Transparent & fair probe a must to refute vendetta charge
The arrest of Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia by the CBI in connection with alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped excise policy is a major setback for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which showcased corruption-free governance among its main planks to record thumping poll victories in Delhi and Punjab in recent years. The development has worsened the conflict between the state government and the BJP-ruled Centre, with the former accusing the latter of misusing Central agencies for political vendetta.
The contentious Delhi Excise Policy was scrapped in July last year after the Lieutenant Governor recommended a CBI inquiry into the allegations. Officials are accused of receiving kickbacks from liquor traders to grant licenses, extending undue favors to the licensees, waiving/reducing license fee and renewing L-1 license without due approval. It is apparent that the policy was withdrawn due to some anomalies in its execution; AAP needs to do the answering about what had gone wrong. Meanwhile, the onus is on the CBI to come up with irrefutable evidence to establish that Sisodia was directly or indirectly involved in any wrongdoing and whether the money trail leads to him. If any inconsistency or lacuna is detected in the case against the Deputy CM, it will lend credence to AAP’s allegation that he is being victimized.
At stake here is the credibility of the CBI as well as of the AAP government, particularly Sisodia, who has been entrusted with 18 of the 33 state departments by CM Arvind Kejriwal. Central probe agencies have repeatedly been accused of targeting ministers in Opposition-ruled states and turning a blind eye to irregularities in states where the BJP is in power. The CBI needs to allay apprehensions over its ‘pick-and-choose’ approach by bringing details of the excise policy case into the public domain and looking into the L-G’s role as well. A transparent and fair probe is a must to serve the interests of truth and justice; otherwise, the growing perception of vindictiveness will undermine the Centre’s credentials and offer a lifeline to AAP and the beleaguered Opposition a year ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
SC warns against making India a prisoner of its past
Reaffirming India’s secular ethos, the Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking the formation of a commission to restore ‘original’ names of historical places ‘renamed by barbaric foreign invaders.’ Pulling up the overzealous petitioner, the Bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna has acknowledged that we cannot wish away the fact that our country was invaded repeatedly and also ruled by a foreign power. The court’s assertion, ‘India cannot be a prisoner of its past’ should suffice to dissuade bigots from making demands to rename — or re-rename — cities, roads, monuments etc.
The court has sharply observed that selective revisiting of the past is aimed at singling out a particular community. The words of Justice Joseph — ‘I am a Christian but still very fond of Hinduism, which is a great religion and should not be belittled’ — underscore the values of tolerance, diversity and inclusivity that have shaped our nation. Any attempt to create disharmony by raking up the past should be unequivocally condemned not only by the judiciary but also by the political leadership. Unfortunately, the latter has no qualms about pursuing a British-style divide-and-rule agenda.
Over the past six months, the BJP-led Union Government has renamed a couple of iconic attractions in the Capital — Rajpath is now known as Kartavya Path and Mughal Gardens have become Amrit Udyan. These changes have been portrayed as necessary initiatives for making India shed the vestiges of its British and Mughal past.
Such renaming, however, is not a new phenomenon. When the Congress was in power at the Centre, Connaught Place and Connaught Circus had been rechristened as Rajiv Chowk and Indira Chowk, respectively. ‘Our government, our nomenclature’ is a motto followed by ruling parties of all hues.
India has a long, rich history of assimilation. The dream of building a New India, envisaged as a communalism-free and casteism-free nation, will remain a dream as long as divisive attempts are made to rewrite/erase chapters of our history. A country that is fast emerging as a global leader cannot afford to let an unhealthy preoccupation with the past cast a shadow on its promising future.
(Tribune, India)
Supreme Court of India says in a landmark judgement
NEW DELHI (TIP): In a historic judgement, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on March 2 directed that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) will be appointed by the President on the advice tendered by a committee of Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha or the leader of the single largest party in opposition and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
The court said “fierce independence, neutrality and honesty” envisaged in the institution of the Election Commission of India (ECI) requires an end to government monopoly and “exclusive control” over appointments to the highest poll body.
The court said the high-powered committee would continue to advise the President on the appointment until the Parliament enacts a law on the appointment process of Election Commissioners. Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners have so far been appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The judgment came on petitions filed through advocates Prashant Bhushan, Kaleeswaram Raj, Ashwini Upadhyay and senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan for an accountable and transparent appointment process. The judgment has now brought the appointment process of Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners on par with that of the CBI Director.
Justice K.M. Joseph, who authored the unanimous judgment for the five-member Bench, said what the Election Commission of India requires are “honest, independent” commissioners who could distinguish right from wrong, those who can “ordinarily and unrelentingly take on the high and mighty and persevere in the righteous path”.
In a concurring opinion, Justice Ajay Rastogi added that the procedural safeguards in place for effecting the removal of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) should be extended to the Election Commissioners under the first proviso to Article 324(5) of the Constitution. A CEC, like Supreme Court judges, can be removed from office only by way of a parliamentary process. However, no such protection of tenure is available to the Election Commissioners. In his judgment, Justice Joseph said the fate of political parties and democracy rests in the hands of the Election Commission and “the buck stops at the table of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners”. In a substantive democracy, the power to vote is “more potent than the most powerful gun”. People depend on an honest Election Commissioner, blessed with extraordinary powers, to guard the purity of the electoral process.
“The people of the country look up to the Election Commissioners… A person who is weak-kneed before the powers that be cannot be appointed as an Election Commissioner. A person who is in a state of obligation or feels indebted to the one who appointed him, fails the nation. Such a person cannot have a place in the conduct of elections which forms the foundation of democracy… An Election Commissioner should be one who holds the scale evenly in the stormiest of times by not being servile to the powerful and by coming to the rescue of the weak and the wronged. This would qualify as true independence,” Justice Joseph wrote.
The court noted that 75 years have passed since Independence, yet successive political dispensations which have come to power so far have not lifted a finger to frame a law guiding the appointments to the Election Commission. “Political parties betray a special interest in not forthcoming with a law. The reasons are not far to seek… There is a crucial link between the independence of the Election Commission and the pursuit of power by parties, their consolidation and perpetuation… An insatiable quest to continue in the saddle requires a pliable Election Commission who functions as an unfair and biased overseer of the electoral process which lies at the very heart of democracy… An Election Commissioner who obliges the powers that be, perhaps even offers an assured gateway to the acquisition of power,” Justice Joseph observed.
The court further made a “fervent appeal” to the Parliament and the Union Government to set up a permanent secretariat which draws its expenses directly from the Consolidated Fund of India and not the government.
“One of the ways the Executive can bring the Election Commission to its knees is by starving it off requisite finances much needed for its independent functioning… A vulnerable Commission, faced with the prospects of lack of funds, may kneel to the pressure of the Executive, and that would result in an insidious conquest of an otherwise defiant and independent Election Commission,” Justice Joseph said.
In his opinion, Justice Rastogi noted that the Election Commission has been a multi-member body since 1993. The CEC and the Election Commissioners have “equal participation in transacting the business of the Election Commission” which includes superintendence, direction and control of electoral rolls and conduct of elections to the Parliament, State legislatures, offices of the President and the Vice-President of India.
“It is the need of the hour and advisable to extend the protection available to the CEC under the first proviso to Article 324(5) to other Election Commissioners as well until a law is framed by the Parliament… It is desirable that the grounds of removal of the Election Commissioners shall be the same as those of the CEC and Supreme Court judges,” Justice Rastogi said.
CECs and apex court judges can be removed only by an order of the President passed after an address in each House of Parliament supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting, and presented to the President in the same session. The grounds of removal are limited to “proved misbehaviors or incapacity”. The judge noted that the conditions of service of Election Commissioners, after appointment, should not be “varied to their disadvantage”. These directions hold that the tenures of the Election Commissioners should not be disturbed in any way. The Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991 requires that the CEC and Election Commissioners must hold the post for a period of six years.
Lately, the Election Commission has seen appointments who have not been able to serve the full six-year period.
(Source: The Hindu)
NEW DELHI (TIP): U.S. Secretary of state Antony Blinken, while addressing a press conference in Delhi on Thursday, March2, said that Russia could end the Ukraine war tomorrow if it wanted. He said that only Russia and China refused to sign on to the Bali document and that at the UNGA, no G20 country voted with Russia.
Mr. Blinken said, “Every country is suffering from the impacts of the Russian War in Ukraine. We have to get food to those who are hungry and help countries become agriculturally sufficient. We also discussed at the G20 FMM that Russia must extend the Black Sea grain initiative.”
He commended External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for coming out with a Chairs Summary at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, a first of its kind.
“Tomorrow we will hold a Quad FM meeting”, the U.S. diplomat said.
On his brief meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Mr. Blinken said that he urged the Russian Minister to return to negotiations for the START treaty, end the war and return to the path of peace. “I spoke briefly with Lavrov today. I urged Him to return to negotiate the Start treaty. I raised the wrongful detention of American prisoner in Russia,” he said.
When asked about the democratic backslide in India, Mr. Blinken answered that India and U.S. are two democracies and they have to hold themselves accountable to the core values of democracy. “We regularly engage with our Indian counterparts on the issue, as I did with Jaishankar today,” the U.S. Secretary of state said. Talking about the restrictions being placed on NGOs in India, he said, “When it comes to restrictions on NGOs, we raise with our Indian counterparts the necessity of allowing all NGOs to do their work without restrictions, and this comes up in our conversations regularly.”
Issuing a stern warning to China, Mr. Blinken said that if China were to assist Russia militarily or subvert sanctions imposed on Russia, it would be a serious problem and ‘there would be consequences’.
Replying to a question from The Hindu on the future of G20, he said that as long as there’s a consensus that includes all the members of the G20 minus two, the process can still go ahead, even if there is no joint communique at the leaders’ summit in September.
NEW DELHI (TIP): The Quad grouping of India, the US, Japan and Australia has decided to sharpen focus on counter-terrorism even as a joint statement avoided mentioning Russia and took no stand on the Ukraine conflict though it condemned North Korea’s ballistic missile launches, says a TNS report.
On its main remit of the Indo-Pacific maritime domain, a meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers here on Thursday, March 2, issued a joint statement that “strongly” opposes any unilateral actions to change the status quo or increase tensions in South and East China Seas. It also expressed “serious concern” at the militarization of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation activities.
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In a broadside at Pakistan, the joint statement denounced the use of terrorist proxies and committed to promote accountability for terrorist attacks including 26/11 Mumbai, “which claimed lives of citizens from all Quad countries”.
At the Raisina Dialogue shortly after their Quad meeting, Foreign Ministers S Jaishankar, Penny Wong, Anthony Blinken and Hayashi Yoshimasa were unanimous in stating that the Quad is not a military grouping. Their disclaimer came weeks before all the four will participate in their fourth successive joint naval exercise, this time off the Australian coast for the first time. A meeting of the Quad Maritime Security Working Group will also be hosted by the US this month.
The same line-up of Quad Foreign Ministers which had met last September in New York, reiterated their backing for reforms of the UN Security Council and support for the general principles of freedom, rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to threat or use of force.
It noted that terrorism has become increasingly diffuse and adapted to technologies such as drones and the internet to commit and finance terrorist acts. Discussions at the Quad Counter-Terrorism Policy Meeting and tabletop exercise in Australia has led to the establishment of the Quad Working Group on Counter-Terrorism which will hold its first meeting in the US this year.
It will have an open architecture and will also explore cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners with the purpose of countering new and emerging forms of terrorism, radicalization to violence and violent extremism. The Quad also took a step forward in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance with the first tabletop exercise held here. The next step is to finalize the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for a coordinated response mechanism.
With India and Japan acting as the brakes, the Quad did not condemn the Myanmar junta but sought an end to violence and detentions. On Ukraine, the joint statement said they “continued to discuss our responses to the conflict in Ukraine and the immense human suffering it is causing and concurred that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible”.
“We underscored the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. We emphasized that the rules-based international order must respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, transparency and peaceful resolution of disputes,” it added.
NEW DELHI (TIP): The Supreme Court on Thursday, March 2, set up a six-member expert committee headed by former SC judge Justice AM Sapre to investigate if there had been a regulatory failure in dealing with the alleged contravention of laws pertaining to the securities market in relation to the Adani Group or other companies in the wake of the Hindenburg Research report. A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud asked the committee to suggest measures to strengthen the regulatory framework and secure compliance with the existing framework for the protection of investors.
“To protect Indian investors against volatility (in the securities market) of the kind that has been witnessed in the recent past, we are of the view that it is appropriate to constitute an expert committee for the assessment of the regulatory framework and for making recommendations to strengthen it,” said the Bench, which had earlier refused to accept the names suggested by the Centre for the expert committee. Other members of the committee are former SBI chairman OP Bhatt, former Bombay High Court judge JP Devadhar, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, former chief of New Development Bank of BRICS KV Kamath and advocate Somasekhar Sundaresan, who was recently recommended for appointment as a judge of the Bombay High Court. The Bench, which included Justice PS Narasimha and Justice JB Pardiwala, asked the expert committee to submit its report in a sealed cover to it in two months. The top court also directed market regulator SEBI to investigate if there was any manipulation of stock prices in contravention of existing laws. It took note of the fact that SEBI was already investigating the allegations made in the January 24 Hindenburg Research report. On February 20, it had said it couldn’t start with the presumption of a regulatory failure.
“The above directions shall not be construed to limit the contours of the ongoing investigation. SEBI shall expeditiously conclude the investigation within two months and file a status report,” the Bench clarified.
“Further, SEBI shall apprise the expert committee of the action taken in furtherance of the directions of this court as well as steps taken in furtherance of its ongoing investigation. The constitution of the expert committee does not divest SEBI of its powers or responsibilities in continuing with its investigation into the recent volatility in the securities market,” it further clarified.
AAP government yet to find its feet on the security front
It is the police capitulation to the radical preacher that will come back to haunt the administration. I see the hand of the political leadership in this surrender to unlawful demands. There is no way the CM was kept out of the loop. It is evident that the AAP government led by Bhagwant Mann is still to find its feet on the security front. It could be its Achilles’ heel.
“The opportunity to nip the trouble in the bud having been lost, the task of the leadership, both political and police, will now be made difficult. The AAP government should seek Doval’s help. He can do so behind the proverbial curtain without announcing his role of adviser. A double-pronged approach would be required. The bulk of the population, the Jat Sikh farmers in the villages, had suffered the ravages of terrorism in the 1980s and early 1990s. They can be won over by well-reasoned arguments on multiple fora.”
By Julio Ribeiro
Described as a ‘radical preacher’, Amritpal Singh aspires to be the next Bhindranwale. That aim will not be easy to achieve. Bhindranwale was the product of political machinations gone awry. Amritpal obviously wants to exploit the current gloomy mood of Punjabi youth, caused by unemployment and the rising prices of essential commodities, and aggravated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict with its implications for global economy.
Amritpal can’t be allowed to become larger than life. He has to be contained before he assumes an aura of invincibility.
According to media reports, the police had arrested one of his associates, Lovepreet Singh ‘Toofan’, for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting Varinder Singh of Chamkaur Sahib. Amritpal had also been named in the FIR lodged at the Ajnala police station. Amritpal announced a march to the police station to demand Lovepreet’s release. Anticipating trouble, police personnel were drawn from neighboring police stations and deployed at Ajnala.
Barricades had been set up, yet a massive crowd of supporters of Amritpal and his Waris Punjab De outfit, armed with swords and a few with guns, stormed the barricades, entered the police station and caused extensive damage to government property. A hundred trained policemen, given implicit instructions on what they should do if attacked by a mob, should normally have been able to deal with the mob and disperse it. But if they had not been told clearly of the type and extent of force they could use to counter violence by the mob, the situation was destined to get out of control, and it did! I would squarely categorize the response as a failure of the police leadership and the state’s political leadership for not making its intention clear.
I would frown at armchair criticism of the police when dealing with piquant situations. On the ground, it is never easy to take quick decisions as events unravel in front of the police officer in charge on the spot. If he is a confident individual with his wits about him, the public should accept the decision, even if the results turn sour. It is the intent of the decision-maker that should matter.
Senior IPS officers turned up later, according to the reports, and held talks with Amritpal. He seemed to have convinced the Police Commissioner of Amritsar and the Ajnala SSP that Lovepreet was not the man involved in kidnapping Varinder! The senior officers agreed to release Lovepreet. This capitulation is what will trouble the police and the political leadership henceforth.
Lovepreet had been named by Varinder in his initial complaint. What the police needed to do was to check whether there actually had been a kidnapping. Who thrashed Varinder? It was reported that he had objected to Amritpal’s utterances, and, if that is true, a motive for the assault was available.
The Ajnala police would have kept their supervising officers in the loop on such an important political happening. Deputing extra forces from neighboring police stations could have been ordered only by an officer with authority over all five police stations. If reserves were deputed from the armed battalion, the order could only have been issued from the state DGP’s office. There is no way the seniors can claim that they were not in the know of the decision to arrest the men named in the FIR. It is the police capitulation to the radical preacher that will come back to haunt the administration. I see the hand of the political leadership in this surrender to unlawful demands. There is no way the CM was kept out of the loop. It is evident that the AAP government led by Bhagwant Mann is still to find its feet on the security front. It could be its Achilles’ heel.
An even worse scenario now is the possible recrudescence of terror in this sensitive border state. Our neighbor, mired in an economic morass, will try to fish in troubled waters across the border. In the 1980s, it had provided training and given shelter to Khalistani terrorists. It had also facilitated the movement of arms across the border. The neighbor will touch base with Amritpal, if it has not done so already. NSA Ajit Doval is best placed to intervene. He knows what to do, how it has got to be done and who should be entrusted with the task. Amritpal cannot be permitted to become larger than life. He has to be contained before he assumes an aura of invincibility. He has tasted victory in Ajnala. Consequently, support to him in Punjab will increase.
The Union Government may try to leverage the state government’s failure in Ajnala to gain political advantage in a state that has not welcomed the BJP. It will be a mistake to do so. The AAP was voted to power with a massive majority. Mann was propelled to the CM’s chair as the Sikh face of the AAP. The BJP has its own Sikh face in Capt Amarinder Singh, but he is a spent force. The wiser option for the Modi government is to leave this state alone lest it should burn its fingers.
An even worse option would be to play politics because Mann and his party have been pushed into a corner by a tyro who till last year was a clean-shaven Sikh living a nondescript life in Dubai. Sensing an opportunity for his latent talents, he grew a beard, started wearing clothes that imitated those of Bhindranwale and made his supporters carry Guru Granth Sahib to deter the police from acting.
The opportunity to nip the trouble in the bud having been lost, the task of the leadership, both political and police, will now be made difficult. The AAP government should seek Doval’s help. He can do so behind the proverbial curtain without announcing his role of adviser. A double-pronged approach would be required. The bulk of the population, the Jat Sikh farmers in the villages, had suffered the ravages of terrorism in the 1980s and early 1990s. They can be won over by well-reasoned arguments on multiple fora.
At the same time, as the communication lines with the masses are developed, a quick rounding up of Amritpal and his cronies should be effected. All laws the BJP governments use against their political opponents and critics should be used against this looming menace before it bites both the state government and the Centre.
(The author is a former governor and a retired IPS officer)
It is evident that both Russia and the US have done little to end the conflict in Ukraine. India has offered to join efforts to resolve the crisis amidst western concerns over an emerging Russia-China understanding on the road ahead. The US has rejected Chinese offers of mediation.
“It is evident that both Russia and the US have done little to end the conflict in Ukraine. India has offered to join efforts to resolve the conflict amidst western concerns over an emerging Russia-China understanding on the road ahead. The US has rejected Chinese offers of mediation. Moreover, Russia will not agree to any solution which involves it losing control of its vital and historical access to the sea in Crimea. There should also be restoration of peace and harmony between Russians and Ukrainians living in southern Ukraine. It would be helpful if access to the port city of Odessa remains open for use internationally.”
By G Parthasarathy
Following years of inept and confused leadership by the then President Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Union fell apart, resulting in its former constituent republics attaining full independence on December 26, 1991. An interesting aspect of this collapse was that large numbers of Russians continued living in virtually all erstwhile Soviet republics. Thousands of Russians still remain in their old homes, and the Russian language remains widely spoken in virtually every former Soviet republic.
Erstwhile Soviet republics have, however, enhanced cooperation with other neighbors. Interestingly, the predominantly Muslim ones – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan – are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Azerbaijan is a dialogue partner. Historical ties with Russia, even today, play an important role across Central Asia. Russia’s western neighbors generally see greater benefit of cooperation with prosperous countries of western Europe, ranging from France and Germany to Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Russia has no reason to object to the Soviet Union’s former European Republics (on its northern and western borders) seeking closer ties with their European neighbors, including France and Germany. Its genuine concerns arise when these neighbors enter into military alliances with the US and NATO. The principal aim of the US role in NATO is perceived as being aimed at ‘surrounding and containing’ Russia.
The recent escalation of tensions in Europe has arisen from the sudden regard and affection of US President Joe Biden for the leadership of the young and relatively inexperienced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. What has, thereby, emerged in recent years has been Ukraine’s growing security ties with the US. This has resulted in Ukraine being provided sophisticated weapons intended to give Kyiv the capabilities to challenge Russian land and maritime security interests, and pursue its own territorial ambitions on its southern shores.
The main territorial dispute between Russia and Ukraine over the Crimean Peninsula continues. Crimea has been ruled by the Russian Black Sea Fleet since 1783. It has, thus, historically been under Russian, and not Ukrainian sovereignty, for well over two centuries now. Moreover, while Russia has sought unfettered access to the port of Odessa, it has not succeeded in this effort. But, it would be sensible if Black Sea ports are used by both countries, which do ultimately share an interest in maritime trade.
This is particularly important for crucial wheat supplies from Ukraine and Russia to West Asia and Africa. Odessa has also been, for long, the most well-located port for India’s trade with both Ukraine and Russia. Any peace solution would naturally have to bear in mind the reality that under no circumstances will Russia agree to compromise its crucial national interests in Crimea. Moscow also has a natural interest in strengthening its historical access to the Black Sea port of Odessa.
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia flared up when Zelenskyy was elected President of Ukraine in 2019. Zelenskyy believed that he could assert his independence from Russia through close ties with the Biden administration. During his visit to Washington in 2021, he signed a joint declaration with President Biden; it was laced with strong anti-Russian rhetoric. The joint declaration said: “Unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including Crimea, and extending to its territorial waters in the face of Russian aggression.” This was an assurance of support to Ukraine for actions which would undermine Russia’s access to the sea in Crimea. This was accompanied by rapid transfer of sophisticated US military hardware to Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into southern Ukraine in February 2022 with the evident objective of seizing the cities of Luhansk and Donetsk by declaring them independent states. He, thereby, established Russia’s control over areas where the Russians are well positioned.
There are an estimated 7.7 million Russians in Ukraine, which has a total population of 43.3 million. The Russian population resides predominantly in six southern areas of Ukraine which control Russia’s access to the sea in Crimea. The Russian Black Sea Fleet has historically been Russia’s gateway to the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Mediterranean Sea.
The poorly planned Russian military response that followed the Biden-Zelenskyy declaration, combined with massive US and NATO arms assistance to Ukraine, has threatened the historical and only Russian access to its southern seas. Russia had expected that it would rapidly take over large tracts of Ukraine, especially in Russian-dominated parts of southern Ukraine — from Crimea to Odessa. Fierce Ukrainian resistance, bolstered by arms support from the US and its NATO allies, blocked Russia’s moves westwards. More importantly, Russian positions in southern Ukraine remain under constant attack.
Over 14 million Ukrainians have been displaced so far, with seven million now in neighboring countries. Casualties on both sides are estimated at around 3,00,000 killed or wounded. Worse still, there is substantial reason to believe the allegations, reinforced by writings of veteran American investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, that in September 2022, the Biden administration destroyed two undersea oil pipelines carrying Russian gas. This was a gross violation of the international law that requires a thorough investigation.
It is evident that both Russia and the US have done little to end the conflict in Ukraine. India has offered to join efforts to resolve the conflict amidst western concerns over an emerging Russia-China understanding on the road ahead. The US has rejected Chinese offers of mediation. Moreover, Russia will not agree to any solution which involves it losing control of its vital and historical access to the sea in Crimea. There should also be restoration of peace and harmony between Russians and Ukrainians living in southern Ukraine. It would be helpful if access to the port city of Odessa remains open for use internationally.
(The author is Chancellor, Jammu Central University & India’s former High Commissioner to Pakistan)
Sisodia’s arrest has profound national implications for the direction the Opposition will eventually pursue. After tarring the TMC and AAP with the corruption taint, it is inconceivable that the Congress could include the Opposition in its anti-corruption blitzkrieg. That’s expecting too much. The core of its 2024 blueprint has only one strategy, and that is to position Rahul as Modi’s sole adversary.
“Refusing to reconcile with the reality that its pre-eminence as the Grand Old Party might be dated by now, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge qualified his imploration to the Opposition with the caveat that the exercise would follow the UPA template with the Congress heading the coalition because it was the only party that had never done business with the BJP. It’s a fact few would dispute, but should the Congress grandstand at every opportunity on its ‘unsullied’ ideological ‘credentials’? Can parties such as the SP be labelled as BJP’s accomplices even as the subject of whether their campaigns against Hindutva were sufficiently robust should be debated? Has the Congress scored over other non-BJP entities on this marker? If the Congress’s pro-secular, pro-minority credentials were impeccable, why did Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor intervene at the AICC plenary to emphasize that his party could have been ‘more vocal’ on the release of Bilkis Bano’s rapists in Gujarat, the attacks on churches, lynchings in the name of cow vigilantism and the bulldozing of Muslim homes.”
By Radhika Ramaseshan
The ruling BJP could be sanguine in the belief that the country’s attention has been deflected from the Hindenburg-Adani row by the arrest of Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party’s backbone Manish Sisodia.
The development has profound national implications for the direction the Opposition will eventually pursue. The early indications augur well for the BJP because the arrest has reopened the fault lines running through the Congress and the regional parties, some of which it is counting on as its allies in the prelude to the 2024 General Election.
Delhi offers only seven parliamentary states. It is a quasi-state that is partially governed by the Centre, which has increasingly shrunk the space for the exercise of powers by the Arvind Kejriwal government after the BJP lost the 2015 and 2020 Assembly polls to the AAP.
Delhi is significant for the BJP because the seeds of the downfall of the Congress-helmed United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government were sown in the national capital in a long-drawn-out protest against the UPA’s ‘corruption’ and ‘misrule’; Kejriwal was then closely associated with the anti-corruption movement piloted by Anna Hazare. The India Against Corruption stir became a launch pad for Kejriwal’s political career, which was carefully camouflaged by his ‘activism’ with a moral underpinning. The Congress was the principal casualty of the protests and the BJP the eventual gainer.
The arrest of Sisodia, a founding member of the AAP, provoked strong reactions from regional forces, but invited the Congress’s endorsement. KT Rama Rao, working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), accused the BJP of “resorting to stealth politics by inciting Central agencies against Opposition parties in states where it can’t come to power (on its own).” For the BJP, BRS-ruled Telangana is analogous to Delhi. The party’s exertions have not fructified into tangible political gains. At best, the BJP can hope to unseat the Congress as the main Opposition party in Telangana, unless the ground situation dramatically changes. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav lauded Sisodia’s record in making quality education accessible to Delhi’s underprivileged children and remarked, “The BJP proved that it is not only against education, but also against the future of Delhi’s children.”
The approval by the Congress’s Delhi unit stood out all the more against the backdrop of the party’s call for forging ‘Opposition unity’ before the next Lok Sabha battle at its just-concluded plenary in Raipur. Refusing to reconcile with the reality that its pre-eminence as the Grand Old Party might be dated by now, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge qualified his imploration to the Opposition with the caveat that the exercise would follow the UPA template with the Congress heading the coalition because it was the only party that had never done business with the BJP. It’s a fact few would dispute, but should the Congress grandstand at every opportunity on its ‘unsullied’ ideological ‘credentials’? Can parties such as the SP be labelled as BJP’s accomplices even as the subject of whether their campaigns against Hindutva were sufficiently robust should be debated? Has the Congress scored over other non-BJP entities on this marker? If the Congress’s pro-secular, pro-minority credentials were impeccable, why did Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor intervene at the AICC plenary to emphasize that his party could have been ‘more vocal’ on the release of Bilkis Bano’s rapists in Gujarat, the attacks on churches, lynchings in the name of cow vigilantism and the bulldozing of Muslim homes? “If we don’t speak out in such cases, we are only surrendering our core responsibility of standing up for India’s diversity and pluralism, which should be central to the Congress’s core message,” Tharoor had stated.
More evidence followed to demonstrate that the Congress was unwilling to cede the leadership position to a leader from a prospective ally. Addressing a meeting in Shillong, Rahul Gandhi aggressively engaged with the Trinamool Congress (which fought the Meghalaya elections solo) and listed the violence in West Bengal, the Saradha scam and the alleged profligacy exhibited by the TMC in the Goa elections as proof of its ‘tradition’ and its propensity to ‘help’ the BJP and defeat the Congress. Meghalaya’s last Congress Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had crossed over to the TMC with a dozen legislators. At the same time, at a rally in Nagaland, Kharge made it amply clear that the Congress would lead the Opposition alliance that will come to power at the Centre in 2024. “The Congress will lead. We are talking with other parties. Because otherwise, democracy and the Constitution will go,” claimed the Congress president.
Secularism apart, it is apparent that the Congress has acquired a sense of proprietorship over the public articulation and projection of corruption, exemplified in the Centre’s alleged patronage to Adani and its silence on the questions raised by Rahul in Parliament. In his speech at the Raipur session, Rahul compared the Adani conglomerate with the East India Company and said, “History is being repeated.” “The Independence struggle was against the East India Company. That was also a company, the company that took away India’s wealth, infrastructure, ports….” he stressed.
After tarring the TMC and AAP with the corruption taint, it is inconceivable that the Congress could include the Opposition in its anti-corruption blitzkrieg. That’s expecting too much. The core of its 2024 blueprint has only one strategy, and that is to position Rahul as Narendra Modi’s sole adversary.
“Sitting there in the park, I felt a deep knowledge of Newark, an attachment so rooted that it could not help but branch out into affection.” – Philip Roth, ‘Goodbye Columbus,’ 1959.
“Writing is like baseball; you fail two-thirds of the time.” – Philip Roth, The New York Times, 2012.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and the state of New Jersey, in collaboration with the Newark Public Library, presents ‘PHILIP ROTH UNBOUND: ILLUMINATING A LITERARY LEGACY,’ a weekend-long festival that will celebrate, challenge and explore the life, legacy and work of novelist and Newark-native Philip Roth, on what would have been his 90th birthday weekend.
Beginning Friday, March 17, and concluding Sunday, March 19, 2023 NJPAC will host a three-day series of entertaining and engaging events, featuring over forty of the most prominent writers, actors, artists, journalists and public intellectuals working today. Designed to appeal to audiences of all backgrounds, whatever their level of familiarity with Roth’s work, the program will include star-studded readings, conversations, comedy, controversy and debate that will explore the significance and impact of Roth’s unique literary legacy, and use his writing as a springboard to explore the broader questions it raises about life in America today.
Program highlights include a fully-cast, dramatic reading of Roth’s national bestseller ‘The Plot Against America’; a preview of John Turturro and Ariel Levy’s stage adaptation of Roth’s National Book Award-winning novel ‘Sabbath’s Theater’; and a number of spirited public debates and discussions on censorship, appropriation, identity politics and more.
Participants include actors Mary-Louise Parker, S. Epatha Merkerson, Morgan Spector, John Douglas Thompson, John Turturro, Marjan Neshat, Deirdre O’Connell and Jason Kravits; novelists Ayad Akhtar, Susan Choi, Joshua Cohen, Ottessa Moshfegh and Gary Shteyngart; authors and journalists Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Lauren Michele Jackson, Ariel Levy and Claudia Roth Pierpont; playwrights Chisa Hutchinson and Richard Wesley; comedian Eddie Brill; historians Sean Wilentz and Steven Zipperstein; and more to be announced.
“Not before and not since Philip Roth (fight me!) has there been a writer who is so free at his keyboard — wild and shameless — and who has so much faith in his reader to be as smart and willing as he is,” said Taffy Brodesser-Akner, author of ‘Fleishman is in Trouble.’ “Whenever I want to read like the writer is holding me by the lapels, I always return to Roth.”
A towering voice in American letters for more than half a century, Philip Roth delighted, entertained and provoked readers with his complex and often controversial portraits of characters chafing against the constraints of expectation and convention. Throughout his career, Roth meticulously and relentlessly mined his childhood in Newark for the material that would fuel his fiction. Like many young artists, Roth left his family and his hometown to develop an identity and voice of his own. But again and again in his work he returned to Newark – a dynamic, diverse, working-class city whose cultural, political and economic crises and triumphs have in many ways tracked the greater national situation over the decades – creating indelible characters and stories as dynamic, determined and distinct as the city’s five wards.
Roth remained so devoted to Newark, in fact, that he left his entire personal library of approximately 7,000 volumes – books accumulated by him from 1950 to the present – to the Newark Public Library when he died in 2018. Along with the Newark Public Library, the festival is also sponsoring a city-wide writing contest for Newark high school students called “Your Newark Story,” inviting young authors to write about how this city shaped them. Contest winners will read their stories at the festival.
“Newark has a rich artistic history, from jazz legends Sarah Vaughan and Wayne Shorter to poet and playwright Amiri Baraka, and so many more,” said NJPAC CEO John Schreiber. “Over the last 75 years, Philip Roth was one of the most singular and challenging voices in American fiction. And while the Newark of Roth’s youth has transformed, its essential qualities remain – innovation, creativity and grit. In presenting ‘Philip Roth Unbound’ we have the opportunity to invite patrons into a unique and vibrant environment of discussion and examination, not only of a writer’s life and work, but of Newark and the nation as well.”
“From the vantage point of Roth’s 90th, I can’t think of a writer who saw our nation more clearly, whose books more vividly embody its haunted, vital, coursing energy,” added Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and novelist Ayad Akhtar. “Reading his work is still thrilling to me, its infectious intellectual static, its sublime fusion of the personal and political, and perhaps above all, the whiplash swing and staggering beauty of the American language as it flows into us from its pages. We need him more than ever.”
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
For a complete schedule of the week-end-long festival, visit njpac.org/series/philip-roth
Tour of the Philip Roth Personal Library
Visitors are invited to have an intimate look into Philip Roth’s mind as both reader and writer by taking an exclusive free audio tour of the Philip Roth Personal Library at the Newark Public Library at (prpl.npl.org/a-tour-of-philip-roths-newark). Bequeathed to the Library when Roth died in 2018, this unique collection houses the 7,000 books Roth collected over a lifetime, many of which include his handwritten notes and underlinings. Created especially for ‘Philip Roth Unbound’ and narrated by actor and star of HBO’s ‘Plot Against America,’ Morgan Spector, the tour will be made available via QR code throughout the Festival. You can also access the tour at njpac.org/event/audio-tour-the-philip-roth-personal-library
TICKETS
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit njpac.org/series/philip-roth.
NJPAC
To learn more about The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), visit NJPAC.org.
The Newark Public Library
To learn more, visit npl.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): US President Joe Biden has announced his intent to appoint two Indian Americans to his powerful Export Council which is the principal national advisory committee on international trade.
The president on Tuesday, February 28, announced a list of members he intends to appoint to the council, according to a White House press release. Punit Renjen, the former CEO of Deloitte Consulting, and Rajesh Subramaniam, CEO and president of FedEx, have their names on the list of members the President intends to appoint as members of the influential President’s Export Council.
The council will be headed by Mark Edin, chairman of Kastle Systems.
More than two dozen leaders from the corporate sector, labor, real estate, national security and law, have been tapped into the President’s Export Council. On December 31 last, Renjen retired as Deloitte Global CEO after having served in the role since June 2015. He now serves as Deloitte Global CEO Emeritus. Subramaniam, as President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Corporation, is responsible for providing strategic direction for all FedEx operating companies. Subramaniam is chair of the five-person Executive Committee, which plans and executes the corporation’s strategic business activities.
WELLINGTON (TIP): A dairy shop owner of Indian descent and his family were left traumatized after robbers stormed his shop in West Auckland to steal cigarettes and cash. Uresh Patel from Kaurilands said he was at the back of the shop when burglars entered and attacked on Monday, ripping the till from the counter and stealing cigarettes.
“Three kids came in and one jumped over the counter. Two others came from the other side and grabbed the cash register,” Patel told The NZ Herald. “I heard my wife and daughter screaming. I rushed outside and tried to catch one of them but he attacked me and got away,” he said. According to the police, two of the culprits were found and arrested in Glen Eden “without further incident”, and another was held in the store by the public.
“On top of that traumatizing event, we had to deal with the police who came half an hour later, they interrogated us like we are criminals,” Manisha, Patel’s wife, told The NZ Herald. She rued that nothing has changed ever since 34 year-old Janak Patel was stabbed to death in December 2022 by robbers in Sandringham, Auckland, where he worked.
Following Janak’s death, New Zealand erupted in protests with people turning up in huge numbers shouting “enough is enough” and holding placards reading, “change the law”, in front of then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s electoral office in Mt Albert.
Last month, Kanna Sharma’s gas station on Kaurilands Road in Auckland was ram-raided by robbers for a third time in a row.
According to New Zealand government statistics, there were close to 23 ram raids in the Northland region alone until November 20, 2022.
JALANDHAR (TIP): A US-based NRI, who was in Jalandhar to spend time with his family, faced an assault and it took the police full one month to lodge a case.
The matter was brought before the media by former BJP minister Manoranjan Kalia. On January 27, assailants chopped off 36-year-old NRI Amit’s two fingers from the left hand with a sword. He underwent surgeries but his fingers remain stiff. His elder brother Puneet, who resides in Rama Mandi, too was attacked with the sword on his back, but he escaped without any major injury.
Father of Amit and Puneet, Gurbax Puri, who, too, is a US citizen, alleged: “We had been visiting the police staff for getting a case lodged for the past one month. Every time we went to the police station, we were asked to reach a compromise or get ready to face a counter FIR. We kept showing them the CCTV as an evidence to make our point that we are not to be blamed, but no one listened to us.”
He said when he contacted Kalia, he called them to his place. “I understood the entire matter and called up ADGP NRI Affairs Parveen Sinha. He intervened in the matter and finally an FIR was lodged today,” Kalia told the media persons. Gurbax Puri said, “We have faced such a shoddy treatment at the hands of the police that we do not feel like coming back to India again.”
Narrating the January 27 incident, Puneet said, “I and Amit were going home on our Activa scooter. Just then, some car-borne people, including two men and a woman, passed abusive remarks. We asked them the reason. Instead of replying, they began attacking us with a sword. They caused me injuries on my back. My brother Amit faced more grievous injuries. We had to rush him to hospital. Since he was working as a driver in the US, we doubt if he will be able to go into the same occupation again. We still have no clue as to who those people were and why they attacked us so badly.
Rama Mandi SHO Navdeep Singh said, “It was actually a case of road rage. Now, the other side has also got an MLR done. We need to look into that as well.”
Don’t feel like coming back again
Every time we went to the police station, we were asked to reach a compromise or get ready to face a counter FIR…no one listened to us. We have faced such a shoddy treatment that we do not feel like coming back to India again, said Gurbax Puri, victim’s father.
SACRAMENTO (TIP): Indian American Shama Hakim Mesiwala created history with her confirmation as Associate Justice of the California Third District Court of Appeal to become the first South Asian and Muslim American woman on any appellate court in the US.
Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero administered the oath of office to Mesiwala after she was unanimously confirmed as an associate justice of the Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento, according to California Courts website.
The 48-year-old Democrat was confirmed on Feb 14 by the Commission on Judicial Appointments after being nominated by California Governor Gavin Newsom on Dec 23, 2022.
She was rated exceptionally well qualified, the highest rating given by the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE), according to her official bio on California Courts website.
Congratulating Mesiwala on her unanimous confirmation, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association noted she “is the first South Asian American woman and the first Muslim American woman CA state appellate court justice.
A native Californian, Mesiwala was born in Stanford in 1974 and raised in Cupertino among the fruit orchards and burgeoning technology industries of Silicon Valley. Her father immigrated from Mumbai, India in the 1960’s for educational opportunities and freedoms found only in America. She attended all public schools, graduating from UC San Diego magna cum laude in three years. She started law school at UC Davis King Hall at age 20 and graduated in 1998.
Mesiwala devoted her legal career to public service. She represented indigent criminal defendants at the Office of the Federal Public Defender in Sacramento and the Central California Appellate Program, where she argued cases before the California Supreme Court and California Courts of Appeal, according to the website.
Mesiwala then transitioned to working for the judiciary. She was a central staff attorney at the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District for one and a half years, followed by a chamber’s attorney for Justice Ronald B. Robie for 11 years.
She was appointed commissioner in 2017 and 10 months later, judge of the Sacramento County Superior Court. In her six years on the trial court, Mesiwala presided over from criminal jury trials to juvenile dependency, drug court, mental health hospital hearings, civil harassment restraining order hearings, collaborative courts, and small claims.
She created Northern California’s first Indian Child Welfare Act courtroom. And she served as the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) judge for the Hall of Justice. Mesiwala is also active in the community. She has been professor of Appellate Advocacy to over 650 students at UC Davis Law School for a decade; president of the Schwartz/Levi American Inn of Court; cofounder of the South Asian Bar Association of Sacramento and host of its annual Diversity Law Student Reception for 15 years; and member of the California Supreme Court Ethics Opinion Committee.
For her community service, Mesiwala has received the UC Davis Law School’s pro bono certificate, the Unity Bar community service award, the Women Lawyers of Sacramento Frances Newell Carr award, the King Hall Legal Foundation’s judge of the year award, and named a Sacramento Bee top 25 Asian American/Pacific Islander change maker. Mesiwala lives in Yolo County with her spouse of 20 years and their only son.
LONDON (TIP): A 10-year-old Indian-origin schoolboy and award-winning fundraiser has travelled to Poland with his parents to hand over books and other stationery products collected in the UK for Ukrainian children displaced by Russia’s invasion.
Milan Paul Kumar from Bolton in Greater Manchester, northern England, arrived in the Polish city of Krakow earlier this week ahead of the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Friday. According to local reports, Kumar and his family visited the Meeting Point integration center organized with the support of UNICEF and run by the Zustricz Foundation, among others.
“Most importantly, I have made lots of new friends who I will visit again,” Kumar tweeted during his humanitarian mission. He handed over colored pencils, markers and coloring books acquired in a collection organized in Bolton and also donated gifts to add to the resources of a neighboring public library so that they could be used by Polish and Ukrainian children.
The schoolboy began his journey at the Ukrainian Centre in Bolton and while in Krakow was also invited to the Ukrainian Consulate by Wiaczeslaw Wojnarowskyj, the General Consulate of Ukraine.
His humanitarian mission this week has been backed by several organizations, including the Tesco Staff and National Literacy Trust.
Kumar, who washed vehicles to raise funds and donated his pocket money to the Ukraine Schools Appeal last year, is a recipient of the Princess Diana Award 2022 for his fundraising efforts and is also the #iwill Ambassador for Social and Humanitarian Action for the youth action movement based in London.
Last month, he received a letter from Queen Consort Camilla in praise of his story-telling efforts through a charity called Silver Stories.
The idea behind the initiative is to help children in their reading skills as Silver Readers while reading to older members of the communities, called Silver Listeners. In 2020 during the COVID lockdown, he was honored with the British Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award for his fundraising activities through a self-published book entitled ‘COVID Christmas Parade’, about a young boy spreading festive cheer during the pandemic. It raised money for the National Literacy Trust to support children whose literacy and learning had been adversely impacted by COVID-19.
“I feel proud knowing I have made a difference in the lives of other children affected by COVID-19 because reading promotes health and well-being. I love reading and learning about the world through books and I want to help as many children as possible discover the magic of reading and all the great benefits it comes with,” said Kumar.
CHICAGO (TIP): When a massive earthquake shook Turkey and Syria a few days ago, the tremors of how a sudden calamity can turn lives upside down were felt across the globe. While humanitarian support and social organizations rushed to see how they can help those impacted by the disaster, many individuals around the world were also looking at how to pitch in and where to send across charity. During this time, Syed Rehman, an artist who runs his custom home design studio in the suburbs of Skokie near Chicago decided to go beyond and directly help the needy. He not only started a campaign through his very active Instagram handle but also was inspired to go himself to Turkey and offer help.
“I have been involved with many charities in the past and when this calamity struck, suddenly an overwhelming number of people began sending me messages asking if there is a campaign I have started”, Rehman told the media. But it was Rehman’s little daughter who acted as a catalyst that led him to dive headlong into humanitarian work.
“One day, my daughter came back from school and asked me if I could go to Turkey and help the earthquake victims there,” he recalls. “I saw this as a sign from God and I immediately got in touch with Human Concern International (HCI), Canada. Soon, we decided that we will fly to Turkey along with their team.”
On the ground, Rehman discovered that the situation remains more dismal than we can see on screens. He along with the team not only distributed aid but also cooked hot meals for many who were rendered homeless by the earthquakes.
Rehman also continued posting a series of videos from the earthquake sites to explain to people the extent of the disaster while seeking support from people to donate generously. “We have been able to raise $420,000 for the people,” he says.
Rehman’s experience on the ground has overwhelmed him and he has not been able to get back to his business as he is constantly thinking of ways in which he can provide help.
In a series of videos posted from Gaziantep where the rubble as a result of the earthquake could be seen, Rehman spoke how he had been seeing hundreds of tall buildings just collapsed on the ground and cars crushed totally.
Syed Rehman is the founder of Modern Wall Art, a custom home décor studio that creates pieces using Arabic calligraphy.
SACRAMENTO (IP): Indian American community leader and research scientist Darshana Patel, a Democrat, has announced that she would run for the California State Assembly from the North County in 2024.
“As the daughter of immigrants who struggled to realize the American Dream, I know the challenges that families can face during hard times,” she told the media. “I am running for state Assembly because I want to make sure that every person has the opportunity to succeed and thrive, and because I can use my experience as a scientist, elected school board member, and a civic leader to make a difference in their lives.”
California’s Assembly District 76 includes the cities of Escondido and San Marcos, portions of San Diego, and numerous unincorporated communities in San Diego County.
Patel’s campaign earned early endorsements from Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna.
In her campaign announcement, Patel said she wants to invest in public education, protect the environment, improve healthcare access, and keep communities safe. Patel, 48, was elected to the Poway Unified board when the district was struggling because of financial mismanagement and criminal embezzlement and helped to restore fiscal responsibility, the media said. She was reelected in 2020.
In addition to her work on the school board, Patel serves on the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs and as president of the San Diego County School Boards Association.
Darshana Patel lives with her husband and their three daughters in San Diego. The research scientist has a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry from Occidental College and a PhD in Biophysics from the University of California, Irvine.
Recently, Patel was awarded the 2023 Occidental College Alumni Seal Award’s Alumna of the Year.
Patel previously held executive positions on the Park Village Elementary Parent Teacher Association, Education Foundation Board, Rancho Penasquitos Planning Board, and Rancho Penasquitos Town Council.
LONDON (TIP): A 28-year-old Indian-origin female student was pronounced dead at the scene when a car smashed into a bus stop and hit pedestrians in Leeds, northern England, according to British police. Athira Anilkumar Laly Kumari has been identified as the victim of the crash by West Yorkshire Police as it appealed for witnesses.
According to the local Leeds Malayalee Association, Athira was from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and had started her studies at Leeds Beckett University last month. “Athira was one of two pedestrians that suffered serious injuries in the collision, which involved a black Volkswagen Golf and caused damage to a bus stop,” West Yorkshire Police said in a statement on Friday.
“The second pedestrian, a man in his forties, is continuing to recover in the hospital. The [Volkswagen] Golf driver, a 25-year-old woman, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been released on bail as enquiries continue into the collision,” the police said, appealing for footage from car cameras in the area on the day of the crash on February 22.
The case is now reportedly being handled by the Indian Consulate in Birmingham to offer assistance to the victim’s family in India.
NEW YORK (TIP): Awarded annually since 1955, the fellowships honor extraordinary US and Canadian researchers whose creativity, innovation, and research accomplishments make them stand out as the next generation of leaders.
“Sloan Research Fellows are shining examples of innovative and impactful research,” says Adam F. Falk, president of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. “We are thrilled to support their groundbreaking work and we look forward to following their continued success.”
Open to scholars in seven scientific and technical fields—chemistry, computer science, Earth system science, economics, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics—the Sloan Research Fellowships are awarded in close coordination with the scientific community.
More than 1000 researchers are nominated each year for 125 fellowship slots. Winners receive a two-year, $75,000 fellowship which can be used flexibly to advance the fellow’s research.
Nominations for the 2024 Sloan Research Fellowships will open on July 15, 2023.
Here is a list of 13 Indian origin Sloan Research Fellows:
Shaama Mallikarjun Sharada is the WiSE Gabilan Assistant Professor in the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Southern California. Her research focuses on developing catalysts and photocatalysts to meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
She received her undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and PhD from the University of California at Berkeley, where she also served as a software developer for Q-Chem, a quantum chemistry package.
She was a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University before joining USC in Fall of 2017.
Eshan Chattopadhyay is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at Cornell University. His main research area is computational complexity theory, a discipline within theoretical computer science that tries to understand the intrinsic hardness – or ease – of problems concerning computational resources. Future work will explore the intrinsic need for randomness for efficient algorithm design.
Anirudha Majumdar, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton University works on building autonomous robotic systems.
Currently, most robots are deployed in tightly controlled environments, like factories. Majumdar and his lab are working to build drones and other robots that can operate safely in a more complex environment, enabling them to see obstacles and adapt to diverse and changing conditions.
Majumdar joined the Princeton faculty in 2017 and leads the Intelligent Robot Motion Lab. He received a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and postdoctoral research in Stanford University’s Autonomous Systems Lab.
Rashmi Vinayak, an assistant professor in the Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University leads the CMU TheSys research group. She is also a part of the Parallel Data Lab (PDL).
Her research interests broadly lie in computer/networked systems and information/coding theory, and the wide spectrum of intersection between the two areas.
She received her Ph. from UC Berkeley in 2016 where she worked on resource-efficient fault tolerance for big-data systems and was a postdoctoral scholar at UC Berkeley’s AMPLab/RISELab from 2016-17.
Tripti Bhattacharya, Thonis Family Professor and a member of the Earth and environmental sciences faculty at Syracuse University, uses evidence from the geological past to understand how rainfall will change in the future as a result of global warming.
Since joining the university in 2018, Bhattacharya has been awarded over $2 million in research funding. Among many distinctions, she was recognized with the University’s Meredith Teaching Recognition Award in 2021 and has been an invited presenter at the American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting in 2019, 2020 and 2022.
She also served as one of eight leading climate scholars at a workshop organized by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Manasi Deshpande is an assistant professor in Economics at the University of Chicago. Her research areas are empirical public finance and labor economics, with a focus on the effects of social insurance and public assistance programs and their interaction with labor markets.
Deshpande received her PhD in Economics at MIT and has been at the University of Chicago since 2016. She is also Co-Director of Graduate Placement in the Kenneth C Griffin Department of Economics.
Bhargav Narayanan, assistant professor of Mathematics at New Jersey’s Rutgers University is broadly interested in combinatorics, probability theory and related areas in statistical physics and theoretical computer science.
Before moving to Rutgers, he was a research fellow at St John’s College, Cambridge and a member of its Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics.
He received his PhD from the University of Cambridge. He also has a Master’s in Math from Cambridge and a BTech in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
Mubarak Hussain Syed is an assistant professor of Biology at The University of New Mexico. He and his team in the Neural Diversity Lab investigate the genetic and molecular mechanics regulating neural diversity ̶ from stem cells to neural circuits.
The findings will help uncover the fundamental principles of nervous system development and potentially to understand and treat neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, ADHD, and autism.
Debanjan Chowdhury is a theoretical physicist at Cornell University interested in addressing the fundamental principles that govern the emergence of new collective phenomena involving trillions of interacting electrons in solid-state materials.
His main focus is developing theoretical methods that can describe and predict the quantum behavior of electrons leading to exotic forms of superconductivity and magnetism. His work probes the relationship between the time scales that govern collisions among electrons in a class of highly unusual and “strange” metallic states and their ability to become dissipation less, high-temperature superconductors.
Tejaswi Venumadhav Nerella, is an assistant professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. As a theoretical astrophysicist, his explorations involve gravitational waves and cosmology.
He scours data collected by gravitational wave detectors such as LIGO and VIRGO for ripples in spacetime caused by collisions of massive and dense compact objects like black holes and neutron stars.
Nerella hopes “to expand the gravitational-wave discovery space and use our detections to answer fundamental questions in other areas of astronomy, such as stellar- and galaxy-evolution and cosmology.”
Sagar Vijay, also assistant professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara is a theorist in the realm of condensed matter physics.
He is interested in the interactions of collections of atoms — interactions that can produce fascinating phenomena and states of matter.
He plans to “advance our fundamental understanding of quantum entanglement and its macroscopic manifestations in both ordinary matter and programmable quantum devices.”
Saurabh Chitnis, Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, describes himself as an “inorganic chemist,” who “explores the part of the periodic table that doesn’t get a lot of attention.”
He sees the award as “a validation of our curiosity-driven approach, an approach that is all about just looking at the microscopic features of something and trying to understand the macroscopic consequences of its structural beauty.”
Sushant Sachdeva is an assistant professor of Mathematical and Computational Sciences at the University of Toronto, Mississauga, and a faculty affiliate at the Vector Institute.
His interests include algorithms and their connections to optimization, machine learning, and statistics. His recent research focuses on the design of fast algorithms for graph problems.
Before joining the University of Toronto, he was a research scientist at Google. He completed his postdoc at Yale with Dan Spielman in 2016, his PhD from Princeton in 2013, and his BTech from IIT Bombay in 2008.
He is the recipient of the Google Faculty Research Award (2017), the Simons Berkeley Research Fellowship (2013), and the IITB President of India Gold Medal (2008).
Ganesha says with your actions, you can draw people to you. Your strong immunity protects you from all pain. Your travel across the ocean is waiting for you to broaden your business opportunities. You might be distracted by controversy, but you need to focus. As unanticipated large sums of money come your way, you will have access to all the luxuries in life. As your friend list grows, the holiday gatherings you attend will also be beneficial to you. Throughout your life, you have been dependable and morally upright.
February 28
Ganesha says you might launch a brand-new business. It’s time to make a toast to finishing a difficult project because you’re creative. Those in business would agree to new, lucrative contracts. When you are going to spend time with your companion, your admirers will intercede. When planning social events, you shouldn’t offend people’s feelings. The sale of real estate will result in the winnowing out of capital gains.
March 1
Ganesha says you consistently prepared ahead and carried out your plans. You are approachable and straightforward. Every group you join, you always serve as the leader. Your social circle may be impacted when you occasionally behave carelessly, stubbornly, and wastefully. With tones of enthusiasm and great energy, you’ll accomplish admirably this time. You typically use every effort to finish your assignment. Your coworkers will support you whenever you need it and grow to like you.
March 2
Ganesha says if you pay attention to what your family members have to say, you will gain a great deal. Your financial situation will improve, and your confidence level will be at its highest, if you find new sources of income. Any career changes will be advantageous. Your outspoken personality will be advantageous. Spouses and other female family members will make every effort to maintain your happiness. Avoid acting as a standing surety or guarantee for others as this could cause awkward situations and legal issues.
March 3
Ganesha says although you don’t keep anything to yourself and enjoy sharing with people, you need to check your tendency to act hypocritically, arrogantly, and dictatorially at times. You’ll feel frustrated and dissatisfied if you can’t get people behind your popular Endeavour. Today will be better for financial transactions, partnerships and joint ventures should be absolutely avoided. Romance will flourish, and some lovers may even consider getting married.
March 4
Ganesha says you will benefit greatly by surrounding yourself with innovative individuals. Your performance will be at its best, and your ability to manage activities that involve a lot of responsibility will make a good impression on your superiors. You’ll prioritize real estate transactions, construction, and renovations. The time spent at home won’t be particularly enjoyable. Because of your spouse’s erratic behavior, you will suffer. Spiritual growth offers consolation and comfort. Several of you are also planning a trip abroad.
March 5
There will be lots of new plans and projects, but it might not be feasible to see results right once. Excellent time for brokers and consultants. Investing is unquestionably advised, but it is possible that rash actions could result in unexpected losses. Some people start a new romance while others enter into a marriage union. Be cautious while interacting with strangers and keep your plans to yourself because there is a high likelihood of deception. Be extremely cautious when lending money and take additional care with your jewels and other valuable possessions.
Ganesha says, this week, each of the key contributors to your stress will stop weighing you down. This week, Moon is in a lucky position, which will boost your chances of getting a promotion. This week, accomplish anything noteworthy. This week, more income will be needed to resolve conflicts brought on by your parents or kids. This week will also be incredibly hectic for you. You’ll have to be especially thoughtful and mindful of what your spouse is going through this week. They won’t be able to articulate their emotions very well, but you can still help them out. This week, your health only requires a little maintenance.
Taurus
Ganesha says, putting in a little effort on the little things that bring you happiness might keep you at ease this week. This next week, you will work together to achieve success. You’re in for a far better week than you thought. This week, somebody will annoy you by getting your emotions to go in the wrong direction. It will cause issues for you if you let other people force you to overstate the situation. Your partnership will be successful this week. Your spouse will work more to maintain your union. This week, your wellness won’t experience the any problems.
Gemini
Ganesha says, your kind disposition and bravery will open up new prospects for you this week and offer you fulfillment. Wednesday you will be earning good profits. Your temple of thought will receive all of your power, leaving you more robust than ever. You’ll have just few uncomfortable interactions with someone you had great expectations for this week. Over-traveling will wear you out. Your companion will prevent you from making a bad decision this week. They will direct you toward the best course of action. Due to joint discomfort this week, your wellbeing will only require little maintenance.
Cancer
Ganesha says, your children might do things that will make you immensely delighted. This week, they’ll start using their own financial assets. Ensure they have you on hand. This week, decisions made after consulting others will result in more benefits. The issues from your history that you believed were closed off forever will be brought up by anyone. Beware falling victim to emotional pressure this week from anybody. Connections will experience a setback this week. It will be challenging for your spouse to manage with your psychological illness concerns, and a quarrel will result. Do not be concerned; your overall fitness will be OK this week.
Leo
Ganesha says, this week will be a joyful one for you. By ignoring individuals this week who are not helpful and suitable for your advancement, you will conserve energy and energy. Your ejection will help you get moving again. You won’t be able to finish the vacation schedule this week due to a vital task; as a consequence, some disputes may occur; be considerate when handling them. Your spouse won’t be able to offer you sufficient attention this week since they will be too busy traveling for work. Economic mishandling will have a negative impact on marital fronts. Regarding your wellness, you’ll see progress in your ability to recuperate from cramps and strokes.
Virgo
Ganesha says, it may be a great week to trade this week. You won’t experience something that may have gotten catastrophically awry if you did it alone due to additional social aid. Your children will be happy to have concord. Your week will be filled with conflicting emotions that will startle and annoy you. This week, be cautious to keep your composure. You will be certain of your sentiments this week, and he or she will also speak matters out. This week, love will undoubtedly offer you bliss. This week, your emotional wellness will both increase. However, your general condition will only require limited maintenance.
Libra
Ganesha says, this week, you’ll be capable to spend money wisely and on worthwhile goods. In addition to paying all the fees, you will improve your economic status. As your aspirations come reality this week, you will feel a new degree of fulfillment. This week, one of your relatives will be uneasy and unwilling to communicate their emotions, so if you detect anything out of the ordinary regarding people, try to persuade them to communicate. This week, your feelings for that one special individual will remain strong, and you’ll communicate them in very clear ways. You won’t have any medical problems this week, at least maybe not as much as your fitness is involved.
Scorpio
Ganesha says, this week if you ‘ve been thinking about switching professions, you’ll find something. You will break out of your worry and tension-filled shell this week. Instead of doing nothing, you should do something. Ultimately, after a lengthy amount of time, you will feel much healthier. You’ll maintain your real troubles and your difficulties in cyberspace apart. You’ll think a lot regarding things this week, that will make choosing tough. Be cautious to maintain your composure. This week, your romantic relationship will be OK since your spouse will remain in your cozy surroundings. You will experience mild healthcare issues when you experience back ache in the second half of the week.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says, this week, you won’t avoid the issue; alternatively, you’ll approach it head-on. This week, you won’t move past any good windows of opportunity, and your extroverted nature will help you seize them. This week, you’ll believe unappreciative because you won’t be aware of the abundance of life that is already at your disposal. As your lover tries to shift the dynamics of your connection, your emotional factions will undergo a lot of upheaval this week. Regarding your wellness, this week will see an end to your migraines and you will be completely OK.
Capricorn
Ganesha says, this week, you will have the power to influence events and mold them anyway you see fit. Your week will be pleasant and balanced. You’ll have time this week to explore your hobbies as well. Somebody you trusted will disappoint you this week. Take care since this will also lower your consciousness. This week, your spouse will encourage you to pursue your passions outside of work and pastimes, which will provide you more freedom to pursue pleasure. This week will be quite difficult for your wellness, so be careful to look after oneself.
Aquarius
Ganesha says the money you spend on an expert’s advice this week will have unexpectedly beneficial results. Everything you complete this week will be sent to you in its entirety. You’ll stop holding oneself accountable for the actions of others. This week, it will be difficult for you to make multiple adjustments at once. This won’t last, so don’t reflect back. Your connection facades will benefit from Venus’ favorable placement this week. If you’ve been experiencing lonesome for a while, you’re more likely to discover love this week. Mild migraines may cause you discomfort throughout the first part of the week in terms of your wellness.
Pisces
Ganesha says, this week, you’ll progressively but definitely get fully on track. Because the psychological struggle will end this week, you would also sense very calm. Additionally, you’ll establish a stronger connection with oneself and grow more assured of your uniqueness. In your continuous efforts, you will come across a number of difficulties. There will be some challenges in the classroom as well. Your connection facades will remain quite solid this week. Your prospective companion will make an effort to further comprehend you both. Minor troubles on the marriage aspect will arise as a result of disruption in your zodiac’s second Mansion. This week, you’ll simply need to pay a little bit of care to your wellness.
Aries (March 21 to April 19) – Ganesha says those of you who have been working hard to find direction through various channels this month may be relieved to find the advice you desire. Those of you who have been working hard to find direction through various channels this month may be relieved to find the advice you desire. Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with being well and happy. This month, your money may be in good shape. Those of you who have been striving to find the right mix of activities will likely be relieved to read the solutions. Now is the moment to take your profession and business to the next level. This month may prove to be profitable in terms of business.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20) -Ganesha says Venus, the planet of love, is at its highest point this month. This suggests that you and your partner will most likely be surrounded by the joys of romance and love. You’re in for a wonderful month packed with joy and celebrations. You’re in for a wonderful month packed with joy and celebrations. Make sure you receive enough sleep to improve your overall health. In terms of work, this is a new month. Those looking for work should be able to find something in the first half of the month. Your accomplishment may be commendable, and this is likely to drive you to do even better. You’ll be known for your quick reading skills, and you’ll learn everything you need to know. The only piece of advice I have is to make sure the message is clear at all times. You may not receive the results you require if you are in a hurry.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20) -Ganesha says for both single and married people, this month is likely to be noteworthy. Due to work and other commitments, a married couple is likely to get into an argument. Spend quality time on the phone with each other or send gifts to rekindle your connection. Those who are single may receive an unexpected marriage proposal, while those seeking companionship may meet their perfect mate. Success in the study of religion and the occult. To attain the desired educational outcomes, keep a positive attitude and be dedicated to your job. Learning and acquiring knowledge can be a smart idea this month.
Cancer (June, 21 to July 22) -Ganesha says your companion may become more spiritual this month, affecting your private life by limiting your opportunities for intense connection. Natives’ feelings for their life companions are likely to grow even stronger. If you’re a Cancer student, this is the month to get started on a passion project or pursue a hobby. Your preparedness may be valued, and it will pay off in the long run. Due to their good fortune, the native may see an increase in income. Those hoping for a job promotion might get some good news or obtain a raise. Your current job may provide you with more responsibility, which will allow you to expand your professional horizons. In terms of your career goals, this month could be a lucky month.
Leo (July 23 – August 22) – Ganesha says the first half of the month will be difficult for your romantic life. You may be depressed as a result of recent romantic arguments and misunderstandings, but the second half of the month is the best time to get over it. Shake it off, though, since these dark times will pass. Some of you might be having your first romantic encounter. Some of you might be having your first romantic encounter. If a raise is due, there’s a good chance you’ll get it. Keep your thoughts to yourself and try to understand others, especially in the first half of the month. If your desire to study has been fading, it may be at an all-time high this month. Make every effort to extricate yourself out of the situation you’re in, and prepare thoroughly.
Virgo (August 23 to September 22) -Ganesha says this month’s start might be much better, and you can look forward to some promising growth opportunities. Although age may offer wonderful opportunities for commercial progress, operating your company may require a cool, calm, and collected approach. Your professional life may benefit from the second part of this month. Although age may offer wonderful opportunities for commercial progress, operating your company may require a cool, calm, and collected approach. Your professional life may benefit from the second part of this month. You and your lover may have a lot of love. There may be days when your plans go through and you are unable to find love. This, however, is just temporary. In the later part of this month, you may note that love, affection, and attraction are once again at the forefront.
Libra (September 23 to October 22) – Ganesha says your health may remain generally decent during this month. Even if you’re doing a regular workout, you should avoid taking unnecessary physical risks. Because you won’t have many health problems, you’ll be able to get better results. However, during the middle of the year, you should avoid taking on too much stress and get plenty of rest to maintain your fitness level. You should make progress toward your fitness goals in the second half of this month. You’ll be motivated to improve your health and fitness. Your perseverance may pay off. Physical activities or exercises that can help you improve your productivity and fitness are likely to appeal to you. A positive, balanced mindset can help you take advantage of favorable planetary influences.
Scorpio (October 23 to November 21) – Ganesha says romance seems to be in the air this month, whether you’re single or in a relationship, according to your monthly love horoscope. If you have some extra time on your hands, you might be more inventive in how you express your feelings. High-stress levels and chronic anxiety may be affecting your health and mental well-being this year, and you may need to take action to correct this unfavorable situation. So, this year, to feel your best physically, you should concentrate on relaxing your mind. Yoga and meditation, in particular, can help you to improve your health.
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) -Ganesha says it’s possible that your married life will go on, as usual, this month. You and your life partner may have the opportunity to spend quality time together. This aspect has the potential to bring you and your partner closer together while also promoting mutual understanding. According to your professional astrology, this month may provide new opportunities at work for natives of your zodiac sign. The planetary placements indicate professional success and accomplishments. This planetary alignment may cause success to be delayed, but it cannot be denied. This is your chance to turn your achievements into a legitimate profession. You wouldn’t be in the mood to experiment with your achievement if you didn’t follow up on your ideas enough. Your mentors would be pleased with your achievements this month as well.
Capricorn (December 22 to January 19) – Ganesha says you and your partner are likely to enjoy each other’s company this month. An old friend is likely to propose to a single person. Any relationship created during this month has a good chance of lasting. You might be attracted to someone in your friend group as well, but it’s best to make informed judgments. You might be attracted to someone in your friend group as well, but it’s best to make informed judgments. It’s also important to drink enough water. You may have depressed moods at times. Even if the physical illnesses are minor, engaging in pointless arguments and having an aggressive personality can lead to mental tension. Maintaining an analytical mindset could be the key to your career success. You might be able to acquire what you want with good planning and strategy. It is possible to forecast success when studying abroad.
Aquarius (January 20 to February 18) – Ganesha says your health is going to be excellent this month. You might be able to appreciate each moment as it comes with your improved health. Furthermore, your parents’ health may not experience any ups and downs. Your health may be fit and immune this month, allowing you to keep fit in all facets of your life. The majority of you may want to attain the best results possible by following a healthy diet and getting regular checks, which will improve your fitness. For entrepreneurs, this is an excellent month since they are receiving the benefits of their earlier work. At work, you’re more likely to notice positive benefits and your relationships with your coworkers and boss may improve.
Pisces (February 19 to March 20) -Ganesha says self-reflection and revision may be the focus this month. You might feel apprehensive, and negative thoughts can keep you awake at night, so seek help from your mentor. If you want to attain your goals this month, patience is a keyword for you. This month could be particularly fruitful for your career. Avoid stress by analyzing your profession and strengthening your talents, which will likely help you thrive in the days ahead.
My Name is Andrea (Credit / Athena Film Fest 2023)
Pratibha’s Parmar’s MY NAME IS ANDREA
Madhu (Honey) (Credit / Athena Film Fest 2023)
Tanmay Chowdhary and Tanvi Chowdhary’s HONEY (MADHU)
Look Like You (Credit / Athena Film Fest 2023)
Snigdha Kapoor’s LOOK LIKE YOU
Missing (Credit / Athena Film Fest 2023)
Co-Producer Aneesh Chaganty’s MISSING
and more
The Athena Film Festival (AFF) at the Barnard College campus, New York City presents its 13th annual showcase, March 2-5, 2023. This is a joint partnership between Barnard’s Athena Center for Leadership and the initiative Women and Hollywood.
The annual festival includes film screenings, in-depth conversations and panels with filmmakers and industry experts, a series of programs that support the pipeline of women creatives, and a wide variety of events focused on celebrating and amplifying the stories of bold, courageous women leaders.
“Entering the 13th year of the Athena Film Festival I could not feel more proud of the unique and exciting slate of films we are sharing with our audiences this year. We look forward to bringing these important and underrepresented voices to the big screen,” said Melissa Silverstein, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of AFF and Founder of Women and Hollywood.
“The narratives we see shape our understanding of the world,” said Umbeen Bhatti, Constance Hess Williams ’66 Director of Barnard’s Athena Center for Leadership. “At the Athena Film Festival, audiences won’t encounter tired, outdated narratives, but rather, narratives that more accurately reflect the world we live in and the future we want to build.”
SCHEDULE & UPDATES
For the film schedule & regular updates, visit aff23.eventive.org/schedule.
TICKETS
Passes and tickets for the 2023 Athena Film Festival are available at athenafilmfestival.com.
NARRATIVES
Angry Annie (Annie Colère)
France l Director: Blandine Lenoir l Writers: Blandine Lenoir and Axelle Robert
Producers: Aurora Films, Local Films
Daughter of Rage (La Hija de Todas las Rabias)
New York Premiere l Nicaragua l Director/Writer: Laura Baumeister de Montis l Producers: Martha Orozco, Laura Baumeister de Montis, Rossana Baumeister, and Bruna Haddad
Fogaréu
Brazil, France l Director: Flávia Neves l Writers: Melanie Dimantas and Flávia Neves l Producers: Mayra Faour Auad, Vania Catani, and Thomas Sparfel
My Emptiness and I (Mi vacío y yo)
Spain l Director: Adrián Silvestre l Writers: Raphaëlle Pérez, Adrián Silvestre, and Carlos Marques-Marcet l Producers: Testamento and Alba Sotorra
Missing
United States l Directors/Writers: Nick Johnson and Will Merrick l Producers: Aneesh Chaganty, Sev Ohanian, and Natalie Qasabian
Moving On
United States l Director/Writer: Paul Weitz l Producers: Paul Weitz, Stephanie Meurer, Andrew Miano, Chris Parker, and Dylan Sellers
Rachel Hendrix
United States l Director/Writer: Victor Nuñez l Producer: Heidi Levitt
The Lost King
New York Premiere l United Kingdom l Director: Stephen Frears
Writers: Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope l Producers: Steve Coogan, Christine Langan, and Dan Winch
Vera Dreams of the Sea
Kosovo l Director: Kaltrina Krasniqi l Writer: Doruntina Basha l Producer: Shkumbin Istrefi
DOCUMENTARIES
Body Parts
United States l Director: Kristy Guevara-Flanagan l Producer: Helen Hood Scheer
Black Mothers Love and Resist
United States l Director/Writer: Débora Souza Silva l Producers: Débora Souza Silva, David Felix Sutcliffe, Adina Luo, and Loi Ameera Almeron
Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On
Canada l Director: Madison Thomas l Writers: Andrea Warner and Madison Thomas l Producer: Stephen Paniccia
Category: Woman
Canada l Director/Writer: Phyllis Ellis l Producers: Phyllis Ellis and Howard Fraiberg
Esther Newton Made Me Gay
United States l Director: Jean Carlomusto l Producers: Jean Carlomusto and Shanti Avirgan
The Fire That Took Her
United States l Director: Patricia Gillespie l Producers: Julie Goldman, Kristi Jacobson, Carolyn Hepburn, Christopher Clements, and Tracy Elizabeth Jarrett
Jeannette
United States l Director: Maris Curran l Producer: Jon Coplon
Judy Blume Forever
United States l Directors/Producers: Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok l Producers: Sara Bernstein, Marcella Steingar, and Justin Wilkes
Mama Bears
United States l Director: Daresha Kyi l Producer: Laura Tatham
My Name Is Andrea
United States l Director: Pratibha Parmar l Producer: Shaheen Haq
Queen of the Deuce
Canada, Greece l Director: Valerie Kontakos l Writers: Christos Asteriou, Valerie Kontakos, and Despina Pavlaki l Producers: Ed Barreveld, Valerie Kontakos, and Despina Pavlaki
SHORTS
CANS Can’t Stand
United States l Directors: Matt Nadel and Megan Plotka l Producer: Matt Nadel
El Carrito
United States l Director/Writer: Zahida Pirani l Producers: Zahida Pirani, Mauricio Piratova, and Ran Yan
The Feeling of Being Close to You (能靠近你的感觉)
Singapore/United States l Director/Writer/Producer: Ash Goh Hua
Glazing
New York Premiere l United States l Director/Writer/Producer: Lilli Carré
Honey (Madhu)
India l Directors: Tanmay Chowdhary and Tanvi Chowdhary l Writer: Tanvi Chowdhary l Producer: Sue-Ellen Chitunya
Lilith’s Eve
United Kingdom l Director: Sam de Ceccatty l Writers: Manon Ardisson and Sam de Ceccatty l Producer: Manon Ardisson
Long Line of Ladies
United States l Directors: Rayka Zehtabchi and Shaandiin Tome l Producers: Garrett Schiff, Rayka Zehtabchi, Sam Davis, and Pimm Tripp-Allen
Look Like You
United States l Director/Writer: Snigdha Kapoor l Producers: Pulkit Datta and Lauren Sowa
Love, Barbara
United States l Director: Brydie O’Connor l Writers: Brydie O’Connor and Matt Hixon l Producers: Brydie O’Connor and Myriam Schroeter
The Panola Project
United States l Directors/Writers: Rachael DeCruz and Jeremy S. Levine l Producers: Rachael DeCruz, Jeremy S. Levine, and Melissa Fajardo
United States l Directors: Shenny De Los Angeles and Maria Marrone l Writer/Producer: Shenny De Los Angeles
Still Waters
United States l Director/Writer: Aurora Brachman l Producer: Mariales Diaz
Talk Black
United States l Director/Writer: Destiny Macon l Producers: Destiny Macon, Jonathan Baty, Brad Jayne, Kisha Imani Cameron, and Smitha Lee
To Wade or Row
United States l Director/Writer: Rebecca van der Meulen l Producers: Leanne Macaione and Dina Barossi
THE ANTHEM FILM ESTIVAL
Learn more at athenafilmfestival.com.
THE ATHENA CENTER AT BARNARD COLLEGE
Learn more at athenacenter.barnard.edu.
WOMEN AND HOLLYWOOD
Learn more at womenandhollywood.com.
BARNARD COLLEGE
Learn more at barnard.edu.
ARTEMIS RISING FOUNDATION
Learn more at artemisrising.org
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
Three OSCAR-SHORTLISTED AAPI Filmmakers at OPENING NIGHT
By Mabel Pais
The Justice Film Festival (JFF) returns to New York City for its 11th anniversary March 1-4, 2023 with screenings at three venues throughout the city. Screenings will take place throughout the week at DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema for Documentary Film (87 Lafayette Street, NY 10013), the Sheen Center for Thought & Culture (18 Bleecker Street, NY 10012), and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) New York’s Katie Murphy Amphitheater (227 West 27th Street, NY 10001).
For the first time at a mainstream film festival opening night, three Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) documentaries come together with their directors. Oscar-shortlisted documentaries ‘Bad Axe’ and ‘38 at the Garden’ kickoff opening night, followed by the New York premiere of ‘UNCONDITIONAL.’ “This opening night is a groundbreaking moment. I wish our festival was not the first,” says Justice Film Festival director and founder Andy Peterson. He went on to say, “These three directors are part of a trailblazing wave of filmmakers.”
“Now in our second decade we are embracing the opportunity to create space for these vitally important conversations by expanding our reach and creating more ways for people to engage in the Justice Film experience. And as always we are proud to participate in the greater movements of equity and inclusion by sharing these groundbreaking films.”
The complete film program comprising 13 feature films and 15 short films. 42% of this year’s filmmakers (directors & producers) are female, and a record 43% of our films are from creators who identify as BIPOC or AAPI.
2023 FESTIVAL LINEUP
FEATURES
SENTENCED – New York City Premiere
Directors/Producers: Connor Martin & Mark Allen Johnson
THE FIRST STEP
Directors/Producers: Kramer Brothers
OUTTA THE MUCK
Directors/Producers: Bhawin Suchak & Ira McKinley
38 AT THE GARDEN
Directors/Producers: Frank Chi, Travon Free & Samir Hernandez
LOVELY JACKSON – New York City Premiere
Directors/Producers: Matt Waldeck & Rickey Jackson
Directors/Producers: Laura Waters Hinson & Bryan Bello
ITHAKA
Directors/Producers: Ben Lawrence & Gabriel Shipton
ANGOLA DO YOU HEAR US?
Directors/Producers: Cinque Northern & Catherine Gund
UNCONDITIONAL – New York City Premiere
Directors/Producers: Richard Lui & Alex Lo
For the updated lineup of Features and Shorts, visit justicefilmfest.com
UPDATES & TICKETS
For updates, visit justicefilmfest.
twitter.com/justicefilmfest, and
instagram.com/justicefilmfestival
For Tickets, visit justicefilmfest.com
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NYICFF COMES TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
By Mabel Pais
New York city, considered the cultural capital of the world, brings you the Oscar-qualifying New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) which takes place March 3-19.
NYICFF IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
New this year, as a forerunner to the Festival, there is a NYC Special Event happening on February 24, 25, 26 – ALL FIVE BOROUGHS – FREE to all
Recommended Ages: 3 to 8
SHORTS Runtime: 54 min. | Recommended Ages: 3 to 8
Fully explore all New York City has to offer with the little ones in your life (looking at you, folks with Tots).
So NYICFF is teaming up with organizations in all five boroughs to present nyicff.org/niyn, a free culture crawl to help you find your new go-to spot for art, film, books, and more.
For the full lineup, visit nyicff.org/programs/nyicff-in-your-neighborhood
The New York International Children’s Film Festival
(NYICFF)
Suzume (Credit / NYICFF)
Ringing in its 26th year, NYICFF is North America’s largest and most prestigious film festival for young audiences. NYICFF this year is thrilled to return to all in-person screenings and events. The festival begins Friday, March 3rd and will run weekends through March 12th in New York City. Expanding to venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn, hosts include: SVA Theatre, Film Forum, DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema, Scandinavia House, and Alamo Drafthouse Brooklyn. The final weekend of March 18th & 19th will be at the Sag Harbor Cinema (Staten Island), a new addition this year.
For its 26th edition, the festival celebrates friendship, community and art as vital forces in our lives and crucial tools to push against the status quo and open new avenues of joy and possibility.
With seven U.S. and International Feature Premieres and titles hailing from France, Mexico, Japan, The Netherlands, and more, this year’s program continues NYICFF’s commitment to curating diverse stories told from a multitude of places and perspectives. Stylistically, the festival also offers a broad range of options from live action to the many compelling styles of animation, spotlighting hand-drawn artistry in particular.
FILM LINEUP
For the complete film lineup, visit nyicff.org
TICKETS
For tickets to the Fest, visit nyicff.org/tickets
NYICFF
NYICFF is a place for the next generation of moviegoers—and even movie makers.
However, NYICFF is not only for kids! The festival has rich programming to offer film lovers of all ages. The festival is committed to quality and challenging content and serves families, educators, filmmakers, and media arts professionals.
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OXFILM CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
By Mabel Pais
Featuring
Sandip Rai’s MISSISSIPPI CREATES: ANDREW BRYANT
Snigdha Kapoor’s LOOK LIKE YOU
Suraj Savvkor’s FOR PALOMA
and many more
The 2023 Oxford (Mississippi) Film Festival (Oxfilm) for its 20th anniversary brings us the lineup of selections and events, March 1-5.
The Crisis (Credit / Oxfilm.com)
OXFORD FILM FESTIVAL LINEUP
Opening Night
Little Richard: I am Everything
Director: Lisa Cortes l USA l 1h 38m
Closing Night
The Banality
Directors: Michael Stevantoni, Strack Azar l USA l 1h 18m
Special Screenings
Belief: The Season Ole Miss Baseball
Director: Merrick McCool l USA tates l 1h 43m
The Crisis (1916)
Director: Colin Campbell l USA tates l 1h 40m
Faulkner: The Past Is Never Dead
Director: Michael Modak-Truran l USA l 1h 33m
Fire Bones
Directors: Greg Brownderville, Bart Weiss l USA l N/A
Narrative Features
There are Twelve Narrative Features.
Documentary Features
There are Fifteen Documentary Features.
Narrative Shorts
Among the Fifty Seven Narrative Shorts, Suraj Savvkor’s ‘For Paloma’ and Snigdha Kapoor’s ‘Look Like You’ are featured.
Documentary Shorts
Among the Twenty Nine Documentary Shorts, Sandip Rai’s Sandip Rai’s ‘Mississippi Creates: Andrew Bryant’ is featured.
Music Videos
There are Eighteen Music Videos.
Project (ion)
There are Seven Project (ion)s.
TICKETS
For Tickets and Passes and more information, visit ox-film.com
OXFORD FILM FESTIVAL
Learn more at oxfordfilmfest.com.
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
Fall in love with the magic of ‘Riverdance’ – the international Irish Dance phenomenon – once again, after 25 years!
Riverdance performers. (Photo : Courtesy NJPAC)
By Mabel Pais
‘Riverdance: 25th Anniversary Show’ is ‘Riverdance,’ as you’ve never seen it before comes to New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark for five extraordinary performances, Friday, March 10, at 8 PM Saturday, March 11, at 3 PM and 8 PM and Sunday, March 12 at 2 PM and 7 PM.
A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy Award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years on, composer Bill Whelan has re-recorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage and costume designs. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary power and grace of its music and dance – beloved by fans of all ages. Fall in love with the magic of ‘Riverdance’ all over again.
‘Riverdance The Animated Adventure’ was released on Netflix in the United States on January 14, 2022, where it swiftly landed a spot on the streamer’s Global Top 10 list. With an original score by Grammy Award-winning composer Bill Whelan, the animated musical comedy features the incredible craft and skill of the Riverdance troupe by utilizing motion capture of their performances to create the animated dancing in the film. Tour lead dancers Maggie Darlington and Anna Mai Fitzpatrick and Executive Producer/Director Padraic Moyles were involved with the dance production for the film, while tour musicians Mark Alfred and Tara Howley play on the film score.
‘Riverdance’ began its journey as the interval act in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, produced for television by Moya Doherty. Since its inception, ‘Riverdance’ has packed theaters throughout North America, Oceania, Asia, Europe, South Africa and South America.
RIVERDANCE: 25TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
‘Riverdance: 25th Anniversary Show’ has been designed by lead designer Peter Canning, featuring Set by Alan Farquharson, Lighting by Andrew Voller and Video by Cosmo AV along with Costumes by Joan Bergin and Sound by Michael O’Gorman.
The cast will include lead dancers Amy-Mae Dolan, Will Bryant, Maggie Darlington, Anna Mai Fitzpatrick, Fergus Fitzpatrick, James Greenan and Meadhbh Kennedy, troupe members Brandon Asazawa, Belle Brenton, Kieran Bryant, Morgan Bullock, Gerard Byrne, Keeva Correy, Matthew Gardiner, Michael Gardiner, Emma Mannion, Jordan McCormick, Faith Moore, Olivia Nactigal, Cian Porter, Dylan Scholls Zoe Talbot, Mairead Trainor and Elle-Mae Wheeler, Russian dancers Ana Turcan, Eugeniu Turcan, Christine Lesnikova and Alexander Safonov, tappers Tyler Knowlin and Dharmesh Patel, and Flamenco dancer Rocio Dumset.
The company includes TikTok sensations Matthew and Michael Gardiner (@gardinerbrothers) and Morgan Bullock (@yourangleyuordevil), whose performance of Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage Remix” went viral on the platform in 2020 and will make her professional US stage debut in this production. The cast will also feature, for the first time, children of original ‘Riverdance’ cast members, Cian Porter and Faith Moore.
For Tickets, visit ticketmaster.com/artist/778497?venueId=308
Did you know?
Since ‘Riverdance’ began performances in Dublin in 1995, the show has…
Played 12,340 performances
Seen live by over 28 million people in 550 venues worldwide
Played throughout 48 countries across 6 continents
Played to a global television audience of more than 3.5 billion people
Sold over 3 million copies of the Grammy Award-winning CD
Sold 10 million Riverdance videos & DVDs
Riverdance holds the Guinness World Record for the ‘Longest Riverdance Line,’ which featured 1693 participants
Since the Riverdance Summer School began in 2015 over 2000 Irish Dancers from 23 countries worldwide have attended the school and learned the iconic Riverdance steps.
CRITICAL PRAISE FOR RIVERDANCE:
“A Riverdance to Love! Exciting! Hypnotic! Thrilling!” – THE GLOBE AND MAIL
“The sort of spectacle and experience that comes along once in a lifetime.” – THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
“Excellence beyond compare … majestic unshackled emotion … the audience was teeming with passion, so much that some audience members were even dancing in the aisles.” – GUANGZHOU DAILY
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FOLK ROCK NOSTALGIA COMES ALIVE AT NJPAC
Ready for some ‘60s nostalgia? You are in the right place!
(left) Paul Simon & (right) Arthur Garfunkel on stage. (Photo : Courtesy NJPAC)
By Mabel Pais
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents ‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ on Thursday, March 2, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. This immersive and transcendent experience chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.
The show tells the story from their humble beginnings when they were known as Tom & Jerry, to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the 1960s, to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than a half-million fans in attendance. With performances in more than 50 countries worldwide, ‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ is a critically acclaimed concert-style theater show about two young boys from Queens, New York, who went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time.
Using state-of-the-art video projection, photos, original film footage, and a full live band, ‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ is a moving and powerful concert featuring all the hits such as “Mrs. Robinson”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “Homeward Bound”, “Scarborough Fair”, “The Boxer”, “The Sound of Silence” and many more.
With more than 100 million album sales since 1965, Simon & Garfunkel’s perfect harmonies and songs that poignantly captured the times made them one of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time. Over the years, they won 10 Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1977, their “Bridge Over Troubled Water” album was nominated at the 1977 Brit Awards for Best International Album. In 2003, Simon and Garfunkel were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the following year saw their “The Sound of Silence” awarded a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
In this performance, Taylor Bloom (as Paul Simon) is an actor and musician based out of New York City. He is utterly thrilled to be back on the road with ‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ for another tour and to be bringing this music to so many communities around the US. Benjamin Cooley (as Art Garfunkel) is an actor, also based in New York. He too couldn’t be more excited to tell the story of two young men from Queens who wrote the music of their generation.
TICKETS
Get your Tickets to see ‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ by visiting NJPAC.org (njpac.org/event/the-simon-garfunkel-story) or the NJPAC Box Office or calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
NJPAC
Learn more about The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) at www.njpac.org
Follow NJPAC Online:
Website: njpac.org
Twitter: @NJPAC
Instagram: @NJPAC
Hashtag: #NJPAC
Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
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