers, authors, artists. They are everywhere- in business, professions, politics, entertainment, media and in many other fields.

    Of late, there has been a growing realization among the Indian American community that the real empowerment for the community can flow only when the community has political power. This new realization has resulted in an increase in the number of Indian Americans going in for politics, and actively participating in political processes.

    Whereas, one can see scores of Indian Americans picked up for important positions in Biden administration (there were many in Trump’s administration, too, and in the administrations of many former Presidents) , and many are elected members of the US  House of representatives,   and many in State and City legislatures, one can see clearly an increased  interest among  Indian Americans to run for elections from the numbers who have thrown their hats in the electoral ring in  the 2021 New York City elections .

    There are at least 8 Indian Americans in political fray for the 2021 New York City Council elections. Their concerns are primarily the concerns of all immigrant communities, from education to housing, to safety and security to jobs and economic prosperity.

    I will introduce here these contestants, and what they stand for.

     

    CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 23.

    There is a total of 7 candidates. 4 of them are Indian American. Among them, there are 2 Sikhs, one Christian and one Hindu.

    The other three candidates are: Steve Behar, Linda Lee, Debra Markell

    Going by the alphabetical order, the first Indian American I will pick up is Harpreet Singh Toor

    HARPREET S TOOR

    Harpreet Singh Toor

                                 City Council District 23

    The three top issues Harpreet has listed are:

    • Pandemic relief
    • Safe streets
    • Health Care

    This is how Harpreet introduces himself.

     “Harpreet Singh Toor has been an advocate for working- and middle-class families his entire adult life. Now he’s bringing his unique set of skills, experience, and successful record of improving the quality of life for all who live and work in Queens, to City Council District 23. His number one priority will be on resolving the problems resulting from the Pandemic crises.

    “In more than 25 years of community service I have earned a reputation as someone who gets things done. Whether it’s getting the Religious Garb bill signed, co-naming Queens’ streets, or helping constituents navigate schools, hospitals and the PD, I have earned the respect of the people I serve, acting with integrity and full transparency.”

     For more information, please visit

    https://www.toorforcitycouncil.com/contact

    E-mail: harpreet@toorforcitycouncil.com;  donald@toorforcitycouncil.com

     

    JASLIN KAUR

    Jaslin Kaur

                      City Council District 23

     The three top issues Jaslin has listed are:

    • Security for workers/small business
    • Reliable public transit
    • Housing stability and senior care

    This is how Jaslin introduces herself.

    “As a lifelong district resident, I would be the first woman and person of color to represent my home. Raised by a taxi driver and union grocery store worker, I was spurred upon public service by the taxi medallion debt crisis. Having dedicated my life to education equity and immigrant justice, I am running to fight for worker and small business relief, world-class public transit, fully funded public schools, and affordable housing for all.

    “Backed by key unions and progressive organizations such as CWA D1, PSC-CUNY, The Jewish Vote, Sunrise, Working Families Party, and Democratic Socialists of America, I will build a city that works for all of us.”

    For more about Jaslin, visit www.jaslinkaur.nyc

    Email: info@jaslinkaur.nyc

    KOSHY THOMAS

    Koshy Thomas

                                  City council District 23

    The three top issues Koshy has listed are:

    • Stimulate Economy
    • Health Care for all
    • Promote Peace and Prosperity

    This is how Koshy introduces himself.

    “Exited to be a candidate for the Democratic party will united various ethnical groups, assimilate them to the community to promote peace property. This will stimulate the economy and also promote tax rebate.

    “Worked with almost all associations and groups in the District.”

    For more about Koshy: https://electkoshythomas.com

    Email: koshy@electkoshythomas.com

    SANJEEV JINDAL

    Sanjeev Jindal

                        City Council District 23

    The three top issues Sanjeev has listed are:

    • Small Business Empowerment
    • Improving Public Safety
    • Ensuring Access to Healthcare

    This is how Sanjeev introduces himself.

    I am ready to fight for the people: the individuals, and the communities that make New York special. I will create a better environment for small business, increase public safety, and expand equitable health care. Through empowering individuals with resources, assistance, and knowledge, we can create job stability which will allow people to pursue a career path that motivates and inspires them. Now’s the time to put power back into the hands of the people, and I am committed to exactly that.

    “India Association of Long Island; South Asians for Strong America; South Asians for Empowerment; India Day Parade”.

    For more information: www.sanjeevkjindal.com

    Email: sanjeevjindalfornyc@gmail.com

    CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 25

    There is a total of 8 candidates. The only Indian American Shekar Krishnan is pitted against 7 candidates, including South Asian and Asian, among others.

    The other 7 candidates are: Xi Chen, Liliana Melo, Manuel Perez, Alfonso Quiroz, William Salgado, Carolyn Tran

    SHEKAR KRISHNAN

    Shekar Krishnan

                            City Council District 25

    The three top issues Shekar has mentioned are:

    • Dignified, permanent housing for all
    • Defend immigrant New Yorkers
    • Invest in community-based safety

    This is how Shekar introduces himself.

    “Our city is facing a crisis of affordability, racial justice, and public health. We need a fighter representing us who will be fearless in standing up to powerful interests when our community’s needs are at stake. I am a civil rights lawyer fighting for housing justice and preventing displacement. I’m also a longtime activist in my community of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, the son of immigrants from India, and the father of two small children. Together, we can rebuild our city, so it works for everyone.

    For more information: www.voteshekar.com

    Email: contact@voteshekar.com

    CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 26

    There is a total of 15 candidates. One is a Sikh American of Indian origin. Amit Singh Bagga is pitted against 14 candidates, including South Asian and Asian, among other.

    The other 14 candidates are: Jonathan Bailey, Lorenzo Brea, Julia Forman, Glennis Gonez, Dennis-Keehan Smith, Badrun Khan, Heajin Kim, Jesse Laymon, Sultan Maruf, Brent O’Leary, Steven Raga, Emily Sharpe, Julie Won, Ebony Young.

    AMIT BAGGA

    Amit Bagga

                         City Council District 26

    The top three issues Amit has listed are:

    • Racial justice through economic justice
    • Deeply & permanently affordable housing
    • Immigrant, health, & environmental justice

    This is how Amit introduces himself.

    We need bold, progressive vision and real experience to deliver justice for NYC. Over 14 years, I’ve reunited hundreds of immigrant families, implemented paid sick leave & protections for freelancers & low-wage workers, fought predatory lending, and secured our political & economic future through NYC’s first-ever census campaign. My plan treats employment with dignity for all, housing, healthcare, & a thriving environment as human rights, and replaces our police state with a peace state.

    For more information: www.amitforcouncil.com

    Twitter: @amitsinghbagga

    CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 28

    There is a total of 3 candidates. One is a Sikh American of Indian origin. The two others are Adrienne Adams (the sitting Council Member) and Ruben Wills.

    JAPNEET SINGH

    Japneet Singh

                                 City Council District 28

    The three top issues Japneet has listed are:

    • Government Transparency
    • Education & Social Services
    • Infrastructure

    Here is how Japneet introduces himself.

    “This campaign’s primary goal is to unite the communities that live in Southern Queens. For far too long, due to the lack of leadership that truly understands our community, we have been divided. It is time, we come together in order to advocate for better schools and infrastructure as well as social services that will help to revitalize our community.

    “Japneet Singh has been an active member of the community for years. He is one of the youngest members of Community Board 10 and also served as the Student Body President of Queens College from 2016-2018. He has played a vital role in numerous initiatives and with your support, hopes to continue his work on the City Council level.”

    Email: japneetsinghfornewyork@gmail.com

    CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 32

    There is a total of 6 candidates. One is a Sikh American of Indian origin. Felicia Singh is pitted against 5 others who include Kaled Alamarie, Bella Matias, Michael Scala, Shaleigh Severino, Helal Sheikh.

    FELICIA SINGH

    Felicia Singh

                             City Council District 32

    The three top issues Felicia has listed are:

    Fully Fund Public Schools

    Climate & Environmental Resilience

    Safe & Equitable Transportation

    This is how Felicia introduces herself.

    “I’m an educator and daughter of working-class immigrants. As a lifelong resident of Ozone Park, graduate of NYC Public schools, and teacher, I’ve experienced systems that do not work for the working-class and that pushed me to run for office. My life’s work is serving and empowering those around me – identifying the structural barriers preventing communities like mine from thriving and bringing people and resources together to create lasting change. As your council member, trust that I’ll fight for you and your family in City Hall.”

    For more information: www.felicia2021.com

    Email: info@felicia2021.com

    The June 22 primaries will test the acumen of the Indian American contestants for New York City Council which needs the long-awaited presence of the Indian American community.

    (Author is the chief editor of The Indian Panorama)

  • Ranked Choice Voting Explained

    Ranked Choice Voting Explained

    Prof. Indrajit Saluja

    When New York City voters go to the polls on June 22 to select their party’s nominees in City elections, they will fill out a new kind of ballot that allows them to pick up to five candidates in order of preference in a system known as Ranked Choice Voting.

    Is Ranked Choice voting complicated? Well, yes and no. If you think it’s a new thing which you cannot understand, you will not try to understand it and it will be complicated for you. But, if you think it is something new and you should try to understand, you will find it not so complicated.

    Let us know, in very simple words, what Ranked Choice Voting is.

    In primary and special elections for New York city offices, you can now rank up to five candidates in order of preference instead of choosing just one.

    Ballots are tabulated in what may best be described as a series of instant runoffs. In the first round, if any candidate receives 50% or the vote, he or she is declared the winner, and the election is over.

    If not, the candidate who finished in last place is eliminated, and any ballots that had him or her as the top choice are reallocated to the No. 2 candidate on each ballot. The votes are counted once again. If no candidate has yet reached 50%, the candidate in last place is eliminated, and his or her ballots reallocated, and so on, until someone exceeds 50%.

    I asked my friend Mr. George Abraham, a voter in Queens, to share with our readers what he thinks of the Ranked Choice system.

    This is what he said, “Ranked-choice works by having you rank your top five candidates. If no candidate receives 50% of the vote, then the person with the least number of votes will be eliminated. Those who had listed the eliminated candidate as their first choice will then have their vote go to their second choice. This process will continue until a candidate reaches 50% of the vote.

    The system has been used for years in places like San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Oakland.  Since most voters in the City are Democrats, the ranked-choice vote is almost certain to play a crucial role in the NYC elections. In the past, close contests were decided by run-offs if none of the candidates received at least 40% of the vote.”

    Please keep in mind that you are under no compulsion to indicate all 5 choices. You can still vote for just your 1st-choice candidate. However, ranking other candidates does not harm your 1st choice. If your 1st and only choice is eliminated, your vote will have no influence on the outcome of the election.

    Remember, you cannot rank your preferred candidate more than once (for example as your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th choice), then only your first ranking will count. There is no strategic benefit to giving the same candidate multiple rankings.

    Let us have a look at the benefits of Ranked Choice Voting.

    There are several ways that Ranked Choice Voting could benefit voters.

    One, it gives you more say in who gets elected. Even if your top choice candidate does not win, you can still help choose who does.

    Two, it gives you more choices. You can rank up to five candidates, allowing you to support your favorite candidate without worrying about whether they’re likely to win.

    Three, more diverse candidates win elections. Cities that have implemented Ranked Choice Voting have elected more women and more women of color, making their elected officials more representative of their communities.

    However, city voters have expressed concerns, too.

    Mr. George Abraham says, “One of the concerns expressed by many is that when the actual results will be made available. It is believed that there is a tabulation software that will be counting the votes, and the officials are expected to release the unofficial first-round results quickly. However, results may not be known for weeks due to delay in counting the absentee ballots. With the ranked-choice voting, the first-round winner may take little comfort knowing fully well that second choice accumulation of votes for another candidate could spell trouble for his/her real chances”.

    NYC will only use Ranked Choice Voting in primary and special elections for the following city offices:

    • Mayor
    • Public Advocate
    • Comptroller
    • Borough President
    • City Council

    Remember the following key dates.

    Early Voting: Sat, June 12, 2021 – Sun, June 20, 2021

    Absentee ballot request deadline: Tue, June 15, 2021

    Primary Election Day: Tue, June 22, 2021

    Deadline to return absentee ballot: Tue, June 22, 2021

    (Author is chief editor of The Indian Panorama)

  • Nine railway workers killed in train crash in China

    Beijing (TIP): A passenger train crashed into railway maintenance workers in northwest China’s Gansu province on June 4, killing at least nine people. The accident occurred around 5:19 am near Jinchang city. Nine railway workers were killed in the accident, state-run China Daily reported. PTI