The Indian Panorama

Month: October 2022

  • Canada, India Out of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Colombia, Spain, Japan and Tanzania Advance to Last Eight

    Canada, India Out of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Colombia, Spain, Japan and Tanzania Advance to Last Eight

    Prabhjot Singh

    TORONTO (TIP): The hosts and debutants India and Canada have made their exit from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Columbia, Spain (defending champions), Japan and African debutants Tanzania have qualified for the last eight rounds. In the last round of the pool matches, Spain edged out China by a solitary goal while Columbia got the better of Mexico 2-1 in an all-American encounter. Canada played a 1-1 draw with Tanzania to bow out of the competition while Japan, the only Asian team left in the contest recorded an impressive 2-0 win over  France. Led by Ruiqi Qiao, China pushed Spain back in the early stages, though the reigning FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup champions created better chances as the first half wore on. First, Chen Liu parried Lucia Corrales’s cross-shot, with the rebound falling to Carla Camacho, who fired the ball against the bar. Vicky Lopez then engineered an opportunity from the edge of the box, the keeper again doing well to keep her fierce drive out. The second half began how the first ended, as Spain retained the initiative. The only goal of the game came just after the hour mark, when Marina Artero headed home a corner from the left. China later celebrated an equalizer, only for Video umpire (VAR) to rule it out.

    The win kept Spain’s hopes of defending its title alive, while China fell once again in the group phase, beyond which it has never advanced. With all four sides in the section tied on three points at the start of the day, it was no surprise to see a cagey start to the game between the two American teams. Mexico had more of the ball but failed to create any clear-cut chances. It paid the price when Juana Ortegon’s fine strike from outside the box put the Colombians ahead four minutes from half-time.

    Linda Caicedo made it 2-0 with another long-range effort after the break, and though Mexico pulled one back when the Colombian star put through her own goal, Mexico could not find an equalizer, despite applying some late pressure.

    The three points took Colombia into the quarterfinals for the first time in its history, while the 2018 runners-up Mexico went out.

    “I’m so happy,” said Caicedo. “Luck didn’t come into it. It was a process and a job really well done. We hope to keep going and do more than make history. We want to fulfil this big dream that we have.”

    Japan wasted no time showing why it had won their first two matches, creating two excellent chances in the opening minute. The pressure eventually told on the French, as Momoko Tanikawa fired home from outside the box to give the Japanese the lead in the 29th minutes. Fiona Liaigre did her best to unsettle the Asians down the left flank and haul her team level, but the half ended with the French trailing to that Tanikawa strike. After missing a succession of chances, Japan was eventually rewarded for its second-half pressure when Sayami Kusunoki scored in injury time to seal top spot for her side and ensure France’s elimination. “I think we did well against Japan, but we have a lot of regrets after the games against Canada and Tanzania,” said France midfielder Lucie Calba. “Like our coach said, we should have been playing for first place in the group today, not for qualification. “We’ve experienced other cultures here, other styles of football, and we’ve learned a lot. We’ve learned that when it comes to World Cups you need to play every match with intensity.” Having already broken new ground by becoming the first side from their country to contest a FIFA competition in any age category, Tanzania began the game intent on achieving even greater things and struck the bar from a corner. It was the Canadians who opened the scoring with Amanda Allen converting a penalty after 14 minutes. Tanzania pulled level thanks to another corner, with Veronica Mapunda popping up inside the box to force home an opportunistic equalizer.

    Canada did all it could after the restart to score the goal that would have taken it into the next round. The pioneering Africans had other ideas and held on to check into the quarterfinals against all odds.

  • Do not vote for anyone, but vote your conscience

    Do not vote for anyone, but vote your conscience

    Tuesday, November 8, 2022is the day for voting in midterm elections

    “It is about time Indian Americans consider electing candidates who align with their own values and principles consistent with the oath of allegiance rather than in coordination based on only one criterion, the common heritage. Dwight Eisenhower once famously said ‘we must avoid becoming a community of fear and hate and be instead a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect”. Let the upcoming voting in the midterm elections be a trailblazer for the community to come of age while reflecting universal values for civility, progress, and redemption.”

    By George Abraham

    Ethnic Indian media appears to be primarily busy reporting upcoming Diwali celebrations or listing the accomplishments of many who are making a mark in the mainstream USA. Hundreds of organizations belonging to the Indian Americans have become guardians of our cultural and religious heritage. It is only natural that first-generation Indian Americans are fence sitters who are caught between their loyalty to their motherland and commitment to the oath they have taken in their adopted country. Undoubtedly, it has been challenging for many as they are navigating the tough straits of cultural assimilation while preserving their renowned heritage. As the midterm elections are fast approaching, why are there not serious discussions or debates within our community on the pressing issues confronting the nation? Hurricane IAN played havoc in Florida, destroying neighborhoods, and leaving many communities desolate, yet there is minimal reaction collectively from our community to reach out and help. Are we living in our own silos, primarily oblivious of our surroundings and unable to share the daily concerns of ordinary Americans?

    It is amusing to see some of the community’s self-appointed representatives running after a few politicians who use them as ATM machines for their campaign war chest while being perfectly happy with a photo session to be broadcast across social media. In their opportunity to interact with these politicos, they hardly bring up the issues of safety in the streets, rising crime in the subways, or the forever-diminishing purchasing power of the dollar at the grocery store. In addition, the politics are straining parent-school relationships to a point where even a five-year-old is no longer a stranger to the ongoing culture wars. Although Indian Americans are said to be economically better off than other immigrant groups, can they afford to ignore these crises that may have immediate implications and  may also impact the future of their offspring?

    Aren’t we held hostage to one party or another instead of supporting sound policies of a candidate that would be consistent with our own beliefs and traditional way of thinking? People are almost dying at the southern border to get into the United States because those who have come before us were able to build a prosperous and thriving country that has become the world’s envy for its forward-thinking and innovative approach. Why, then, are some among us who just landed recently advocating for the total dismantling of the current system? If we had better solutions, why didn’t we apply them and build successful societies back where we came from?

    Indian Americans, in general, are hardworking and family-oriented folks who almost tend to live for the next generations, even willing to sacrifice their own little comforts for their advancement. They are quite capable of accomplishing their own version of the American dream without the help of public handouts unless mired in some unfortunate circumstances. Yet, why do those elected among us keep supporting policies that would create a dependent group in servitude to the ruling class? Socialism failed all over because people were primarily motivated to work hard for their own personal gains, and the absence of such an ecosystem created a society that was sluggish and non-competitive.

    Many immigrants to this country have fled poverty and famine, and some others violence and civil war. They finally have found refuge in a society run by the rule of law and perceived jurisprudence. Undoubtedly, people felt safer in their own enclaves and were going about their business. However, the stability of those neighborhoods and peaceful co-existence within the communities have been increasingly jolted by divisive rhetoric meted out by a new class of politicos about race and gender spreading hatred and confusion. Law-enforcement systems are getting paralyzed due to incessant attacks on their motive and being portrayed as villains, not as defenders of a civil society anymore!

    The United States was once called a melting pot where people from all over the world came together to embrace an idea and a culture that was unique, distinct and called American. However, that assimilation is threatened now by the identity politics that has morphed into an all-out war that exasperates the differences and highlights the divergence. The newly arriving groups are bent upon bringing their own rotten baggage of bigotry and prejudices, as witnessed in Leicester, England, and Edison, New Jersey.

    Raja Krishnamurthy has been a Congressman from Illinois since 2016. He has consistently portrayed himself as a progressive champion, promoting religious freedom, LGBTQ rights, and immigration. However, his record related to India’s religious and caste minorities reveal a different story. Hindu fascist organizations continue to use their political power to oppress minorities using violence, quash dissent and undermine democracy in India. Raja shared the dais in a conference held in Chicago in September 2018 with none other than RSS supremo Mohan Bhagat, whose Sangh Parivar openly calls for violence against minorities and the establishment of a Hindu Rashtra. Kevin Thomas, a state legislator from Long Island, New York, symbolizes the paradox that the Indian community faces in these unsettled times. There was little doubt that he was an accidental state senator; however,  his victory had the fingerprints of the Indian community all over with their finances as well as logistical undertakings. Indian community in New York was long yearning for representation somewhere in a legislative body as their hopes and aspirations were getting a run-around by the machine politics in New York dominated by minorities. Therefore, there was great excitement within the community upon his election. However, that optimism and promise soon evaporated once he had taken oath as a Senator.

    New York passed a sweeping bail reform law in 2019, prohibiting cash bail for all but serious felonies. State judges cannot hold any defendants based on their perceived dangerousness or previous arrest records and are only required to use the least restrictive means of ensuring defendants return to the court. Kevin Thomas voted for it along with his colleagues in his party, allegedly opening pandora’s box and unleashing a new wave of crime in New York. According to the NYPD, overall crime was up more than 30% in New York City last month compared to the previous year. Grand larceny was up over 40%. Subways have become dangerous places to commute. Moreover, the police are on the defensive and growingly reluctant to actively pursue those perpetrators in this rising crime wave. Needless to say, safety and security are of paramount importance to every Indian American, regardless of where they have chosen to live. It is about time Indian Americans consider electing candidates who align with their own values and principles consistent with the oath of allegiance rather than in coordination based on only one criterion, the common heritage. Dwight Eisenhower once famously said ‘we must avoid becoming a community of fear and hate and be instead a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect”. Let the upcoming voting in the midterm elections be a trailblazer for the community to come of age while reflecting universal values for civility, progress, and redemption.

    (The author is a former Chief Technology Officer at the United Nations, and Vice Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress USA. He can be reached at gta777@gmail.com)

     

  • Censorship Is “Stupid” But It Stays, Thanks Information Highways

    Censorship Is “Stupid” But It Stays, Thanks Information Highways

    “There are contradictory views on what is “objectionable and hateful content”. In times of diminishing tolerance, anything “anti-establishment” quickly gets labelled as “objectionable”, “hate” or even at times “anti-national” content. The  authorities do not refrain from gagging such content before it gets viral.”

    Will societies be ever free from government controls? This question will continue to agitate those advocating for freedom of expression, a distant dream.

    By Prabhjot Singh

    Censorship for many may be a crude way of curbing freedom of expression. It has a history longer than the print media. Movements supporting freedom of expression  have been creating ripples here and there, by pricking the conscience of political bosses but debate continues unabated. Censorship has survived various religious, social and political struggles all over the globe as it has followed the free expressions of men and women like a shadow throughout history.

    Social Researchers maintain that in ancient societies like Rome and  China, censorship was considered a legitimate instrument for regulating the moral and political life of the people. The origin of the term censor can be traced to the office of censor established in Rome in 443 BC. In Rome, as in the ancient Greek communities, the ideal of good governance included shaping the character of the people. Hence censorship was regarded as an honorable task. In China, the first censorship law was introduced in 300 AD.

    Historians reveal that the most famous case of censorship in ancient times was that of Socrates, sentenced to drink poison in 399 BC for his corruption of youth and his acknowledgement of unorthodox divinities.

    It is fair to assume that Socrates was not the first person to be severely punished for violating the moral and political code of his time. This ancient view of censorship, as a benevolent task in the best interest of the public, is still upheld in many countries like China. This notion was advocated by the rulers of the erstwhile Soviet Union (USSR), who were responsible for the longest lasting and most extensive censorship era of the 20th Century.

    If one looks back at recent Indian history, Punjab witnessed its first bout of censorship in 1919 when the Jallianwala Bagh massacre happened in Amritsar. Since then, Censorship became a trend with the rulers in the border State of Punjab that witnessed “gagging of media” again in 80s following Operation Bluestar and the anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and elsewhere following the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. But digital censorship is something new to the State, especially when an artiste-turned Chief Minister is gagging a fellow artiste for her narration of an episode that shook not only Punjab but the entire world.

    Debate over its morality and legality notwithstanding, it has picked momentum following the Punjab Government’s action in getting  the “Letter to CM” song by Jenny Johal blocked from YouTube.

    Though widely condemned by both political and social organizations, it appears to be in continuation of similar steps taken by the Union and some State governments from time to time to check “ objectionable or hate content” dissemination on social media channels. There are contradictory views on what is “objectionable and hateful content”. In times of diminishing tolerance, anything “anti-establishment” quickly gets labelled as “objectionable”, “hate” or even at times “anti-national” content. The  authorities do not refrain from gagging such content before it gets viral.

    It has become a common tool for the State or authorities to block or ban social media at times of conflicts, agitations or anti-government agitations. It is why  the most animated debate has been  on the ways and means the States and big monopoly houses put their money and muscle power to censor digital content.

    Filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane  was recently quoted in media saying  “Censorship is a stupid thing. There should be certification, and not censorship. People are smart enough to understand that if a film is meant for kids, then kids will watch it and if it is meant for adults, only adults will watch it. I have not understood till date why we censor adult films. If someone over 18 can get married, produce children, drive cars, why can’t they watch a movie?” he said.

    He is the showrunner of the upcoming second season of Sacred Games, which has been widely applauded in its season one, but also been noted for its uncompromised content related to nudity, violence and language.

    Censorship has spread its tentacles beyond these oft-talked subjects. Focus of late has been  on “political censorship” or censoring digital content that does not meet approval of the political bosses who find their hands tied at their backs in promulgating various laws to prohibit the content from being circulated in territories where their writ runs.

    What about the reach beyond the geographical boundaries?

    Blocking Internet or major social media channels like Facebook,  TikTok, Instagram, twitter and others  for variable periods may be a short-term relief for limiting the reach of “objectionable content”. Internet or information highways have made the archaic Censorship laws irrelevant. Countries like China have been on forefront on banning various social media channels. India and Canada are not far behind. In June India’s ministry of electronics and information technology imposed a permanent ban  on video app TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps. Though the companies were given a chance to explain their position on compliance with privacy and security requirements, yet the Government  was not satisfied with the explanations.

    When the final permanent ban orders were issued, it was stated that the apps were “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of state and public order.”

    The Senate in Canada has before it Bill C-11 for  the final consent. 

    When Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriquez first tabled Bill C-11, the Trudeau government’s online censorship bill, the primary rationale he gave for crafting the legislation was to promote the interests of Canadian content creators.

    He was quoted saying that the Bill C-11 “will help make sure that our cultural sector works for Canadians and supports the next generation of artists and creators,”  Rodriguez said.

    The Trudeau government wants Canadians to think that this bill will simply make Canadian content more accessible and boost the online presence of Canadian artists. Content creators, however, debunk Government’s claim.

    For many critics of the minority Liberal government, Bill C-11 has  been a bad bill. If passed, it would invade Canadians’ privacy and lessen their ability as citizens to hold the government to account by influencing what they can say and see online. Will societies be ever free from government controls? This question will continue to agitate those advocating for freedom of expression, a distant dream.

    (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)

  • Change and continuity coexist in the Congress

    Change and continuity coexist in the Congress

    “Rahul needs to take a leaf out of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s New Labour, where he adopted the ideas of another former British PM Margaret Thatcher because he saw clearly that the time of the Old Labour was over. Fortunately, for Rahul, he need not borrow anything from his ideological opponents of the BJP — Atal Bihari Vajpayee or Modi — because the BJP never believed in the economic philosophy of a free market but believed in destructive and atavistic nationalism. Rahul Gandhi has to borrow from Rajiv Gandhi.”

    So, what does a Congress president need to do? That is an interesting question and there are no clear answers. Rahul does not know; the Congress does not know. And therein lies the confusion of the Congress.

    By Parsa Venkateshwar Rao Jr

    That there was a contest for the Congress president’s post should be seen as an interesting development. The contest was something more than a formality. Shashi Tharoor throwing his hat in the ring is no empty gesture. That there were inherent chinks in his armor — at the political and not at the personal level — were apparent. The failure of the G23 leaders to support him shows that those who clamored for change did not really believe in it. So, Tharoor was left standing alone in the field, and he did it with a sporting smile on his face. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Karnataka veteran, made it plain that he would follow the path that the party had been following in the past. There would be strengthening of the party units at all levels. As the proverbial driver in the seat, he would keep the party engine chugging. The vocal critics of the Congress will carp about the prospect that Kharge’s presidency will mean the continuing dominance of Rahul Gandhi. But that is not a bad thing if it means that Rahul will focus on raising public issues and Kharge would take care of the organizational nitty-gritty. The issue is whether it means the continuance of the dominance of the Rahul clique. If it is, then the party will continue to fumble and even Rahul’s popularity and goodwill gained through the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ will not be of much help.

    More important than the organizational problems is the question whether the Congress needs to reinvent itself in terms of ideas and ideology. On this, Kharge is not of much help. He has no new ideas to bring to the table. He is the old-fashioned Congressman who will bring in ideas wrapped in the old rhetoric. It is what PV Narasimha Rao, the much-celebrated reformer, did. This is the tactic of a timid man, who is afraid that the party will not accept new ideas and, therefore, the news ideas have to be smuggled in.

    Rahul is the key man here. He is not talking in any new way and he is not thinking in any new way. He holds on to the old verities of protecting and helping the poor, and maintaining a cold attitude towards the rich folk. It is the old Congress way and it had worked very well. However, India has changed over the decades, thanks partially to the new ideas brought in by Rajiv Gandhi in the 1980s; many people refuse to accept the fact that it was Rajiv who was the harbinger of change — and that’s what has powered the new India we see today. Ideologically and politically, Rahul is closer to Indira Gandhi than to Rajiv Gandhi. And that is not helpful even at a time when the crisis of the market economy in India and in the world has made the socialist flavor fashionable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through his calibrated freebies, is using socialist policies behind the fascist and nationalist cloak.

    Rahul then needs to do more than harping on socialist themes. And hypothetically, it would have been better for Rahul to have had Tharoor as president in place of Kharge. Tharoor would have provided the necessary counterpoint because he too is not afraid of change. Kharge dare not differ with Rahul. And there is no need for Kharge to dare because he too believes in the jaded socialism that the Congress had exploited so cleverly. And the BJP under PM Modi is doing what the Congress did in the past.

    Rahul needs to take a leaf out of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s New Labour, where he adopted the ideas of another former British PM Margaret Thatcher because he saw clearly that the time of the Old Labour was over. Fortunately, for Rahul, he need not borrow anything from his ideological opponents of the BJP — Atal Bihari Vajpayee or Modi — because the BJP never believed in the economic philosophy of a free market, but believed in destructive and atavistic nationalism. Rahul Gandhi has to borrow from Rajiv Gandhi. At the practical level, the question that arises is whether this is a one-off election or whether the Congress would get back to the ancient practice of electing a new president and a new Congress Working Committee (CWC) every year. If the Congress were to get back to this internal election ritual, then it would greatly enliven the organization. But that will not be a sufficient condition for the revival of the Congress.

    Ideally, the Congress should be free of the Nehru-Gandhi dominance. But it is not going to happen, given the pathetic spinelessness of the Congress leaders. Independent-minded P Chidambaram articulated the position of dependence when he said whoever be the Congress president, Rahul is the leader of the party. While this accurately reflects the Congress position, it does not generate optimism about the Congress. So, what does a Congress president need to do? That is an interesting question and there are no clear answers. Rahul does not know; the Congress does not know. And therein lies the confusion of the Congress.

    This year’s Congress presidential election could well be an isolated episode unless there are a hundred Tharoors who will enter the fray without rancor and fight the good fight in good faith.

    (The author is a senior journalist)

  • RAMAAVAN – A MUSICAL DEBUTS IN NYC

    RAMAAVAN – A MUSICAL DEBUTS IN NYC

    By Mabel Pais

    “Ramaavan – A Musical,” Surati’s unique, adapted production debuting in New York City, performs at The American Theatre of Actors – Cullum Theatre located at 314 West 54th Street, Manhattan, NY 10019. Seven performances take place, Wednesday, November 2 to Sunday 6. “Ramaavan – A Musical” is based on ‘The Ramayana,’ a popular epic tale from India that tells the story of Prince Ram and King Ravan of (Sri) Lanka. It is a story of duty, honor, love, courage and revenge. It is an original musical in English inspired by Broadway, told through verse, traditional (classical and folk) and experimental Indian dance and music, along with world genres of musical theatre, opera, contemporary, jazz, ballet and modern dance. This original production showcases Indian classical, folk and a fusion with other genres featuring artists and artistry from around the world, an evolving theatrical experience that appeals to a global audience today.
    This production narrating an ancient tale from India is unique in several ways… from the presentation to the cast, and most importantly the sheer diversity across the board. The talented and diverse international cast help create our unique depiction by blending cultures from Indian with those around the world through dance and music makes this a production comparable to shows on Broadway and at Operas.
    TICKETS
    For more information on performance schedule, and to purchase tickets, Nov 2 – Nov 6, visit suratifpa.org/ramaavan or call 201 792 2650 or 201 360 1553.

    • Though the tale is ancient, Surati’s interpretation of the story challenges
    • “Status Quo” and how social issues have
    • Peace, mutual respect and understanding,
    • Women’s rights and Shakti (power),
    • Racism and matters of color
    • The show melts away boundaries of gender, caste, race, religion and color promoting brotherhood and harmony.
    • A purely cultural representation of the story making it universally enjoyable and acceptable to al
    • Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality.
  • RAJIV JOSEPH’S ‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’ VISITS FORT WORTH, TX

    RAJIV JOSEPH’S ‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’ VISITS FORT WORTH, TX

    By Mabel Pais

    What kinds of sacrifices can be demanded in the pursuit of beauty and perfection? Do friendship, health, even life, rank as acceptable losses? This question is at the center of Rajiv Joseph’s funny and deeply moving Guards at the Taj, winner of both Obie and Lucille Lortel Awards in 2015. The performances begin the 44th season of Stage West Theater located at 821-823 West Vickery Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76104, with a 5-week regional premiere run beginning Thursday, October 20. In 1648 India, Humayan and Babur are two lowly Imperial guards, keeping watch over the walls around the newly completed Taj Mahal on the last night before it is revealed to the public in all its glory. Despite their differences (Humayan is a believer in discipline and rule-following, while Babur is a dreamer who questions pretty much everything), these two have forged a deep friendship, and they banter to pass the time.

    Unfortunately, they eventually come to the realization that, due to their lowly status, they will be responsible for carrying out a horrific task decreed by the Emperor. Come morning, they have no choice but to comply, and so they do, but it changes them irrevocably. Can their friendship survive? Can they? And is a creation of such astounding beauty worth such a terrible price? This haunting play is sure to stay with audiences long after the curtain comes down.

    “A piercing examination of the nature of beauty, its relationship to power, and its unspeakable costs.” remarks the ‘Chicago Reader.’

     “Two ordinary guys ordered to do the unthinkable,” writes ‘The New York Times.’

     ‘Guards at the Taj’ will be directed by Shyama Nithiananda, seen at Stage West in last season’s JQA. The cast features Dhruv Ravi as Babur and Rahul Joshi as Humayun, both making their Stage West debuts. Mr. Ravi’s credits include ‘As You Like It’ for Shakespeare Dallas and ‘Taming of the Shrew’ for Ithaca Shakespeare Company. Mr. Joshi’s credits include ‘Ocean in a Teacup’ at Theatre Row and ‘God of Carnage’ at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, both at New York city.

    Set design is by Brian Clinnin, with lighting design by Bryan Stevenson, costume design by Amy Poe, sound design by Ryan Simón, and props and set décor by Lynn Lovett. Watch the promo video: youtu.be/l1fdIVPa0fI

    TICKETS

    For Tickets to the performance, visit online  at stagewest.org/tickets or the box office at 821-823 West Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76104 or call

    817-STG-WEST.Where we are

    Rajiv Joseph, Playwright’s Statement

    Rajiv Joseph, playwright. (Photo : stagewest.org – jingomedia.com)

    Because my father is from India, I got to visit the Taj Mahal when I was ten years old and then, once again, when I was twenty-two. When I was ten, my aunt told me about some of the legends that are associated with the Taj Mahal. Several of those stories find their way into this play. I think it’s interesting that the stories you hear as a little kid can stay with you for several years. A part of you never forgets them. And so it’s interesting for me, as a writer, to revisit those stories—the ones planted in me as a child—and bring them to life in a play.

    This play was very fun for me to write because, even though it takes place in 1648 and is about two Mughal Imperial guards, I decided to give the characters a very contemporary and American style of speaking. I realized that in reality, these guys would never be speaking English anyhow. And also, because they are best friends, their dialogue with each other would be casual, they’d use slang… so I was freed up to let them speak in any way I thought was cool.

  • MBDA Announces $1.75 Million in Grants for Minority Colleges and Universities

    MBDA Announces $1.75 Million in Grants for Minority Colleges and Universities

    • Grants will fund pilot programs that will lay the foundation for a future generation of entrepreneurial leaders and innovators

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP):  The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has announced $1.75 million in grants to seven minority educational institutions as part of an expanded pilot program to support entrepreneurship for undergraduate students. These grantees join a cohort of four other Minority Colleges and Universities awarded in 2021.

    The Minority Colleges and Universities pilot program will help fund the development of curricula, pilot courses, seminars, and replicable products and tools that address inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship, and general economic development. Grantees include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNHSIs).

    “As the product of an HBCU myself, I experienced firsthand the invaluable role our Minority Serving Institutions play in preparing and empowering students of color,” said Donald R. Cravins, Jr., Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development. “MBDA’s mission to build a stronger, more equitable business ecosystem will not happen overnight. To create lasting change, we need to look ahead. These grants, which expand MBDA’s entrepreneurship programs at Minority Serving Institutions throughout the country, will help create economic access and opportunity for America’s future entrepreneurs.”

    The grantees include:

    Chaminade University of Honolulu, Hawaii ($300,711): Chaminade will develop and pilot a Sustainability Entrepreneurship course (expanding to a public certificate program) and develop a “Pathways to Entrepreneurship” series of workshops and seminars. Southern University and A&M College, Louisiana ($300,711): Southern University will establish an entrepreneurship institute for developing an entrepreneurship curriculum focused on innovation, technology and leadership education through academic courses, workshops, conferences, and electronic media. Shaw University, North Carolina ($300,016): Shaw will develop six classes and expand its entrepreneurship curricula creating a seminar series, distinguished entrepreneur series, experiential activities (micro internships), and a business incubator. Bowie State University, Maryland ($300,711): Bowie State will teach and deliver an entrepreneurial curriculum tailored to support undergraduate student entrepreneurs.Universidad del Sagrado Corazon, Puerto Rico ($300,711): Sagrado will create five mentorship hubs composed of a specialized industry module as well as expand the technical support services and training for entrepreneurship. Augustine College, Illinois ($150,355): St. Augustine will enhance its existing small business program and create an entrepreneurship/business leadership concentration in the undergraduate business program.

    Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), New Mexico ($96,135): IAIA will enhance its Business and Entrepreneurship Certificate Program Development Project, which provides a solid foundation of business literacy and applied business skills.

    The funding is anticipated for a two-year term, funded annually. For the latest information on MBDA programs and announcements, please visit www.MBDA.gov.

  • Indian American Caucus Hosts Political Forum in Preparation for Midterm Elections in IL

    Indian American Caucus Hosts Political Forum in Preparation for Midterm Elections in IL

    CHICAGO (TIP): Indian Americans are coming of age in the United States and are beginning to exert influence in the public sphere. They epitomize how new waves of immigrants have been renewing and shaping the United States. ‘Indian Americans taking over the country’ highlights the contributions of Indian immigrants to the US economy and acknowledges the stellar role played by the community in fields such as healthcare, education, technology and entrepreneurship.Recognizing this trajectory of growth, and the coming of age of the fast-growing Indian-American community, particularly in the state of Illinois, the Indian American Caucus (IAC), a non-partisan platform formed with the objective of educating and encouraging the civic engagement of the Indian-American community,  hosted a political forum on Thursday, Oct 13th, 2022 at the Mall of India in Naperville, IL.

    Attended by a record number of 43 candidates running for offices to several local, district and statewide elections, representing both the Democrat and the Republican parties, the event provided the Indian American community with a platform to learn of the local and national issues that impact our lives on a day-to-day basis. The first of a kind event held three weeks ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November 8th, attracted local residents, visitors, and the media.

    Describing the objectives of the Caucus, Dr. Anuja Gupta, President of IAC commented, “Indian-Americans are realizing their influence in the elections. The Indian American Caucus was established to provide a platform for our community to get to know the candidates of both parties and make a more informed decision.”

    Members of the organizing committee included Ms Shree Guruswamy, a local community leader and delegate of the Democratic party, Mr Vinoz Chanamolu, the proprietor of the Mall of India property and the VP of the American Indian Engineer’s Organization, Mr Girish Kapur, a Naperville community leader from the Indian Community Outreach organization and Ms Ghousia Wajid, a prominent person for civic engagement in the South Asian community.The organizers are active members of the Indian American community of Chicagoland and serve in leading roles in many local organizations. The Mall of India is unique property development with Indian retail, restaurants, and hosting several public events.

    The wide range of candidates who participated at the event shared with the audience their perspectives and the objectives/goals they want to accomplish by contesting the election. The forum offered a unique opportunity for the Indian American community to hear from their candidates, some of them are elected representatives, who are seeking re-election in November 2022.

    Dr. Suresh Reddy, past President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and a current Trustee of the Village of Oak Brook, and a candidate for the Mayor of Oak Brook attended the event and shared his perspectives on the importance and need for the Indian American community’s active role in the political life of the United States.

    The list of candidates who attended the event included, for the Supreme Court Justice Michael Burke, for IL Circuit Court Judge Mike Reidy; for IL Appellate Court Judge Sonny Choi Williams, Judge Liam Brennan & Judge Joe Birkette; for IL Congress Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy, Scott Gryder & Catalina Lauf, For IL State Senate Senator Laura Ellman, Rachel Ventura, Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton & Laurie Novak; For IL State Rep Paul Leong, Deanne Mazocchi, Stephany Hood, Janet Yang Rohr, Jackie Williamson, Stephanie Kifowit & Anne Stava Murray; For Dupage County Chairman Deb Conroy; for Dupage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick, for Dupage County Treasurer Gwen Henry & Don Potoczny; for Will County Treasurer Tim Brophy & Raj Pillai; for Dupage County Clerk Evelyn Sanguinetti, for Dupage County Board Bob Larsen, Cindy Cronin Cahill, Patty Gustin, Kari Galassi, Tina Tyson Dunne, Sheila Rutledge & Saba Haider; for Will County Board Meta Mueller, for Forest Preserve Commissioner Jeff Garhis; for Forest Preserve Liz Van Arsdell, Bob Schillerstrom, Daniel Hebreard & Mary Beth Carlson. State Attorney Bob Berlin is not running for re-election but attended the event as a well-wisher.

  • Jury of Harris County Criminal Court in Houston convicts Robert Solis, 50, of murder of Sikh police officer Sandeep Dhaliwal

    Jury of Harris County Criminal Court in Houston convicts Robert Solis, 50, of murder of Sikh police officer Sandeep Dhaliwal

    HOUSTON (TIP): A man, who was found guilty of capital murder for gunning down Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal, the first turbaned Indian-American Sikh police officer in the US state of Texas in 2019, has been convicted by a court here. Robert Solis, 50, was convicted by the jury of the Harris County Criminal Court in Houston of the capital murder of 42-year-old Dhaliwal, a 10-year-veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. He had drawn widespread notice when he gained permission to wear a turban as part of his uniform in 2015 and was killed in an ambush-style shooting while on duty on September 27, 2019.

    With Dhaliwal’s family in the courtroom on Monday, the jury took less than 30 minutes to announce the verdict. Solis, who fired his attorneys, had decided to represent himself in court. He started his opening statement in the punishment phase by asking for the death penalty. “Since you believe I’m guilty of capital murder, I believe you should give me the death penalty,” Solis told the jury. Jurors deliberated for just 25 minutes before finding Solis guilty of capital murder. “A swift verdict does not tell anyone in this courtroom what they already know…Find him guilty of capital murder,” the prosecutor said in his closing arguments in trial of Robert Solis accused of killing.

    The verdict came after over three years after Solis was arrested and charged with capital murder, accused of shooting Dhaliwal to death during a routine traffic stop. s Judge Chris Morton read the verdict, Solis nodded his head slightly and showed no emotion. During his testimony and closing argument of the guilt phase, Solis claimed that the shooting was an accident, calling the state’s case against him insufficient. “I stand before you an innocent man until you all go back there and deliberate and determine whether or not the state has met its burden and whether I intentionally and knowingly, a conscious objective, shot this deputy,” Solis told the jurors. Prosecutors said that Solis, who had an active parole violation warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon from 2017, was motivated to kill the deputy because he did not want to go back to jail. To prove their case they showed the jury a video from slain Deputy Dhaliwal’s body cam, showing Solis jumping out of his car and running up to his patrol car in the middle of the traffic stop, ordering him to put his hands up and not to move.

    He then shot the deputy in the head at point-blank range.It was a piece of heart-breaking evidence that moved everyone, members of the jury and Dhaliwal’s family, in the courtroom into tears. As for Solis, just moments after the actual video of the murder was played, he asked the judge to render a summary judgment on the case, right then and there, and declare him acquitted of the crime, claiming the state had failed to make an adequate case against him for capital murder. “I believe I will be able to show that I had no intention of killing this man,” Solis told the jury as he hung his head. Hours later, Solis asked the judge that he recuse himself, in other words, that he quit this trial entirely.

    “Since you believe I’m guilty of capital murder, I believe you should give me the death penalty,” Solis said.Solis continues to deny he killed the deputy in cold blood, describing the deadly shooting as an unfortunate situation.

    “It happened. I can’t change it. Was that my intent? My objective? Absolutely not,” he said. The killing of Deputy Dhaliwal, a father of three children, shocked the entire community in Houston, where he had been known as a “trailblazing deputy” for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, who wore his traditional articles of faith, including a turban and a beard, while on patrol. Dhaliwal worked with United Sikhs, a global humanitarian relief and advocacy nonprofit, to help organize the donation of truckloads of supplies for first responders after Hurricane Harvey. Dhaliwal was a source of pride for the Sikh community. A post office in west Houston has been renamed in his honor and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, who brought the renaming legislation to the US House of Representatives, said at the dedication ceremony, “I am honored to play a role in commemorating Deputy Dhaliwal’s remarkable life of selfless service,” said Fletcher. “He represented the very best of our community: he worked for equality, connection, and community through his life of service to others. I was glad to work with a bipartisan delegation, our community partners, and those in the Sikh community, to pass legislation to rename this building the Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office,” Fletcher added.

    However, this wasn’t the first dedication for Deputy Dhaliwal. A year after his death, a portion of Beltway 8 near Highway 249 was renamed in his honor.

    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian-American couple donates $1 million to University of Houston

    Indian-American couple donates $1 million to University of Houston

    HOUSTON (TIP):  An Indian-American entrepreneur couple has donated 1 million dollars to fund  manufacturing of a lab at the University of Houston College of Technology in Sugar Land. Brij Agrawal, an alumnus of the varsity, and his wife Sunita are funding the lab, which includes 3D printers, machine tools, measuring test equipment, etc. The varsity will name the building’s ground floor auditorium, the Brij and Sunita Agrawal Auditorium, in the couples’ honor. Agarwal, originally from Lakhanpur in Punjab in India, moved to Houston at the age of 17.

  • Council Member Sandra Ung& Sanitation Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announce funding for Mobile Litter Patrols; distribute free composting bins to promote curbside organics collections

    Council Member Sandra Ung& Sanitation Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announce funding for Mobile Litter Patrols; distribute free composting bins to promote curbside organics collections

    Council Member Sandra Ung, Sanitation Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and DSNY employees before the start of the bin giveaway at the Murray Hill LIRR station.
    Residents pick up their free composting bins.
    Council Member Sandra Ung holds a composting bin.

    Trash dumped illegally at the intersection of 32nd Avenue and 140th Street. The first photo was taken in August, the second in September.

    MURRAY HILL, NY (TIP):  Council Member Sandra Ung on Tuesday, October 18,  joined Department of Sanitation Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch to announce $134,000 in funding allocated by the Council Member for mobile litter patrols (MLP) that will target sidewalk litter and problem dumping sites across District 20. “Garbage is not only an eyesore, it is a public safety and public health issue,” said Council Member Sandra Ung. “While a lot of our efforts aimed at cleaner streets have focused on the busy commercial and commuter hub in downtown Flushing, we know there are sanitation issues in other part of the district. These new mobile litter patrols will target those sites, especially areas that repeatedly attract illegal dumping. I want to thank Commissioner Tisch and the rest of the Sanitation Department for their willingness to work with my office to address difficult issues such as this.”

    “I want to thank Councilmember Ung for her commitment to cleanliness, and for hosting this bin distribution. Whether Queens residents use our bin or their own, they’ll be getting rat food out of the trash bags and helping to keep our streets clean,” said Jessica Tisch, Commissioner, NYC Sanitation. MLP crews will be in the district three times a week removing illegal drop offs, as well as cleaning sidewalks, tree pits and rain gardens. Crews will also remove snow and ice on the LIRR overpasses from Union Street to 149th Street, a decades-long issue that the Council Member called attention to on the campaign trail. During the cold months when the snow and ice hardens, the overpasses become nearly impossible to traverse, especially for people with mobility issues and parents with strollers. In addition to the funding for mobile litter patrols, the Council Member provided $160,000 to the Flushing Business Improvement District for sanitation services. She also joined her City Council colleagues in pushing for $22 million in the most recent budget to expand litter basket pickups to pre-pandemic levels citywide. The Council Member urges constituents to report illegal dumping either to her office at (718) 888-8747 or to 311.

    Following the announcement, DSNY representatives distributed 100 free compost bins to promote the return of Curbside Composting throughout Queens. The service was restored on October 3, and residential buildings of all sizes – from single-family homes to apartment buildings – now receive weekly curbside organics collection.

    Residents can use any bin that is 55 gallons or less, but it should have a DSNY composting bin decal, which you can request at nyc.gov/CompostingBinDecal. Compostable items include leaf and yard waste, food scraps such as meat, bones, dairy and prepared foods, and greasy paper plates and pizza boxes as long as they are uncoated. Composting is picked up the same day as recycling.

    “One-third of the waste New Yorkers sends to landfills is food scraps and yard waste,” said Council Member Ung. “Instead of throwing it in the trash, let’s use it to create compost for our parks and open spaces, or even as a renewable source of energy.”

  • SENATOR LIU CELEBRATES 2022 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION HONOREE, JENNIFER SHANNON

    SENATOR LIU CELEBRATES 2022 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION HONOREE, JENNIFER SHANNON

    • Long-time public school teacher, civic president, and “COVID Hero” recognized

    COLLEGE POINT, NY(TIP):  State Senator John Liu, on October 18,  celebrated his 2022 Women of Distinction honoree, Jennifer Shannon. Shannon is a long-time public school teacher, President of A Better College Point Civic Association, Chairperson of the College Point Memorial Day Parade Committee, a small business owner, and a volunteer for All About Rabbit Rescue. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she organized a team of volunteers to support College Point’s food pantries and provided “thank you” meals for first responders. For her hard work and dedication, she was recognized by Brooklyn Borough President, now Mayor Eric Adams, for being a “Covid Hero.” Senator John Liu stated, “Jennifer Shannon is an activist of the highest caliber who always keeps a finger on the pulse of her local community. Throughout her career as a public school teacher, and especially these last few years during the Covid-19 pandemic, she has demonstrated remarkable integrity and character that exemplifies what it means to be a good neighbor and public servant. For her tremendous contributions to our community, to those in need, and to the entire City of New York, we offer our deepest gratitude, and we proudly name her our 2022 Woman of Distinction.”

    Jennifer Shannon stated, “I am honored to be chosen by Senator John Liu for the 2022 Woman of Distinction award. In my current positions as President of a Better College Point Civic Association and Chairperson for the College Point Memorial Day parade committee, I am supported and strengthened by many other dedicated volunteers. Their endless support makes my efforts easier and less challenging. Thank you Senator Liu for this honor and your support over the years.”

  • Senator John Brooks Delivers Funding Award in Show of Support to Long Island’s Girls

    Senator John Brooks Delivers Funding Award in Show of Support to Long Island’s Girls

    AMITYVILLE, NY (TIP):  Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8)  presented  a $10,000 funding award to Girls Incorporated of Long Island (Girls Inc.) to support ‘The Girls Inc. Experience’ program at two schools within the Amityville Union Free School District. Working in partnership with schools and local organizations, Girls Inc. focuses on the development of the whole girl – she learns to value herself, take risks, and discover and develop her inherent strengths. The combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming helps equip girls with the tools to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and to grow up healthy, educated, and independent. Informed by girls and their families, Girls Inc. also advocates for legislation and policies to increase opportunities and rights for all girls. A local affiliate of the national Girls Incorporated organization, Girls Inc. of Long Island provides school and community-based programming that serves the unique needs of girls, aged 5-18, living in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. With ‘The Girls Inc. Experience’ program, a variety of research-based curricula are delivered in age-appropriate lessons at school sites, during trips, and at workshops and empowerment days.

    “Our girls are facing a litany of issues in today’s world, ranging from mental, physical, and emotional health problems to the unrealistic expectations heaped upon them from family, friends, and outside influences like social media and television shows,” said Senator John E. Brooks. “It makes organizations like Girls Inc. — who work directly with girls to break down negative influences and stereotypes to foster a healthy sense of self-worth — all the more important. I am very grateful that an organization like this one has a presence within our Long Island community to support our girls, and I will continue to do all I can to assist them in carrying out their mission.”

    The funding award, being dispersed between Park Avenue Memorial Elementary and Edmund W. Miles Middle Schools, will aid in funding ‘The Girls Inc. Experience’, after school programs designed to address the unique issues girls on Long Island face on a daily basis. By providing interactive hands-on experiences, girls become empowered and gain the essential tools and life skills to be strong, smart and bold. Through Girls Inc.’s school-based programming, girls will participate in 30 weekly sessions throughout the school year for ongoing engagement. The holistic approach, to specifically address building self-esteem and choosing healthy behaviors, addresses the whole girl, physically, socially, emotionally and academically, helping them to successfully navigate the world.

    “We are immensely grateful for Senator Brooks’ funding,” said Renee Flagler, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Long Island. “With his additional support, we will be able to reach more girls at Amityville Union Free School District and provide them with the resources they need to be healthy, educated and independent future leaders in our community.”  Dr. Edward Fale, Superintendent of Schools – Amityville Union Free School District said, “On behalf of the Amityville School District, I want to thank Senator Brooks for the generous grant he has secured to benefit our district’s partnership with Girls Inc. of Long Island. I look forward to what our partnership with Girls Inc. will provide our students, inspiring them to be ‘strong, smart and bold.’ We truly appreciate the continued efforts of the Senator and our other elected officials in ensuring that our students are provided with additional opportunities to grow, expand their horizons and be as successful as they can. Thank you, Senator Brooks.” Said Denise Graham, Assistant Principal – Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School, “We are excited for our students to have the opportunity to immerse themselves with Girls Inc. so that they will realize their worth, their intelligence and have confidence equipped to make a difference in the world!”

  • Immigrant Advocates Denounce Opening of Randall’s Island Tent Camp

    Immigrant Advocates Denounce Opening of Randall’s Island Tent Camp

    NEW YORK, NY (TIP): The Randall’s Island “Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center”, on October 19,  opened to house new asylum seekers arriving in New York City. The New York Immigration Coalition strongly denounces the decision to house asylum seekers in tent encampments in this mass transit desert, and demands Mayor Adams utilize alternative housing options to meaningfully protect new arrivals.

    Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition said:

    “The decision to open the Randall’s Island tent camp today is a stain on our city’s rich history of welcoming immigrants and morally reprehensible. By confining new asylum seekers to isolated tents, vulnerable to inclement weather and removed from critical social services, the Adams administration has failed in its duties to protect and integrate the newest arrivals to our city. To continue ignoring the calls from advocates and other city officials to utilize alternative and more appropriate housing options, and instead begin implementing this dangerous plan, Mayor Adams has compromised New York City’s status as a beacon of hope. Mayor Adams must immediately halt any future plans to use or expand tents around our city, instead prioritize the use of underutilized buildings to house new asylum seekers and intensely work to decompress the NYC Shelter system by providing permanent housing to our unhoused neighbors.”

    Background: The New York Immigration Coalition’s Welcoming New York Campaign is advocating for a coordinated City, State and Federal response to asylum seekers being sent by bus from Texas to New York.

    ###

    The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy & advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York. The NYIC serves one of the largest and most diverse newcomer populations in the United States. The multi-racial and multi-sector NYIC membership base includes grassroots and nonprofit community organizations, religious and academic institutions, labor unions, as well as legal and socioeconomic justice organizations. The NYIC not only establishes a forum for immigrant groups to voice their concerns, but also provides a platform for collective action to drive positive social change. Since its founding in 1987, the NYIC has evolved into a powerful voice of advocacy by spearheading innovative policies, promoting and protecting the rights of immigrant communities, improving newcomer access to services, developing leadership and capacity, expanding civic participation, and mobilizing member groups to respond to the fluctuating needs of immigrant communities.

  • Diwali @Nassau County Celebrated

    MINEOLA ,NY (TIP): The office of Asian Community Affairs, Anissa Moore, NassauCounty Deputy County Executive Jennifer Desena, SupervisorTown of North Hempstead, Director of Asian American Affairs inNassau County Arooj Islam, along with Indian American ForumFounding Member Dr. Bobby K. Kalotee & Chairperson InduJaiswal, celebrated Diwali honoring distinguished IndianAmerican Community leaders. Emceed by Flora Parekh, the event highlighted the accomplishments of several prominentIndian American community leaders like Gurumaa Jyotishanand

    Saraswati (Vedic Heritage of India), Jasbir (Jay) Singh (BoardMember – Asian American Advisory Board of Nassau County),Meena Shah, ( Vaishnav Mandir – VTNY), Dr. Bharathi Reddy(Internist), Madhu Pareek (Blue Host Hospitality), HargovindGupta (Vice President, IALI) and Dr. Neeru Bhambri (MemberAt-Large IALI). The tireless efforts of the county and founding members alongwith a dedicated Hosts committee of Dr. Bobby K. Kalotee,Chairperson Indu Jaiswal, Vimal Goyal, Bina Sabapathy, VeerMukhi, Deepak Bansal, Jasbir Jay Singh, Beena Kothari, FloraParekh, Jyoti Gupta, Anju Sharma, Nilima Madan, Shashi Malik,Indu Gajwani and Suhag Mehta and several volunteers andsupporters, contributed to the success of the event keeping upthe spirit of Diwali.

    Starting with the American & Indian National Anthems by AngelShah, the event followed a traditional Diya Ceremony.Beautifully choreographed Diwali dances and performances byyoung girls and ladies group were the highlight of the evening. The venue was traditionally decorated by Jyoti Gupta, Anju &Sanju Sharma and Team. Mouthwatering dinner and Prasadboxes were served.

    Several Indian American Forum Board members andcommunity leaders namely Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori, DeepakBansal, Mukesh Modi, Dr. Urmilesh Arya, Past Presidents ofIALI, Vibhuti Jha, Anil Shah, Dr. Kunjbala Shah were inattendance.

    Indian American Forum has been instrumental inshowcasing the Indian tradition in NY for several decades.

  • Musk, Bezos, Dimon, Solomon, Pichai among prominent CEOs warning of recession

    Musk, Bezos, Dimon, Solomon, Pichai among prominent CEOs warning of recession

    FORECAST FOR RECESSION WITHIN YEAR HITS 100%

    NEW YORK (TIP): A growing number of influential Wall Street executives and business titans have sounded the alarm over the state of the U.S. economy. Relentless inflation, combined with the most hawkish Federal Reserve in decades, have raised the specter of a recession, according to some of the most prominent CEOs in the country.

    The U.S. central bank has embarked on one of the fastest monetary tightening paths in decades as it seeks to wrestle consumer prices that are still running near a 40-year high back to 2%.

    In a troubling development, however, the Fed’s rate hikes have thus far failed to tame inflation: The government reported last week that the consumer price index soared 8.2% in September from the previous year, faster than expected. Even more concerning, core prices – which exclude more volatile measurements of food and gas – jumped 6.6%, the fastest since 1982.

    Economic growth already contracted in the first two quarters of the year, with gross domestic product – the broadest measure of goods and services produced in a nation – shrinking by 1.6% in the winter and 0.6% in the spring, signaling the start of a technical recession.

    David Solomon

    Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon recently warned that there is a “good chance” the U.S. economy tumbles into a recession, warning investors to brace for turbulent waters ahead.

    Jeff Bezos

    In a tweet on Tuesday evening, Bezos indicated that he agreed with comments made earlier by Solomon about the likelihood of an impending recession.

    Elon Musk

    In early August, Musk became one of the first prominent CEOs to issue a dour economic outlook: the Tesla and SpaceX executive said he estimated that the U.S. was “past peak inflation” and likely to see a “relatively mild recession” that lasts for about 18 months.

    Jamie Dimon

    JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon last week said that the U.S. is likely headed for a recession by mid-2023 as a result of steeper interest rates, runaway inflation, the war in Ukraine and the unknown effects of the Federal Reserve’s quantitative tightening policy.

    “These are very, very serious things which I think are likely to push the U.S. and the world — I mean, Europe is already in recession — and they’re likely to put the U.S. in some kind of recession six to nine months from now,” Dimon said during an interview with CNBC on Oct. 10.

    Sundar Pichai

    The CEO of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, warned staff in September about the “toughest macroeconomic conditions” over the past decade as it tries to prepare for the possibility of a so-called hard landing.

  • Liz Truss announces exit; U.K. to get its third PM in three months

    Liz Truss announces exit; U.K. to get its third PM in three months

    Sunak, Mordaunt in running to be next PM: Sky News

    LONDON (TIP): Britain is about to get its third Prime Minister in three months, with Prime Minister Liz Truss announcing that she will quit the post, under growing pressure from Conservative MPs, after her budgetary plans, at the heart of which were unfunded tax cuts, deeply rattled markets, and had led to the replacement of the Chancellor only days ago.

    Speaking from behind a lectern outside No. 10 Downing Street, where only 45 days ago she had stood, having just been appointed Prime Minister of the U.K., by the late Queen Elizabeth II, Ms. Truss announced her decision to a country that has been through a summer and early autumn of political chaos and economic turmoil.

    The outgoing Prime Minister said that she had come into the office at a time of significant international and economic instability, with families and businesses worried about how they would pay their bills. Ms. Truss said that she was elected by the Conservative party with a mandate to fix the “low growth” that was holding the UK back, by lowering taxes and returning to high growth.

    “I recognize though, given this situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party,” Ms. Truss said, adding that she had spoken to King Charles III and informed him of her intent to resign as leader of the party.

    Ms. Truss also announced that she had met with Sir Graham Brady, who is the Chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee, on Thursday, October 20  morning, and they had decided that a “leadership election” will be “completed in the next week”. The 1922 Committee is a group of backbench MPs that meets twice weekly when the House of Commons is in session and whose support is crucial for Ms. Truss.

    Speaking later to the press Mr. Graham was asked whether he would accept that the whole situation was a “dog’s dinner”.

    “It’s certainly not a circumstance that I would wish to see,” he said. Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng was compelled to step down last Friday following a botched mini budget that had rattled markets.

    Just on Thursday, the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman had resigned, ostensibly because she had not followed security protocols while sending an email. However, in her publicly posted letter, she said that she had “concerns” about the government’s “direction”.

    Also on Thursday, were chaotic scenes in the British Parliament, with reports of Tory leaders allegedly manhandling MPs in an attempt to make them support the government during a vote on fracking that had been introduced by Labour. In all of this, there was also confusion about whether the Conservative Chief Whip and Deputy Whip had resigned (it was later confirmed that they had not).

    Shortly after Ms. Truss’s resignation was announced on Thursday, reports that former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was planning a return to No. 10 began emerging. Mr. Johnson believed it was in the “national interest”, The Times reported.

    It was Mr. Johnson being ousted from office in early July that had set off a contest through August that brought Ms. Truss to her leadership role after she won a majority of some 160,000 votes from Conservative members.

    Several Tory MPs tweeted their support for Mr. Johnson on Thursday afternoon, citing the fact that he was the only one (of the possible Truss replacements) who had won a general election and had a nationwide mandate. The names of several contenders from the August race resurfaced on Thursday. Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt, two contenders in Britain’s previous leadership contest this year, are believed to be in the running to become the nation’s next Prime Minister following Liz Truss’s resignation on Thursday, Sky News reported. Separately the Guardian’s political editor reported former minister Michael Gove was “ruled out” for the leadership. However, Mr. Sunak had resigned from Mr. Johnson’s cabinet, unlike Ms. Truss, who had stayed on as Foreign Secretary. Mr. Sunak’s “disloyalty” to Mr. Johnson was a factor in his loss to Ms. Truss in the summer and it is a challenge he will still need to overcome in any intra-party contest. Other names doing the rounds on Thursday included Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt, Ms. Braverman, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch.

    ‘We can’t have a revolving door of chaos’: Starmer

    Pitching the notion that Labour would form a stable government, the party’s leader, Kier Starmer, said on Thursday that the Conservative party had done “huge damage” to the reputation of the country and that the public was dealing with higher prices and mortgages. “So, we can’t have a revolving door of chaos. We can’t have another experiment at the top of the Tory party,” he said, adding that there must be a general election so the public can “make their mind up about this chaos”.

    “There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately. It’s beyond hyperbole – and parody,” Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon tweeted, saying ordinary people were paying the price and that an election was a “democratic imperative”.

    “The interests of the Tory party should concern no-one right now. A General Election is now a democratic imperative,” she said.

  • India’s Competition Commission slaps penalty of $161 million  on Google for unfair practices

    India’s Competition Commission slaps penalty of $161 million  on Google for unfair practices

    The fair trade regulator has directed Google to cease and desist from unfair business practices

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Competition Commission on October 20 imposed a penalty of US $161million (₹1,337.76 crore) on Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem. Besides, the fair trade regulator has directed the internet major to cease and desist from unfair business practices. In a release, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it has also directed Google to modify its conduct within a defined timeline.

    In April 2019, the regulator ordered a detailed probe in the matter following complaints by consumers of Android-based smartphones in the country. Android is an open-source, mobile operating system installed by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of smartphones and tablets. The allegations of unfair business practices pertained to two agreements —Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA) and Anti Fragmentation Agreement (AFA)—which were entered into by the OEMs of Android OS with Google.

    In the release, the regulator said it has imposed a penalty of ₹1,337.76 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem apart from issuing the cease and desist order.

    As per the release, CCI said that mandatory pre-installation of entire Google Mobile Suite (GMS) under MADA, with no option to un-install the same, and their prominent placement amounts to imposition of unfair condition on the device manufacturers and thereby contravenes competition law.

    “These obligations are also found to be in the nature of supplementary obligations imposed by Google on OEMs and thus, in contravention of Section 4(2)(d) of the Act,” it added.

    Section 4 of the Competition Act pertains to abuse of dominant position. Google has perpetuated its dominant position in the online search market resulting in denial of market access for competing search apps. Also, it has leveraged its dominant position in the app store market for Android OS to protect its position in online general search which violates the competition law.

    Further, CCI noted that the internet major has leveraged its dominant position in the app store market for Android OS to enter as well as protect its position in non-OS specific web browser market through Google Chrome App. “Google has leveraged its dominant position in the app store market for Android OS to enter as well as protect its position in Online Video Hosting Platforms (OVHPs) market through YouTube and thereby contravened provisions of Section 4(2)(e) of the Act,” the release said.

  • Mallikarjun Kharge wins Congress presidential election with over 7,800 votes

    Mallikarjun Kharge wins Congress presidential election with over 7,800 votes

    Shashi Tharoor puts up a spirited fight bagging 12% of the votes

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Mr. Mallikarjun  Kharge (80), the first non-Gandhi leader in 24 years to occupy the Congress party’s top post, will take charge on October 26. Mr.  Kharge was elected as the new Congress president on Monday after he secured 7,897 out of the 9,385 votes polled. His rival, Shashi Tharoor, however sprung a surprise by securing 1,072 votes. In the nearly 137-year-old history of the Congress, it was the sixth time that the party witnessed an electoral contest for the top post.

    Outgoing Congress President Sonia Gandhi, accompanied by general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Mr. Tharoor were among the leaders who visited Mr. Kharge’s residence to congratulate him.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to twitter to congratulate Mr. Kharge for his new responsibility and wished him a fruitful tenure.

    “The Congress President represents a democratic vision of India. His vast experience and ideological commitment will serve the party well as he takes on this historic responsibility,” tweeted former party chief Rahul Gandhi.

    Making the formal announcement, Madhusudan Mistry, Chairman of the Central Election Authority, said: “As per the Article XVIII (D) of the constitution of the Indian National Congress, I, Madhusudan Mistry, hereby declare Shri Malliy Kharge as the President of the Indian National Congress”. Mr. Mistry also announced that 416 votes were declared as invalid during the counting process.

    Addressing a press conference, Mr Kharge thanked Ms Gandhi for reviving the party during her stint of over two decades and leading the party to form governments at the Centre twice and talked about working with Mr. Tharoor.

    “No one is small or big and we have to all work like karyakartas (workers) to strengthen the organization,” Mr. Kharge said, adding, “We have to together fight the threat to democracy and the Constitution. We have to fight the fascist forces that are attacking democracy and democratic institutions wearing the garb of communalism”. The nearly 12% votes for Mr. Tharoor were not only impressive, considering that Mr. Kharge was seen as the “establishment candidate”, but also reflect the mood for change in within the Congress.

    Conceding defeat and congratulating Mr. Kharge, Mr. Tharoor, in a statement, said, “I have always expressed the view that these elections, irrespective of the outcome, must ultimately strengthen the party. It gives me immense personal satisfaction that this has clearly been the case. Our democratic contest has galvanized vibrancy at all levels and has prompted a healthy and constructive discussion on change, which I believe will serve the party in good stead in the future”.

    He and his election manager Salman Soz also sought to downplay reports about his team complaining about the unfairness of the polling process. “In light of complaints from our UP team yesterday, we wrote to @INCIndia’s CEA immediately, a standard practice. Subsequent discussions with the CEA have assured us of a fair inquiry,” Mr. Soz tweeted.

    “We have made a point-by-point response to those queries after preparing a report. This is an internal matter and I would not be making our report public,” Mr. Mistry told reporters.

    Amid celebrations by Youth Congress Workers at the party headquarters, congratulatory messages poured in for the new party chief. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, General Secretary (organization) K. C. Venugopal, Communication general secretary Jairam Ramesh, senior leaders like Mukul Wasnik, Randeep Surjewala, Sachin Pilot were among those who congratulated new chief.

    “Shri. Kharge’s victory in the Congress presidential election is a triumph for the forces who place ideological commitment over personal glory,” Congress communication chief Jairam Ramesh tweeted. “This is a victory of internal democracy in Congress, “added Mr. Surjewala. Once Mr. Kharge formally takes over, the previous Congress Working Committee (CWC) will get dissolved and a Steering Committee will be formed until the next plenary or the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session where half of the CWC members are expected to be elected by the AICC delegates.

  • WHARTON ARTS’ HELEN CHA-PYO RECEIVES CENTENNIAL AWARD

    Helen Cha-Pyo, Artistic Director (Photo / Courtesy Wharton Arts)

    By Mabel Pais

    Wharton Arts, New Jersey’s largest non-profit community performing arts education organization, proudly announces that Artistic Director Helen H. Cha-Pyo is one of 100 select individuals chosen to receive the prestigious Eastman School of Music Centennial Award. The award is granted to those who exemplify the school’s mission and legacy through their commitment to artistry, scholarship, leadership, community engagement, and philanthropy.

    Cha-Pyo joins Renée Fleming, Ron Carter, Chuck Mangione, and Maria Schneider, among other notable artists, as a Centennial Awardee. For a complete list of awardees, visit rochester.edu/adv/eastman-centennial/centennial-awards.

    Cha-Pyo said, “This award was a complete surprise to me, and needless to say, I’m deeply humbled by it. One thing I still carry in my heart from my studies at the Eastman School of Music is the phrase engraved on the facade of the Eastman Theater, ‘for the enrichment of community life.’ I am grateful to be able to work at Wharton Arts which shares the same mission of enriching life through music.”

    HELEN CHA-PYO

    Helen H. Cha-Pyo is currently in her fifth season as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts (WIPA), New Jersey’s largest independent performing arts education organization, comprising four programs. Under her leadership, Wharton Arts serves close nearly 2,000 students from 10 New Jersey counties through a range of private lessons and group classes at the Wharton Performing Arts School, 15 performing ensembles at the New Jersey Youth Symphony, five performing ensembles at the New Jersey Youth Chorus, and the Paterson Music Project, an El Sistema-inspired program that provides free after-school instrumental music instruction to over 450 children in Paterson, NJ.

    Achievements

    For 16 years as Music Director and Conductor of the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO), Cha-Pyo inspired hundreds of young musicians to perform at the highest levels, resulting in ESYO being recognized as one of the nation’s premier music organizations for youth musicians. Cha-Pyo’s vision was instrumental in the founding of ESYO CHIME in 2015, a music education program dedicated to serving underprivileged youth of Schenectady and Troy, NY. In 2018, ESYO established the Helen Cha-Pyo Golden Baton Award and Scholarships for students who embody her passionate commitment to music as a means to uplift and enrich communities. From 1996 to 2002, Cha-Pyo served as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Riverside Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, as well as Associate Director of Music at The Riverside Church in New York City. She released three recordings with the Riverside Choir. (JAV Recordings)

    Awards

    Helen Cha-Pyo is the recipient of The Dove Leadership Award in 2019; the 2022 Angelos Artist Award from the Angelos Mission Ensemble; the Eastman Centennial Award from Eastman School of Music given to those who exemplify the school’s mission and legacy through their commitment to artistry, scholarship, leadership, community engagement, and/or philanthropy and the ASCAP’s (American Society of Composers, Authors, & Publishers) Adventurous Programming Awards for championing music by American composers.

    Tours

    She led the orchestra on three international tours: Europe in 2008, China and South Korea in 2012, and Portugal in 2016. Read more at helenchapyo.com.

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    Wharton Arts Makes Key Appointments

    (Clockwise, left to right): Debra Joyal, Roger Sweet, Eva Dooley, Andrew Nitkin, and Shanna Lin. (Photo : Courtesy Wharton Arts)

    By Mabel Pais

    “As we enter the second year of our five-year strategic plan, Wharton Arts is making key senior staff appointments in order to move the organization forward,” said Peter H. Gistelinck, Executive Director at Wharton Arts. “Continued investment in people is essential for any organization. We are confident that the continuity of our exemplary team will help us in achieving our ambitious goals.”

     APPOINTMENTS

    Shanna Lin, Director of Paterson Music Project (PMP) (Paterson Music Project)

    As Co-Founder of the PMP program and her tenure of 10 years with Wharton Arts, it was logical to appoint Shanna Lin as Director of PMP, thus filling in the role of former PMP Director Elizabeth Mouthrop, recently appointed as Executive Director of El Sistema USA.

    Debra Joyal, Director of Performing Arts School (PAS) (Wharton Performing Arts School)

    Debra Joyal is a classically trained musician, administrator, skilled writer, and researcher in institutional funding and communication with degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA and Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her overall focus is on building connections to communicate the vision and mission of nonprofit organizations. She is welcomed as the new Director of the Performing Arts School in Berkeley Heights, NJ.

    Andrew Nitkin, Director of Community Partnerships (Wharton Performing Arts School)

    Andrew Nitkin, having been instrumental for many years in successfully leading the Performing Arts School at Wharton Arts in Berkeley Heights, NJ is now appointed in the role of Director of Community Partnerships for the Performing Arts School.

    Roger Sweet, Manager of Orchestras (NJYS) (New Jersey Youth Symphony)

    Roger Sweet has been with Wharton Arts as a Production Assistant of the Operations department. He is now appointed as the new Manager of Orchestras of the New Jersey Youth Symphony in New Providence, NJ.

    Eva Dooley, Director of Finance & Administration (Wharton Arts)

    Eva Dooley has been appointed as the new Director of Finance & Administration of Wharton Arts. Eva has long-time expertise in accounting and financial analysis with an emphasis on business analytics, strategic planning, project management, and overall bookkeeping. In each of these roles, she has gained skill sets that allow her to work in many different capacities including human resources. She is welcomed as a new member of the senior staff team.

    Wharton Arts

    Wharton Arts’ mission is to offer accessible, high quality, transformative performing arts education that sparks personal growth while building inclusive communities.

    Wharton Arts is New Jersey’s largest independent non-profit community performing arts education center serving nearly 2,000 students through a range of classes and ensembles. Through the New Jersey Youth Symphony, the Paterson Music Project, and the Performing Arts School, Wharton Arts offers both private and group classes for instruments and voice for all ages and all abilities. With the belief in the positive and unifying influence of music and that performing arts education should be accessible to all people regardless of their ability to pay, Wharton Arts offers need-based scholarships.

    Wharton Arts is located in Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Paterson, NJ and reaches students from 12 counties. All of Wharton Arts’ extraordinary teaching artists, faculty members, and conductors hold degrees in their teaching specialty and have been vetted and trained to enable our students to achieve their personal best.  To learn more, visit whartonarts.org

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

  • Weekly Horoscope- October 17 to October 23, 2022

    Aries

    Ganesha says, this week, you’ll have the opportunity to catch up with your pals and have fun. This week will be enjoyable and devoid of tension. Your emotional and professional lives will be seamlessly merged. This week appears to be lucky for you economically. If you work a normal job, you’ll stay positive and enthusiastic during the week, inspiring your colleagues to be more productive. You’ll most likely feel worn out this week. In order to keep discipline at business, try to get to sleep early at night for this week. Time spent with your pals will strengthen your ties, but this week will be less favorable for romance. If you can go to bed early, your endurance will be OK.

    Taurus

    Ganesha says,this week is a great week to get back on track. This week is fortunate for you since you have a boatload of positive momentum on your favor. This week will have future programming accessible, but if you are not cautious, you could miss it. This week, you’ll be overflowing with the incorrect kind of arrogance. Although if your colleagues don’t accord with you, you will make awful judgments. You and your partner will argue and conflict this week, but communication is essential to mending your marriage. This week, your close relations will virtually surely have an impact on your work life. Begin consuming vegetables and nuts straight immediately to maintain good wellness.

    Gemini

    Ganesha says, You’re in for a challenging and terrifying week this week. The coming week will be unwinding. Your contemporary memory will be overloaded with old recollections, making it difficult for you to concentrate on your work. You can accomplish harder and maintain your happiness by talking to anyone. The moment is here for you to begin all of your preferred pastimes. Antagonism should be resisted at all circumstances. A new property or piece of property properties is a great investment right now. A good nutrition and frequent exercise can help you stay strong and cheerful. You are encouraged to regularly get your dietary assessed.

    Cancer

    Ganesha says,the optimum time to start enhancing your cognitive capacity is this week. Paying close consideration to the particular tasks you perform. Give yourself permission to participate in things that will purify your soul. Avoid your regimen and spend more time and energy focusing on yourself. You’ll be able to have a successful work week as a result of this. Your superiors will commend you for giving your all. This week, there’s a good chance you’ll make contact with an old colleague. Even if your employment and money are steady this week, you will still be thinking about them when you take a prolonged walk to calm your thoughts and physique.

    Leo

    Ganesha says,you’ll be motivated by positive emotions this week, and your work life will prosper as a result. Your solid foundation would bear fruit and bring in money. This week is the time to start focusing on the good instead of your past negative attitude. This week will be pleasant and healthful for you. There won’t be any side activities or disruptions throughout this week. Remember that your wellness is at its best right now, so be sure to eat well and drink enough of water. Your marital issues will start to disappear. You’ll also spend good contact with your partner this week if you’re engaged.

    Virgo

    Ganesha says,you deserve to unwind and treat yourself this week, so put yourself first on your checklist of priorities. To reduce anxiety, participate in any exercise or a brief exercising. Relaxation of tension from the body is necessary for sustained focus. You’ll be able to reason logically and come to smarter judgments as a result. You’ll almost certainly have a disagreement with a colleague this week. It’s crucial to devote a bit more awareness to your ongoing medical issues. If your partner seems distant to you, try to talk to him or her and devote so much quality with them. It’s likely to be a fantastic week, so don’t panic.

    Libra

    Ganesha says, this week, don’t be afraid to take a chance and go forward. A friend will bail you out of your existing monetary situation. Trade and manufacturing activities will repay off nicely, but you’ll have to walk about in difficult situations a little bit.  This week, your parents and others who formerly despised you will create a favorable relationship with you. This new friendship you’re forming this week will be highly advantageous to you later on. This week, your love connection will blossom into an intense partnership, and your perspective of them will change. It is a fallacy to let your previous ties define your career. Your wellness will be OK.

    Scorpio

    Ganesha says, you will have the knowledge this week to establish harmony between your emotional and professional life. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll experience significant changes. This week, you must play it safe because you won’t run across someone you may potentially date for a long time. Keep an open mind when you discuss your business challenges. Even though you could feel attracted to them, it is not the right moment to start dating. You need to put your focus right now on consciousness. You are probably going to be in trouble with the law for what you did in the past. So, proceed with care. This week, be mindful of your health and eat frequently. Your cheerful attitude may be maintained by staying refreshed.

    Sagittarius

    Ganesha says, this week is the time to settle disputes between those who are in disagreement with one another. As a caring person, make sure that nobody in the company loses a lot of money. This week is a great time to take an opportunity but first, consider the benefits and risks. You’ll discover the perfect ally to support the beginning of your organization. Individuals will condemn your choices, but you shouldn’t let that worry you. Even when your romance is headed in the right direction, invoking your partner’s past might cause it to stall. Let your partner feel dependable and protected this week. Prevent stifling situations if you are experiencing any lung issues.

    Capricorn

    Ganesha says, First, a piece of guidance for this week is that you must keep patience and retaincalmness before making decisions.   Take part in a creative curriculum to sharpen your decision-making and judgment abilities. You will experience a difficult week at business; you will commit errors and choose not to improve. This week, refrain from asking someone for a loan of cash or anything precious. Strengthen your leadership practices by learning from your errors. Regularly eat at residence and normal food to aid with processing if your abdomen aches.

    Aquarius

    Ganesha says, this week is perfect for spending time with the persons you cherish. Make a conscious commitment to improving your relationship with your family. Let go of everything you’ve been dragging off for weeks and grant yourself permission to accept yourself. Your public and corporate facades will both remain intact this week. You may work more effectively and maintain an equilibrium between your emotional and corporate life by expelling all bad emotions. Take additional measures and close carefully this week since your condition might improve. You may be able to reduce anxiety and irritation by resting well.

    Pisces

    Ganesha says, you may not want to engage in your company this week since you are surrounded by bad vibes. It will be challenging for you to begin something new. Although you and your boss may not get along, this week you will  begin concentrating on your abilities. You can keep your cool by meditating. You’ll hear some encouraging information from overseas, which will brighten your week. Your physical condition appears to be excellent. It’s good that your mate wants to invest in contact with you and interact with you since neglecting to converse is not the best way to make situations better.

  • Birthday Horoscope – October 17 to October 23, 2022

    Birthday Horoscope – October 17 to October 23, 2022

    October 17

    Ganesha says your expenses will increase today, making it harder for you to save. Investments done during this time will eventually yield good returns, if not right away. Academic excellence and participation in extracurricular activities will be acknowledged for students. Although sluggish work progress and arguments over little matters may anger you and even affect your health, towards the end of the year, you will be happy and content with your accomplishments. Despite your irregular behaviour, your spouse continues to be cooperative.

    October 18

    Ganesha says financial gains today will come from a variety of sources, but the uncertainty surrounding your relationship is likely to leave one blemish on your record of success and accomplishments. Socializing, gatherings, and enjoyable outings will all be frequent and enjoyable. For those who are eligible, wedding bells will ring, and others will discover romance to keep them going. Don’t put more faith in others than necessary. Planning and managing your time will be crucial.

    October 19

    Ganesha says a promotion or an increase in responsibilities this time will give you cause to rejoice. Your profile will gain some sophistication with new initiatives. At home, there will be a healthier, more loving atmosphere that will promote prosperity and excellent health. Professionals that are interested in working overseas will be well received. Housewives will have to deal with frequent visits from family and friends. It is possible to go on a spiritual journey to a far-off location.

    October 20

    Ganesha says you shouldn’t give out too much of your time and money this year. Make the most of the chances that present themselves to raise your income and standard of living. You’ll have a lot of confidence and motivation, and you’ll probably get a lot of favours during this time. Participating in cultural events will be entertaining and educational. The new collaboration will be profitable, and the investment will pay off. Your standing in the social group will improve.

    October 21

    Ganesha says through the new contacts you make this year, you’ll have the chance to raise your level of living. Your professional advancement needs to be your main focus because it will produce the required results. The health of your parents will be a concern, but your spouse and kids will be supportive. If you go out and join clubs and social activities, you’ll be quite successful socially. Some of you have a far pilgrimage on the horizon.

    October 22

    Ganesha says people at work constantly offer you significant responsibility because they trust you. Unresolved issues will be resolved. You will receive awards and acknowledgment for entering this new stage of your life. The health of your parents will be a concern, but your spouse and kids will be supportive. Additionally, your financial situation will improve, and you’ll feel safer and content in all you do. marriage connections for a select few lovers. Religious practises and pilgrimages will provide tranquilly.

    October 23

    Ganesha says gains in your career are almost assured but rising costs will worry you. There will be instances when your accomplishments surpass your expectations, but for the most part, you will have to work really hard to get the bare minimum of outcomes. The relationship you share with your spouse will be friendly and even-handed, but you must restrain yourself from being overly stubborn because this could lead to uncomfortable situations at home.

  • Tom Holland, Zendaya hold hands on Louvre museum date

    Tom Holland, Zendaya hold hands on Louvre museum date

    Hollywood stars Tom Holland and Zendaya have taken their romance to France as they were spotted on a romantic date in Paris over the weekend. The British actor and the Emmy Award-winning actress were pictured holding hands as they joined a special tour at the Louvre.

    They were seen listening attentively as a tour guide gave an explanation of the artwork displayed at the famed museum, reports aceshowbiz.com. For the outing, Holland looked stylish in a long-sleeved, black-and-white striped sweater which he tucked into the waist of his black pants. As for Zendaya, she opted for a smart chic look in a light blue, oversized blouse with the long sleeves rolled up towards her elbows. Her hair was pulled into a fashionable up do with bangs framing the side of her head. She accessorized with a pair of glasses along with a black cross-over body bag and a black watch on her left wrist.

    She appeared to be holding a gold-coloured camera in her left hand.

    Zendaya had been spotted earlier in the city of love to attend the Paris Fashion Week, which came to an end on October 4.

    Holland and Zendaya have been romantically linked to each other since July 2021, when they were caught sharing kisses inside a car. The two have connected earlier in 2016 when they worked on their first Spider-Man movie, ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’.

    “They’re both not one to make their relationship public,” a source recently informed Us Weekly about the young couple’s romance.

    “They’re private when it comes to dating, so any photos that have come out would’ve just been them going about their business and not knowing photographers were around.” Despite their busy schedules, Tom and Zendaya have always made time for each other. Last month, the ‘Euphoria’ star celebrated her birthday with her boyfriend by hitting the Big Apple for some fun dates. A week before, the couple was zipping around on scooters in Budapest, where the actress was filming ‘Dune 2’.

  • India lose second T20 World Cup warm-up game to Western Australia

    India lose second T20 World Cup warm-up game to Western Australia

    Perth (TIP)- India’s star-studded batting line-up belied expectations as the team lost to Western Australia by 36 runs in its second T20 World Cup warm-up match here on Thursday, October 13. Inaugural edition champions India laboured to 132 for eight in 20 overs chasing 169. India had won the opening warm-up match by 13 runs. D’Arcy Short smashed 52 off 38 balls and Nick Hobson hammered 64 off 41 balls to take Western Australia to 168 for eight in the stipulated 20 overs. R Ashwin was the pick of India’s bowlers, taking three wickets in an over. Pacer Arshdeep Singh was impressive again in his three overs while under-fire Harshal Patel returned with tidy figures of 27 for two in four overs. India struggled in the run chase on a pacy WACA surface. India captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav did not come out to bat. Both Rohit and Kohli fielded during West Australia’s innings.

    Rishabh Pant (9) opened the batting alongside stand-in captain K L Rahul whose 74 off 45 balls went in vain.

    None of the other Indian batters could make an impact in the innings. Batting at three, Deepak Hooda perished after making 6 off 9 balls. Hardik Pandya began with a couple of sixes before being dismissed for 17 off 9 balls. The designated finisher in the Indian team, Dinesh Karthik struggled to a 14-ball 10.

    India are camped in Perth ahead of the T20 World Cup to get used to the pace and bounce. The squad now moves to Brisbane for the warm-up games against Australia and New Zealand on October 17 and 19 respectively.

    They open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23 in Melbourne.

    Chahar out; 3-way fight for Bumrah’s place

    Pacer Deepak Chahar, who was a strong contender to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup, has been ruled of the marquee event due to a back injury. While Chahar will miss the plane to Australia, the national selectors have asked pacers Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur to join the squad.

    “Deepak will take some time to get fit. His back issue has flared up again. His ankle is fine and there wasn’t any problem there. So BCCI is sending three reinforcements, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur,” a BCCI official said.

    One among the three pacers will replace Bumrah in the squad of 15. Since the team has time till Saturday to announce a replacement, the team management can check on form and fitness of all the three pacers.

    Chahar had competed in the T20I series against South Africa but developed a back issue and was forced to skip the ODI series. He reported to the National Cricket Academy for rehabilitation. Pacers’ timely arrival will give them time enough to acclimatise to the conditions Down Under. In case their services are required, they will be ready for the contest.       Source: PTI

  • Discus thrower Kamalpreet banned for three years

    Discus thrower Kamalpreet banned for three years

    Discus thrower Kamalpreet Kaur has been banned for three years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for a doping violation. Punjab’s Kamalpreet, who represented India at the Tokyo Olympics last year, admitted to the violation in a letter to the AIU after which her four-year sanction was reduced by one year. Her ban will run from March 29, when she was provisionally suspended after her sample showed a presence of the banned steroid stanozolol, till March 2025.

    The AIU said that all her results since March 7, when her sample was collected, will be quashed and any award or appearance money received will have to be forfeited.

    Interestingly, in her plea during the proceedings, Kamalpreet had blamed the supplements that were provided to her during the national camp for the presence of the banned substance in her sample.

    This was after she had refused her right to get her ‘B sample tested. The 26-year-old then got the supplements tested in a private lab in New Delhi, and traces of the steroid were found. The AIU asked her to deposit the samples with the WADA-recognised lab in New Delhi.

    The results showed the presence of stanozolol in the protein supplement that Kamalpreet was taking on a regular basis in the weeks leading up to her testing.       Source: TNS