COLUMBIA, SC (TIP): South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has nominated Indian American Seema Shrivastava-Patel to be the next chair of the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control. She has served on the Board since 2018 and has been Vice Chair since 2021.
If confirmed, Shrivastava-Patel, a first generation American of Indian heritage, will become the first woman of color to serve as Board chair. “Shrivastava-Patel is a highly respected member of the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control and with six years of experience she is an expert on the workings of DHEC,” McMaster said in a March 15 statement.
“With this extensive knowledge of the agency and her experience as Vice Chair, she is the best choice to lead a smooth transition that will propel the agency forward and advance South Carolina’s public health and environmental missions.” As a member of the Board, Shrivastava-Patel helped navigate the agency through the Covid-19 pandemic, led the search for a new agency director, improved customer service, renewed a focus on recruitment and retention of staff, and emphasized the importance of measurable outcomes for the agency.
She has an extensive business background that includes a 20-year career in the convenience and food service industry and as president of the Carolina Convenience Corporation.
“I am grateful to Governor McMaster for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve as the next Chair and look forward to working with my colleagues, as well as DHEC’s team of talented and dedicated employees, to continue to move the agency forward for the people of South Carolina,” said Shirvastava-Patel.
The Board oversees the operations of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The at-large seat on the Board was left vacant when former Chair Robert Bolchoz resigned from the position in December.
Shrivastava-Patel is a University of South Carolina graduate and resides in Lexington with her husband and two children. The governor’s appointment is subject to senate approval.
Year: 2023
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Indian American Seema Shrivastava-Patel named South Carolina health, environment board chair
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Indian American policy expert Nisha Desai Biswal named deputy head of US development finance agency
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): President Joe Biden intends to nominate Indian American policy expert Nisha Desai Biswal as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), dealing with most critical challenges facing the developing world.
The American finance agency provides loans, loan guarantees, direct equity investments, and political risk insurance for private sector led development projects, feasibility studies, and technical assistance.
It invests across several sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology, with stated priorities of women’s empowerment, innovation, investment in West Africa and the Western Hemisphere, and climate change.
Biden’s intent to nominate Biswal, who served as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs from 2013 to 2017 during the Obama administration, was announced by the White House Monday along with six other key posts. In that job Biswal oversaw the US-India strategic partnership during a period of unprecedented cooperation, including the launch of an annual US-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, the White House noted. Biswal also initiated the C5+1 Dialogue with Central Asia and the US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue during her tenure as Assistant Secretary.
Biswal brings over 30 years of experience in US foreign policy and international development programs within the Executive Branch, Congress, and the private sector, according to her official profile.
Currently Biswal is the Senior Vice President for International Strategy and Global Initiatives at the US Chamber of Commerce, overseeing the US India Business Council and US Bangladesh Business Council.
Prior to her stint at the State Department, Biswal was Assistant Administrator for Asia at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), directing and supervising USAID programs and operations across South, Central, and Southeast Asia.
She has also spent over a decade on Capitol Hill, working as Staff Director on the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee on Appropriations as well as professional staff on the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives. Biswal serves as the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid and is on both the Board of the National Democratic Institute and the US Institute of Peace International Advisory Council.
She is a member of the United States Institute of Peace Afghanistan Study Group and the Aspen Institute’s India-US Track 2 Dialogue on Climate and Energy. Biswal is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia, where she studied International Relations and Economics. -
Indian American executive Rahul Roy-Chowdhury to lead Grammarly from May 1
SAN FRANCISCO (TIP): Yet another Indian American executive is set to lead a major US company. Rahul Roy-Chowdhury will take over as CEO of Grammarly, a cloud-based typing assistant that helps users with their writing, including reviewing spelling, grammar, punctuation and plagiarism reviews, from May 1.
The elevation of Roy-Chowdhury, current global head of product at the San Francisco headquartered company, was announced by the current CEO Brad Hoover in a Grammarly blogpost Tuesday, March 21.
“We’re now at an inflection point for our product and business. Seizing this moment and reaching the next orders of magnitude requires us to move faster and at a much larger scale,” he wrote.
“A new era of leadership can help drive this inflection. As such, after twelve years at the helm of Grammarly, I am passing the baton to our current Global Head of Product, Rahul Roy-Chowdhury,” Hoover wrote.
“Now is the ideal time for this transition. Grammarly is a deeply technical, product-led company,” Hoover wrote. “Rahul’s product and technology background is a tremendous asset, and he is well-positioned to help us navigate the path ahead.” “Rahul is also mission-driven and fiercely user-focused, and his experience and learnings from building Chrome into a platform can help us move faster at scale,” he wrote. “During his two years at Grammarly, Rahul has focused on driving excellence and helped us up-level as a company. He has pushed our thinking and driven the organization forward with clarity, keen judgment, and sound decision-making.
“Under Rahul’s leadership, we also took a big step forward with our product, increasing quality and introducing solutions to help beyond the revision stage of communication,” Hoover wrote.
Prior to Grammarly, Roy-Chowdhury was vice president for product management at Google where he had worked for 14 years. He has an MBA degree from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and also an MS in computer science from Columbia University. Grammarly is also introducing a brand-new artificial intelligence tool, the latest venture into the quickly expanding field of technology that can produce text, photographs, and videos from scratch in Silicon Valley. “The enthusiasm around AI is so palpable,” Roy-Chowdhury remarked. “We are witnessing a groundswell of support for this issue of communication.”
GrammarlyGO, an upcoming offering from the startup, is scheduled for release in April. According to Roy-Chowhury, who led the team that developed the product, it will assess context to construct and recommend phrasing for various circumstances based on a text’s level of formality and tone.
Grammarly has generally concentrated on the writing stage of the composition process. However, GrammarlyGO will provide input on the questions to ask and the information that could be helpful to include.
In a competitive market with many players, Roy-Chowdhury praised the company’s years of experience in ethical AI development, including work to eliminate bias in the underlying data.
“Our mission of improving lives by improving communication is a long-term aspiration—we’ve still barely scratched the surface of what’s possible!” Hoover wrote.
“Our core technology of artificial intelligence is accelerating in exciting and unprecedented ways, especially with the broader application of large language models coupled with continuously increasing computing power,” he wrote. “The market is appreciating the ability of AI to augment human agency and genuinely help people. While broader AI innovation and adoption may be a disruptor for some, it will be a great accelerator for Grammarly,” Hoover added. -
Indian American entrepreneur Sanjay Govil brings professional cricket to Washington
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American entrepreneur Sanjay Govil has formed the US capital’s first ever own professional cricket team to compete in the Major League Cricket (MLC), a new T20 franchise league in the United States.
Named Washington Freedom, the new team will represent Washington, DC, in the inaugural edition of MLC in July, a transformative competition that will bring many of the world’s top cricketers to the United States, according to an MLC release.
The team unveiled its name and logo on March 15, with the mark featuring patriotic red, white and blue colors, stars from Washington, DC, city flag, and a bat and ball representing cricket, the world’s second most popular sport.
“The Washington, DC, area is home to hundreds of thousands of cricket fans, and it’s an honor to be able to bring a professional team to the nation’s capital with the Washington Freedom to compete in the groundbreaking Major League Cricket championship this summer,” said Govil, lead investor of Washington Freedom.
“The team’s mark and colors are a perfect fit for a team from the nation’s capital to compete on the global stage MLC provides for the world’s second most popular sport, which has more than 2.5 billion fans.”
The Freedom will bowl their first ball in July at a newly constructed MLC venue, Grand Prairie Stadium, in Grand Prairie, Texas, within the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex.
The 2023 season will feature 19 matches to be played over 18 days, opening on July 13 and building up to the first-ever MLC championship final to take place on July 30, 2023. The Freedom will compete alongside teams representing Texas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Seattle, playing the T20 format of the game.
The roster for the Freedom will be filled out with the announcement of multiple marquee overseas stars and the selection cream of American domestic at the MLC Domestic Player Draft on March 19 in Houston, Texas. Space Center Houston, the official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, will provide an iconic venue and backdrop for the league’s first-ever draft.
“The launch of Major League Cricket will bring an American flavor to the world of cricket, and it’ll be fantastic to see the Washington Freedom take to the pitch representing the nation’s capital this summer,” said Justin Geale, the MLC Tournament Director.
The Freedom has partnered with one of the world’s leading cricket entities, Australia’s Cricket New South Wales, to lead preparation of the player roster and provide high performance services including coaching, sports science and sports medicine, performance analysis and team operations, the release said.
While the Freedom will not host any home matches in the 2023 season, MLC and the Freedom have already embarked on planning to build a world class home for the team in the Washington, DC, region.
The team has partnered with George Mason University (Mason) to study the feasibility of a new multi-purpose cricket and baseball facility. The ballpark would be designed to host MLC matches, Mason baseball games, and other events on the University’s Fairfax Campus in the Washington, DC, region. With a goal to be operational by 2025, the ballpark at Mason would be located in the heart of one of the largest cricket-loving populations in the United States and feature an international-grade arena for the Freedom to call their home.
More information on these plans will be announced following the conclusion of the feasibility study later this year, MLC release said.
Microsoft’s Indian American chief CEO Satya Nadella has also formed Seattle’s new professional cricket team named Seattle Orcas in partnership with Delhi Capitals’ co-owner GMR Group to compete in MLC.
The Seattle Orcas’ lead investor group includes Nadella, Soma Somasegar (Managing Director of Madrona Ventures), Samir Bodas (Co-founder and CEO, Icertis), Ashok Krishnamurthi (Managing Partner, GreatPoint Ventures) and Sanjay Parthasarathy (former senior executive at Microsoft and Avalara).
Meanwhile, according to an ESPNcricinfo report, besides Delhi Capitals, two other prominent IPL franchises — Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings — have bought stakes in MLC and will anchor franchises in New York and Texas respectively.
That means four out of the six teams in MLC overall will be helmed by IPL franchises, after Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the earliest investors in the tournament, took charge of the Los Angeles franchise.
While Mumbai, like Knight Riders, will run the New York franchise on its own, it said, Super Kings, too, have allied with a local investor in the Texas franchise. A similar strategic tie-up has been struck between San Francisco franchise, owned by Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan, and Cricket Victoria. -
Indian American community leader Neil Makhija running for County Commissioner in Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA (TIP): A prominent Indian American community leader Neil Makhija has announced his run for Commissioner of Montgomery County — the third largest county in Pennsylvania with over 865,000 people.
If elected, the 36-year-old election law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, would be the first South Asian member to serve for the position left open by outgoing commissioner Valerie Arkoosh.
Ahead of the May 16 election, Makhija Saturday announced he will be taking a leave of absence as Executive Director of Impact, which has helped several Indian and South Asian candidates win political office.
“As Impact’s longest serving Executive Director, I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished,” he stated. “Impact has enfranchised South Asian voters and elected dozens of historic candidates across the country—from school boards all the way up to the Vice President of the United States.
“After years supporting these inspiring South Asian candidates, I’m excited to follow in their footsteps,” he wrote.
As Commissioner of Montgomery County, Makhija noted, “I would oversee a $500M+ budget and county government of 3,000 employees. Most importantly, I would administer the Board of Elections in one of the most critical counties nationwide in 2024.”
In 2021, Makhija was one of 13 civil rights leaders invited to the White House to advise President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on voting rights.
He was named by City & State PA as one of the “40 under 40” most influential people in Pennsylvania politics. In 2016, he was the Democratic nominee for the 122nd state House district, a race he lost.
In his former law practice, Makhija represented Pennsylvania counties in opioid litigation and notably, children and parents in an early class action against Big Tobacco companies who marketed flavored e-cigarettes to children. In 2019, he inspired and advised a US House Oversight Committee panel on an investigation into the youth e-cigarette epidemic, which led to a nationwide ban of flavored e-cigarettes.
Makhija worked at the White House, Senate, and earned his JD at Harvard Law School on the Horace Lentz Scholarship. While at Harvard, he founded the HLS Homelessness Coalition and was a Senior Policy Editor on the Harvard Law & Policy Review.
He received his BA from Sarah Lawrence College, where he studied neuroscience and served as co-president of his class and 2009 commencement speaker.
As the son of Indian immigrants, the Pennsylvania native is passionate about enfranchising underrepresented communities and engaging new citizens in state and local politics.
Montgomery County Commission is the governing body of Montgomery County, consisting of five members who are elected by districts. Each Commissioner is elected to a four-year term and represents approximately 45,000 constituents. The Montgomery County Commission’s responsibilities include control of all counties public funds, adoption of an annual budget reflecting anticipated income and expenses. -
Indian American actress Mindy Kaling presented National Medal of Arts by Biden
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Celebrity Indian American actress, producer and writer Mindy Kaling has won the prestigious 2021 National Medal of Arts given to artists and arts patrons “for giving voice to a new generation of storytellers.” President Joe Biden presented the award to Kaling, 43, also known as Vera Mindy Chokalingam, at a White House ceremony attended by First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, March 21.
“For giving voice to a new generation of storytellers. Imbued with humor and heart, Mindy Kaling’s work across television, film, and books inspires and delights, capturing and uplifting the experiences of women and girls across our nation,” Biden’s military aide read the citation as Kaling came forward to receive the award.
“The first woman of color to create, write, and star in a primetime sitcom, she empowers a new generation to tell their stories with their own irreverence and sincerity. The daughter of Indian immigrants — We know about that, right?” said the President.
“Our Vice President is a daughter of Indian immigrants — a mother who was a great scientist,” he said. “Above all, she’s hardworking and an adoring mom, just like her own mom was. And, Mindy, we know your mom is always with you in your spirit. We know that.” Kaling received the award with 22 other “extraordinary Americans: the National Medal of Arts to honor outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth support, and availability of the arts in the United States; and the National Humanities Medal to honor those who have — whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities and broadened our citizens’ engagement with history, literature, philosophy, and so many other subjects,” Biden said.
“The work of our honorees is as diverse as the nation that celebrates with them today. But common threads weave them together in many ways in the very fabric of America: the pursuit of excellence, the drive to create, the yearning to connect, and the boldness to be truthtellers, bridge builders, and change seekers,” he said. “Above all, you’re masters of your craft.” Kaling was born to an architect father and an obstetrician-gynecologist mother who moved to the US in 1979 from Nigeria.
She lent her acting talents to such film comedies as ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’ (2005), ‘License to Wed’ (2007), and ‘Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian’ (2009) and voiced characters for the animated movies ‘Despicable Me’ (2010), ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ (2012), and ‘Inside Out’ (2015).
She developed the innovative ‘The Mindy Project’, which centered on the life of Mindy Lahiri, an obstetrician-gynecologist who is fixated on finding a romantic partner.
Recently, she co-created and co-wrote the Netflix show ‘Never Have I Ever’, about a first-generation Indian American teenager, and ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’, a comedy series that centers on four college roommates.
Besides Kaling, the 2021 National Medal of Arts recipients include musician Jose Feliciano, artist Judith Francisca Baca, radio station owner Fred Eychaner, the International Association of Blacks in Dance, the Billie Holiday Theatre, producer Joan Shigekawa and painter Antonio Martorell Cardona.
Recipients of the 2021 National Humanities Medal winners are: ‘The Underground Railroad’ novelist Colson Whitehead, poet Richard Blanco, author Walter Isaacson, educator Johnnetta Betsch Cole, academic Henrietta Mann, author Ann Patchett, ‘The Joy Luck Club’ author Amy Tan, historian Earl Lewis, Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson, Native America Calling and author Tara Westover. The first National Medal of Arts were awarded in 1985 to renowned artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Martha Graham, and Richard Diebenkorn among others. Since then, the medal has been awarded annually to a wide range of individuals and organizations from various fields of the arts, including music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literature, and film. -
Indian American business leader Arun Agarwal named Dallas Community Bond Task Force chair
DALLAS (TIP): Indian American business leader Arun Agarwal has been appointed by Dallas Mayor Eric L Johnson to serve as Chair of the Community Bond Task Force (CBTF) Committee as part of the 2024 Capital Bond Program development process.
Agarwal currently serves as the President of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, the CEO of Dallas-based textile company Nextt, and the Vice Chair of the Texas Economic Development Board, in addition to his other civic and business endeavors.
The CBTF is a 15-member group that will assist the Dallas City Council and city staff in reviewing and selecting projects for possible inclusion in the 2024 Capital Bond Program.
Agarwal and his colleagues on the task force will assess the city’s $13.5 billion needs inventory and recommend to the Dallas City Council a $1 billion package of priorities. The City Council will ultimately make the final decisions on ballot propositions and whether to call a bond election.
In his November 2022 State of the City Address, Johnson said that he wants the city’s next bond program to focus primarily on improving the “Three P’s” — public safety, potholes, and parks.
“We are working every day to make Dallas a safer, stronger, and more vibrant city — and we are making substantial, measurable progress,” Johnson announced on March 16. The upcoming bond program will provide us with a critical opportunity to build for our future by investing in public safety, in infrastructure, and in our most significant needs. Arun Agarwal has proven to be an effective and engaged leader in our city, and I am confident he will advocate for the right priorities for the people of Dallas.”
Bond programs, which must receive voter approval, are meant to pay for the city’s capital needs. That means the authorized funds cannot legally pay for salaries, benefits, and other ongoing programmatic costs.
Johnson said Agarwal’s appointment underscores his administration’s commitment to ensuring that parks are treated as a top priority in the bond program.
“While Dallas has many needs to address through our bond program, I believe parks, trails, playgrounds, and recreation centers are critical infrastructure in a modern city,” Johnson said. “When I was growing up in West Dallas and Oak Cliff, families like mine — folks who didn’t have access to private swimming pools, gym memberships, or country club memberships — depended on our city’s parks, trails, and recreation centers.
“Parks are a great equalizer for our communities, as well as an excellent driver of economic development. And I am confident that Arun Agarwal will be a strong advocate for our green spaces.” Agarwal said he is “honored to be appointed as chair of this community-focused group that will help guide critical discussions about our city’s future.” “I am particularly excited to help make major investments in parks, trails, and recreational facilities,” Agarwal said. “Mayor Johnson has been a true champion for our city’s parks and for the efforts to build a safer and more vibrant city. I look forward to working with Mayor Johnson, my colleagues on the task force, and the residents of Dallas as we prioritize our city’s most pressing needs.”
Similar to the development process of the 2017 Capital Bond Program, the Mayor and each City Council member have been asked to identify a total of six appointees to serve on the CBTF and its five “subcommittees,” including the Street Subcommittee, the Flood Protection & Storm Drainage Subcommittee, the Park & Trail Subcommittee, the Critical Facilities Subcommittee, and the Economic Development & Housing Subcommittee. -
Thousands participate in Holi Celebrations in Guatemala and El Salvador
Ambassador Manoj Kumar Mohapatra (left), and El Salvador Vice Culture Minister Mr. Eric Doradea and Vice Foreign Minister Ms Adriana Mira enjoying the colorful Holi. 
Holi revelers I.S. Saluja
GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): Continuing with its efforts to popularize Indian culture in the Central American countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, the Embassy of India in Guatemala City organized Holi celebrations in El Salvador on 4 March and in Guatemala City on 12 March. On 18 March, Holi will be celebrated in Honduras and on 19 March in the eastern Guatemalan port city of Puerto Barrios with more than 300 people of Indian origin who migrated to Guatemala in the late nineteenth century from India.
The iconic Cuscatlán Park in the centre of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, saw never-before celebrations of Holi with the participation of around 5000 Salvadorians. The celebrations were jointly organized by the Embassy of India Guatemala accredited to El Salvador and the Culture Ministry of El Salvador. Ambassador Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Vice Culture Minister Mr. Eric Doradea and Vice Foreign Minister Ms Adriana Mira inaugurated the celebrations. The celebrations saw Salvadorans smearing and drenching each other with colors, dancing to the tunes of Indian Music and tasting Indian food. The celebrations were witnessed by people from all walks of life, including members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, media representatives and artists.“It’s a colorful dust party. It is produced from the petals abandoned in temples,” explained the Deputy Minister of Culture. “Every color has a meaning. Red reflects love; blue the color Krishna (… )”, he added. “India comes to us to share in the joy of new beginnings,” he added.
The festival promotes inclusion, solidarity, respect, tolerance and equality between individuals and was made possible thanks to the good relations between the two countries; which, in addition, have allowed to concrete a number of cultural exchange activities, such as Bollywood film projections as well as presentations of music and dance of India, which have taken place at various venues managed by the Ministry of Culture.
“We want to see color this day,” said the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. “I feel happy. International relations go through culture,” he admitted.
The activity featured the intervention of the Indian classical dance show (kathak) by teacher Soledad Ortiz and participants are estimated at as many as 5,000.
“The relationship has grown stronger. Under this idea we have been able to bring this festival,” the Indian ambassador said. “Through the festival we want to strengthen the ties between India and El Salvador,” he completed.
Ambassador Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, in his speech, introduced the audience to the history of Holi and encouraged participants to enjoy these unique celebrations 
Holi revelers 
Holi revelers 
Holi revelers The same enthusiasm was seen on 12 March when Embassy organized Holi Celebrations in Guatemala City. Around 400 members of the Indian community and local Guatemalans witnessed the colorful Holi celebrations at the Embassy premises. Around 50 young students from the North-Eastern City of Chiquimula especially travelled to Guatemala City to see these colorful celebrations. Ambassador Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, in his speech, introduced the audience to the history of Holi and encouraged participants to enjoy these unique celebrations. All 400 people enjoyed the Indian food and danced with daubing each other with colors.
(With inputs from Embassy of India in Guatemala) -
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
I.S. Saluja
Jay Mandal/ on assignment Spring arrives officially on March 20. However, New York this year may have to wait for the lovely Spring leaves, buds and blossoms. A celebrated photojournalist Jay Mandal sent The Indian Panorama a few photographs of the beginning of the Spring season at various locations in the US from yesteryears. We are glad to share the lovely pictures with the readers of The Indian Panorama.
Please do not despair if Spring season is slightly delayed. Have faith in what a British poet Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote: “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”
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World Renowned Naturopaths & Reiki Grandmasters visiting New York
I.S. Saluja
NEW YORK (TIP): Dr. Nand Kishore Sharma & Dr. Savita Sharma Founder Directors, Reiki Healing Foundation, New Delhi (India) will be visiting New York from May 18 to May 21, 2023.
Dr. N. K. Sharma & Dr. Savita Sharma are world renowned Naturopaths & Reiki Grandmasters, whose life transforming workshops all over India & abroad have revolutionized the way people eat, think and live. Dr. Sharma couples are not just the “World Reiki Guru” but also protagonists in the field of raw food nutrition.
Their scientific, myth breaking & unparalleled course run worldwide have given the society a new direction and destroyed old theories and promoted new ideologies and concepts. Dr Sharma are a revolutionary couple who entered the field of Occult Science around 30 years back with the sole objective of destroying blind beliefs, fears and ignorance and freeing people from the web of – diseases, suffering, tantric, superstitions, planetary fears & fake gurus. With persistent efforts, utmost dedication and undying perseverance, they have succeeded in unveiling the mystic secrets and making people not just aware of the myths about black magic, planetary effects etc. but also empowering them against such negative energies. Their amazing Reiki courses have made each person a master of his own by making each person realize & unleash the powers hidden within instead of becoming a follower of a master.Being staunch believers in natural law & its supremacy, they took up the cause of challenging degenerative diseases & cancer cases. The couple after getting their doctorate started their practice in Bombay and established a 30 bedded Hospital by name “Natural Health Institute” at Chowpatty sea face.
They are the first Naturopaths in India who have extensively researched, studied & treated more than 18,000 Cancer Cases in his 40 yrs. of practice. For which they have been conferred several international & national awards. Besides the workshops on Reiki and other related mystic areas, Dr Sharma couple are the first to give in India the concept of “fireless kitchen” by promoting health through raw and natural food. They are the first to declare that ‘Cereals & Milk’ are degenerative (not original human food).
Dr. N. K. Sharma has authored several books on nutrition and spirituality among which “Milk-A Silent Killer” has been translated into several foreign languages. He has also authored an eye-opening book “Mahatma Rogi Kyon” (Why Saints fall sick?)With a versatile personality, Dr. N. K. Sharma is a poet, writer, singer, editor, teacher & as well a spiritual master.
Dr. Savita Sharma is also recipient of 10 best women of India award known as “Bharat Nirman Award” in the year 1990 by the president of India. Recently they have been honored from New York (USA) “Doctor of Divinity” award & also “Eminent Holistic Scientist” a national award from Union Minister of India. They have also been honored with “Bharat Nirman Award” and “Rajdhani Ratan Award”.They have been consultant to many prominent personalities of India like Film Stars, Saints, Industrialist, Politicians including Presidents and Prime Ministers.
They practice what they believe- they have brought up their two children without any vaccination, animal milk, childhood diseases, medication & suffering. Their children have never even experienced cold, cough or diarrhea. They are now in their young age of 40 yrs. still having their original childhood teeth.
Presently they are the founder director of the Reiki Healing Foundation, New Delhi that is the only organization so far in India that has trained more than 7.5 lacs students worldwide & 6000 Reiki Masters. It has now become the world’s largest organization in the field of Reiki healing & mystic sciences.Those desiring to set up a meeting with Dr. Nand Kishore Sharma & Dr. Savita Sharma may contact Mrs. Purnima Desai, Founder & President of Sriniketan Foundation and Shikshayatan at 1-646-472-9255 or via email at gurupurnima24@aol.com
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GOPIO International Team Sworn-in with Community Leader Lal Motwani as the New President
STAMFORD, CT (TIP): Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) conducted its election last month and the new team was sworn-in on March 4th at a virtual Zoom ceremony with veteran community leader from New York Mr. Lal Motwani as its president. Motwani has been a Founder Life member from GOPIO inception in 1989 and was serving as the International Coordinator-at-Large and later as Executive Trustee of GOPIO Foundation in his last term. Others sworn in at the ceremony are media and community leader Mr. Umesh Chandra from Brisbane, Australia as Executive Vice President; Los Angeles area community leader Kewal Kanda as Vice President, New Jersey businessman Prakash Shah as Global Ambassador and former IBM official and community activist Ms. Jasbir ‘Nami’ Kaur as International Coordinator-at-Large.
Five more Regional International Coordinators were sworn-in as follows: Businessman Roger Latchman from Johannesburg, South Africa as Africa Coordinator; Engineering Entrepreneur Deo Gosine (Trinidad and New York) as Caribbean Coordinator; Real Estate Investor Ashok Madan of Southern California as North America Coordinator; former engineer Harmohan Singh Walia of Sydney, Australia as Oceania Coordinator and New Delhi businessman Dhiraj Ahuja as South Asia Coordinator.
The election was conducted according to the GOPIO bylaws by a team of the Interim Committee which was appointed by the GOPIO General Body Meeting held on January 14th consisting of Mr. Ram Gadhavi (Wayne, New Jersey, USA), Mr. Mahavir Arya (Sydney, Australia) and Mr. Mridul Pathak (New York). In a spirit of unity, nominees with multiple nominations withdrew from their multiple nominations except one, making it a unanimous choice for all positions.
The ceremony started with a universal prayer song by Ms. Devika Gadhavi, who is a young professional working for the New York Times. Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO welcomed the participants from all continents and provided a brief introduction to the birth of GOPIO and many of its achievements in the last 34 years. Dr. Abraham also highlighted the great services provided by GOPIO Chapters during the pandemic such as providing food to the frontline workers at the beginning of the lockdown, getting N95 masks to the hospitals, replenishing food pantries and sending oxygen concentrators to India when the pandemic was at its highest level.
“GOPIO chapters around the world have been doing a lot of organizational ground work in many countries to promote leadership in public service and the thrust have been to promote and involve the Indian Diaspora in the larger society and local communities wherever they live,” said Dr. Abraham.
In his acceptance speech, President Motwani said, “We will soon activate those regions which are not active now and we will get all the councils to become active again. We need many volunteers to get involved in the Councils such as Human Rights, Cultural, Academic, Women, Science and Technology, Youth and Young Professionals, Media, Health and Wellness and on Seniors. We will officially launch GOPIO Chamber of Commerce (GICC) in different parts of the world.”
Congratulating the new team, former GOPIO President Niraj Baxi said that the ceremony on March 4th signifies marching forward for GOPIO.
The program ended with a melodious Bollywood celebration song by GOPIO-Edison President Pallavi Belwariar.
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Chuck Schumer Promises Reversal of Medicare cuts and clear the Green Card backlog
NEW YORK (TIP): Indian American community leaders virtually met Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on March 13, 2023.
The meeting was organized by Dr Raj Bhayani, Mohinder Taneja, Sunil Modi, Dr Sunil Mehra and Govind Bathija.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, Dr Sudhir Parikh, Dr Raj Narayan, Dr Raj Jinna, Bobby Kalotee and Dr Mihir Meghani along with 200 Indian leaders joined the meeting with the senator.
Dr Raj Bhayani, Sunil Modi and Mohinder Taneja moderated the meeting and welcomed the Senate Majority Leader.
Mr. Schumer updated about his India visit two weeks back. He was happy about his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He applauded various programs initiated by Modi government such as gas connections and easy remote internet access empowering rural India.
He led one of the most powerful United States Delegation to India along with eight senators and several other leaders as part of the US delegation to India. Several initiatives were launched and stronger U.S. India ties were emphasized in view of the rising Chinese threat.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said ties between the U.S. and India are a “crucial counterweight to outcompete China”
Among the countries’ shared strategic interests, Schumer listed “outcompeting China, combating climate change, increasing trade and deepening bonds between our two countries” as well as “close cooperation between the U.S. and India in areas such as AI, green hydrogen and advanced tech manufacturing.”
The delegation visited several sites such as Raj Ghat in Delhi and Jaipur Foot in Jaipur and had dinner hosted by Anand Mahindra, apart from various joint meetings with Indian government.
“I strongly believe the continued and strengthened U.S.-India relationship will be the great story that will define the 21st century,” Schumer said. In reply to Dr. Bhayani’s questions, the Majority Leader promised to reverse the Medicare cuts this year. And he assured that green card backlog will be cleared soon. He believes high skilled workers such as physicians should be given direct green cards instead of H1 or J1 visa and he will work on making it happen. At the conclusion of meeting the Majority Leader promised that we will have such meetings every quarter to strengthen Indo US relationship and to address concerns of Indian Americans in USA. -
LIRR amends service changes at Kew Gardens, Forest Hills stations to accommodate commuters
NEW YORK (TIP): After reviewing newly-implemented service changes across Queens, The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) has once again amended service changes at the Kew Gardens and Forest Hills stations to accommodate commuters. This comes in response to four Queens lawmakers — Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Councilwoman Lynn Schulman, Rep. Grace Meng, and Senator Leroy Comrie — who sent a letter to MTA/LIRR Interim President Catherine Rinaldi to facilitate a resolution.
Announced in February, the initial proposed changes from LIRR had re-routed service between Queens and Penn Station, to the newly opened Grand Central Station terminal on Manhattan’s east side.
In a letter sent to the agency on Feb. 24, the legislators expressed appreciation of the agency’s efforts to expand service to Grand Central, however, they did not believe the expansion “should come at the cost of service cuts…to long standing customers of LIRR.”
Specifically, the cuts included elimination of early-morning train service from Kew Gardens to Penn Station; elimination of late-afternoon service from Penn Station to Forest Hills; elimination of late-night service from Penn Station to Forest Hills and Kew Gardens; and elimination of all service between Kew Gardens and Forest Hills.
“Our offices were initially made aware of these changes after our constituents were notified of LIRR alterations that would eliminate all service between Kew and Penn for westbound trains departing between 4:46 a.m. and 6:49 a.m., and arriving at 5:01 a.m. and 7:03 a.m., respectively,” the lawmakers said in the letter. “These changes create a massive gap in coverage for early morning commuters and place unacceptable burdens on families and seniors who have come to rely on regular schedules between these stations.”
The lawmakers noted that their constituents would be forced to use the MTA’s E/F lines at Union Turnpike on Queens Boulevard as an alternative, which adds at least 25 to 40 additional minutes to their daily commute.
“Alternatively, our constituents, many of whom are seniors and individuals with disabilities, would have to walk uphill from Forest Hills to Kew Gardens in all types of weather or take an earlier morning bus and then transfer to this station,” the lawmakers said.
The lawmakers said that each alternative “creates additional burdens that are absolutely unnecessary” for commuters while there is a fully accessible and centrally located LIRR station in the heart of the neighborhood that can take commuters to their destination comfortably within 15 minutes.
As they continue communicating with LIRR, the lawmakers confirmed that westbound early-morning service from Kew Gardens to Penn Station, and eastbound late-afternoon service from Penn Station to Forest Hills had been restored. As of March 14, the agency had been reviewing additional requests from legislators, including to restore service between Kew Gardens and Forest Hills, as well as late night service from Penn Station to Queens.
“We have maintained continuous contact with LIRR to keep concerns on their radar, and to LIRR’s credit, agency leadership and staff have been incredibly helpful and responsive. These restorations in service will relieve huge burdens on commuters, and we’re hopeful that additional restorations will follow,” Hevesi said.
Meng thanked the LIRR for hearing their concerns and responding to the issues raised about the change in schedules that negatively impacted her constituents.
“LIRR customers deserve convenient service, especially when commuting to and from work, and we’re hopeful that even more restorations will be made soon,” Meng said.
Comrie thanked the MTA/LIRR for being “flexible and seeing local community input as a priority with the recent schedule changes,” and working together to improve service for Queens residents.
Schulman said that mobility is a fundamental part of making the city function for everyone.
“I am glad the LIRR listened to our communities and made necessary changes to ease travel for the commuters of Forest Hills and Kew Gardens. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep the LIRR accountable to our constituents,” Schulman said.
(Source: QNS) -
CHHAYA CDC HOSTS CONGRESSMAN MEEKS
NEW YORK (TIP): This morning, Congressman Gregory Meeks of New York’s 5th Congressional District met with local small business owners, community leaders, and Chhaya staff at Chhaya CDC’s Richmond Hill office. The Congressman’s remarks focused on the indispensable role local, independently owned businesses play in our communities and reaffirmed his support for initiatives that bolster their success and stability.
Chhaya’s Small Business program has provided essential assistance and services to a diverse population of small business owners in Queens, including financial counseling, marketing and social media support, legal assistance, and more. Chhaya’s team also provides technical assistance with grant and loan applications, as well as resources to help businesses navigate the changing regulatory environment.Congressman Meeks secured $150,000 in Community Project Funding to support this program, which will allow Chhaya to expand its services to more small businesses, help them stay open, and grow in the face of current economic challenges. “The $150,000 in federal funding awarded to Chhaya CDC provides recipients of the small business assistance program with the financial support they need to operate when experiencing economic hardships,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “I am excited about the many possibilities that this funding provides for small business owners looking to expand and maintain their companies.”
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, providing jobs and critical resources. As the city continues to change and transform at a rapid pace, these businesses are not safe from displacement or gentrification. We are excited about this incredible opportunity from Congressman Meeks and this support is so meaningful as we lean in and focus on ensuring the stability of this community.” – Annetta Seecharran, Chhaya CDC Executive Director
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INDIA WINS TWICE ON OSCARS NIGHT
Keeravaani and Chandrabose with Oscar. (Credit : AMPAS.) By Mabel Pais
While audiences around the world watched the 95th Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023, India made history at the event by winning in the MUSIC category for ‘NAATU NAATU’ from the film ‘RRR’ (short for ‘Rise, Roar, Revolt’) and the BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT, ‘THE ELEPHANT WHISPERERS.’
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)
WINNER
NAATU NAATU
from RRR; Music by M.M. Keeravaani; Lyric by ChandraboseOscar-winning Best Original Song from ‘RRR,’ ‘Naatu Naatu’ — made this year’s ceremony and much more special was the infectious song-and-dance number from RRR was recreated onstage during Hollywood’s biggest night.
Deepika Pudukone, the Mumbai Film Industry’s (also called “Bollywood”) own, introduced the performance, highlighting the historic nature of “Naatu Naatu” being “the first song ever from an Indian production to be nominated for an Oscar,” and also “a total banger.” Singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava performed the song — which you can watch below — and in doing so, brought the Telugu Film Industry (also called “Tollywood”) to Hollywood for the night.
“Naatu Naatu” made history again when the Telugu-language track won BEST ORIGINAL SONG, becoming the first song from an Indian film to win in the category. (Indian composer A.R. Rahman previously won in 2009 for “Jai Ho,” though Slumdog Millionaire was a U.K. production.)
“I grew up listening to the Carpenters, and now here I am with the Oscars,” composer M.M. Keeravaani said onstage, before breaking into his own rendition of the band’s song, “Top of the World”: “There was only one wish on my mind, so was Rajamouli’s and my family’s. ‘RRR’ has to win, pride of every Indian, and must put me on the top of the world.”
‘RRR’ has also received an ‘Naatu Naatu,’ two Golden Globe nominations and one win (nominated for Best Non-English Language Film and winning Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu”), five Critics Choice Awards nominations and two wins (nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Visual Effects, and winning Best Original Song and Best Foreign Language Film), been named Best Music/Score and runner-up for Best Director by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, been named a top 10 film by the National Board of Review, and won over 23 regional/online critics association awards out of dozens of nominations.
Watch the ‘Naatu Naatu’ performance on Oscar Night.
Video 1
youtu.be/dx9_85YED6kDOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
WINNER
THE ELEPHANT WHISPERERS
Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga
The Elephant Whisperers. (Credit : sikhyaentertainment.com) An indigenous couple in South India, Bomman and Bellie, fall in love with Raghu, an orphaned elephant given into their care, and tirelessly work to ensure his recovery and survival. ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ portrays the dignity of both the magnificent elephants and the indigenous people who have lived with them and cared for them for centuries. Filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves points out that she wanted to get the audience to stop seeing animals as “the other” and start to see them as one of us. “In this time, there are so many stories of animals being killed and species dying out — and this is a positive story that highlights the beauty of man and animal working together. I believe coexistence is the way we need to move forward into the future, only with mutual respect and cooperation can we save the planet,” in an interview with the AMPAS publication.
“In my eyes, I feel that human empathy transcends diversity and connects us all in our environmental cause. I also seek to give a platform to women and indigenous tribes, especially those working to conserve the planet and bringing new perspectives and a deeper public understanding to the environmental and humanitarian issues. I believe that strong imagery has the unique power of changing minds. Storytelling is bringing stories that inspire, raise awareness and ultimately effect change,” she continued.
Producer Monga adds that the film introduced her to an indigenous community that is fiercely protective of their work and derives great purpose, dignity, and community from what they do. They have made her reflect on one of the deep questions the film asks which is, “How much is enough?” There’s a beautiful line in the film where they say, “We take only what we need from the jungle and it is enough for all of us.” That really resonated with her.
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INDIA’S ONLY ALL-FEMALE NEWS NETWORK ENCOURAGES CHANGE
‘Writing with Fire,’ poster (Credit : pbs.org.) By Mabel Pais
In a male-dominated media landscape, the women journalists of India’s all-women-run Khabar Lahariya (“News Wave”) newspaper risk it all, including their own safety, to cover the country’s political, social, and local news from a women-powered perspective. Founded in 2002, Khabar Lahariya is an entirely digital organization doing on-the-ground reporting in India’s small towns and villages. They believe in the power of technology to tell stories that matter. From underground network to independent media empire — now with 10 million views on their YouTube site—they defy the odds to redefine power. Watch the video – youtu.be/1iSz_rXJcoU
(VIDEO 2 here)
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Women@NJPAC focuses on India’s only all-female news network. The documentary film, ‘Writing With Fire,’ captures the bravery, tenacity and charm of a small group of rural Dalit women, considered members of a low caste, maybe outcaste. In spite of their social status and limited means, they fearlessly uncover their country’s inequities and wrongdoings.While in the United States, a changing media landscape has shuttered many print newspapers and reduced the budgets for local reporting. While local journalists strive to keep their communities informed, they must also contend with the challenges of monetizing an online media presence.
Women@NJPAC is curating the virtual panel conversation on the importance of a free press and the power of journalists to transform their communities. The panelists will also share ideas on how to effect change and chip away at systems of oppression that have shaped lives for millennia.
How to participate:
Register at njpac.tfaforms.net/145?id=a2F8X0000085Kc1UAE
You’ll receive a link to watch ‘Writing With Fire’ at home.
Join NJPAC for a virtual panel discussion at 7PM on March 20.
PROGRAM
Panelists
Anurima Bhargava
executive producer, writing with fire; founder/president, anthem of usStefanie Murray
director, center for cooperative media, montclair state universityAlejandra Sorto
campaign strategist, american civil liberties union of new jerseyModerator
Shumita Basu
broadcast journalist; host, apple news today and in conversation(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
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Weekly Horoscope – March 20, 2023 to March 26, 2023
Aries
Ganesha says, You should consider making brief trades this week. Your economic fortune is favorable, so this week you can participate in commodities and initial public offerings. Don’t allow other people use your relationships with them as pressure. It’s a terrific week to spice up your connection if it’s getting stale. You might swap tasks with your companion and make an effort to comprehend one another’s responsibilities. You need to be extremely cautious regarding your health this week. This week, you’ll pay for your recklessness. even if you only have a little uneasiness, see a physician.Taurus
Ganesha says, Overconfidence will knock you square in the head. Others are only attempting to pull you off the surface so that you slip up, therefore do not allow them publicize your achievement. This week, try not to allow your wants take precedence over your needs. This week is a wonderful time to consider growing your household business. Use this week to close the communication distance between you and your companion. You will forfeit everything important to you by traveling thus far. Happy couples will have their own corporate facades delighted in. This week, a medical problem will arise because of your erratic bedtime cycle. You’ll have uneasiness and agitation. Ensure that you are in a safe place.
Gemini
Ganesha says, you will be given the chance for which you had prayed for a prolonged time. It is advisable to resolve your judicial difficulties. Be careful not to discuss your intentions prior to being carried out. You need to discuss placing boundaries in your private situation this week. Your companion has a highly forgiving personality, so they will undoubtedly respect you. It is required to consider just particular characteristics. The climate is certain to have an impact on you this week. Be careful you just consume hot water all week.
Cancer
Ganesha says, this week is a modest bit unsettling for you, so don’t believe your instincts. Be careful to believe the graphs, statistics, and figures. Relying on viewpoints will not be a sensible choice. Be careful to persuade your companion of this whenever speaking with them. If you are solitary, you anticipate a boisterous somebody in your quiet existence. This business will alter a bunch for you, primarily for the improved. The appropriate soul will be drawn to you by your amorous aura. Consider a strenuous exercise this week. You’re likely to get hurt this week, so ensure you only perform it with professional guidance.
Leo
Ganesha says, Saturn’s good influence on your zodiac sign will undoubtedly wear off, so you should be quiet this week. Conduct no important conferences or issue any disclosures. Instead, spend this week to think through your ideas and how you will utilize your capacity to carry them out. This week, allow your bravery to lead the way and tell your loved one how you truly believe. Jupiter is in a favorable situation in your zodiac, so you may expect a favorable answer. Due to your cognitive fatigue, you’ll probably have a migraine. In the evening, take a hot bath and practice meditation. Limit your salt intake.
Virgo
Ganesha says, Your colleagues will attempt to overwork you in an effort to see if you have all it needs, but because Lord Moon has favored you this week, you will triumph. Communicate regarding your accomplishments, but it’s too early to have a party. Maintain an extra eye out for all things and all of it this week at the workplace. This week, your lover may inflict minor harm on you. You might envision oneself in a recovery area right about now since this connection is quickly turning deadly. Don’t let your lover continually make you feel bad. Those who are happy with their ideal partner should hold onto it since it is unrivaled.
Libra
Ganesha says, this week, you’ll experience a surge of successes that will allow you to provide the greatest for your loved ones, who will be grateful for your excellent parenting. A well-known person will serve as your ladder to the top. Don’t let them feel taken advantage of. Regardless despite how knowledgeable a person is, mistakes can still be committed, so think twice before acting. Your romantic life is not progressing as well as you had hoped, but you just need to be patient. Wait for the proper moment; the right person is anxiously anticipating meeting you and will soon enter your life. This week, your wellness will be OK.
Scorpio
Ganesha says, this week, you’ll need to pay attention to the patterns if you want to identify a big opportunity. Your actions this week will portray a favorable picture of your destiny. This week, you could feel a bit cut off from your spouse since you’ll have a hard time connecting with them. Be patient and eventually love will return to your life. This week, you’ll experience unease and insecurity and have a hard time putting your faith in others. Give it some time. You will feel energized and refreshed this week, so your wellness will only need a little care. Use this strength in a wise way.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says, You could believe that your efforts would go in vain as a result of the Moon’s phase. Eliminate any bad ideas from your mind. Your perspective will be obvious for today thanks to what you do this week. This week, your prior purchases will begin to pay dividends. You should participate in the stock marketplace this week. This week, your love life will require a little amount of effort, so ensure you take good care of your companion. Don’t allow transient pleasures destroy your active way of life. Being cautious today will benefit you later.
Capricorn
Ganesha says, this week, an increase in impulsivity will have unfavorable effects. Keep to the course you already mapped out and avoid deviating from it. You won’t be defeated this week, but you could lose your solid character in the process. This week don’t attempt to convince your lover to accept less. This week, avoid bringing up any contentious issues and use caution. Mercury is not working in your favor. Avoid anything that might hurt your spine or joints. This week, avoid using large loads and exercise caution.
Aquarius
Ganesha says this week is likely to bring you an unanticipated fortune. Also, you will be prepared to make some firm judgments in favor of a greater good. Don’t dwell too much on the folks you have let down. This week, engage in some lighthearted conversation. Take no significant obligations this week. Investing quality time with each other will bring back pleasant recollections of your former week, which will help you grin. Never attempt to put oneself in another person’s shoes. Ensure you accept and appreciate who you are. God sees specialness in everybody, including you.
Pisces
Ganesha says, you can count on your team members’ collaboration in spades. Ensure you finish all of your duties around the evening. since Venus will shift at that time and deliver you the desired outcomes. You’ll start to notice indications of how prolonged your connection will survive this week. Assure you recognize the appropriate indications. You’ve invested a lot in this connection, and this week your cultivated connection will advance. Recently, you’ve begun to give your bodily fitness more attention. Consider your psychological state starting this week. Maintaining excellent wellness is important.
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Birthday Horoscope- March 20 to March 26, 2023
March 20
Ganesha says you would take charge of your team and successfully accomplish a variety of difficult projects. You are about to enter a noteworthy phase that will benefit your career greatly. You would spend more on frills and comforts, but you would be completely lost when it came to investing. At social events, you would be the centre of attention. You would meet new people and develop crucial connections. Even when your health appears to be in good shape, taking preventive medicine is advised.March 21
Ganesha says although you will likely see a financial gain on a number of fronts, the uncertainty surrounding your romantic relationship is probably going to leave one blemish on your record of accomplishment. Never place more faith in others than is necessary. It will be crucial to manage your time and plan ahead. There will be plenty of enjoyable and frequent socializing, parties, and outings. Those who are eligible will get married, and those who need romance will find it. Family members may become disappointed and resentful due to your excessive work commitment.March 22
Ganesha says through the new contacts you’ll make this day great; you’ll have the chance to raise your level of living. Your professional advancement needs to be your main focus because it will produce the required results and will help you in the future. If you go out and join clubs and social activities, you’ll be quite successful socially. Some of you have long-distance pilgrimages planned. The health of your parents will be a concern, but your spouse and kids will be supportive so be calm and focus on everything that you need to manage.March 23
Ganesha says in terms of time and money, you shouldn’t be overly giving. To increase your income and standard of living, take advantage of the possibilities that present themselves. During this time, you’ll probably earn favors because your confidence and spirits will be high. Profits from investments and a new cooperation will be realized. Your standing inside the social group will get stronger. You might be shocked to learn that many influential people will support any new ideas you put out. Becoming a part of cultural events will be entertaining and educational.March 24
Ganesha says there will be a solution to any ongoing issues. You’ll receive awards and acclaim as you move into this new stage of your life. In addition to feeling more safe and content with your actions, your financial situation will also improve. You should avoid standing as a guarantee for others as it will embarrass you and lead to numerous legal issues. Legal issues will become more complicated. Few couples enter into matrimonial relationships. Religious practices and travel will make you more at peace.March 25
Ganesha says if you surround yourself with creative and knowledgeable people, financial success is assured. Spending more on luxuries and other living comforts is something you’ll do if your finances are better. All legal or property conflicts will be resolved. Through social interactions and leisure pursuits, new romances may blossom for certain people. Stress and worry are brought on by a baby’s health. Later on, you’ll experience religious emotions that will prompt you to pray for divine blessings.March 26
Ganesha says gains in the workplace are almost guaranteed, but rising costs will worry you. There will be instances when your accomplishments surpass your expectations, but for the most part, you’ll have to work really hard to get the bare minimum of outcomes. Individuals who have supported you up till now will remain by your side. Your relationship with your spouse will be really pleasant and on an even keel, but you must control yourself to avoid being overly stubborn, which will lead to uncomfortable situations at home. Romantic alliances will grow and get stronger. -
23rd March; Third attempt to kill Labh Singh Dhadda also aborts
1931 Bhagat Singh Shaheed was hanged to death in the Lahore central jail along with Shivram Rajguru and Sukhdeo. Shaheed BHAGAT SINGH: was one of the leader Sikh revolutionaries of the early 20th century who earned the fame of causing explosion in the Legislative Assembly in Delhi and of committing daring acts of killing British Police Officers. He and his associates were hanged on March 23rd of 1931. Their bodies were secretly cremated on the bank of the Satluj river near Ferozpur. The associated secrecy was to avoid public outcry and any subsequent outburst of violence.
1985 Sikh Women’s Seminar was held in Toronto. The seminar’s primary objective was to bring the Sikh women together, whereby they could discuss various issues facing the community. There was a need for such a forum where Sikh women could assemble, delibrate, and contribute toward the development of programs for the Sikh youth. The following papers were presented at the seminar: A Potrait of South Asian Canadian Women; Role of Women in Sikh Society; What is Leadership; Role of Sikh Women in Canadian Society; Role of Women in Sikh Leadership; and Participation of Sikh Women in Community Life.
Shaheed Diwas
Shaheed Diwas, also known as Martyrs’ Day falls on March 23. The day honors the valor and commitment of those who sacrificed their lives for the country. On this day, freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar were hanged to death by the British rulers. The Indian Panorama salutes the trio of India’s freedom fighters.
23rd March will remain forever etched in our memory since, on this day in 1931, three brave leaders, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, were hanged by the Britishers. The day March is celebrated as Shaheed Diwas to commemorate the contributions of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar to India’s independence.
The three brave leaders were hanged till death in Lahore for assassinating John Saunders in 1928 when they mistook him for James Scott, a British Police Superintendent. They took this step as an act of revenge against James Scott for ordering a lathi charge that caused Lala Lajpat Rai’s death. Indians will observe the 91st death anniversary of the three brave freedom fighters on 23rd March 2022.Bhagat Singh
Born: 27th Sept. 1907, Punjab.
Hanged on 23rd March 1931.
As a freedom fighter, he was considered to be one of the most famous revolutionaries of Indian Independence movement. For this reason, he is often referred to as Martyr Bhagat Singh. At such a young age, if anyone was smiling just before being hanged to death, it was Martyr Bhagat Singh. His uncle, Sardar Ajit Singh as well as his father, were both great freedom fighters, so Bhagat Singh grew up in a patriotic atmosphere.
At an early age, Bhagat Singh started dreaming of uprooting the British Empire. Never afraid of fighting during his childhood, he thought of ‘growing guns in the fields’, so that he could fight the British. The Ghadar Movement left a deep imprint on his mind. Kartar Singh Sarabha, hanged at the age of 19, became his hero. The massacre at Jallianwala Bagh on 13th April, 1919 drove him to Amritsar, where he kissed the earth sanctified by the martyrs’ blood and brought back home a little of the soaked soil. At the age of 16, he used to wonder why so many Indians could not drive away a fistful of invaders.
In search of revolutionary groups and ideas, he met Sukhdev and Rajguru. Bhagat Singh, along with the help of Chandrashekhar Azad, formed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA). The aim of this Indian revolutionary movement was now defined as not only to make Bharat independent, but also to create a socialist Bharat.
A brutal attack by the police on veteran freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai at an anti-British procession caused his death on 17th November 1928, in Lahore. Bhagat Singh was determined to avenge Lajpat Rai’s death by shooting the British official responsible for the killing, Deputy Inspector General Scott. However he shot down Assistant Superintendent Saunders instead, mistaking him for Scott. Then he made a dramatic escape from Lahore to Calcutta and from there to Agra, where he established a bomb factory.The British Government responded to the act by imposing severe measures like the Trades Disputes Bill. It was to protest against the passing of the Bill that he threw bombs in the Central Assembly Hall (now our Loksabha) while the Assembly was in session. The bombs did not hurt anyone, but the noise they made was loud enough to wake up an enslaved Nation from a long sleep.
After throwing the bombs, Bhagat Singh and his friend deliberately courted arrest by refusing to run away from the scene. During his trial, Bhagat Singh refused to employ any defense counsel.
Despite great popular pressure and numerous appeals by political leaders of Bharat, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were accorded the death sentence and hanged in the early hours of 23rd March 1931. Their bodies were cremated on the bank of the Sutlej in Ferozepur. Bhagat Singh was just 23 years old at that time. Old timers say that in many places, not a single hearth fire burned that day.
The last paragraph of the leaflet that he distributed (and wrote) in the Assembly Hall said: “We are sorry that we who attach such great sanctity to human life, we who dream of a very glorious future when man will be enjoying perfect peace and full liberty, have been forced to shed human blood. But sacrifice of individuals at the altar of the Revolution will bring freedom to all, rendering exploitation of man by man impossible. Inquilab Zindabad (Long live the Revolution).”
Sukhdev Thapar
Born: 15th May 1907, Punjab
He was an active member of the HSRA, being one of its senior most leaders. He is known to have started study circles at the National College (Lahore), in order to delve into Bharat’s past as well as to scrutinize the finer aspects of the world’s revolutionary literature. Along with Bhagat Singh and others he started the ‘Naujawan Bharat Sabha’ at Lahore. The main aims of this organization were to activate the youth for the freedom struggle, inculcate a rational scientific attitude, fight communalism and end the practice of untouchability.
His letter to Mahatma Gandhi written just prior to his hanging, protesting against the latter’s disapproval of revolutionary tactics, throws light on the disparities between the two major schools of thought among Indian freedom fighters at that time.
Shivram Rajguru
Born: 1908, Pune
He was born in an average middle-class Hindu Brahmin family at Khed in Pune District in 1908. He came to Varanasi at a very early age where he learnt Sanskrit and read the Hindu religious scriptures. He had a great admiration for Shivaji and his guerrilla tactics.
At Varanasi, he came in contact with revolutionaries. He joined the movement and became an active member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA). Rajguru had a fearless spirit and indomitable courage. The only object of his adoration and worship was his motherland, for whose liberation, he considered no sacrifice too great. He was a close associate of Chandrashekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh and his field of activity was UP and Punjab, with Kanpur, Agra and Lahore as his headquarters.
Rajguru was a good shot and was regarded as the gunman of the party. He took part in various activities of the revolutionary movement, the most important being Saunder’s murder. Chandrashekhar Azad, Shivram Rajguru, Bhagat Singh and Jai Gopal were deputed for the job. On 17th December 1928, while Saunders came out of his office and started his motor-cycle, he was shot dead in front of the police headquarters at Lahore by Rajguru. -
Indian men’s hockey team climb to No. 4 in world rankings
New Delhi (TIP)- The Indian men’s hockey team jumped two places to fourth in the latest FIH rankings on the back of its rare back-back-wins against world champions Germany and Australia in the Pro League matches in Rourkela. Significantly, India moved ahead of hockey powerhouse Australia, who dropped one place to fifth.
Germany, who were on top spot after winning World Cup title in Odisha in January, also slipped two places to third spot after losing back-to-back matches to India.
India won all their four matches—two each against Germany and Australia—in their FIH Pro League matches played at the Birsa Munda Stadium, the world’s largest all-seater venue.
This is less than two months after India made a shocking last 16 exit in the World Cup held here and in Bhubaneswar in January.
India won both the double-legged matches against Germany 3-2 and 6-3 while they beat Australia 5-4 and 4-3 in penalty shootout (after 2-2 in regulation time) in the first and second games. Not only the all-win performance took India to the top of the FIH Pro League points table, the side led by Harmanpreet Singh jumped two places from earlier sixth to fourth in the latest FIH rankings.
The Netherlands, who won bronze in the World Cup, are at the top spot while runners-up Belgium occupy the second place in the latest rankings.
“These things (world ranking) don’t matter to us so much. We don’t keep this in mind when we play. Our only priority was to convert our chances and keep the pressure on the opponent,” India captain Harmanpreet Singh said.
“Some of the youngsters who got an opportunity to show their talent also stood up to the occasion and did very well for themselves as well as the team,” said Harmanpreet, who is currently the leading goal-scorer in the ongoing FIH Pro League with 11 goals, ahead of Belgium’s Alexander Hendrickx (six goals). Source: PTI -
WPL: All-round show by Ashleigh Gardner in Gujarat Giants win
Gujarat Giants players celebrate the wicket of Delhi Capitals player Marizanne Kapp during 2023 WPL match between Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals in Mumbai, on Thursday, March 16, 2023. PTI
Mumbai (TIP)- Ashleigh Gardner justified her top billing among the overseas recruits with a superb all-round performance that ensured a hard-fought 11-run victory over Delhi Capitals in a Women’s Premier League match, here on Thursday, March 16.
After setting a below-par target of 148 for Delhi Capitals to win, Gujarat fought back well with an inspired show with the ball and in the field to bowl the second-placed team out for 136 in 18.4 overs here on a breezy night at the Brabourne Stadium.
Gardner first scored 51 off 33 balls with the bat and then took 2/19 in 3.4 overs under pressure to ease the road to victory for Giants, who have now leapfrogged RCB once again to stay fourth in five-team table. While DC’s points tally remains 8 from 6 games, GG now have 4 points from six games.
The victory also ensured that Giants remained in contention for a place in the play-offs.
Arundhati Reddy (25) and Shikha Pandey (8 not out) kept Delhi’s hopes alive till late in the game with their 35-run ninth-wicket stand, but Gujarat managed to pull off a favourable result with Kim Garth (4-0-18-2) and Gardner producing impressive spells.
Reddy and Pandey got together when Delhi were exactly 48 runs away from win with more than five overs left and batted sensibly without any element of risk but Garth eventually ended their association. Reddy, who struck four fours in her 17-ball 25, played one shot too many as she was caught at cover when Delhi needed another 13 to win and Gardner took the final wicket of Yadav to seal the game.
Delhi made a shaky start losing dashing batter Shafali Verma (8) and Meg Lanning (18) inside the Powerplay, and also Alice Capsey, who was run out after a promising 11-ball 22 with two fours and as many sixes. While Shafali was cleaned up by left-arm spinner Tanuja Kanwar, Lanning was guilty of playing across the line and was pinned leg-before the wickets off Gujarat Giants captain Sneh Rana.
Capsey was the victim of a poor call for a single with Jemimah Rodrigues when there was none, as she was run out even before she could put her bat down on the ground to drag it in.
Earlier in the first half of the contest, half-centuries from Beth Mooney’s replacement Laura Wolvaardt (57) and Gardner (51 not out) took Gujarat Giants to a total of 147/4 in their 20 overs, after they had crawled to an ordinary 53/2 halfway through.
Source: PTI -
Seattle Seahawks secure backup plan, re-sign Drew Lock for 1 year in $4 million deal
The Seattle Seahawks have made another move to solidify their quarterback roster, agreeing to re-sign Drew Lock to a one-year deal. This news was reported by NFL Media, which stated that Lock’s new contract would be worth $4 million in 2022, with incentives that could raise it to $7.5 million for next season.
General manager John Schneider later confirmed the news on his Seattle radio show, stating that the team is excited to have Lock back as their backup quarterback. “We have a lot of confidence in Drew’s abilities, and we believe he has a bright future ahead of him,” Schneider said.
Lock was acquired from the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster trade involving Seahawks all-time passing leader, Russell Wilson. Last summer, he battled veteran Geno Smith for Seattle’s top QB spot, but Smith won the job and took every snap at the position. Lock’s only action with the Seahawks on the field was during the preseason, where he went 24 of 39 for 273 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
A second-round pick in 2019 out of Missouri, Lock showed promise by going 4-1 in five rookie starts for Denver, throwing seven touchdown passes while getting intercepted just three times. However, he lost 12 of his 16 starts over the following two seasons as his play was marked by inconsistency. He threw 15 passes picks in 2020, tied with Carson Wentz for most in the league.
Despite Lock’s struggles, the Seahawks believe that he has the potential to become a top quarterback in the league. With veteran Geno Smith returning on a three-year, $75 million deal after his surprising Pro Bowl campaign in 2022, Lock will continue to develop his skills as Seattle’s backup QB.
Barcelona can virtually clinch Liga title in decisive Clasico
Xavi Hernandez and his Barcelona side can take a decisive step towards winning La Liga on Sunday — where a Clasico victory over Real Madrid would send them 12 points clear of the champions.
The Catalans have not won the Spanish title since Ernesto Valverde was at the helm in 2019 and expanding the gap on their bitter rivals in second would virtually clinch it. Madrid won the first La Liga Clasico 3-1 in October but Xavi’s side have vastly improved since then.
The coach is desperate to win the league title to validate the team’s growth, while for the club it would represent a swift return on their outlay last summer.
Despite their financial crisis, Barcelona signed Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha and other players by selling off future television rights in a move some blasted for gambling with the club’s future. Champions League group-stage elimination, followed by a Europa League knock-out by Manchester United, confirmed Barcelona still have a long way to go, but they have made significant progress.
Beating Real Madrid 3-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final in January in Saudi Arabia earned Xavi his first trophy as coach, and the performance was dominant. By contrast, when the teams met earlier March in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, Madrid had the better of the game, but Barcelona still scraped a 1-0 win. -
Kodaikanal: The princess of hill stations
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. A Lakeside resort town of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has a beautiful climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs and waterfall that come together to create the ideal setting for a perfect getaway. Kodaikanal means ‘the gift of the forests’. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is real. Kodaikanal is a place you can go to take a break from the rigours of daily city life, and this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature as you head out on biking or trekking trails or take a stroll through the vast forests surrounding the town.
Green Valley View
Formerly known as Suicide point, the Green Valley View offers a breathtaking view of the plains, deep valleys and hills. The mesmerizing view of the Vaigai Dam is an unforgettable experience. It used to be known as suicide point because of the dangerous valley which is dense and deep; below the point of more than 5000 feet drop.
Located at a distance of 5.5 km from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Green Valley View not just offers a gorgeous view, but is also surrounded by a lot of monkeys. On the way to the point, there are several shops which offer homemade chocolates, ornaments and a wide range of flowers.
Kodai Lake
Kodaikanal Lake is a manmade lake in the Kodaikanal city which is also known as Kodai Lake. Vera Levinge was the man responsible for the creativity and resources of this lake amidst Kodaikanal town. The star-shaped lake is centrally located in Kodaikanal and is surrounded by the rich green Palani Hills Range the main watershed for the lake. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and has an average depth of 3.0m. The lake is at a distance of 3 km from the Kodai Bus stand.
Bear Shola Falls
Located at a mere distance of 2 kilometres from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Bear Shola Falls is a popular picnic spot in the region. This cascade is a seasonal attraction that comes to life in its fullest during the monsoons. An interesting legend behind the unique name of this place is that it was a favourite haunt of a bear who used to frequent this water body to drink water, hence imparting it the name Bear Shola Falls. Wrapped with dense forests coupled with the chirping of birds, Bear Shola Falls is a little heaven. Also, the forest area of the Western Ghats situated near the falls is a biodiversity hotspot where you can have a rendezvous with animals like monkeys and deer in the wild. The terrain around the Bear Shola Falls is slanting and uninterrupted by commercialisation, which makes it the perfect destination to go on a trekking adventure. As you approach the falls, you will encounter the hill path where you can reach by means of a motored vehicle. From there on, a concrete path leads the way to a short trek of around a kilometre which runs deep in the woods.
Dolphin’s Nose
The Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint in Kodaikanal is based on a flat, protruding piece of rock that is shaped like a dolphin’s nose. This forms a visible cliff at the height of 6,600 feet, where you can experience Kodaikanal at its best – plunging valleys, rugged terrain, clear skies, and the splendor of green.
Reaching this spot requires a moderate level 3 km long trek through the pines and rocks of the Palani Hill Range. It is possible to explore a nearby waterfall and a local village along the way.
Pillar Rocks
Situated in the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, Kodaikanal, the Pillar Rocks have become a lovely picnic spot. Constituting a beautiful mini garden; the place is named so as it has three vertically positioned boulders reaching up to a height of 400 feet. The aura here is full of affection and is evidence of a great love story. The ‘white cross’ which once existed on these rocks represented David Gell’s excellent tribute to love. The view of rocks is not something to be missed. They stand as an untouched miracle for the tourists visiting Kodaikanal. The pillars are famous for providing bird’s view of nearby surroundings. The chambers between these two massive rocks are called the Devil’s Kitchen. Fewer times you might find rocks covered with mist and clouds, but when the ways become clear nothing beautiful than this could be ever seen. Jutting straight away from the hills that surround them, the pillar rocks are majestic. You can come here, sit and relax as you soothe your eyes over the high hill ranges and clear skies. Moreover, do not forget taste the potato and onion bhaji which is served outside the mini garden.
Thalaiyar Falls
Also known as Rat Tail Falls, Thalaiyar Falls is located in the lush green slopes of Palani Hill ranges in the Dindigul District, in Kodaikanal. With a height of 297m, it is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest waterfall in India. There is a view tower in the park at the Dum Dum Rock, from where you can get a beautiful view of the falls and the Manjalar Dam. There is a hiking route near the waterfall.
The river water coming to the falls is from Perumal Malai village, through a 9 km downstream and is said to be clear. On the contrary, it may be polluted, and hence, visitors to the area are advised to avoid drinking it.
On a bright day, the falls is visible from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road; where it appears like a white long and narrow strip of water on a background of the black rock cliff face. According to legends, Lord Muruga used to visit this rock on his way to the Palani Hills.Source: Holidify
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Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasant Navratri, is a Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March–April) every year. It is a nine-day festival that honors the nine forms of Goddess Durga or Shakti. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. During this festival, devotees fast, pray and perform traditional rituals. The nine days of the festival are dedicated to nine different forms of the Goddess and each day is devoted to worshipping a different form. On the ninth day, the Goddess is worshipped in her full form. Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with much enthusiasm across India and is a joyous occasion for Hindus.
Origin of Vasant Navaratri
In days long gone by, King Dhruvasindu was killed by a lion when he went out hunting. Preparations were made to crown the prince Sudarsana.
But, King Yudhajit of Ujjain, the father of Queen Lilavati, and King Virasena of Kalinga, the father of Queen Manorama, were each desirous of securing the Kosala throne for their respective grandsons. They fought with each other. King Virasena was killed in the battle. Manorama fled to the forest with Prince Sudarsana and a eunuch. They took refuge in the hermitage of Rishi Bharadwaja.
The victor, King Yudhajit, thereupon crowned his grandson, Satrujit, at Ayodhya, the capital of Kosala. He then went out in search of Manorama and her son. The Rishi said that he would not give up those who had sought protection under him. Yudhajit became furious. He wanted to attack the Rishi. But, his minister told him about the truth of the Rishi’s statement.
Yudhajit returned to his capital
Fortune smiled on Prince Sudarsana. A hermit’s son came one day and called the eunuch by his Sanskrit name Kleeba. The prince caught the first syllable Kli and began to pronounce it as Kleem. This syllable happened to be a powerful, sacred Mantra. It is the Bija Akshara (root syllable) of the Divine Mother.
The Prince obtained peace of mind and the Grace of the Divine Mother by the repeated utterance of this syllable. Devi appeared to him, blessed him and granted him divine weapons and an inexhaustible quiver.
The emissaries of the king of Benares or Varanasi passed through the Ashram of the Rishi and, when they saw the noble prince Sudarsana, they recommended him to Princess Sashikala, the daughter of the king of Benares.
The ceremony at which the princess was to choose her spouse was arranged. Sashikala at once chose Sudarsana. They were duly wedded. King Yudhajit, who had been present at the function, began to fight with the king of Benares. Devi helped Sudarsana and his father-in-law. Yudhajit mocked Her, upon which Devi promptly reduced Yudhajit and his army to ashes.
Thus Sudarsana, with his wife and his father-in-law, praised Devi. She was highly pleased and ordered them to perform Her worship with havan and other means during the Vasanta Navaratri. Then She disappeared.
Prince Sudarsana and Sashikala returned to the Ashram of Rishi Bharadwaja. The great Rishi blessed them and crowned Sudarsana as the king of Kosala. Sudarsana and Sashikala and the king of Benares implicitly carried out the commands of the Divine Mother and performed worship in a splendid manner during the Vasanta Navaratri.
Sudarsana’s descendants, namely, Sri Rama and Lakshmana, also performed worship of Devi during the Vasanta Navaratri and were blessed with Her assistance in the recovery of Sita.
Why Celebrate Vasanta Navaratri
It is the duty of the devout Hindus to worship the Devi (Mother Goddess) for both material and spiritual welfare during the Vasanta Navaratri and follow the noble example set by Sudarsana and Sri Rama. He cannot achieve anything without the Divine Mother’s blessings. So, sing Her praise and repeat Her Mantra and Name. Meditate on Her form. Pray and obtain Her eternal Grace and blessings. May the Divine Mother bless you with all divine wealth!”
Significance
During Navaratri, we invoke the energy aspect of God in the form of the universal mother, commonly referred to as “Durga,” which literally means the remover of miseries of life. She is also referred to as “Devi” (goddess) or “Shakti” (energy or power).
It is this energy, which helps God to proceed with the work of creation, preservation and destruction. In other words, you can say that God is motionless, absolutely changeless, and the Divine Mother Durga, does everything. Truly speaking, our worship of Shakti re-confirms the scientific theory that energy is imperishable. It cannot be created or destroyed. It is always there.
Why Worship the Mother Goddess
We think this energy is only a form of the Divine Mother, who is the mother of all, and all of us are her children. “Why mother; why not father?”, you may ask. Let me just say that we believe that God’s glory, his cosmic energy, his greatness and supremacy can best be depicted as the motherhood aspect of God. Just as a child finds all these qualities in his or her mother, similarly, all of us look upon God as mother. In fact, Hinduism is the only religion in the world, which gives so much importance to the mother aspect of God because we believe that mother is the creative aspect of the absolute.
Nine Nights & Days
Navaratri is divided into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the supreme goddess. On the first three days, the Mother is invoked as powerful force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the mother as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order have all-round success in life, we need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence, the worship for nine nights. -
US tells China’s ByteDance to sell TikTok or get ready for a ban
New york (TIP)- The fight between the U.S. and China over TikTok reached an inflection point on Wednesday when the Biden administration demanded that ByteDance, the social media app’s Chinese owners, sell off its stakes in the app or get ready for a possible ban. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., or CFIUS, told TikTok that ByteDance must divest its ownership of the company, the Wall Street Journal reported. U.S. officials have been concerned about Americans’ data on TikTok for years, particularly in relation to China’s national security laws, which forces companies to turn over data if the government requests it. It’s the first time the Biden administration has threatened to ban TikTok, echoing the position of former President Donald Trump.
TikTok, meanwhile, told the Wall Street Journal that forcing Chinese owners to sell their stakes in the company wouldn’t eliminate national security concerns and maintained that its $1.5 billion plan to safeguard U.S. data via an agreement with Oracle was the best solution. Under TikTok’s plan, called “Project Texas,” all data on American users would be stored in the U.S. TikTok’s traffic is currently routed through Oracle’s servers, the social media app states, and in the future, Oracle engineers will be able to inspect TikTok’s source code.
The company said it was disappointed in CFIUS’ decision.
“If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn’t solve the problem: a change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access,” TikTok spokeswoman Brooke Oberwetter told the Journal in a statement. “The best way to address concerns about national security is with the transparent, U.S.-based protection of U.S. user data and systems, with robust third-party monitoring, vetting, and verification, which we are already implementing.” The Journal states that 60% of ByteDance is owned by global investors, 20% by employees, and 20% by its founders.Source: Gizmodo
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Asian markets take breather from banking turmoil, capping tumultuous week
SYDNEY (TIP)- Asian markets extended a risk rally on Wall Street on Friday to end a tumultuous week that saw a brewing banking crisis send bond yields plunging while market participants sharply lowered expectations of future interest rate hikes in Western economies. Overnight, the European Central Bank (ECB) delivered an inflation-fighting 50 basis point rate hike in line with oft-repeated guidance, with sentiment buttressed by the Swiss National Bank’s massive support for Credit Suisse Group AG, which sent the troubled lender’s shares 20% higher.
Further helping sentiment, as many as 11 U.S. banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co will deposit as much as $30 billion into First Republic Bank. Investors welcomed the move by sending the stricken lender’s stock 10% higher.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.9% on Friday, erasing earlier losses this week. Japan’s Nikkei climbed 0.5%. China’s bluechips increased 0.8% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index surged 1.2%. S&P 500 futures eased 0.1% and Nasdaq futures were flat after major U.S. stock indices rallied hard on easing fear of a global banking crisis. Meanwhile, global central bankers on Thursday introduced what market watchers interpreted as an emerging effort to firewall the rate increases needed to fight inflation from separate efforts to calm concern about financial stability. “The ECB is trying to draw clear lines between its inflation fight and its job of maintaining financial stability. This is a theme other central banks are likely to echo,” said James Rossiter, head of global macro strategy at TD Securities.
“It is rare that financial turmoil emerges in such a high-inflation environment, and while tighter financial conditions come at a convenient time for inflation-fighting central banks, they are unlikely to believe that tighter financial conditions alone will be enough to return inflation to target.” After hiking as indicated, the ECB refrained from providing a forward guidance on future rate hikes. Euribor futures have fully priced in a quarter-point hike to 3.25% at the ECB’s next policy meeting and the possibility of another.
Markets are also back to overwhelmingly pricing in another 25 basis point hike from the U.S. Federal Reserve at its meeting next week, though there is a 20% chance of the Fed pausing instead. Two-year Treasury yields continued to climb on Friday, rising 8 basis points to 4.2137% and pulling away from a six-month low of 3.7200% touched earlier this week. Yields were, however, headed for the steepest weekly decline since February 2020 when markets were thrown into chaos by COVID-19 fear. Ten-year yields were steady at 3.5789% on Friday and were set for a weekly decline of 11 basis points.
The U.S. dollar and Japanese yen reversed some of their safe-harbour flows. The dollar index hovered at 104.38, after easing 0.3% overnight, while the yen pulled back from a one-month high to 133.47 per dollar. The euro steadied at $1.0615, after having received a boost from the ECB’s half-point hike overnight. Source: Reuters