TAMPA / Dharamshala (TIP): Rohini Rustogi, a resident of Kangra town, has been awarded the ‘Business Woman of the Year’ award for Tampa Bay by the INDO Chamber of Commerce for the year 2024.
Rohini is CEO-cum-founder of The Brandon Montessori (BMS), Riverview Montessori (RMS), SouthShore Montessori (SMS) and Edward James Samuel (EJS) Montessori schools in the US.
Talking to The Tribune, Rohini said, “With my roots deeply anchored in the serene landscapes of Kangra, my ancestral home, my educational journey largely unfolded in the picturesque town of Nainital as my parents were teaching in boarding schools there. Our winter holidays, however, were always spent in Kangra, where our sprawling ancestral home became a place of warmth, tradition, and cherished memories.”
In 1990, Rohini’s life took on a new trajectory after she moved to Tampa, Florida, following her marriage. By the time she had received the green card, her daughter was two years old. She opted to work as a teacher’s assistant at a Montessori school, securing free education for her daughter. Over the years, she honed her skills and gained experience to become proficient in Montessori affairs.
As per Rohini, the education she had received in India instilled a deep respect for knowledge and learning in her and also gave her the confidence to create something extraordinary.
With the unwavering support of her husband and the encouragement from her parents, Rohini opened her first Montessori school in 2001. She opened three more schools in 2005, 2012 and 2021.
In 2008, Rohini was honored with the ‘Minority Woman Business of the Year’ award by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. The recognition proved to be a significant milestone in her journey, validating her hard work and dedication. Rohini is emotionally connected to Kangra where the rest of her family lives.
A true philanthropist in thought and action, she has been helping the needy back home.
SACRAMENTO (TIP): The North American Punjabi Association on Sunday condemned the attack on an NRI in Amritsar by two assailants and described the incident as “deeply troubling.” Sukhchain Singh was shot at by two people in front of his family at his home in the Daburji village of Amritsar on Saturday. Singh, who recently returned from the US, was shot at in front of his wife and his two children from his first marriage.
Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director of the US-based North American Punjabi Association, said, “The attack on an NRI in Punjab is deeply troubling and warrants condemnation.”
“Such acts of violence not only harm individuals but also create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the diaspora community. The Punjabi diaspora, who often invest significantly in their home state and maintain strong cultural ties, have every right to feel safe and respected,” he said in a statement.
“The situation should be treated with utmost seriousness to prevent further incidents and to restore confidence among the NRI community,” Chahal said.
On Saturday, Singh was intercepted outside his house by two motorcycle-borne assailants who asked him about the registration documents of his luxury car.
Before he could understand anything, the two took out their pistols and forcibly took him inside his house.
Inside, the assailants fired three shots at him and fled.
A bullet each hit Singh in the head and near the chest. He was rushed to a private hospital where he is currently out of danger. On Sunday, police arrested five people, including the father of Singh’s first wife, in connection with the attack. Efforts are being made to nab the two criminals who shot at him.
SACRAMENTO (TIP): NRI high school 11th grade girl Varshini Nagam Bharatanatyam Rangapravesham program was held with impressiveness at Harris Center Theater at Folsom, California State – USA on August 18th 2024. Varshini has been interested in dance since childhood. Varshini was trained in Bharatanatyam from the age of 6 under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Hema Satyanarayanan. Varshini embarked on Bharatnatyam debut. These days, when there is little patronage for the ancient dance arts, the performance of this Telugu dynamism of Bharatanatyam is thoroughly entertaining. Varshini mesmerized the audience for almost three hours with her gestures and dance poses. Varshini performed Varnam – Mathe Malayadwaja, a composition of Sri H.N. Muttayyah Bhagavatar. The phrase Mathe Malayadwaja itself means “Mother with the flag of the mountains” in Sanskrit, symbolizing the divine feminine force.
This Varnam is a unique composition as it consists of two different sets of sahityas. One being a poetry describing King Malayadwaja Pandya, and the other featuring Solkattu Swaras. For this varnam, Varshini showcased two sancharis.
Varshini gave a dazzling performance of Bharatnatyam.
The first sanchari tells the story of how Lord Ganesha was born. Goddess Parvati creates a little boy out of turmeric and sets him to guard while she takes a shower. When Lord Shiva arrives and tries to enter, the boy refuses to let him pass. In his anger, Shiva beheads the boy. Parvati, devastated, demands her son to be brought back to life. Shiva, realizing his mistake, places an elephant’s head on the boy, and hence the boy was called Ganesha. This sanchari is particularly special to Varshini and her family, as her great-grandfather, Sri Bonam Anjaneyulu Garu, wrote the story and was the production executive for the classic Telugu movie “Vinayaka Vijayam,” which depicts the birth of Lord Ganesha. The second sanchari portrays the fierce battle where Goddess Kalika Devi, an avatharam (or incarnation) of Goddess Parvathi, kills the demon Raktabeeja. Raktabeeja had the ability to reproduce from every single drop of his blood that touches the ground. As he fought, each drop of blood that fell spawned another demon, making him nearly invincible. Kalika Devi, in her wrathful form, consumed all his blood before it could touch the ground, ultimately vanquishing him and restoring peace.The exquisite footwork and scintillating beats Varshini demonstrated for this varnam had the audience applauding repeatedly.
On this occasion, distinguished guests Folsom City Council Member Mr. Chalamcharla Edukondalu said that the youth must continue the legacy of dance which is a part of Indian tradition. Rancho Cordova City Planning Commissioner Mr. Surender Devarapalli said that Bharatanatyam can bring balance to life and the power to harmonize emotions better. Bhaskar Vempati, the founder of Suvidha International Foundation, said that the youth of this generation should have access to some form of art. Mr. Vempati said that it causes decidedly good changes in their personality. They felicitated Varshini Nagam and presented her with certificates of appreciation. Varshini Nagam was given a certificate of appreciation from the office of California State Legislator Josh Hoover and US Congressman Kevin Kelly. Varshini was congratulated on the occasion of her Bharatanatyam debut and also appreciated her for achieving a junior certificate in the ‘SiliconAndhra Sampada’ program. On behalf of ‘Sampada’ liaison Mrs. Shanti Konda, the organizers have presented an appreciation certificate signed by “SiliconAndhra Founder and Chairman Mr. Anand Kuchibhotla”.
Varshini is being honored
With this program under the guidance of the local Kalashraya dance school, the famous Guru Smt. Hema Satyanarayanan was congratulated for completing 10 Bharatanatyam Rangapravesam programs. On this occasion and acknowledging Guru Hema’s Bharatanatyam training skills, Folsom City Councilor Mr. Chalancharla Edukondalu awarded her certificates of appreciation on stage amid loud cheers. Guru Hema also received appreciation certificates from California State Legislator Josh Hoover, and US National Congressman Kevin Kelly on the occasion of completing her 10th Rangapravesham as Guru.
During Rangapravesam, Varshini popularly performed a variety of Bharatanatyam dances at the Harris Center Theatre. Varshini gave a treat to the audience during her Rangapravesam: She danced for pushpanjali, alarippu, jatiswaram, varnam, Sivastuti and thillana songs. More than five hundred Sacramento Indian Americans and friends attended the event and congratulated Varshini. The program started with the prayer song of Ganesha sung by Vishruth Nagam, the elder brother of Varshini. On this occasion, Vishruth Nagam sang Ekadantaya Vakrathundaya, Anandamruthakarshini and Annamayya Keertana “Srimannarayana” melodiously on the stage. Vishruth Nagam performed his Rangapravesam in Carnatic music in Vijayawada at the age of 15 in 2018. It is a rare thing that two children from the same expatriate family make their debut in different disciplines within six years, and with this inspiration, expatriates should introduce traditional Indian arts to their children. In this way, many have suggested that the Indian art tradition will surely spread beyond the country and abroad.
This Bharatanatyam Ranga Pravesham performance features Sri Sai Rathina Sabhapati on vocals, Sri Gajendran Ganesan on mridangam, Sri Radhakrishnan Selvaprasad on violin, Sri Kadapa Raghavendran on flute and Sacramento local teen Vishal Venkateswaran on Kanjira. Varshini said that it was Guru Srimati Hema Satyanarayan who taught her Bharatanatyam education with love. Varshini said, “I would like to express my humble gratitude to my parents, brother, dear guests, the audience who watched the Bharatanatyam Rangapravesam performance, and the orchestra who supported me.” On this occasion, many artworks and pictures showing the excellence of Bharatanatyam, and India’s rich culture were displayed in the lobby of the Harris Center Theater and impressed the audience. The Bharatanatyam Rangapravesam event was completed with an authentic Telugu dinner served by the local Folsom Ruchi restaurant.
CHICAGO (TIP): Electrified by the fact that someone among their community has become the Democratic presidential candidate, a group of enthusiastic Indian-Americans have launched a new website – DesiPresident.com, with the tagline ‘Kamala Ke Saath”. Harris, 59, is of mixed parentage; her mother immigrated to the United States from Chennai and her father moved to the country from Jamaica. “The coming months are filled with excitement and promise as we rally together to make history. Your participation and enthusiasm are key to our success, and we can’t wait to embark on this journey with you,” the website said. The Desi President, a project of the Indian American Impact Fund, has launched a T-shirt with the tagline “Kamala Ke Saath: Vote Kamala”, which has become an instant hit on social media platforms.
Among other activities, the group is organizing a weekly virtual phone bank “Kamala Ke Saath” to canvass voters and supporters over the phone. A T-shirt was presented to Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi by the Indian American Impact Fund at an event this week.
This is not the first time that a Hindi slogan is used by a presidential campaign. In the 2016 elections, the Trump campaign had used the slogan “Ab Ki Baar Trump Sarkaar”.
“The Indian American Impact Fund supports Kamala Devi Harris for President. We’re mobilizing South Asian voters to help elect the first Indian-American president. Kamala Harris stands for our values and communities,” it said.
WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP): Some Hindus in the US have come together to create “Hindus For Kamala Harris”, a support group for the Democratic presidential nominee, saying she would be good for India, America and the world.
The group has been created “to support Kamala Devi Harris to become the 47th President of the United States of America”, its founding members said. On Thursday, Harris, 59, formally accepted the nomination of the Democratic Party to be its presidential nominee. “We must help her win. This is the best outcome for America, India and the World! The alternative Trump is a disaster!’ one of the members of the group said. “There is a simple path to victory. Without rejecting the other side, promote Harris candidacy because of what it stands for and the solution it will provide,” another member said, adding that the candidacy has a unique momentum to win. The group is urging Hindus to vote in the elections, display signs of support near their house, and make donations in support of the Harris campaign.
SEAFORD, N.Y. (TIP): Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) is joining forces with Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) Northeast Board Chairman John Carrion in support of the fourth annual Team DRI Walk/Run/Ride Event on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Starting at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford, participants select their own pace and distance – whether by biking, walking, or running – on a route spanning the distance between the park and Jones Beach (or further or shorter – the participant chooses the distance) to raise funds and awareness for DRIF’s pursuit of a cure for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. Last year’s event drew more than 125 participants and raised over $100,000, Carrion said. Since its inception in 2019, the Walk/Run/Ride has garnered over $250,000.
“I’m a big bike rider and I wanted to figure out how we could promote the cause,” he said of the “homegrown, organic” event. “We wanted to make it fun and not a black-tie dinner, not a golf outing – something where we can be outside and the kids can come. That’s how it started.” In subsequent years, the walkathon – and then the run – were added, creating the current form of this multifaceted philanthropic event.
Carrion first became involved in the fight to cure juvenile diabetes 22 years ago when his son was diagnosed at age 4. His first exposure was through events with Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and the community of families and advocates he met there sparked his passion for advocacy.
“When my son got out of the hospital, there were thousands of people at this walk who were in the same boat as I was,” Carrion said. “That was the first time I didn’t feel alone.”
In subsequent years, his involvement with DRIF increased, and he later met Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton. Together, they later served on the Long Island and Northeast Regional boards, the latter of which Carrion has chaired since 2018.
“I have had the privilege of knowing John for more than two decades, as our children were diagnosed around the same time,” Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton said. “As parents of young children with diabetes, we have both been intently focused on finding a cure and conquering this disease once and for all. I am so proud of all that John has done and I encourage everyone to join us at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford for what promises to be an amazing event in support of a cause that is near and dear to all of us.”
Visit http://www.DiabetesResearch.org/WalkRunRide2024 for information about how to register for the bike/walk/run and information on becoming a sponsor of the event.
( Photos courtesy of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF)
NEW YORK (TIP): UN Women is deeply concerned about the recent enactment of a morality law by the de facto authorities in Afghanistan, which imposes extensive restrictions on personal behavior, effectively erasing women from public life and granting broad enforcement powers to the morality police.
On 21 August 2024, the de facto authorities announced the ratification of a detailed “Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice”, which imposes extensive restrictions on the Afghan population. This law significantly deepens the already severe curtailment of the rights of Afghan women and girls, including requirements for women to cover their entire bodies and faces, and it forbids women’s voices in public. Women are also prohibited from interacting with non-Muslims, using public transport alone, and looking at men to whom they are not related by blood or marriage.
Over the past three years, since their takeover of Afghanistan, the de facto authorities have subjected Afghan women and girls to over 70 edicts, directives, and decrees stripping them of fundamental rights. UN Women data shows that these restrictions are having dire impacts in the lives of Afghan women and girls. For example, only 1 per cent of women surveyed feel like they have influence over decision making in their communities; 64 per cent indicate that they do not feel safe leaving their homes by themselves compared to 2 per cent of men; and 8 per cent indicate knowing at least one woman or girl who has attempted suicide since August 2021. These oppressive laws and policies must be immediately reversed, and the de facto authorities must adhere to their obligations under international law to ensure the full rights of all women and girls.
UN Women stands in unwavering solidarity with every Afghan woman and girl subjected to these measures and we will continue to work with our partners to support the full realization of their rights.
LOS CABOS, MEXICO (TIP): Noted Bollywood journalist Geeta Sharma, known for her extensive experience in entertainment journalism, is making a significant move into the booming destination wedding industry in Mexico. Having started her career with Zee News in 2000, Geeta’s journey has been marked by international travel, yoga instruction, and volunteer work with prominent figures like Sadhvi Ritambhara and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. Now, she is poised to bring her unique expertise to the vibrant and culturally rich setting of Mexican weddings.
After returning to India in 2011 and resuming her role at Zee News, Geeta has continued to make waves in the entertainment industry. However, her latest venture represents a bold shift in focus. Geeta has identified Mexico as a prime location for Indian destination weddings, particularly in stunning locales like Los Cabos and Cancun, which boast crystal-clear blue waters and white sandy beaches.
“Indian weddings in Mexico are an untapped market with immense potential,” Geeta Sharma observes. “While the trend of destination weddings in Mexico has been ongoing, there is a significant opportunity to cater specifically to Indian-origin couples, including North Indian, Sikh, Gujarati, and South Indian communities.”
Geeta has noted that Indian weddings in Mexico are often organized by Spanish-speaking coordinators, but she sees a unique niche in offering services that are tailored to the cultural and emotional needs of Indian couples. She emphasizes the similarities between Indian and Mexican cultures, particularly in their shared values of family, emotional connections, and the belief in living for the moment.
Geeta’s move is greatly bolstered by her collaboration with Pradeep Agarwal, a cultural mogul who has spent the last 27 years tirelessly promoting Indian art and lifestyle in Mexico. From Indian art and artists to Ayurveda, Indian food, spices, and technology, Agarwal’s influence has been profound.
“You can take a man out of India but you cannot take India out of a man. Regardless of wherever I live, I have always taken great pride in promoting Indian culture,” rejoices Agarwal. “The country’s cultural similarities with India, such as a deep respect for family values and emotional connections, make it an ideal location.”
Geeta’s entry into the wedding industry follows her time in Mexico between 2008 and 2009, where she witnessed the rise of Indian weddings in the region. With her strong grasp of Indian culture and global entertainment, she is set to make a significant impact by offering unique wedding experiences that merge the best of both worlds. As more Indian couples seek picturesque locations for their big day, her entry into the Mexico destination wedding market is perfectly timed.
NEW YORK (TIP): “ITServe Alliance’s annual signature event, Synergy 2024 is a thrilling tech conference planned to be held at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas from October 29th and 30th, 2024,” Suresh Potluri, Director of Synergy 2024 announced. “At Synergy, you’ll get to network with peers, learn from experts, and discover new and exciting developments in the IT Industry. Don’t miss the chance to hear from inspiring speakers who will show us how to conquer the upcoming challenges and opportunities in information technology.”
According to the Synergy Organizing Team, packed with educational and entertainment sessions, Synergy is a unique event that caters to one’s body, soul, and mind. “As you invest time to build your thought leadership, you can unwind from your daily stress at the breakout sessions. Synergy 2024 is a promising two-day event for the entire IT community in the US. The floor at the event has fun and entertainment packed for the participants. They can add more fun to their productive experience with an extended stay in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.”
At Synergy 2024, an esteemed panel of industry leaders and visionaries will share their invaluable insights and share their expertise on ways to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and business. Participants will hear from influential figures and leaders from various sectors, providing unique perspectives and actionable strategies for driving innovation and growth.
“Synergy continues to add prominent speakers, valuable sponsorships, and help grow a community network of industry professionals across the country,” said Amar Varada, ITServe’s Governing Board Chair. “Participants at Synergy 2024 will have a platform for IT company heads to come together to hear industry leaders speak, engage in discussions with lawmakers, participate in interactive breakout sessions, and deliberate on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the world of IT Staffing and Technology.”
Past speakers at Synergy included President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush, Hillary Clinton, 67th United States Secretary of State, Nikki Haley, the first female governor of South Carolina, Steve Forbes, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, Sheila Bair, Former Chair of FDIC, Kevin O’leary, Venture Capitalist & Star of ABC’s Shark Tank, Zack Kass, Technology Futurist, Specialist in Generative AI Solutions, Yuvraj Singh, International Cricketer Entrepreneur & Philanthropist, Sadhguru J V, Founder of ISHA foundation, Jason McCann, Co-Founder & CEO Vari, and, Verne Harnish, Founder, Author & CEO Scaling Up.
“Synergy 2024 is a unique venue for the collision of brilliance, a networking supernova, and a tech safari all rolled into one,” said Jagadeesh Mosali, National President of ITServe Alliance. “As you are aware, ITServe Alliance’s Synergy is the only one-of-a-kind conference delivering innovative strategies, unique insights, and proven tactics for success, exclusively for IT service companies and individuals.” Synergy 2024 will focus on developing strategic relationships with partner organizations, sponsors, and supporters, to work for a better technology environment by building greater understanding. Breakout Sessions are other unique ways for every member to dive deep into specific topics and explore practical solutions to common challenges faced by executives in today’s competitive market, with interactive sessions tailored to your professional interests and expertise.
With Panel Discussions that are vital to the ITServe members, who are entrepreneurs, Synergy 2024 will be packed with sessions on Startup Cube Panel, CIO/CTO Panel, Financial Panel, Workforce & Contingency, Staffing Panel, Contracts & Litigations Panel, Mergers & Acquisitions Panel (M&A), Immigration Panel & Federal Contracting.
Networking and connecting with fellow CEOs and CxOs from leading organizations gives participants a platform to exchange ideas, forge new relationships, and uncover potential opportunities for collaboration and expansion in an environment designed to foster growth and success.
At the dozens of Business Expo Booths, Synergy delegates can explore a dynamic marketplace featuring a diverse range of vendors and service providers, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.
It’s crucial to stay informed about financial trends, budgeting strategies, and navigating fund crises, especially when dealing with delayed payments. Being part of and attending a financial panel at Synergy is a great opportunity to learn from experts in the field.
Understanding Mergers and Acquisitions tactics is essential for strategic growth, successful integrations, and maximizing business value. By attending our Mergers and Acquisitions panel, one will gain valuable insights from industry leaders. In addition, participants will have opportunities to discover cutting-edge solutions and innovative technologies from ITServe’s trusted partners, designed to optimize their business operations, enhance efficiency, and drive sustainable growth.
Summarizing the mission of ITServe Alliance and Synergy 2024, Anju Vallbhaneni, President-Elect of ITServe said, “We believe in developing strategic relationships with our partner organizations to work for a better technology environment by building greater understanding. Come and join us on our journey. Let us be your voice when it comes to Information Technology.”
Synergy 2024 will provide a platform for 3,000+ CXOs from hundreds of multi-national companies to come together to hear industry leaders speak, engage in discussions with lawmakers, participate in interactive breakout sessions, deliberate on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the world of IT Staffing and Technology.
Founded in 2010, ITServe Alliance is the largest association of Information Technology Services organizations functioning across the United States. Established to be the voice of all prestigious Information Technology companies functioning with similar interests across the United States, ITServe Alliance has evolved as a resourceful and respected platform to collaborate and initiate measures in the direction of protecting common interests and ensuring collective success.
Over the years, ITServe Alliance has established a name for itself as the center point of information for its members, covering various topics ranging from immigration, technology, economy, and much more. ITServe Alliance now has 22 Chapters in several states across the United States, bringing the Synergy Conference to every part of this innovation country. “Want to deepen your knowledge in these critical areas? Purchase your pass at a reduced price of $1000 and join us at the event. Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity!”
For more information, please visit: www.itserve.org
FORT MYERS, FL (TIP): The Sonalee Vyas Dance Company delivered an enchanting Krishna Ballet performance at the local Krishna temple in Fort Myers, FL, captivating over 300 attendees during the Janamashtmi celebration with a unique and imaginative take on mythological tales. This 90-minute spectacle vividly brought to life the cherished stories of the compassionate and loving Krishna, appealing to a diverse audience through its rich narrative and emotional resonance.
The performance dazzled with a striking array of costumes and intricate choreography, offering an immersive experience that profoundly moved the audience. A talented ensemble of 15 actors and performers expertly embodied the characters, evoking tears and powerful emotions among the spectators.
Choreographed and directed by the esteemed Sonalee Vyas Jani, the ballet showcased the extraordinary talents of Aayushman Jani, Ismael Gracia, Dhilan Shetty, Bhumit Patel, Ashwin Kumar, Shayna Malhotra, Anastasiia Bila, Anondita Paul, Tanya Chauhan, Ankita Khanna, Sharmita Saha, Hitanshi Patel, and Meha Sadana. Their dedication and artistry contributed to an unforgettable evening celebrating the beauty of dance and storytelling.
For more information, please contact:
Sonalee Vyas Jani
Sonalee Vyas Dance Company
732-213-4333
Sdancestudio@gmail.com
“Chanderpaul, eyes focused like a laser on the ball from run up to the moment he demolishes it with his trademark pull/sweep, raises his bat, and kisses the pitch as the ball ricochets back off the boundary. The “Tiger” has reached yet another half century, this one the most important of all.” That was a few days ago, as Guyanese and Caribbean cricket legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, former captain of the West Indies team, ICC’s Hall of Fame inductee, West Indian hero, and one of cricket’s most celebrated players, attained 50 years old.
Deserving appreciations for this unsung hero from Unity village, Guyana, who was denied the chance to become the leading test scorer in West Indies cricket, and “forced to retire,” when his career was unceremoniously derailed by Dave Cameron’s and the WICB’s whimsical and spiteful actions, poured in, not least in “Little Guyana,” where he is revered. The left-handed batsman scored 11,867 runs at an average of 51, with 30 centuries in an illustrious career of 164 Tests to end at the second place in the list of all-time West Indies run scorers, 86 runs short of legendary Brian Lara with 11,953 runs.
In a wider national context, it was Shiv’s batting that lifted our spirits, exemplifying our collective strength and resilience we must all endeavor to espouse as a people, united in our duty never to surrender an inch of our republic to Venezuela, or our oil resources, to anyone. Regional political integration has its genesis in the exploits of sports champions like Chanderpaul, whose achievements helped foster a unifying and defining force. Test captain Kraigg Braithwaite, of Barbados, a country which has produced batsmen of the ilk of Garry Sobers, Frank Worrell, Everton Weekes, Clyde Walcott, Conrad Hunte, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes and other stalwarts, idolizes Chanderpaul and his batting style.
After all, Shiv was the man who personified longevity and tenacity and survived while 519 Test batsmen perished at the other end, and sharing a record 771 different partnerships in Tests, worthy world records that speak volumes about his singular durability and dependability. Rahul Dravid, the Indian “Wall”, is next, but quite some distance behind at 453 Test dismissals at the other wicket, and 738 partnerships. Yet, Chanderpaul has rarely been given deserving accolades, like Dravid and Tendulkar. “That guy with the most Test matches for the West Indies, playing for over 20 years, I don’t think people in the West Indies understand exactly his contribution,” the Brian Lara acknowledges, reminding us that Shiv was instrumental in his many batting feats, even conceding that his compatriot deserved to go past his record for the most Test runs by a West Indian.
Many cricket connoisseurs have told me that if their lives depended on the professional application and dedication of a batsman to combat, survive the best bowling, including the most hostile, and keep his wicket intact, they would choose Shiv Chanderpaul. Indeed, Shiv famously faced 1,051 deliveries against India in 2002 without being dismissed, batting for 1,513 minutes. He was the consummate professional, blessed with the heart of a lion. Brett Lee knocked him out cold where he “could not feel anything, and could not stand or move any limb,” with a fast, vicious bouncer, yet Chanderpaul refused the stretcher, and was up and running in a few minutes and even went on to score a brave century. Like another Guyanese icon, David Martins, reminds us, “Where are your heroes, Caribbean…show them to me…”
Such was his dedication to his craft, that he is the only notable international batsman who used dark stickers below his eyes, as anti-glare patches used to reduce light entering the peripheral area of the eyes so that he could bat and field without being affected by the sun’s glare. Such attention to minute detail in his improvement and comfort as a cricketer, defines the man appropriately called “Tiger.”
Shiv has been the rock and anchor of the West Indies since 1994, a veritable Atlas, and has been one of the Caribbean’s most accomplished, yet overlooked heroes. His premature retirement severely diminished the West Indies team. Chanderpaul’s first Test century came in his 19th match, a testimony to his application and determination, after scoring as many as 15 half centuries in the previous 18 matches. From the small fishing village in Guyana, Shiv became the people’s hero of David vs. Goliath vintage, and became a lone warrior after Hooper’s, Lara’s and Sarwan’s retirements. He soldiered on as the people’s champion, whose struggles and ultimate successes reflected their daily struggles to overcome the odds, the proverbial underdog defeating social and economic barriers that suppressed them.
The paucity of the team’s batting in his career caused him to curtail his aggression. He became the proverbial Rock of Gibraltar, while supposedly better talents than him perished meekly at the other end. His detractors fail to appreciate that he honed his technique to make the very best of what God gave him and made up for deficits overwhelmingly in other areas. It is this single-minded dedication and adaptability that made him the champion and master he became.
Shiv did not have the genius of Rohan Kanhai or Sir Gary Sobers, the power of Sir Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge or Clive Lloyd, the dominance of Roy Fredericks, the technique of Alvin Kallicharran or the finesse of Carl Hooper, Lawrence Rowe or Ramnaresh Sarwan, but the statistical achievements he accumulated that determines how a batsman is measured-runs, centuries, averages-surpassed theirs. This is not to say he was better in the wider context by which batsmen are assessed, but it ensures that one cannot deny his status amongst the greats of the game. The ICC stamp is the imprimatur of greatness that puts Shiv in the top tier of cricket’s immortals.
Those who are critical of his doggedness fail to appreciate that he was often the lone warrior in many lost causes at a time when West Indian cricket sank to unfathomable depths, and responsibility forced him to eschew glamor and style for dependability, audacity for attrition. Like all the great players, the breadth and depth of his achievements provide sound rebuttals, considering that Chanderpaul has the record for the 4th fastest Test century, off just 67 balls against the worthy visiting Australians in 2002. In 2008, he hit a four and a six against the bowling of Chaminda Vaas, with 10 needed off two balls to win a One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka.
He also created history with Sarwan when they monumentally combined to help West Indies chase down a 418-run target at Antigua in 2003 against Australia, scoring 105 and 104 runs each. He was named the captain of the team to face the visiting South Africans in 2005 and celebrated it by becoming only the second player to make a double century on debut as a Test captain, scoring an unbeaten 200 in Guyana. Another absolutely stunning record Chanderpaul holds is that of being stumped for the first time after having batted in 266 innings, while batting with as many as 82 different Test partners.
When I interviewed him about the reason for his longevity and success, he told me that, “I have an immense skill and unique gift – concentration, a divine gift bestowed by Lord Shiva” I marveled at him, then in 2005, and he cemented that belief to all, subsequently. There is no doubt that he must have a divine connection when you survey his immense accomplishments, longevity and humility. Ian Bishop, now an international cricket commentator, said it best, in tribute to Chanderpaul, 2008 Wisden Cricketer of the Year, “I played several Test series with him (Shiv), and have seen more esteemed team-mates shrink in the face of the fastest bowling, but never Chanderpaul…That no other West Indian managed a score of more than 60 in the Tests speaks of the yawning gap between his skill, commitment and experience – and theirs.”
See other interviews and tributes here: https://caribbeancricket.com/news/xxxx/xx/xx/1076
HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP) : The India Day Parade of Long Island this year surpassed the glory and grandeur of the previous parades, as witnessed by tens of thousands of people celebrating India’s 78th Independence Day here in Long Island on August 25. A record 50 marching groups from different organizations and 11 floats participated in the parade, which were cheered on by the public waving the Indian Flag and lining alongside South Broadway down from the Patel Brothers Plaza.
The floats included a replica of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Ram Mandir, consecrated in Ayodhya earlier this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and one float of Lord Ganesha. Other floats included the Arya Samaj of Long Island, LIPAC and many more. The surprising participation by the Hicksville School Marching band and 25 motorcycle riders was a great attraction to the onlookers for the annual parade.
Grand Marshals and guests of honor lead the parade.
Organized by IDP USA, the parade, now in its 13th year, was a grand success held under the leadership of co-Presidents Vimal Goyal and Deepak Bansal, their team and Nassau County Human Rights Commission Chair Dr. Bobby Kumar Kalotee.
Celebrity Grand Marshals were comely actress and politician Jaya Prada Nahata and actress Neetu Chandra who stole the hearts of their fans. Dr Urmilesh Arya was the community Grand Marshall. Consul General Binaya Pradhan as Grand Marshall was represented by Vishal Jayesh Bhai Harsh – Consul (Economy, HOC & CPIO) and Mr. Anurag. Harry Singh Bolla of Bolla Oil, Shudh Prakash Singh, and Dr Jay Sarkar were Chief Guests. There were several Guests of Honor and dignitaries who were present.
The elected officials who addressed the surging crowds from the stage at Patel Brothers and later at the entertainment stage included Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, NY Senate members Steve Rhoads and Jack Martins, TOBAY Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Nassau County Legislator from Hicksville Rose Marie Walker, and Town of North Hempstead Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava and others.
Grand Marshals, guests of honor, dignitaries and organizers.
Several dignitaries and lawmakers as well as celebrities and prominent guests from the community joined in the celebrations, adding to the gravitas of the calendar event of Long Island. Patriotic songs and slogans, such as ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’ and ‘Jai Hind,’ rang out in the air as people waved India’s tricolor along the parade route.
The parade culminated at the sprawling LIRR parking lot. Over 55 booths set up there attracted a stream of visitors. Free, delicious meals were served to all, courtesy of IDP USA. Bolla Market set up Free Children’s Carnival Games.
In the afternoon, the gathering was regaled with popular Bollywood and Punjabi songs by well-known entertainers Rex D’Souza with his live band, Indian Idol Khuda Baksh, and Bhangra King Sarabjeet Cheema.
Several people, including members of the IDP Team such as Chairman Bobby Kalotee, President Vimal Goyal, Past Presidents Jay Jasbir Singh, Indu Jaiswal, Senior Vice Presidents Nilima Madan, Bina Sabapathy and many team members and others were seen dancing with joy near the stage as they celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day.
(Based on a Press Release and photographs submitted by Nilima Madan)
Indian Idol Khuda Baksh, and Bhangra King Sarabjeet Cheema regaled the audience with music and dance. Seen on extreme right is Nishi Behl, the mentor of many beauty queens.
NEW YORK (TIP): More than 24,000 members of the Indian diaspora have signed up to attend a mega community event that will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here next month, according to The Indo-American Community of USA.
The ‘Modi & US’ Progress Together’ event will be held on September 22 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which has a capacity of 15,000. The Indo-American Community of USA (IACU) said Tuesday, August 27, that over 24,000 Indian-Americans have signed up to attend the mega event, a community gathering that will be addressed by Modi.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the high-level UN General Assembly session here on September 26, according to a provisional list of speakers issued by the UN.
The IACU said in a statement that registrations for the event in Uniondale, Long Island have come through 590 community organizations, all of whom have signed up as ‘Welcome Partners’, from across the United States. While Indian-Americans from at least 42 states are expected to attend, the response has been particularly strong from the tri-state area, it said. “We’re committed to ensuring as many people as possible can participate in this historic event,” said a key organizer of the event.
“We’re going to do our best to expand seating arrangements and coordinate with our Welcome Partners to prioritize final seat allocations to those who will confirm they expect to attend.”
The IACU said the ‘Modi & US’ event “promises to be a significant gathering celebrating the interconnected diversity of the Indian-American community.” Attendees and participating organizations will include a wide range of religious communities, including members of the Jewish, Zoroastrian, Jain, Christian, Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu communities. They also represent a significant cross-section of India’s diverse languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Punjabi, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, Gujarati, and others, IACU said.
In addition to an address by Prime Minister Modi, the event will showcase cultural performances and appearances by prominent Indian-Americans in business, science, entertainment, and the arts.
A not-for-profit organization, the Indo-American Community of USA (IACU) fosters understanding of and unity within the Indo-American community through cultural events and public programs.
In 2014 September 2014, Modi addressed a massive community gathering at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York just months after he had first taken over as Prime Minister and visited the city to attend the high-level annual General Assembly session.
In 2019, Modi addressed the mega community event ‘Howdy Modi’ at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, where he was joined by former President Donald Trump.
This year’s visit to the US comes just weeks before the country goes to the presidential polls in November with a race to the top office between Trump and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris, the first woman of Black and Indian heritage.
This year, the high-level General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly will take place from September 24-30. As per the provisional list of speakers for the General Debate issued by the UN on Monday, August 26, India’s “Head of Government” is scheduled to address the high-level session in the afternoon of September 26.
The list is not final and the UN releases updated provisional lists of speakers in the weeks leading up to the high-level session to reflect any modifications in attendance, schedules and speaking slots of leaders, ministers and ambassadors.
Modi took oath in June as India’s Prime Minister for a historic third term and last addressed the annual high-level UNGA session in September 2021. Prime Minister Modi also visited the UN headquarters on June 21 last year, leading the historic Yoga Day commemoration at the North Lawn of the world body’s headquarters before heading to Washington DC for a State Visit hosted by former President Joe Biden.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will present his report before the start of the General Debate, followed by an address by the President of the 79th session of the General Assembly.
Guterres is also convening the ambitious Summit of the Future at UN Headquarters during the high-level week, with the action days slated for September 20-21 and the Summit scheduled for September 22-23.
World leaders will convene at the United Nations to adopt the Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations as annexes.
“The Summit is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future,” the UN has said.
Likely to shorten his visit to United States in view of Assembly Elections back home
NEW YORK (TIP): Rahul Gandhi is visiting the US for five to seven days from September 7, 2024. He will address the Indian Diaspora in Dallas, Texas on September 8 . Originally planned for 10 or more days, Rahul is likely to cut short his visit in view of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana. This will be Rahul’s first visit to the US after becoming the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha.
The Indian Panorama was informed by sources in the Indian Overseas Congress that Rahul will be visiting Washington, D.C. after his visit to Dallas. Details of his meetings in Washington, D.C. have not yet been announced.
“We will send this bill to the Governor. If he doesn’t pass, we will sit outside Raj Bhavan,” the Bengal Chief Minister said.
KOLKATA (TIP): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, said that a session of State Assembly will be called next week and a bill would be passed to ensure capital punishment for those convicted of rape. The Trinamool Congress chairperson’s comments came amidst outgoing outrage and protests over rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
Ms. Banerjee added that the bill would be sent to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose. “Next week, we will call an Assembly session by requesting the Speaker and pass a bill to ensure capital punishment for rapists. We will send this bill to the Governor. If he doesn’t pass, we will sit outside Raj Bhavan. This bill must be passed and he cannot evade accountability this time,” Ms. Banerjee said. She was addressing an event on the foundation day of the student wing of Trinamool Congress.
The Chief Minister praised the efforts of the State police in confronting protesters who marched to the State Secretariat on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
“I salute the police for their role yesterday. They had given their blood but did not yield a dead body to the BJP conspiracy,” she said.
Amidst demands by Opposition parties demanding her resignation over the gruesome rape and murder, the Chief Minister targeted the Prime Minister and said those seeking her resignation should ask for Prime Minister’s resignation. “They don’t want the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over incidents in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Assam. In Assam, the accused was killed in encounter,“ she added.
Referring to rape and murder of the doctor Ms. Banerjee said that her government wanted to give capital punishment within seven days to the accused with the case being tried in fast-track court. “Sixteen days have passed since CBI took over doctor’s rape-murder probe, where is justice,” she said
The Chief Minister urged agitating resident doctors to join work and said that her government does not want to lodge police complaint against them which will adversely affect their career.
Facing relentless attack over her government’s handling of the gruesome crime, the Trinamool chairperson called for change of her party’s slogan, “Badla noi Badal chai ( Want Change not Revenge)“. Ms. Banerjee said that she had earlier given slogan but now the workers can decide for themselves as to what they will do. “ At least you can hiss and those who are spreading canards against us,” she said. Reacting to Chief Minister’s remarks, State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said that the remarks point out that the Chief Minister was in fear.
Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee also emphasized for stricter laws for rape and referred to alleged incidents of atrocities on women at Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh and said, “Those who are seeking the resignation of Mamata Banerjee, should ask for Yogi Adityanath’s resignation,” he said. Mr. Banerjee said that Trinamool Congress will take to the streets if the Centre does not enact a new law to ensure a time-bound trial and sentencing of the accused found guilty of rape charges.
“If the central government does not enact this law, I will move a private member’s bill for the new law,” he said.
PARIS (TIP): French authorities handed preliminary charges to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, for allowing alleged criminal activity on his messaging app, and barred him from leaving France pending further investigation.
Both free-speech advocates and authoritarian governments have spoken out in Mr. Durov’s defense since his weekend arrest. The case has also called attention to the challenges of policing illegal activity online, and to the Russia-born Durov’s own unusual biography and multiple passports.
Mr. Durov was detained on Saturday, August 24, at Le Bourget airport outside Paris as part of a sweeping investigation opened earlier this year, and released earlier Wednesday, August 28, after four days of questioning. Investigative judges filed preliminary charges Wednesday, August 28 night and ordered him to pay 5 million euros bail and to report to a police station twice a week, according to a statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office. Allegations against Mr. Durov, who is also a French citizen, include that his platform is being used for child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking, and that Telegram refused to share information or documents with investigators when required by law. The first preliminary charge against him was for “complicity in managing an online platform to allow illicit transactions by an organized group”, a crime that can lead to sentences of up to 10 years in prison and 500,000 euro fine, the prosecutor’s office said.
Preliminary charges under French law mean magistrates have strong reason to believe a crime was committed but allow more time for further investigation. David-Olivier Kaminski, a lawyer for Durov, was quoted by French media as saying, “it’s totally absurd to think that the person in charge of a social network could be implicated in criminal acts that don’t concern him, directly or indirectly”.
Prosecutors said Mr. Durov is, “at this stage, the only person implicated in this case.” They did not exclude the possibility that other people are being investigated but declined to comment on other possible arrest warrants. Any other arrest warrant would be revealed only if the target of such a warrant is detained and informed of their rights, prosecutors said in a statement to the AP. French authorities opened a preliminary investigation in February in response to “the near total absence of a response by Telegram to judicial requests” for data for pursuing suspects, notably those accused of crimes against children, the prosecutor’s office said.
Mr. Durov’s arrest in France has caused outrage in Russia, with some government officials calling it politically motivated and proof of the West’s double standard on freedom of speech. The outcry has raised eyebrows among Kremlin critics because in 2018, Russian authorities themselves tried to block the Telegram app but failed, withdrawing the ban in 2020.
In Iran, where Telegram is widely used despite being officially banned after years of protests challenging the country’s Shiite theocracy, Mr. Durov’s arrest in France prompted comments from the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei weighed in with veiled praise for France for being “strict” against those who “violate your governance” of the internet. French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday, August 26, that Mr. Durov’s arrest wasn’t a political move but part of an independent investigation. Macron posted on X that his country “is deeply committed” to freedom of expression but “freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights”.
In a statement posted on its platform after Mr. Durov’s arrest, Telegram said it abides by EU laws, and its moderation is “within industry standards and constantly improving”.
“Almost a billion users globally use Telegram as means of communication and as a source of vital information. We’re awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation,” it said.
In addition to Russia and France, Mr. Durov is also a citizen of the United Arab Emirates and the Caribbean island nation of St Kitts and Nevis.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, August 27, that it was “closely following the case” and had asked France to provide Mr. Durov “with all the necessary consular services in an urgent manner”.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he hoped that Durov “has all the necessary opportunities for his legal defense” and added that Moscow stands “ready to provide all necessary assistance and support” to the Telegram CEO as a Russian citizen.
“But the situation is complicated by the fact that he is also a citizen of France,” Mr. Peskov said.
Telegram was founded by Mr. Durov and his brother after he himself faced pressure from Russian authorities.
In 2013, he sold his stake in VKontakte, a popular Russian social networking site which he launched in 2006.
The company came under pressure during the Russian government’s crackdown following mass pro-democracy protests that rocked Moscow at the end of 2011 and 2012.
Durov had said authorities demanded that the site take down online communities of Russian opposition activists, and later that it hand over personal data of users who took part in the 2013-2014 popular uprising in Ukraine, which eventually ousted a pro-Kremlin president. Durov said in a recent interview that he had turned down these demands and left the country.
The demonstrations prompted Russian authorities to clamp down on the digital space, and Telegram and its pro-privacy stance offered a convenient way for Russians to communicate and share news.
Telegram also continues to be a popular source of news in Ukraine, where both media outlets and officials use it to share information on the war and deliver missile and air raid alerts. Western governments have often criticized Telegram for a lack of content moderation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan ‘na khaunga, na khane doonga’ (will neither be corrupt nor let anyone be corrupt) once served as a rallying cry against the entrenched corruption in the political system. It propelled him to power, painting him as a crusader against graft. Yet, recent incidents, such as the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Maharashtra and the leaking roof of the new Parliament building in New Delhi, cast a long shadow over this claim, exposing the crumbling foundations of the much-touted ‘Modi model’.
The 35-foot statue, unveiled with fanfare by Modi himself less than a year ago, lies in ruins, a victim of rusted nuts and bolts. This monumental blunder is not merely a case of shoddy workmanship; it is emblematic of the rot that has set in at the core of the government’s projects. The contractor, conveniently linked to those in power, stands accused of collusion, fraud and endangering public safety, while the government scrambles to shift the blame onto anything but its own negligence. The steel used in the statue had already begun to rust; yet, despite repeated warnings, no action was taken. Then there is the new Parliament building, a symbol of Modi’s ambition to reshape India’s democratic institutions. Constructed at an exorbitant cost of nearly Rs 1,000 crore, the building was quickly reduced to a laughing stock when a video emerged showing water leaking through its roof.
Modi’s tenure has been marked by grand announcements and mega projects, but beneath the surface lies a pattern of cutting corners, favoritism and a blatant disregard for quality and accountability. The government that promised to end corruption has become a factory of half-baked, poorly executed projects, all the while shielding its cronies from dire consequences. The irony is stark.
India is not well-placed to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine
Just days after his visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s telephonic conversations with U.S. President Joseph Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have raised hopes that New Delhi is ready to take the plunge and attempt peacemaking in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Mr. Modi’s travel to the UN in September, where he will meet U.S. and European leaders and possibly Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again, and another visit to Russia in October for the BRICS summit, have fueled those hopes. However, those who are boosting speculation of an Indian role may benefit from a careful consideration of the circumstances, and India’s position thus far. Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, India has remained distant from the outcomes of what External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had once called “Europe’s war” and any peace process that does not involve bringing Russia and Ukraine to the table for talks. It had even disassociated itself from the Swiss peace summit. While Mr. Modi has consistently said that India is “on the side of peace” alone, New Delhi has been seen to be partial to Moscow, given its historical ties and military and energy dependencies. It will need to recast itself in a more unbiased image. Meanwhile, the war continues without pause, indicating the belief in both parties of there still being military gains to be made. That Russia launched deadly attacks on Ukraine just before the Modi Moscow visit in July, and Ukraine carried out operations into Russia’s Kursk Oblast just before his visit to Kyiv last week, demonstrate the dangerous power play and messaging Mr. Zelenskyy and Mr. Putin can indulge in, regardless of their guest’s sensitivities.
With such entrenched positions, New Delhi must proceed with care if it indeed seeks to join the ranks of others wanting involvement in conflict resolution. Successful efforts have been few and have required focused agendas — the Black Sea Grain Initiative; the IAEA effort, on nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia power plant; and the latest exchange of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners. India must also articulate its own principles for a ceasefire compromise and lasting peace. The Modi government may well benefit from studying India’s own history: In the 1950s, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, at the instance of Vienna, mediated with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev on troops withdrawal from the north-east zone of Austria post-war, in return for promises of Austrian neutrality. An Indian peace initiative will be further complicated by the proposals Ukraine and Russia have themselves put forth: Mr. Zelenskyy insists on a full military withdrawal from Ukraine by Russia first, and Mr. Putin has called for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from regions now occupied by Russia, and for Kyiv to formally give up any efforts to join NATO.
The Supreme Court order granting bail to Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K. Kavitha does more than grant relief to a jailed politician; it brings under focus the ill-motivated tactic of using the judicial process and the power of arrest as a tool to hound political opponents. The charge that the Delhi government’s liquor policy was formulated in exchange for crores of rupees to grant a favourable deal to a certain lobby is quite serious, warranting a thorough investigation and fair prosecution. However, the focus of the Centre and its agencies seems to be entirely on keeping some political figures imprisoned in the run-up to the trial. In oral observations, a Bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan has questioned the fairness of the investigation, especially because the agency has cited some of those apparently involved as witnesses, while seeking pardon to some arrested suspects so that they could testify as approvers. After a spell during which the courts were reticent to disregard the vehement objections by the prosecution to the grant of bail, the judiciary has now begun to see through the attempt to use the bail-denying features of the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA) to keep adversaries in prison for long. The Court had earlier granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (still in jail in a CBI case on the same allegations) and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
Ms. Kavitha has been accused of arranging the alleged deal between the Delhi government and a ‘south lobby’. It is notable that the political leaders have all been implicated by witnesses who themselves appear to be involved in the case and accused who have turned approvers. The Bench has questioned the Delhi High Court’s failure to give her the benefit of a proviso to Section 45 of the PMLA, which allows grant of bail to women, merely on the ground that she was educated and not a “vulnerable” woman. The mere fact that the investigation by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate is over was enough to grant bail. Instead of vehemently objecting to bail, and spending their time filing lengthy replies to a spate of bail petitions in various courts, prosecutors should concentrate on building a water-tight case. They should now focus on opening the trial and concluding it within a reasonable time-frame. The agencies concerned should remember that headlines that cite fabulous sums of money allegedly paid as bribes and thousand page charge sheets can impress only a few. Trial courts would surely prefer concrete evidence and reliable testimony backed by relevant documents.
The news cycles influence polls. The mainstream media with the exception of Fox and the WSJ have always supported the Democratic candidates. We used to have CBS-NYT; NBC-WSJ; AND ABC-WPOST. These pollsters used to put out polls almost weekly, especially from Labor Day to Election Day. The Gallup Poll used to be the most accurate. Realclear average of all Polls is also popular and may be more accurate than even NYT Sienna Poll.
I have decided not to go by the national polls that reflect popular votes. The Democrats always score in popular votes because of the large population of California.
Kamala Harris created the best first impressions by campaigning in Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada and Pennsylvania — one after another on a continuous basis. This had a huge impact and she started gaining in polls against Trump. Next was the DNC and her Acceptance Speech. So far Kamala Harris is ahead in national polls only by 3 points. In battleground States she is leading by 1 or 2 points; she had tied Trump in PA.
Going by Hillary Clinton and Biden’s track record in polls, I had expected Kamala would be up by 5 points nationally and would widen her lead in battleground States. Perhaps, this may happen before Labor Day.
RFK Jr. endorsing and embracing Trump publicly should benefit Trump to become more competitive with Kamala Harris. As a result, I am not expecting Kamala to make a significant lead before the September 10 debate if it takes place!
Based on my reading, the race is going to be very tight in Pennsylvania as it was in 2016 and 2020. I could even say whoever wins Pennsylvania will be our next President. The debates could make an impact also.
Following the failure of the Biden Plan, the ‘bridging proposal’ put forth by Antony Blinken is also on the verge of collapse in the wake of glaring mistrust between Hamas and Israel.
By Prabhu Dayal
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up his visit to Israel earlier this week, saying that he had consulted with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had accepted a ‘bridging proposal’ for a ceasefire in Gaza. He also called on Hamas to accept the ‘bridging proposal’. What is the Gaza ceasefire ‘bridging proposal’, and will it work in the troubled waters of the Israel-Hamas war? Can we expect the fighting to be ended in Gaza and peace to be established? In my estimation, a peace deal is still very elusive. Disagreements over Israel’s future military presence in Gaza are hindering progress on a ceasefire and hostage deal. Moreover, Netanyahu has repeatedly said that Israel will not stop the attacks until Hamas has been completely destroyed, and Hamas is unwilling to trust Israel for this reason. In this scenario, ending the conflict is not easy at all.
Blinken’s recent visit to Israel was an attempt to bridge the gaps. Clearly, he failed to secure a breakthrough for a Gaza cease-fire deal. More than ten and a half months have elapsed since the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict started in Gaza. Many efforts have been made to end it but without success, for the conflict is showing no signs of ending. The underlying reason is that there is a big trust deficit between Hamas and Israel. It may be recalled that Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. The Israeli military launched a counter-offensive in Gaza in which at least 40,334 Palestinians have been killed and 93,956 wounded. The vast majority of Gaza’s population has been displaced. A humanitarian crisis of unspeakable dimensions has resulted, and the life of the Palestinians in Gaza has become worse than hell. Ending this conflict is proving to be a huge challenge. Ageing gratefully Mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the USA spent months pursuing a three-phase plan in which Hamas would release the hostages in exchange for a lasting cease-fire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The three-phase Israel–Hamas war ceasefire proposal was announced by Egypt and Qatar on May 5, and endorsed by Hamas on May 6. US President Joe Biden presented the deal and it came to be known as the Biden Plan.
This was the plan’s outline: PHASE I • A complete ceasefire • Withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza • Release of some hostages and some remains of hostages Also Read – Nexus of Good: Groundwork for excellence • Palestinian civilians can return to their homes in Gaza • A surge in humanitarian aid .
PHASE 2 • A permanent end to hostilities • Exchange for the release of remaining living hostages • Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza
PHASE 3 • A major reconstruction plan for Gaza • The final remains of hostages are returned to their families.
On June 10, the United Nations Security Council supported the proposal as Resolution 2735. Hamas leaders largely accepted the announced “Biden plan” and the UN Resolution with some caveats. For example, they insisted that the end of the ceasefire as described in both be “permanent,” and that there be a complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu put a spanner in the works and ruled out a permanent ceasefire. He stated that Israel was open only to a partial ceasefire that did not include ending the war in Gaza. In fact, Netanyahu went further and rejected Biden’s proposal. He said in a social media post that the “actual” plan to which he agreed stipulated no end to the conflict until Hamas had been eliminated, no permanent ceasefire until all hostages were freed and victory was achieved and no end to an Israeli security role in Gaza.
The Gaza ceasefire mediators have been making a fresh bid to ‘narrow the gaps’ between Israel and Hamas. Two key sticking points concern Israel’s demands which it is unrelenting. These relate to the Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim Corridor respectively. Firstly, Israel insists that it must have full control over the Philadelphi corridor which is a 14-kilometre-long narrow strip of land running inside Gaza along its southern border with Egypt. Israel says that Hamas has been smuggling arms across this border. Secondly, Israel is adamant that displaced people returning from southern Gaza to northern Gaza be screened at the Israeli-controlled Netzarim corridor that effectively divides the territory of Gaza into two parts. This corridor will allow the Israeli army to bisect and control the Gaza Strip. Israel considers this corridor to be essential for carrying out raids in northern and central Gaza. In other words, these demands by Israel mean that it will continue to maintain its troops inside Gaza even after a peace deal is reached. Hamas has rejected any such presence, saying it contravenes a three-stage peace plan announced by Joe Biden at the end of May, and later endorsed by the UN Security Council, which ultimately envisages a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas also says that Israel had changed its conditions and parameters at the last minute. Hamas also argues that any concessions it makes would be met by more demands by Israel. On the other hand, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office denied making ‘new demands’, asserting that their position was always well known to the Americans. So, either Netanyahu is pulling a fast one, or else the Americans did not convey the correct picture regarding the Israeli position to their fellow mediators from Qatar and Egypt.
Naturally, the disagreement over Israel’s future military presence in Gaza is also hindering progress on a ceasefire and hostage deal. The discussions around the Philadelphi corridor and the Netzarim corridor are proving to be contentious. Netanyahu is not budging from his position and neither are the Hamas leaders. Blinken’s recent visit to Israel was an attempt to ‘bridge the gaps’. Even more significantly, Israel has made it clear that a break in the fighting is all that it will agree to — not a permanent ceasefire. Netanyahu has made it clear that he is ready for a six-week ceasefire which will help to bring back some of the hostages while facilitating humanitarian relief supplies to reach the Palestinians in Gaza, but he would not give up on continuing the war in Gaza in order to destroy Hamas. In this scenario, even if an agreement is reached – still far from certain – it could end up lasting only weeks before it collapses and the war in Gaza resumes. Thus, Blinken’s ‘bridging proposal’ seems to be promising more than it can achieve.
Meanwhile, concerns grow about the possible expansion and escalation of the conflict. Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel early Sunday (August 25) as Israel’s military said it struck Lebanon with around 100 jets to thwart a larger attack, in one of the biggest clashes in more than 10 months of border warfare. Any major spillover in the fighting risks transforming into a regional conflagration drawing in Hezbollah’s backer Iran and Israel’s main ally the United States. This would be a truly frightening scenario!
(The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Consul General in New York)
(First published in the Millennium Post. https://www.millenniumpost.in/opinion/bridging-over-troubled-waters-577147)
The only plausible way to pull the farmers out of perpetual poverty is by ensuring a legally binding framework for guaranteeing farm prices.
Providing a legally guaranteed MSP to farmers who have marketable surplus and providing direct income support to marginal farmers is the big reform that agriculture awaits.
By Devinder Sharma
It is called the pension reform. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) ensures dignity and financial security for government employees. “We are proud of the hard work of all government employees who contribute significantly to national progress,” he said.
In reality, the UPS — which assures a pension equivalent to 50 per cent of the last drawn salary — is an acknowledgement that the earlier market-linked New Pension Scheme had not worked for government employees. To assure a ‘defined benefit’ for government employees, the Union Cabinet tweaked the pension scheme to ensure that the retirees do not have to face the tyranny of the markets.
While the PM has also applauded the country’s farmers on a number of occasions and has often admired the resilience demonstrated by the farming community, there have been no takers for their long-pending demand for guaranteed prices. If markets have failed for retired employees, let me make it clear that markets have also failed for farmers. If employees need an assured pension, farmers also need an assured price.
Nowhere in the world have markets ensured a higher income for farmers. In the major economies, either the subsidy fills the income gap (China has emerged at the top in providing agricultural subsidies) or agriculture is conveniently left at the mercy of market forces, like in India. The result, as some studies have shown, is not only that Indian farmers are at the bottom of the pyramid but also that they have been incurring losses year after year for nearly 25 years now.
The only plausible way to pull the farmers out of perpetual poverty is by ensuring a legally binding framework for guaranteeing farm prices. Regardless, the NDA government had sworn in an affidavit before the Supreme Court some years back that a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) would distort the markets. Strangely, when it comes to farmers, policymakers raise the bogey of assured prices distorting markets. For employees, everyone is fine with an assured pension; the fear of distorting markets suddenly disappears.
While mainline economists believe that a legal MSP will jack up consumer prices and thereby distort markets, in reality, it will squeeze corporate profits, and hence the outcry. Strangely, the same breed of free-market economists remain quiet when corporates in America go in for ‘price gouging’ — jacking up prices to rip off the consumers. This actually is price distortion. Already, 38 states, including California, Florida and New York, have brought in laws that prohibit the practice. For instance, the state of New York went against companies that had hiked the prices of hand sanitizers by 400 per cent during the pandemic. And yet, many market economists have called such checks on visible market distortions a return to Soviet-style price controls.
The bias in favor of markets crops up when farmers have to be provided with economic security, but not when corporates jack up prices to extract their pound of flesh. This double speak on market distortion is coming in the way of providing farmers with a living income. As I have said before, markets will automatically adjust to the assured prices for farmers. It is only the ideology that is coming in the way.
US Vice-President Kamala Harris has called for a ban on corporate price gouging, which alone is responsible for a 53 per cent increase in the prices of food and grocery items since the pandemic. Republicans have called her position on it ‘communist’. Whatever the right wing may say, there is no denying, as some economists have acknowledged, that a ban on price gouging is good economics as well as good politics. Harris has promised action against companies that are keeping food prices artificially high.
Returning to the employees’ pension, it is interesting to see the Department of Expenditure make an all-out effort to justify the decision, terming it ‘fiscally prudent’ and claiming that “it will be preventing fiscal hardship to future generations of citizens.” Certainly, there is no one against an assured pension for employees. But if the employees can be assured of social security, there is no reason why economic security cannot be assured for farmers. They also contribute significantly to the national progress, and it is because of their relentless hard work that the country has food security.
When Kamlesh Patidar, a farmer from Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur district, re-ploughed his standing soybean crop on 10 acres, he did not realize that it would trigger a chain reaction. Just few days after a video of the incident went viral, reports of several anguished farmers uprooting the crop poured in.
The crash in soybean prices — and that too, a month and a half before the harvesting season — has negated another economic belief that suggests farmers should hold on to harvest till the time they can realize a better price. Patidar had saved his last year’s harvest in the hope of getting a higher price later. But even that did not work.
While the ruling soybean prices have dropped to a level that existed 12 years back, the destruction of farm livelihoods leaves hundreds of thousands of soybean farmers seething with anger. The prices, which are much lower than the MSP, are not even enough to cover the production costs. I wonder when we will have an assured price policy for farmers that will prevent fiscal hardship for not only future generations of farmers but also the present one.
Soon thereafter, reports about tomato prices crashing by 60 per cent to a low of Rs 300 per crate of 25 kg poured in. And then came news reports about basmati prices falling by 28 per cent to Rs 2,500 per quintal. It is not something unique happening this year; it has emerged as a painful annual trend that the nation does not feel concerned about.
Providing a legally guaranteed MSP to farmers who have marketable surplus and providing direct income support to marginal farmers is the big reform that agriculture awaits.
(Devinder Sharma is a Writer, Researcher, Columnist, Author. He specializes in economics, global trade, food and agricultural policy, environment, and development. @Devinder_Sharma)
New York City, often heralded as the “center of the universe,” stands as a beacon of culture, finance, and global diplomacy. It is home to the United Nations headquarters, two major international airports, and some of the most iconic landmarks on the planet. The city is a bustling tourist hub, drawing millions of visitors every year who come to experience its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and world-class institutions. Moreover, New York is the financial capital of the world, influencing markets and economies across the globe. Yet, despite all these accolades, the city’s roads tell a very different story—one that is marked by neglect, deterioration, and congestion.
The Dismal State of New York City’s Roads
The condition of New York City’s roads is nothing short of disgraceful for a city that prides itself on being a global leader. A 2022 report by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) revealed that approximately 46% of the city’s roads were in poor condition. Potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces are commonplace, making driving a challenge and posing significant safety risks to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. In fact, the city’s streets are so notoriously bad that they cost drivers an average of $620 annually in additional vehicle repairs, according to a report by TRIP, a national transportation research group.
In 2023, the city filled nearly 300,000 potholes—a staggering figure that highlights just how prevalent the problem is. However, these quick fixes are merely a band-aid solution to a much deeper problem. The underlying infrastructure of the roads is aging and in desperate need of comprehensive repair and modernization. The city’s reluctance or inability to address these issues in a meaningful way raises serious questions about the priorities and effectiveness of its administration.
The Economic Impact of Poor Road Conditions
New York City’s crumbling roads have far-reaching economic consequences. Tourism, a major driver of the city’s economy, is particularly affected. In 2019, the city welcomed a record 66.6 million visitors, contributing an estimated $70 billion to the local economy. However, the poor condition of the roads can tarnish the visitor experience, leading to negative perceptions and potentially deterring future tourism. Tourists navigating the city by bus, taxi, or rideshare are subjected to bumpy rides, delays caused by congestion, and an overall sense of disrepair that is not befitting of a world-class city.
Moreover, the financial burden on residents and businesses is significant. The extra costs incurred by drivers due to road damage not only strain individual finances but also have a ripple effect on the broader economy. Delivery trucks and commercial vehicles suffer frequent damage, leading to increased operational costs for businesses. This, in turn, can result in higher prices for goods and services, further burdening consumers.
Congestion and Urban Planning Failures
Beyond the poor condition of the roads themselves, New York City’s streets have become increasingly congested. This congestion is partly due to poor urban planning decisions, such as the introduction of dedicated bus lanes and the proliferation of street-side parking, both of which reduce the available road space for other vehicles. While bus lanes are intended to improve public transportation efficiency, they often exacerbate congestion on already narrow streets, leading to longer travel times for drivers and a higher likelihood of accidents.
The problem has been further compounded by the outdoor dining structures that have become a permanent fixture since the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the city allowed restaurants to extend their dining areas into the streets as a temporary measure to help them stay afloat during lockdowns. However, many of these structures remain in place, taking up valuable road space and contributing to the city’s already overwhelming traffic congestion.
The impact of these combined factors is clear: New York City’s streets are not only in poor physical condition but are also increasingly difficult to navigate. This congestion has a direct impact on the city’s economy, as it leads to delays in the transportation of goods, increases the cost of commuting, and reduces overall productivity. In a city that prides itself on its efficiency and dynamism, this is an unacceptable state of affairs.
Comparisons to other Global Cities
When comparing New York City’s roads to those of other major global cities, the contrast is stark. Cities like Tokyo, London, and Paris, despite facing their own challenges, have managed to maintain much higher standards of road quality. Tokyo, for instance, boasts some of the best-maintained roads in the world, with a focus on regular maintenance and modernization. The city has implemented advanced road surface technologies that not only improve durability but also reduce noise pollution, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to urban infrastructure.
Similarly, London has invested heavily in its road network, with a particular emphasis on reducing congestion and improving road safety. The city’s congestion charge, introduced in 2003, has been successful in reducing traffic volumes in the city center, leading to less wear and tear on the roads and a better overall driving experience. Paris, meanwhile, has focused on creating more pedestrian-friendly spaces and improving public transportation, which has also had a positive impact on road conditions.
In comparison, New York City’s roads are more reminiscent of those found in developing countries, where poor infrastructure is often a result of limited resources and political instability. For a city with the wealth, influence, and global standing of New York, this is a deeply embarrassing situation.
The Need for Urgent Action
The current state of New York City’s roads is not just an inconvenience; it is a reflection of a broader failure in governance and urban planning. The administration’s apparent indifference to the issue is perplexing, particularly given that city officials and employees must also navigate these same roads on a daily basis. The question that must be asked is: why has the administration turned a blind eye to this problem?
One possible explanation is the complex and often opaque nature of New York City’s budget and funding allocation processes. Road maintenance and infrastructure projects are expensive, and in a city with many competing priorities, it is possible that these issues have been deprioritized in favor of more immediate concerns. However, this short-term thinking is shortsighted, as the long-term consequences of neglecting the city’s roads will only become more severe—and more costly—over time.
The city must take urgent action to address this issue. This should include a comprehensive audit of the current state of the roads, followed by the development of a long-term plan for their repair and modernization. This plan should prioritize not just the repair of existing damage but also the implementation of measures to prevent future deterioration. This could include the use of more durable materials, improved drainage systems to prevent water damage, and regular maintenance schedules to catch issues before they become major problems.
A Call for Accountability
New York City has a reputation for upholding the best, and its current road conditions are simply unacceptable for a city of its stature. The administration must be held accountable for its failure to maintain the city’s infrastructure and must take immediate steps to rectify the situation. The residents, businesses, and millions of visitors who contribute to the city’s economy deserve better deal.
The city’s roads should be a point of pride, reflecting its status as a global leader. Instead, they are a source of frustration and embarrassment. It is time for the administration to open its eyes to this issue and take necessary steps to ensure that New York City’s roads are worthy of the city’s reputation. Anything less would be a disservice to the city and all who call it home. And, it certainly is a disgrace to City Administration.
GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): The Embassy of India in Guatemala, along with the Indian diaspora and friends from Guatemala, celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day with great zeal and enthusiasm. The event was marked by a series of activities that reflected the spirit of unity, pride, and patriotism.
The celebration commenced with the hoisting of the Indian national flag by Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra. Following this, Ambassador read out the Hon’ble President of India’s address to the nation, providing a moment of reflection on the significance of the day and India’s journey since independence.
Flag hoisting ceremony at the Embassy attended by Indian community and friends of India.
A highlight of the event was the vibrant cultural program that showcased India’s rich and diverse heritage. The performances included traditional dances and music, providing a colorful display of Indian culture. Students from the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala and the group led by Ms. Satva Anand delivered captivating performances that left attendees with a profound sense of unity and cultural pride.
Embassy organized the inauguration of the Exhibition of Partition Horror Remembrance Day to honor and remember the lives affected by the partition of India in 1947.
The Embassy also organized the Inauguration of the Exhibition of Partition Horror Remembrance Day. This exhibition aimed to honor and remember the lives affected by the partition of India in 1947. The displays included photographs and personal accounts that highlighted the pain and resilience experienced during this significant historical event.
Members from Brahma Kumaris Guatemala organized a Rakhi festival. Tying of Rakhi threads to the Indian Diaspora and friends of India in Guatemala.
In collaboration with Brahmkumaris, Guatemala, the Embassy hosted a Rakhi festival. The tying of Rakhi threads during the festival fostered a sense of unity and cultural pride among the attendees. The event brought together the Indian diaspora and friends of India in Guatemala, celebrating this beautiful tradition with joy and camaraderie.
Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra handed over medicines to Mayors of Chiquimula, Huhuetenango, and Izabal.
During the event, Embassy of India in collaboration with Lukah Medical S.A donated medicines to Mayors of Chiquimula, Huhuetenango, and Izabal. These efforts echo India’s commitment to global health as the Pharmacy of the World.
The event featured vibrant cultural performances showcasing India’s rich and diverse heritage.
The Independence Day celebrations at the Embassy of India in Guatemala were a resounding success, reflecting the deep connections between India and Guatemala. The various activities and programs highlighted India’s cultural richness and historical significance while strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual respect. The day served as a reminder of the enduring spirit of independence and the shared heritage that continues to unite people across borders. Pictures of the event are posted on Embassy’s twitter, facebook and Instagram account.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the state’s anchor cultural institution, celebrates 27 years of offering thousands of high schoolers from Newark and beyond, music lessons and performance experiences through its popular ‘JAZZ FOR TEENS’ program. One of the first of many arts education institutions at NJPAC, it has grown into a nationally recognized and revered program producing stellar alumni such as MacArthur “Genius” Fellow Tyshawn Sorey.
The 2024-25 school year is about to begin and is now accepting students for both the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. Registration is now open and closes Sep 23.
‘Jazz for Teens’ is a comprehensive and sequential jazz education program that provides access to top-notch musical training and study with world-class working artists, opportunities for artistic exchange within the community, and college and career exploration.
This school year offers a new program “Business of the Music Business” with class topics including: financial wellness and budgeting; contracting; marketing and publicity; production and more. Classes include jazz history, theory/composition, technique, ensembles, and more. Prospective college students are guided through the application process. Students are given many performance opportunities as members of the James Moody Jazz Orchestra and/or George Wein Scholars Ensemble (performing at the Newport Jazz Festival). All students record their own compositions together in a studio setting. Field trips to Rutgers University-Newark’s remarkable Institute of Jazz Studies, the largest archive of jazz-related materials in the world, are regular treats for students.
Since 2015, ‘Jazz for Teens’ has been at the helm of Mark Gross, the Director of Jazz Instruction for NJPAC. A multiple GRAMMY-winning alto sax player and composer, Gross has performed and recorded with a roster of greats, including Dizzy Gillespie, Buster Williams, Nat Adderley, Dave Holland, Wynton Marsalis, and more. In addition to Gross, a roster of more than a dozen working jazz musicians including saxophonist Wayne Escoffery and guitarist Alex Wintz (himself an alumnus of the program) as well as celebrated percussionist Alvester Garnett and acclaimed, Russian-born trumpeter Valery Ponomarev, a Jazz Messenger, to name a few — make up the ‘Jazz for Teens’ faculty. Even more bold-faced names, including eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist Christian McBride, the Arts Center’s Jazz Advisor, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, and MacArthur “Genius” and Doris Duke Artist award winner Regina Carter offer master classes, working directly with students.
PROGRAM
When: Fall Semester: Oct 5–Dec 14, 2024; Spring Semester: Jan 25-May 17, 2025, 10:00am-5:00pm (schedules vary)
Where: New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Colton Institute for Research and Training in the Arts, 24 Rector Street, Newark, NJ, 07102.
Who: Student musicians ages 13-18.
Registration and Fees: Registration is required.
For more information and Fee Schedule, visit NJPAC.org/education or call 973.353.7058. Scholarships and/or financial aid are available.
Arts Education @ NJPAC
Learn more at NJPAC.org/education
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
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, Spirituality, Social Issues, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)
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