The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) continues to accept applications for the 14th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Solo vocalists from around the world are encouraged to submit their entries before September 2, 2025, by visiting SarahVaughanCompetition.com. In the Fall, the Top Five Finalists will be announced followed by a final competition and performance on the iconic NJPAC stage in Newark, New Jersey.
The Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition, also known as ‘The SASSY Awards’, is open to singers over the age of 18, of all genders and nationalities, from anywhere in the world, and not signed by a major label. Entrants are judged on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing.
What has become one of the top annual vocal competitions in jazz, The SASSY Awards offers outstanding jazz singers a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business — and offers audience members a chance to discover the jazz stars of tomorrow. Gifted young contestants from around the world are evaluated on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. For more information about The SASSY Awards, visit SarahVaughanCompetition.com.
ORIGIN
The competition recalls the humble beginnings of legendary jazz singer/NEA Jazz Master Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990) who, back in 1942, was a Newark teenager and winner of an amateur singing contest at the Apollo Theater. That memorable night helped launch the lifework of one of the most successful, influential jazz vocalists in the history of American music.
JUDGES
On November 23, 2025, the finalists will compete at NJPAC in front of a live audience and before a distinguished panel of judges including Tony-nominated singer/lyricist Ann Hampton Callaway, GRAMMY®-nominated trumpeter Jon Faddis, GRAMMY®-nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon, GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist and Artistic Advisor for Jazz Programming at NJPAC Christian McBride, and founding member of The Manhattan Transfer and co-host of WBGO Radio’s ‘Singers Unlimited,’ vocalist Janis Siegel. Hosted by WBGO Radio’s Gary Walker, this special event will also include performances by the 2023 winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition Tyreek McDole.
PRIZES
The first-prize winner of The SASSY Awards will receive a $5,000 cash award, second-place $1,500, and third-place $500.
PAST AWARDEES
Past winners include Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn,Ashleigh Smith, Arianna Neikrug, Deelee Dubé, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, Samara Joy (GRAMMY® Award winner for Best New Artist 2023), Gabrielle Cavassa and Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, G. Thomas Allen, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, Tyreek McDole, and April May Webb.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
NJPAC, located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.
NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.
Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has served more than 10 million visitors (including over 1.9 million students and families) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Learn more about NJPAC at njpac.org.
Saurin Parikh, President of FIA, originally from Gujarat, highlighted the theme “Survey Bhavantu Sukhina” emphasizing unity and happiness. The parade will feature 35 floats representing diverse faiths and cultures, including “Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isai, and Jainism”. Celebrities Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda will serve as grand marshals. Local politicians, including Mayor Eric Adams, have confirmed participation. Cultural programs, a street fair, and a cricket-playing area will accompany the parade. FIA has 1,800 volunteers and 10 city agencies involved in the planning.
Here are excerpts from the conversation.
TIP : Good morning, Mr. Parikh. Before we talk about the parade, I’d like our readers to know about you personally. Could you tell us about your background—where you are from, your education, and your family?
SP: First of all, Professor Saluja, I would like to thank you and The Indian Panorama for your continuous support over the years in highlighting and promoting the India Day Parade. This is a massive annual event that FIA organizes, and it is heartening to see your newspaper cover it year after year.
As for myself, I am originally from Gujarat, India. I was born and raised there before immigrating to the United States at the age of 20. I am a licensed civil engineer by profession, and I have been actively involved with the FIA for the past 15 years. This year, I have the privilege of serving as the President of the FIA Executive Committee for 2025.
TIP: And your family?
SP: My father was a banker with Bank of Baroda in India before we immigrated. After coming to the U.S., he worked for the State Bank of India for about 15 years. My mother was a social worker back in India. Both my parents were deeply committed to community service, and they were my earliest role models in working for the community selflessly.
TIP: Are you married?
SP: Yes, I am married. I have a wonderful wife and am the proud father of twin daughters. They are the joy of my life.
TIP: Let’s talk about the big event. Is this the 43rd India Day Parade?
SP: Yes, it is. This is the 43rd India Day Parade in New York City—organized by FIA since its inception.
TIP:Every new FIA president tries to bring in something fresh and exciting. What is your vision for this year’s parade?
SP: That’s a very good question. For any incoming president, the challenge is not just to maintain tradition but to improve upon the previous year’s achievements.
After much thought, we have chosen this year’s theme as “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”—a Sanskrit phrase meaning “May All Be Happy”. It’s a message of universal well-being, unity, and harmony. In a world currently plagued by wars, terrorism, and division, our goal is to unite all faiths and communities and encourage people to spread happiness. Happiness grows when it is shared.
To put this theme into action, my team and I, along with the Board of Trustees Chairman and my Executive Committee, reached out to leaders of various faiths—Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and Jain. We met them individually, participated in their community events, and invited them to be part of the parade.
For the first time in FIA history, we will have floats representing all these faiths marching side by side. Out of the 35 floats confirmed, a substantial number will reflect this diversity, alongside marching groups representing different Indian states, cultures, and ethnicities.
TIP:Our readers always want to know about star attractions. Who are your celebrity grand marshals this year?
SP: This year, we are delighted to have two prominent stars from the Indian film industry—Rashmika Mandanna, currently one of Bollywood’s most sought-after actresses, and Vijay Deverakonda, a hugely popular actor from the South Indian film industry who has also made a mark in Bollywood. Their presence will add glamour and draw a massive crowd.
TIP: And what about political dignitaries?
SP: We have invited governors, senators, mayors, and other elected officials from across the United States. Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has confirmed his participation. We will also have several U.S. Congress members, New Jersey mayors, and, we hope, a few senators, whose confirmations are pending.
TIP:Apart from the parade itself, what other attractions have you planned?
SP: Alongside the parade on Madison Avenue, there will be cultural performances at Madison Avenue and East 25th Street—featuring Indian classical, folk, and Bollywood dance presented by talented kids from schools in the tri-state area.
We will also have a Street Fair on East 26th Street between Madison and Park Avenues. Visitors will find Indian and international cuisines, vendor booths showcasing products and services, and even giveaways at various stalls.
This year, a unique addition is a cricket playing area organized by our title sponsor, CricMax. We will build a safety-enclosed cricket cage right on the streets of New York, where people can enjoy playing with a softball. It’s symbolic of our effort to promote cricket in America, which has been gaining popularity, especially after the T20 World Cup matches were hosted in New York earlier this year.
TIP:The parade is the centerpiece, but FIA also organizes other events during this period. Could you tell us about them?
SP: Yes. On August 15, we will participate in the Empire State Building Lighting Ceremony, where the iconic skyscraper will be lit in the Indian tricolor. This partnership has been ongoing for over a decade, and it is always an emotional and proud moment for the Indian community here.
On August 16, we will host the Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Times Square—a tradition we began during COVID-19 when large gatherings were not permitted. It became so popular that we continued with it. This year’s flag hoisting will be at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public.
We also host a Gala Dinner to thank our volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. This year, it will be held at Cipriani’s on Wall Street—one of New York’s most elegant venues—and it is already sold out.
TIP: Organizing the largest India Day Parade outside India must require enormous effort. Who would you like to acknowledge?
SP: You are absolutely right—it is a gigantic undertaking. The parade involves 1,800 volunteers, numerous committee members, and collaboration with 10 city agencies to secure permits and ensure smooth execution. Planning begins almost a year in advance.
I am deeply grateful to our Board of Trustees, comprised of past presidents whose experience is invaluable. Our sponsors deserve special thanks—without their financial and moral support, this event would not be possible.
I especially acknowledge our title sponsor CricMax, along with other major supporters such as X-RAY Group, TEK Group, Wenzel Foundation, Mehta Foundation, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, and our media partners—including The Indian Panorama.
TIP:Finally, what is your message to our readers?
SP: I invite each and every member of the community to come and be part of this grand celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day. The parade will be held on Sunday, August 17, starting at noon, on Madison Avenue at 38th Street in Manhattan.
Come with your families, bring your friends, wave the tricolor, and let’s celebrate our heritage with pride. I promise that you will experience the joy and emotion of seeing Mother India honored in the heart of New York City.
TIP: Thank you, Mr. Parikh, for speaking with The Indian Panorama. We wish you and the FIA a very successful 43rd India Day Parade.
SP: Thank you, Professor Saluja. I look forward to seeing all your readers at the parade. Jai Hind!
Ganesha says you strike the ideal balance between religion and logic. You will spend a lot of time traveling in the coming year. You will be fascinated by both music and literature and listening to music can bring you peace. You love to support those who are oppressed. You will have many possibilities to help those less fortunate in the coming year. The subject of your choice will be available for study, and you will be able to delve deeper into it. As a result of this, you will be successful in your academic subject. You are obsessed with maintaining law and order.
August 19
Ganesha says your character and an optimistic outlook toward life will enable you to surround yourself with a large number of friends. Proximity to water bodies will benefit you financially in the coming year. Try to get a job in a city or town near a river or sea. Those of you who are single can guess to get married. You may have a strong sense of independence and self-assurance. In the coming year, you will roam among intelligent people. This will benefit you in every way. After your marriage, you will be prosperous.
August 20
Ganesha says your friends will notice your humility and humility and will come to you for help and guidance. However, you sometimes get restless and make hasty decisions as a result. It only gets worse as a result. You do not enjoy exercising your authority because you are submissive and meek by nature. However, you also hate people interfering in your matters. You value privacy and like to be alone. Your passion for reading and thirst for information will be your assets in the coming year. You will be able to harness this powerful power of observation so that you will be able to notice small movements around you.
August 21
Ganesha says you will experience many events in the coming year, but it is best not to overreact to unimportant issues. White, blue, purple, and cream are auspicious colors for you. You are naturally a studious person, and you are happy when you are surrounded by literature. You will be willing to defy tradition and decide what you think is best in matters of love. Those who will get married this year should look forward to a happy and prosperous life in marriage. Your dedication and hard work will be noticed by your managers, and you will be rewarded for your efforts. You are naturally good at teaching. You enjoy doing it professionally and find fulfillment in it.
August 22
Ganesha says in the coming year, you can expect changes both on the professional and domestic front. Some of you may suffer financial loss by betting. It is advised that you lend money only when you are sure that you will get it back. In the coming year, you will be able to make your own decisions because of your independence. You are serious by nature, and you value some level of solitude in your life. You like to spend time alone working on your projects. The suffering of physically challenged persons is unbearable. You will spend a lot of time in the coming year working as a social worker for hospitals and non-profit organizations.
August 23
Ganesha says although you tend to have a practical approach and take your obligations seriously, you need to rein in your tendency to act stubborn and jealous at times. Your spouse gives you love and affection, and your children excel and make you proud. If there is a sudden deterioration in the health of an elderly relative, there may be a concern. Be extra careful while driving at night. You have the potential to invest extensively in the coming year not only in speculative industries but also in real estate. Benefit in kind and cash from family and friends.
August 24
Ganesha says in the coming year, your self-assurance will help you become popular and successful. Family and friends will come to you for guidance and support. The domestic front will be filled with a lot of happiness and love, especially for your children. Colors like Yellow, Purple, and Green are Lucky for You. Some of you are likely to inherit property in the coming year, especially from your father’s side. Your career will involve a lot of travel in the coming year. You enjoy developing your spiritual abilities and using them to help groups of people.
Ganesha says this week, you may face some challenges, especially due to negative energies. You are being led to face disagreements and problems. These challenges can come in both personal and professional life. You need to maintain patience and restraint. This week, be restrained in your behavior and try to stay away from any controversial situation. Maintain openness in communication with family members, so that disputes are reduced. It is important to maintain positive relations with colleagues at the workplace. Also, take some care in terms of health, as stress can affect your health. Take time to relax and prepare yourself mentally. Meditation and yoga can prove to be helpful for you. Face problems this week, but remember that there is an opportunity hidden in every difficulty. Move forward with patience and courage.
Taurus
Ganesha says this week will bring amazing changes in your life. You will get the opportunity to excel in your tasks. During this time, your creativity and sanjivani shakti will increase, which will enable you to face any challenge easily. Your social life will also improve, and it is time to make new connections. Emphasis on spending quality time with friends and family. Realize how important the people around you are. Keep in mind that it is important to maintain your self-confidence. As the week progresses, you will feel that there is clarity in your thoughts, which will help you make the right decisions. Finally, take special care of your health this week. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will be beneficial for you. If you pay attention to all these aspects, this week will be extremely successful and positive for you.
Gemini
Ganesha says this week, you may face some challenges. You may feel some obstacles in your routine. It is time to be patient and keep your emotions in control. Some people around you may try to take advantage of your situation, so be cautious. It will be important to communicate your thoughts clearly to avoid misunderstandings. In the field of work, challenges may come, but you will face them with your intelligence and creativity. Differences may also arise in personal relationships, so try to communicate. By keeping yourself positive at this time and changing tactics as needed, you can be sure to succeed in your tasks. In terms of health, meditation will be beneficial for you. Self-love and relaxation are required. Instead of worrying about things that are out of control, channel your energy into positive activities. Remember, this is a changing time, and you need to be extremely vigilant. Organize your schedule and keep moving forward.
Cancer
Ganesha says challenges may arise for you this week. This situation may agitate you mentally and emotionally. Try to channel your energy in positive directions. Self-reflection will help you recognize the strengths within you. You need to balance your personal and professional life. Spending time with family and listening to their ideas will be important at this time. Be cautious in financial matters, as carelessness can lead to losses. Pay attention to health, regular exercise can bring mental peace. You will be appreciated for your work in society, but do not forget to have faith in yourself. Be cautious and maintain patience in difficult moments. This week will test your decision-making ability and patience. Listen to your inner voice to move in the right direction.
Leo
Ganesha says this week, you may see unexpected positive changes in your life. Your confidence will be high, and you will impress others with your qualities. There will also be enthusiasm in your social life, which can lead to new friends and opportunities. Be patient and keep your thoughts clear. During this time, time spent with family will give you mental balance. If you are working on a project, then it will be very beneficial to maintain proper coordination with colleagues. Be careful from a financial point of view, as expenses may increase. Pay attention to your health and exercise regularly. Your positivity and energy will inspire others. The most important thing this week is that you focus on the plans set for your desires and goals. Your hard work will prove fruitful in the coming time.
Virgo
Ganesha says many positive things are coming to the fore this week. You are likely to get success and happiness in both personal and professional fields. This week, you will be able to express your ideas and plans in a clear manner, which will strengthen your relationship with your colleagues and friends. This time is favorable for starting a new project or work. In terms of health, practicing meditation and yoga will help in increasing your mental balance. Spending time with family members will make your relationships even sweeter. Financial situation will remain stable, but make decisions wisely in matters of savings and investments. If you remain dedicated to even small tasks, success will come to you. Meanwhile, do not forget to listen to the voice of your soul. This will allow you to become introverted and even more motivated towards your goal. Remember, every challenge can be faced with a positive attitude and hard work. Instead of battling yourself this week, give yourself a chance to expose yourself. This is the time for you to touch new heights!
Libra
Ganesha says this week will bring mixed experiences for you. There may be ups and downs in your social life, but keep in mind that these are only temporary problems. You may experience some conflict, but face it with patience and understanding. On the professional front, your ideas are likely to be recognized, but be cautious in your interactions with your colleagues. Avoid any dispute or misunderstanding, as these can prevent you from moving forward. In personal life, sweetness will remain in relationships, but there can also be disputes over some small things. Try to talk openly with your loved ones, so that misunderstandings can be removed. In terms of health, resort to meditation and yoga to avoid stress. Try to keep your mental state positive. This week, keep in mind that instead of getting scared of difficulties, accept them as a challenge and maintain your confidence.
Scorpio
This week, pay attention to your mental state. While on the one hand, the circumstances around you may be full of difficulty, on the other hand, you will need dedication and patience. Try to keep your thoughts positive, as mental stress can affect your energy level. During this period, you will feel that some issues are not in your control. But accepting that there is a problem is the first step towards its solution. Try to maintain a balance in work, family, and personal life. Tension may increase in relationships, so resort to communication and express your thoughts clearly. It is also important to pay attention to health. You can get mental peace through yoga and meditation. At this time, there is a need to focus on your emotions, because you should not forget your happiness while caring for others. You need to take some time for yourself and prepare yourself to deal with the challenges of this week. Move forward with positive thinking and strength; this week can prove to be a turning point for your development.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says this week, you will come across many new opportunities that indicate positive changes in your life. Your confidence will increase, and you will be motivated to achieve your goals. When you take important decisions in your life, do not forget to consider the advice of others. This time will also have a positive impact on your relationships. Time spent with family and friends will increase your happiness. Meeting an old friend is possible, who may express something important to you. In terms of health, take care of your mental and physical health. Regular exercise and meditation will keep you full of energy. This week will be moderate from the financial point of view, so avoid making big purchases and try to keep the budget balanced. Overall, this week is a time of new possibilities, strengthening relationships, and self-discovery for you. Welcome new experiences and keep your inner enthusiasm alive.
Capricorn
Ganesha says this week is a great time to solve problems. Your hard work and patience can take you to new heights of success. You will experience novelty and positivity. Relationships with colleagues at work will be strong, which will help in executing your plans. In personal life, there will be harmony in family matters. If there was any old problem going on, then its solution is possible this week. Pay attention to health, a little fitness, and yoga will give you energy. There will be stability in material comforts and financial matters, but a little financial management will be necessary. Finally, you will get a chance to go on a short trip or spend time with friends, which will boost your morale. Have faith in yourself and move forward with positivity.
Aquarius
Ganesha says this week, you may face some challenges that will be necessary to overcome. You may face mental stress. This is the time to handle your emotions and keep yourself calm. Maintain patience in your relationships, as things may escalate for some reason. On the work front, your hard work is likely to be recognized, but at the same time, some problems may arise. Communicate better with team members, so that there is no hindrance to work. Health-wise, rest and self-care are a must. Meditation and yoga can help improve your mental health. Boost creativity in your life; this is the time to focus on your hobbies. Remember, after every difficulty, there is a smooth path. Face these challenges with courage and positivity.
Pisces
Ganesha says this week will be full of various opportunities and challenges for you. Your sensitivity and emotional depth will help you build strong relationships with people around you at this time. Collaborative exchange of ideas at the workplace can open new doors for you. Although you may feel some uncertainty, you should be patient. Your creativity is in your favor at this time, and you can expand your talents. In matters of love, your communication skills will help you express your feelings clearly, which will further strengthen your relationship. It is important to be health-conscious. A little exercise and meditation will give you mental peace. At the end of the week, it is time to focus on your personal goals and aspirations. Remember that your intuition will guide you in the right direction.
Dhaka (TIP): The Detective Branch (DB) of Bangladesh Police on Thursday arrested senior professor, writer, and analyst Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah on charges of corruption, police said.
When Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah was produced before the court, the court ordered him to be sent to jail, a lawyer said.
Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah is a professor in the Public Administration Department at Dhaka University. He is also the former Vice Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur. He is known as a political commentator, writer, and election monitor. The Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case against him, the lawyer said.
Earlier this year, on February 7, Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, Professor, Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka, had admitted that Islamist groups in Bangladesh have got more freedom after Sheikh Hasina left the country. (ANI)
Gaza Strip (TIP): Four more Palestinians died from starvation on Thursday, amid Israel’s continuous blockade of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. This has raised the total number of hunger-related deaths in Gaza to 197, including 96 children. Meanwhile, the United Nations has on Thursday warned that acute malnutrition in Gaza’s children has reached the “highest levels” recorded to date, with over 12,000 children identified as acutely malnourished in the month of July. “Acute malnutrition among children in Gaza has reached the highest levels recorded to date,” Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, reported Al Jazeera.
Haq pointed out that UN partners were able to reach only 8,700 of the 290,000 children under age five who needed feeding and nutrient supplements, due to “constraints on humanitarian access” amid Israel’s blockade and continuous attacks on the enclave.
“Israel continues to block necessary assistance from entering Gaza… Aid that has entered remains by far insufficient, and our convoys continue to face impediments on their way to delivering aid,” he said.
Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza has so far killed at least 61,258 Palestinians, more than half of it being women and children. It has also targeted and killed over 200 journalists, more than 1000 healthcare workers and aid workers. (AFP)
CINCINNATI (TIP): Dr. Bharat Barai, a distinguished Indian American physician and community leader, was honored with the first ever Dr. Sampat Shivangi Legacy Award for his leadership, contributions to the society and close association with Dr. Shivangi, during the 43rd annual American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Convention in Cincinnati on July 26, 2025.
Congressman Jonathan Jacson, representing District 1 in Illinois presented the award to Dr. Barai. The award ceremony attended by nearly 1,000 physicians, and community was a tribute to Dr. Shivangi, remembering his impactful work in healthcare, politics, and US – India relations. In him, the Indian American community has lost a great leader and friend whose contributions will continue to resonate for generations.
Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a physician, philanthropist, influential Indian American community leader, and veteran leader of AAPI for several decades, suddenly passed away due to health reasons in his hometown, Jackson, Mississippi, on February 10, 2025.
Dr. Bharat Barai shared with the audience his close association with Dr. Shivangi and how both of them have strived to enhance the Ino-US relationship to the next level.
In his address, Dr. Barai shared with the audience his close association with Dr. Shivangi and how both of them have strived to enhance the Ino-US relationship to the next level.
Born in Mumbai, Dr Barai is a distinguished physician, a respected leader of the Indian American community. He currently serves as the Medical Director of the Cancer Institute, Methodist Hospitals, Clinical Asst. Professor of Medicine at Indiana University Medical School, Secretary and former President of the Medical Licensing Board of the State of Indiana (since year 2000).
Dr. Barai obtained his MD in Medicine (University of Illinois), MD in Medical Oncology (Northwestern University Med School), and MD in Hematology (Rush University Medical School). He has been the President of the Medical Staff, Chairman of the Medical Executive Committee, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Methodist Hospitals. He also serves on the advisory board of the Indiana University School of Business. He also serves on the Medical Advisory Panels for US Senators and Congressmen.
In his address, Congressman Jonathan Jackson said, “Let us not forget, the path of honor in this country was never laid smooth. Just as black Americans marched from Selma to Montgomery demanding dignity and the franchise for the right to vote that came to the Civil Rights Act of 1965, so too have the Indian Americans journey with courage, discipline and ancestral wisdom to etch their names into the bedrock of the American Congress.”
Drawing parallel between the Indian American Diaspora and the African American community in the US, Rep. Jackson said, ‘We are linked, you and I, bound by histories, tied together by history and a common destiny, both ancient and recent, yours, rooted in the Vedas and the teachings of the Mahatma Gandhi, while mine in the sorrow of the songs of the plantations and the sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King, both people are marked as outsiders now shaping the very center of our great democracy.:
Rep. Jacson reminded the Indian American physicians, that Liberty demands not only resistance but resilience. So, I honor you today for having gone into the parts of this nation to heal the sick and care for those that have been distressed.”
Dr. Shivangi’s wife, Dr. Udaya Shivangi, and their two daughters, Priya Kurup and Pooja Shivangi Amin, vowed to continue his noble mission. “His dream did not end with him—it lives on. I will carry forward his mission through education, philanthropy, and strengthening U.S.-India ties. I plan to write a book, make a film, expand charitable initiatives, and actively work to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and India, ensuring that his contributions inspire generations to come. Most importantly, along with our daughters, I will raise our grandchildren the way he wanted—to be idealists, to serve, and to give back to the world,” Dr. Udaya Shivangi said.
Dr. Udaya Shivangi told Rep. Jacson, “You have been a great help, not only to me, but to all our Indian doctors. Thank you.” She went on to thank others, saying, “I would like to join my daughters Priya and Pooja, in acknowledging and expressing our gratitude to my husband and a good friend, Dr Vijay Prabhakar from Chicago, curating a historical congressional salute on March 36th at a US Capitol Hill and for his continued efforts to my husband’s legacy alive across America. Thank you, Dr Prabhakar for being a co-chair of this award. Thank you.”
“A trailblazer of the Indian Diaspora, Dr. Shivangi has left an indelible mark on the Indian American community. Throughout the decades, he committed his time, resources, and efforts to serving AAPI and various other Indian American organizations. His leadership, vision, and tireless commitment to advocating for the community set him apart as a pillar of strength and guidance,” Dr. Udaya Shivangi said.
It was only about a month prior to his sudden death that the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the newly built Dr. Sampat Kumar S. Shivangi Cancer Hospital in Belagavi, Karnataka. Spanning 1,75,000 square feet with a capacity of 300 beds, the hospital was built with cutting-edge technology with funds donated and raised by Dr. Sampat Shivangi, she pointed out.
“Dr. Shivangi believed that success is measured not by what we accumulate but by the lives we touch. That is the legacy I promise to uphold. Sampat, you are not gone—you are here, in the walls of the hospital you built, in the halls of the school you founded, and in the hearts of those who loved you. And I will honor you every day of my life,” Dr. Udaya Shivangi assured.
Dr. Satheesh Kathula acknowledged Dr. Shivangi’s selfless service to AAPI. “There was no committee he didn’t serve on, and he was present at every convention and global health summit,” he noted. Recalling their friendship, Dr. Kathula said, “He would call me, advise me, and even scold me when I was wrong. He was like a father figure and a true role model.”
Dr. Shivangi has been actively involved in several philanthropic activities, serving with Blind Foundation of MS, Diabetic, Cancer and Heart Associations of America. Dr. Shivangi has a number of philanthropic works in India including Primary & middle schools, Cultural Center, and IMA Centers that he opened and helped to obtain the first ever US Congressional grant to AAPI to study Diabetes Mellitus amongst Indian Americans.
In addition to establishing the Dr. Sampat Kumar S. Shivangi Cancer Hospital in Karnataka, through the Dr. Sampat Shivangi Foundation, Dr. Shivangi has established multiple charitable institutions in India, including primary and middle schools, community halls, and healthcare facilities, greatly enhancing educational and healthcare access for underserved communities.
In the U.S., Dr. Shivangi has contributed to establishing a Hindu Temple in Jackson, Mississippi, providing a cultural and spiritual hub for the Hindu community and beyond. Recognized for his exemplary service, a street in Mississippi bears his name, a testament to his contributions to healthcare and community welfare.
Over the years, in the pursuit of its vision, the Dr. Sampat Shivangi Foundation has come to be known for its belief and tireless efforts that every individual deserves an opportunity to thrive, and is a beacon of hope, fostering resilience and building a more inclusive and harmonious world for all.
At the heart of societal transformation, the Dr. Sampat Shivangi Foundation stands as a testament to unwavering commitment and compassion. The foundation is built upon the pillars of education, healthcare, mental well-being, tribal support, women’s empowerment, and sports development. With a profound understanding of the multifaceted needs of underprivileged communities, we have designed a range of initiatives that address these vital aspects of human well-being.
As the first Indian American to serve on the Board of the Mississippi State Department of Mental Health, Dr. Shivangi has made significant strides in mental health advocacy. His leadership extends to national positions, serving on the National Board of Directors for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), appointed by Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
A dedicated advocate for Indo-U.S. relations, Dr. Shivangi has contributed to key initiatives, including the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement, collaborating with President George W. Bush to strengthen ties between the two nations. His commitment to India is further reflected in his coordination efforts with the White House to lift sanctions against India during President Bill Clinton’s administration.
A recipient of numerous awards, including the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, The US Congressional Recognition Award, the Ellis Medal of Honor Award, Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indo-American Press Club, Dr. Shivangi’s legacy reflects a lifelong dedication to improving lives through healthcare, philanthropy, and international diplomacy.
Dr. Shivangi had said, he always thought about why the Indian Americans especially the Physician fraternity, consisting of more than 100,000 physicians in the United States, are not willing to undertake philanthropy in their homeland or in USA. “My hope and prayers is that many more will follow me just as my dream has come true today. I urge my fellow Indo-American physicians to join this movement and help change the world for the better. My humble request is that let us be the change and bring this movement to make our world different tomorrow. I hope my prayers will be answered one day and all humanity lives in a better world.”
(Based on a Press Release issued by Ajay Ghosh)
The Indo-American Arts Council (iaac.us) hosts and presents the Erasing Borders Dance Festival (EBDF) on Saturday, September 20, 2025 and Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 6pm at the Ailey Citigroup Theater, 405 W 55th St, New York, NY. The dance performances will be preceded by a lecture at the New York Library for the Performing Arts. The performances will be succeeded by a panel discussion at Barnard College (more details below).
The Erasing Borders Dance Festival, New York’s premier Indian dance festival, in its seventeenth annual edition will include performances by eminent Bharatanatyam artists and several US based dance companies.
PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE DAY 1
WHAT: Fourth annual Dr. Sunil Kothari Honorary Lecture
The New York Public Library (NYPL) will be leading a discussion with Priyadarshini (who studied in depth the art of abhinaya from the master inheritor of the rajadasi tradition, Kalanidhi Narayanan). She shares how human emotions are interpreted and transformed from everyday reality to stylized yet accessible aesthetic form.
WHEN: Thursday, September 18, 2025 @ 6PM
WHERE: Bruno Walter Auditorium
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023 DAY 2
WHAT: School: Nrithyanjali School
Guru: Ramya Ramnarayan/Bharatanatyam student group
Trina Sarkar: Odissi solo
Kalanidhi: Kuchipudi group
Chitresh Das Dance Company: Kathak group
Priyadarsini Govind: Bharatanatyam solo
WHEN: Saturday September 20, 2025; 6-8PM
WHERE: Ailey Citigroup Theater Day 3
WHAT: School: Odissi Dance Company
Guru: Aparupa Chatterjee/Odissi student group
Pranamya Suri: Kuchipudi solo
Rovaco Dance Company / Rohan Bhargava: Group contemporary
Preeti Vasudevan: contemporary solo
Rama Vaidyanathan trio: Bharatanatyam
WHEN: Sunday, September 21, 2025; 6-8PM
WHERE: Ailey Citigroup Theater Day 4
WHAT: Panel Talk – Senior Curator: EBDF & Professor: Dance at Barnard College, Uttara Coorlawala with students at Barnard College, Columbia University with some of the Artists
WHEN: Monday, September 22, 11:40AM – 1 PM
WHERE: Barnard College, Columbia University, Room TBATHE ARTISTS
PRIYADARSINI GOVIND is one of the foremost Bharatanatyam dancers in the world today. Trained by two stalwarts, Kalaimamani S.K. Rajarathnam Pillai and Padma Bhushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan, Priyadarsini has imbibed this art form from the best. With her natural aptitude for abhinaya coupled with her passion and dedication to her art, Priyadarsini has become a flag bearer of Smt. Kalanidhi’s padam repertoire and has been performing in prestigious venues all over India and the globe, taking Bharatanatyam to many major International and national Festivals as a soloist.
She is also actively engaged in creating new repertoires for dance and teaching. She served as the Director of the Kalakshetra Foundation between August 5 th, 2013 and June 19th , 2017 and is the founder and director of NavaDarshana – an initiative that teaches dancers to view dance holistically.
RAMA VAIDYANATHAN is one of the foremost Bharatanatyam dancers of her generation. She trained intensively under the legendary dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy and the celebrated Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan. In a performance career spanning more than 40 years, Rama has developed her own individual style without forsaking the core principles of her dance form. Her technique is grounded, and yet there is a fresh approach to the innumerable dance compositions that she has added to the Bharatanatyam repertoire.
Having performed at every major dance venue in the world, she has been awarded with the titles “Kalaimamani” by the Govt of Tamil Nadu and “Kalashree” by the Govt of Kerala. Other notable awards are the Kumar Gandharv Puraskar from the Madhya Pradesh Government, Nadanamamani from Kartik Fine Arts Chennai, Vani kala Sudhakara from Tyagabrahma Gana sabha Chennai, Nritya Choodamani from Krishna Gana Sabha Chennai and the Nritya Kalanidhi from the Music Academy Madras. Rama is also the recipient of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar.
As the President of Ganesa Natyalaya New Delhi, she has been actively engaged in teaching for more than 25 years. Rama balances a hectic performance schedule while conducting workshops and master classes all over the world, inspiring a whole generation of dancers. Learn more at ramavaidyanathan.com.
SANNIDHI VAIDYANATHAN learned Bharatanatyam from her grandmother Padma Bhushan Saroja Vaidyanathan and her mother Rama Vaidyanathan. Apart from traveling within India, Sannidhi has performed at various venues in the United States, Canada, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
DAKSHINA VAIDYANATHAN BAGHEL has undergone rigorous training at Ganesa Natyalaya under the able tutelage of her grandmother Guru Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan (Padmabhushan awardee) and her mother Guru Rama Vaidyanathan. She was awarded the CCRT (Centre for Cultural Resources and Training) scholarship by the Department of Culture Government of India in 2003 and then again in 2014, the Kalpana Chawla Award in the Young Achievers’ category in 2005, the Nirbhaya Puraskar by Oyss in 2015 and Natya Ratna by Trinity Arts Chennai in 2015 for her contribution to Indian Classical Dance.
TICKETS
Tickets to see one or all the performances can be purchased online at iaac.us/erasing-borders-dance-festival-2025.
Experience the magic of the Erasing Borders Dance Festival by reserving your tickets for this unforgettable two-night celebration. The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC)
The IAAC supports all the artistic disciplines in classical, fusion, folk, and innovative forms influenced by the arts of India. It works cooperatively with partners around the United States to broaden its collective audiences and to create a network for shared information, resources and funding. Its focus is to help artists and art organizations in North America as well as to facilitate artists from India to exhibit, perform, and produce their work here. For more information, visit iaac.us.
Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Business, Health and Wellness, and Cuisine.
PAKISTAN (TIP): At least three people were killed and 13 others, including three police personnel, injured in a bomb blast in northwestern Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, police said.
District Police Officer Tahir Shah said the improvised explosive device (IED) blast occurred close to a police patrol vehicle near a taxi stand in Wana tehsil in South Waziristan district.
At least two people were killed on the spot and another succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. Tahir said security forces have been deployed in the area following the blast and subsequent firing.
The injured were shifted to Wana Headquarters Hospital.
Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in terrorist attacks, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, since the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) called off its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. (PTI)
Kathmandu (TIP): Nepal’s Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, on Wednesday assured lawmakers that no bill, including those relating to polygamy, will be presented in Parliament.
Addressing the parliamentary session, the law minister emphasised that bills promoting polygamy, which negatively impact social values and norms, will not be tabled.
“I want to express my commitment that no bill which adversely affects society or contradicts social values and norms, such as polygamy, will be tabled in this esteemed House,” Chaurasiya said.
The minister also expressed concern over public confusion and outrage caused by speculative interpretations circulating in the media and on social networks.
“Various interpretations based on assumptions in certain media outlets and social media regarding proposals aimed at addressing some challenges in the implementation of the Criminal Code and other statutes have created misunderstanding and anger among the general public,” he said.
Chaurasiya clarified that the bill was published while the draft was still under consideration at the Cabinet’s Bill Committee. Lawmakers had raised concerns over these premature reports, drawing the ministry’s attention.
The recently proposed amendment to Section 175 of Nepal’s Criminal Code, intended to exempt polygamous unions from being automatically void if the second partner becomes pregnant or gives birth, has sparked significant legal, ethical, and constitutional concerns.
While the amendment claims to protect women and children involved in extra-marital relationships, critics argue it legitimises deception, violates the first spouse’s legal rights, and risks reintroducing polygamy, a practice Nepal has worked hard to criminalise.
Section 175 of the Criminal Code currently prohibits anyone from entering a second marriage while the first marital relationship remains valid. Enforced from Bhadra 1, 2075 (August 17, 2018), it upholds monogamous marriage and ensures that individuals are not harmed by clandestine parallel familial arrangements. (ANI)
COLOMBO (TIP): Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption authorities arrested a member of the once-powerful Rajapaksa family on Wednesday, accusing him of illegally claiming reparations for property loss when his presidential uncle was toppled three years ago. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) said it had taken Shasheendra Rajapaksa, a former minister and nephew of two presidents, Mahinda and Gotabaya, into custody. Shasheendra becomes the first Rajapaksa to be arrested since the leftist government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake came to power in September, promising to investigate corruption.
“Mr. Rajapaksa is charged with corruption for coercing state officials into paying him compensation for damage to a property he claimed was his,” CIABOC said in a statement.
“However, this asset is located on state-owned land. He misused state land, claimed compensation he was not entitled to, and committed the offence of corruption.”
Sri Lanka faced its worst economic crisis in 2022 when it declared its first sovereign default on $46 billion in external debt.
Months of consumer goods shortages sparked widespread civil unrest, culminating in the ousting of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Two of Shasheendra’s cousins, Namal and Yoshitha, both sons of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, are facing money laundering charges.
Yoshitha has told investigators that he raised a large sum of money from a bag of gems gifted by an elderly grand-aunt, who has since stated that she could not recall who originally gave her the gems.
Mahinda’s brother-in-law, Nishantha Wickramasinghe, has been charged with causing losses to the state while head of the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines.
Another brother of Mahinda, Basil Rajapaksa, who also served as a minister, is facing money laundering charges. (AFP)
ISLAMABAD (TIP): The Pakistan Army has denied as “baseless” the rumours that Army chief Asim Munir plans to become the next president. The army’s response came following rumours and a wave of disinformation on social media during the previous weeks that Munir plans to replace President Asif Ali Zardari.
Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in an interview with The Economist, made it clear that the army chief has no interest in the presidency and no such proposal is under consideration, the state-run PTV posted on social media on Wednesday. “Talks about Field Marshal Asim Munir becoming the president of Pakistan are completely baseless,” he said. On July 10, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rejected rumours regarding the possible ouster of President Zardari and termed it a “malicious campaign.”
He said that President Zardari “enjoys a strong and respectful relationship with the leadership of the armed forces.”
Naqvi stressed that Munir’s “sole focus” was Pakistan’s strength and stability, and “nothing else.” (PTI)
Waterford (TIP): A six-year-old girl of Indian origin was brutally assaulted by a group of boys outside her home in Waterford, Ireland, while they shouted racist slurs, including, “Go back to India.” The attackers also struck her in the private parts, marking the first reported racist assault on an Indian child in Ireland.
The incident occurred on Monday evening, August 4, while the girl was playing outside her home with friends. According to her mother, the attackers included an eight-year-old girl and several boys between the ages of 12 and 14. The mother had been watching her daughter play but briefly went inside to feed her 10-month-old son.
“I told her I would be back in a second after feeding the baby,” the mother told The Irish Mirror. However, within minutes, her daughter returned home, visibly distressed. “She was very upset, she started crying. She couldn’t even talk, she was so scared,” the mother said.
One of the girl’s friends later revealed that the older boys had hit her with a bicycle on her private parts and punched her in the face. “She told me five of them punched her in the face. One of the boys pushed the bicycle wheel onto her private parts and it was really sore. They said the F word and ‘Dirty Indian, go back to India,’” the mother said. The girl also reported being punched in the neck and having her hair twisted.
The mother, a nurse who has lived in Ireland for eight years and recently became an Irish citizen, said her daughter is now too afraid to play outside. “We no longer feel safe here, even right in front of our own home. It doesn’t feel like she can play without fear,” she said.
Heartbroken, the mother added, “I feel so sad for her. I could not protect her. I never expected such an incident would happen. I thought she would be safe here.”
Though she reported the attack to the Garda (Irish police), the mother said she does not seek punishment for the boys, but hopes they receive counselling and guidance. “I don’t know how the government will address this. We came here to fill a labour gap, we are professionals, we have all the certificates,” she said.
The attack is part of a disturbing rise in racist violence against Indians in Ireland. Last month, a 40-year-old Indian man was brutally beaten and stripped in public by a teenage gang in Tallaght, a Dublin suburb. Since July 19, at least three attacks on Indian-origin individuals have been reported in Dublin, raising serious concerns within the Indian community. (NIE)
HIROSHIMA (TIP): Hiroshima on Wednesday marked the 80th anniversary of the US atomic bombing of the western Japanese city, with many ageing survivors expressing frustration about the growing support of global leaders for nuclear weapons as a deterrence. With the number of survivors rapidly declining and their average age now exceeding 86, the anniversary is considered the last milestone event for many of them. “There will be nobody left to pass on this sad and painful experience in 10 years or 20 years,” Minoru Suzuto, a 94-year-old survivor, said after he kneeled down to pray at the cenotaph.
“That’s why I want to share (my story) as much as I can.”
The bombing of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, destroyed the city and killed 140,000 people. A second bomb dropped three days later on Nagasaki killed 70,000. Japan surrendered on Aug. 15, ending World War II and Japan’s nearly half-century of aggression in Asia.
Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui warned against a growing acceptance of military buildups and of using nuclear weapons for national security amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Mideast, with the United States and Russia possessing most of the world’s nuclear warheads.
“These developments flagrantly disregard the lessons the international community should have learned from the tragedies of history,” he said. (AP)
CAIRO (TIP): A Sudanese airstrike hit an airport in the country’s Darfur region controlled by a notorious paramilitary group, destroying a suspected Emirati military aircraft and killing dozens of suspected mercenaries, Sudanese officials and a rebel advisor said Thursday.
Wednesday’s strike on the Nyala airport killed at least 40 suspected mercenaries from Colombia and destroyed a shipment of arms and equipment that were sent by the United Arab Emirates to the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, according to two Sudanese military officials and an advisor to a Darfur rebel leader allied with the RSF.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. The advisor also requested anonymity for his safety.
Sudan plunged into chaos when simmering tensions between the country’s military and the RSF exploded into fighting in April 2023 in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country.
The fighting has turned into a full-fledged civil war that killed tens of thousands of people, displaced over 14 million people and pushed parts of the country into famine.
State-run Sudan TV reported the aircraft had taken off from a military base in the Arab Gulf region, and that Sudanese fighter jets struck it when it landed at the Nyala airport. It described the strike as a “blatant message” and a “new equation of deterrence” against foreign interference in Sudan’s affairs.
The Emirati Foreign Ministry didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. However, it has repeatedly denied involvement in the Sudan war by backing armed groups. There was also no comment from the RSF.
Responding to the reports, Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote on X overnight that he ordered an investigation into the mercenaries’ killing.
The RSF seized Nyala, the capital city of South Darfur province, last year as part of the paramilitary group’s push to control the entire region of Darfur. The Sudanese government has accused the RSF of turning the city’s civilian airport into a military hub to receive weapons shipments and smuggle gold.
The Sudanese military has repeatedly struck the airport, saying it targeted aircraft delivering military supplies and mercenaries to the RSF.
U.N. experts confirmed in a report released in April that Colombian mercenaries were present in Darfur and that those mercenaries were hired by a private security firm to support the RSF.
According to the report, the Colombian Foreign Ministry acknowledged that Colombian mercenaries were in Darfur and announced the establishment of a special immediate response group to ensure the safe return of its nationals.
Sudan says UAE barred Sudanese planes
The Sudanese aviation agency, meanwhile, said the UAE barred Sudanese planes Wednesday from landing at its airports, in what it called a “surprise, uncoordinated” measure.
The Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement that a Sudanese airliner was also barred from taking off at the Abu Dhabi airport, according to a report by the state-run SUNA news agency.
The UAE’s Foreign Ministry also didn’t respond to a request for comment on the report.
Relations between the military-allied government in Sudan and the UAE have been frayed over Abu Dhabi’s alleged support to the RSF. The Sudanese government severed ties with the UAE earlier this year over the allegations. (AP)
Switzerland (TIP): At least 19 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists have secured places in national delegations at the final round of global plastics treaty negotiations in Geneva, triggering outrage from civil society groups and raising serious concerns over the integrity of the talks. The revelation is part of a broader analysis by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), which identified a total of 234 fossil fuel and chemical lobbyists registered to participate in the fifth and final scheduled session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2). This is the highest industry presence recorded in the treaty process to date — and more than the entire delegation of the European Union and its 27 member states combined (233). The 19 lobbyists have been formally included in the delegations of Egypt (6), Kazakhstan (4), China (3), Iran (3), Chile (2), and the Dominican Republic (1). Their inclusion gives them access to closed-door discussions and potentially even a voice in defining national positions on the treaty —a situation civil society groups say amounts to a direct conflict of interest.
“The industry is not just observing — it is actively shaping the outcome,” said Rachel Radvany, CIEL’s Environmental Health Campaigner. “We’ve seen them speak in plenary, push their agenda publicly, and align with petrostate interests to weaken ambition.”
The Plastics Treaty is intended to address plastic pollution across its full life cycle — from production to disposal — and many countries, scientists, and communities are pushing for binding caps on production and use of toxic additives. But with lobbyists embedded inside negotiating delegations, critics argue the process is at risk of being co-opted from within.
When this reporter asked whether it should not be the responsibility of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to prevent industry representatives from entering national delegations, David Azoulay, Director of Environmental Health at CIEL, responded by pointing out a critical gap in global environmental governance.
“The INCs are following rules established for earlier agreements, where it’s up to Member States to define the makeup of their delegations. But UNEP could still play a more proactive role. They could encourage greater transparency and better conflict of interest policies — even if they can’t directly control who gets in.”
Azoulay contrasted UNEP’s approach with that of other UN bodies that have adopted firm safeguards. “UNDP and WHO both have clear conflict of interest policies. UNEP does not. The WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control even bars tobacco industry representatives from participating in treaty implementation or attending decision-making meetings. It shows that if the political will exists, it is absolutely possible to prevent undue influence.”
Meanwhile, civil society organisations face barriers not just in influence, but in physical access. “UNEP has drastically reduced the number of contact group seats from over 200 to just 60,” Bjorn Beeler, Executive Director of the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) told this newspaper. (AP)
KYIV (TIP): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday called for a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin to end war, after Donald Trump’s special envoy held talks with the Russian leader in Moscow.
Trump one day earlier hailed talks between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin as “highly productive” but US officials still vowed to impose sanctions on Moscow’s trading partners. Zelensky said later that he had spoken by phone with Trump, who said he could meet with Putin “very soon,” and that European leaders had been on the call.
“We in Ukraine have repeatedly said that finding real solutions can be truly effective at the level of leaders,” Zelensky wrote on social media. “It is necessary to determine the timing for such a format and the range of issues to be addressed,” he added. (AFP)
JERUSALEM (TIP): Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the military to “take control” of Gaza City, his office said in a statement Friday.
Under the plan to “defeat” Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army “will prepare to take control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside combat zones”, the statement said.
“The security cabinet, by majority vote adopted five principles for concluding the war: the disarming of Hamas; the return of all hostages — living and dead; the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip; Israeli security control in the Gaza Strip; the establishment of an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.
“A decisive majority of security cabinet ministers believed that the alternative plan that had been submitted to the security cabinet would neither achieve the defeat of Hamas nor the return of the hostages,” it added, without giving further details.
As he convened his security cabinet on Thursday, Netanyahu said Israel planned to take full control of Gaza but did not intend to govern it.
Nearly two years into the war in Gaza, the Israeli leader faces mounting pressure at home and abroad for a truce deal to pull the Palestinian territory’s more than two million people back from the brink of famine and to spare hostages held by Palestinian militants. (AFP)
TORONTO (TIP): Diwali is the time when people of Indian origin go all out for the festivities. Adding to their festivities, Cricket Canada has decided to hold its marquee event, the first-ever T10 Tournament, both for men and women, at BC Place. Holding this premier event from October 8 to 13 will mark a new chapter in Canadian cricket. The Canada Super 60, an exciting ten-over-a-side cricket league featuring some of the world’s top players, is now all set for a launch at BC Place Stadium with the announcement of its dates. It will be the first time that international cricket of this level will be played indoors, under artificial lights, at a top-tier venue on Canada’s West Coast—a truly historic moment for the sport in North America.
Cricket in North America has been gaining momentum primarily because of its growing population of migrants from South Asia in general and India in particular. Former Test cricket star Yuvraj Singh is the brand ambassador of the Canada Super 60 event.
Canada Super 60 is a groundbreaking new cricket league launching in 2025, introducing the unique 10-over-a-side format with both men’s and women’s competitions from its inaugural season—a global first. Backed by Cricket Canada, the league aims to elevate Canada’s place on the world cricket map while offering fans a thrilling mix of power and strategy between T20s and ODIs.
The tournament will be hosted at the iconic BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, making it the first major cricket league to debut on Canada’s West Coast. The Canada Super 60 is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of sport, diversity, and opportunity designed to grow the game in North America and give Canadian players global exposure.
As the largest multipurpose venue of its kind in Western Canada, BC Place provides a spectacular home for international, professional, and amateur sports; entertainment; commerce; cultural experiences; and community gatherings for the benefit of all British Columbians.
BC Place is a part of BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), a provincial crown corporation of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport that owns and operates the Vancouver Convention Centre and BC Place.
The tournament will showcase men’s and women’s competition as part of its debut season, making it one of the most inclusive and ambitious cricket initiatives in Canadian history.
With Canada recently qualifying for the ICC T20 World Cup, the timing could not be better, as it would also coincide with the festival season.
Gurdeep Klair, Treasurer of Cricket Canada and a member of the ICC Executive Committee, believes the Canada Super 60 can be a landmark in the country’s cricket development. “This tournament is a steppingstone for the next generation of Canadian cricketers. It offers them high-quality exposure in a professional setting, right here at home. Playing at a globally recognized venue like BC Place demonstrates the significant progress Canadian cricket has made—taking the sport to this level is historic. And having a women’s competition from Day One sends a strong message to young girls across the country: cricket is for them too, and they can aspire big.”
Former Scotland captain and now Assistant Tournament Director, Kyle Coetzer, shared his excitement about the venue and its impact. “Canada Super 60 is a truly unique opportunity—a tournament that blends top-tier entertainment with real development potential. It will benefit players not just from Canada but from associate nations across the world, offering them a platform to compete, grow, and learn alongside international stars.
With player registration now open, the enthusiasm around the tournament is already palpable. It’s a moment for players to challenge themselves and excite fans in one of the most dynamic sporting environments anywhere.”
Vancouver will witness a cricket event like never before—fast-paced matches under a retractable roof, electrifying fan experiences, and a celebration of sport, community, and culture all in one. With prime-time games scheduled throughout the week, the Canada Super 60 is set to establish Vancouver as a global cricket destination.
Ticketing details for the Canada Super 60 will be announced soon. With cricket rapidly emerging as one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, the tournament promises not only electrifying matches but also a transformative cultural and sporting experience for Vancouver.
(Prabhjot Singh is a Toronto-based award-winning independent journalist. He was celebrated by AIPS, the international body of sports journalists, for covering ten Olympics, at its centennial celebrations held at UNESCO Centre in Paris during the 2024 Olympic Games. Besides, he has written extensively about business and the financial markets, the health industry, the public and private sectors, and aviation. He has worked as a political reporter besides covering Sikh and Punjab politics. He is particularly interested in Indian Diaspora and Sikh Diaspora in particular. His work has also appeared in various international and national newspapers, magazines, and journals. He can be reached at prabhjot416@gmail.com)
TORONTO (TIP): Smuggling of contraband across their international borders has been a concern for both the United States and Canada. While the US is constantly threatening Canada with heavier tariffs for its failure to prevent smuggling of deadly fentanyl across the international borders, Canada has not retaliated even while trade relations between the two great neighbors and longtime trade partners have touched a new low.
Between January 1 and July 10, 2025, the CBSA seized a total of 1,164 kg of cocaine originating from the United States, alongside 514 kg from other countries combined. Besides cocaine, various other drugs are also being smuggled into Canada from across the US border. Recent seizures indicate that there has been little or no let-up in the smuggling of drugs across the border. Even a former Canadian Olympian is alleged to be a kingpin of one of the gangs involved in the illicit drug trade.
While Canada has launched a massive program to strengthen its border patrol, the US has expressed little satisfaction over the newer controls introduced to check the movement of fentanyl into the US territories, where it has been allegedly claiming a heavy toll of human life.
Last month, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) claimed a significant seizure of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Point Edward, Ontario. On July 23, 2025, a commercial truck arriving from the United States was referred for a secondary examination at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry. During an inspection of the trailer, border services officers found seven bags containing bricks of suspected cocaine. The total weight of the alleged narcotics was 197 kg, with an estimated street value of $24.6 million. The CBSA arrested Onkar Kalsi, 29, of Caledon, Ontario, and transferred him and the suspected narcotics to the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Kalsi has been charged by the RCMP with smuggling cocaine and possession of cocaine for trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
The investigation is ongoing. Between January 1 and July 10, 2025, the CBSA seized a total of 1,164 kg of cocaine originating from the United States, alongside 514 kg from other countries combined.
“This seizure by our dedicated border services officers demonstrates our commitment to stopping criminal activities and safeguarding our communities. Our message is clear: Canada will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the integrity and security of its borders,” says Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree.
While talking about the recent seizure, Michael Prosia, Regional Director General – Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency, says, “This significant cocaine seizure highlights the critical role our border services officers play in disrupting the illegal flow of drugs into Canada. This success is a result of their vigilance and dedication, as well as the strength of our ongoing collaboration with the RCMP to protect our communities. “
NEW YORK (TIP): The Xavier Foundation is proud to announce a transformational $1 million donation from the Sharifi Family Foundation, marking the second-largest gift in Xavier University School of Medicine’s (XUSOM) history. The announcement was made by Xavier Foundation President Ravi Bhooplapur.
Drs. Bobak and Sasha Sharifi distinguished alumni of XUSOM and now accomplished physicians in the fields of nephrology and cardiology, respectively made the generous pledge in recognition of the education, mentorship, and support they received throughout their time at Xavier.
The donation comes at a pivotal time as Xavier continues the development of its new academic campus. In recognition of this extraordinary contribution, the new campus library will be named The Sharifi Health Sciences Library.
“This $1 million gift is a powerful testament to the value of a Xavier education and the lifelong impact of our faculty and academic community,” said Ravi Bhooplapur, President of XUSOM. “This moment marks the beginning of a new era of alumni engagement and investment. The Sharifi family’s generosity demonstrates the power of partnership in shaping Xavier’s future and building a legacy for generations to come. We are honored by their continued commitment to our mission.”
The Sharifi Family Foundation’s gift also marks a strong start to Xavier’s newly launched Capital Campaign, which aims to raise $20 million over the next five years to support campus infrastructure, student scholarships, and strategic institutional growth. To date, nearly $5 million has already been raised.
NEW YORK (TIP): New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced the sentencing of Dr. Michael Lucchesi, former Chairman of Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and former head of Downstate Hospital and Medical School, for stealing approximately $1.44 million in state funds through the use of a hospital credit card.
Lucchesi, 67, of Staten Island, who previously pled guilty to one count of first-degree grand larceny on June 13, 2025, was sentenced today to a state prison term of one to three years. As part of his negotiated plea, Lucchesi made restitution in the amount of $720,000, which included $63,926 to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and $656,074 to SUNY Downstate’s clinical practice.
Following a referral from SUNY, the Inspector General’s investigation revealed that between December 2016 and January 2023, Lucchesi used a state-issued credit card, intended solely for official SUNY Downstate clinical practice expenses, to make approximately $1.44 million in personal purchases.
Lucchesi’s egregious theft of state funds included cash advances of approximately $115,000; pet care totaling $176,000 (including $120,000 paid to a New Jersey based pet resort & hotel); $348,000 spent on personal travel; $109,000 in payments to the New York Sports Club for membership and personal training; $92,000 for premium seating for sporting events, concerts and Broadway shows; $52,000 in catering expenses; $46,000 in tuition payments for his children; and additional payments for online shopping, flowers, liquor, electronics, and other items.
“Public institutions like SUNY Downstate exist to serve New Yorkers in need – not to bankroll the luxury lifestyle of a doctor entrusted with caring for our state’s most vulnerable communities,” said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “Today’s sentencing serves as a stark warning to any public servant who would abuse their position of trust for personal gain. Thank you to my team and to District Attorney Gonzalez and his staff for their partnership in combatting public corruption and holding those in positions of authority accountable.”
“This defendant was entrusted with a leadership role at a critical Brooklyn medical institution and violated that trust by stealing nearly $1.5 million,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “SUNY Downstate does vital, lifesaving work, and these stolen funds could have been used to support patient care and medical services. Instead, they were diverted for personal expenses over a period of time. With today’s sentence, the defendant is being held accountable for this serious breach of trust. We remain committed to protecting public institutions from fraud and abuse, and I commend our prosecutors, along with our partners in the Inspector General’s Office and the Department of Taxation and Finance, for their outstanding work on this case.”
“SUNY took immediate action and alerted authorities when these illegal activities were uncovered by SUNY’s auditors, and we greatly appreciate the partnership of the Inspector General and District Attorney, in particular, in bringing this matter to a close, said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “With more stringent internal controls and comprehensive oversight systems in place, SUNY Downstate is now in a stronger position.”
The Inspector General thanked her team for their work on this case, including Investigative Counsel Thomas Collery, Senior Investigative Auditor Angelus Okeke, Senior Investigator Jimmy Gibson, and Investigative Auditor Victoria Oliva, under the supervision of Downstate Chief of Investigations Ben Defibaugh, New York City Deputy Inspector General Ken Michaels, and Chief Deputy Inspector General Michele Bayer.
Inspector General Lang also expressed her gratitude to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and his staff for their partnership in addressing public corruption, to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Criminal Investigations Division for their work on this case, and to SUNY for its referral and cooperation with the investigation.
The Offices of the New York State Inspector General:
Fostering confidence in New York State government by promoting integrity and transparency through oversight of covered agencies, their employees, and those doing business with the State.
To report wrongdoing, call 1-800-DO-RIGHT (367-4448) or visit ig.ny.gov.
Follow the office’s work on social media at @NewYorkStateIG.
(Source: The Offices of the New York State Inspector General)
FREEHOLD, N.J. (TIP): Predator Sports, located in Freehold, New Jersey, has been selected as the Official Merchandise Partner for the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship. The event will be held in Seogwipo, Jeju (pronounced Chey’-joo), Korea, August 15 -24. In addition, Predator has an agreement to provide uniforms for Korea, the event’s host team, and shirts for the event staff.
“We are proud to be selected as the Official Merchandise Partner for this prestigious Worldwide event,” stated Ryan Park, President of Predator Sports. Park played on, and coached, the Korean U19 team. “We look forward to continuing this relationship and providing quality merchandise for other events in the future.”
“We are beyond thrilled to have Predator Sports as the official uniform supplier for Team Korea and the exclusive merchandise partner of the 2025 U20 Men’s World Lacrosse Championship,” said Seungjae Yeo, Operations Director of the host organization, Korea Lacrosse Association (KLA). “The craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail that Predator Sports brings to every single piece of gear are simply unmatched. Our athletes feel an extraordinary sense of pride every time they step onto the field.
The Men’s U20 World Lacrosse Championship, now in its 10th year, will feature a field of 20 teams from around the world including Team USA, which captured the last Championship held in Limerick, Ireland (2022). The United States has claimed all nine gold medals since the event started in 1988, while Canada has a total of nine medals.
A wide variety of lacrosse merchandise highlighting the U20 Men’s Championship, including jerseys, pinnies, shorts, hats and more, will be available to lacrosse fans at the event village in Jeju.
Run by three-time World Championship competitor, Coach, Ryan Park, Predator Sports (https://predatorsports.com/) is proud to uphold this rich heritage of the sport by crafting equipment and sportswear that embody the spirit and tradition of lacrosse.
Forged in the heart of the Jersey Shore in 2010, Predator Sports has since emerged as a premier brand in athletics. Every piece of Predator Sports equipment and apparel is made by athletes, for athletes, with the same dedication and passion that the original game demands. From equipping tens of thousands of fields to outfitting teams worldwide, Predator Sports remains deeply committed to the growth and integrity of lacrosse. Consumers can find Predator’s extensive line of lacrosse equipment and merchandise at https://predatorsports.com/.
The Korea Lacrosse Association, KLA, is Korea’s national governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse. KLA has organized lacrosse at the high school, club and college levels with multiple domestic leagues. The organization looks forward to significant youth development in the sport.
RYAN PARK
After building his early career in tech, Ryan Park turned his focus toward a mission closer to home: growing the sport of lacrosse through better service, better gear, and stronger relationships with teams. In 2023, he became the new owner of LacrosseBallStore.com and Predator Sports, which together have become go-to destinations for lacrosse equipment and custom team apparel across North America since 2009.
The two businesses serve programs at every level – from youth and high school to professional and international teams – offering highly responsive communication, differentiated design and quality, and hands-on support from start to finish.
Ryan brings firsthand experience to every aspect of his work. He represented the Korea national team, captaining the squad at two World Championships, and later coached the Korea U19 national team.
Combining entrepreneurial grit with a lifelong love for the game, Ryan continues to build trusted partnerships that elevate how teams train, compete, and represent themselves -on and off the field.
As an eighth grader who did not speak English, Park moved from South Korea to Eastern Pennsylvania and started competing in lacrosse and other sports. He learned to speak English within two years and was named captain of his high school lacrosse team. Park continued playing lacrosse at the club level during his four years at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a degree in Communication.
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