LINCOLN, NE (TIP) : Indian American researcher Sangamesh Gurappa Kumbar has been named associate dean for research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Dentistry.
Dr. Kumbar, who joined UNMC earlier this year and has his lab on the Omaha campus, took on the role effective Oct. 1, according to a UNMC release.
“Dr. Kumbar is an exceptional scholar whose visionary work bridges basic science and translational innovation,” said Gerard Kugel, dean of the college. “His appointment reflects both his remarkable record of discovery and our college’s commitment to advancing impactful, interdisciplinary research. I’m confident his leadership will strengthen our research enterprise and inspire the next generation of scientists and clinicians at UNMC.”
Dr. Kumbar’s own research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing novel biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery. His laboratory specializes in tissue instructive micro, and nanostructures designed to enhance tissue regeneration and control drug delivery.
Dr. Kumbar said collaboration is the key to his vision for his new role. “We often work in silos, focusing on our individual R01, our own projects,” he said. “When individuals join forces, they can complete research that could not be accomplished by a single person — in terms of grants, in terms of translational research, on every level.”
Dr. Kumbar, a professor in the UNMC Department of Growth and Development, already is working on collaborations with the UNMC Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering.
He hopes to expand UNMC College of Dentistry collaborations, as well as his own, to other departments at UNMC, UNL, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and throughout the University of Nebraska System as he moves ahead in his new role.
“When I was hired originally, it was intended that I become a bridge between the UNMC College of Dentistry and the UNO College of Engineering,” Dr. Kumbar said. “That is the reason I am in Omaha, to connect and create collaboration.
“Right now, the university has great researchers. My goal is to try to connect the college with them. As soon as I got here, I started collaborating with musculoskeletal engineering researchers, with Drs. Edward Fehringer in orthopedic surgery and Dong Wang in pharmaceutical sciences, as well as others. I hope to work with osteoarthritis and rheumatology specialists, orthopedic surgeons and others to address their unmet need in the clinical setting.”
An active member of several professional societies, Dr. Kumbar has co-edited three textbooks and serves as an associate editor for Bioactive Materials.
He has led the development of innovative materials to explore cell-material interactions and advance tissue regeneration.
His ongoing projects focus on the regeneration of bone, nerve, muscle, skin and composite tissue injuries, using chemical and physical stimulation methods with strong translational potential.
This team science initiative aims to develop technologies for reconstructing and regenerating composite tissue injuries.
Dr. Kumbar’s work in biomaterial-mediated tissue repair and regeneration has been published in over 180 peer-reviewed articles.
Month: October 2025
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Indian American Dr. Kumbar becomes Nebraska Medical Center associate dean for research
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Indian American Dr. Bob Basu Named President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
NEW ORLEANS, LA (TIP) : C. Bob Basu, MD, MBA, MPH, FACS, has been named president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the world’s largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons. Dr. Basu officially assumed the role on October 12, 2025, during the Society’s annual scientific conference, Plastic Surgery The Meeting, in New Orleans. His term will conclude on Oct. 18, 2026.
“I am honored to serve as president of ASPS and to represent our more than 11,000 members worldwide. Our mission is clear: to uphold the highest standards in education, ethics, training, research and innovation while advancing public awareness of the vital importance and value of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery performed by board-certified plastic surgeons,” said Dr. Basu. “As demand for these procedures continues to grow, our commitment to patient safety and exceptional outcomes has never been more crucial. With this unwavering focus, I look forward to strengthening ASPS’s position as the preeminent trusted resource for reliable and balanced education across the field of plastic surgery.”
Additionally, Dr. Basu’s presidency will leverage the power of A.I. to deepen ASPS’s engagement with both domestic and international members. His vision includes modernizing the membership experience through personalized tools and resources tailored to each surgeon’s educational interests and practice needs, across all subspecialties and modes of practice.
As the founder and managing director of Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery, a Houston-based independent private practice specializing in aesthetic plastic surgery of the face, breast and body, Dr. Basu has earned a national reputation as one of America’s premier plastic surgeons. He has performed more than 18,000 procedures, underscoring his commitment to exceptional patient results. In his new role as ASPS president, Dr. Basu will build on his legacy of clinical excellence and ethical leadership to emphasize patient safety through education and empowerment.
Dr. Basu has delivered more than 150 professional presentations and published numerous articles, including co-authoring “Cosmetic Breast Surgery,” a widely used textbook in the specialty. Dr. Basu frequently speaks on advances in aesthetic surgery, practice leadership and surgical safety.
In 2020, while serving as ASPS/PSF board vice president of Finance and Treasurer, Dr. Basu helped guide the organization through the historic challenges of COVID-19, subsequently achieving four consecutive years of record EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and strengthening ASPS’s long-term financial foundation. During the past two decades, he has held numerous leadership positions within ASPS, including in health policy and advocacy, governance, membership, practice management and education. He has also represented plastic surgery in the American Medical Association, serving as chair of the surgical section.
Dr. Basu earned his undergraduate degree with honors at Princeton University and a combined MD and MPH at Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at The George Washington University School of Medicine, followed by his plastic surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine’s Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery. He formalized his passion for practice management innovation with an MBA from Brandeis University.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 11,000 physician members worldwide, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians who have been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF), founded in 1948, supports research, international volunteer programs and visiting professor programs. The foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of patients through research and development. The PSF accomplishes its mission by providing invaluable support to the research of plastic surgery sciences through a variety of grant programs. The PSF works in concert with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). -
Indian-origin brothers jailed for serious child sex offences in UK
Vruj Patel, 26, and his brother Kishan Patel are sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court after an investigation by the Metropolitan Police
LONDON (TIP): An Indian-origin man who had pleaded guilty to child rape offences was on Tuesday sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment at an east London court, where his brother was also sentenced to 15 months in jail for possession of indecent images of children.
Vruj Patel, 26, and his brother Kishan Patel were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court after an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, which is appealing for other potential victims to come forward.
Detectives believe there may be other victim-survivors who were targeted by the Patels, whose offending is thought to date back to 2018.
“(Vruj) Patel is a cowardly, opportunistic offender who has preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification,” said Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the Met Police’s investigation.
“The threat he poses to women and children has been reflected in his sentence and his future management under the terms of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification requirements for the remainder of his life,” said DS Blant.
“This is a fantastic example of a thorough and detailed investigation by Met detectives working to support victims of the most serious offending and safeguard the wider public from a dangerous offender,” he said.
According to the police statement, Vruj Patel had pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity in relation to one victim.
Additionally, he pleaded guilty to rape of a girl over 16 and sexual assault by penetration relating to a second victim.
Besides, he was also found in possession of indecent images of children and guilty of voyeurism, leading to a life-long entry into the UK’s sex offenders’ register.
Kishan Patel was sentenced for making and possessing indecent images of children and will serve a 10-year sexual harm prevention order in addition to the jail term.
The court heard that Vruj Patel was arrested on February 1 after Greater Manchester Police alerted the Met Police to a third-party report of videos of child sexual offending being present on a device which had been sent for repair.
The device belonged to Kishan Patel and some initial videos found depicted child sexual offences being committed against a young girl who was known to the brothers.
“Officers worked quickly to seize Kishan’s devices; however, it became apparent that Vruj Patel was the one appearing in the videos. Detectives were able to identify him after his face was briefly visible at the end of one of the videos showing abuse of the child,” the Met Police said in a statement.
Further images and videos were uncovered by detectives, which showed Vruj Patel committing a rape against a young woman following a university night out, and voyeurism against a young girl.
Police detectives pieced together that he had filmed himself committing multiple offences against the victims and was identifiable from clothing comparisons and his distinctive jewelry.
“Although each incident of contact offending is thought to have happened in 2018, the voyeurism precedes this and officers are concerned that Vruj’s offending has continued until more recently,” the Met Police said.
“Following Patel’s sentencing today, detectives are appealing for any further victim-survivors to come forward. There may be other instances where children visiting his home, or the homes of those around him, had been placed under his care. Detectives are interested to speak to anyone who believes this may have been true,” the police force said in its appeal.
According to officers, the victim-survivors involved in this case have been given specialist support and guidance by officers throughout the investigation and court process.Survivors have been encouraged to contact the police by reporting online or by calling 101 quoting “Operation Castline”.
“There are teams of dedicated, professional officers working across London who will leave no stone unturned to identify those who seek to commit offences against vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice,” added DS Blant of the Met Police.
(Source: PTI)
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Texas man arrested over fatal shooting of Indian student in US
The suspect allegedly shot Chandrashekar Pole while he was working a part-time shift at a gas station in Fort Worth
DALLAS / HYDERABAD (TIP): A 23-year-old Texas man has been arrested over the murder of an Indian student at a Fort Worth gas station on Friday, October 3 night, leaving the local Indian-American community shocked and fearful. The suspect allegedly shot Chandrashekar Pole, 28, while he was working a part-time shift, then fled the scene before being apprehended by officers, police said.
The suspect, identified as Richard Florez from North Richland Hills, allegedly shot Chandrashekar at a gas station on Eastchase Parkway.
After the shooting, Florez fired at another vehicle about a mile away without injuring anyone, and later crashed into a gate while attempting to enter a nearby residence on Meadowbrook Drive, police added.
Officers arrested him shortly afterwards and recovered a firearm from his vehicle.
“They also recovered a gun inside the vehicle at that scene… suspect is currently in the hospital, but he has been booked for the homicide,” Officer Brad Perez, a Fort Worth Police spokesperson, was quoted as saying by NBCDFW on Monday.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Pole’s identity and said he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials from Fort Worth and Tarrant County noted that a formal statement and further investigative details have been delayed due to a local government shutdown.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and the motive behind the shooting has not yet been determined.
The Consulate General of India in Houston said they are in contact with Chandrashekar’s family to assist in repatriating his remains.
Several Indian-American community members and students expressed shock at the killing, saying the recent spate of violence targeting Indian students in the US has left them fearful and grieving.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the repatriation of Chandrashekar Pole’s remains to India and to assist his grieving family.
Chandrashekar had completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Hyderabad and had gone to the US two years ago for an MS, his brother Damodar told reporters after the incident. He was enrolled in a master’s in data Analytics at the University of North Texas, Denton.
He completed the degree six months ago and was looking for a job, his brother said, adding that Chandrashekar was working part-time at the gas station to support himself.
The incident has brought attention to safety concerns for international students working part-time jobs in the US, especially in roles that may expose them to risks during late hours.
Past incidents involving Indian students in the US, including shootings and unexplained deaths, have underscored safety concerns and the complexities involved in repatriation.
In January this year, a 26-year-old student from Telangana, who was living in Connecticut in America, was allegedly shot dead by unidentified persons, while another man from Ranga Reddy district was found dead with bullet wounds in the US.
In September, a 30-year-old man from Mahabubnagar district died in California after allegedly being shot by police following a scuffle with his roommate.
Various cases have seen Indian consulates actively assisting families, often after lengthy legal and bureaucratic processes.
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Canada gets tough on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
By Prabhjot Singh OTTAWA (TIP): Canada is getting tough on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program as the federal government is focused on building lasting economic strength.
The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). In fiscal year 2024–2025, ESDC conducted 1,435 employer compliance inspections, of which 10% of employers were found non-compliant. During the same period, penalties more than doubled from $2,067,750 to $4,882,500 and resulted in 36 employers being banned from the TFW Program, a threefold increase from last year.
The strict enforcement of the program has impacted all those employers who were trying to exploit the facility. A vast majority of those affected by the continuous surveillance allegedly come from the South Asian community, especially those who had tried to sneak into the system by paying huge amounts to the agents and the greedy employers.
In September, the ESDC hit the headlines when an employer in the fish and seafood sector was issued a penalty of $1 million and a 10-year ban from the Program for failing to provide proper wages and working conditions, failing to comply with federal and provincial labour laws, and failing to provide a workplace that was free of abuse.
To date, this is the biggest penalty ever issued by the Department, because any mistreatment of workers or misuse of the Program will not be tolerated. Employers who are found to be non-compliant with TFW Program conditions are also listed on a public-facing website managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, an employer in the agriculture sector was fined $212,000 and banned from the TFW Program for 2 years for failing to provide proper working conditions and for not providing the required documentation to inspectors.
Another employer in the residential building construction industry was fined $161,000 and banned from the TFW Program for 5 years for failing to provide proper wages and working conditions, and lack of compliance with federal and provincial labour laws.
Yet another employer in the long-haul trucking industry was fined $150,000 for failing to genuinely operate a business and for not providing the required documentation to inspectors.
In a statement, the ESDC held that the “Canadians are always first in line. To be clear, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a last resort option for employers who cannot find qualified Canadians and permanent residents to fill job vacancies.
“There’s a stringent process in place to ensure that Canadian workers are always prioritised first. All employers seeking to use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program must demonstrate that genuine attempts to recruit workers from within Canada were unsuccessful. They must also continue recruiting for the position while the application is pending. Workers under the TFW Program represent approximately 1% of the Canadian workforce and play important roles in key sectors such as agriculture, food processing, construction and health care.
In the context of the tightening labour market in September 2024, several measures were implemented to reduce reliance on the TFW Program, resulting in a 50% reduction overall in applications to the Program and 70% in the low-wage stream.
Employers who hire temporary foreign workers are also required to provide safe, healthy and dignified working conditions. The Government has a strong compliance regime to help ensure that the health and safety of temporary foreign workers are protected.
The employer compliance regime aims to verify employers’ adherence to program requirements and conditions through inspections. Employers who do not respect these could be issued administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) of up to $1 million per year and be temporarily or permanently banned from the Program.
In fiscal year 2024–2025, ESDC conducted 1,435 employer compliance inspections, of which 10% of employers were found non-compliant. During the same period, penalties more than doubled from $2,067,750 to $4,882,500 and resulted in 36 employers being banned from the TFW Program, a threefold increase from last year.
Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, says: “Building a stronger Canada means protecting those who work tirelessly, day in and day out. Workers in Canada deserve safe workplaces where their rights are protected from bad actors. The TFW Program is a last resort measure for businesses – it is no substitute for Canadian talent, and its misuse will never be permitted. Strengthening our inspection practices to weed out employers who misuse the program puts workers at the forefront and safeguards their well-being while we build, together, one Canadian economy that will benefit all generations.”
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Jail, not Bail, fails in the House of Commons
By Prabhjot Singh OTTAWA (TIP): After an animated debate over the growing incidence of violence, especially by repeat offenders, Conservatives suffered yet another political reverse when their Bill C-242 fell through for want of support.
The Bill put to a vote on Monday, October 6, was defeated 196-142 as the Conservatives failed to get any support from members of other Opposition parties – Bloc Québécois and NDP.
Pursuant to Standing Order 45, the House on Monday proceeded to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion of Arpan Khanna (representing Oxford) and seconded by Eric Melillo (Kenora-Kiiweinoong).
It said:
(a) violent crime is up 55% under the Liberal government, and repeat offenders continue to be released because of Liberal catch and release laws; and(b) The Liberal government promised to pass criminal justice reform six months ago, but has failed to do so;
to keep repeat offenders in jail and keep Canadians safe, the House thinks that Bill C-242, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Department of Justice Act, also known as the Jail Not Bail Act, must pass and is committed to sitting extended hours, holding an expeditious committee study and undertaking such other procedural measures as may be necessary to pass it at the earliest opportunity.
The question was put on the motion, and it was negatived on the following division, as it got only 142 votes in its support while 196 opposed.
Earlier, last week, another Bill moved by the Conservatives also fell through for want of majority support.
Brought in by John Barlow, Conservative MP representing Foothills in Alberta, to demand an exemption on food taxation, also saw Bloc Québécois and NDP siding with the Liberals, to defeat it when the motion was put to a vote.
In his Bill, John Barlow held that since the Prime Minister said Canadians would judge him by the cost at the grocery store, and that,
(i) Food inflation was 70% above the Bank of Canada’s target,
(ii) food prices were up 40% since the Liberals took power,
(iii) Daily Bread Food Bank expected 4 million visits to its food banks in 2025, and
(iv) Food bank use in Canada was up by 142% since 2015,
The House calls on the Liberal Prime Minister to stop taxing food by eliminating:
(a) the industrial carbon tax on fertilizer and farm equipment;
(b) the inflation tax (money-printing deficits);
(c) carbon tax two (the so-called clean fuel standard); and
(d) The food packaging tax (plastic ban and packaging requirements).
There was a wide-ranging debate on the Bill as both the Treasury and the Opposition Benches took sides in reacting to the rising prices of groceries in the country.
Finally, when the motion was put to a vote, it got only 138 votes in support while 194 went against it.
(Toronto based Prabhjot Singh is an award-winning journalist recognized for investigative journalism, environment and business reporting, sports and feature writing. A Media Consultant, he has remained associated with various news agencies, including Reuters, and media houses like PTC News (India/Canada), Parvasi Media (Canada) the Liberal World (India), and The Indian Panorama, New York. He is interested in Indian Diaspora and the Sikh Diaspora in particular. His work has appeared in various international and national newspapers, magazines and journals.)
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WORLD FOOD MOVEMENT INAUGURATES ITS FEEDING MISSION IN THE USA
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By Mabel Pais
The World Food Movement (WFM), established to provide food assistance to students and communities in the United States of America, held its launch on September 28, 2025 at the Victoria Theatre of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey. This initiative is inspired by The Akshaya Patra Foundation, the world’s largest NGO-run school lunch program serving fresh, nutritious meals to millions of children every day.
WFM will focus on addressing hunger and food insecurity among students and communities across the United States of America. It has commenced feeding in prominent areas like the Bay Area (California), New York and New Jersey. The organization will extend its reach to Boston, Washington, D.C, Seattle and other locations to benefit more communities. Earlier this year, WFM served over 7000 meals with a goal of serving 100,000 meals annually by 2027.
Honored Guests – left to right: Dr. Patricia Ramsey; Consul General of New York, Shri Binaya Srikanta Pradhan; WFM Founder Shri Chanchalapati Dasa; NJ Assemblyman Sterley S. Stanley. The vision behind this movement began in 1966 when Srila Prabhupada (founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness – ISKCON) – arrived in America, and personally cooked and fed sumptuous meals to youth in New York. Those humble beginnings sowed the seeds of an inspiring legacy of compassion that the WFM carries forward today.
WFM is led by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa and Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, founders of The Akshaya Patra Foundation in India. The team will leverage the learning and expertise gained from over 25 years of feeding experience in its projects and initiatives.
HONORED GUEST-ATTENDEES
The launch was attended by Shri Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York; Dr. Patricia Ramsey, President of Medgar Evers College; and several dignitaries from across the US. Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Co-founder and Vice Chairman, World Food Movement, presided over the event.
The Honorable Mayor of Newark Ras J. Baraka, awarded a citation on the occasion, congratulating the World Food Movement and said that the organization will be a major power to address food insecurity and empower students and communities.
SPEAKER / ENTERTAINMENT CONTRIBUTORS
Abby V, an internationally acclaimed singer extended his support for the occasion, by rendering scintillating entertainment, blending classical and contemporary music styles.
Persistent Foundation US (persistentsystems.com), the US Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Persistent Systems, a global Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization leader, contributed to the initiative. The Wealth Planning Advisory Group (wealthplanning.com), a financial planning firm, partnered in organizing the event.
Abby V performs at NJPAC. Shri Binaya Srikanta Pradhan expressed his appreciation and said, “World Food Movement is a wonderful initiative, inspired by Srila Prabhupada’s vision of a hunger-free world, that will benefit communities across the United States. For the last 18 months, I have watched its founders shape a movement of dignity. Just listening to a food-insecure Harlem beneficiary say ‘This meal is my breakfast, lunch and dinner’ was moving and shows me the impact this program is having. Helping young people in this way is what the Indian ethic of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family, is all about. I have no doubt one million meals is a goal that will be met before 2030.”
Shri Madhu Pandit Dasa said, “I am happy that (the) World Food Movement has been officially launched today to work towards a common goal, alleviating hunger and enhancing food and nutrition security in America. We will dedicate all our energies and resources to serve the people in this country, targeting a life of dignity, good health and happiness. I invite everyone to join us in our mission to build a hunger-free world.”
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chanchalapathi Dasa said, “I extend my gratitude to everyone present at the inaugural event of (the) World Food Movement. I wholeheartedly thank all our partners and well-wishers for making the event a success. We look forward to working with the government, college and university administrations, donors and all other stakeholders to serve the people of America. I am confident that with your support and encouragement, we can work towards fulfilling our vision that no one should go hungry.”
From the NJ Statehouse, Assemblyman Stanley of New Jersey’s 18th District released a joint resolution commending the World Food Movement. He said, “The program is already transforming lives on campuses across the state. It unites diverse communities.” He added that he wanted the next generation of students to participate in giving to those less fortunate, since learning to give back is as important as nourishing the body.
Thanking the World Food Movement, Dr. Patricia Ramsey, President of Medgar Evers College, said, “People think of college students as living in luxury, but the reality is many are struggling just to eat. I myself know what it is like to stand in an Ivy League (a group of long-established colleges and universities in the eastern US having high academic and social prestige. It includes Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania) dorm with only five dollars in my pocket. No person deserves to go hungry. Providing fresh food is part of ensuring dignity and academic success.”
Sonali Deshpande, Chairperson of Persistent Foundation, said, “It is an honor for Persistent Foundation US to partner with (the) World Food Movement in their mission to ensure access to nutritious meals for students and communities. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to supporting education, community development, and sustainability, underscoring the importance of creating a healthier, more resilient society.”
A few beneficiaries of the World Food Movement also attended the launch event.
Fatima, a single mother from Medgar Evers, expressed her gratitude for the organization’s initiative and said that fresh, nutritious meals will help her stay focused on her education. Alia, another beneficiary, described the challenges students face every day and expressed her gratitude to the World Food Movement for providing healthy, delicious meals. She said that this initiative lifts the burden off students and gives them the strength to achieve their goals.
The World Food Movement (WFM)
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, citation.(Credit for all: www.wfmamerica.org.) The World Food Movement is a not-for-profit organization established in the United States of America in 2025 to serve the people of this country. This organization is being led by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa and Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, the founders of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, which is the world’s largest NGO-run school lunch program.
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), envisioned a world where no one ever goes hungry. The World Food Movement is an initiative in pursuance of his great desire to feed people extensively.
Replicability and scalability are two vital attributes of Akshaya Patra’s feeding programs. Its successful models will be replicated in the World Food Movement to serve the best quality of food to people. Kitchens are the heart of their feeding mission. State-of-the-art technology is used for cooking while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchens. Rigorous processes and systems are followed to ensure food safety and quality.
The World Food Movement’s infrastructure and resources will also be used to undertake food relief efforts during emergencies, wherever necessary. The team will utilize the learning and expertise gathered from its feeding experience over the last 25 years in World Food Movement’s projects and initiatives. The Board and Leadership are committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, good governance, and stakeholder satisfaction.
The World Food Movement is currently focusing on feeding students in community colleges and food-insecure individuals in various locations across the United States of America.
Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, Spirituality, Health and Wellness, Education, Business, The Arts and Entertainment, and Cuisine.
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CELEBRATE DIWALI AT SEAPORT MUSEUM, NEW YORK
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By Mabel Pais
Join the South Street Seaport Museum with Culture Tree for the Diwali Celebration at Seaport Museum on Monday, October 20, 2025 from 3–6pm.
There will be Festive activities to mark Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Diwali, named for the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that light up homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness, also marks the start of the Hindu New Year.
SCHEDULE
From 3pm to 6pm, decorate your own “diya lamp” — or in this case, a candle — on the cobblestones of Water Street outside of the Museum and float it in a special pool, symbolizing prosperity for the new year.
At 4pm, audience members will head into the Museum’s first-floor Maritime City exhibition gallery for Diwali Puppet Storytime, where they will explore the significance and origins of Diwali and how it’s celebrated worldwide. We’ll also read stories like ‘A Kids Book About Diwali,’ perfect for children and families.
Following Storytime, at 5pm, the audience will jump into an interactive dance workshop and performance in which they will experience and dance to popular Diwali songs, music, and stories. Attendees will learn mudras (hand gestures) from classical dance forms and dance to beautiful Diwali songs.
In addition to these exciting, all-ages activities, enjoy free access to the Seaport Museum’s Maritime City exhibition and explore the unique letterpress printshop Bowne & Co., Stationers (southstreetseaportmuseum.org/bowne-co-stationers), which will even have something special to print using the Museum’s 19th century printing press!
TICKETS
Preregistration is encouraged. Walkups will be accommodated as possible. Tickets are free and can be reserved at southstreetseaportmuseum.org/diwali.
Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, Education, Business, and Cuisine.
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IAAC CELEBRATES DIWALI LIGHTS AND SEASONAL BONDS HONORING TRAILBLAZERS AT ANNUAL GALA
By Mabel Pais
The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) will hold its annual gala honoring Jyoti Menon and Deepak Raj in its Historic First on October 26, 2025.
JYOTI MENON, Vice President at Bread Financial and Trustee of Barnard College, and DEEPAK RAJ, Chairman of the India Philanthropy Alliance, are honorees at the 2025 IAAC Gala in a historic first for the organization. These two trailblazers will be celebrated together for their extraordinary contributions to finance, philanthropy, and the Indian-American community. The gala will take place on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 5:00 PM onwards at the Union League Club, New York City.
The IAAC Gala is the organization’s premier annual fundraiser, bringing together leaders, philanthropists, artists, and community members to celebrate creativity, connection, and cultural excellence. Proceeds directly support IAAC’s year-round programming across film, dance, literature, and music, empowering artists and showcasing the rich diversity of Indian arts and culture.
Honoring Two Inspiring Leaders
JYOTI MENON
Jyoti Menon is a distinguished strategy leader with more than two decades of experience delivering transformative financial services products. She is currently Vice President at Bread Financial, where she oversees product strategy and delivery. Previously, she held senior leadership positions at Citi and American Express. Beyond her professional achievements, Jyoti is a Trustee on Barnard College’s Board of Trustees and serves on the Board of Shanti Bhavan, a school in India dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through world-class education. 
Musicians. (Credit for all: www.iaac.us.) “Jyoti Menon exemplifies the perfect blend of professional excellence and community commitment,” said Vice Chairman Rakesh Kaul. “Her remarkable achievements in financial services and her dedication to education through her work with Barnard College and Shanti Bhavan demonstrate the values we celebrate at IAAC. Following in the distinguished footsteps of her visionary parents, Sreedhar and Saroj Menon, she continues a legacy of service and leadership that inspires our entire community.”
DEEPAK RAJ
Deepak Raj is a trailblazer in both finance and philanthropy. After a distinguished 24-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he served as Director of Global Equity Research, he founded the Raj Family Foundation to advance causes impacting India and Indian-Americans. A well-known philanthropist, he has served in leadership roles with organizations including Pratham USA and is the co-Founder of Indian-American Impact. In 2015, he and his wife Neera established the Deepak and Neera Raj Center on Indian Economic Policies at Columbia University. He is also Managing Director of Raj Associates, Chairman of the New Jersey State Investment Council, and a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Kanpur.
“Deepak Raj represents the very best of what it means to give back to one’s community,” said Chairman Dr. Nirmal Mattoo. “His transition from Wall Street success to philanthropic leadership demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to lifting others and strengthening the bonds between India and America. Through his work with the India Philanthropy Alliance and countless other organizations, he has created pathways for future generations to thrive.”
Musical Performance This year’s gala will feature a special performance by musicians from the Grammy-nominated Berklee India Exchange, known for their groundbreaking cross-cultural collaborations that bridge Indian classical traditions with contemporary global music. Their uplifting, innovative performance will set the tone for an unforgettable evening of community and celebration.
A Celebration of Excellence and Impact
This historic recognition of two exceptional leaders marks a milestone for IAAC as the organization continues to champion Indian arts and culture while celebrating the achievements of community members who embody excellence in their professional and philanthropic endeavors.
PROGRAM
WHAT: 2025 IAAC Gala
WHEN: Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 5:00 PM onwards
WHERE: The Union League Club, 38 East 37th Street , New York, NY 10016.
ENTERTAINMENT: Musical performance by the Berklee India Exchange ensemble
TICKETS
For more information and to reserve your table or ticket, visit iaac.us/annual-gala-2025.
All proceeds support IAAC’s mission to promote, showcase, and build an awareness of the arts and artists of Indian heritage in New York City and beyond.
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HOT SPRINGS DOC FILM FEST RETURNS FOR 34TH EDITION
By Mabel PaisHONOREE: GEETA GANDBHIR RECEIVES 2025 IMPACT AWARD
Featuring
Director GEETA GANDBHIR’s Feature ‘THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR’
and Short Film ‘THE DEVIL IS BUSY’
Director KARLA MURTHY’s Feature ‘THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT’
Director Ladkani’s Feature ‘YANUNI’
Director SOUVID “JIJO” DATTA’s Short Film ‘NOT YET’
Director ANURIMA BHARGAVA’s Short Film ‘TEACHING AMERICA’
And many more
The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (HSDFF) for its 34th edition has the lineup of films and honorees taking place, October 10 -18. Screenings will take place at Oaklawn’s Event Center {307 Carpenter Dam Road, Hot Springs, AR 71901 – Phone: (501) 623-0020}.
HONOREES
GEETA GANDBHIR will be the recipient of this year’s Impact Award and
JON ALPERT will receive the HSDFF Brent Renaud Career Achievement Award.
HSDFF Executive Director, Ken Jacobson, said, “In a world that seems, at times, on the verge of spinning out of control, I marvel at the fact that something as simple as a gathering of people to watch documentary films on a big screen can feel as miraculous and urgent as it does this year. For 34 years, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival has brought the best in non-fiction filmmaking to Hot Springs. Our community has responded by welcoming filmmakers and other guests here to join with us in celebrating this remarkable art form. This year, I am struck by the sheer quality and dynamism of the filmmaking, the courage of those willing to share their lives with the filmmakers, and the emotional depths explored through these incredibly diverse stories. If this year’s festival lineup tells us anything, it’s that creativity and truth-telling still remain as vital as ever. From our Opening to our Closing Night and everything in between, I know that our audiences are in for a very special and unique experience.”
Highlights
ADDITIONAL / SPECIAL EVENTS
Marking Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 13th, the festival features a stellar lineup of documentaries that celebrate Native and Indigenous stories and storytellers: ‘Powwow People,’ ‘Remaining Native,’ ‘Drowned Land’ and ‘Yanuni.’
National Park College (NPC) and Hot Springs Village Shorts Programs
For the first time, HSDFF is expanding its program to the National Park College in Hot Springs for a specially curated package of short films intended to build connections between the festival and the NPC community. For the second year in a row, HSDFF brings its documentary programming to nearby Hot Springs Village for a curated shorts program.
The Emerging Filmmakers Program, a long-standing partnership between HSDFF and Arkansas PBS, is one of HSDFF’s most cherished educational initiatives. This full-day experience welcomes middle and high school students from throughout the region to engage in thought-provoking screenings, interactive Q&A sessions, and hands-on workshops. Designed to immerse young storytellers in the craft of documentary filmmaking, the program features guidance from award-winning filmmakers and top industry professionals. Since its inception, the program has welcomed hundreds of students from more than 30 schools.
The Brent Renaud Mentorship Program is presented in partnership with Arkansas PBS. Working filmmakers join Peabody Award-winner Craig Renaud to offer a behind-the-scenes look at their creative processes and share practical guidance for building a sustainable career in filmmaking. This unique opportunity allows participants to gain an insider’s perspective on the art and craft of documentary filmmaking.
THE FILMMAKER FORUM
Now in its third year, the HSDFF Filmmaker Forum is a three-day filmmaker/industry conference and convening to be held October 12 – 14 during this year’s Festival. In this unprecedented year, in which federal government funding has been stripped from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and public media, there is no more urgent time for filmmakers and industry leaders to meet, discuss and raise critical questions about where the documentary field stands and where to go from here. The Forum offers dynamic programming focused on the art, craft and business of documentary storytelling with a focus on public media, and a wider lens on the nonfiction ecosystem as a whole.
TICKETS
For more information on purchasing and additional details on the Hot Springs Documentary Film festival, visit: hsdfi.org.
2025 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Lineup
Thomas Winston’s ‘LOST WOLVES OF YELLOWSTONE’ Opens the Festival
André Hörmann’s ‘THE COWBOY’ is the Centerpiece selection, and
Elegance Bratton’s ‘MOVE YA BODY: THE BIRTH OF HOUSE’ gets the closing slot.
FEATURES
There are about 38 Features.
SHORT FILMS
In the HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE SHORTS PROGRAM, there are 7 films.
In the CREATIVITY UNBOUND category, there are 5 films.
Learn more at hsdfi.org.
HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVALEach year, with the help of a small staff and over 100 dedicated volunteers, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (hsdfi.org) attracts thousands of visitors to the 9-day multicultural and intergenerational event. Now approaching its 34th year as the oldest all-documentary festival in North America and one of the longest running non-fiction festivals in the world, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival remains a prominent champion and protector of the documentary film genre.
Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, Education, Business, and Cuisine. -
Kerala Center to honor seven Indian American Malayalees at its 33rd Annual Award Ceremony
NEW YORK (TIP): The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center, Inc. (The Kerala Center) will honor seven Indian American Malayalees for their outstanding achievements in their fields of specialization and for their service to the society, at its 33rd Annual Awards Dinner to be held on October 25, 2025. Public officials and leaders from the USA and India are expected to attend this prestigious event.
“The Kerala Center has been honoring outstanding achievers since 1992. Every year we invite nominations, and the Award Committee makes a unanimous choice for a candidate in a category to receive the award, and this year is no different from previous years in terms of their achievements,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Kerala Center’s Trustee Board Chairman and Award Committee Member. “Kerala Center is very happy to honor American Malayalees who excel in their professions and who work for social progress — their examples should be an inspiration for others,” said Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran, Chairman of the Board and Award Committee.
This year’s honorees and their categories of recognition are: Inspector Shibu Madhu – Govt. and Public Service; Diya Mathews – Legal Service; Priscilla Samuel – Nursing; Jayan Varghese – Pravasi Malayalam Literature; Koshy O. Thomas – Community Service; Nandini Menon – Education; and Joharath Kutty – Engineering.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Suresh U. Kumar, a 5 x INC 500 ranked serial entrepreneur, professor of entrepreneurship at New Jersey Institute of Technology, ex-President of TIE-New Jersey, member NJ-India commission and author of Amazon #1 Bestselling novel, “The Girl in Scarlet Hijab.”
The awardees will be honored on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Kerala Center, 1824 Fairfax St., Elmont, New York. There will be variety entertainments and a fabulous dinner for the evening.
Other members of the Award Committee are: Varkey Abraham, Daisy P. Stephen and Marilyn George.
Kerala Center President Alex K. Esthappan said that the Center has recognized over 190 American Malayalees in the last 32 years and it is great to see them continue to rise higher in their careers and serve the society. All are invited to join this Annual Awards Dinner. Please contact the Kerala Center to reserve your seats at: 516-358-2000 or at email: kc@keralacenterny.com.
For further information, please contact: Alex Esthappan, President, 516 503 9387, Raju Thomas, General Secretary, 516 434 0669, G. Mathai, Program Chair, 516 816 4915.
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Hindi Diwas 2025 Commemorated at the United Nations Headquarters
NEW YORK (TIP): Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations (UN), New York organized the annual commemoration of Hindi Diwas at the UNHQ on 09 October 2025. The event was attended by the visiting delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) from India, Permanent Representatives (PR), Deputy Permanent Representatives (DPR) and diplomats of Girmitiya and friendly countries and several UN personnel.
Speaking at the event, leader of the Parliamentary delegation, Shri P. P. Chaudhary remarked that Hindi is not just a language; it symbolizes India’s spirit, identity, and unity. Outlining Hindi’s appeal across different countries and regions, he mentioned that the language is spoken by nearly 600 million people. Further, he also noted the instrumental role of Hindi in India’s freedom struggle and outlined the current efforts undertaken by the Government of India to popularize the language in different parts of the globe.
Permanent Representative of India, Ambassador P. Harish stressed India’s rich multilingual tradition and reiterated that India was one of the leading voices to support multilingualism in the UN. PR of India, Ambassador P. Harish highlighted that Hindi Diwas is celebrated to commemorate adoption of Hindi as the official language of India, besides English. He stressed India’s rich multilingual tradition and reiterated that India was one of the leading voices to support multilingualism in the UN. He recalled that India was also a co-sponsor of previous Resolutions on this subject. As regards the status of Hindi as a non-official language in the UN, India is popularizing its use, including through financial support for the Hindi@UN project.
PR of Nepal, Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa highlighted the popularity of Hindi in his country and described its role in strengthening the social, cultural and linguistic linkages between the countries. PR of Suriname, Ambassador Sunil Algram Sitaldin mentioned that Hindi has been preserved for five generations in his country. In addition, he spoke about the seamless blending of Hindi into the local culture in his country.
PR of Mauritius, Ambassador Milan Meetarbhan reiterated the deep cultural and diaspora connection between the two countries and the central role of Hindi on these fronts. PR of Andorra, Ambassador Joan Rovina emphasized that India is a strong partner in efforts related to multilingualism in the UN. Both India and Andorra are jointly working together in this regard under the umbrella of Group of Friends on multilingualism.
PR of Trinidad and Tobago, Ambassador Neil Parsan described Hindi as being not just a language, but the voice of a nation; it is poetry, it is history and it is an emotion.
Attendees included the visiting delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) from India, Permanent Representatives (PR), Deputy Permanent Representatives (DPR) and diplomats of Girmitiya and friendly countries and several UN personnel. DPR of Guyana, Ms. Trishala Simantini Persaud outlined the deep imprint of Hindi on the daily lives of Guyanese people. DPR of Burundi Mr. Landry Sibomana, who was also an ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) alumnus, fondly recalled his days in India, which he described as his ‘second home’. Speaking in Hindi, Mr. Sibomana highlighted that he was proficient in various Indian languages. DPR of Micronesia, Ms. Universe Lawrence projected the strong connections between her country and India. Director, UN Department of Global Communications, Ms. Nanette Braun said that Hindi is a priority in UN’s multilingual endeavors.
MPs from India felicitated winners of various Hindi competitions organized by the Permanent Mission of India and handed over certificates on the occasion.
The Parliamentary delegation led by Shri P.P. Chaudhary is visiting New York from 08-14 October 2025. Other members of the delegation are Shri N.K. Premachandran, Dr. Nishikant Dubey, Smt. Poonam Ben Maadam, Shri Vivek Tankha, Captain Brijesh Chowta, Shri Gaddam Vamsi Krishna, Shri Mathukumilli Sribharat, Shri Rajeev Rai, Smt. S. Phangnon Konyak, Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni and Shri Ujjwal Deorao Nikam.
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INDIA REAFFIRMS GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY
UNITED NATIONS (TIP): India has reaffirmed its historic and continuing leadership in advancing the role of women in peacekeeping and global security, calling their full and equal participation “a necessity for lasting peace.” Speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) on Monday, October 6, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, underscored that gender equality in peace operations has been integral to India’s approach to global peace for decades — long before the adoption of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2000.
“India’s commitment to this principle predates the resolution by several decades,” Ambassador Harish said. “We recognized early that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without women.”
The debate, convened under the presidency of the Russian Federation, marked the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325, which recognized women’s vital role in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and post-conflict reconstruction.
Harish noted that as early as the 1960s, India deployed women medical officers to Congo, one of the first instances of female participation in UN peacekeeping. The country’s pioneering spirit, he said, reached a milestone in 2007, when India deployed the first-ever all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Liberia — a mission that not only reduced crime and enhanced local security but also inspired Liberian women to join law enforcement and nation-building efforts. “This initiative was a game changer,” he said.
India’s leadership in advancing women’s participation has continued ever since. The appointment of Dr. Kiran Bedi, India’s first woman police officer, as the first female Police Adviser and head of the UN Police Division in 2003, was another historic step. Currently, more than 160 Indian women peacekeepers serve in UN missions worldwide, including all-women engagement teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Abyei (Sudan), and South Sudan.
Ambassador Harish highlighted the global recognition accorded to Indian women officers: Major Suman Gawani, who won the UN Military Gender Advocate Award in 2019 for her service in South Sudan, and Major Radhika Sen, honored in 2024 for her contributions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “It is no longer a question of whether women can do peacekeeping,” Harish declared. “Rather, it is whether peacekeeping can do without women.”
He described women peacekeepers as “builders of trust, protectors of the vulnerable, and role models for change.” Citing External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, he added that women peacekeepers are true “messengers of peace.”
India has also become a global center for capacity-building in peacekeeping, especially for the Global South. The Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi, established by the Indian Army, now trains over 12,000 troops annually. In 2016, it launched a flagship course for female military officers, training women from 39 countries in leadership, protection of civilians, and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. India has also deployed mobile training teams to several nations to strengthen women’s operational capacity in the field.
In February 2025, India hosted the International Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South, which brought together participants from 35 nations to discuss actionable strategies for expanding women’s participation in peacekeeping operations. In August 2025, New Delhi hosted the UN Women Military Officers Course, with participants from 15 countries.
Ambassador Harish also used the forum to rebut Pakistan’s habitual attacks on India at the UN, describing its statements as “a delusional tirade.” “A country that bombs its own people and conducts systematic genocide cannot lecture others,” he said, recalling Pakistan’s Operation Searchlight of 1971, which he called a “campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women.” He added, “The world sees through Pakistan’s propaganda.”
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Harish reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda and its readiness to share expertise and experience with developing nations.
“India remains unwavering in its dedication to this transformative agenda,” he said. “We will continue to foster collective solutions to shared challenges, especially across the Global South.”
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Amani Harris and Bill Kawaka Named 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars
The Middlesex College students and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members were selected based on leadership potential and will each receive a $1,000 scholarship.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ (TIP): Middlesex College students Amani Harris of North Brunswick and Bill Kawaka of Sayreville have been named 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship as well as the honor of this prestigious title.
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members afford educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges, comprising more than 4.4 million members across 11 countries. Harris and Kawaka were chosen for this award out of the over 600 applications received, with a total of $220,000 being awarded through the program this year. “I am honored to receive this award, especially as a full-time student and full-time worker,” said Harris. “Balancing these responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially while adjusting to inflation and the responsibilities of young adulthood.”
Harris is studying business administration, with the hope to one day own her own business. Besides being a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member, Harris is involved with the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and serves as secretary for the Justice Reform Club. She also has a deep connection to the College through her sister, last year’s Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and the Class of 2024 valedictorian, Alexandra Badaway.
Kawaka will graduate in 2026 with a degree in computer science.
“Receiving the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship has meant so much to me, not only for the financial assistance but for the confidence it has given me,” said Kawaka. “It has shifted my mindset, showing me that previously unattainable goals are very much within reach.”
Kawaka is involved in several programs on campus including EOF, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Computer Science Club, where he serves as vice president. In 2024, Kawaka was awarded the Dr. Fannie Lockhart Gordon Award, named after the first Black counselor in the EOF program at Middlesex College.
The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid in college completion but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.
MIDDLESEX COLLEGE, NJ
Middlesex College, established in 1964, is a public, two-year institution of higher education located in the heart of New Jersey. With a main campus in Edison and centers in New Brunswick and Perth Amboy, Middlesex College offers over 85 degree and certificate programs encouraging its more than 10,000 students to explore, grow, and thrive. Middlesex College, through dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art educational facilities, and holistic student supports, is committed to providing a high-quality, affordable college education that provides every student an opportunity for growth and achievement. Middlesex College is Middlesex County’s premier destination for lifelong learning and workforce training. Learn more at middlesexcollege.edu.
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Venezuela’s Maria Corina Machado wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize
NEW YORK (TIP): Reuters reports that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for promoting democratic rights in her country and her struggle to achieve a transition to democracy, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said.
“When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist,” it said in its citation.
The committee chose to focus on Venezuela at this time, in a year dominated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated public statements that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ahead of the announcement, experts on the award had said Trump would not win it as he is dismantling the international world order the Nobel committee cherishes.
The Nobel Peace Prize, worth 11 million Swedish crowns, or about $1.2 million, is due to be presented in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who founded the awards, opens new tab in his 1895 will. -
Israeli Cabinet approves ‘outline’ of deal to release hostages held by Hamas
The sides appeared closer than they have been in months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced much of Gaza to rubble, brought famine to parts of the territory and left dozens of hostages, living and dead, in Gaza
NEW YORK (TIP): Israel’s Cabinet early on Friday, October 9, 2025, approved President Donald Trump’s plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas, a key step toward ending a ruinous two-year war that has destabilized the Middle East, AP reports.
A brief statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the Cabinet approved the “outline” of a deal to release the hostages, without mentioning other aspects of the plan that are more controversial.
The broader ceasefire plan included many unanswered questions, such as whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza. But the sides appeared closer than they have been in months to ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced much of Gaza to rubble, brought famine to parts of the territory and left dozens of hostages, living and dead, in Gaza.
The war, which began with Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has also triggered other conflicts in the region, sparked worldwide protests and led to allegations of genocide that Israel denies.
Some 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas-led assault, and 251 were taken hostage. In Israel’s ensuing offensive, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and nearly 170,000 wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants but says around half of the deaths were women and children.
In the hours leading up to the Israeli Cabinet’s vote, Israeli strikes continued. Explosions were seen on Thursday in northern Gaza, and a strike on a building in Gaza City killed at least two people and left more than 40 trapped under rubble, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense.
At least 11 dead Palestinians and another 49 who were wounded arrived at hospitals over the past 24 hours, Gaza’s Health Ministry said.
An Israeli military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity in line with military guidelines said Israel was hitting targets that posed a threat to its troops as they reposition. Hamas blasted Israel over the strike, saying Netanyahu was trying to “shuffle the cards and confuse” efforts by mediators to end the war in Gaza.
A senior Hamas official and lead negotiator made a speech Thursday laying out what he says are the core elements of the ceasefire deal: Israel releasing around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, opening the border crossing with Egypt, allowing aid to flow and withdrawing from Gaza.
Khalil al-Hayya said all women and children held in Israeli jails will also be freed. He did not offer details on the extent of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Al-Hayya said the Trump administration and mediators had given assurances that the war is over, and that Hamas and other Palestinian factions will now focus on achieving self-determination and establishing a Palestinian state.
“We declare today that we have reached an agreement to end the war and the aggression against our people,” Al-Hayya said in a televised speech Thursday, October 9 evening.
In other developments, US officials announced that they would send about 200 troops to Israel to help support and monitor the ceasefire deal as part of a broader, international team. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not authorized for release. In the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, reactions to the announcement of a ceasefire were relatively muted and often colored by grief.
“I am happy and unhappy. We have lost a lot of people and lost loved ones, friends and family. We lost our homes,” said Mohammad Al-Farra. “Despite our happiness, we cannot help but think of what is to come. … The areas we are going back to, or intending to return to, are uninhabitable.”
In Tel Aviv, families of the remaining hostages popped champagne and cried tears of joy after Trump announced the deal.
Under the terms, Hamas intends to release all living hostages in a matter of days, while the Israeli military will begin a withdrawal from the majority of Gaza, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of an agreement that has not been fully made public. Some 20 of the 48 hostages still in captivity are believed to be alive.
In a short video posted by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Mr. Trump was seen speaking by phone to a group of elated hostage families.“They are all coming back on Monday,” said Trump, who is expected to visit the region in the coming days.
Tom Fletcher, the UN humanitarian chief, told reporters Thursday that officials have 170,000 metric tons of medicine, aid and other supplies ready for transport into Gaza when they are given a green light.
The deal, which was expected to be signed in Egypt, will include a list of prisoners to be released and maps for the first phase of an Israeli withdrawal to new positions in Gaza, according to two Egyptian officials briefed on the talks, a Hamas official and another official.
Israel will publish the list of the prisoners, and victims of their attacks will have 24 hours to lodge objections.
The withdrawal could start as soon as Thursday evening, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be publicly named speaking about the negotiations. The hostage and prisoner releases are expected to begin Monday, the officials from Egypt and Hamas said, though the other official said they could occur as early as Sunday night.
What is behind Trump’s Gaza plan?
Five border crossings would reopen, including the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the Egyptian and Hamas officials said. The Trump plan calls for Israel to maintain an open-ended military presence inside Gaza, along its border with Israel. An international force, comprised largely of troops from Arab and Muslim countries, would be responsible for security inside Gaza. The US would lead a massive internationally funded reconstruction effort.
The plan also envisions an eventual role for the Palestinian Authority — something Netanyahu has long opposed. But it requires the authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, to undergo a sweeping reform program that could take years.
The Trump plan is even more vague about a future Palestinian state, which Mr. Netanyahu firmly rejects.
What comes next for Netanyahu
The days ahead could be politically tricky for Mr. Netanyahu, who has been shadowed by an ongoing corruption trial as he navigated the Gaza war. His grip on power has been largely contingent on the support of hard-line, far-right coalition partners who have urged him to continue operations against Hamas until the group is eliminated.
But Mr. Trump on Thursday, October 9, suggested Mr. Netanyahu’s political standing has been bolstered by the ceasefire and hostage deal.
“He’s much more popular today than he was five days ago,” Mr. Trump said. “I can tell you right now, people shouldn’t run against him. Five days ago, might not have been a bad idea.”
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Sergio Gor, key Trump aide, assumes charge as US Ambassador to India
NEW DELHI / NEW YORK (TIP): US President Donald Trump’s trusted aide, Sergio Gor, confirmed by the US Senate as Ambassador to India on Tuesday, October 7, has arrived in India at a time when India-US relations face their most serious crisis in two decades, triggered by Trump-imposed tariffs on New Delhi. Gor will fill the vacancy in New Delhi since January, when US Ambassador Eric Garcetti was recalled after Trump assumed office in Washington DC.
Gor will not only serve as the US Ambassador to India but will also take on the role of Special Envoy for South and Central Asia — the first time these roles have been combined.
This dual role gives him a greatly expanded mandate, extending US authority in the region well beyond usual bilateral relations.
A veteran of Trump’s presidential campaigns, Gor is an ardent supporter of the “America First” agenda, which prioritizes jobs and industry in the US. In his current role as Director of Presidential Personnel, Gor has hired nearly 4,000 people across federal departments as part of this agenda.
Last month, appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington DC, Gor outlined his ambitions for the US-India partnership, including cooperation in defense, technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals. He also set a goal of making the US India’s top energy supplier in crude oil and natural gas.
Gor’s priorities will include boosting defense cooperation, ensuring fair and beneficial trade, deepening energy security and advancing technological collaboration. However, Trump’s move to impose a hefty $1,00,000 fee for H-1B work visas could prove a major test for ties. Critics say the fee would restrict Indian professionals’ entry to the US, impact the IT sector, affect students and cast a shadow over the Quad alliance.
A central aspect of Gor’s appointment is his dual role as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, covering a wide region, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
In this role, Gor will have a supervisory and coordinating function over other US ambassadors and missions in the region, centralizing US policy and creating a single point of contact for implementing Trump’s agenda. He will serve as the primary adviser to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump on South and Central Asia affairs, with direct access to senior levels of the US government, including the National Security Council, enabling rapid policy decisions and crisis response.
Meanwhile, the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) congratulated Gor and S Paul Kapur, of Indian origin, whose appointment as Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs was also approved by the Senate.
Mukesh Aghi, USISPF President and CEO, said, “Gor’s confirmation is a signal to New Delhi that the US-India relationship is a top priority for the administration. Through the right diplomatic channels, we can iron out creases and reach consensus.”
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Cuomo climbs 10% in new poll, but still trails Mamdani after Adams’ NYC mayoral race exit
NEW YORK (TIP): Mayor Adams’ exit from this year’s race for City Hall is benefitting independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, though the ex-governor still trails Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani by double digits, according to a new poll released Thursday, October 9, says Daily News. The Quinnipiac University poll, the first major survey to analyze the state of the mayoral race since Adams’ Sept. 28 campaign exit, found Cuomo pulling 33% support among likely New York City voters. That’s up from the 23% Cuomo netted in a Quinnipiac survey from early September, when Adams was still in the race and polling at 12%.
Still, Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual and professional misconduct accusations he now denies, remains well behind Mamdani, the Democratic mayoral nominee who scored 46% support in the latest Quinnipiac poll, up one point from the September survey.
“Andrew Cuomo picked up the bulk of Adams’ supporters cutting into Zohran Mamdani’s lead, but Mamdani’s frontrunner status by double digits stays intact,” said Mary Snow, an assistant polling director at Quinnipiac.
Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa, the only other major candidate in the race, raked in 15% support in the new survey, the same figure he got in the September poll.
Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo’s spokesman, seized on the poll as an indication of his boss’ momentum, saying it shows “this race is shifting decisively.”
“The path is now clear: This is a two-person race between Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani,” Azzopardi said. “As voters learn more about the stakes and Cuomo’s record of results — rebuilding LaGuardia, revitalizing the MTA, expanding affordable housing, and keeping New York safe — they are rallying behind proven leadership.”
A spokeswoman for Mamdani, Dora Pekec, said the poll doesn’t change the fact that he is “meeting voters every day in all five boroughs who are ready to turn the page on the broken politics of the past and build a city everyone can afford.”
“As the billionaires continue to throw out their last-ditched efforts to prop up Andrew Cuomo, we have genuine enthusiasm and 80,000 volunteers on our side. Last time, it wasn’t the billionaires who won that matchup,” Pekec said, a reference to how Mamdani defeated Cuomo in June’s Democratic mayoral primary by over 12%.
The detailed breakdown of the new poll features some downsides for Cuomo, including that 52% of New York City voters gave him an “unfavorable” rating, compared to 37% who viewed him as “favorable.” Mamdani, by contrast, got a 43% favorable rating, compared to a 35% unfavorable listing.
The survey, which was conducted between last Friday and this past Tuesday, quizzed 1,015 likely city voters. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.9%.
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Beyond proposed $100,000 mandatory filing US
NEW YORK (TIP): The Donald Trump administration is moving forward with plans to significantly overhaul the H-1B visa programme, aiming to impose stricter rules on how employers can use the visa and who qualifies for it.
Beyond the proposed $100,000 mandatory filing fee, new immigration restrictions are also being considered.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has listed a proposed rule in its regulatory agenda titled “Reforming the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program.” The proposal includes a range of changes, such as:
Reviewing eligibility for cap exemptions
Increased scrutiny of employers who have violated programme rules
Tighter regulations on third-party placements
Enhanced oversight and compliance mechanisms
According to the DHS, these reforms aim to “improve the integrity of the H-1B program and better protect US workers’ wages and working conditions.” The proposed rule is expected to be published in December 2025, as per the Federal Register.
Earlier reports indicated the Trump administration is also considering replacing the current H-1B lottery system with a wage-based selection process, favoring higher-paid roles to ensure that only top-tier foreign talent is prioritized.
Why H-1B visa is important
The H-1B visa, established under the 1990 Immigration Act, allows US employers to temporarily hire highly skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It serves as a key pathway for skilled professionals—especially from India—to work and eventually seek permanent residency in the US
The annual cap is set at 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 reserved for individuals with a U.S. master’s degree or higher. These are typically distributed through a lottery system, although certain employers such as universities and nonprofits are exempt from the cap.
According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 75 per cent of H-1B approvals in 2023 were granted to Indian nationals. Since 2012, at least 60 per cent of all approved H-1B applications have been for computer-related occupations. However, the visa is also widely used by sectors like healthcare, finance and academia.
Despite criticism of the programme, research shows that H-1B workers often earn equal or higher wages compared to their American counterparts with similar qualifications. US law mandates that employers must pay H-1B workers the higher of either the actual wage paid to comparable US workers or the prevailing wage in the occupation, in addition to paying government fees exceeding $6,000 in many cases.
If the proposed changes go into effect, they could significantly impact thousands of Indian students and professionals seeking to work in the US.
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20 years on, US Senate formally ends Iraq war authorization to government
Votes to repeal the resolution that authorized the 2003 US invasion, following a House vote last month that would return the basic war power to Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The Senate voted on Thursday, October 9, to repeal the resolution that authorized the 2003 US invasion, following a House vote last month that would return the basic war power to Congress, AP reports.
The amendment by Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, and Indiana Sen. Todd Young, a Republican, was approved by voice vote to an annual defense authorization bill that passed the Senate late Thursday — a unanimous endorsement for ending the war that many now view as a mistake. Iraqi deaths were estimated in the hundreds of thousands, and nearly 5,000 US troops were killed in the war after President George W. Bush’s administration falsely claimed that then-President Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction.
“That’s the way the war ends, not with a bang but a whimper,” Kaine said after the vote, which lasted only a few seconds with no debate and no objections. Still, he said, “America is forever changed by those wars, and the Middle East is too.”
Supporters in both the House and Senate say the repeal is crucial to prevent future abuses and to reinforce that Iraq is now a strategic partner of the United States.
The House added a similar amendment to its version of the defense measure in September, meaning the repeal is likely to end up in the final bill once the two chambers reconcile the two pieces of legislation. Both bills also repeal the 1991 authorization that sanctioned the US-led Gulf War.
While Congress appears poised to pass the repeal, it is unclear whether President Donald Trump will support it. During his first term, his administration cited the 2002 Iraq resolution as part of its legal justification for a 2020 US drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani. It has otherwise been rarely used.
Young said after the vote that he thinks Trump should “take great pride” in signing the bill after campaigning on ending so-called “forever wars,” especially because he would be the first president in recent history to legally end a longstanding war.
He said the vote establishes an important precedent.
“Congress is now very clearly asserting that it is our prerogative and our responsibility not only to authorize but also to bring to an end military conflicts,” Young said.
The bipartisan vote, added to the larger bipartisan defense measure, came amid a bitter partisan standoff over a weeklong government shutdown. Young said the quick vote was an “extraordinary moment” that he hopes “will help some people see that we can still do consequential things in the US Congress.” The Senate also voted to repeal the 2002 resolution two years ago on a 66-30 vote. While some Republicans privately told Kaine that they were still opposed to the measure, none objected to the unanimous vote on the floor Thursday evening.
A separate 2001 authorization for the global war on terror would remain in place under the bill. While the 2002 and 1991 resolutions are rarely used and focused on just one country, Iraq, the 2001 measure gave President George W. Bush broad authority for the invasion of Afghanistan, approving force “against those nations, organizations, or persons” that planned or aided the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.
Passed in September 2001, it has been used in recent years to justify US military action against groups — including al-Qaida and its affiliates, such as the Islamic State group and al-Shabab — that are deemed to be a threat against America.
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California officially declares Diwali a state holiday
The Assembly Bill 268 would authorize community colleges and public schools to close on Diwali, as specified
SACRAMENTO (TIP): California’s Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday , October 7, officially added Diwali to the state’s list of holidays by signing Assembly Bill 268 into law. The Bill would authorize community colleges and public schools to close on “Diwali,” as specified. It would authorize state employees to elect to take, and would authorize certain community college and public school employees to be given, time off with pay in recognition of “Diwali,” as specified.
The Bill would authorize public schools and educational institutions throughout the state to include exercises acknowledging and celebrating the meaning and importance of Diwali, as specified.
Ajay Bhutoria, former advisor to President Biden for AANHPI Commission, a prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur, philanthropist, and dedicated advocate for the Indian American community, lauded the judgement.
In a post on X, he said, “Thank you Gavin Newsom, Governor for Making Diwali a California State Holiday by signing AB 268 Huge thanks to Assembly member Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel for championing this bill and taking to finish line , celebrating light, unity and our diverse communities.”
Thank you @GavinNewsom Governor Newsom for Making Diwali a California State Holiday by signing AB 268
Huge thanks to Assembly member @Ash_Kalra & @DrDarshanaPatel for championing this bill and taking to finish line , celebrating light, unity & our diverse communities. pic.twitter.com/KSojMoavVC
— Ajay Jain Bhutoria (@ajainb) October 7, 2025
“Today marks a radiant milestone in California’s journey toward true inclusivity and cultural celebration. As Governor Newsom signs AB 268 into law, we honor the tireless leadership of Assembly member Ash Kalra and Assembly member Darshana Patel, whose vision and bipartisan collaboration have illuminated the path for this historic achievement.
“Diwali, our cherished Festival of Lights, embodies the eternal victory of hope over hardship, unity over division, and knowledge over ignorance–a message that resonates deeply with the nearly one million South Asians who call California home and contribute immensely to its innovation, economy, and spirit,” he said in a statement.
This recognition is more than a holiday; it’s a powerful affirmation of the Indian diaspora’s enduring legacy in the Golden State. From tech trailblazers in Silicon Valley to healthcare heroes in Southern California, our community has woven threads of resilience and diversity into the fabric of American excellence. By granting state employees paid time off and empowering schools to observe this sacred day, AB 268 ensures families can fully embrace traditions like lighting diyas, crafting rangoli, and sharing stories of renewal–without the shadows of work or deadlines, Bhutoria said.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor Newsom for championing equity and joy in our multicultural tapestry. To Assembly members Kalra and Patel, your advocacy has not only brightened Diwali for generations but also inspired a nation to celebrate our shared light. As we approach Diwali on October 20, let this moment kindle greater pride, belonging, and harmony for all Californians. Shubh Deepavali–may the lamps of progress continue to glow!” he added.
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Pentagon beard ban sparks outrage among Sikhs
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): In a jolt to Sikh soldiers serving in the US army, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a strict new grooming policy that effectively bans most kinds of beards in the US military, allowing exceptions only for elite special forces. The September 30 directive calls for all military branches to return to “pre-2010 standards” for grooming that disallow facial hair waivers.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups, veterans and advocates for religious freedom who say it may force service members from communities such as Sikhs, Muslims, Jews and Black troops with skin conditions, etc. to choose between military careers and religious beliefs/health needs.
While officials of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Akal Takht, citing lack of clarity on the matter, say they will comment once they go through the order and consult serving Sikh soldiers in the US army, former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, president of a SAD faction, has demanded restoration of the provisions, recalling the services of soldiers from the community during the two world wars.
Violates religious freedom: NAPA
The North American Punjabi Association has called on the Trump administration to halt the implementation of the Pentagon directive. “Asking a Sikh soldier to shave his beard is the same as asking him to give up his religion,” said executive director Satnam Singh Chahal, adding it amounted to violation of religious freedom.
Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director, NA The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), expressing “deep concern” at the Pentagon’s directive, has termed it a “betrayal of trust” of those who have fought for years to gain religious accommodation in the armed forces. NAPA executive director Satnam Singh Chahal says the new rules will create serious implications for Sikhs, Orthodox Jews, Muslims, and other religious minorities whose faith requires them to maintain beards and other articles of faith.
“This decision is not about discipline or lethality — it is about stripping away the dignity and religious identity of devout soldiers who serve this country with loyalty and honor,” says Chahal, emphasizing that keeping unshorn hair (“kesh”) is a non-negotiable religious mandate for Sikhs.
NAPA has called on the Trump administration, members of the Congress and civil rights organizations to immediately intervene and halt the implementation of the directive.
An attorney from the Sikh Coalition says: “For Sikh soldiers, shaving is like cutting off a limb.” In 2022, a federal court had ruled in favor of Sikh recruits keeping their beards and turbans in basic training.
In his speech at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Hegseth had said: “If you want a beard, join special forces. If not, shave. We don’t have a military full of Nordic pagans.” He added that the era of “rampant and ridiculous shaving profiles” — waivers for medical or religious reasons — is over.
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Ahoi Ashtami Vrat: A mother’s prayer for her children’s well-being
Ahoi Ashtami, one of the most significant fasting days observed by Hindu mothers, is a festival of devotion, maternal love, and faith. Celebrated eight days before Diwali and four days after Karwa Chauth, this sacred vrat (fast) is dedicated to Goddess Ahoi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. On this day, mothers observe a strict fast and offer prayers for the long life, prosperity, and happiness of their children. Deeply rooted in traditional values and emotions, Ahoi Ashtami symbolizes the strength of a mother’s love and her unshakeable devotion to her family’s well-being.
The Mythological Origin of Ahoi Ashtami
According to popular legend, there once lived a mother of seven sons. As Diwali approached, she went into the forest to bring soil to renovate her house. While digging, her spade accidentally killed a small cub of a lioness (or a hedgehog, as some versions say). The mother was heartbroken, but soon after, all her sons died mysteriously, one after another. Overwhelmed with grief, she sought forgiveness from the divine. Pleased with her sincere repentance, Goddess Parvati appeared before her and blessed her, reviving her sons and releasing the family from misfortune.
Since that day, women began observing Ahoi Ashtami Vrat to seek the blessings of Goddess Ahoi Mata and protect their children from harm and untimely death. The word Ahoi itself means “to spare” or “to forgive,” and this fast embodies a mother’s heartfelt plea for divine protection and forgiveness.
When is Ahoi Ashtami Observed?
Ahoi Ashtami is observed on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik (October-November) as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival occurs just before Diwali, often coinciding with the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat observed by devotees of Lord Ganesha.
Women observe the fast from sunrise to the appearance of stars in the evening. In some regions, the fast is broken after sighting the stars, while others wait for the moonrise to perform the concluding rituals.
Rituals and Observances of Ahoi Ashtami
The day of Ahoi Ashtami begins early, as mothers wake up before sunrise, take a holy bath, and vow to observe the fast for their children’s health and happiness. Traditionally, the fast is nirjala (without water), reflecting the depth of a mother’s sacrifice and devotion.
During the day, women refrain from eating or drinking. They spend their time in prayer, decorating the Ahoi Mata’s image on a wall or on paper using geru (red ochre) and kajal. The image usually depicts Goddess Ahoi, along with seven sons or seven small dots, representing her divine blessing upon children. Sometimes, the picture also includes animals like lioness and cubs, symbolizing fertility and protection.
In the evening, during puja muhurat, women place a kalash (holy pot) filled with water in front of the Ahoi Mata image. A silver pendant called Ahoi or Syau, often shaped like a porcupine or animal, is also placed near the idol and worshipped. Offerings of roli, rice, milk, sweets, and jaggery are made.
A thread with seven knots is tied around the kalash, and women listen to the Ahoi Mata Vrat Katha (story), which recounts the legend of the mother and her sons. After the puja, they look at the stars or the reflection of the moon in water, offer arghya (water offering), and then break their fast.
In many households, the eldest woman of the family blesses the younger mothers, and offerings are shared with other married women and children.
Ahoi Ashtami Puja Vidhi
– Purification: Take a morning bath and clean the puja area.
– Sankalp (Vow): Make a vow before the goddess to fast sincerely for the well-being of your children.
– Ahoi Mata Drawing: Draw or install an image of Ahoi Mata on the wall facing east or west. Depict stars, animals, and seven small dots or sons.
– Kalash Sthapana: Place a water-filled kalash near the image with a thread tied around it.
– Lighting the Diya: Light a diya of ghee or mustard oil throughout the puja.
– Offerings: Present milk, rice, roli, and sweets as offerings.
– Story Reading: Recite or listen to the Ahoi Mata Vrat Katha with devotion.
– Star/Moon Sight: Once the stars (or moon) are visible, offer arghya and food to the goddess.
– Breaking the Fast: After offering prayers, eat prasad and break the fast.
Regional Variations and Traditions
In North India, particularly in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, Ahoi Ashtami is observed with great enthusiasm. Mothers often visit temples dedicated to Goddess Parvati or Ahoi Mata and light diyas near Ahoi Kunds (sacred ponds). In Maharashtra and Gujarat, the festival coincides with Ahoi Aatham and is observed in similar reverence.
Some women observe the fast for sons only, while others do it for both sons and daughters. The essence, however, remains the same – the mother’s heartfelt prayer for her children’s long life and happiness.
Spiritual Significance
Ahoi Ashtami is not merely a ritualistic fast; it’s a celebration of motherhood and divine protection. It signifies a mother’s selflessness and her deep emotional and spiritual bond with her children. The festival also teaches the importance of repentance and forgiveness – as the legend shows, sincere remorse and devotion can wash away past sins.
Fasting is considered a way to cleanse the body and mind, allowing one to focus entirely on prayer and gratitude. The sighting of stars at the end of the fast represents hope and renewal – a mother’s faith shining bright amidst the challenges of life.
Ahoi Mata: The Divine Protector
Goddess Ahoi, believed to be an aspect of Goddess Parvati, is revered as the divine protector of children. Her blessings are invoked to guard families from misfortune, illness, and premature death. Women worship her not only for their children’s health but also for peace and harmony in the household.
Many devotees keep a silver Ahoi pendant at home and use it annually during the puja. It is considered auspicious and believed to bring prosperity and fertility.
Modern Relevance
Even in today’s modern age, where life is fast-paced and technology-driven, Ahoi Ashtami continues to hold emotional significance. For many women, the day offers a moment of spiritual pause – a time to connect with tradition, express gratitude for their children, and strengthen family bonds. The ritual also serves as a reminder of the timeless truth that a mother’s love and faith can move mountains.
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Some federal workers may not get back pay after shutdown
Washington (TIP)- The Trump administration is warning federal workers furloughed in the government shutdown that they may not get back pay once the funding impasse ends, which some lawmakers are decrying as illegal.
A memo prepared by the Office of Management and Budget says a 2019 law signed by President Donald Trump guaranteeing retroactive pay after a shutdown did not apply to employees who have been temporarily asked not to report to work. Trump told reporters that back pay “depends on who we’re talking about” and that some workers “don’t deserve to be taken care of”.
About 750,000 employees are currently foregoing their regular pay as the shutdown nears the end of its first week.
The top Democrat in the US House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, disagreed with Trump’s interpretation.
“The law is clear — every single furloughed federal employee is entitled to back pay, period,” he said on Tuesday.
The memo was prepared last week but was first reported by US media.
In it, the OMB said that once the shutdown ended the government was required to pay employees who were deemed essential, such as air traffic controllers, and had been required to show up to work.
But it said the government didn’t have a duty to retroactively pay those who were furloughed, essentially sent home with no pay.
A 2019 law passed by Congress and signed by Trump during his first term “requires employees of the federal government or a District of Columbia public employer who are furloughed or required to work during a lapse in appropriations beginning on or after December 22, 2018, to be compensated for the period of the lapse.”
The law was passed after the last major shutdown, which lasted more than a month.
The current shutdown began on 1 October. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate are currently locked in a standoff, each putting forward resolutions for reopening the government that have failed in multiple rounds of voting. Democrats want any resolution to address health care, while Republicans want “clean” legislation that only deals with the federal budget.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson told a news conference on Tuesday that he had not yet spoken to the White House about back pay, but new legal analysis was challenging the requirement to retroactively pay furloughed employees.
“It’s true that in previous shutdowns, many or most of them have been paid for the time they were furloughed,” he said. “There are some legal analysts who are saying that may not be appropriate or necessary.”
If that analysis turned out to be valid, he added, then it would put pressure on Democrats to join Republicans and pass their resolution to reopen the government.