WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has reiterated his call to India to give up its neutral stance and condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin for the invasion of Ukraine.
Going a step further, he wanted India to stop buying oil from Russian and China and get weapons from the US instead of Russia even as he acknowledged that the US needed India to ultimately contain China.
“I’ve been clear actually on India, and I think India ought to be condemning Putin and India ought not to be getting oil from Russia or China,” Khanna said in an interview with Fox News Sunday.
“We ought to rally the world around to isolate Putin,” said Khanna, who is also the vice chair of the US India Caucus, the largest country-specific caucus in the House of Representatives.
“First India should condemn Putin in the UN for the blatant human rights violations,” he said. “Second, they need to realize, they have to pick sides.”
“We, the United States, were with them when China invaded India. Putin wasn’t there,” he said.
“And it’s time for them to buy weapons from the United States, not Russia,” said Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley in the House. “We’ve got to look at how we can facilitate that and make that easier,” he said noting, “We need India as an ally ultimately to contain China.” In a recent interview with the American Bazaar too, Khanna had asked India to clearly pick sides with a free enterprise democracy over Vladimir Putin’s dictatorship.
“I think my position is supported by most Indian Americans. They believe and understand what I do,” he had said.
“We have to strengthen the relationship,” Khanna said. “We have to have the defense relationship even more strengthened so that they’re not reliant on arms from Putin, but that they are more building and buying from the United States.” “And most people in Silicon Valley at least want to strengthen the US India relationship,” Khanna told the American Bazaar. “Want to see them clearly pick sides with a free enterprise democracy as opposed to dictatorship which is what Putin is.”
In the interview with Fox News, Khanna also defended President Joe Biden’s off the cuff remarks that Putin “cannot remain in power” even as he made clear that the US policy is not regime change, but a negotiated end of war.
“US policy is not regime change. It’s negotiated end of this war,” Khanna said noting that the White House had been quick to clarify the US position.
“They have been disciplined and said there has to be negotiated end of this war,” he said. “It’s a Democratic house and it has been Democratic policy for the last 20 years.” Defending Biden, Khanna said any human being would express frustration over the bombing of women and children in Mariupol. “The President was speaking from the heart. But it’s not the US policy to seek the regime change,” he asserted. Biden’ ad-libbed words — “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power” — in Warsaw Saturday at the end of a European visit – created a firestorm around the world and sent US officials scrambling to clarify the US position.
CHARLOTTE (TIP): Indian American community leader Manjusha (Manju) Kulkarni is one of the five inaugural winners of Bank of America’s ‘Neighborhood Builders: Racial Equality Award’ honoring leaders advancing racial equality and economic opportunity for people of color.
The award recognizes individual leaders who are advancing racial equality and economic opportunity in Black, Hispanic-Latino, Asian American, and Native American communities.
The five honorees are being recognized for their extraordinary contributions to break down systemic racial barriers and create opportunities for people of color across the country, the Bank announced. Kulkarni, Executive Director of the Los Angeles-based AAPI Equity Alliance, “has dedicated her life to fighting for equity,” according to her profile.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, she co-founded the Stop AAPI Hate campaign, which has become one of the leading voices in the effort to identify and oppose hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The data and stories compiled by Stop AAPI Hate helped drive national action among community members to stand up and speak out against anti-Asian discrimination.
Due to their activism, Kulkarni and her fellow Stop AAPI Hate co-founders were named to the Time Magazine “Most Influential People of 2021” list. South Asian Network will be the recipient of Kulkarni’s grant.
AAPI Equity Alliance is a coalition of 40+ community-based organizations advocating for 1.5 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in Los Angeles County with a particular focus on low-income, immigrant, refugee, and other disadvantaged sectors of the population. Kulkarni also serves as a lecturer in the Asian American Studies Department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
In 2014, Kulkarni received the White House Champions of Change award from President Barack Obama, which recognized her dedication to improving health care access for Asian American communities.
In March 2021, she testified before the House Judiciary Committee on anti-Asian hate. Kulkarni will direct Bank of America’s funding to the South Asian Network.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the Neighborhood Builders: Racial Equality Award from Bank of America and delighted to be able to support South Asian Network, an organization dedicated to addressing racial, social and economic disparities experienced by South Asian Americans and ensuring equity for all marginalized communities in Southern California,” said Kulkarni.
“Through this program we are recognizing the impact of inspiring leaders in our country who are creating real change,” said D. Steve Boland, chief administrative officer at Bank of America.
“Supporting nonprofits and their leaders has been core to our approach of investing in the local communities we serve. We are proud to honor these brilliant leaders and empower nonprofits with resources to continue their work in support of communities of color.”
The other four in 2022 group of awardees are: Edgar Villanueva, Founder and Principal of Decolonizing Wealth Project, New York; John Rice, Founder and CEO of Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), Bethesda, Maryland; Luz Corcuera, Executive Director of UnidosNow, Sarasota/Manatee, Florida; and Nathaniel Smith, Founder and Chief Equity Officer of Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE), Atlanta, Georgia.
The Racial Equality Award is an extension of Bank of America’s signature philanthropic program, Neighborhood Builders, which focuses on economic mobility and nonprofit leadership, the release said. Awardees have the opportunity to direct $200,000 in flexible funding to a nonprofit of their choice, it said. The selected organizations will also be invited to participate in the company’s year-long Neighborhood Builders Leadership Program, which provides strategic growth and development trainings, setting the organizations up for long-term success.
‘I wanted to see if I could draw myself as I am and not how I think I am’, says the winner
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): In a proud moment for Indian-Americans, the artwork of a community student from Florida is all set to be displayed at the US Capitol. Sraddha Karthik, a Grade-11 student from a Tampa High School in Florida, has been declared the winner of the annual Congressional Art Competition at the Tampa Museum of Art where high school students from across Hillsborough County competed for a spot to showcase their work in the US Capitol. This year, Sraddha Karthik, who came to the United States at the age of one along with her parents from Chennai, bagged the top prize with her graphite drawing “Pensive Gaze” created with intricacy and precision, said a media release issued by Congresswoman Kathy Castor.
Karthik’s self-portrait tackles perception versus reality.
“I wanted to see if I could draw myself as I am and not how I think I am,” she said. She used different shades of graphite to create depth and dimension for her artwork, the release said. Karthik, the statement said, has been drawing since she was 7 when her parents registered her for an art class. “I don’t have as much time, but I do try to fit in art as much as possible because it’s really helpful for me to express myself,” she said. Art will add depth to Karthik’s career in architecture, which she plans to pursue after high school, said the Congresswoman’s office. This wasn’t Karthik’s first art competition – she’s been competing in the Salvador Dali Museum annual art competition since eighth grade, and her artwork has been chosen to be displayed every year, it noted.
“It was a very talented display of art at this year’s event – this honor could have gone to anyone in the competition!” Karthik said of Castor’s art competition. It’ll be her first visit to Washington, DC, when she goes for her national showcase this summer. Her artwork will then be displayed in the US Capitol for one year alongside winners for congressional art competitions from throughout the country, the media release said. “The Tampa Museum of Art provides an incredible venue for one of the top high school art competitions in the country. I am grateful to our parents, teachers and especially students who have turned to arts for encouragement and connection as we mend from the pandemic. Reflective artwork has been a prominent theme and I look forward to welcoming Sraddha to Washington, DC, this summer to represent our talented and diverse community,” Castor said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The Internal Revenue Service, on March 22, reminded taxpayers who have a tax bill that there are several ways to make payments, and there are options for many people who can’t pay their tax bill in full by April tax deadline. The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their returns due to the Patriots’ Day holiday in those states. Some taxpayers who were victims of a natural disaster have even longer to file their returns. The IRS reminds people to timely file their tax return and pay whatever they can by the filing deadline to avoid late filing and interest penalties.
Sign in to pay and see payment history
Taxpayers can use their Online Account to securely see important information when preparing to file their tax return or following up on balances or notices. Taxpayers can make a same-day payment for a 2021 tax return balance, an extension to file, or estimated taxes, which are all due by April deadline for most taxpayers. They can also view:
Their Adjusted Gross Income, Economic Impact Payment amounts and advance Child Tax Credit payment amounts needed for their 2021 return,
Payment history and any scheduled or pending payments,
Payment plan details and
Digital copies of select notices from the IRS.
Ways to pay
Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW): This option allows taxpayers to file and pay electronically from their bank account when using tax preparation software or a tax professional. This option is free and only available when electronically filing a tax return. Direct Pay: Direct Pay is free and allows taxpayers to securely pay their federal taxes directly from their checking or savings account without any fees or preregistration. Taxpayers can schedule payments up to 365 days in advance. After submitting a payment through Direct Pay, taxpayers will receive immediate confirmation.
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System: This free service gives taxpayers a safe and convenient way to pay individual and business taxes by phone or online. To enroll and for more information, taxpayers can call 800-555-4477, or visit eftps.gov.
Credit card, debit card or digital wallet: Individuals can pay online, by phone or with a mobile device through any of the authorized payment processors. The processor charges a fee. The IRS doesn’t receive any fees for these payments. Authorized card processors and phone numbers are available at IRS.gov/payments.
Cash: For taxpayers who prefer to pay in cash, the IRS offers a way to pay taxes at one of its Cash Processing Companies at participating retail stores. The IRS urges taxpayers choosing this option to start early because it involves a four-step process. Details, including answers to frequently asked questions, are at IRS.gov/paywithcash.
Check or Money Order: Payments made by check or money order should be made payable to the “United States Treasury.” To help ensure that the payment gets credited promptly, taxpayers should also enclose a Form 1040-V payment voucher and print on the front of the check or money order: “2021 Form 1040”; name; address; daytime phone number; and Social Security number.
File by April 18, 2022 for most taxpayers
The most important thing everyone with a tax bill should do is file a return by the April 18 due date, for most taxpayers (even if they can’t pay in full). Taxpayers may also request a six-month extension to file by October 17, 2022, to avoid penalties and interest for failing to file on time.
Though automatic tax-filing extensions are available to anyone who wants one, these extensions don’t change the payment deadline. It is not an extension to pay. Visit IRS.gov/extensions for details. Usually anyone who owes tax and waits until after that date to file will be charged a late-filing penalty of 5% per month. So, if a tax return is complete, filing it by April 18 is always less costly, even if the full amount due can’t be paid on time.
IRS Free File is an easy, quick way to file that is available to eligible individuals and families who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. IRS Free File is available on IRS.gov.
Pay what you can
Interest, plus the late-payment penalty, will apply to any payments made after April 18. Making a payment, even a partial payment, will help limit penalty and interest charges. The fastest and easiest way to pay a personal tax bill is with Direct Pay, available only on IRS.gov. For a rundown of other payment options, visit IRS.gov/payments.
The IRS urges taxpayers to first consider other options for payment, including getting a loan to pay the amount due. In many cases, loan costs may be lower than the combination of interest and penalties the IRS must charge under federal law. Normally, the late-payment penalty is one-half-of-one percent (0.5%) per month. The interest rate, adjusted quarterly, is currently 3% per year, compounded daily.
If a loan isn’t possible, the IRS can often help.
Online payment plans
Most individual taxpayers qualify to set up an online payment plan with the IRS, and it only takes a few minutes to apply. Applicants are notified immediately if their request is approved. No need to call or write to the IRS. The IRS notes that online payment plans are processed more quickly than requests submitted with electronically-filed tax returns. If a taxpayer just filed their return and knows that they’ll owe a balance, they may be able to set up a payment plan online before they even receive a notice or bill.
There are two main types of online payment plans:
Short-term payment plan – The payment period is 180 days or less and the total amount owed is less than $100,000 in combined tax, penalties and interest. There’s no fee for setting one up, though interest and the late-payment penalty continue to accrue.
Long-term payment plan – Payments are made monthly, and the amount owed must be less than $50,000 in combined tax, penalties and interest. If the IRS approves a long-term payment plan, also known as an installment agreement, a setup fee normally applies. But low-income taxpayers may qualify to have the fee waived or reimbursed. In addition, for anyone who filed their return on time, the late-payment penalty rate is cut in half while an installment agreement is in effect. This means that the penalty accrues at the rate of one-quarter-of-one percent (0.25%) per month, instead of the usual one-half-of-one percent (0.5%) per month.
Taxpayers who do not qualify for an online payment agreement may still be able to arrange to pay in installments. See Additional Information on Payment Plans for more information.
Other payment options
Some struggling taxpayers may also consider using these other payment options:
Delayed collection
If the IRS determines a taxpayer is unable to pay, it may delay collection until their financial condition improves. However, the total amount owed will still increase because penalties and interest are charged until paid in full. Taxpayers can request a delay by calling the phone number on their notice or 800-829-1040.
Penalty relief
Some taxpayers qualify to have their late-filing or late-payment penalties reduced or eliminated. This can be done on a case-by-case basis, based on reasonable cause. Alternatively, where a taxpayer has a history of compliance, the IRS can typically provide relief under the First Time Abatement program. Visit IRS.gov/penaltyrelief for details.
Offer in Compromise
Some taxpayers qualify to settle their tax bill for less than the full amount due, through an offer in compromise. Though there is typically a $205 non-refundable application fee, it is generally waived for low-income taxpayers and for offers based on doubt as to liability. The Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool can help determine eligibility for anyone interested in applying.
The IRS reminds taxpayers that they have rights and protections throughout the collection process. For details, see Taxpayer Bill of Rights and Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer. For more information about payments, see Topic No. 202, Tax Payment Options, on IRS.gov. Taxpayers should know before they owe. The IRS encourages all taxpayers to check their withholding with the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.
This news release is part of a series called the Tax Time Guide, a resource to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. Additional help is available in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Federal regulators authorized second booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines on Tuesday for everyone 50 and older. The move came after the Biden administration decided it should seek to bolster waning immunity in older Americans in case the virus sweeps the nation again in the coming months. The Food and Drug Administration also authorized a second booster dose for individuals at least 12 years old and older with certain immune deficiencies, such as people who have undergone solid organ transplants. The agency said the additional shot can be given at least four months after a first booster for both cohorts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to issue some kind of advice on who should consider getting the shot as early as Tuesday. As of late last week, officials were planning to present the second booster essentially as an option that older Americans or people with underlying medical conditions should consider.
The F.D.A. made the decision with scant data, as an interim measure to strengthen protection for older Americans and others considered especially vulnerable until the fall. At that point, federal health officials say they expect that everyone will need another shot. There is some hope that by then, scientists will have developed vaccines that work better against the variants that have emerged over the past four months. The idea that another shot is necessary now, just six months after federal regulators authorized the first round of boosters, could add to fatigue with Covid vaccines. With each authorized additional dose, fewer and fewer Americans get the shot.
On the other hand, many experts now acknowledge that the government’s decision last fall to authorize a first booster shot — the subject of much scientific debate at the time — saved lives during the winter Omicron wave.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State Department eased government Covid travel ratings for India and some other countries on Monday, March 28. The CDC said it had changed its travel recommendation for India to “Level 1: Low” from “Level 3: High”, which urges unvaccinated Americans to avoid travel to those locations.
BRAMPTON (TIP): Sanjay Malaviya, an Indo-Canadian and a leading name in IT healthcare industry, has made a huge first of its kind donation to the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Foundations. He has announced a donation of $ 1.2 million to directly support Canadian Olympic and Paralympic medalists besides extending support to the NextGen programme of preparing future Olympians and Paralympians.
This is the first time a gift of this magnitude has been given directly to Olympic and Paralympic medalists through either foundation. They will receive a $5,000 grant per medal earned. Additionally, $100,000 will go to the NextGen program to help support future Olympians and Paralympians.
“Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes have inspired and united us during a very difficult time,” said Malaviya. “It’s an honor to be able to celebrate their achievements and invest in their future.”
In total, 130 Olympians and 53 Paralympians will receive a grant through this donation. Sanjay Malaviya started a Toronto based patient safety software company in late 90s and served on its Board as President and CEO for a little more than two decades. From a single product company that took roots in IT Department of a hospital, Sanjay made it a leading provider of risk management, patient feedback, claims management and infection surveillance software to over 2000 healthcare organizations around the world.
Sanjay has been instrumental to the IT-based healthcare solutions with an exclusive endorsement from the American Hospital Association. A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Sanjay has used both his degree in Computer Engineering, as well as his almost decade of experience in a hospital setting, to offer a truly unique perspective on healthcare IT. He continues to be driven by his passion for making healthcare software not only cutting-edge, but also intuitive and easy to use for even the most casual user.
“The gift Sanjay has made is truly remarkable, especially following the challenges Team Canada athletes have faced over the past few years,” said Jacquie Ryan, Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee and CEO of the Canadian Olympic Foundation. “Sanjay’s belief in the power of sport, and the impact Olympic and Paralympic medalists have on all Canadians is truly inspiring.”
Malaviya is a Canadian healthcare technology entrepreneur who developed cutting-edge IT products that have helped to keep patients safer in more than 2,000 healthcare organizations around the world. His passion for sport comes from his appreciation of the lessons that athletes can carry from sport to all other aspects of life. In particular he loves the leadership and resilience that Team Canada athletes have demonstrated over the past two years and thinks this has been a source of inspiration for all Canadians to share Olympic and Paralympic values.
“We are truly grateful that Sanjay saw the importance of recognizing Paralympic medalists alongside their Olympic counterparts,” said Dean Brokop, Director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. “This generous gift will play a pivotal role in empowering Canada’s finest athletes as they work towards reaching more podiums in Paris and Milan-Cortina.” Recipient Abigail Strate won a historic Olympic medal by securing Canada’s first-ever medal in ski jumping, a bronze in the mixed team event at Beijing 2022.
“In order to be competitive globally, an athlete needs access to the best equipment, services and facilities, which undoubtedly requires financial support. As a member of the Ski Jumping Canada Women’s National Team, I live abroad to have consistent access to training facilities,” said Strate. “I am incredibly grateful for the support Sanjay has provided. His undeniable commitment to sport will make each of us strive to make our country proud.” Para Nordic skier Mark Arendz won four medals at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games to bring his career total to 12. “On behalf of all my fellow Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Paralympians, a huge thank you to Sanjay for this gift,” added Arendz, a four-time Paralympian. “This is a significant step forward in the recognition of Canadian Paralympic athletes who work and train so hard to compete on the world stage. I am optimistic that Sanjay’s generosity will serve as a catalyst for greater equality for Canadian athletes with a disability that so proudly represent our country.”
( 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)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Vianai System, the human-centered AI platform and products company, founded by Indian American Vishal Sikka, in a news release, also dwelt upon the expansion of its leadership team and said it has appointed Dr Navin Budhiraja as its chief technology officer and Dean Germeyer as its chief revenue officer.
The newly appointed members of the team also included Shabana Khan who has been made its head of marketing and Pradeep Panicker who has taken the charge as its finance head, it added. I am delighted to welcome Navin, Dean, Shabana and Pradeep to Vian, to complement our already exceptional leadership team, said Vianai Systems founder-cum-CEO Sikka. All of them bring deep enterprise expertise in delivering innovations, an unwavering focus on customer success and a profoundly empathetic, learning-led way of working and building organizations, he added.
As enterprise leaders realize that the hype of the first wave of AI approaches is making way for a human-centered, design-led AI, they are seeing our products and our approach to AI deliver breakthrough business value and transformation. This success is creating an exceptionally strong demand for our products and our platform, he said.
Our leadership team represents exactly the combination of expertise, experience, and dedication to customer success needed to help enterprises around the world realize the full business potential of AI, he said.
Vianai is one of the fastest-growing Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups in Silicon Valley. It has raised USD200 million so far over two rounds and was funded in the last round by Softbank’s Visions Fund.
Human-centered AI delivers on a vision of AI as an amplifier of the human intelligence that combines the power of human judgement together with the best AI techniques, to drive transformative business outcomes, Sikka said in the release. The need for a more human-centered approach to AI has rapidly intensified as many enterprises still struggle to realize the full potential of their AI investments, it added.
NEW YORK (TIP): In an unprecedented event, hundreds of Muslims broke their fast and offered congregational Taraweeh prayers at New York City’s Times Square in the US on the first day of the holy month of Ramdan, April 2.
Taraaweeh, a part of the Holy Quran is recited each day during Ramdan until its completion.
On Saturday, April 2 night, 1500 meals were provided to Muslims on the pavements of Times Square, the city’s busiest artery, which was then followed up by hundreds of Muslims taking part in the Taraweeh prayers.
Times Square is a major commercial area and tourist destination in midtown Manhattan in New York City. It is one of the “most visited tourist attractions” which draws around 50 million visitors a year, as per media reports.
“We actually are doing this so that we can become closer and more contentious of our creator, our lord, Allah,” SQ, one of the organizers of the gathering said, according to CBS News.
“We’re here to explain our religion to all those that don’t know what Islam all is about,” he said, adding that “Islam is a religion of peace.” A person attending the Taraweeh said that there are a lot of misconceptions about Islam.
“There are crazy people throughout all cultures, all religions, and those small groups of people do not represent the majority … We’re encouraged to pray, fast, do-good deeds, give charity,” the man said, according to CBS. Ramdan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which the followers of Islam fast between dawn and sunset, pray for peace and guidance, give back to the community in the form of charity or zakaat or engage in humanitarian activities such as feeding the underprivileged and introspect to enlighten their souls. This annual observance of Ramzan is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. It lasts between one sighting of the crescent moon and the next.
The ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York returns for its 14th annual event, April 7-13, 2022 organized and hosted by The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (MMJCCM) located at 334 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10023.
It is the largest festival in the U.S. dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. It is a completely hybrid event – in person and virtual – at the JCC Manhattan and across New York City, April 7-13.
OPENING NIGHT
Opening Night: “The Specials.” (Photo / MMJCCM, 2022)
The festival’s Opening Night selection is Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano’s acclaimed film THE SPECIALS, starring Vincent Cassel, Reda Kateb, Helene Vincent, and Brian Mialoundama. It will screen April 7th, at 7 pm at the IAC Screening Room located at 555 W. 18th Street NY 10011, co-presented by Vimeo. Q&A with special guests from the film, follows.
The Closing Night film will be the New York premiere of Brian Malone and Regan Linton’s documentary IMPERFECT, which follows an award-winning theater group consisting of actors who live and perform with the uniqueness of disability as they set out to claim their place in the spotlight with a production of the beloved musical “Chicago.” Following these actors’ lives inside and outside the theater, curtains are drawn open to overlooked talent and the power of the human condition in its many forms. It will screen on April 13th at 7 pm at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.
FESTIVAL LINEUP
AMAZING GRACE
Dir. Lynn Montgomery l United States | 55 min | Documentary
Dir. Charlie Dennis l United Kingdom | 10 min | Narrative Short
Disability represented: Deafness
THE BODY IS A HOUSE OF FAMILIAR ROOMS
Dir. Eloise Sherrid, Lauryn Welch l
United States | 10 min | Animation, Documentary
Disability represented: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
THE MULTI
Dir. Storm Smith, Natasha Ofili l United States | 18 min | Narrative Short
Disability represented: Deafness
TRYING
Dir. Juan Manuel Montilla “Langui” l Spain | 15 min | Narrative Short
Disability represented: Physical disability
WAWEL DRAGON
Dir. Cameron Carr l United Kingdom | 6 min | Animation
Disability represented: Autism
WHEELS
Dir. Smari Gunn l Iceland | 6 min | Narrative Short
Disability represented: Muscular Dystrophy/Wheelchair user
ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York
For more information, visit ny.reelabilities.org
ReelAbilities supports:
– Person-first language (a person with a disability, not a disabled person).
– Asking people for their preferences and if they require assistance.
– Creating an inclusive environment welcoming to people with and without disabilities.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE:
ReelAbilities strives for inclusion of all people. All films are screened with open captions and all venues are wheelchair accessible. ASL interpretation, CART, Audio Description, and information in Braille are available upon advance request. Individuals needing accommodations to participate should contact the screening venue directly in advance of the event.
TICKETS
For Tickets and more information, visit reelabilities.org/newyork
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
To learn more, visit mmjccm.org
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Cuisine and Health & Wellness)
Punjab is beset with many problems. Surely, Chandigarh is not one. The worst is the feudal mindset that governs relationship between people. There can be no equality if the society is divided among two groups- the masters and the slaves. This mindset has to change. The Sarkar, mai baap, huzoor, Sahib ji culture has nothing to do with humility. These words reek of slavishness. The people in the government, the bureaucrats and the civil servants should cease to behave like masters.
Another evil plaguing the State is corruption. The pay and play game which has been going on for decades must stop. There can be no fairness and justice in such a system.
Too many people are unemployed and poor. One cannot expect hungry people to contribute to a State in any way. On the contrary, one can clearly find a connection between unemployment and crime. Drug addiction, drug smuggling, and many other crimes are directly related to the unemployment of the people. Then there is a fractured educational system, and another is a sick healthcare system.
Any State aspiring to be worth living for people must provide means of sustenance and a dignified life. Hope the new government in Punjab is aware of the problems and has solutions, too.
With the recent release of a new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has pledged the full force of the Justice Department to help end a scourge that has been described as the fastest-growing criminal enterprise in the world.
The strategy correctly focuses on what Garland calls the “three Ps” paradigm of protecting victims, prosecuting traffickers and preventing trafficking.
In announcing the strategy, the attorney general noted: “Our work…will require us to take a multi-disciplinary, trauma-informed approach that unites investigators, prosecutors, victim assistance specialists and non-governmental service providers.”
That’s the approach we’ve taken in Queens, where we are uniquely positioned to understand the complexity and intricacies of this deplorable, degrading crime.
Queens is home to two international airports and to many foreign-born and undocumented persons, making our borough rich in culture and diversity but also unfortunately a prime geographical location for trafficking.
During my first six months in office, I created a bureau within the district attorney’s office that’s dedicated solely to human trafficking cases. Since its inception less than two years ago, my office has secured 25 indictments, charging a total of 41 traffickers and exploiters of women and children.
In February, two defendants were indicted for allegedly exploiting a homeless victim’s circumstances and forcing her into prostitution for their own benefit, setting up sex dates in various hotels — as well as private homes and other locations — throughout the borough. Earlier this month, two men — acting independently of one another — were indicted for allegedly trafficking the same two teenage girls, ages 13 and 16, between November 2021 and February 2022. The defendants allegedly offered the girls for sex in online advertisements, and then lined their own pockets with the cash the girls were paid to have sex.
We have been, and will continue to be, rigorous in our prosecution of those who seek to profit from the illegal sexual exploitation of minors and the vulnerable.
As Garland indicates, holding traffickers accountable is essential — but provides only a partial solution.
That’s why my office has employed a comprehensive, culturally sensitive, victim-centered approach that helps all victims find the path to freedom while reducing the additional trauma of reporting and seeking aid.
Here in Queens, as elsewhere in our nation, traffickers use psychological or physical intimidation, violence, threats, forced drug use and fear to compel victims — often young people from underserved communities — to engage in acts of prostitution or labor. Human trafficking does not require that anyone travel across state lines, or anywhere at all. Traffickers seek out victims who are perceived to be vulnerable and marginalized because of their age, immigration status and even their mental capacity or past experiences with trauma. Some victims have been so coerced they fail to self-identify as a trafficked person.
As a result, underreporting remains the greatest challenge to thwarting human trafficking. Working with victims to connect them to much needed legal, housing, social, medical, and immigration services is essential to reducing the vulnerabilities that traffickers use to exploit them. That is why I have increased staff and resources targeted for outreach and training aimed at the identification and even the prevention of human trafficking.
The U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking noted in its December 2021 report that increased awareness of trafficking among the public and employment sectors — through trainings, webinars, public awareness campaigns and other venues — is critical to combat trafficking.
Even prior to the issuance of that report, my office put additional resources toward community and institutional outreach to ensure that community members, institutions and those at risk can identify trafficking and are armed with the information and tools to know how to seek help and what resources we have available. They also need to know that my office is a safe haven for anyone who is seeking to escape a trafficking situation, regardless of social, economic or immigration status.
Human trafficking is a complex crime that cannot be eliminated by one office or organization. Therefore, we place importance on our relationships and routine collaboration with our partner service care providers, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions.
Further, trafficking often spans over multi-jurisdictional levels, so my office’s consistent collaboration and coordination with the U.S. Justice Department and other local city and state law enforcement institutions is a valuable tool we use to respond. This interagency collaboration ensures that we bring traffickers to justice under the strongest laws available of the federal and state and to best preserve the rights and needs of survivors.
(The author is District Attorney, Queens County, NY)
“America’s founding mission was not democracy, nor any other ideology. It was what we declared it to be in the document our fathers agreed to at the Constitutional Convention of 1787:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” “Democracy” is not even mentioned in the Constitution or in the Bill of Rights.”
To pursue global “democracy” is thus a formula for endless interventions in the internal affairs of other nations, endless conflicts and eventual war
“Is “democracy” really America’s cause? Is “autocracy” really America’s great adversary in the battle for the future? Not all autocrats, after all, are our enemies, nor are all democrats our reliable friends.”
“In the battle between democracy and autocracy, democracies are rising to the moment, and the world is clearly choosing the side of peace and security,” said President Joe Biden in his State of the Union address.
“This is a real test. It’s going to take time.” Thus did Biden frame the struggle of our time as the U.S. leading the world’s democracies, the camp of the saints, against the world’s autocrats, the forces of darkness. But is “democracy” really America’s cause? Is “autocracy” really America’s great adversary in the battle for the future?
Not all autocrats, after all, are our enemies, nor are all democrats our reliable friends.
When Ukraine was invaded, the U.N. General Assembly voted on a resolution which “deplores in the strongest terms” Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine. Among the 35 nations that abstained was India, the world’s largest democracy. Whose side is India on in the great struggle?
Freedom House ranks Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, all friends, partners and sometime allies of the United States, as “not free.”
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Are we in a global struggle against all of these nations, all of these regimes, because all of them are autocracies?
As for America’s own wars, democracy-versus-autocracy would seem to be a misguided way to describe any of them. In the Revolution, we were military allies from 1778 on with King Louis XVI of France, against Great Britain, the Mother of Parliaments. Our goal was not establishing a democracy, but our independence, separation, from the most democratic nation on earth.
When we declared war on the kaiser’s Germany in April 1917, we allied ourselves with four of the greatest colonial empires on earth: the British, French, Russian and Japanese empires. When that Great War began, Germany’s Second Reich was a good deal more democratic than the czarist regime of Russia’s Nicholas II.
In World War II, we allied with the world’s largest colonial empire, Great Britain, and the USSR of Joseph Stalin. Democracy was not the cause for which we went to war, but payback to Japan for the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. Our most important ally in that Asian war was the Nationalist China of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, no democrat.
History, religion, race, culture, tribe and territory more often define the 100-plus nations of Africa, the Middle East and Asia than whether they are democracies or autocracies.
During the Cold War, we collaborated openly with dictators — Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, Anastasio Somoza in Nicaragua, Chiang Kai-shek in China, Syngman Rhee in South Korea, Augusto Pinochet in Chile, Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines, the shah of Iran, Ngo Dinh Diem, and a succession of generals after his assassination, in South Vietnam.
If they stood with us against the Communists in the Cold War, we stood by them. “He may be a SOB, but he’s our SOB,” FDR said of Somoza.
Communism was our ideological enemy, not autocracy. If you were an enemy of communism in the Cold War, autocrat or not, you were likely to be treated as a friend by the USA.
If we make global “democracy” the measure of success in the great struggle of our time, our victory or defeat in that cause depends on political decisions and internal choices of scores of nations not our own.
But when did the internal politics of other lands become either the business of the United States or the yardstick of our success as a nation?
To make global democracy our goal in this century’s great “battle” is to allow America’s success or failure as a nation to be judged and measured by what other nations, not our own, succeed or fail in doing.
America’s founding mission was not democracy, nor any other ideology. It was what we declared it to be in the document our fathers agreed to at the Constitutional Convention of 1787:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
“Democracy” is not even mentioned in the Constitution or in the Bill of Rights. If whether other nations are democratic or autocratic is the measure by which we judge America’s success, this must lead invariably to U.S. interference in the internal affairs of those nations not our own — to ensure success in the great struggle. To pursue global “democracy” is thus a formula for endless interventions in the internal affairs of other nations, endless conflicts and eventual war. The antidote is John Quincy Adams’ formulation:
“(America) goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy; she is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all; she is the champion and vindicator only of her own.”
(The author is a political commentator, columnist, politician and broadcaster)
“Several significant decisions taken in recent months by the NDA government at the Centre were a clear indication that transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab was nowhere under its consideration. Intriguingly, on eve of the Punjab Assembly elections in February, speculations were afloat that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his pre-election rallies in Punjab may announce transfer of Chandigarh to this border State. For many, writing on the wall was obvious. Changing the structure of the Management of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) was an indication of the Centre Government’s thinking. And if that was not enough, the union home minister during his last visit to Chandigarh, announced a major policy decision of bringing Union Territory of Chandigarh employees under the central Civil Service rules thus putting to an end to the continuation of Punjab Civil Service rules.”
On November 1, 1966, when Chandigarh was carved out of Punjab as a Union Territory, Dr MS Randhawa, ICS, was appointed its first Chief Commissioner. Since then, Chandigarh has grown from “a city of greying beards and green hedges” to a throbbing millennial mini-India, while remaining mired in various controversies.
Unlike major Punjab cities, the Union Territory has a large population of migrants from far off places, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Nagaland, and Jharkhand that has assimilated into a multiethnic and multicultural community making it unique in more than one way.
Built as a planned city and capital of Punjab, it has been gradually inching to clinch its own special identity. Supported by the Central Government with lavish funding since 1966 and the unfortunate diminishing interest of parent States of Punjab and Haryana, this adopted territory stands alienated from its motherland.
Developed as a City of Excellence with top of the shelf facilities like open green spaces, wide roads, storm water drainage system, it soon grew to an educational and top-class health care hub with the coming up of institutions. Less than one third of the normal size of a district in Punjab or Haryana, Chandigarh now boasts of institutions that provide world class education in health, engineering, architecture, law, pharmacy, home care and art. It has exclusive sports stadia for cricket, hockey, tennis, football, skating, indoor sports, and water sports. It has one the highest ratio of tennis courts to population, an extremely popular Golf Club, and a golf range besides several swimming pools, including centrally heated pools.
Besides Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Chandigarh has the distinction of having plant specific gardens, like Bougainvillea Garden, in addition to an exclusive Japanese garden, a topiary park, a bird sanctuary and two Botanical gardens. Sukhna Lake and Rock Garden make it a major tourist attraction.
It does not have much industry but still it is a top production Centre for steel furniture, sanitary fittings, pharmaceuticals, and needles. It had investment from world leaders in pharmacy (Pfizer) and needles (Goetz & Beckett). The Chandigarh Administration in its wisdom decided to put a full stop before further growth of industry and allowed change of land use making room for multiplexes, malls, and hotels to come up in place of existing industrial units like Pfizer.
It is the misfortune of the Union Territory that continuity was a glaring missing link that followed the change of administrative head. Ambitious projects like captive power generation – Chandigarh does not have a source of power generation – building of Nehru Centre for Performing Arts, construction of elevated road from the PGI to the Transport Chowk, flyover over The Tribune inter section, Mass Rapid Transport System, and building of Chandigarh Trade Fair ground on the lines of Pragati Maidan never progressed beyond paperwork. Huge amounts were spent on consultancies and feasibility reports. Money was spent lavishly on holding foundation stone laying ceremonies of Nehru Centre for Performing Arts and the Chandigarh Trade Fair ground, but no one was ever held accountable for these languishing projects. These aspects apart, Chandigarh has always remained a bone of contention between Punjab and Haryana, both claiming their rights over its control. When the 1966 Reorganization Act was implemented, Chandigarh was declared a Union Territory as a stop gap arrangement so that Haryana could build its own new capital. It was to be transferred to Punjab. However, claims and counter claims continued with the Centre playing the role of a clever monkey in a fight between two cats. The Reorganization Act mandated that Union Territory of Chandigarh would be run by employees drawn from Punjab and Haryana in the 60:40 ratio. Since it was a small territory, it had a Chief Commissioner as its administrative head followed by Home Secretary, Finance Secretary, Chief Engineer, Chief Architect, an Inspector-General of Police (of the rank of a Deputy Inspector-General) and a Superintendent of Police. These posts were equitably divided between Punjab and Haryana.
All employees, from top to bottom, used to be drawn from the “partner” states. The system continued to work well till about late 80s and early 90s when on the command of the Centre, the Union Territory of Chandigarh started recruiting people directly by gradually cutting down the share of both Punjab and Haryana. Since the protests from Punjab and Haryana were meek, the move picked pace. A stage was reached when the number of employees on deputation was reduced to almost nothing. Most of the positions, from bottom to top, are now filled with UT cadre employees except for a few top bureaucratic slots like Home Secretary, Finance Secretary and Deputy Commissioner.
Even before the “centralization” of the Chandigarh Administration started, the rehabilitation of migrant workers scheme was given a boost by offering tenements to jhuggi dwellers. Thousands of migrant workers, given these tenements, started making capital out of it as they would sell their dwellings at a huge profit and move back to jhuggis to stake claims for new units in future colonies.
Punjab was caught in a vicious fight against terrorism. It was during this period that the Governor of Punjab was appointed Administrator of Chandigarh and the post of the Chief Commissioner was changed to Adviser to the Administrator. Mr. Krishna Banarji, who was till then Chief Commissioner, became the first Adviser to the Administrator of Chandigarh.
In 1985, when the Rajeev Gandhi- Sant Harchand Singh Longowal agreement was signed, hopes were raised that the decision to transfer Chandigarh to Punjab on January 26, 1986, would finally be implemented. Punjab Government led by then Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala drew all plans for the smooth transfer of Chandigarh.
A senior bureaucrat Inderjit Singh Bindra was named Administrator of Chandigarh. Invitations were sent out for the formal ceremony that was to take place as a part of the Republic Day celebrations. However, on the night of January 25, the decision was put on hold. Once again, there was a little hue and cry in Punjab political circles. No sincere or concerted effort was made thereafter to get the Rajeev-Longowal agreement implemented. It was Darshan Singh Pheruman, who led a breakaway group of Shiromani Akali Dal, who started fast unto death to demand immediate merger of Chandigarh with Punjab. His fast continued till his death but nothing moved either the Centre or the then Punjab political leadership. His sacrifice remains unacknowledged by the Punjab government. Several significant decisions taken in recent months by the NDA government at the Centre were a clear indication that transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab was nowhere under its consideration. Intriguingly, on eve of the Punjab Assembly elections in February, speculations were afloat that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his pre-election rallies in Punjab may announce transfer of Chandigarh to this border State. For many, writing on the wall was obvious. Changing the structure of the Management of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) was an indication of the Centre Government’s thinking. And if that was not enough, the union home minister during his last visit to Chandigarh, announced a major policy decision of bringing Union Territory of Chandigarh employees under the central Civil Service rules thus putting to an end to the continuation of Punjab Civil Service rules. While the decision was overwhelmingly welcomed by employees in general as the retirement age now goes up from 58 to 60 and they also get other benefits, including extended maternity leave for women employees, Punjab units of a couple of political parties, including the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have not only assailed the move the NDA government at the Centre but also announced to fight it tooth and nail to save the rights of Punjab.
(The author is a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience covering a wide spectrum of subjects and stories. He has covered Punjab and Sikh affairs for more than three decades besides covering seven Olympics and several major sporting events and hosting TV shows. For more in-depth analysis please visit probingeye.com or follow him on Twitter.com/probingeye. He can be reached at prabhjot416@gmail.com)
14th Annual Couples’ Choice Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Nationwide and Abroad.
Interfaith Marriages Named Winner in 2022 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®
TIP Bureau
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Interfaith Marriages was announced as a winner of the 2022 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®, an accolade representing the top wedding professionals across the board in quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism reviewed by couples on WeddingWire, a leading wedding vendor marketplace. To determine these distinguished wedding professionals, WeddingWire analyzed reviews within its Vendor Directory across more than 20 service categories—from venues and caterers to florists and photographers—to find the most- and highest-rated vendors of the year. The winners exhibit superior professionalism, responsiveness, service and quality when interacting with the millions of couples who turn to WeddingWire to help with their wedding planning process each month.
Wedding professionals who win WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Awards® are members of WeddingPro, a leading B2B wedding brand. A marketplace and community for wedding professionals, WeddingPro connects businesses with more than 13 million unique monthly visitors who are planning weddings on WeddingWire and The Knot, as well as with hundreds of thousands of pros in the industry. Through its online marketplaces, educational programs and community-building events, WeddingPro is dedicated to helping wedding professionals build relationships with couples and pros that grow their businesses. Interfaith Marriages is honored to be one of the top vendors in Officiant in Washington on WeddingWire. F visit www.weddingwire.com/couples-choice-awards
About Interfaith Marriages
Interfaith Marriages is a wedding officiant service based in Washington, DC. Dr. Mike Ghouse, the company’s owner, is a member of the American Marriage Ministries who specializes in marrying couples of different religions. He adopts an open approach to creating ceremonies by blending each partner’s traditions, whether they are Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, or non-religious. Mike believes in curating a meaningful experience for all couples who are committed to one another.
Services Offered
Interfaith Marriages is dedicated to curating memorable nuptials that celebrate the love shared between two PRESS RELEASE partners. Mike’s process begins with a consultation where he can learn about the couple and their story, religious backgrounds, and vision for their ceremony. He is happy to incorporate special readings, blessings, or traditions into the nuptials, or create something completely unique. Before the wedding day, the future spouses can finalize any details they would like to include in their service.
Mike Ghouse says: “Marriage is the most important milestone of your love relationship; indeed, it expresses a commitment to the connection between you two. When you take the bold step to become one regardless of your origins, faiths, races, cultures, and ethnicities, you must be appreciated and applauded. You are setting a new standard on how to live-in harmony despite your inherent differences. You are practicing genuine pluralism, i.e., respecting the otherness of the other and accepting the given (God/Nature) uniqueness.
Marriage is a union of two individuals for happiness and harmonious living.
“Every living organism has a built-in GPS that brings two individuals together, and from a religious perspective, it is the creator who puts love between two individuals.
“I am blessed to have officiated secular and religious ceremonies incorporating both the couple’s traditions with their respective input and final approval. Whether it is Jewish-Christian, Hindu-Christian, Bahai-Jewish, Hindu Jewish, Atheist-Jain, or other combinations, the bride and groom and their families feel elated and enjoy the sense of marriage in full.
“As an Indian American, it has been my pleasure to have officiated weddings amongst Hindus, Christians, and Muslims in various combinations. We can customize the wedding with the bride and groom’s input, including their family traditions.”
Congratulations to Interfaith Marriages for winning the award, and we decided to interview the winner and what is behind it. Interfaith marriages are becoming common, people from different faiths are marrying each other, and they are finding it difficult to find clergy to officiate the wedding, as they insist on converting the other. Given this situation, we found it interesting that there are organizations that are officiating such weddings.
We sat down with Dr. Mike Ghouse, the wedding officiant with InterfaithMarriages.org, and had this conversation.
Dr. Mike Ghouse, wedding officiant with Interfaith Marriages.org
How do you get the parents to agree to get their kids married without converting?
Ghouse responded, “As a Pluralist, I believe all religions are beautiful and are designed to create secure societies for every living being. The idea of converting the other assumes that the other’s faith is somehow less than yours, and that is wrong. No faith is superior to the other, each faith does its work for its believer. We talk about the essence of both their faiths and when the parents see the essence is the same but rituals are different, they lean towards the idea of interfaith marriage and we go from there.”
What is your most rewarding wedding?
“The most joyous wedding was in Dallas, Texas, where a Christian father disowned his son for wanting to marry a Hindu girl, he was adamant that the girl convert and the girl did not want to convert. The father had refused to see his son for three months and I gave him a call, gradually we were mitigating his no-way stance to a possibility. After two weeks of conversation, I casually mentioned to him that I will be invoking the name of Jesus at the start of the ceremony and closing it in the name of Jesus. He could not believe it and asked me if I really meant it and I said, I did. I invited him to the wedding, he came, and did not want to come inside, but was peeking from the door. When I closed the ceremony, in the name of Jesus, may you be blessed?” He dashed in the door, gave me a hug, and then hugs his son and the new daughter-in-law. They really started celebrating. I felt so happy. However, they did not pay the honorarium, nor did they pay for the food I had arranged for them.”
Keep up the good work of uniting and bringing happiness into the lives of people. We are all cheerleaders for you. Dr. Mike Ghouse.
(Dr.Mike Ghouse is President of Center For Pluralism and lives in Washington, D.C. He can be reached at (202) 290-3560 (office) and (214) 325-1916 (cell)
More about Dr. Ghoue at www.CenterforPluralism.com )
If you are an NRI visitor like me who often takes a trip to Kerala, there will always be some surprises in store for you. Despite all that the doomsayers say, Kerala is on an upward trajectory, building infrastructure and modernizing every facet of people’s lives. Although mostly two-lanes, the roads have never been better, at least in the Central Travancore area where I belong. Commercial and Residential buildings are rising on both sides of the highways or significant roadways, and heavy traffic is on most of the main arteries. Main Central Road (M.C. Road) passes through my small town called Kallissery, which used to be a sleepy little village where I grew up and now transformed into a shopping paradise with appliance stores and a Reliance supermarket. Traveling just one Kilometer away from the Center of the town is the newly built ‘K.M. Cherian Hospital’ with some of the most modern facilities anywhere in the world. The nonstop flow of the vehicles and the constant sirens of Ambulances heading toward the hospitals might make one yearns for those good old days of peaceful and serene times. Traveling from Chengannur to Changanassery on the M.C. Road, it almost appears as one long contiguous town (a mini megapolis) with shops and multi-cuisine eateries on both sides. Yes, Kerala has progressed, and transformative changes come with its rewards and infliction.
On the political front, it has always been noisy. Both sides are impatient to listen to each other, and it is almost as if one is shouting over the other just to offset each other. These days, the most heated topic is the K-RAIL, a Semi–High-Speed Rail development project that the current LDF government is vigorously promoting under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. I cannot argue against this Silver Line project that could reduce travel time and pollute less. Moreover, high-speed transportation systems are an integral part of development anywhere, whether highways or Rail. The Shanghai Maglev in China is the world’s first high-speed commercial magnetic levitation (“maglev”) line, whose trains run on the non-conventional track and reach a top speed of 430 KM/h (267 mph). In 2020, China started testing a maglev prototype train that ran 600 km/h and planned a 2025 launch date.
If we go back in history, the semi-High-Speed train project was the brainchild of the Oommen Chandy government and is now carried on by the current administration. As we all know, Trivandrum, the Capital of the State, is located at the far end of an elongated State where travel by road could often take almost half a day to reach from one end to the other. After decades of efforts in developing M.C. Road, it is a two-lane road, and an express highway remains a distant dream. Some would also argue that it may be a boon for tourism and open faster access to Kovalam and Vayanad on a single vacation trip. Commuting between the Capital and the commercial hub (Cochin) may become further effortless. Considering the project’s scope, as many experts demand, an environmental impact study may shed light on the flood impact on low-lying areas during the monsoon season. However, development and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive if we are to create jobs and prevent scores of our young people from exiting the State after their studies. What is the point of having a beautiful state while people have little or no means to survive?
The real problem is how the current government has addressed this very important project. A level of arrogance and missteps has marred the positive aspects of this rail project. We should not undertake an ambitious project of this magnitude without transparency to all stakeholders. The government has failed miserably in making its constituents understand either the necessity or vitality of this giant undertaking. Average folks in Kerala have an inherent suspicion of any project due to a history of corruption and misdeeds. On top of that, there is a failure to deliver on past promises; whether it is OKHI cyclone or big flood of 2018, some of the victims are still waiting for rehabilitation. How then, all those who would be dispossessed due to this new venture trust the Government or any empowered Institution to compensate them in a timely fashion? It is a credibility issue that couldn’t resolve overnight. As a matter of fact, a government must work hard to create trust among its people, making it easier for any project proposal to succeed in a timely fashion. However, the challenge of maintaining trust is complicated by a faster and more diversified flow of information, such as through the Internet and social networks.
It is a sorry state of affairs as well when some of the Members of Parliament from Kerala appeal to the BJP government not to fund this project. For the UDF, it is not a shining moment in its history! The BJP government at the Center hasn’t been very forthcoming to the growing financial needs of Kerala in general, and now they have been provided a support base from none other than the grand old party itself! If anyone from the party rank and files disagrees, they would become the object of scorn and threatened with disciplinary action! A healthy and open debate is an integral part of the democratic process. This issue should have been sorted out at the State level rather than setting up a bad precedent of one party appealing for funds and another demanding a denial of the same to the Center.
There are also vibrant discussions on the project’s financial viability and whether the K-RAIL would be solvent. However, if you look around the world, public transportation systems are not self-sustaining, and government subsidies and other financial assistance are integral to daily operations. Amtrak in the USA and MTA in New York City are prime examples of transport systems that rely heavily on government handouts to provide affordable commuting or long-distance services to their citizens.
Another valid issue that has been raised by the opposition leader V.D. Satheesan is whether we are buying some outdated technology from Japan that may be eager to recoup some money for their discarded products. If we are to embark on a project of this magnitude, we must seek state-of-the-art technology and look forward well into the future. Kerala’s mindset typically drives towards only thinking about the short-term, and we ought to alter that to think about tomorrow. Nevertheless, the Congress party must be conscious to avoid attaching itself to an anti-development tag going into the next election. It was the Communist Party that stood against automation, and the people of Kerala have paid a heavy price for it over the years. Their intransigence barred multi-national companies from setting up commercial hubs in the State. The K-Rail issue should not become a distraction as well from monitoring other governance issues that are critical to the well-being of the people of the State.
From my point of view, this project is doomed unless the LDF government brings the opposition to the table for dialogue while convincing the community at large and assuring the directly affected residents of fair and timely compensation. In a democracy, dialogue and building consensus are imperative, and steps need to be taken for transparency and confidence-building measures. Knocking down the kitchen doors with the help of the Police and bureaucrats to lay the survey stones would not help the cause. The current government appears to be inebriated with power, and they might pay a high price for the overreach unless there is a course correction. CPM hasn’t learned a lesson from Nandigram in West Bengal, and K-RAIL could be their undoing in Kerala!
(Writer is a former Chief Technology Officer of the United Nations and the Vice-Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA. He can be reached at gta777@gmail.com)
WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP): More than a dozen lawmakers, including Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, have introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to designate April 14 of each year as National Sikh Day. Observing that the Sikh community, which began immigrating into the United States over 100 years ago, has played an important role in developing the United States; the resolution supports the designation of ‘National Sikh Day’ to honor and celebrate the important role played by the Sikh community in strengthening and inspiring the people of the United States.
Sponsored by Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, the resolution introduced in the House on March 28 was co-sponsored by over a dozen lawmakers: Karen Bass, Paul Tonko, Brian K Fitzpatrick, Daniel Meuser, Eric Swalwell, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Donald Norcross, Andy Kim, John Garamendi, Richard E Neal, Brendan F Boyle and David G Valadao.
Both John Garamendi and David Valadao are Co-Chairs of the Sikh Caucus.The resolution was welcomed by Sikh caucus committee, Sikh coordination committee and American Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee.
NEW YORK (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, April 5, congratulated New York-based Indian singer Falguni Shah for winning a Grammy Award. Shah, known by her stage name Falu, won the award for ‘A Colorful World’ in the best children’s album category.
“Congratulations to Falguni Shah on winning the award for the Best Children’s Music Album at the Grammys. Wishing her the very best for her future endeavors,” Modi tweeted.
Shah, who is in her early 40s, has trained in Hindustani classical music in the Jaipur musical tradition and in the Benares style of ‘thumri’ under Kaumudi Munshi and semi-classical music from Uday Mazumdar.
Shah moved to the US in 2000 and her subsequent career there led her to collaborate with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Wyclef Jean, Philip Glass, Ricky Martin, Blues Traveler and AR Rahman, among others.
On winning the Grammy, Falu said:
“I am very happy and so grateful for winning this GRAMMY with the album “A Colorful World”. ?
“I dedicate this GRAMMY to:
All of the children around the world who are born with the ability to love each other regardless of the color of their skin or their ethnic background. May we all be as open and loving as our next generation and look up to them for inspiration. My homeland, India. My gurus, my family – all who have made me who I am today.
My community in America. I love this country and my musical community for emboldening my Indian classical roots. Thank you for being my second home. The Recording Academy. I thank everyone for the dedication it requires to do such critical work, and to my fellow musicians and colleagues for their amazing contributions in music. It’s an honor being part of this incredible community. The outstanding musicians, the producers, engineers, music professionals and my label @elcerritorecords, for standing by me to make this album. This album brought me the light I needed after losing my beloved father. You pulled me out of one of the darkest times in my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Album Credits – A Colorful World #behindtherecord
Main Artist and Lead Vocals: Falu
Piano: Tammy Lynne Hall
Keyboards: Mario Gabriel Sanmarti
Bass: Dave Sands
Drums: Oscar Autie
Cello: Ivette Falcón
Guitar: Camilo Landau
Trumpet: Dileyvis (El Niche) Romero
Backing Vocals: Nona Brown
Children Vocals: Nishaad Shah, Ayan Shah, Sebastián Gonzalo Sanmarti Keil, Julián Santiago Sanmarti Keil, Alberto Morito Cárdenas, Lola Carrizo Bonanzinga, Vera Costa, Sara Costa, Danna Villanueva Menjivar, and Jayvyn Thwaites
Arrangements: Mario Gabriel Sanmarti
Backing Vocal Arrangements: Nona Brown
Producers: Kenya Autie, Mario Gabriel Sanmarti, and Tina Kids
Associate Producer: Mia Moravis
Recording Engineers: Oscar Autie and Mario Gabriel Sanmarti
Mix and Mastering Engineer: Oscar Autie
Additional Recording Engineers: Boris Larramendi, Akash Shah, Gaurav Shah, and Jesse Kassette Hanes
Lead Vocals Coach: Emily C. Eagen
Album Cover Artist and Designer: Daniel López Márquez
Move to benefit Indian IT professionals languishing over decades of waiting for the Permanent Resident Card
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): A key US Congressional committee has passed a legislation to eliminate the per-country cap on issuing of Green Card on employment-based immigrant visas and to increase the per-country cap for family-based immigrant visas from seven per cent to 15 per cent, a move which will benefit Indian IT professionals languishing over decades of waiting for the Permanent Resident Card.
A Green Card, known officially as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued to immigrants as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently in the US.
The legislative move, when it is finally signed into law, would greatly benefit the immigrants from India and China, from where hundreds and thousands of employment-based category people are currently having decades-long wait for their green cards or permanent legal residency. After hours of debate, the powerful House Judiciary Committee late Wednesday, April 6 night passed the HR3648 or the Equal Access to green cards for Legal Employment (EAGLE) Act on the party lines of 22-14 votes. The bill now goes to the House for debate and voting. It also needs to be passed by the US Senate before it can be sent to the White House for the Presidentto sign into law.
“What happens is, because of the way we set this system up, people who are equally qualified — in some cases, more qualified — are falling behind people just because of their country of birth. That’s not merit based. That’s not the opportunity society that America is,” said Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren in her remarks during the discussion in the House Judiciary Committee. Indian IT professionals, most of whom are highly skilled and come to the US mainly on the H-1B work visas, are the worst sufferers of the current immigration system which imposes a seven per cent per country quota on allotment of the coveted Green Card.
As per the vote by the House Judiciary Committee Vote, the bill eliminates per-country caps on employment-based immigrant visas and raises per-country caps for family-based immigrant visas from 7 per cent to 15 per cent.
The bill further outlines a nine-year transition period for the elimination of the per-country limit on EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based visa categories. It would reserve visas for countries other than India and China from 30 per cent of visas in the first fiscal year to five per cent of visas in the seventh, eighth and ninth year.
Additionally, for the first nine fiscal years after the bill’s enactment, the bill would reserve an additional 5.57 per cent of EB-2 and EB-3 visas from countries other than India and China, to be allocated to derivatives of principal visa applicants accompanying or following the principal applicant to the US, new principal applicants who have not lived in the US in the four years before filing the visa petition, and other new arrivals, proponents of the bill said.
For the first seven years, the bill also reserves 4,400 EB-3 visas for individuals who will work in shortage occupations, including nurses and physical therapists. Under the bill, for the first nine fiscal years, no country would be permitted to receive more than 25 per cent of reserved visas and no more than 85 per cent of unreserved visas, a fact sheet of the bill said. Republican lawmakers who opposed the bill said that such a move would increase immigration from China at a time of heightened tensions with them.
“The last thing we ought to be doing right now is removing country caps, which just provides additional green cards to Chinese nationals at a time when the Chinese Communist Party is stealing our intellectual property,” Republican Congressman Steve Chabot said.
According to the bill, jobs cannot be advertised as “only available to H-1B workers” and H-1B workers cannot be given a preference over US Citizens. It says that any company with 50 or more employees cannot have more than 50% of their employees on work visas such as H-1B, and L-1 visas. This ensures that all the outsourcing companies will have to hire American workers to operate because these companies have more than 50 per cent of the employees on H-1B and L-1 visas. Over the years, starting with the High Skilled Per Country Level Elimination Act in 2008, the bill has been introduced in the US Congress in various ways, however, none of them has been able to see the light of the day so far.
NEW DELHI/NEW YORK (TIP): The Centre in coordination with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) will be holding a two-day commemoration event at Red Fort in New Delhi on April 20 and 21, to celebrate the 400th Parkash Purb (birth anniversary) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh guru. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah would be attending these events. PM Modi will release a commemorative coin and a postage stamp dedicated to the birth centenary of the ninth Guru on April 21.
As per the sources privy to the development, the commemorative coin will be of Rs 400 denomination, which will have the picture of Guru Ke Mahal, Amritsar, the birthplace of the ninth Guru on its one side and the writings dedicated to the birth centenary. The coin will also have a line from the writings of Kavi (poet) Senapati, a contemporary poet to the tenth Sikh Guru,
‘Pragat Bhae Gur Teg Bahadur Sagal Srisht Pai Dhapi Chadar
‘ (Guru Teg Bahadur came forward and saved the entire world from atrocities).
As per the letter written by Atul Kumar Mishra, deputy secretary (Special Cell/C&M) of the Union ministry of culture to DSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka on Monday, April 4, HM Amit Shah will inaugurate the event on April 20, followed by a light and sound show, participation in Shabad Kirtan to be organized by children followed by his address. The letter reads that it has been decided to organize two day closing ceremony.
Similarly, PM Modi will inaugurate the event on April 21, followed by the release of commemorative coin and postage stamp, 400 raagis will participate in Shabad Kirtan and PM will also address the gathering.
The ministry of culture hoped for cooperation from DSGMC President Kalka in organizing the commemoration.
However, it is yet unclear that whether the GOI would be officially inviting the SGPC President or not.
Sources told that the GOI for deciding and approving the design and details of commemorative coin of Rs 400 with regards to marking this commemoration, roped in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Amritsar, and the same would be released as per the approval given by the Sikh body (SGPC).
Following a meeting of the SGPC’s Sikh Itihas Research Board on January 23, 2021, the then SGPC President Bibi Jagir Kaur had demanded from the GOI to issue a commemorative coin and postage stamp dedicated to the 400th birth anniversary of the ninth Guru.
SGPC had celebrated the 400th Parkash Purb on the ninth Guru on May 1, 2021.
Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was born in 1621 at Guru Ke Mahal, Amritsar and he was executed on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb at Delhi’s Chandni Chowk in 1675, and presently, historical Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is situated in Delhi at the same spot where the Guru was martyred.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation makes her the first Black woman to be elevated to the nation’s highest court. Three Republicans joined Democrats in supporting her.
The Senate on Thursday, April 7 confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, making her the first Black woman to be elevated to the pinnacle of the judicial branch in what her supporters hailed as a needed step toward bringing new diversity and life experience to the court, a New York Times report says.
Overcoming a concerted effort by conservative Republicans to derail her nomination, Judge Jackson was confirmed on a 53-to-47 vote, with three Republicans joining all 50 members of the Democratic caucus in backing her. The vote was a rejection of Republican attempts to paint her as a liberal extremist who has coddled criminals. Dismissing those portrayals as distorted and offensive, Judge Jackson’s backers saw the confirmation as an uplifting occasion, one where a representative of a group often pushed into the background instead moved to the forefront.
The vote put her in line to replace Justice Stephen G. Breyer when he retires at the end of the court’s session this summer. “Even in the darkest times, there are bright lights,” Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, said on the Senate floor. “Today is one of the brightest lights. Let us hope it’s a metaphor, an indication of many bright lights to come.”
He added, “How many millions of kids in generations past could have benefited from such a role model?” At the Capitol, the galleries to witness the historic vote, closed for much of the pandemic, were full of supporters. The chamber erupted in cheers, with senators, staff and visitors all jumping up for a lengthy standing ovation, after the vote was announced.
Not everyone shared in the joy of the day. As applause echoed from the marbled walls, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the minority leader, turned his back and slowly walked out, as did most of the few Republicans remaining on the floor, leaving half of the chamber empty as the other half celebrated in a stark reflection of the partisan divide.
“When it came to one of the most consequential decisions a president can make, a lifetime appointment to our highest court, the Biden administration let the radicals run the show,” Mr. McConnell had said earlier, making one last argument against the judge, whose nomination he framed as an example of extremists taking control of the Democratic Party. “The far left got the reckless inflationary spending they wanted. The far left has gotten the insecure border they wanted. And today, the far left will get the Supreme Court justice they wanted.”
Three Republicans — Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitt Romney of Utah — crossed party lines to support Judge Jackson, lending a modicum of bipartisanship to an otherwise bitterly polarized process.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to hold the position and one of just 11 Black senators in American history, presided over the vote — one historic figure presiding over the elevation of another — as senators stated their positions from their desks in a reflection of the magnitude of the moment. More than a dozen members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Representatives Hakeem Jeffries of New York and Joyce Beatty of Ohio, clustered on the Senate floor to mark the occasion.
At the White House, Mr. Biden and Judge Jackson watched the vote together from the Roosevelt Room. Officials said the two would appear at an event on Friday to mark Judge Jackson’s confirmation, though she will not be sworn in for months.
“I’m overjoyed, deeply moved,” Ms. Harris told reporters after the vote. “There’s so much about what’s happening in the world now that is presenting some of the worst of this moment and human behaviors. And then we have a moment like this.”
LONDON (TIP): The UK’s media watchdog has suspended the license of Khalsa Television Limited after an investigation found its KTV channel breached broadcasting rules with Khalistani propaganda. The Office of Communications (Ofcom) announced its decision this week after serving a suspension notice on the company over a “Prime Time” program, broadcast on KTV on December 30 last year, for a breach of the Broadcasting Code with content likely to “encourage or incite the commission of a crime or lead to disorder”. The communications regulator said the 95-minute live discussion included material likely to “incite violence”. “The presenter of the program made a number of statements throughout the program which, taken together, promoted violent action, including murder, as an acceptable and necessary form of action to further the Khalistani cause. This was a serious breach of our rules on incitement of crime and disorder,” Ofcom said in a statement.
NEW YORK (TIP):Vipin Narang, an Indian American political scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), known for his research on nuclear weapons, conflict and proliferation has taken a key job at the Pentagon.
Son of parents of Indian descent, Narang has been sworn in as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy at the Department of Defense, an office that looks after Pentagon’s space war-fighting policy.
Narang announced Tuesday that he is “taking a public service leave” from the MIT to take up the high-level civilian post with work involving “nuclear, cyber, and missile defense policy”. “Some professional news: I am taking a public service leave from MIT,” he tweeted Tuesday. “Today, I was honored to be sworn in as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, which now includes nuclear, cyber, and missile defense policy. Very excited and humbled to work at OSD/P.” Born in the San Francisco Bay area, Narang is the Frank Stanton Professor of Nuclear Security and Political Science and member of the Security Studies Program at the MIT. His first book Nuclear Strategy in the Modern Era (Princeton University Press, 2014) on the deterrence strategies of regional nuclear powers won the 2015 ISA International Security Studies Section Best Book Award, according to his official bio.
His second book Seeking the Bomb: Strategies of Nuclear Proliferation was published with Princeton University Press in 2022. His work has appeared in a variety of outlets including International Security, Journal of Conflict Resolution, The Washington Quarterly, International Organization, Foreign Affairs, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. He was the recipient of the 2020 ISSS Emerging Scholar Award from the International Studies Association awarded to the scholar who “had made the most significant contribution to the field of security studies.”
He received his PhD from the Department of Government, Harvard University in 2010. He holds a BS and MS in chemical engineering with distinction from Stanford University and an M Phil with Distinction in international relations from Balliol College, Oxford University, where he studied on a Marshall Scholarship.
He has been a fellow at Harvard University’s Olin Institute for Strategic Studies, a predoctoral fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and a Stanton junior faculty fellow at Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation. His research interests include nuclear proliferation and strategy, North Korea’s nuclear weapons, South Asian security, and general security studies.
JALANDHAR/NEW YORK (TIP): Rural Development and Panchayats and NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal , on March 30, held a meeting with the Block Development and Panchayat officials and asked them to create a database of the NRIs so that the department could get in touch with them to seek their support for projects in their native villages, according to a Tribune News report. He said they would be asked to adopt village schools, hospitals and dispensaries. “We will ask them to contribute whatever amount they can like Rs 5 lakh or so on. We can even put up a stone in memory of their parents or family members along with the work they have sponsored,” he said. The minister said the state government would establish four special courts in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Bathinda for the cases pertaining to the NRIs. Dhaliwal asked the officials to start the exercise to get back the encroached panchayat land.
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Punjab is beset with many problems. Surely, Chandigarh is not one. The worst is the feudal mindset that governs relationship between people. There can be no equality if the society is divided among two groups- the masters and the slaves. This mindset has to change. The Sarkar, mai baap, huzoor, Sahib ji culture has nothing to do with humility. These words reek of slavishness. The people in the government, the bureaucrats and the civil servants should cease to behave like masters.
