The Indian Panorama

Month: May 2022

  • Gujarat and Maharashtra Day celebrated at the Indian Consulate, NY

    Gujarat and Maharashtra Day celebrated at the Indian Consulate, NY

    The Maharashtrian folk dance Laavni by the students of ‘Archana Nritalya’ run by Guru Archana Joglekar. (Photo / Jay Mandal- On Assignment)
    A Garbha performance (Photo / Jay Mandal- On Assignment)
    Organizers with the Consul General (Photo : Jay Mandal- On Assignment)

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP):  The Federation of Indian Association and the Indian Consulate celebrated Gujarat Maharashtra Day on May 1. 2022 at the Indian Consulate premises in New York as part of the ongoing celebrations of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ commemorating 75 years of Indian Independence.

    The chief guests to grace the occasion were  Ms. Archana Joglekar – a celebrated actress, director & a renowned Kathak exponent, and Ms. Kaajal Oza Vaidya – a noted author, scriptwriter, radio jockey, and a motivational speaker.

    The event was attended by Consul General Mr.  Randhir Jaiswal,  DCG Dr. Varun Jeph, FIA President Mr. Kenny Desai, FIA Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya, Padma Shri Dr. H R Shah, Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Mayor of Edison Mr. Sam Joshi and FIA’s Srujal Parikh, Alok Kumar. Smt Smita Miki Patel amongst others.

    Mr. Randhir Jaswal welcomed the guests and said that the Indian Diaspora from both the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, not only in America but in other countries as well, continues to contribute towards the economic and social progress of the countries they live in.

    DCG Dr. Varun Jeph, in his speech said that people from both the states are leaders in Finance, Business, Entrepreneurship and they also stand out for their rich cultural traditions and heritage.

    FIA president Mr. Kenny Desai said that the state of Gujarat is the ‘Karmabhoomi’ of Lord Krishna and has been the land of many notable figures hailing from different fields like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Bhakt Narsi Mehta, Vikram Sarabhai, PM Sh Narendra Modi, and the Industrial houses of Ambanis and Adanis. He mentioned that Maharashtra has been the guardian of Hindu Sanatan Dharam and has  produced bravehearts like Chattrapati Shivaji, Baji Rao Peshwa and Ahilyabai Holkar. He said that people from both states have contributed to the Economic, Industrial and Financial growth of India.

    FIA Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya in his speech said that he was born and brought up in Baroda in Gujarat which had a significant Maharashtrian Influence and as such had the best of both cultures. He also emphasized the need to engage other Indian Communities and have events and gatherings where all the members from the various Indian communities can participate. He said that CG Sh Jaiswal has done a tremendous job in this direction to bring the communities together. He also lauded the efforts of the officials and staff of the Indian Consulate for doing an unprecedented job and in being accessible to all.

    One minute’s silence was observed in the memory of founding member, Past President and Vice Chairman Emeritus Late Mr. Yashpal Soi. Mr. Vaidya remembered him for his selfless service and dedication to the cause of FIA and lamented the loss FIA has suffered in his passing away.

    Guru Archana Joglekar spoke about the folk of Maharashtra. She explained in detail about the culture and folk tradition of Maharashtra. She also spoke about the shared culture of both states.

    Ms. Kajal Oza Vaidya said that both the states should be seen in unison and commended the fact that the twin states took to the path of progress and development and have excelled in the fields of enterprise, culture, commerce, and entertainment. She said that today’s gathering is proof of the fact that our country lives in our hearts. Padma Shri Dr. H R Shah said that he is honored to be there for the event and gave a brief outline of the history behind the Gujarat Maharashtra day when the two  states came into being.

    Ms. Sam Joshi Mayor of Edison said that it was an honor to be present and spoke about his vision to have a satellite office of IIT India in Edison. He thanked the FIA for their initiatives which go a long way in keeping the Indian Community in touch with their Indian roots.

    Event Chair, Past President, and member of Board of Trustees of FIA,  Sh. Srujal Parikh said it’s a great honor to celebrate the event and took pride in the fact that Gujarat is the Land of Lord Krishna & Mahatma Gandhi. He recognized and felicitated the sponsors, supporters, partner associations, and members in their effort to make the event successful

    Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh said that he shares a personal bond with Maharashtra as he did his schooling from Mumbai. He attributed his success to the State of Gujarat as it accorded him his higher education

    The audiences were regaled with cultural performances from both the states and especially the ‘Garbha’ and ‘Laavni’ which they thoroughly enjoyed. The Maharashtrian folk dance was performed by the students of ‘Archana Nritalya’ which is run by Guru Archana Joglekar

    It was a well-attended event and was an absolutely packed house.

    (Based on a press release)

  • Second Generation Migrants are Taking to Politics Well

    Second Generation Migrants are Taking to Politics Well

    By Prabhjot Singh

    The first-generation Members of Parliament have passed on the baton to the second generation of Indo Canadians who are taking to politics very well. After Naranjan Singh Grewall made a beginning in Canadian politics at Mission as first-generation representative, Moe (Munmohan) Singh Sihota played a pioneer for the second generation. Incidentally, both came from British Columbia. The gap – 36 years – between their successful entry to politics was huge. However, the next 36 years – between 1986 and 2022 – has seen the Indo-Canadian community making huge strides in Canadian politics at all levels, from municipal to the top of the ladder, the Senate. On June 2 when Ontario votes to elect its new Provincial Parliament, a record number of young Indo-Canadians, mostly belonging to the second generation, will be in the running. Though Ontario has the second largest population of Indo-Canadians, it took 14 years longer than British Columbia, the original or first home of migrants from South Asia, to enter the Provincial Parliament. It could be one reason that the Community has had more representations in the British Columbia Assembly than that of Ontario. Of course, British Columbia also enjoys the distinction of having the first Indo-Canadian Ujjal Dosanjh as its Premier.

    Ontario had given its first break to the community in its 37th Provincial Parliament when Raminder Gill was elected from Bramalea-Gore-Malton-Springdale Riding. Since then, the strength of the Indo-Canadians at Queens Park has been growing steadily. The outgoing Assembly has 12 South Asian migrants.

    All eyes are set on the 2022 elections as almost all major parties – ruling Conservatives, NDP, Liberals and Green – are putting up many South Asian migrants in the contest. Interestingly, most of these candidates, second generation migrants, hold professional qualifications and are alumni of top Canadian universities.

    Besides all the sitting members of the 42nd Assembly, others in the run include Abhijeet Manay, Deputy Leader of Green Party. Though the Green Party has not been successful in sending many to any of previous Assemblies, it hopes to improve its representation in the next House. Among various candidates it has named so far are Aneep Bhade, Bruno Souza, Priyan De Silva, Sheefaza Ismail and Shyam Chandra of South Asian origin.

    The biggest group of South Asian candidates comes from the Liberal Party. They include Aman Gill, Anta Anandarajan, Harinder Malhi, Jannat Grewal, Imran Mian, Lisa Patel, Manpreet Brar, Rimmy Jhajj, Ruby Toor, Sam Bhalesar, Sameera Ali, Surekha Shenny, Shubha Sandill and Sumira Malik.

    Sara Singh, Navjit Kaur, Gurratan Singh, Doly Begum, Neethan Shan and Khalid Ahmed are among the NDP candidates while the ruling Conservatives are putting up among others Hardeep Grewal, Prabhmeet Singh Sarkaria, Amarjot Sandhu, Goldie Ghamari, Sarah Bokhari, Logan Kanpathi, Parm Gill, Kaleed Rasheed, Deepak Anand, Nina Tangri and Vijay Thanagasalam.

    How many of them make it to the 43rd Provincial Parliament will be known only on June 2.

    Three South Asian migrants – Harinder Takhar, Vic Dhillon, and Bas Balkissoon – had been the longest serving South Asian representatives in the Ontario Provincial Parliament. They remained members from the 38th to the 41st Provincial Parliament. Harinder Takhar, who also held Cabinet positions under different Premiers, once ran for the Premiership of Ontario also but gave up the race mid-way.

    Amrit Mangat was the first Canadian woman of Indian origin to sit in the Ontario Assembly. She remained a member of the 38th, 39th and 40th Assembly. Sara Singh happens to be the first woman of Indo-Caribbean descent to be elected to the Ontario Provincial Parliament. She holds a Doctorate in Policy Studies and served as Deputy Leader of NDP in the outgoing House.

    Another woman legislator of South Asian origin to make a mark in the 42nd Ontario Assembly has been Doly Begum. She happens to be the first Canadian of Bangladesh origin to hold any electoral office in Canada.

    Dipika Damerla, Indira Naidu Harris, Harinder Malhi, Sara Singh, Doly Begum, Goldie Ghamari, and Nina Tangri all followed Amrit Mangat. Jagmeet Singh, who now heads the NDP, made his entry into electoral politics by remaining a member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament, before he quit the Ontario politics to move to the federal level and seek election to the House of Commons from Burnaby in British Columbia. He got re-elected from Burnaby in the last Federal elections. His younger brother, Gurratan Singh, a lawyer by profession, is now a member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament.

    While Harinder Takhar had the distinction of becoming the first Indo-Canadian to hold a Cabinet berth, Prabhmeet Singh Sarkaria, President of the prestigious Treasury Board in the Doug Ford government, is also the third turbaned Sikh to sit in the Ontario Assembly. Jagmeet Singh was the first and his brother Gurratan Singh followed him. In the previous Liberal Government, Harinder Malhi (daughter of five-time MP Gurbax Singh Malhi) also held a Ministerial berth.

    Parm Gill, who earlier represented Conservatives in the House of Commons, is currently a Minister in Doug Ford’s Conservative government that has Nina Tangri as the woman representative of the Indo-Canadian community in the Cabinet. She is Associate Minister. Deepak Anand, a journalist turned politician, and Amarjot Sandhu are Parliamentary Assistants in the Conservative government.

    South Asians as Members of Ontario Provincial Parliament (1999-2022)

     Raminder Gill, Kuldip Kular, Vic Dhillon, Harinder Singh Takhar, Bas Balkissoon,, Shafiq Qaadri, Ramal Khaleel, Amrit Mangat, Yasir Naqvi, Jagmeet Singh, Dipika Damerla, Indira Naidu Harris,  Harinder Malhi, Khaleed Rasheed, Vijay Thanigasalam, Deepak Anand, Doly BegumGoldie Ghamarie, Parm Gill, Logan Kanapathi,  Amarjeet Sandhu,  Prabhmeet Singh Sarkaria, Gurratan Singh,  Sara Singh, and Nina Tangri.

    (Prabhjot Singh is a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience covering a wide spectrum of subjects and stories. He has covered  Punjab and Sikh affairs for more than three decades besides covering seven Olympics and several major sporting events and hosting TV shows. For more in-depth analysis please visit probingeye.com  or follow him on Twitter.com/probingeye. He can be reached at prabhjot416@gmail.com)

  • A New Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic

    A New Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic

    By Dr. Ashwin Vasan

    Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorkers have stepped up time and time again to protect each other. Today, over 6 million New Yorkers are fully vaccinated, over 3 million are boosted, and we have more tools than ever before to take on the virus. As the City’s doctor, I want to be clear with New Yorkers every step of the way as the pandemic continues to unfold. We are in a new stage of the pandemic, and our strategy to protect our city from COVID-19 is evolving. Currently, we are seeing a rise in cases across all five boroughs. Over the past week, the citywide 7-day average percent positivity has also increased. As a result, our Alert Level is now yellow, which means there is a medium community spread of COVID-19.

    New Yorkers should take greater caution now, especially those most at risk for serious disease. We have more work to do, specifically around promoting vaccinations, treatments, and mental health supports.

    First, vaccination remains vital. Having millions of New Yorkers fully vaccinated built up our defense ahead of the omicron wave. Boosters help keep COVID-19 immunity up to date. The data prove it: According to the CDC, the vaccine’s effectiveness against hospitalization dropped to 57% in people who had a second dose more than six months before Omicron, but after the booster, it went back up dramatically to 90%. All eligible New Yorkers should get their booster as soon as they are eligible, and for many, that time is right now.

    The City is working to get more New Yorkers boosted. Boosters are especially important for those at high risk of severe outcomes and those 65 and older, of which only 55% have received their booster or additional dose. For an appointment or to ask any questions, call 212-COVID-19 or visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder.

    Second, we now have two effective treatments for COVID-19—antiviral pills and monoclonal antibodies. The FDA has authorized two antiviral pills to treat COVID-19: Paxlovid and Lagevrio (molnupiravir). The pills are taken daily for five days to stop the virus from spreading and prevent symptoms from getting worse. Monoclonal antibody treatments—such as bebtelovimab—are a one-time intravenous treatment that build up antibodies to fight the virus. There is also a monoclonal antibody, Evusheld, that can help protect someone from getting COVID-19 if they have a weakened immune system or are unable to be vaccinated.

    New Yorkers with mild to moderate symptoms should take advantage of these treatments, because they will prevent severe illness and hospitalization. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 can contact their doctor or call 212-COVID19 to be connected to care and discuss treatment options. Antiviral treatments are free and available for same-day delivery through the Health Department programs.

    Lastly, as we continue to fight COVID-10, we must pay attention to our mental health. New Yorkers have experienced collective pain and trauma over the past two years. According to our most recent data, 25% of adult New Yorkers have symptoms of anxiety, and 18% have depression. There are resources for anyone who needs support. New Yorkers can call NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL or text “WELL” to 65173 to be connected to a mental health counselor 24/7. I also urge New Yorkers to reach out to someone in your life today to check in and share a few words of kindness and support. As we move forward to the next phase of the pandemic, remember that we are in this together. We continue to strongly recommend that everyone wear a mask in public indoor settings. Get vaccinated, get tested, and seek care if you are ill. The choices you make to protect yourself from COVID-19 are not just for you—they will impact on someone else in your community. All of us have more tools than ever to keep our city safe, including the care we have for each other, whatever comes our way.

    (Dr. Vasan is New York City’s Health Commissioner)

  • Third World War talk that could be hyperbole

    Third World War talk that could be hyperbole

    M.K. Narayanan

    ‘Not all countries are in agreement with the West about the extent of Russian perfidy in the context of Ukraine’. ‘If the two sides were to engage in a nuclear conflict, there would be no victors, and it could only result in a nuclear Armageddon’.

    Apart from the grave consequences in an unlikely West versus Russia nuclear stand-off, there are other inhibiting factors Amidst signs of a further escalation in conflict levels, vis-à-vis the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war — and accompanying new rhetoric of an even wider conflagration in the offing — concerns about the possibility of a Third World War have gone up by several notches. During the past few days what is further evident is that both sides seem intent on enlarging the scale of the conflict, rather than trying to end it.

    Battle cry and response

    This past week, the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), buoyed by the perceived success of Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s aggression, have further raised the stakes by pledging additional packages of lethal weapons to Ukraine (amounting to several millions of dollars), which the West had, till now, refrained from supplying Ukraine.

    Again, in what can only be perceived as a battle cry, the U.S. Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, at a meeting of 43 NATO and other countries (held at the Headquarters of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe) declared that what had transpired was a demonstration of the resolve of nations from around the world to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s aggression.

    Russia’s response has been equally threatening. When asked about the prospect of a Third World War, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, is on record that the risk, including the possibility of nuclear war, was not inconsiderable and that the situation must not be underestimated. Mr. Lavrov added, “NATO, in essence, is engaged in a war with Russia through its proxy and is arming that proxy.”. He further added that “war means war”.

    The implicit threat by Russia of using nuclear weapons cannot be disregarded. Mr. Lavrov is not the only one to talk of nuclear weapons, for former Russian President, and currently Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev similarly warned Sweden and Finland (which are currently not members of NATO) that if they decide to join the U.S.-led military alliance, Russia would not hesitate to deploy nuclear weapons and hypersonic missiles to meet the threat this posed. He ominously added that in such an eventuality, there would be ‘no more talk of a nuclear free Baltic’.

    Nuclear weapon use is taboo

    All the signs are, hence, far from reassuring, and concerns about a nuclear holocaust appear real. Yet, it would be premature to arrive at the conclusion that a Third World War, accompanied by the use of nuclear weapons, is around the corner. One fact stands out loud and clear, viz., that since 1945, and despite occasional ‘nuclear sabre rattling’ by the nuclear weapon powers, the use of nuclear weapons has remained taboo.

    Since the first two atom bombs were dropped on Japan, the destructive potential of nuclear weapons has only increased multi-fold. Nuclear weapons are also no longer the monopoly of any one single power. A nuclear attack by any one of the major nuclear powers — Russia, the United States or China — would bring instant retaliation. Again, the nuclear balance today is unfavorable to the West, for Russia and China, between them, have a combined strength of nuclear weapons which is bigger than that of the West. More to the point, if the two sides were to engage in a nuclear conflict, there would be no victors, and it could only result in a nuclear Armageddon.

    Apart from grave consequences in the event of a nuclear stand-off, there are other inhibiting factors that make a Third World War an unlikely prospect. One current reality is that there are many degrees of separation as regards the Ukraine-Russia conflict, between the views held by the West and quite a few other countries across the world. Not all countries again are in agreement with the West about the extent of Russian perfidy in the context of Ukraine, and this segment includes sizeable sections of the emerging world. Even some countries in Europe not affiliated to NATO remain skeptical about the reasons adduced for U.S. support to Ukraine and hew to the view that the ulterior objective is to restore global belief and faith in U.S. authority and power and make ‘America great again’. There is even less support to the hackneyed theme that Russia today represents ‘the Empire of Evil’. A latent fear among such uncommitted countries is that all-out support to the West, and allowing it to act as judge, jury and executioner, could create problems for many of them in the future.

    Europe’s real concern

    Countries across Europe are also concerned about the costs of the war, more specifically, the cost of rebuilding Ukraine after the conflict. There are many little-known facts in this context on what a prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict could mean for both Europe and the world that are worth mentioning. For instance, Ukraine and Russia are generally referred to as the ‘breadbasket’ of Europe. A prolonged conflict would have serious consequences for Europe as far as food security is concerned. Furthermore, Europe is still to recover from the adverse impacts of a prolonged novel coronavirus pandemic, and an extended war could damage the economies there even further. As it is, the WTO has downgraded Europe’s trade forecast to 3% from 4.7% for this year. Again, just two companies in Ukraine produce around 50% of the global total neon output — it is a critical gas required for the lasers used in a chip production process known as lithography, ‘where machines carve patterns onto tiny pieces of silicon’. Chip shortages are expected to cause production cuts in the audio, computer and electronic industries. Given all this, a Third World War is hardly the preferred choice of most people, more so in Europe.

    Signs of a Russian restraint

    There is little doubt that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foray into Ukraine was a serious blunder — a point made by many western leaders, and quite a few others as well. Nevertheless, Russia has not since displayed the same degree of ‘foolhardiness’ that could provoke a wider conflagration. One instance of this that could be mentioned, and which might have led to a serious situation, is Russia’s restraint in the wake of its biggest war-time loss of a battleship since the Second World War (in which one sailor died and 27 are reportedly missing). That Russia demonstrated restraint even after it became known to the world at large that the missile cruiser was hit by a Ukrainian anti-ship missile speaks volumes. To much of Europe and the West, Russia’s response seemed unexpectedly low key. Whether such restraint would continue is a matter for conjecture, but for the present it is indicative of Russia’s unwillingness to enlarge both the area and the intensity of the conflict.

    As of now, Russia is concentrating — or at least seems more interested — in dismembering Ukraine, now that Ukraine’s membership of NATO has been put on the backburner. Moscow is currently eyeing large segments of Ukraine’s East and South, and seems to have given up plans for the present to ‘conquer’ the whole of Ukraine and make it a part of Russia. If Russia persists with its current thinking, then it would denote that Russia is not interested in getting embroiled in a Third World War. For their part, most countries of Europe — unlike NATO and possibly the U.S. — believe that they can continue to live with the new order of things.

    The problem with this latter objective is that it conflicts with the desire of both the U.S. and NATO to exploit the current war situation in Europe to weaken Russia militarily and politically, and incidentally decapitate Mr. Putin politically by undermining his authority and position. This explains the intensity with which the U.S. has mustered its — and NATO’s — capabilities to resist Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and inflict permanent economic and political damage on Russia, and diminish it militarily. That would meet at least two principal objectives that dominate U.S. thinking at present — revitalizing the U.S.-NATO partnership to make it the bulwark of European security and restoring U.S. image in Europe as also across the world.

    It is ‘sober and being softer’

    The current thinking in Europe appears more in line with a softer approach. The re-election of France President Emmanuel Macron was a matter of relief and satisfaction for the U.S. and Europe, but the display of strength by the Far Right is inducing a great deal of rethinking in ruling circles in Europe and underscoring the importance of taking a sober approach to policy issues, avoiding all or any kind of intemperate move. Yet, there are many unknowns that will still need to be dealt with. The West, and specially, the U.S., remains intent on enlarging NATO, and notwithstanding the current Ukraine war, is also probably complicit in the recent announcement by Sweden and Finland of their willingness to join NATO. Being well aware of Mr. Putin’s mind set, it is almost as if the West is daring Russia to react.

    The West and Russia both need to be careful and take due care to negotiate the many minefields that abound. The West should be thankful that Mr. Putin has not yet emerged as a Joseph Stalin, but at the same time they should realize that there are no Churchills, De Gaulles and FDRs [Franklin D. Roosevelt] on their side.

     

    (The author is a former Director, Intelligence Bureau, a former National Security Adviser and a former Governor of West Bengal)

  • A voice in the wilderness

    A voice in the wilderness

    Pursuit of politics of hate & divisiveness can be disastrous for the country

    By Julio Ribeiro

    “I am genuinely worried (in fact, convinced) that the pursuit of the politics of hate and divisiveness spells disaster for this country. It will affect the economy, something that the PM is greatly concerned about. When disturbances become a normal feature of life on the streets, the sentiments of investors and businessmen are impaired. If the biggest minority in the country is alienated through systematic attacks on their means of livelihood and their religious practices, no amount of increased investment in Intelligence and surveillance and in uniformed policemen on the streets will be sufficient to suppress the nature and the extent of desperation that will be unleashed. Also, the regime’s policies (unstated but understood by its followers) will spawn vigilantes drawn from the lumpen elements who will be difficult to bring under control after the desired results are attained.”

    I have no quarrel with the 200 prominent retired judges, bureaucrats and armed forces veterans who came out in favor of our Prime Minister, and, by association, with the Sangh Parivar, in reply to the public letter our Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG) published last week. My views may not be exactly similar to that of the 107 other ex-colleagues of the IAS, IFS, IPS, and other Central services who signed the CCG letter. It is not practical to expect over a hundred to voice exactly the same views but the mathematical principle of the lowest common denominator will always apply when so many sign a common letter. So it must be with the subsequent letter signed by the 200!

    It is alleged that the Constitutional Conduct Group is attempting to spread mistrust and grab international attention. Nothing could be more ridiculous than that!

    Why I have no grouse against the 200 is that I do believe that they too have a right to influence public opinion. There could be many more ‘left of center’ advocates in my group. If at all, there may be only a sprinkling of these in the larger group or, more probably, none at all! In my own extended family, many voices and opinions will be heard. Also, in my circle of friends. The religious fervor to counter Islamic fervor has definitely crept in after 2014.

    What alarmed me is that the group of 200 has questioned our motives! It was alleged that we as a group are attempting to spread mistrust in the country and grab international attention. Nothing could be more ridiculous than that! I am genuinely worried (in fact, convinced) that the pursuit of the politics of hate and divisiveness spells disaster for this country. It will affect the economy, something that the PM is greatly concerned about. When disturbances become a normal feature of life on the streets, the sentiments of investors and businessmen are impaired. If the biggest minority in the country is alienated through systematic attacks on their means of livelihood and their religious practices, no amount of increased investment in Intelligence and surveillance and in uniformed policemen on the streets will be sufficient to suppress the nature and the extent of desperation that will be unleashed. Also, the regime’s policies (unstated but understood by its followers) will spawn vigilantes drawn from the lumpen elements who will be difficult to bring under control after the desired results are attained.

    My ex-colleagues allege that my group is ‘actually fueling the politics of hate that they seek to combat by engineering hate against the present government’. Is this ‘engineering hate’ something in which former IAS, IFS, and IPS officers are adept? Perhaps some who have worked in an Intelligence agency are used by governments (every government, in fact) to use ‘dirty tricks’, if required. But among the 108 who signed the CCG letter, there is none experienced in such skullduggery.

    The other group parrots the Sangh Parivar’s mantra against the Partition of the country, against jihadi terrorism and secularism. Also, there is the constant reference to violence in West Bengal. No regime in power in Bengal could deal with the volatile nature of the enraged Bengali and his propensity to adopt violence as an instrument of keeping the opponents in check.

    Jihadi terrorism is a constant headache. The Indian State has never failed to meet this threat head-on. The belief that one religion is the only true one (which it is not) is the cause of much misunderstanding. It is an age-old problem, of Abrahamic religions in particular, and will continue till education and wisdom dispel such notions. Many practices in Islam, like hijab, are abhorrent to modern cultures. But repression and laws will not end such practices. Only reformers like Kemal Ataturk in Turkey of old can influence rigid minds.

    The Parivar has consistently called those like us who consider ourselves secular as pseudo-secularists! What that term signifies I do not know, just like I am not able to figure out what second-class citizenship that members of a minority, like me, would be consigned to in a Hindu Rashtra means! The Parivar keeps such interpretations vague, thereby spreading fear and inducing subjugation.

    The peeve about the Partition and the complicity of Mahatma and Nehru cost Gandhi his life and turned Nehru into a permanent whipping boy of the Parivar. Extremists like Pragya Thakur have found favor with the Parivar.

    If the Partition had not taken place, one scenario is that the Hindu-Muslim ratio would be closer to 60:40 than the present 80:20 that Yogi Adityanath talks about. Would jihadi terror be better controlled if Muslims constituted 40% of the population? My friends in the group of 200 should ponder over the probabilities.

    Since my ex-colleagues are better placed than the group of 108 to influence the thinking of those in power, I appeal to them to use their clout with the government to order the Parivar’s stormtroopers to desist from tormenting Muslims. Pro-Modi and anti-Modi views are almost evenly divided among those who are Hindus. This is the position among my Hindu friends of many years. There are many also who maintain a studied silence in the presence of a Christian friend, I presume. I respect them as well. Those descended from forward castes are, I admit, more likely to be protagonists of a Hindu Rashtra. They have nothing to lose, maybe something to gain.

    A body called Hindus for Human Rights has come out strongly against the persecution of the Muslims. They belong to different religion-based or community-based organizations from around the world, mainly the US. There are individual Hindus who have also signed the petition. I salute these true followers of Hinduism, a way of life to which my ancestors in Goa belonged. Their open letter assured me that the CCG is not alone in its cry for justice and compassion!

    (The author is a highly decorated retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer)

  • Arya Samaj of Long Island Celebrates Vaisakhi

    Soormay group giving a thrilling performance of Bhangra.
    Master of Ceremonies Gita Setia recited Vedic Invocation and sang a Punjabi song.
    Vivarta Arts Dance group performing a dance.
    Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Chief Editor of The Indian Panorama is being honored. L to R: Veer Mukhi, Secretary, ASLI, Dr. Urmilesh Arya, Dr. Yashpal Arya, Chairman, ASLI, and Prof. Indrajit S Saluja.
    Prachi Makkar sang ‘boliyan’ and ‘tappe’ and brother Surya Makkar thumped the ‘dhol’, and the guests could not resist dancing.
    An exciting Gatka performance by Akal Gatka group
    Jon Kaiman, Deputy Executive, Suffolk County, addressing the gathering. Seen behind Kaiman from L to R: Gita Setia, Indu Jaiswal, Dr. Yashpal Arya, Dr. Urmilesh Arya, Prof. Indrajit S Saluja and Veer Mukhi
    ASLI Trustees with Jon Kaiman, Deputy County Executive Suffolk County.

    Performers enthrall, guests thrilled

    HICKSVILLE , NY (TIP): Arya Samaj of Long Island celebrated Vaisakhi- Punjab’s harvest festival on  April 30 at Hicksville Middle School. Though the Samaj has been celebrating Vaisakhi since 2007 it is for the first time that the festival was celebrated on a large scale , Secretary of Arya Samaj of Long Island Mr. Veer Mukhi said. “The intention is to spread India’s rich culture and traditions”, he added. Incidentally, the Arya Samaj of Long Island was founded in 2006. The school auditorium with a seating capacity of around 300 was full, and the audience was treated to a delightful music and dance variety program.

    The master of ceremonies Gita Setia gave a wonderful recitation of the Vedic Invocation which was followed by national anthems of America and India. Gita, who is a trained vocalist, cast a magic spell with a Punjabi song.

    Vivarta Arts Dance group gave graceful dance performances.

    Prachi Makkar and Surya Makkar- the sister-brother duo -made many in the audience come forward and dance to their Punjabi boliyan.  Both are extremely accomplished. While Prachi sings with equal ease the thrilling boliyan and tappe- the two forms of Punjabi folk singing, and mata ki bheta, Surya plays with equal mastery six different musical instruments.

    The audience was literally excited to watch a thrilling performance of Gatka- the Sikh martial art. The vigor of the performers was appreciable. The Akal Gatka Group founded by Sardar Daler Singh and ably supported by his brother Sardar Gurmej Singh is one of the best known Gatka groups in America.

    Then came Bhangra, the king of folk dances which has become a rage internationally. The fleet footed dancers of Soormay group sent waves of delight with their graceful motions. Bhangra is a folk dance of Punjab which is a must on  every festive occasion.

    Earlier, Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Chief Editor, The Indian Panorama,  who was the keynote speaker and the chief guest  was  honored by the Arya Samaj of Long Island. Dr. Urmilesh Arya presented him a bouquet and Dr. Yashpal Arya, Chairman of ASLI honored him with a shawl and a plaque.

    Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Saluja  paid rich tributes to Swami Dayanand Saraswati who founded the Arya Samaj on April 10th in 1875. He congratulated the organizers for celebrating Vaisakhi in the month of the founding of the Arya Samaj.

    Prof. Saluja said it was natural for human beings to express their joy  on occasions which brought them happiness. Quoting from the Sikh Scripture, Shri Guru Granth Sahib which says “Nachan Kuddan man ka chao” which means  it is human desire to sing and dance, he said  Vaisakhi is celebrated in this spirit of joy when the farmers have harvested their crops and are prosperous. He added that the harvest festival is celebrated all over India by different names. Also, this is the time of the beginning of new year in many parts of the country.

    Prof. Saluja acknowledged the presence of Mr. Jon Kaiman, the Deputy Executive of Suffolk County and his staff Mr. Mohinder Singh Taneja, besides recognizing and thanking his family and the media. He thanked the Arya Samaj of Long Island for inviting and honoring him.

    Me. Jon Kaiman said he has a long relationship with the Indian American community who he has always found very supportive of him, and assured of his support to the community always.

    It was left to the Secretary,  Mr. Veer Mukhi to thank the guests, performers and the media , and invite all to a “sumptuous vegetarian dinner, catered by Raj Bhog, Hicksville”.

     

  • Vibrant independent press a cornerstone for any healthy democracy: Blinken

    Vibrant independent press a cornerstone for any healthy democracy: Blinken

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): A vibrant independent press is a cornerstone for any healthy democracy, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, observing that the exercise of freedom of expression, including freedom of the press, is facing profound threats in the current time. Addressing a news conference at the Washington Foreign Press Centre on Tuesday, May 3, his first appearance at the center in more than two years, Blinken said that around the world, governments, as well as non-state actors like terrorist groups and criminal organizations, threaten, harass, imprison, and attack journalists every week.

    “Governments are supplementing traditional forms of repression with new tactics aimed at undermining press freedom. More governments are taking steps to control access to information – and news in particular – on the internet, whether through shutdowns, slowdowns, or outright censorship,” he said. These restrictions make it harder for reporting from inside closed areas to get out, and news from the outside to get in, he rued.

    Asserting that technology is being used not only to block journalists but to watch them, Blinken said from 2020 to 2021, (the mobile phones of) more than 30 reporters, editors and other media employees in El Salvador were hacked using the spyware Pegasus, according to an independent investigation. “Last year, the Biden administration placed the foreign company that produces Pegasus – the NSO Group – on the Entity List, forbidding it from receiving US exports, including technologies, and seriously affecting its operations,” he said.

    Whether these attacks on journalists are made using old methods or new ones, the overwhelming majority of crimes against journalists worldwide are carried out with impunity. This sends a clear message to perpetrators that they can keep targeting the press without consequences, he asserted.

    In an interaction with a group of foreign journalists, Blinken said the United States has a vital stake in promoting the right to freedom of expression, including a free press, at home and also around the world. The free flow of information, ideas and opinions, including dissenting ones, is essential to inclusive and tolerant societies, he said.

    “A vibrant independent press is a cornerstone for any healthy democracy. At its core is the idea that information is a public good, crucial to everything we do, to every decision that we make.

    “And often we trust the press with providing that information. It’s what helps citizens understand the events, the forces that are shaping their lives. It allows people to engage meaningfully in the political and civic spheres of their communities, their nations, and the world,” he added.

    The top American diplomat further said a free press is one of the most effective tools for advancing human rights.

    “Whether it’s documenting unjust working conditions, corrupt or failing public services, discrimination against women and marginalized groups, abuse of security forces, accurate reporting shines a bright light on the parts of our societies that need fixing, that need to be illuminated. That brings pressure to change, to form, as we say in the United States, a more perfect union,” Blinken said.

  • CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY WITH AILEY DANCE

    TAKADEME: A SAVVY DECONSTRUCTION OF  INDIAN KATHAK DANCE RHYTHMS

    Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey Artistic Director. (Photo / Courtesy NJPAC)

     

    Savion Glover, host. (Photo : Courtesy NJPAC)
    Robert Battle with Alvin Ailey Performers. (Photo : Courtesy NJPAC)

    By Mabel Pais

    Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, America’s beloved cultural ambassador to the world, graces the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) stage once again, May 6-8, 2022. The performances honor the Mother’s Day weekend.

    The program of Ailey’s extraordinary dancers celebrates Artistic Director Robert Battle’s 10th anniversary, along with a diverse repertory of premieres, timeless favorites, and Ailey’s must-see American masterpiece “Revelations.” Battle’s visionary leadership has moved the company into a seventh decade.

    “Alvin Ailey’s vision opened the door for generations of artists to use dance to inspire, unite, and enlighten,” stated Artistic Director Robert Battle. “I am deeply humbled to have led this seminal Company for a decade, joined by incomparable dancers and choreographers on a journey of discovery that extends from the powerful works of our founder to the important voices of today—an ongoing dance dialogue that shines a light on the strength and resilience of our common humanity around the world.”

    ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER @ NJPAC

    FRIDAY, MAY 6 at 8PM- Hosted by SAVION GLOVER

    SATURDAY, MAY 7 at 8PM

    SUNDAY, MAY 8 at 3PM

    PROGRAM:

    Fri 5/6 @ 8:00 p.m.

    Battle 10th Anniversary: Mass, In/Side, Ella / For Four, Unfold, Takademe, Love Stories finale / Revelations

    Sat 5/7 @ 8:00 p.m.

    New Jersey Premieres: Holding Space / BUSK / Revelations

    Sun 5/8 @ 3:00 p.m.

    Battle 10th Anniversary: Mass, In/Side, Ella / For Four, Unfold, Takademe, Love Stories finale / Revelations

    New Jersey Premieres:

    For Four (2021) – Take four amazing Ailey dancers and add in Wynton Marsalis’ delicious jazz score – written in 4/4 time. Capturing the pent-up energy of a world cooped up during the pandemic, Battle expresses the drive to perform and the electricity of dancers coming together to create.

    Holding Space (2021) – Against a backdrop of civil unrest and our relentless threat upon the natural world, Ailey Resident Choreographer Jamar Roberts examines the ways in which we are taking care. Holding Space asks: in what ways can we collectively accommodate one another to better traverse this new and unprecedented terrain?

    Busk (2009) – Internationally renowned choreographer Aszure Barton invites us to enjoy the fragility, tenderness, and resilience that exist within the human experience. Set to a spirited score, BUSK has been described as watching the physical unfurling of the human psyche.

    New Productions:

    • Unfold (2007, 2021 New Production) – Artistic Director Robert Battle’s sensuous, swirling duet evokes the tenderness and ecstasy in Gustave Charpentier’s aria “Depuis Le Jour” sung by the incomparable Leontyne Price. With its fluid grace, this gem exemplifies Battle’s skill for nuanced gestures and vivid imagery.

    Repertory Favorites:

    • Ella (2008 / Ailey Company Premiere 2016) – Created as a solo, this high-energy comical dance by Robert Battle was reinvented as a duet for Ailey’s December 2016 Opening Night Gala benefit, “An Evening of Ailey and Jazz” in celebration of Ella Fitzgerald’s 2017 birth centennial. Using her live concert recording of “Airmail Special,” Ella matches the iconic singer’s virtuosic scatting with lightning-fast, articulated movement in an irresistible tour-de-force that leaves audiences (and the dancers) breathless.

    In/Side (2008 / Ailey Company Premiere 2009) – The vivid emotions of Nina Simone’s “Wild is the Wind” play out in Robert Battle’s gripping solo. The bold, unrestrained style that has become his signature is evinced in this visceral cry of pure physicality.

    Love Stories finale (2004) – Love Stories was Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison’s dynamic collaboration with hip-hop pioneer Rennie Harris and Robert Battle. Inspired by the African concept of “Sankofa,” which teaches that “we don’t know where we are going unless we know where we have been,” this extraordinary ballet celebrates the heritage of African- American dance and the rich legacy of Alvin Ailey.

    Mass (2004 / Ailey Company Premiere 2017) – originally commissioned for The Juilliard School, Mass features a score by John Mackey, who has collaborated on multiple occasions with Mr. Battle. The work features 16 dancers showcasing Robert Battle’s signature ritualistic choreography.

    Takademe (1999 / Ailey Company Premiere 2012) – Robert Battle’s bravura work mixes humor and high-flying movement in a savvy deconstruction of Indian Kathak dance rhythms. Clear shapes and propulsive jumps mimic the vocalized syllables of Sheila Chandra’s syncopated score.

    Ailey Classic:

    • Revelations (1960) – American classic acclaimed as a must‐see for all, Alvin Ailey’s signature masterpiece is a tribute to his heritage and genius. Choreographed when he was only 29 years old, Revelations is an intimate reflection that explores the emotional spectrum of the human condition, from the deepest of grief to the holiest joy. Using African-American religious spirituals, this suite is a classic tribute to the resolve and determination of a people. Revelations has been seen by more people around the world than any other work of modern dance.

    TICKETS

    For Tickets, visit njpac.org/event/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater or call the Box Office 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)

    Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

    Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” grew from a now‐fabled March 1958 performance in New York that changed forever the perception of American dance. Founded by Alvin Ailey, posthumous recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom —the nation’s highest civilian honor— and guided by Judith Jamison 1989-2011, the Company is now led by Robert Battle. The Dance Company is the Principal Dance Company of New York City Center. To learn more, visit alvinailey.org

     NJPAC

    Follow NJPAC Online:

    Website:     njpac.org

    Twitter:      @NJPAC

    Instagram:    @NJPAC

    Hashtag:     #NJPAC

    Facebook:     facebook.com/NJPAC

    YouTube:      NJPACtv

    Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:

    Website: njpac.org/takeastand

    Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist

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

  • I’ve had an abortion – and it should remain legal in America

    By Parveen Chopra

    I am a male, so I did not literally have an abortion. But it was my decision too, and I was fully involved in finding a provider and accompanying my girlfriend for the procedure. I believe every partner or spouse should be engaged in such a critical decision with implications ranging from health, moral and legal to financial.

    My ‘abortion’ was over three decades ago in Chandigarh, India. My girlfriend was an Australian. What I remember is, we went to the local facility of the Family Planning Association of India. No (hard) questions asked. This was the protocol for medical termination of pregnancy, to use the official lingo, in India as far back as I can remember. So, I watch with dismay the pitched battles in America in this day and age over what should be a settled matter, as it is in much of the rest of the world, even Catholic countries. The worsening politics over it in a polarized America is still more worrying.

    My girlfriend said at the time that she could have the baby and her country Down Under even supports single mothers. She knew I was not ready to get married as I was still in the process of deciding what to do with my life, career-wise. I could have married her to get instant immigration to Australia, which was difficult to get in those days with White Australia being the official policy there. But I decided against it. Even if we were not married, I would have still felt connected in some ways to that child she was to bring to the world.

    So we went through the clinical procedure, which took a couple of hours. I am sure, for the woman more than the man, it is a heart-wrenching experience and an episode indelibly recorded in her life story. But I remember it too and am reminded of it every time abortion debate hits the headlines here in America, as it did this week with the leaked draft judgement of the US Supreme Court overturning the five-decade old Roe vs Wade landmark decision, making abortion legal. I hear the abortion critics’ argument that the fetus too has a right to life. At what stage in the pregnancy life begins is an unsettled matter among the medical experts and religious people though. I am not competent to comment on pro-lifers’ line of attack. My question is:  whether the unaborted child can hope to have a good life? Bringing up a child outside of marriage by a single mother does not bode well emotionally  or financially for the woman or the child. The newest Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barret glibly talked about adoption in such cases. That is a poor runaround.

    Let us see who will be most affected when Roe is gone. According to an analysis of abortion data by The New York Times, a typical woman seeking abortion is poor, is unmarried and in her late 20s with some college education. Since the issue will now devolve to the states, abortion will be restricted in GOP ruled states, some of which have already been passing laws to that effect circumventing Roe. Abortion seekers in these states will suffer. Many who cannot afford to carry the child may not have the means to travel to Democrat run states or a neighboring country to terminate the pregnancy. The result? “One of the things that I worry about the most is that we are going to see an increase in maternal deaths in this country” if Roe is overturned, said Lauren Ralph, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, as quoted by NBC News.

    The other major argument against Roe vs Wade is that it was a bad decision. Justice Samuel Alito comments in the leaked draft opinion that ‘the Constitution makes no reference to abortion.’ My counterargument? Times change, societies evolve. So, the Constitution should get amended by the legislative  bodies to keep up with the changing social and moral mores. Who would have thought of writing in same sex marriage protections two and half centuries ago in the US Constitution? Now it is the law of the land. That is indeed the argument of Roe defenders: that after Roe is overturned, many other private matters like gay marriage can go on the chopping block of the court.

    Ironically, over 60% Americans have consistently supported legal abortions since 1995, according to Pew research. But a conservative majority of SCOTUS cobbled together by the Trump-McConnell machinations in the last administration is dragging law in the other direction.  Democrats, led by President Biden, want to codify Roe but do not have the votes in the US Senate to do it.

    (The writer is former editor of The South Asian Times. He can be reached at parveen.chopra@gmail.com)

  • Agriculture, Food & Beverage sector to be new area of exploring synergy between France and India for Investment: IFCCI

    Agriculture, Food & Beverage sector to be new area of exploring synergy between France and India for Investment: IFCCI

    Special Correspondent 

    JAIPUR (TIP):  The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) has led a 30-member delegation comprising CEOs of French Food and Beverage manufacturers and exporters in interaction with the top official of FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of  India) in Delhi on April 28.

    The objective of the meeting was to create a dialogue between the French F&B Industry in India and the FSSAI to discuss issues and recommendations around food safety standards and regulations.

    Addressing the high-level event, Arun Singhal, CEO of  FSSAI said:

    “FSSAI is working on harmonization of standards, capacity building, strengthening compliance and food testing eco-system to improve the scenario of food safety and nutrition in the country. We are happy to facilitate exchange of views to support ongoing and future cooperation for trade facilitation”.

    Ms Payal S Kanwar, Director General of  IFCCI told the gathering, “India is a key priority market for French companies in India and we have seen an impressive rebound in business since the pandemic as well as new expansion plans. The French agrifood sector is a major player in the French economy and there is a huge potential for more businesses to enter the Indian market. IFCCI and FSSAI is creating a conducive business environment for foreign players”.

    The closed-door roundtable meeting was attended by representatives of companies such as  Andros, Decathlon, Fromageries Bel, Lesaffre, L’Opera Leadlinks, Louis Dreyfus, Mane, Monin, Pernod Ricard, Savencia Fromage and Dairy, Roquette, Soufflet, Lactalis as well as representatives from IFCCI, French Embassy, Business France and the EU Delegation in India. They deliberated upon the current FSSAI regulations, addressed key issues and challenges of member companies in food and agribusiness industry and also presented recommendations for ease of doing business in food and agribusiness industry in India.

  • Joe Biden says U.S. sending another military aid worth $150 million for Ukraine

    Joe Biden says U.S. sending another military aid worth $150 million for Ukraine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): President Biden seeks Congress to approve ‘$33 billion spending package that will last through the end of September’ President Joe Biden has authorized the shipment of another $150 million in military assistance for Ukraine for artillery rounds and radar systems in its fight against Russia’s invading forces.

    President Biden on Friday, May 7,  said the latest spending means his administration has “nearly exhausted” what Congress authorized for Ukraine in March and called on lawmakers to swiftly approve a more than $33 billion spending package that will last through the end of September.

    “We are sending the weapons and equipment that Congress has authorized directly to the front lines of freedom in Ukraine,” President Biden said in a statement. “U.S. support, together with the contributions of our Allies and partners, has been critical in helping Ukraine win the battle of Kyiv and hinder (Russia President Vladimir) Putin’s war aims in Ukraine.” A U.S. official said the latest tranche of assistance includes 25,000 155mm artillery rounds, counter-artillery radars, jamming equipment, field equipment and spare parts.

  • Modi’s Europe tour: High on symbolism, what about substance?

    Modi’s Europe tour: High on symbolism, what about substance?

    By Suhasini Haidar

    3 days, 3 countries and meetings with 7 heads of government– PM Narendra Modi certainly packed some pace in his tour of Europe- but did the meetings lack punch? We are going to tell you about the agreements and the areas of disagreement during his visits to Germany, France, and Denmark. Remember, the visit also took place just after European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen visited Delhi last week for the Raisina Dialogue  and held talks with the PM.

    PM’s visits to each of the three European capitals had a specific focus:

    1 In Berlin PM was meeting new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for the biennial Inter Governmental Commission talks between the two countries

    2 In Denmark, he attended the Second Nordic Summit with leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden

    3 In France, he was meeting newly re-elected President Emmanuel Macron, with the old bonhomie between the two leaders quite visible This was the PM’s first visit abroad this year after a number of high level meetings were cancelled due to the Omicron virus outbreak. It is also his first visit to Europe since the big war in Ukraine, which has changed Europe’s entire course, began. I will come to that shortly, but broadly, the outcomes of all three visits were seen in these areas:

    1 Green partnership: India’s partnerships with the EU have always had a strong emphasis on countering climate change.

    – In Germany, Chancellor Scholz announced an advance commitment of 10 Billion Euros for a green partnership. They also agreed to a 7 point agenda on Renewable energy and Sustainable growth cooperation and decided to set up a biennial Ministerial mechanism to lead these initiatives.

    – In Denmark, the PM spoke to each of his Nordic counterparts about boosting cooperation in the wind and solar energy, pollution control and urban renewal projects and other green projects. PM also repeated commitments made at COP26- 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel by 2030, 50% of energy capacity to come from renewable energy by 2030, reduction of 1 billion tons in projected carbon emissions by 2030, the carbon intensity of India’s economy to reduce by 45% by 2030 and net zero by 2070. However, 6 months later these remain verbal commitments, as India has not yet updated its Nationally Determined Commitments (NDCs)- awaiting climate finance.

    – And in France, PM Modi called for French investment in making India a Green hydrogen hub, while both countries agreed to an integrated approach on supply chains for solar energy production in Europe and Asia. In addition, a statement from French power group EDF after the visit said it hopes to make progress on the long pending deal for six nuclear power reactors at Jaitapur.

    2 Defense and Security partnerships:

    – With Germany, India agreed to step up high-tech transfer collaborations, and signed a joint declaration of intent for an agreement on exchange of classified information

    – The Nordic stop did not have a security component but focused on new technologies

    – In France, the two sides set up a strategic dialogue on Space issues, strengthen a cyber dialogue and find more ways for France to invest in building India’s defense industry

    3 Finally, India and the EU have now begun to discuss cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. What is also significant is a sort of triangular engagement with Japan just in the past few weeks. German Chancellor Scholz was in Japan just before PM Modi’s visit to Germany. The next EU Japan summit will be held in Tokyo next week. PM Kishida was in Italy, followed by the Italian FM visit to Delhi. And PM Modi will travel to Japan later this month for the Quad summit.

    While these were all areas of discussion, the PM’s Europe tour was marked by some disagreements too:

    1 To begin with, while there were several joint statements and joint declarations of intent, there were very few actual agreements signed during the visit.

    2 Disagreement on Ukraine: This has been a recurring theme over the last few weeks, whether it was in the US, or with European leaders in Delhi, or during the PM’s visit to Europe, India’s position on Ukraine and Russia remains a far distance from the West’s position, and this was reiterated during this week’s stops.

    The differences will possibly come up again next month- as Germany has Invited India to the G7 summit in June, PM Modi has not yet confirmed his attendance.

    3 Energy from Russia: This is going to be an area of greater divergence in the future, as the EU has begun a new round of negotiations aimed at cancelling Russian oil imports by bringing forward a cut off date for European countries to the end of 2022.

    India has not only refused to join EU sanctions, but it has also accelerated its oil imports from Russia- According to a Reuters report based on collating information from crude oil importers and traders- India has ordered at least 40 million barrels of Russian oil between February 24-April 24 meaning that – India has taken in two months more than double what it did all of last year- 16 million barrels

    4 India EU FTA: When PM Modi visited Berlin last for the Inter-Governmental Commission in 2018, he and then Chancellor Merkel had committed to restarting talks between India and the European Union for a Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement or FTA, that have been suspended since 2013. Despite dozens of similar promises, the talks have yet to restart. As India has fast tracked other FTAs with UAE, Australia, UK and others, many had thought they would see movement on the India EU FTA as well, but apart from a stray mention during the visit to Denmark, the talks between trade negotiators didn’t get much fillip during the visit. The EU is India’s 3 largest trading partner, after China and US, and its 2 largest export destination, but its potential is far more, which an FTA might help in achieving.

    5 Human Rights and Press Freedom in India– Like the US meetings last month, the European countries, which conduct their foreign policy through the EU have also expressed concerns about human rights violations allegations in India, and a decline in press freedom- the difference is the EU made its statement prior to the PM’s visit- as European Union Special Representative of Human Rights Eamon Gilmore was in Delhi for the Raisina Dialogue. In separate tweets about his meetings with the NHRC and Minority Affairs Minister Naqvi, Mr. Gilmore said he had discussed many specific issues including “the use of FCRA laws to ban funding for NGOs, use of sedition and anti-terrorism laws, detentions, the situation of minorities, communal violence, situation in Jammu Kashmir, and individual cases.”

    (The author is an editor with The Hindu)

     

  • UN: Record 193 million went without enough food last year

    UN: Record 193 million went without enough food last year

    The figures appeared in the Global Report on Food Crisis

    ROME / NEW YORK (TIP)): The United Nations (UN) said on Wednesday, May 4,  that the number of people without enough to eat on a daily basis reached all-time high last year and is poised to hit “appalling” new levels as the Ukraine war affects global food production. Almost 193 million people in 53 countries suffered acute food insecurity in 2021 due to what the UN said was a “toxic triple combination” of conflict, weather extremes and the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The UN said the total number of people without adequate food every day increased by 40 million last year, confirming a “worrisome trend” of annual increases over several years.

    The figures appeared in the Global Report on Food Crisis, which is produced jointly by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the World Food Programme and the European Union. The report forecasts that Somalia will face one of the world’s worst food crises in 2022 due to prolonged drought, increasing food prices and persistent violence. The various factors could lead six million Somalis into acute food crisis, the UN said.

    “Today, if more is not done to support rural communities, the scale of the devastation in terms of hunger and lost livelihoods will be appalling,” the UN said. “Urgent humanitarian action is needed on a massive scale to prevent that from happening.” The war in Ukraine poses further risks for Somalia and many other African countries that reply on Ukraine and Russia for wheat, fertilizer and other food supplies.

  • Faceoff between cops of 3 states over 1 arrest

    Faceoff between cops of 3 states over 1 arrest

    Bagga held by Punjab Police in Delhi,  Brought back from Haryana by Delhi Police

    CHANDIGARH / NEW YORK (TIP): In a dramatic turn of events that brought the police of three states face to face, BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga was arrested by the Punjab Police from his Delhi residence around 8.30 am today, stopped by the Haryana Police in Kurukshetra while being taken to Punjab and brought to the national capital by the Delhi cops a few hours later, reports TNS.

    The incident triggered a political slugfest with the BJP accusing the Punjab Police of abducting its leader allegedly at the behest of AAP convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, against whom Bagga (36) has been quite vocal in criticism. Rejecting the charge, the AAP claimed the Delhi BJP spokesperson was arrested for allegedly stoking communal tension in Punjab.

    Based on a complaint by Bagga’s father Preetpal Singh, the Delhi Police registered a case of kidnapping against the Punjab Police personnel. Sources in the Delhi Police claimed that their Mohali (Punjab) counterparts “violated” the mandatory norm of informing local cops before arresting Bagga from his residence in Janakpuri.

    In a statement, the Mohali police claimed that Bagga was arrested in a case related to making allegedly provocative, false and communal statements in an interview given to the media and through posts on Twitter on March 1. They said five notices were served on the accused on April 9, 11, 15, 22 and 28, but “he deliberately did not join the investigation”. They said a case under Sections 153-A, 505, 505(2) and 506 of the IPC was registered against him on the complaint of Mohali AAP leader Sunny Ahluwalia.

    Bagga had demanded an apology from Kejriwal for his speech in the Delhi Assembly regarding film ‘The Kashmir Files’, which a few BJP leaders had demanded be made tax-free. Kejriwal had contended that the filmmakers should upload the film on YouTube for all to watch free of cost. The Punjab Government, on its part, moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the “detention” of its police team in Kurukshetra.

    The Delhi Police registered the case under IPC Sections 452 (house trespass, assault or wrongful restraint), 392 (robbery), 342 (wrongful confinement), 365 (kidnapping), 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) and 34 (common intension). In his complaint, Bagga’s father said, “I was present at my home along with my son when, around 8.30 am, someone knocked on the door repeatedly. When I opened, a few persons entered my home and manhandled me. Some of them had weapons.

    “They started asking me where is Tajinder Singh Bagga? When I asked them what they wanted from Tajinder, they slapped me. Later, my son came there and they started beating him up and didn’t even allow him to put on his turban while they were arresting him. When I tried to intervene, they pushed me,” it said.

    The Punjab Police team that had arrested Bagga was on way to Mohali when it was stopped on the NH-44 near Khanpur Kolian village in Kurukshetra around 11.30 am. As a large number of BJYM workers soon reached the spot demanding Bagga’s release, the BJP leader and the Punjab Police team were taken to the Thanesar Sadar police station. Delhi Police officials reached the police station around 2.10 pm and Bagga, based on a search warrant issued by a Delhi court, was taken back to the national capital. The Delhi Police had shared the warrant with the Haryana Police when the latter stopped their Punjab counterparts.

    Sources said the Haryana Police had information that Bagga had been “forcibly” picked up from his residence and they needed to verify and crosscheck the allegations. Mohali DSP (City-1) Sukhnaaz Singh said, “A police team was sent from Mohali to Delhi last night. A team arrested them today morning and simultaneously, another team reached the police station concerned in Delhi to inform local cops. The entire process has been video-recorded. Although Bagga resisted arrest, no force was used against him or his father.”

  • Relief to thousands  as US extends deadline of expiring work permit by 1.5 years

    Relief to thousands  as US extends deadline of expiring work permit by 1.5 years

    Includes those seeking green cards and spouses of H-1B visa holders

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The Biden administration has announced an automatic extension of expiring work permits for certain categories of immigrants, including those seeking green cards and spouses of H-1B visa holders who get employment authorization cards (EAD), for a year-and-a-half. The move, announced by the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday, May 3,  is likely to benefit thousands of Indian immigrants.

    The extension period of up to 180 days will automatically be extended to up to 540 days from the expiration date stated on the current EADs, the Department of Homeland Security said.

    “As USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) works to address the pending EAD caseloads, the agency has determined that the current 180-day automatic extension for employment authorization is currently insufficient,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “This temporary rule will provide those non-citizens, otherwise eligible for the automatic extension, an opportunity to maintain employment and provide critical support for their families, while avoiding further disruption for US employers,” he said.

    According to USCIS, non-citizens with a pending EAD renewal application whose 180-day automatic extension has lapsed and whose EAD has expired will be granted an additional period of employment authorization and EAD validity beginning May 4, 2022 and lasting up to 540 days from the expiration date of their EAD. They may resume employment if they are still within the up to 540-day automatic extension period and are otherwise eligible.

    Non-citizens with a pending renewal application still covered under the 180-day automatic extension will be granted an additional extension of up to 360 days, for a total of up to 540 days past the expiration of the current EAD.

    Non-citizens with a pending renewal application and a valid EAD on May 4, 2022, or who timely file an EAD renewal application before October 27, 2023, will be granted an automatic extension of up to 540 days if their EAD expires before the renewal application is processed. “The change will immediately help about 87,000 immigrants whose work authorization has lapsed or is set to in the next 30 days. Overall, the government estimates that as many as 4,20,000 immigrants renewing work permits will be protected from losing their ability to work for the duration of the policy,” Indian-American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria told PTI. The policy is meant to address the unprecedented backlog of 1.5 million work permit applications at the nation’s legal immigration agency, leaving tens of thousands unable to work legally and exacerbating labor shortages.

    Welcoming the change in policy, Bhutoria said this is great news for employers as most companies are facing staffing issues and will now be able to keep their eligible employees.

    “This policy change allows employers to continue their workers and eligible immigrants to work on expired documents for up to 540 days, rather than 180. That means even the tens of thousands of people past their 180-day window have as much as another year of work authorization as of Wednesday,” he said.

    “This is the right step in the direction to reduce the visa processing backlog,” he said. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American groups urge Connecticut Assembly to rescind its ‘Sikh independence’ citation

    In the “official citation”, the Connecticut general assembly congratulated the pro-Khalistan organization World Sikh Parliament “in recognition of the 36th anniversary of the declaration of Sikh independence”

    NEW YORK (TIP): Indian Americans have expressed outrage over a citation issued by the general assembly of the US state of Connecticut recognizing the  anniversary of the so-called “declaration of Sikh independence”.

    In the “official citation” dated April 29, the Connecticut general assembly congratulated the pro-Khalistan organization World Sikh Parliament “in recognition of the 36th anniversary of the declaration of Sikh independence”.

    Scores of Indian American groups and powerful community leaders have been writing letters to the members of the Connecticut State Assembly and its leadership underlining that such a citation questions the territorial integrity of India and undermines a growing India-US relationship.

    “This citation will be detrimental to the interest of our Connecticut. Thus, we urge you to rescind this citation,” Milan Cultural Association of Connecticut said, noting that this citation is a highly condemnable move by the Connecticut administration and is not at all acceptable.

    “This citation proves how oblivious it’s of the real issue. The state has waded into the unknown and unwanted territory without talking and consulting the larger Indian American community in Connecticut,” it said.

    Federation of Indian Association (FIA), Ohio, said the Connecticut State Assembly’s decision to issue the citation is an “irresponsible act”. “We have noted with deep concern a Citation by the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut congratulating on Sikh independence. The irresponsible act calls into question the territorial integrity of India and lends credence to forces which desire dismemberment of India,” it said.

    “This can never be the will or intent of the people of Connecticut,” it said. FIA, New England said that the citation appears to have been issued based on misinformation by some fringe elements with a parochial, nefarious and deplorable agenda of sowing discord in the community for their politically motivated subversive interests.

    “It is a gross misuse, rather an abuse, of the august General Assembly of Connecticut,” it said.

    FIA, Tri-State (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) urged the elected members of the General Assembly of Connecticut to “mitigate this very sad and unfortunate action” and take the needed steps to “promptly rectify this illegitimate act of supporting subversive activities.” Ankur Vaidya, chairman of FIA, hoped that the facts will be checked, and that truth will prevail in the General Assembly of Connecticut.

    “Such despicable and deplorable action by divisive elements with selfish hidden agendas must be collectively and strongly condemned,” he said. The Association of Indians in America, New York said that this “outrageous” citation is an affront to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    “The so-called citation is nothing but a nefarious attempt to sow division in the Indian-American community on religious lines and a manipulation of the platform of the General Assembly of Connecticut,” it said.

    “We strongly appeal to the lawmakers to recall the citation,” it said. Jagdish Sewhani, president of the American Indian Public Affairs Committee, said this citation is “absolutely unacceptable”.

    “This irresponsible act of supporting the secessionist movement in India is absolutely unacceptable. The USA, the oldest democracy, and India, the largest democracy, share very close and strategic relationships,” he said.

    Thomas Abraham, chairman of Global Organization for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International, called on the Connecticut Assembly to put out a statement disassociating itself from the citation.

    “At this point, our state’s interest is to attract Indian businesses and technology related companies to start their outfits in our state so as to create employment in the state. This public image of Connecticut being anti-India goes against our interests. We request that you issue a public statement to dissociate from this citation,” he said.

    GOPIO has written to Connecticut State Senators and Assembly Representatives who introduced this citation to dissociate themselves from it.

    “There are 20 million Sikhs living peacefully with all other communities all over India and this citation goes against the integrity of India,” said Ashok Nichani, president of Connecticut chapter of GOPIO.

    The citation has resulted in outrage among Indian Americans with many of them urging President Joe Biden’s administration to condemn it.

    Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate in New York condemned the citation and termed it an “attempt by some mischievous elements to use the name of the Assembly for their nefarious purposes”.

    “These vested interests seek to divide communities and promote bigotry and hatred,” the consulate said.

    The Consulate statement read :

    “We condemn the so-called Citation of the General Assembly of the State of

    Connecticut in the USA regarding an illegal act.

    “This is an attempt by some mischievous elements to use the name of the

    Assembly for their nefarious purposes. These vested interests seek to divide

    communities and promote bigotry and hatred. Their agenda of violence has no

    place in democratic societies like the USA and India.

    The Embassy of India in Washington D.C. and the Consulate General of India in

    New York will take up this issue appropriately with the concerned US

    lawmakers.”

  • Birthday Horoscope-May 9 to May 15, 2022

    Birthday Horoscope-May 9 to May 15, 2022

    By Chirag Daruwalla – Son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla

     May 9

    Ganesha saystoday will be highly beneficial for you if you are willing to take investment and business risks. Speculation in property and stocks will bring in handsome results. Today will be highly significant for working and professional women, as they will prosper in their respective fields. Journey or pilgrimage will provide comfort and peace. Be extra careful of your jewelry and expensive items. Chances of overseas education for few students who are looking for a better career. 

    May 10

    Ganesha saysa new contract or partnership will take shape, lifting your morale and confidence. Investment in stocks and real estate recommended. Businessmen dealing in trading and export will benefit. If you are a student, you will find this period highly exciting, adventurous and full of good opportunities. Religious feelings will arise making you go for a pilgrimage later in the today. There are chances of marriage for the lover.

     May 11

    Ganesha saysyou would raise your work by doing consistently good work. At times you show your introverted side and that side of yours needs to be modified, so that your close ones won’t misinterpret you. Go and express your feelings with any hesitation in love matters. You could associate or get connected with any social service organization. You would also make some strong decisions independently today. Chances to get a big break in the entertainment industry are very high.

    May 12

    Ganesha saysyour mind is extraordinarily sharp which can solve problems within no time. Your organized risk-taking abilities are good but high paid ventures may turn out to be inconsistent for you. Clashing of egos with your blood relatives may result in strain and irritation for both the parties. You are well versed with the pace of the competition as your communication skill which is the need of the hour is unbeatable. You try to sort out all the matters but somewhere your immaturity may bring criticism for you.

     May 13

    Ganesha saysyou are imaginative, practical, honest, brilliant and simple. You’re a co-operative and helpful person and enjoy enormous respect in your friend’s circle, but you need to check your tendency to behave jealous and stubborn at times.Today, you will get ample chances to change your job profile but a sense of satisfaction may not exist. You carry a down to earth and practical attitude.Your supporting nature and simplicity leave a lasting impression on people you meet.

    May 14

    Ganesha saysyou are kind hearted, generous, simple, accommodating, and love peace and harmony. You have a strong memory and an ability to impress others with your intelligence. New proposals and assignments would improve your income and prosperity. Although there would be a rise in expenses but increase in earnings would take care of your needs.Travel would be undertaken quite frequently and would be important in establishing new and important ties.

    May 15

    Ganesha saystoday plenty of important functions and religious ceremonies would be performed in the family. Social gathering and activities would be beneficial in establishing new and long-lasting ties. Property matters will materialize. Financially today might not bring results that you have been dreaming for long. Opportunities for a new job and assignments would be plenty but job satisfaction seems unlikely.

     

  • Weekly Horoscope-May 9 to May 15, 2022

    Weekly Horoscope-May 9 to May 15, 2022

    Shree Ganeshaya Namah!!!

    By Chirag Daruwalla

    Aries

    Ganesha says this week, you’ll be putting in a lot of effort Dear Aries. You will take significant steps forward, and you will be given full credit for them. You will discover the hidden significance of a sequence of occurrences in your life, which will strengthen your faith. This week, you’ll put unnecessary pressure on yourself over little issues. Keep things as basic as possible.Your relationship fronts will be alright this week. you will not go through any kind of issues with your partner this week. You’ll have to be extra cautious with your cardiac output this week. This week, you must be especially cautious.

    Taurus

    This week, you’ll be able to see where your planetary energies are trying to drive you Dear Taurus. You will be able to recognize the correct route, which will have a transformative influence on your life. Events that you least anticipate to happen this week are more likely to occur in the second part of the week. As a result, your timetable will be disturbed. This week, your relationship will need minor attention as your partner will not be in a mood to address your relationship issues and this might create issues. This week your health will be all great and good. You will hardly need to attend to your fitness fronts.

    Gemini

    This week, you’ll develop a systematic and authoritative approach to an issue Dear Gemini. You will be endowed with the capacity to fairly resolve problems. This week, you’ll have to be a little more forceful, but you’ll be alright. This week, you will play an unintentional bad influence in someone’s life, but don’t fear, you will not injure anyone. This week your relationship will be a very good flow. People who are married will spend very good time with each other. For you dear Gemini, Pisces and Sagittarius will be the most compatible sign to begin a new romantic connection.This week you will try intoxication of the body and it will really work well for you. Do not try anything without professional advice.

    Cancer

    You’ll be able to start the new quest this week after a long break Dear Cancer. Your week will be brightened by some unexpected happenings. You’ll become more conscious of the effort you’ll need to do to get along with the people around you. You are a sensitive person who easily expresses emotions, but this week you will go above and beyond for someone who does not deserve it. As far as your romantic life is concerned, you will be able to make good changes in your own personality in order to please your partner and settle according to their needs. This will bring a better change in your relationship. This week you must not go for solitary activities. This week your children are likely to get injured badly therefore be careful.

    Leo

    This week, you’ll be prepared to get a large number of items. You will no longer be concerned about what others may think of you. You will feel more imaginative and enthusiastic, and you will overcome any trust issues you may be experiencing. This week, it will be tough for you to keep a good, steady mood in the latter half of the week. This week, you will be depressed for no apparent cause. It will be a little bit difficult for you to be present for your partner in all aspects and this will create a little bit issue in your relationship. Do not worry Venus will make things better in your romantic life before the end of the week. A sense of energy will fill my body and mind this week. Your tensions will vanish this week and you will feel relaxed.

    Virgo

    This week’s victor will be determined by your good outlook toward anything. Your poor self-esteem will be obliterated by overwhelming determination. This week, dear Virgo natives, success and glory will be unavoidable. Despite your self-assurance, you will be deprived of a healthy competitive platform on which to demonstrate your initial strength.You will be able to make things right in terms of your relationship. you will be able to make positive changes in your relationship this week. You can use an hour or two for the gym or running this week. If you are doing cardio, you must be really careful this week.

    Libra

    This week, you’ll take care of your ideas and feelings. You will attempt to regain control of your mind. Things will improve as you release the pent feelings. Your determination will be the driving force behind your deserved achievement. You’ll have to go through a variety of emotions this week in order to get your mind in the correct place.This week, your partner and you both will be able to spend a good amount of time together and this will make your partner feel special and good. There are likely to be some injuries this week. You must not go around heavy vehicles this week. Keep first aid with you.

    Scorpio

    This week, you will see that all of your efforts are going in loops. You will sense that the cosmos is responding to your inquiries. This week, you’ll be able to make good use of your time. As you outlast a bit more on someone this week, you’ll have to be more cautious in your interactions with others. This week your partner and you both will create a better understanding between yourselves. Venus will bless you with amazinglove life this week. People who are married will go through minor issues in their marital life due to the negative influence of Rahu in the latter half of the week. This week you will have to be more careful about your cholesterol problem. You might get into trouble due to the consumption of unhealthy substances.

    Sagittarius

    You will make wise decisions this week. Rather than simply observing, you will contemplate taking risks. This week, your emotions will stabilize and psychological stability will provide you with the most serenity. You will despise being told what to do, but you will be unable to react or defend yourself. This week you will be able to make things right with your partner. Your idea of a relationship will change this week. This week you must avoid eating excessive sugar and salt because you are likely to suffer from fluctuating blood pressure.

    Capricorn

    This week, you’ll be more certain of your goal and goal. You will be aware of the obstacles in your path. You’ll also make amends for your previous lapses. You will be able to benefit from Ketu’s improvement. You will feel helpless in certain situations this week. In those minutes, you’ll have to be patient. This week your relationship will also improve. Your partner and you will discuss many things. This week you will look forward to a new health regime and this will take much of your time every day but all for good.

    Aquarius

    You will be able to set your thoughts on one item this week. The murkiness you were experiencing will dissipate. You will be able to view your objectives clearly. You will take turns that you were apprehensive about taking. Do not be concerned, Aquarius; everything will begin to fall into place this week. This week, your confidence will be affected a bit by a demotivating individual in the first part of the week. Don’t listen to everyone. This week your relationship will improve on multiple levels. Your partner and you both will invite luxury to your home. This week you will have to consume more fruits and water as your body will be needing a good dose of intoxication.

    Pisces

    New daybreak will appear the whole week. You will be able to sway away your anxieties and find a method to be happy. This week will also see the end of your temporary problems. This week, your love life will improve, which will make you happy. This week, you’ll have to face a few things you’ve been avoiding for a long time, but it’ll be beneficial for you to do so. This week your partner and you both will have to be more careful regarding serious discussions as you might get into a hefty fight.This week you will be all fit and fine. You will boost your career and your stress will ease this week.

  • Jaipur Foot USA Explores options to hold limb fitment camps to help soldiersand civilians injured in Russia-Ukraine conflict

    Jaipur Foot USA Explores options to hold limb fitment camps to help soldiersand civilians injured in Russia-Ukraine conflict

    NEW YORK (TIP):  Amid the ongoing Ukraine war, Jaipur Foot USA is looking at possibilities to hold limb fitment camps for needy soldiers and civilians injured in the conflict, a PTI report says. Jaipur Foot USA Chairman Prem Bhandari along with Joint Secretary, Jaipur Foot USA Nishant Garg met the Consul General of Ukraine in New York Oleksii Holubov on Tuesday, May 4. They also met New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs Edward Mermelstein, Deputy Commissioner- Trade, Investment and Innovation for New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan and General Counsel for the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Sarah Friedman. During the initial meeting, Bhandari raised the issue of the possibility of organizing Jaipur Foot camps to help soldiers and civilians injured in Ukraine war.

    Bhandari said that given the current circumstances that may make holding camps in Ukraine difficult, the organization will explore options to hold a pilot project for such camps in countries neighboring Ukraine such as Poland. To a question from The Indian Panorama, if the Jaipur Foot USA will provide their services to Russian soldiers and civilians, too, Mr. Bhandari said their organizations believes in serving all people in need of their services.

    To another question whether the limbs will be provided free or at a cost, Mr. Bhandari said that the organization has been providing artificial limbs free of cost. “Since 1975 we have not charged even 10 cents from anyone”, he said.

    He said he discussed the proposal with Padma Bhushan awardee D R Mehta, the founder and chief patron of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the parent body of Jaipur Foot USA. So far, over 1.90 million beneficiaries of BMVSS have been fitted/provided with Jaipur Foot limb, calipers, and aids and appliances in India as well as in 33 countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, including through 85 international camps.

    Bhandari said that in line with the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the World is One Family – Jaipur Foot believes in this philosophy and inculcates it in its mission of helping those in need.

    Jaipur Foot has zero per cent administrative cost, he said, adding that “BMVSS is a secular, non-religious, non-governmental, non-political, non-sectarian, non-regional and not for profit charitable organization set up to help the physically challenged, particularly the financially weak and underprivileged.”

  • Jaipur Foot USA Explores options to hold limb fitment camps to help soldiers, civilians injured in Russia-Ukraine conflict

    Jaipur Foot USA Explores options to hold limb fitment camps to help soldiers, civilians injured in Russia-Ukraine conflict

    May 4, 2022

    NEW YORK (TIP):  Amid the ongoing Ukraine war, Jaipur Foot USA is looking at possibilities to hold limb fitment camps for needy soldiers and civilians injured in the conflict, a PTI report says.

    Jaipur Foot USA Chairman Prem Bhandari along with Joint Secretary, Jaipur Foot USA Nishant Garg met the Consul General of Ukraine in New York Oleksii Holubov on Tuesday, May 4.

    They also met New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs Edward Mermelstein, Deputy Commissioner- Trade, Investment and Innovation for New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan and General Counsel for the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Sarah Friedman.

    During the initial meeting, Bhandari raised the issue of the possibility of organizing Jaipur Foot camps to help soldiers and civilians injured in Ukraine war.

    Bhandari said that given the current circumstances that may make holding camps in Ukraine difficult, the organization will explore options to hold a pilot project for such camps in countries neighboring Ukraine such as Poland.

    To a question from The Indian Panorama, if the Jaipur Foot USA will provide their services to Russian soldiers and civilians, too, Mr. Bhandari said their organization believes in serving all people in need of their services.

    To another question on whether or not the limbs will be provided at a cost or free, Mr. Bhandari said the limbs are provided absolutely free. “Since 1975, we have not charged even 10 cents”, Mr. Bhandari said.

    The organization has been providing artificial limbs at zero  cost to those in need, including children affected by armed conflicts.

    He said he discussed the proposal with Padma Bhushan awardee D R Mehta, the founder and chief patron of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the parent body of Jaipur Foot USA.

    So far, over 1.90 million beneficiaries of BMVSS have been fitted/provided with Jaipur Foot limb, calipers, and aids and appliances in India as well as in 33 countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America, including through 85 international camps.

    Bhandari said that in line with the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the World is One Family – Jaipur Foot believes in this philosophy and inculcates it in its mission of helping those in need.

    Jaipur Foot has zero per cent administrative cost, he said, adding that “BMVSS is a secular, non-religious, non-governmental, non-political, non-sectarian, non-regional and not for profit charitable organization set up to help the physically challenged, particularly the financially weak and underprivileged.”

     

  • LAAPFF CELEBRATES CREATIVE VOICES IN 38TH EDITION

    LAAPFF CELEBRATES CREATIVE VOICES IN 38TH EDITION

    DIRECTOR MIRA NAIR RECEIVES LAAPFF LEGACY AWARD

    By Mabel Pais

    The best of Asian Pacific American films and filmmakers from around the world come to Los Angeles at the 38th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) celebrating New Artists, Legends, Leaders, Creators, Indigenous Voices, and World Premieres. The Festival takes place May 5-13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. It features an exciting hybrid lineup of in-person programming, and virtual programming for audiences at home in Southern California and beyond. To learn more, visit festival.vcmedia.org/2022

    “In our 38th edition, the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival continues to transform itself to reflect our ever-evolving artists and experiences,” says Executive Director Francis Cullado. “In a time when our community is dealing straight up with anti-Asian Hate crimes, living through an uncertain pandemic, and adjusting to the ongoing global issues affecting all of us, our festival is instilling a sense of pride, respect and community through art and film. These stories connect us to one another and fill our lives with a sense of purpose. This year, we share a renewed collectiveness to inspire creativity and support collaboration, and the opportunity to gather and celebrate our histories and our lives from all corners of the world.”

    THE LAAPFF LEGACY AWARD TO MIRA NAIR

    This year, the festival uplifts director Mira Nair as a pioneer whose storytelling has received industry and critical acclaim, and raised visibility for South Asian narratives. LAAPFF is delighted to present this year’s LAAPFF Legacy Award to director Mira Nair for the way her nuanced narratives reflect an authentic family voice and prompt critical reflection. LAAPFF audiences can watch a Special Presentation of Nair’s award-winning feature SALAAM BOMBAY! on the big screen. Additionally, virtual audiences at home can watch an artist conversation with Nair.

    FILM LINEUP: FILMS OF INDIA, FILMMAKERS OF INDIAN ORIGIN

    Several narrative, documentary and short films of India or by filmmakers of Indian origin are featured in the Festival:

    SALAAM BOMBAY!

    DIR: Mira Nair l India l Drama l Hindi, English l 1988 l 1h 53m l Special Presentation Premiere

    After destroying his older brother’s motorbike in retaliation for his constant bullying, 11-year-old Krishna (Shafiq Syed) is sent to a traveling circus to earn money to pay for the bike’s repairs, but soon winds up in the streets of Bombay’s poorest slums. There, he befriends the drug dealer Chillum (Raghubir Yadav) and the beautiful young prostitute Sola Saal (Chanda Sharma), while trying to make enough money at a neighborhood tea stall to repay his debt to his family.

    Stay The Night

    DIR: Renuka Jeyapalan l Narr Feat l Canada l Drama, Romance l English l Subtitled l 2022 l 1h 34m l West Coast Premiere

    After being snubbed from a promotion she was wishing for, Grace joins her friend for a night out. Although the night clubs are not her usual scene, she meets Carter, a famous NHL player with his own personal baggage. Together, they roam the streets of Toronto in the hopes of finding a panacea for their lost souls. Kim’s Convenience Store star Andrea Bang reunites with director Renuka Jeyapalan in this lighthearted drama that takes us through the awkward moments of modern day romance – moments that can make many of us laugh or cry.

    Istikhaara, New York

    DIR: Yasir Masood l USA l Narr Feat l Coming of Age, Drama l English, Hindi, Urdu l 2022 l 1h 26m l World Premiere

    Reza, a twenty-year-old aspiring Broadway actor and a food delivery courier hustles to make ends meet. Navigating through the complicated relationships with his worried parents, undecided lovers, and motley crew, he struggles to find peace within himself while facing the reality of daily life in New York.

    Holy Cowboys

    DIR: Varun Chopra l India, USA l Coming of Age, Doc, Social Issues l Gujarati, Hindi l Subtitled l 2021 l 24m

    A Hindu teen and his friends tread the world of retributive justice of a ‘cow protection’ vigilante group to end consumption of beef, exploring what it means to be a savior of the holy cow in modern day India.

    The Return

    DIR: Hena Ashraf l India, USA l Drama, Family, LGBTQIA+, Social Issues l

    English, Urdu l Subtitled l 2021 l 18m

    A writer-director struggles with her profound sense of loss after the sudden death of her father, who dies while visiting his homeland of India. Hena wrestles with coming to terms with their strained relationship, by the only way she knows how: making a film.

    Subscribe / Follow

    DIR: Faroukh Virani l USA l Comedy, Drama, Human Rights, Social Issues l English l 2022 l 15m l World Premiere

    After the unfortunate murder of an unarmed Black man by the police, an Indian social media influencer code switches up his online platform to present solidarity, but gets challenged by his peers when they find faults in his messaging.

    Crossroads

    DIR: Sarita Khurana l USA l Doc l Family, Human Rights l English, Hindi, Punjabi l 2022 l 14m l World Premiere

    In the aftermath of the FedEx mass shooting in Indianapolis, the Sikh community grieves the loss of four of its members, while navigating the investigation into what happened and why this took place.

    Ramkali

    DIR: Adnan Hussain l India, Pakistan, USA l Adventure, Arthouse, Drama, Environmental, Family, Fantasy l Sindhi l Subtitled l 2021 l 12m l

    North American Premiere

    Bijal, a former goat herder with mystical musical abilities wanders the deserts of Sindh, in search of purpose after suffering a severe trauma. Based on Islamic Sufi poetry, Rajasthani puppetry and Sindhi music, the story brings rich cultural traditions to cinematic form.

    Local Middle Schooler

    DIR: Sanjna Bharadwaj l USA l Animation, Comedy, Coming of Age, Women l English l 2021 l 11m l West Coast Premiere

    Anagha Narayan is your average eighth grader. She’s a people pleaser, she’s insecure, and she wants nothing more than to have clear skin. Her life changes drastically when she wishes on a fallen eyelash and her wish is granted: she has the clearest skin she’s ever had.

    Man Brows

    DIR: Rohan Srinivasan l USA l Coming of Age, Drama, Family, LGBTQIA+ l English l 2021 l 9m l LA Premiere

    A story about mothers, sons, and undying love, MAN BROWS follows RISHI, an Indian-American teenage boy who desperately wants to get his eyebrows threaded and KAJAL, a threading salon owner who despises that her young son has developed a fascination with wearing her clothes.

    Today Is Wednesday

    DIR: Pulkit Datta l USA l Doc, Human Rights, Social Issues l English l Subtitled l 2022 l 8m l World Premiere

    Made entirely of crowdsourced footage, this is a day in the life of several Asian Americans at home during the Covid-19 lockdowns. An exploration of the mundane.

    To The Letter

    DIR: Nirav Bhakta l USA l Action, Drama, Fantasy, Social Issues l English, Hindi l 2021 l 5m

    To The Letter The mission of School on Wheels is to enhance educational opportunities for homeless children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The goal is to shrink the gaps in their education and provide them with the highest level of education possible. The program spans six counties in Southern California.

    A New Normal

    DIR: Asavari Kumar l India, USA l Family, International l English l 2020 l 3m

    Subverting the limitations of digital intimacy, A New Normal seeks to define the meaning of home and belonging through the musings of a family spread across different timezones.

    COMPLETE FILM LINEUP

    For the complete film schedule, including Opening Night Selection, Centerpiece Weekend, and Special Presentations & Events, visit festival.vcmedia.org/2022/schedule, #LAAPFF2022

    TICKETS

    For Tickets, visit laapff2022.eventive.org

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

  • How summer heat can harm your eyes?

    How summer heat can harm your eyes?

    As the temperature continues to soar, we ensure to take care of our health, skin and hair. However, we often miss paying attention to one of the most important parts of the body affected by the summer heat – our eyes. Just like our skin and health undergo immense pressure in summers, so do our eyes. According to Dr Tushar Grover, Medical Director, Vision Eye Centre, New Delhi, “The sun’s scorching heat is extremely harmful to the eyes. Summertime exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of cataracts and retinal damage.”

    “It can also cause eye allergies, which range from mild itching and redness to severe watering and swelling of the eyelids, sties, and bacterial and viral conjunctivitis. Excessive heat exposure can result in ocular burns, cataracts, macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness), and cancer,” he added.

    This is mainly due to the fact that the heat and the high levels of pollutants and irritants in the air make our eyes prone to allergic reactions such as redness, itching and burning sensation, explained Dr Chikirsha Jain, Senior Consultant Retina and Ophthalmology, Ujala Cygnus Rainbow Hospital, Agra.

    How to take care of your eyes during summer season?

    Taking care of your eyes is just as important in the summer as it is the rest of the year, shared Dr Grover. “You should still follow the same eye care precautions.”

    –        Wash your hands before handling contact lenses and wearing protective eyewear when participating in certain sports and activities.

    –        Wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection is essential. “Sunglasses are still recommended even if your contact lenses have UV protection built-in because they protect the surrounding eye area and act as a barrier between your eyes and the summer heat, preventing dry eye,” he said.

    –        During the summer season, dehydration is more likely, affecting your body’s ability to produce tears. So, it’s critical to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

    Source: The Indian Express

  • Screen and treat with iron-folic acid approach efficacious in reducing prevalence of anemia

    Screen and treat with iron-folic acid approach efficacious in reducing prevalence of anemia

    The ‘screen and treat with iron-folic acid’ approach is efficacious in reducing prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age, and significant treatment effects persist for a period of one year, found a study by the ICMR’s National Institute of Nutrition. Anaemia remains a public health problem in India, particularly among women, Dr Raghu Pullakhandham, a senior scientist at the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and lead investigator of the study, told PTI.

    “The population approach to anaemia has been prophylactic iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation since the last four decades, yet, the prevalence of anaemia has remained stubbornly above 50 per cent among Indian women,” Pullakhandham said.

    In an attempt to strengthen anaemia control, the government recently launched the ‘Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)’ programme, which, in addition to the existing prophylactic IFA supplementation for women of reproductive age, advocated an additional screening for blood hemoglobin levels and treatment with IFA tablets.

    This approach was evaluated by ICMR-NIN, Hyderabad, among 470 women of 17-21 years in age.

    Screening for hemoglobin followed by treatment with IFA for 90 days reduced the prevalence of anaemia by 40 per cent—reduced from 70 to 30 per cent—and improved the body iron stores as estimated by serum ferritin, an iron storage protein, Pullakhandham stated.

    When the same women are followed up again in one year time, there is a small decline in hemoglobin levels (by 0.5g/dL) and an increase in anaemia prevalence (by 10 per cent), which is still lower compared to anaemia at the start of the study (70 per cent), he explained.

    “This study, therefore, demonstrates that screening followed by IFA supplementation as suggested by ‘Anemia Mukt Bharat’ guidelines is efficacious in reducing the prevalence of anaemia among WRA, and significant treatment effects persist for a period of one year, “ he said.    Source: PTI

  • Natural food items to consume for a healthy gut

    Natural food items to consume for a healthy gut

    Being at your best means being able to maintain your energy levels and feeling great all summer, and it all starts in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome – the community of microorganisms living in your digestive system – is of utmost importance to your health. These sets of healthy bacteria are essential for a healthy metabolism, energy levels, digestion and much more. However, they can also be potentially harmful due to the change in their composition when the gut ecosystem undergoes abnormal changes due to the use of antibiotics, illness, stress, ageing, bad dietary habits, and lifestyle.

    Check out the list of foods that you must feed these bacteria to optimise your health during summers.

    Fruits

    Summers are all about fruits and fruits that are high in fibre serve as the easiest way to maintain a favourable pH balance in the colon. The colon must be slightly acidic to support good bacteria and to prevent harmful bacteria from thriving. The pH value of the colon should range from 6.7 to 6.9 for good gut health. Fruits like pears, raspberries, apples, kiwis and blueberries are all rich in fibre and hence are the best foods to eat for a healthy gut during scorching sunny days.

    The skin of pears is particularly beneficial as it has three to four times as many phytonutrients as the flesh while the fibrous kiwi binds with toxins in the colon and removes them, thus reducing the risk of colon cancer. Kiwis are low in fat but rich in nutrients. Blueberries are a major source of prebiotics like bifidobacteria which improve gut health.

    Mushrooms

    Mushrooms are edible fungi that have numerous prebiotic components like alpha and beta-glucans, chitin, mannans,, xylans and hemicellulose. Mushrooms act as prebiotics, thus feeding the beneficial gut microbes. They further create nutrients like vitamin K and SCFA (short-chain fatty acids) that help repair the cells of the intestinal walls.

    Various researchers from Hong Kong conducted a study which revealed that mushrooms can contribute to building our immunity against tumours, and pneumonia. Even simple white button mushrooms are known to increase microbial diversity and change the composition of the gut flora while stimulating local inflammatory responses. Not to miss out on the anti-cancer, anti-allergy and cholesterol-lowering attributes of mushrooms.

    Green bananas

    Green bananas are very high in resistant starch. A medium-sized green banana has as much as 38 g of resistant starch. Not only are they an excellent source of soluble fibre, but also keep your stomach full during summers while keeping your gut microbiome healthy and well-composed.

              (By: Dr. Surendra K Chikara; Source: NDTV)

  • Foods To Boost Collagen Production

    Foods To Boost Collagen Production

    Collagen is a large protein that is used to make the connective tissue, which in turn keeps all the other tissues together. Collagen is present in bones, joints, blood, muscles, and cartilages. It is the most important protein for a healthy-looking skin as it gives it elasticity and strength. Collagen makes up a third of the total body protein. As we grow older, our processes start to slow down and this affects the production of collagen too.

    AMINO ACIDS

    There are 20 amino acids that make up all the proteins in our body. Of these 9 are termed essential as they are not produced in our body and need to be consumed through our food. Amino acids are important to produce collagen and are abundantly found in protein-rich foods like meats, poultry, legumes like peanuts and Tofu, cottage cheese, soy proteins, organ meats, Fish, and dairy.

    VITAMIN C

    The vitamin regulates the synthesis of Collagen. In addition, Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant and its role in maintaining and promoting skin health is well documented. Consuming foods rich in Vitamin C on a daily basis helps maintain not just a healthy skin but also a strong immune system. Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits, papaya, green leafy vegetables, tomato, berries, red and yellow peppers.

    ZINC

    The mineral needed in small amounts is a critical nutrient for collagen production. It boosts production, repairs cell and protects against damage. It also activates the proteins for collagen formation. Oysters, dairy, pumpkin seeds, cashew nuts are some of the best sources of zinc.

    MANGANESE

    It helps in collagen production by activating enzymes that boost the production of amino acid – Proline present in collagen. Needed in small amounts, Manganese is found in foods like, whole grains, nuts, legumes, brown rice, leafy vegetables and spices.

    COPPER

    It works by activating enzymes that are needed for collagen production; these enzymes also help connect collagen fibers with other fibers, creating a wire frame that supports tissues. Whole grains, beans, nuts, shellfish, organ meats, green leafy vegetables and dried prunes are all good sources of copper.