The Indian Panorama

Tag: Amit Kumar

  • Indian American Amit Kumar Kanubhai Patel convicted of international parental kidnapping

    Indian American Amit Kumar Kanubhai Patel convicted of international parental kidnapping

    CAMDEN, NJ  (TIP): A 38-year-old Indian American has been convicted of international parental kidnapping after he took his US-born child to India and later failed to bring the kid back to the mother in the United States. Amit Kumar Kanubhai Patel from Vadodara, who formerly lived in Edison, New Jersey, was convicted last week of one count of international parental kidnapping following a five-day trial before US District Judge Renee Marie Bumb in Camden federal court in New Jersey. The international parental kidnapping offence of which Patel stands convicted carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a maximum fine of USD 2.5 lakh. He will be sentenced in November this year. Patel is a naturalized US citizen who had been living in India. He was convicted of obstructing the parental rights of his child’s mother by kidnapping the child and failing to return the child to the United States when ordered to do so, US Attorney Philip R Sellinger said on Monday, July 25.

    According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial, the child’s mother and Patel were in a relationship and resided together in New Jersey from August 2015 through July 2017.

    The two never married. In November 2016, they had a child, who was born in Edison Township. According to the child’s mother, Patel wanted to take the child to India to introduce him to Patel’s parents and obtain DNA testing, which Patel claimed was necessary for the child to claim property that Patel’s family owned in India.

    Patel also told the child’s mother that in order to obtain an Indian visa for the child, he would need to secure sole custody, which required them to go to court. Patel instructed the mother to tell the court that they had a mutual understanding regarding the custody of their child. He also instructed the mother to state that she did not have a work permit, and since she was unemployed, she could not care for her child. In May 2017, Patel took the child’s mother to New Jersey Superior Court, Chancery Division Family Court, in order to obtain the sole custody of the child. According to the mother, the majority of the hearing was conducted in English with no translator. At the time of the hearing, the mother spoke limited English. The mother answered the court’s questions as she had been instructed by Patel and was not represented by an attorney during the hearing.

    The New Jersey Superior Court granted Patel sole legal custody of the child premised on the consent of the child’s mother to the arrangement, but specifically reserved for the mother the ability to file for joint legal custody if she so chose in the future. Upon receiving the court order, Patel obtained visas to India for himself and the child, and booked air travel, telling the child’s mother that they would only be gone for two weeks to a month.

    Patel took the child to India in July 2017 and after several days in India, called the mother and said that he was never bringing the child back to the United States. The child’s mother obtained legal counsel and returned to the New Jersey Superior Court. In October 2018, the New Jersey Superior Court entered an order directing Patel to return the child to the United States immediately. The mother’s counsel emailed the family court order to Patel, who did not return the child to the United States. In October 2020, Patel and the child flew from India to the United Kingdom. Upon arrival, Patel was arrested based on a provisional arrest request submitted by the United States. After a custody hearing in London pursuant to the Hague Convention, the London Court ordered it was in the best interest of the child that the child be returned to his paternal grandparents in India. Patel was extradited to the United States in September 2021 from England to stand trial in the case.

  • Navy Pier, Delhi committee of Chicago Sister Citiespartner for celebration of Holi

    Navy Pier, Delhi committee of Chicago Sister Citiespartner for celebration of Holi

    Holi Bhangra Dance.

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): First time a large metropolitan city in the United States, Chicago, celebrated the Indian festival of Holi, with over 2000 people in attendance which included live cultural program, music and dances, food and drinks, and color throwing. “The Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities is thrilled to partner with Navy Pier for this event so that Chicagoans and visitors can participate in the celebration of Holi, a holiday that marks new life and energy,” said Smita N. Shah, Chairman of the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, Director on the Navy Pier Board of Directors, and CEO of SPAAN Tech, Inc. “How fitting that we can celebrate this one-of-a-kind event on our beautiful lakefront, with Mayor Lightfoot, in the city blessed by Swami Vivekananda.”  Also in attendance were Consul General Amit Kumar, Indian Community Leader Niranjan S. Shah, Pratima Shah, and ABC 7 News Reporter, Ravi Baichwal. Ravi Baichwal of ABC7 News, provided a welcome for attendees and served as the master of ceremonies. The celebration was the last of three events in the Global Connections series at Navy Pier presented by ComEd, which previously hosted events celebrating the Chinese New Year and International Carnivale.

    “Chicago is a global city, and this partnership is a perfect example of that,” noted Mayor Lightfoot.  She also thanked Smita N. Shah for her commitment to the citizens of Chicago, leadership of the Delhi Committee, and for her appointment by President Biden to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Delhi’s position as a sister city to Chicago demonstrates the strong relationship between India and the city as well as the cultural importance of the established Indian American community to the Chicagoland community. Under Smita Shah’s leadership, the Delhi Committee of Chicago founded the Annual Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi Luncheon in 2014, honoring the long-standing exchange of ideas between Mahatma Gandhi and the U.S., and the ever-important principles of truth and non-violence. Shah also helped secure the designation of October 2nd as Mahatma Gandhi Day in Chicago.

    (Photographs and Press release /Asian Media USA)

  • Message

    Amit Kumar

     

  • Message

    Message

  • Homage to Father of Non-violence on his 152nd birth anniversary

    Homage to Father of Non-violence on his 152nd birth anniversary

    Dr. Sonty, Awilda, Gonzalez, Bharti Desai, Mrs. Surabhi Kumar, Consul General Amit Kumar, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Mayor of Skokie George Van Dusen, Dipti, Shree.
    Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations 2021.

    CHICAGO (TIP): Consulate of India, Chicago collaborated with The Gandhi Memorial Foundation, Chicago to celebrate the auspicious day of Mahatma Gandhi’s 152nd birth anniversary on October 2nd, 2021, at Heritage Park in Skokie . The Consul General of India at Chicago Mr. Amit Kumar and Mrs. Surabhi Kumar graciously joined Dr. Santosh Kumar-President of Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago, Dr. Sriram Sonty-Vice President, Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar – Vice-President, Mr. Suresh Bodiwala – Trustee, Dipti Shah-Treasurer, Awilda Gonzalez-Director-At-Large, Bharti Desai-Director-At-Large and Shree Gurusamy – Secretary.

    The event commenced with Consul General Amit Kumar who addressed the guests. He highlighted India’s freedom struggle and the significant role played by Mahatma Gandhi, who walked the path and preached non-violence throughout his life. He highlighted “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, which is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of India’s progress and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements. Consul General praised the Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago Team of Board Members, Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) staff and Consul General staff members lead by Mr. Ranjeet Singh ji, for doing an excellent job in organizing this important event.

    His inspiring speech was followed by the Mayor of Skokie, George Van Dusen, during his speech he said that Township of Skokie is fortunate to have the life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Heritage Park since October 2, 2004, He praised and appreciated the Indian American Community for their support and friendship. Following that, seniors from Metropolitan Asian Family Services aptly sang the famous Bhajan, “Raghupati Raghava Rajaram”, a song which was extensively used by Mahatma Gandhi to project a secular and composite vision of Indian society.

    Next, Dr. Santosh Kumar – President of Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago addressed the guests in her motivating speech. She sincerely thanked Honorable Consul General and his wife for taking their precious time to collaborate and to join this memorable event. She mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi inspired her as a teenager to choose Law as her career rather than being a physician for what she studied for. Gandhiji ‘s freedom struggle and the injustice done to the motherland emboldened her to become an Attorney to fight for the oppressed. In her speech, she felt the valid reason to talk in Hindi as Hindi being the official language of India. In her assertive speech she emphasized the great saying of Mahatma, “No Religion is higher than the Truth and Righteousness!” She said that Mahatma taught Dedication, Sacrifice and to Stand against Oppression and Wrongful forces, which induced chaos amongst people. A nation should join as one and not get influenced by these wrongful forces. In her speech she urged everybody to follow that and if asked if they were ready to do that! She thanked Dr. Chadrakant Modi and his wife Dina Modi for donating the 12-foot statute of Mahatma Gandhi, to the Village of Skokie and the Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago. She pointed out that Gandhiji’s practice of Ahimsa (non-violence) which was an extension of his respect for other religions creating a sense of fraternity. She further added that Mahatma Gandhi vehemently opposed injustice and authoritarian rule, which is the primary manifestation of the Gandhian legacy today. Dr. Santosh Kumar was very enthusiastic about the Global Gandhi Youth initiative and praised them for taking this initiative.

    Dr. Sriram Sonty, Vice President, Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago presented a set of Gandhian books to Mayor of Skokie George Van Dusen for the Skokie Public Library. He also introduced Global Gandhi Youth USA Chapter Members- Nandini Kandamuri, Rithwik Chekicharla, Sri Sai Kaushik Gollamudi and Manikantha Sri Sai Gollamudi, who spoke about the teachings of Gandhiji as it applies to them today.

    State Senator Ram Villavallam, of 8th District of Illinois gave certificates and books to the Global Gandhi Youth USA Chapter Members and congratulated them on their thought-provoking speeches which emphasized the need for tolerance, harmony, and inclusion.

    Other important Community leaders present on this occasion included Sohan Joshi, popularly referred as Mayor of Devon – Chicago, 85-year-old Manish Patel-MAFS Senior Citizen, Porus Dadhaboy of United For Peace-Naperville, Sunil Shah-Founder President of FIA Chicago, Dina Modi and Martino Tangkar- Chairman of MEATF. Pastor Jerome Athishtam of Congressman Danny K Davis’s Task Force,  Mir Ali-Popular Singer, Anica Dubey AMEC’s Global Outreach Chair, Bihari Beti Neelam Dwivedi of Indian American Business Coalition-Oak Brook, IL Harinder Mangrola-Community Activist, Cook County Judge Sanjay Taylor, & SAPNA Founder Dr Sarada Sonty.

    Rudra Garjana Chicago Dhol Tasha Team led by Mandar Pitre did a fabulous job that elevated the spirit of the day. The percussion ensemble performed at the conclusion of the event which reminded of traditional drums being played during Ganeshotsav in India. The Consul General praised the percussion ensemble for their vibrant performance. Dr. Vijay Prabhakar gave a token of appreciation to each artist and emphasized establishing the first GANDHI KING LEGACY CENTER in North America in Chicago, USA.

    The event was well moderated by Shree Gurusamy, Secretary of Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago. She thanked the Metropolitan Asian Family Services Seniors and staff for all the floral and food arrangements at the event. Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago Board of Directors, Dipti Shah – Treasurer, Awilda Gonzalez – Director-At-Large, Bharti Desai – Director-At-Large and Suresh Bodiwala – Trustee were recognized for all their voluntary services during the past year.

    Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) as usual prepared delicious Boxed lunches along with hot Tea and water for all the guests. For more information regarding Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago please visit https://gandhimemorial.org/

    (Photographs and Press release by Asian Media USA)

  • FIA Hosts a grand India’s Independence Day Gala

    FIA Hosts a grand India’s Independence Day Gala

    Organizers with the Consul General and Neetu Chandra
    A scintillating dance performance (Photographs / Courtesy Asian Media USA)

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP):  Federation of Indian Associations [FIA] hosted a grand glittering 75th Indian Independence Day Gala Banquet marking a dazzling milestone celebration ostensibly enhanced with illuminating traditional,patriotic and contemporary dance presentations depicting the majestic elements and the magnificent soulof India matched only by the inspiring remarks that sparked the patriotic fervor of the enthusiastic guestsin a grand ballroom of the Hoffman Marriot on Friday, August 13, 2021 in Hoffman Estate, Illinois.

    The Independence Day “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” Banquet hosted on an impressive scale filled the GrandBallroom to its full capacity with the patriotic spirit in full enthusiastic display at the celebrationssymbolizing the spirit of India lifted by awe-inspiring remarks from prominent honored guests: ConsulGeneral of India Amit Kumar, U.S.Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mayor Rodney Craig, Mayor TomDaily and several other ranking elected officials each heaping praise on the 75th milestonecelebrations. The gala banquet reminisced the golden moments in the history of India and paid richtributes to the vanguard of freedom fighters who accorded the Independence to India. Ms. Neetu Chandra, Bollywood Actress, National Award Winner, International Taekwondo Player graced the occasion as theGrand Marshall to the gala. Angel Tetarbe, World Peace Messenger Los Angeles 2019 and Miss GlamourousWorld India 2017 was also invited to be a part of the Gala.

    The evening gala kicked off with lamp lighting ceremony led by FIA’s Founder Sunil Shah inviting thehonored guest, Honorable Consul General of India, Chicago Mr. Amit Kumar, State Senators CristinaCastro and Laura Murphy , State representative Michelle Mussman and Mayor of Schaumburg Tom Dailly,Village President of Hoffman Estates William McLeod, Mayor of Hanover Park Rodney Craig and VillagePresident of Oak Brook Gopal Lalmalani, Dr. Umang Patel, Dr. Sreenivas Reddy and the FIA’s Founder & Past President Onkar Singh Sangha , President Dr Kamal Patel Advisory Board and Founding Members &Past Presidents Rita Singh, Dhitu Bhagwakar, Mukesh Shah, Neil Khot, Gurmeet Singh, Ninad Daftari andSunny Kular to the dais to mark the auspicious beginning of the evening’s grand celebrations that set-inmotion a series of cultural dance presentations and rousing remarks.

     Consul General of India Mr. Amit Kumar in his address outlined India’s triumphant journey since itsindependence and the rapid strides it is making towards global eminence. Consul General Mr. Amit Kumarthanked the Indian diaspora for playing a significant proactive role as ambassadors in further cementingthe ties between India and the United States and added that the trajectory of Indo-US relations is headingin the upward direction. Consul General Mr. Amit Kumar gave away the awards to several community andbusiness leaders.

    State Senators Cristina Castro and Laura Murphy , State representative Michelle Mussman and Mayor ofSchaumburg Tom Dailly, Village President of Hoffman Estates William McLeod, Mayor of Hanover ParkRodney Craig and Village President of Oak Brook Gopal Lalmalani in their address to the gathering eachpaid glowing tributes to the indomitable and enduring spirit of Indian democracy and the contribution theIndian Diaspora has made in the US and the Indo American relations that have been fast paced andimproved over the years.

    Deepakant Vyas, Dr. Umang Patel, Dr. Sreenivas Reddy, Syed Hussaini, Amarbir & Harry Ghoman, BrijSharma, Asha & Anil Oroskar, Santosh Kumar, Pinky Thakkar, Ajeet Singh, Vijay Prabhakar, Keerthi Reevoriwere recognized presented a plaque by the Consul General Amit Kumar and Ms. Neetu Chandra on behalf of FIA for their service to the community

    Earlier, the evening’s celebrations began with the beautiful rendition of the Indian and American nationalanthem led by Rita Shah & Mir Ali. Bharat Goradia a prominent National Promoter for US tours ofBollywood Personalities was invited to the stage to address the gathering and introduce Ms. NeetuChandra. Students of SR Dance Academy a Founder Member and Past President Rita Singh’s companyprovided dance numbers that enthralled the audience. Beautiful Ideas, a Neelam Saboo conceptshowcased Indian Fashion at the gala with an India themed Fashion Show. The Gala ended with Rita Shah, Mir Ali, Raju Bankapur regaling the audience with foot tapping Bollywood songs to live music.

    (Based on a Press Release by Asian Media USA)

     

  • Message From Amit Kumar

  • India’s Consul General at Chicago launches the first Gandhi King legacy roundtable summit

    India’s Consul General at Chicago launches the first Gandhi King legacy roundtable summit

    NAPERVILLE, IL (TIP):  The First Gandhi King Legacy Roundtable Summit was organized by the U.S. Congressional Multi Advisory Task Force (MEATF) of Congressman Danny K Davis in cooperation with Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) on Friday February 26 from 12 noon to 4pm.

    Ms. Vasavi Chakka, Commissioner, Naperville Sister Cities Commission moderating the Summit stated that this Summit is being held to Commemorate the Black History Month and Mahatma Gandhi’s73 Death Anniversary with the theme being, “Challenges of the Behavioral Health Crisis during the COVID pandemic.

    Dr. Mrs Santosh Kumar, Founder Executive Director of Metropolitan Asian Family Services welcoming the Roundtable Summit stakeholders said that this is the first time a Gandhi King Roundtable Summit is being held in Illinois State and stressed that the Summit is addressing the important issue of Behavioral Health and how to improve and increase the Behavioral Health Resources in our communities which is the most effective way to continue the legacy of the legends Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

    Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Founder Chairman of Congressman Danny K Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force in his opening remarks credited India’s Consul General at Chicago Amit Kumar for conceiving this historic Summit to honor Gandhi King’s Legacy. Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, a public health expert said that America will face the gravest challenge from the behavioral health crisis in 2030 and hence all concerned citizens, elected officials, behavioral healthcare providers and other stakeholders should form a broad framework to work towards seriously addressing the challenges of behavioral healthcare.om/user/AsianMediaVideo/videos?view=1&flow=grid

    Ambassador Amit Kumar, Consul General of India at Chicago inaugurating the Summit said the greatest testament of the Gandhi King Legacy is the current strong ties between India, the largest democracy and USA, the Oldest democracy, at the highest levels and recalled the role of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during the COVID pandemic. The supply of Indian made vaccines to several countries recently is yet another glowing example of India’s Prime Minister Modi’s global leadership, he added. CG Kumar thanked the organizers for hosting the Roundtable Summit on the Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King and to commemorate the Black History Month. He recalled that their life, message and philosophy continue to inspire us all, that life of Mahatma Gandhi was very closely followed in the US, referred to the historic visit of Dr. King to India in 1959 and efforts to spread the legacy of these two leaders. He referred to the Gandhi-King Scholarly Initiative Act passed by the US Congress in 2020 that was initiated by late Congressman John Lewis, another iconic figure in the civil rights movement. He thanked Representative Danny K Davis, for his strong support to India-US ties, and recalled his initiative to establish the Multi-Ethnic Advisory Task Force a decade ago to empower different ethnic communities in his district. He also acknowledged the exemplary contribution of the Indian American community in helping local communities in several ways during the Covid-19 period.”

    1. S. Congressman Danny K. Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force saluted India’s Consul General Amit Kumar for his vision in conceiving this Gandhi King Legacy Summit as a tribute to two great legends. The month of February is officially observed as BLACK HISTORY MONTH throughout United States and Gandhi’s 73rd Death Anniversary (Punyatihi /Shaheed Diwas) was on January 30. U.S. Congressman’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force presented Consul General Amit Kumar with an Official plaque for his initiative in conceiving this historic epoch making event. A brief video of Martin Luther King Jr speaking on Mahatma Gandhi was screened followed by Dr. Sriram Sonty, eminent Ophthalmologist, the Vice President of The Gandhi Memorial, Chicago eloquently describing the GANDH-KING Connection and its relevance to the present day.

    Consul General of India Amit Kumar along with Consul General of Japan Kenichi Okada at Chicago jointly presented the Gandhi King Legacy Award of Excellence 2021 to Dr. Steve Munsey, Founder, Family Christian Center, Munster, Indiana for his extraordinary leadership to the underserved communities of Northwest Indiana and the City of Chicago during COVID pandemic from June 2020 to present. Dr. Steve Munsey, Author, Pastor, Creative Director, and Producer giving the Dr. Gandhi King Legacy Oration 2021 extolled all the leaders to emulate the virtues of these two great legends by their actions in their day to day lives and implement life transforming programs with purposeful goals. Dr. Munsey spoke about the need to make Behavioral Health Care affordable and accessible to all especially the vulnerable sections of the community now.

    Marvin Lindsey, CEO, Community Behavioral HealthCare Association of Illinois delivered the Key Note Address. U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th-IL) in his remarks said, “I don’t need to tell you that this is Black History Month and this month, we celebrate the legacy of Dr. King And I don’t need to tell you that Dr. King was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi of India. Now today, we are coming together to celebrate this joint legacy , one of nonviolence, one of justice, one of making sure everyone has a seat at the table, and that no one is on the menu . That is what today’s roundtable is all about.

    Dr. David Albert, Director, Division of Mental Health, Illinois Department of Human Services gave the Call to Action. Dr. David Albert said that the State Of Illinois runs Seven Psychiatric hospitals and funds 207 Community Mental Health Centers in the State of Illinois. Dr. Albert said that during the COVID pandemic, the need for special attention to the Senior Population and the Youth /Students population is engaging the department.

    The Gandhi King Legacy Roundtable Summit 2021 unanimously resolved to establish a Citizens Action Alliance For Behavioral Healthcare (CAABH) to nurture, enrich and empower behavioral healthcare providers while spreading awareness of behavioral healthcare resources in our communities. The Summit further resolved to launch a monthly publication on behavioral healthcare resources that features op-ed column by elected representatives, showcase community behavioral health programs, informative clinical updates and latest community behavioral health resource tools. The Summit called for monthly town hall meets of elected representatives, community leaders, behavioral healthcare providers and concerned citizens for behavioral healthcare as a constructive follow up. Dr Vijay Prabhakar , Founder Chairman of U.S. Congressman Danny K Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force named Ms. Twin Green, CEO of THE LINK & OPTION Center, South Holland, IL as C.A.A. B.H.’s Ambassador for Southland of Illinois at the closing session of the Summit. Dr. Vijay Prabhakar thanked Dr. Terrence Chiramel of American Association of Multi Ethnic Physicians AAMEP-USA, Ms. Alli Dhanaraj of American Multi Ethnic Coalition AMEC, Charlie Dressner , Chief of Business Development, MEDSTAR Laboratory, Hillside, IL, Ms. Neelam Desai, Manager, MAFS Naperville Office, Adam Feldman, Senior VP, Ensoftek Inc, and Anil Kumar of The Global Eye, Digital News Magazine for all their support in organizing this First Gandhi King Roundtable Summit.

    Consul General Of Japan at Chicago, Kenichi Okada presented the Congressional MEATF Citations to MAFS Mahatma Gandhi Medal of Excellence 2020 recipients and Dr. Mrs Santosh Kumar, Founder of MAFS honored eight individuals with the MAFS Gandhi Medal of Excellence 2020. The 2020 MAFS Gandhi Medal of Excellence recipients who were honored are Dr. Tariq Butt, President , Chicago Medical Society , Dr David Albert , Director, Division of Mental Health , Illinois Department of Human Services , Donald Dew , President, Habilitative Systems Institute, Chicago , Professor Benneth Lee, Founder National Alliance for the Empowerment of the Formerly Incarcerated, (NAEFI ), Ms. Arloa Sutter, Founder-Executive Director, Breakthrough Ministries, Chicago , Albert Holmes, Founder CEO, Elite House of Sober Living, Chicago Heights, IL, Ms. Vinita Gulabani , President, Indian American Cultural Association, Downers Grove, IL and Luke Tharasri, President, Maximon Behavioral Health , Los Angeles. Dr. Sreenivas Reddy, Vice Chair, Illinois Physician Disciplinary Board in his Closing remarks envisaged that this Gandhi King Legacy initiative on Behavioral Healthcare should be implemented globally and thanked the organizers Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force of Congressman Davis (MEATF), Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) and THE GLOBAL EYE, Digital News Magazine for hosting this historic Summit. Dr Reddy further added that the presence of the Visionary Consul General of India Amit Kumar and the energetic Consul General Of Japan Kenichi Okada is the new beginnings for a global collective action on behavioral healthcare.

    (Photographs and Press release by Asian Media USA)