ORLANDO, FL (TIP): Seven-year-old Aneira Banwar from Virginia, USA has been crowned the “Royal International Miss International Princess of the Year 2023”. Aneira made all Indians proud by winning the title of Royal International Miss International Princess. This competition was organized in the city of Orlando in Florida. In this competition one hundred eighty girls from all over the world participated. During this international competition the judges asked the participants a variety of questions. The judgment was made on the basis of their versatility in responding to those questions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): : Indian American executive Amrapali “Ami” Gan is leaving as CEO of OnlyFans, an internet content subscription service based in London to lead Hoxton Projects, a marketing company she has founded. She spent nearly three years as CEO of the creator platform that supports adult content. She will be replaced by chief strategy and operations officer Keily Blair.
“Spending nearly 3 years at OnlyFans while it echoed throughout the cultural zeitgeist, has been beyond rewarding,” Gan wrote in a Twitter thread.
The Mumbai-born Gan has spent most of her life in California, where she currently lives. She reportedly operated from the company’s offices in Los Angeles.
In her stint as the CEO of OnlyFans, she accomplished business goals such as prioritizing platform safety, scaling the organization globally and growing the platform’s community of fans and creators.
According to Gan’s tweet, OnlyFans paid out $10 billion in creator earnings and made it twice to the FT’s list of Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies during her tenure as CEO. She added creator-led content on the platform increased at a steady pace and OnlyFans also launched its safety and transparency center when she served as the CEO. “Within this time, I’ve accomplished incredible goals for the business including enhancing its priority focus on platform safety, scaling the organization globally, and growing OF’s diverse community of creators and fans,” Gan wrote. Ami Gan’ new venture, Hoxton Projects, will delve deep into the field of communication and marketing to help founders and growing business to expand their impression.
“Hoxton Projects reimagines the agency paradigm to support founders and growing businesses on how to best communicate and market their purpose and competitive advantage,” Gan tweeted.
Shortly before Gan took over as CEO, OnlyFans announced that it would ban sexually explicit content, sending its community of creators into an uproar. However, this decision was eventually reversed. Despite her tenure as a CEO, Gan’s background is in marketing; she was previously the chief marketing officer of OnlyFans, and before that, she led communications efforts at Cannabis Cafe, Red Bull, Quest Nutrition and other companies.
WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP): Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat, has been recognized by the Common Ground Committee as a “Common Ground Champion” who “seeks points of agreement and solutions on social and political issues through listening and productive conversation.”
The nonpartisan committee is a nonprofit that works to “help citizens hold leaders accountable for progress and civil discourse,” according to its website. Its primary mission is to address the national challenges of polarization and incivility, by inspiring and motivating the public to seek common ground and promote healing.
Krishnamoorthi’s recognition was based on an analysis of the Indian American congressman’s record in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“I am honored to be recognized by the Common Ground Committee for my approach to working with colleagues, regardless of party, to address the challenges facing our country,” the Democrat serving his fourth term in the US House of Representatives said in a press release. “While I believe it is essential that we approach the business of the American people with a clear recognition that we can disagree without being disagreeable, we also need to deliver results. Even beyond the value of constructive engagement for its own sake, a bipartisan, collaborative approach is also the most effective one for serving my constituents.”
Scoring in the top 4% on the Common Ground Score Card’s evaluation of his official performance, personal actions, communications, and commitments, Krishnamoorthi has shown unwavering dedication in combating the detrimental effects of polarized thinking and governance among elected officials and their constituents, the release said. His efforts include working tirelessly to overcome gridlock and fostering “a private discourse that builds understanding and public discourse that uncovers common ground through passionate but civil debate where facts are valued and participants listen to each other,” it added.
HYDERABAD/NEW YORK (TIP): Syeda Lulu Minhaj Zaidi from Hyderabad had gone to the US to pursue a master’s degree. A video of Zaidi has recently surfaced online in which she is reportedly found starving on a street in Chicago. Her belongings were allegedly stolen. Her mother has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asking for help. She had gone to the US to pursue her MS from TRINE University in Detroit. The video was shared by the spokesperson of the Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) Amjadullah Khan on Twitter. She was found in a bad condition, sitting in a corner looking pale and fragile.
In the video, she is heard saying her name is Syeda Lulu Minhaj Zaidi and she belongs to Hyderabad in India. She says that she was taken to a hospital for treatment, but she fell weak after blood samples were taken for testing.
A man in the video offered her food and assured her help. He even asked her to return to India.
Moved by her video, netizens reacted stating that she must be brought back to Hyderabad at the earliest.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Five Indian Americans have been given key administration and board appointments by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin “as we continue to make Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family.” “Their critical work will provide essential help as we move into my administration’s day two agenda,” he stated announcing a long slate of appointments last week.
Dr, Bimaljit Singh Sandhu, a gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates, took oath as a board member of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority on Tuesday.
As board member, Sandhu will play a pivotal role in the state’s health education system.
The board’s responsibilities include overseeing the operations of the health system, as well as providing strategic direction to various medical schools and hospitals.
“It’s a lot of responsibility. We provide direction as far as the fundraising, giving strategic direction to the different medical schools and hospitals so that we are at the cutting edge and provide the best care to the Virginians,” Sandhu said after the swearing-in ceremony in Richmond.
Hailing from Faridkot in Punjab, Sandhu migrated to the US in 2004 as a faculty member of Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center.
Harshad Barot, owner of Galaxy Corporation and Kamlesh Dave, President, Heart Care Associates, were named to the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, which serves as a formal liaison between the administration and the diverse and rapidly growing Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the Commonwealth.
In their new role, Barot and Dave will advise the Governor on ways to improve economic and cultural links between the Commonwealth and Asian nations.
Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, Professor and Director of George Mason University, and Kunal Kumar, President of Pooja Group, were named to the Virginia Board of Workforce Development.
The board acts as the principal advisor to the Governor and provides strategic leadership to the state regarding the workforce development system and its efforts to create a strong workforce aligned with employer needs.
Ballot, which closes on July 27, offers eligible young Indians the opportunity to live, work or study in UK for up to two years
LONDON (TIP): The British government on Tuesday opened its second ballot under the UK-India Young Professional Scheme for Indians aged between 18 and 30 years with graduate-level qualifications for visas to the UK. The ballot, which closes on July 27, offers eligible young Indians the opportunity to live, work or study in the UK for up to two years. “The second ballot of the Young Professionals Scheme is now OPEN,” the British High Commission in New Delhi tweeted. “If you are an Indian national between 18-30 years of age with a graduate or postgraduate qualification, consider applying for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa. Ballot closes at 1.30 pm on July 27,” it said. There are a total of 3,000 places available under the scheme for the year 2023 and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) said that most places were given in the first ballot which took place in February. The remaining places will be chosen at random from this month’s ballot.
While it’s free to enter the ballot, applicants are told they must only enter if they plan to apply for the visa, which costs 259 pound, and are able to meet the financial, educational and other requirements.
Additional costs involved include a 940 pound healthcare surcharge and proof that the applicant has 2,530 pounds in personal savings.
Under the reciprocal arrangement signed off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart, Rishi Sunak, at the G20 summit in Indonesia last November, British nationals would also be offered similar visas to live and work in India. The launch of the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme was dubbed a “significant moment” for the bilateral relationship and the UK’s wider commitment to forging stronger links with the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen both Indian and British economies.
It was also seen as an effort to propel the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, which completed 11 rounds of talks this month. “I know first-hand the incredible value of the deep cultural and historic ties we have with India. I am pleased that even more of India’s brightest young people will now have the opportunity to experience all that life in the UK has to offer – and vice-versa – making our economies and societies richer,” said Sunak, as he green-lit the scheme in November 2022.
NEW YORK (TIP): Two Indian-origin men have pleaded guilty to drug and firearms charges arising from a drug trafficking venture run out of a motel in the US. Kamal Bhula, 44, of Albuquerque, and Pragneshkumar “Pete” Patel, 36, of Montgomery, Alabama are among the three charged for maintaining a drug-involved premise at a motel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Both Bhula and Patel have pleaded guilty to one count each of maintaining a drug-involved premise, the Attorney’s Office of New Mexico said in a statement on Monday, July 24.
The third accused, Jonathan Craft, 36, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm or ammunition. The release dated July 17 said that Bhula and Craft will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. A federal grand jury indicted Bhula and Craft on June 20, 2019. Patel was indicted on November 5, 2019. According to court records, Patel owned the Best Choice Inn at 7640 Central Avenue SE and was the on-site manager from September 2017 to March 2018, when Bhula leased the property from Patel and took over as the on-site manager.
Craft lived and worked at Best Choice Inn, claiming to be in charge when Bhula was away.
Craft sold drugs from his room, permitted others to do the same, and permitted individuals to use drugs on the premises. Craft also unlawfully possessed a firearm.
Bhula and Patel allowed drug trafficking at the motel and personally observed and profited from those who used controlled substances on the premises. At sentencing, Bhula, Craft and Patel each face up to 20 years in prison, the release added.
1.28 million NRIs live in the US, .25 million in Australia and .17 million in Canada
NAGPUR, INDIA (TIP): Of the estimated 10.34 million Non-Resident Indians, more than 66 per cent are in the Gulf countries of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain, the External Affairs Ministry has said in an RTI reply. The data is as of March 2022, said the ministry.
An NRI is an Indian citizen who is ordinarily residing outside India and holds an Indian passport.
Nagpur-based banker Abhay Kolarkar said he had sought the data pertaining to NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) under Right to Information (RTI) a few months ago and the ministry’s reply reached him in the last week of June. In its RTI reply, the ministry said that an estimated 10.34 million NRIs live in 210 countries. Of these, 8.8 million overseas Indians live in six Gulf nations.
While 3.4 million NRIs live in the United Arab Emirates, 2.5 million live in Saudi Arabia, followed by 1.2 million in Kuwait, .74 million in Qatar, .77 million in Oman and .32 million in Bahrain.
Kolarkar said he wanted the data to get a sense of the number of NRIs who might be affected in case of a war or a humanitarian crisis on foreign soil. As per the RTI reply, 1.28 million NRIs live in the US. The number is .35 million for the UK, .24 million for Australia, .22 million for Malaysia, and .17million for Canada.
However, the Gulf nations have very few PIOs, while the US has more such persons.
A PIO is a person who or any of whose ancestors was an Indian national and who is presently holding another country’s citizenship or nationality i.e., he or she is holding a foreign passport.
At .31 million , the US has the most number of PIOs compared to other countries, said the RTI reply. It is followed by .27 million in Malaysia, .2 million in Myanmar, .16 million in Sri Lanka and .15 million in Canada.
SACRAMENTO (TIP): A prominent Indian American Dalit activist fighting against the recent caste discrimination bill in California Assembly died of a heart attack as he passionately spoke against it at a city council meeting in Cupertino, sending shock waves amongst the Hindu-American community in the country.
Milind Makwana, according to his close friends and family, spoke at the City Council meeting on July 18 against SB403, the anti-caste discrimination bill in California State Assembly. Throughout the day, the Cupertino-based activist participated in various meetings and the City Council hearing, speaking passionately against it and stating that the bill was anti-Dalit. Tragically, he collapsed moments after the hearing at the Cupertino City Council.
“Milind had this clear conviction that Dalits and Bahujan are also Hindu. He was passionate about justice for underprivileged communities and, at the same time, wanted mutual trust and harmony among all communities,” his wife Purvi Makwana said in a statement issued by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS).
“All his life, he had stood for Dharma. I urge the community to support and take forward Milind’s dream of Justice, Harmony, and Dharma,” Purvi said. This past weekend, the community started a fundraiser and raised more than USD 280,000. Living, growing, and assimilating in a foreign land is a challenge for any immigrant community, and the micro-minority Hindu community is not an exception to this rule. Milind became highly alert and concerned by California’s SB403 Bill, ‘Discrimination on the basis of ancestry’, that unjustly branded the Hindu-American community based on the castes, HSS said in a statement.
MISSISSAUGA, TORONTO (TIP): A 24-year-old Indian student, who worked as a food delivery partner in Canada, has been killed after he was violently assaulted during a deadly carjacking, according to media reports.
Gurvinder Nath was delivering pizza at around 2.10 am on July 9 in Mississauga’s Britannia and Creditview roads, when unidentified suspects confronted him and tried to steal his vehicle, the news reported.
“Investigators do believe that there are multiple suspects involved and that the food order was placed as a means of luring the driver to this specific area,” Inspector Phil King of Peel Regional Police’s Homicide Bureau said, adding that investigators had obtained an audio recording of the Pizza order placed before the attack.
After Nath arrived, he was “violently assaulted” and left critically injured by a suspect who robbed him of his vehicle and fled the scene, police said.
Multiple witnesses came to his aid and called for help before Nath was rushed to a trauma center where he was pronounced dead on July 14.
Siddhartha Nath, Consul General of India in Toronto, said Nath’s death is a “heartrending loss” and he extended his condolences to family members, friends and the wider community, the media reported.
He said the consulate general has contacted the family after his death.
“It was heartening for me to see how the community responded, came together both online and physically to support the family in this time of grief,” the Consul General said.
“Of course, nothing can make good the loss, but it will be some solace to the grieving family and it’s also a signal of the spirit of the community because it is in times like this when the spirit and the solidarity and the sense of empathy is tested.”
The Consul General said he hopes the people responsible are brought to justice.
Inspector King said despite the infancy of the investigation, police believe Nath was an innocent victim.
Nath’s vehicle was found abandoned in the hours following the attack in the area of Old Creditview and Old Derry roads — less than five kilometers from the crime scene, King said.
“The working theory is that perhaps there may have been extensive injuries (to Nath) that may not have been anticipated and that may have caused (the suspects) to get rid of the vehicle early,” he said.
The vehicle has since been forensically examined and “several” pieces of evidence retrieved, King added.
Police say there is no known connection between Nath and his attackers.
“I would like to remind those involved that regardless of your level of participation, you are complicit in the murder of Gurvinder Nath and you will be arrested and charged accordingly,” King said.
Nath’s body will be flown to India on July 27 with the help of the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Last week, media spoke to family and friends of Nath, who said the Brampton resident was on summer break before he returned to his final semester of business school. “He was innocent, he was just delivering pizza [when] random people hit him on his head,” Nath’s cousin, Balram Krishan, said.
Nath arrived in Canada from India in July of 2021 and had plans to open his own business.
On Saturday, more than 200 people gathered in Mississauga at a candlelight vigil for Nath.
Speakers at the vigil said that Nath came to Canada carrying his family’s hopes and now his family is dealing with grief at the loss of one of its three sons. “You come to Canada with a dream. You start your life. But these people stole a dream,” Bobby Sidhu, a friend of a relative of Nath, said.
Sidhu said: “Canada was known for peace. And I hope that in our country such senseless and merciless crime will come to an end. Everyone could relate to Gurvinder. I think that’s the reason the community has come together.”
Voted one of the top 100 film festivals on FilmFreeway!
The Chain NYC Film Festival (ChainFilmFestival.com) has a diverse lineup of films included in this year’s edition, for the 11th year. The Festival takes place, in person, August 4 – 13, in the heart of midtown at 312 W. 36th Street, 3rd and 4th Floor, New York, NY 10018.
The Chain NYC Film Festival believes that independent artists are the heart of all the work t he festival experiences locally and globally, thereby supporting true independent film, with specially curated film blocks from animated shorts by Oscar-nominated Disney animators to Asian Voices, LGBTQIA Stories, Comedies, BIPOC filmmakers and gripping documentaries from around the world.
The selection of over 180 features, shorts, and web series, both narrative and documentaries, showcase the work of a variety of artists including Golden Globe-winner Jacqueline Bisset, Academy Award-nominee Andrew Chesworth, Hugh Dancy, Morgan Fairchild, Corey Feldman, Robin Givens, Tony Award-winner James Naughton, Academy Award-winner Mercedes Ruehl, Jefferson White.
“We believe that this moment in history is why independent filmmaking is crucial to the future of our industry. The Chain NYC Film Festival is a fully independent film festival that has no connections or sponsorships with any AMPTP companies. As such, members of SAG-AFTRA & the WGA can participate in the Chain NYC Film Festival. We stand in solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA & WGA.”
Director: Robin Givens (Boomerang, Riverdale, Batwoman).
The Nana Project – left to right: Mercedes Ruehl with Morgan Fairchild. (Credit: ChainFilmFestival.com)
Set in the competitive world of chess, we follow Nana’s journey in a heartwarming feel-good comedy about reuniting her grandsons and supporting her retirement community. Starring Academy Award-winner Mercedes Ruehl (The Fisher King, Lost in Yonkers, Hustlers, The Last Action Hero), Nolan Gould (Modern Family), Morgan Fairchild (Falcon Crest, Flamingo Road) and Charlene Tilton (Dallas).
THE MISPRINT
Director: Adam Volerich.
Starring Jefferson White (Yellowstone)–When a reformed criminal receives a cry for help from his former partner in crime, he finds himself back in the game with no way out but through.
THE BRAVE LOCOMOTIVE
Director/Writer: Andrew Chesworth (Oscar-nominated).
Old West musical tale with 1940s Andrews Sisters flair about a mighty little train facing harrowing disaster. Chesworth co-wrote and co-directed the animated short film One Small Step at Taiko Studios. Prior to that, he was an animator at Disney on such films as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, and more. He is also an experienced character designer and director of animated commercials.
MONSTR
Director: Tank Standing Buffalo
This animated short starring Corey Feldman (Stand By Me, The Lost Boys, The Goonies). How do you go on living when everything is taken from you in the blink of an eye? A young artist confronts his inner demons while apprenticing with a northwest totem carver after the death of his beloved.
This animated excerpt from the documentary series Queer for Fear illustrates an 1872 letter of adoration sent to American poet Walt Whitman by a young British writer named Bram Stoker, years before he would find fame as the author of Dracula. Starring Hugh Dancy.
NOT THE SAME CLARENCE
Directors/Writers: Brian Russell (Yo Andrea), his son Sam Russell (Bad Tidings)
This touching short film about parental aging and Alzheimer’s disease is a tribute to fathers and sons, featuring family bonds in front of and behind the camera. Starring Tony Award-winner James Naughton (And Just Like That, Planet of the Apes, Broadway’s Chicago, and City of Angels) and his son Greg Naughton (The Independents, Artistic Director of the Blue Light Theater Company).
I’M OKAY, WE’RE OKAY
Director/Co-Writer: Adrienne Acevedo Lovette (Better Call Saul, Fosse/Verdon, The Dark Room), Co-Writer/Actor: John Rice (Hidden Daylight, The Dark Room)
On a road trip with her unfaithful boyfriend, Ellie discovers she has DID (once called multiple personality disorder) and that her fractured identities are offering them clues about her mysterious past.
LOREN & ROSE
Director: Russell Brown
Rose is a legendary actress trying to revive her career. Loren is a promising filmmaker. Over the course of their many encounters, a deep friendship evolves as their love of art, understanding of grief, and faith in life’s potential guide them through personal and creative transformations. Golden Globe-winner Jacqueline Bisset (Dancing on the Edge, Murder on the Orient Express, Bullitt) and Kelly Blatz (Aaron Stone, Senior Love Triangle) star with a chemistry that is at once authentic and intoxicating.
MY SISTER’S WEDDING
Director: Kenneth R. Frank
My Sister’s Wedding. (Credit: ChainFilmFestival.com)
Allison Valentine awakes on the day of her younger sister’s wedding with two simple goals: ensure the smooth execution of the ceremony and break the news of her resignation from the family business. Unfortunately, all members of the family have come with their own agenda and have asked Allison for her help in getting what they want. Will Allison continue to ignore what she needs to keep the peace? Or will she finally take a stand and risk hurting those she loves and ruining this important day?
For more information and the complete film guide, visit chainfilmfest2023.eventive.org/films
TICKETS
Tickets purchased in advance have a lower price than those purchased at the door. To purchase tickets, visit chainfilmfest2023.eventive.org.
HEALTH SAFETY PROTOCOL
Masks are encouraged, but not required.
The Chain NYC Film Festival
The Chain NYC Film Festival has screened over 1,000 films in the past eight years. Past festival participants such as ‘Lady in Apartment No. 6’ have gone on to win Academy Awards.
The Chain NYC Film Festival is a multi-disciplinary event that serves the NYC community by bringing access to quality independent film from around the world. Content accepted is work that comes from a personal experience, a new outlook or idea in the world of film, and has been produced within the past two years.
Past guests include Richard LaGravenese (The Fisher King, Behind the Candelabra) and Richard Price (The Color of Money, The Wire).
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Spirituality, and Business)
Brooklyn’s Greenpoint Film Festival (GFF) has its 12th edition with screenings indoors this year, August 2-6. GFF (greenpointfilmfestival.org). As before, the film festival will be screening and celebrating truly independent films and filmmakers, a world away from the studios and (especially notable at this time) the AMPTP. The film festival will include 48 films (10 features, 38 shorts), with screenings at The Boiler / ELM Foundation (191 N. 14th Street).
Film industry catering favorites Wilson Rivas Crafts will have a food truck on the premises providing food and concessions for film goers and attendees. The Boiler’s backyard will serve as the film festival’s film-centric community mixer epicenter – open to the public and serving food and beverages before everyone heads inside for that day or evening’s air-conditioned screenings.
The Filmmakers and celebrity guests will participate in GFF’s green “red” carpet, and the Filmmaker Awards will be presented prior to the Closing Night screening. Short film award winners will receive a “Short to Feature Accelerator” prize by R2W2.
Greenpoint Film Festival Creative Director Ricardo Vilar, said, “We are thrilled to be returning indoors for this year’s edition of the film festival. We’re having fun when we say we are “steaming” our films this year since we’ll be in The Boiler but our lineup definitely has a lot of heat with award winners, thought provoking subjects, exciting new talent, and more. For more than a decade, we have celebrated cinema here in North Brooklyn, and this year’s edition looks to be one of our strongest yet.”
2023 Greenpoint Film Festival Lineup
PRIVATE POLISH CONSULATE PREVIEW
Filip
Director: Michał Kwieciński; Poland; 125m
In 1943, a Polish Jew, who managed to escape from the Warsaw ghetto, is waiting at restaurant tables in Frankfurt while pretending to be French and taking revenge on the Nazis in his own unique way.
OPENING NIGHT – ECHOES OF UKRAINE
The Hamlet Syndrome
Directors: Elwira Niewiera, Piotr Roslowski; Poland; 85m
The Hamlet Syndrome, Opening Night. (Credit : greenpointfilmfestival.org)
‘The Hamlet Syndrome’ is a powerful portrait of a vibrant young Ukrainian generation, the first one born after the collapse of the Soviet Union, shaped by the Maidan Revolution of 2013, empowered by political change and scarred by war.
Preceded by
Lesyk a.k.a. Words of Wisdom
Director: Orr Bortman; USA; 32m
A moving portrait of Alexander Lesyk Balaban, an eccentric Ukraine stamp collector living in Astoria, NY for over fifty years. Told across four seasons and spanning over 1,000 years of history, come spend some time with Lesyk, who’s extensive stamp collection is part of the fight for the survival of Ukraine’s identity and history.
The youngest son in a traditional Pakistani family takes a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque and quickly becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman who runs the show.
The presentation will feature a special pre-recorded interview with Sadiq and cast members with Siddhant Adlakha following the screening.
ADDITIONAL NARRATIVE FEATURES
Film For Aliens
Director: Piotr Stasik; Poland; 73m
Hela
Director: Anna Maria Kasperska; Poland; 84m
Mechanical Bulls
Directors: Jake Schick, Joshua Laufer; USA; 62m
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES
The Artist and the Astronaut
Director: Bill Muench; USA; 100m
Into The Spotlight
Director: Thaddeus D. Matula; USA; 99m
Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science
Director: Geoff Haines-Stiles; USA; 100m
Stopping The Next Pandemics
Director: Xavier Deleu; France; 96m
NARRATIVE SHORTS
A History of Sitting in Waiting Rooms
Director: Lorena Russi; USA; 9m
And Along Came Lily
Director: Danielle Hope Diamond; USA; 11m
Astonishing Little Feet
Director: Maegan Houang; USA; 9m
Bad Blood
Director: Caitlyn Johnson; USA; 11m
Bowling 4 Eva
Director: Aelfie Oudghiri; USA; 14m
The Confirmation (La Confirmation)
Director: Juan Pablo Daranas Molina; USA; 11m
The Cookbook
Director: Pedro Chaves; USA; 22m
Daddy’s Night
Director: William Pinke; USA; 18m
The Ever Hours
Director: Ella Vance; USA; 8m
Forgive
Director: Brittany Reeon Lee; USA; 36m
Fundamental Shapes
Director: Colin Alistair Campbell; USA; 15m
Hangman
Director: Megan Brotherton; USA; 15m
Hot Tears
Director: Abigail Weinick; USA; 14m
Hush
Director: Xueni Yang; Czech Republic; 15m
Interview with Traveler #582
Directors: Lisa Steindler, Jon Bernson; USA; 10m
Leaving Yellowstone
Director: Kayla Arend; USA; 23m
Let My Grandpa into Heaven
Director: Lana Bolycheva; USA; 8m
Lunchbox
Director: Anne Hu; USA; 16m
Made in Germany (OT: Zeitpunkt X)
Director: Simon Schneider; Germany; 25m
Made in Heaven
Director: Yiqing Zhao; USA; 14m
New Lives
Director: Joey Schweitzer; USA; 20m
No Other Gods But Me
Director: Alex Spott; USA; 7m
Nora
Director: Caitlin Ferrell; USA; 10m
Powerful Stuff
Director: Justin Andrew Davis; USA; 17m
Repentance
Director: Sam Motamedi; USA; 9m
Rest
Director: Micah Stathis; USA; 11m
Smothered
Director: Heather Luscombe; USA; 10m
Starved
Director: Sydney Giacomazzi; USA; 9m
Stay Don’t Go
Director: Brian Velsor; USA; 20m
Sulam (Ladder)
Director: Noam Argov; USA; 11m
Till Eye Die
Director: Pimprenelle Rouyer; USA; 15m
Wild Geese Returning
Director: Ming Zhang; USA; 15m
DOCUMENTARY SHORTS
Achromatism
Director: Manal Fadlalla; USA; 5m
Breadwinners: Raina Kennedy
Directors: Emily Delaney, Courtney Schaefer; USA; 11m
Faith in Blackness: An Exploration of AfroLatine Spirituality
Director: Charles Reynoso; USA; 27m
Feeling the Apocalypse
Director: Chen Sing Yap; Canada; 7m
Limbo
Director: Alex Ramsey; USA; 7m
About Greenpoint Film Festival
The GREENPOINT FILM FESTIVAL had its inception in 2011 founded by Woven Spaces, Inc. and produced by Greenpoint Film Festival, Inc. built around a non-profit structure abiding by a simple purpose: To create a focal point in critically-acclaimed, thought-provoking, and upcoming filmmakers while simultaneously pushing the envelope in the local community and beyond.
The festival is inspired by the stories yet untold and focuses on giving voices to the voiceless in the filmmaking industry while simultaneously bringing together the dazzling neighborhood of Greenpoint located in North Brooklyn. Learn more at greenpointfilmfestival.org.
About ELM Foundation/The Boiler
ELM Foundation is a community-based nonprofit that promotes the healing and transformative power of the arts by advocating the benefits of art therapy and providing multidisciplinary arts education for kids. The Boiler is a gallery within ELM Foundation that plays host to a variety of events, contributing equitable access to exhibition space, creative resources, and mentorship. Learn more atelmfoundation.art.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Spirituality, and Business)
21 JULY
1920 Sharada Ma, the wife of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa passed away.
1947 The Constituent Assembly of India approved the national flag.
1963 Kashi Vidyapeeth got the status of university.
2007 Pratibha Patil became the first woman President of India.
1883 Hall Star Theater, India’s first public theater in Kolkata, started in 1883.
1962 India fought a war on the border between China in 1962.
1930 Famous film lyricist Anand Bakshi was born.
22 JULY
1933 Nationalist leader Mohan Sen Gupta died.
1918 Indralal Rai, India’s first skilled pilot, was killed in a battle with Germany in London during the First World War.
1947 The Constituent Assembly adopted the Tricolor as the national flag of the country.
1981 Apple, India’s first geostationary satellite, started functioning.
2012 Pranab Mukherjee elected the 13th President of India.
1999 The Work Plan for Equal Remuneration for Equal Work by the International Labor Organization came into force in 1999.
2009 The longest total solar eclipse of the 29th century was the solar eclipse of 22 July 2009.
1968 India’s famous female physician, social worker and recipient of Padma Bhushan, Muttu Lakshmi Reddy died in 1968.
23 JULY
1856 Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born.
1906 The revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad was born.
2004 The king of comedy, Mahmood Ali, died.
2016 Famous Chitrakar S. born in India. H. Raza passed away
24 JULY
1937 Famous Indian actor Manoj Kumar was born.
2004 Italy decided to start a seven visa call center for Indian tourists.
1932 Ramakrishna Mission Service Establishment was established.
1994 Bodo militants killed 37 Muslims in Assam’s busbari.
2000 S. Vijayalakshmi became the first female grandmaster of chess.
1969 The Apollo-11 spacecraft returned to Earth.
1989 Almost all the members of the opposition in the Lok Sabha resigned, which was accepted.
25 JULY
1813 The first boat race was held in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
1977 Giani Zail Singh was sworn in as the seventh President of India.
1987 Rangaswamy Venkataraman became the eighth President of India.
1992 SD Sharma became the ninth President of India.
1997 KR Narayanan became the tenth President of India.
1844 Birth of India’s leading educationist Gurudas Banerjee.
26 JULY
2008 There were 21 blasts in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat. 56 people were killed and more than 200 injured in this accident.
1876 Establishment of Indian Association in Calcutta.
2005 Unprecedented rain in Mumbai stalled life, killing more than a thousand people.
2002 The first Chhattisgarh State Shooting Championship started.
2009 India becomes the sixth country to launch nuclear submarine.
27 JULY
1897 Bal Gangadhar Tilak was arrested for the first time.
1982 The first American visit of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in nearly 11 years.
1994 Shooter Jaspal Rana won the gold medal in the World Shooting Championship.
1839 Central Reserve Police Force was established.
2015 The 11th President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam died in Shillong.
1889 The branch of the Indian National Congress was opened in London in 1889 under the leadership of Dadabhai Naoroji, William Wedderburn, WS Cann and William Digby in London.
1935 Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s wife Mata Ramabai died in 1935.
21st July
Sardar Chanan Singh and Gadhari Sikhs were hanged until death in Lahore.
1925 The police and army of Nabha State lifted the seize of Gurudwara Gangsar and Tibhi Sahib Jaito in 1925. Additionally, all Akalis imprisoned in connection with this movement were also released. This concluded the successful completion of Jaito Morcha. Hence a special Jatha of a few hundred valiant Akali Satyagrahies replaced the police and army forces and initiated Akhand Path of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
22nd July
1685 Foundation stone of Paonta Fort laid by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
1923 Subedar Amar Singh of Dhaliwal, a military pensioner and a member of the SGPC was arrested.
1984 Santa Singh, Jathaedar Budha Dal, expelled from Khalsa Panth.
1984 Regional Conference in Toronto. The attack on the Golden Temple by the Indian army struck teh Sikh world like a thunderbolt. All shades of Canadian Sikhs came together at the desecration of teh supreme emblem of their faith. Because of the shoartge of time, the Sikh institution’s executives decided to take the Canadian Sikhs into immediate confidence on the kind of action required. This was done by holding regional conferences at Kamloops and Toronto. The Kamloops conference was attended by representatives of all Sikh Societies from Western. While the Toronto Conference was attended by the socities of the eastern region. The Calgary Sikh Society, which was not on good terms with the federation, provided unqualified support for any action the Federation recommended.
23rd July
1627 Baba Atal Rai, son of Sri Guru Hargobind Ji, left for heavenly abode. Highest tower was erected in his memory mear the Harminder complex at Amritsar.
1707 Guru Gobind Singh and Bahadur Shah meet in Red Fort, Delhi.
1914 Kamagata Maru was compelled to leave Canadian waters without being granted entry. Punjabis traveling to foreign land in search of better jobs were being discriminated against at the begining of 20th century. The Canadian government had issued prohibition against their entry and the British ships had refused to accept any Punjabi travelers. The Canadian law stated, for the purpose of preventing immigration from india and other countries, that only those passengers could land in Canada who travelled on a through ticket without any break in journey from their land of birth. However, no company provided such a service between the Indian and Canadian ports. As a result, many Punjabis were stranded for months in Hong Kong, unable to get tickets for their final destination, Canada. Baba Gurdit Singh of Sarhali village, a well established businesses in Calcutta, Malaya, etc., heard of the stranded Punjabis in Hong Kong and decided to challenge this prevalent situation. He rented “Koma Gata Maru”, a Japanese ship and named it “Guru Nanak Jahaj”. Sri Guru Granth Sahib accompanied the passengers along with Kesri Nishan Sahib. On April 4, 1914, this ship sailed out of Hongkong and reached the Vancouver port on May 23, 1919, with 167 passengers. However, these passengers were not allowed to land at Vancouver and were forcibly returned to Calcutta in the same ship, after a long and painful struggle. Upon return, the ship was fired upon by the British at BajBaj Ghat in Calcutta. The returning passengers were either arrested or killed. Only a few managed to escape. Baba Gurdit Singh jee escaped the death and lived in disguise for almost 8-9 years. What started as a simple individual business venture turned into a major political event. The returning passengers were no longer considered as better job opportunity seekers but were prosecuted as freedom fighters.
1982 The police arrested two Sikhs from a bus and later they were killed (on July l9 and July 23 respectively) in fake encounters. These two were Amarjeet Singh of Daheru village and Baljeet Singh of Sultanpur (Kapurthala). The later was shaved after being murdered by the police.
1985 A meeting was held between Rajiv and Lonfowal. Although it was Longowal who represented the Akalis, it was Barnala and Balwant who were the real negotiators. The meeting was simply a formality — everything had been agreed upon beforehand between Rajiv and Barnala-Balwant. An agreement was reached by the parties. This so-called “agreement” included the transfer of Chndigarh to the Punjab and a referral of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution to a Commission.
24th July
1954 Baba Gurdit Singh, leader of Koma-Gata Maru passed away.
1985 A written agreement took place between the President of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Harchand Singh Longowal and the Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi. This agreement is known as the Rajiv-Longowal Accord.
25th July
1710 Bahadhur Shah ordered Pheroj Khan, Muyarif Khan, and Shikar Khan to arrest Baba Banda Singh Bahadhur.
1982 Akali Dal adopted Bhindrawala’s agitation.
26th July
1940 4 Sikhs of No.4 Regiment were hanged to death.
1981 World Sikh Convention held at Manji Sahib, Amritsar resolved to initiate Dharam Yudh morcha to seek Sikh’s righteous demands. A list of 45 demands was submitted to the government. Aug. 31 was set as the dealine for government’s acceptance of Sikh demands. Harchand Singh Longowal was elected as the Morcha Director.
27th July
1649 Janam Utsav, Shaheed Baba Jorawar Singh Ji.
Shaheed Baba Jorawar Singh Ji, son of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Jioto, was born at Anadpur Sahib. On 27th Dec. 1704, he was martyred by being bricked alive at the orders of Vajir Khan, Suba Sirhind. The place of this incident is known as Gurudwara Fatehgadh Sahib and the place of his body’s cremation is known as Gurudwara Joti Saroop Sahib.
1925 Akali prisoners released upon victory of Jaito Morcha.
1984 An International Sikh Convention was held at New York city, in the wake of June 5 and 6, 1984, when the Indian army stormed the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. A group of Sikhs in New York formed an ad-hoc International Sikh Organization to represent Sikhs interests. They called themselves the World Sikh Organization.
With emerald green waters flanked by lush vegetation, Kumarakom is an enchanting backwater destination situated 16km away from Kottayam in Kerala. Lying on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of small human-made islands reclaimed from the lake.
Known for paddy fields, fishing, beach, a network of backwaters, delicious local cuisine, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) houseboats and luxury and budget resorts. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. Take a two-hour canoeing trip during the sunrise or sunset to experience the beauty of this place. Kumarkom is the first destination to implement responsible tourism.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, also popularly known as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, is a breathtaking and beautiful bird sanctuary that is located at Kumarakom in the Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala.
Situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in the Kerala Backwaters, this bird sanctuary is a favourite destination for many native as well as migratory birds, which makes the place a dreamland full of ecstasy and delight for bird watchers and nature lovers.
The houseboats and motorboats that are available on rent to watch birds further enhance this enrichening experience. A trip to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is thus a must while in Kerala, to explore and unravel the hidden treasures and gifts of the Earth.
Kumarakom Backwaters
The Backwaters of Kumarakom, formed by the beautiful Vembanad Lake, is located about 17 kilometres from Kottayam in God’s Own Country, the South Indian state of Kerala. Vembanad Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the state and is known worldwide for its famous backwater tourism. The Backwaters of Kumarakom offer a picturesque location that proves to be a perfect backwater destination for travellers who are persistently searching for one.
The Vembanad Lake of Kumarakom is the starting point for backwater cruises in Kerala, along with Allepey. Formerly known as the Baker Estate and now developed as a Rubber Estate, Kumarakom is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. The lush green surroundings with tall grass, shrubs and countless coconut trees that line the horizon of the pristine lake are a treat to the eyes.
Kumarakom Beach
Kumarakom Beach is a famous for recreational activities and water sports. The pristine clear waters are apt for swimming. The glimmering sands, the gentle waves, several restaurants and resorts make it a perfect tourist attraction in the city. This is one of the beaches where one can find delicious seafood.
Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal is a beautiful island in Alappuzha which was once the property of the Thaimattatil family until 1979. The island is covered with dense natural vegetation and offers a perfect climatic condition for regional flora and fauna to thrive. The attraction is also famous as a bird watcher’s paradise and a favourite amongst nature lovers.
‘Pathiramanal’ meaning ‘sands of the night’ boasts of verdant wilderness, serene lakeside and a picturesque landscape. Sprawling over 10 acres of land, the islet is the ideal spot for bird watching expeditions as it is home to a large number of rare and endangered species. This haven of natural beauty is also believed to nurture plants which have medicinal qualities.
Kumarakom Craft Museum
Kumarakom Craft Museum has a stunning collection of antiques ranging from woodwork, decor items, paintings, portraits, etc. This is where one can find most of the well preserved antiques or traditional artefacts belonging to the region. Local artwork and craftwork can also be purchased from the museum shop.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall is an impressive 30 feet high waterfall which is a perfect attraction to visit during the monsoons when it gushes with gallons of water. The surroundings are covered with dense forestation and have several exciting trekking trails. It is, therefore, an apt attraction for nature walks, trekking or hiking.
The Hindi month of Shravan is the most auspicious month of the Hindu calendar. The whole month is dedicated to Shiva and Shakti. Devotees observe Shravan Somwar fast every Monday while Mangala Gauri fast is observed every Tuesday. It is said that Mother Parvati had observed innumerable fasts to attain Shiva, and one of those is Mangala Gauri Vrat.
The fast is observed by married women to seek blessings for their husband’s long life while the unmarried girls keep this fast to get a good husband.
Puja vidhi
Women who observe Mangala Gauri fast perform the puja vidhi after taking a bath. First, the idol or image of Mangala Gauri is placed on red cloth on a wooden plate. After that, nine planets made from rice and sixteen goddesses made from wheat are drawn on the plate, where a kalash is also placed. Devotees then perform puja by offering water, milk, curd, roli, sandalwood, vermilion, henna and kajal, bangles, nuts, betel nuts, and cloves. After that, Mangala Gauri Vrat Katha is told and heard by the devotees. The puja is concluded by taking prasad. Those who observe fast take meals only once during the entire day.
Vrat Katha
In ancient times a merchant named Dharmapala lived in a town with his wife. There was no dearth of wealth in his house, and his wife was also very intelligent and virtuous. He had all kinds of happiness in his life, except for one thing. Dharmapala did not have any child, and to beget a child, he used to do a lot of fasting, rituals and charity along with his wife. Seeing his good deeds, God was pleased with him, and in some time, the merchant was blessed with a child. But his happiness waned when after the birth of the son, astrologers predicted that the child was short-lived and would die of a snakebite in the sixteenth year of his life.
Dharmapala got very distressed, but he left all his worries to God. He got his son married to a beautiful girl. Incidentally, the girl’s mother used to observe the Mangla Gauri fast, due to which the girl was blessed with unbroken good fortune. As a result of this fast, Dharmapala’s son got a long life and lived a happy life.
Pooja Samagri
Fruits, flowers, laddoos, betel nuts, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander (all items should be 16 in number), 16 items adornments including saree, 16 bangles, five types of dry Nuts (16 each) Seven types of cereals (16 each) as per Mangla Gauri Puja Vidhi.
Women who fast should start these fasts with a resolution on the first Tuesday of the month of Shravan. On the morning of the first Tuesday of the month of Shravan, after taking a bath etc., the idol or image of Mangala Gauri is placed on a wooden plate along with a red cloth. Nine planets are made from rice and placed on the red cloth on the plate; sixteen goddesses are made from wheat. Placing rice and flowers on one side of the plate, the Kalash is established. Keep some water in the vase, as per the rules of Mangla Gauri Puja.
After this, a lamp is made from wheat flour; in this lamp, four sticks of 16 strings each are made and lit. First of all, Lord Ganesha is worshipped. In this worship, water, roli, mouli, sandalwood, vermilion, betel nut, betel leaf, rice, flowers, cardamom, belpatra, fruits, dry fruits and Dakshina are offered to Lord Ganesha. After this, the worship of the Kalash is done in the same manner as the worship of Lord Ganesh. Then the nine planets and sixteen goddesses are on August 31, 2023, Thursday. shipped. All the material offered should be given to some poor person.
After anointing the idol of Mangala Gauri with water, milk, curd, etc., put roli, sandalwood, vermilion, henna and kajal on her idol. The Goddess (Mother) is decorated with sixteen items of makeup. Besides, sixteen types of flowers, leaves, garlands etc., are offered; thereafter nuts, betel nuts, cloves, henna, bangles are offered. In the end, the story of Mangala Gauri Vrat is told. After listening to the story, married women donate sixteen laddus to their mother-in-law, and sister-in-law and meals are to be taken only once during the day. After this, prasad is offered to the Brahmins. The idol of Goddess Mangala Gauri is immersed in a river or pond on Wednesday, the second day of the last fast. This fast is observed for five consecutive years. Thereafter, Udyapan is carried out.
Udyapan Method
It should be done after Tuesday fastings in Shravan month are completed. Eating is prohibited during Udyapan. Worship should be done by applying mehndi. The worship should be performed by four scholars. A veil should be tied to the pavilion by placing four banana poles at the four corners. Place a bowl on the Kalash and establish Mangala Gauri in it. All the items like the sari, nath (nose ring) and other marriage-related things of the worshipping woman should be kept on it. After the havan, you should listen to the Katha (story) and then aarti should be performed. Sixteen flour laddus, some money and a sari should be placed in a silver vessel and given to mother-in-law and should touch her feet. The scholars who have performed the puja should also be given food and gifts. If women undertake Mangala Gauri Vrat 2023 with full rituals and sincerity, they will get all the happiness and necessities of married life.
BENEFITS ACCORDING TO LEGENDS
– Married women who perform the fast are granted a happy and wealthy marriage by Mata Mangla Gauri.
– It also guards against blood-related illnesses.
– The negative effects of the Mars planet are lessened by doing this ritual, and individuals who have the Mangla Dosha in their horoscope must perform the Mangla Gauri Vrat.
– It brings prosperity, defeats adversaries, ends loans, and wins cases.
– This Vrat also lessens the Manglik dosha, which is a horoscope.
The delayed elections of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will now be held on August 12. The returning officer, Justice (retd) MM Kumar, released a revised schedule of the elections.
The elections were to be held on July 11. However, the Gauhati High Court stayed the polls after a plea from the defunct Assam Wrestling Association, who wanted to take part in the process. Incidentally, the HC order had come on May 25, which was the last date to submit names for the Electoral College. However, the Supreme Court on July 18 stayed the High Court order, clearing the way for the elections.
As per the new notification, the submission of nominations will be done from May 28 to 31, while the list of final candidates will be announced on August 7.
Meanwhile, Justice Kumar has quickly dealt with the disputes amongst some of the state bodies after hearing the arguments of all the factions today. While the dispute in the Himachal Pradesh association was resolved by mutual consent, the Rajasthan body recognised by the WFI was given the right to take.
Star Indian men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty entered the semifinals of the Korea Open Super 500 tournament with a straight game win over Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi Yeosu (Korea) on Friday, July 21. The world No.3 Indian pair, seeded third here, took just 40 minutes to get the better of the fifth-seeded Japanese pair 21-14 21-17.
Satwik and Chirag will take on second seeds Wei Keng Liang and Chang Wang of China, who are the 2021 world champions in men’s doubles.
Satwik and Chirag are now India’s flag bearers in the tournament after the premature exits of PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth among others.
Port of Spain (TIP)- Virat Kohli headlined his 500th international appearance with a 76th hundred as India coasted to a healthy first innings score of 438 at tea on the second day of the second Test against West Indies here on July 21. Kohli, who missed out on a hundred in the previous Test, made 121 in 206 balls. With his 29th century in the longest format, Kohli went level with none other than the legendary Sir Donald Bradman.
In the process, he also added 159 runs for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (61 off 152 balls), who also scored his 19th half-century in Tests.
Both were dismissed in quick succession as Kohli fell short of his crease trying to steal a quick single and Jadeja falling to pacer Kemar Roach. Ravichandran Ashwin (56 off 78 balls), with four hundreds against the same opposition, did look comfortable against both spin and pace as he played some adventurous ramp shots off Roach to help himself to his 14th half-century. Ishan Kishan (25) would be cursing himself for not making full use of decent batting conditions and a platform set by the top-order batters.
The first session on the second day belonged to Kohli, who was hardly troubled by any of the West Indies pacers. Starting the day at 87, Kohli reached his century in the first half-hour while dispatching a Roach delivery wide of point. As Kohli took a bow, the wide grin on his face said it all. The satisfaction of scoring his first overseas Test hundred since 2018 (in Perth) was palpable.
The Queens Park Oval track is certainly way better for strokeplay compared to first Test venue of Windsor Park in Dominica. One could hit through the line even though there were deliveries that were gripping off the surface.
Kohli’s greatness lay in his game awareness as the cornerstone of his innings was 45 singles and 13 doubles in energy sapping conditions. He would be pleased because as many as nine of his 11 boundaries were hit on the off side with the signature cover drive coming out of his closet time and again. Kohli got an able ally in Jadeja, who got his 19th half-century. Source: PTI
MANCHESTER (TIP)- A hostile spell of bowling from Mark Wood helped restrict Australia to 113/4 in their second innings on Day 3 of a thrilling fourth Ashes Test, still trailing England by 162 runs as the hosts close in on a win that would level the series.
England had looked dead and buried in the series after the Lord’s Test, trailing 2-0, with no team since 1936-37 coming back to win the Ashes having lost the first two matches.
But after their exhilarating success at Headingley, England have taken the attack to Australia in Manchester, with the tourists having no answer to this new-found, aggressive approach from the hosts. Looking to extend their first innings lead today, Jonny Bairstow produced a blistering display with the bat to finish unbeaten on 99 as he helped England post a colossal 592 all out — their highest Ashes innings total on home soil since 1985. With rain forecast for the weekend and England holding a 275-run lead, it was clear Australia were playing for a draw that would help them to retain the Ashes.
Brief scores: Australia: 317 and 113/4 in 41 overs (Labuschagne 44*; Wood 3/17); England: 592 in 107.4 overs (Crawley 189, Bairstow 99*; Hazelwood 5/126).
Source: Reuters
The former Chief Minister of Kerala, breathed his last in the early hours of Tuesday, July 18, in a Bengaluru clinic
Oommen Chandy, former Chief Minister of Kerala, who breathed his last in the early hours of Tuesday (July 18) in a Bengaluru clinic, was born on October 31, 1943, in Puthuppally, Kerala. Oommen Chandy’s son Chandy Oommen announced the news of his father’s death in a Facebook post. Chandy began his political journey at a young age with the Kerala Students Union (KSU). He quickly rose in the political arena and held many positions, from being the MLA of Puthuppally for five decades — he was elected in 1970, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 — to handling the home and finance portfolios of the state Cabinet before assuming charge as Chief Minister of Kerala for the first time in 2004. This was when AK Antony stepped down following a poll debacle for the Congress in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. Inside the party, Chandy belonged to the group headed by Antony. It was when Karunakaran, the leader of the ‘I Group’ (named after Indira Gandhi), refused MA Kuttappan a seat in the Rajya Sabha in 1994, Chandy resigned as the Finance Minister and went on the offensive. Karunakaran had to resign as Chief Minister soon after.
Chandy faced the toughest time of his life when he was linked with the notorious solar scam that rocked the state in 2013. However, a CBI probe exonerated him from some of the heinous charges levelled against him. In a letter addressed to Chandy’s widow Mariamma Oommen, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described Chandy as a “leader of high esteem who was respected by everybody irrespective of party lines”. Paying tribute to Chandy, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said Chandy’s unwavering commitment and visionary leadership left an indelible mark on Kerala’s progress and the nation’s political landscape. “Oommen Chandy was an exemplary grassroots Congress leader. We will miss him dearly”, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a message.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to global supply chains and logistics operations. However, amidst the chaos, there were valuable lessons learned that have reshaped the industry’s approach to resilience and adaptability. This article presents a case study on Mandeep, a supply chain and logistics Director, examines how Mandeep effectively managed the post-pandemic landscape by incorporating key lessons learned.
Lesson 1: Agility and Flexibility
Mandeep recognized the importance of agility and flexibility in navigating disruptions caused by the pandemic. By diversifying sourcing options to India and USA and establishing relationships with multiple suppliers, Mandeep ensured a steady flow of critical goods. This allowed for quick adjustments in production and minimized the impact of supply chain disruptions. He also proactively modified transportation routes and utilized alternative modes of transport to avoid bottlenecks and ensure timely deliveries.
Lesson 2: Enhanced Visibility and Collaboration
Understanding the significance of supply chain visibility, Mandeep leveraged advanced technologies to enhance transparency. By implementing real-time tracking systems and data analytics tools, Mandeep gained comprehensive visibility into inventory levels, shipping statuses, and potential bottlenecks. This enabled informed decision-making and proactive response to disruptions. Additionally, Mandeep fostered collaborative relationships with suppliers, customers, and logistics partners, sharing critical information and jointly planning strategies to mitigate risks.
Lesson 3: Resilient Inventory Management
Mandeep recognized the vulnerability of just-in-time inventory management systems exposed during the pandemic. To address this, Mandeep implemented resilient inventory management practices. By maintaining buffer stocks and safety reserves, Mandeep ensured a sufficient supply of essential items even during unexpected disruptions. Mandeep also employed data-driven demand forecasting techniques to optimize inventory levels, preventing stockouts and minimizing excess inventory.
Lesson 4: Embracing Technology and Automation
To cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic, Mandeep embraced technology and automation. Mandeep leveraged advanced systems predictive analytics, advanced reorder points system and demand planning strategies. By automating manual tasks and optimizing operations, Mandeep reduced reliance on human labor and enhanced efficiency. Furthermore, digital platforms and cloud-based solutions were implemented to streamline communication, facilitate remote collaboration, and ensure seamless information flow across the supply chain.
Lesson 5: Risk Management and Business Continuity:
The pandemic underscored the importance of robust risk management strategies and business continuity plans. Companies are now investing in comprehensive risk assessments and scenario planning to identify potential vulnerabilities and develop proactive mitigation strategies. The same way Mandeep implemented these strategies and worked on alternative sourcing options, redundant transportation routes, and disaster recovery protocols. By proactively addressing risks and establishing resilient supply chain networks, businesses can better withstand future disruptions.
To sum up, the post-pandemic era has necessitated a reevaluation of supply chain and logistics strategies. By embracing agility, enhancing visibility, fostering collaboration, implementing resilient inventory management, leveraging technology, and prioritizing risk management, the writer successfully navigated the challenging post-pandemic landscape. These lessons can serve as a blueprint for supply chain and logistics professionals seeking to build resilient, adaptable, and efficient operations in the face of future disruptions.
The Kamala Ankibai Ghamandiram Gowani Trust, founded in 1969, is a beacon of hope for social causes under the visionary leadership of Nidarshana Gowani, the Managing Director of Kamala Group of Industries and Trustee of the organization. The Trust is devoted to a myriad of noble causes, including promoting diversity, inclusion, education, and healthcare. Over the years, the Trust has become a symbol of excellence in taking up unique initiatives that have transformed lives.
One of the most remarkable initiatives of the Trust is the establishment of Green Plant Energy Pvt Ltd. in Punjab, which aims to make the region a hub for biomass and agro waste by focusing on decentralized energy production. The result is the creation of modular biomass power plants that generate zero waste, with all the heat generated from biogas engines used to power a VAM cold storage, aiding in the processing and preservation of food. Such initiatives are critical in today’s world as we strive towards achieving a net-zero and combatting climate change.
Nidarshana Gowani is a true champion of diversity and inclusion, with initiatives focused on promoting gender equality and creating awareness through humanity walks. Her efforts to welcome transgender individuals have made them feel included and appreciated. The Trust’s events for the fire and acid attack survivors have brought tears of joy to many, and her efforts have been widely recognized by various print and digital publications.
During the pandemic, the Trust worked tirelessly for the welfare of migrant workers, frontline warriors, and others struggling for food and shelter. The Trust distributed groceries, masks, and sanitizers when there was a shortage. In addition, the Trust organized helmet distribution drives for police officers and food distribution drives to thank public servants for their service.
The Trust’s significant contributions to education and healthcare are also worth mentioning. Nidarshana Gowani’s belief in education for all has led to the establishment of schools, colleges, temples, and dharamshalas, ensuring that everyone has access to education and religious ease. Health camps organized by the Trust have saved countless lives and ensured that people do not lose precious years due to negligence or the unavailability of adequate facilities.
The Trust also recognizes and supports women achievers and young talents through Kamala Power Women Awards and Kamala Rising Star Awards, respectively. These initiatives offer much-needed aid and recognition to individuals from small towns and villages, shattering societal barriers and making a positive impact on the world. Other felicitation initiatives are also ideated and executed on a regular basis.
Kamala Ankibai Ghamandiram Gowani Trust has evolved as a powerful force for transforming lives and communities through its unique and impactful initiatives.
FLUSHING, NY (TIP): Councilmember Sandra Ung visited the 109th Precinct on Tuesday July 18 afternoon to present a check for $312,000 to commanding officer Deputy Inspector Louran Hall. The funding secured by the Councilmember in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget will go toward the purchase of new Argus surveillance cameras for the precinct. “When I took office last year, the 109th Precinct was experiencing an alarming uptick in crime,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “Working closely with Deputy Inspector Hall, I have made improving public safety a top priority, but there is still more we can do. Our officers can’t be everywhere at once, so these cameras will help serve as their eyes and ears. They will not only be a valuable tool to help solve crimes, but hopefully act as a deterrent for would-be criminals who know they are being watched.”
The FY24 allocation will be used to purchase approximately seven to ten NYPD Argus cameras to be deployed in high-crime areas around the precinct. The NYPD will determine the exact locations, but Deputy Inspector Hall has already submitted several locations for consideration to One Police Plaza, including spots in Murray Hall and around Flushing.
There are currently 32 Argus cameras spread across the 109th Precinct, with a significant concentration in downtown Flushing. The Argus cameras are generally positioned about 20 feet off the ground and attached to a white box clearly marked with the NYPD insignia. Each camera has two views, allowing for 64 unique views of the 109th Precinct.
“This money is going to allow us to improve and increase the amount of Argus cameras,” said Deputy Inspector Louran Hall. “As the Councilmember noted, this is not only going to help us deter crime, but when crime happens will give our investigators the best opportunity to catch the individuals who commit them.”
In December, Councilmember Ung sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams calling on his administration to direct the New York Police Department to assign more police officers to the 109th Precinct. Since then, the precinct has received officers from several graduating classes of the Police Academy, many of whom were assigned to foot patrols in downtown Flushing.
EDISON, NJ (TIP): For the second time in a row Yuva Hindi Sansthan, a NJ based non-profit educational institution, partnered with the Hindi Program at New York University, received the prestigious Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad award for the fiscal year 2023. The project, conducted by the US Department of Education, requires the grantees to conduct a month-long study tour to India for US based language teachers, students and school, college or university faculty members.
According to a press release issued by the award recipients, “The project is based upon an in-depth study by Prof Gabriela Nik Ilieva, NYU, who developed this program that offers a unique opportunity to study, improve, and develop Hindi language skills and engage in collecting, organizing topic-based audio, visual and textual materials as resources for developing thematic curriculum documents for Hindi learners. The theme of the project, LIVING WIH CONTENTMENT IN A MATERIAL WORLD: MINDFUL LIVNG AND WELLNESS TRADITIONS IN INDIA’, is drawn from the age-old Indian tradition that advocates contentment.”
“We are glad to have received this award”, said Ashok Ojha, Program Director, “ We won the Fulbright-Hays award in the year 2022 for the first time that enabled us to lead a group of educators to India for one month when the participants explored the value of ‘sustainability’ in the Indian context. On their return to the USA they worked under Prof. Ilieva and developed teaching material based on the material collected in India.”
“This year our team will explore how members of various Indian communities think or talk about mindful living, on one hand, and on the other exercise mindful living, ideas and behaviors rooted in ancient traditions and textual sources”, Ojha continued.
A non-political project funded by the US Department of Education, YHS-NYU Fulbright-Hays GPA Curriculum Development Program 2023 provides equal access and treatment for eligible project participants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability condition. It is open to all U. S. based K-12, community schools and college instructors. Project Director Ashok Ojha and Project Academic Director Prof. Gabriela Nik Ilieva will lead the team of participants on a study tour to India in the Spring 2024.
During the study tour the program participants will collect information, record individual and community insights about practices and perspectives related to contentment, mindful lifestyles and wellness in order to develop instructional materials and thus expand existing curricula. The study tour includes mindful and wellness lectures and activities at the ‘Arsh Vidya Gurukulum’ in Rishikesh; measuring contentment and happiness, Lucknow University; legends and iconic places, Kolkata; balance in life through Madhubani art in Bihar, and the traditional practices and perspectives in Upanishadic and Buddhist texts at Benares University and Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies.
The goal is to create an instructional platform that will support the teaching of traditional mindful practices and perspectives more consistently and more cohesively in the Hindi and South Asian Studies classrooms in the U.S., based on focused information and well-designed instructional materials. They will learn from lectures and selected readings of primary and secondary resources; they will make observations and discuss with local native speakers common practices and perspectives related to the different dimensions of mindfulness and wellness. Our initial research demonstrates that
The program consists of pre-departure and post-tour online work (held on 5 Saturdays 10am- 2pm December, 2023-January, 2024 and 5 Saturdays April-May 2024).
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