Women who consume higher amounts of protein, particularly from plant-based sources, are less likely to develop chronic diseases and more likely to maintain good health as they age, a new study has said.
In the study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers analysed self-reported data from over 48,000 women and noted less heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and cognitive and mental health decline, in those who included more protein in their diets from sources such as fruits, vegetables, bread, beans, legumes, and pasta, compared to those who ate less.
“Consuming protein in midlife was linked to promoting good health in older adulthood,” said Andres Ardisson Korat, a scientist at the US-based Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) and lead author of the study.
“We also found that the source of protein matters. Getting the majority of your protein from plant sources at midlife, plus a small amount of animal protein seems to be conducive to good health and good survival to older ages,” he added.
Women who consume higher amounts of protein, particularly from plant-based sources, are less likely to develop chronic diseases and more likely to maintain good health as they age, a new study has said. In the study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers analysed self-reported data from over 48,000 women and noted less heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and cognitive and mental health decline, in those who included more protein in their diets from sources such as fruits, vegetables, bread, beans, legumes, and pasta, compared to those who ate less. “Consuming protein in midlife was linked to promoting good health in older adulthood,” said Andres Ardisson Korat, a scientist at the US-based Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) and lead author of the study. Source: IANS
Tag: Apple News
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Women who take diets rich in plant protein likely to stay healthy as they age: Study
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New smart insulin pill with sugar-free chocolate to manage diabetes
Researchers have developed a new way to supply the body with smart insulin, providing millions of people with diabetes worldwide new alternatives to syringes or insulin pumps. There are approximately 425 million people worldwide with diabetes and approximately 75 million of these inject themselves with insulin daily.
The new insulin can be eaten by taking a capsule or, even better, within a piece of chocolate, said the researchers from UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
In the research, published in Nature Nanotechnology, the team revealed when prescribed to 20 baboons, the smart pill lowered blood sugar.
The baboons were normal, healthy baboons, but the oral insulin has also been tested on mice and rats that actually have diabetes.
The mice and rats did not have low blood sugar events (hypoglycemia), gain weight, or fat accumulation in the liver, overcoming current challenges with injectables and other oral insulins, the researchers said.
Inside the pills are tiny nano-carriers in which the insulin is encapsulated. The particles are 1/10,000th the width of a human hair and so small that you cannot even see them under a normal microscope.
“This way of taking insulin is more precise because it delivers the insulin rapidly to the areas of the body that need it most. When you take insulin with a syringe, it is spread throughout the body where it can cause unwanted side effects,” said Professor Peter McCourt at UiT Norway’s Arctic University.
“We have created a coating to protect the insulin from being broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes on its way through the digestive system, keeping it safe until it reaches its destination, namely the liver,” added McCourt, who is a liver biologist.
The oral insulin has been tested on nematodes, mice, and rats and on baboons in the National Baboon Colony in Australia. -
Chickpea Curry
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 onions, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, finely chopped 6 whole cloves 2 (2 inch) sticks cinnamon, crushed 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander salt 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 2 (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
Method
– Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, and fry onions until tender.
– Stir in garlic, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, salt, cayenne, and turmeric.
– Cook for 1 minute over medium heat, stirring constantly. Mix in garbanzo beans and their liquid.
– Continue to cook and stir until all ingredients are well blended and heated through.
– Remove from heat.
– Stir in cilantro just before serving, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish. -
Nuts that are a must for healthy and glowing skin
Nuts are the crunchy treats we all love to eat. They’re great sources of protein for vegetarians and vegans and are just delicious on their own. They are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, copper, and essential fats. All of these compounds are necessary to give your skin that healthy glow and suppleness that is so prized. If you aren’t sure what nuts suit your tastes, fear not; below are several different nuts which each have their own powerful health benefits.
Walnuts
They may be slightly bitter in flavour, but they are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids. A handful of these nuts can boost vitamin B levels that are particularly responsible for boosting your skin health by keeping age related fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
Almonds
Almonds are used almost everywhere, from savouries to snacks and desserts, afterall they are packed with essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber. Almonds also provide vitamin E that keeps the blood vessels dilated in order to keep the skin hydrated and further defend the skin against certain disorders like acne, eczema and dark spots.
Cashews
Cashews are known as acne-fighting nutrients. These nuts are high in selenium, which acts as an antioxidant with vitamin E, leaving a hydrated skin and reduced inflammation. The presence of zinc promotes immune function for healing and cell growth that can renew and replenish infected or damaged acne zones.
Pistachios
Pistachios are best known for weight control, but they are also filled with heart healthy fats that promote good cholesterol. The antioxidants in pistas help decrease acne growth by controlling blood sugar levels that circulate the acne-causing hormone androgen.
Brazil nuts
Power-packed with omega-3 fatty acids, these nuts are a great source of selenium, which is responsible for improving skin’s elasticity and relieving inflammation like pimples and acne. It also reduces the growth of free radicals and keeps the skin hydrated, thanks to the production of glutathione that is known to keep your skin healthy.
Add a handful of nuts or 30 grams of these delights every day in your diet and see your skin glowing naturally. -
Foods to include in your diet to manage oily skin
Oily skin can be a nightmare; it is one major cause for the ever-troubling acne and pimples. Your skin will also begin to lose its luster and suppleness when it becomes oily. The best way to combat this is to make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. When your body lacks nutrients, it’s not able to properly remove toxins and irritations and they end up leaking out through your skin. Your skin also just begins to function less optimally. Don’t forget, your skin is an organ too, and needs all the extra care to function well. Your diet plays a major role in keeping your skin healthy and nourished. What you eat clearly reflects in your skin. Hydration is another important factor you need to count on. Always have a water bottle by your side, so you can sip water from.
Grapefruit
This fruit is the king of skin treatments. Actually, this fruit may be the skin treatment Ace. Just about everything about grapefruit has some type of positive benefit for your skin. You can eat it or apply it to your skin directly and your skin will benefit. Grapefruit has vitamin C which is full of antioxidants that can increase your skin’s PH balance and stimulate collagen growth. The fruit also helps to absorb excess oil in your skin and serves to keep it hydrated.
Kale
Kale is quickly taking the health food community by storm because it just does so much good. It has massive amounts of essential vitamins, including vitamin A and C. Your body uses vitamin A to produce sebum oil which is needed to ward off oily skin. This wonderous green vegetable also promotes healthy skin growth and protects against cancer causing free radical damage.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are another vitamin A powerhouse. Not only do cucumbers contain the very essential vitamin, it also has high-water content which serves to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. Cucumber also provide instant freshness to your skin.
Lentils
Lentils don’t treat your skin directly, but they do a lot to regulate your digestive system because they are basically composed of protein and fiber. If your digestive system is acting up, it can cause your skin to produce excess oils as a response. Easting a well-nourished balanced diet will help in keeping the skin clear from pimples and acne.
Avocado
Remember, good skin health depends on good over all nutrition. When your body is getting all the nutrients it needs, your skin will naturally reflect that. Avocadoes are great because they actually increase your body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients. They are also full of fiber which can help with digestion and the removal of toxins and impurities that may leak out through your skin. Source: Vaya.in -
Parineeti Chopra is officially making a foray into music as a singer
Actor Parineeti Chopra on Thursday, January 25, announced that she is officially making a foray into music as a singer. Chopra, who has a background in classical music, has signed up with Entertainment Consultant LLP, a renowned name in the entertainment world affiliated with TM Ventures Pvt Ltd and TM Talent Management. “Music, to me, has always been my happy place…I’ve watched countless musicians all over the world performing on the stage and now it’s finally my time to be a part of that world. “I feel so lucky, blessed and stressed about starting off a whole new chapter in my life and I honestly can’t describe how excited I am to embark on this musical journey. A journey that gives me the opportunity to have two careers at once! How fun (and chaotic). So here’s to embracing the unknown and facing all my fears and kicking off my singing debut,” Chopra wrote in a post on Instagram.
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Dakota Johnson pokes fun at her viral moment ahead of ‘Saturday Night Live’
Actress Dakota Johnson joined in on the fun and joked about her viral ‘limes’ moment in a promotional clip for Saturday Night Live. Before the Madame Web actress’ SNL hosting gig on January 27, she made fun of her viral March 2020 Architectural Digest house tour, and then the revelation that she had lied about her love of the fruit in a promotional clip for the show.
In the brief clip, the actress, 34, takes viewers on a tour of the Studio 8H. Johnson peeks into Punkie Johnson’s dressing room where the SNL cast member and Devon Walker are furiously cooking for the actress. As the actress closes the door of the frantic dressing room, she stumbles on a bowl of limes. The actress grabs the bowl, looks at the camera and declares: “Oh, I love limes.” The SNL team captioned the post, ‘love limes’. -
How Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan were convinced to show off abs in fighter
Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone are among Bollywood A-listers, who keep inspiring fans with their fitness regime. Director Siddharth Anand, who is currently awaiting the release of his film Fighter and is busy promoting it, spoke to the media about how he convinced Hrithik and Deepika to show their chiselled physique. Refering to earlier reports stating Shah Rukh Khan was reluctant to flaunt his abs in the song Jhoome Jo Pathaan, he was asked if it was same with Deepika and Hrithik.
He responded saying, “It’s not easy to convince them, first of all. Honestly, it stems from the confidence that they have. They have confidence in themselves, in their appearance, about how good-looking they are. Just look at them. Inko kuch bolne ki zaroorat nhi padti hai”
“As I have said in other interviews, just see how gorgeous they are looking. Honestly, I don’t need to do anything. Just roll it at 48 frames and make them walk and put good music.” Replying to this, Hrithik said, “You can trust Sid,” to which Siddharth replied that they had worked very hard. “Jokes apart, it’s not easy to look like this. I think they put in a lot of effort, and the one word that I use is sacrifice. There’s a lot of sacrifice that goes into looking like this, and they are relentless. They know what to wear to the beach or while dancing. Imagine us dancing shirtless. Every part is going to be jumping. They are like rock; they are sculpted, and it’s a lot of effort that goes into it,” he added.
Deepika said the most important factor is having faith that the filmmaker will convey the material with the appropriate sensibility and style. Actors then try to have the conversation or maybe just let it happen, she said, adding, “You have faith in the director. She went on, “You know it will be presented properly; you trust his sense of style.”
With the discourse majorly around fitness, Siddharth added that Anil Kapoor also put a lot of effort into looking fit. “Does he look like 42? Can anyone say he’s 42?” To this, Anil responded, “Why are you underlining age?”
He added that he received a humorous response when he questioned Anil Kapoor about his plans for the New Year and his destination. “He (Anil Kapoor) says if he stays in the city, he will have to go attend parties, eat and drink, so he goes into a health farm or a health resort and does yoga there,” Siddharth Anand shared. Source: ANI -
Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic Sex and the City tutu auctioned for $52K
The three-tiered tutu that Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw’ wears in the opening credits of ‘Sex and the City’ sold $52K and its original cost was $5 (over Rs 415). The skirt was one of many iconic items included in Julien’s Unstoppable: Signature Styles Iconic Women In Fashion auction. It was also one of the biggest earners and featured items spanning ‘from the Golden Age of Hollywood to today’s trendsetting celebrities and influencers’. The tulle skirt, a white, three-tier tutu with a satin waistband, was topped only by a velvet cocktail dress worn by Princess Diana, and the Givenchy ensemble Grace Kelly wore to meet President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, both of which sold for $325,000. The winning bid on Bradshaw’s skirt was one of the auction’s most shocking, as it was estimated to sell for $8,000 to $12,000, as SATC costume designer Patricia Field sourced the piece for just $5 before the HBO series’ 1998 premiere.
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Jennifer Lopez set to produce Bob the Builder movie
Bob the Builder, the cheerful handyman who first appeared on CBBC 25 years ago, is getting a cinematic makeover by none other than Jennifer Lopez. The film will follow Roberto (also known as Bob) as he travels to Puerto Rico for a big building project, where he “takes on issues affecting the island and digs deeper into what it means to build”. According to reports, the film will “celebrate the vibrant and colourful textures of the Caribbean Latin nations and their people”.
The director is yet to be announced, but the script will be penned by Felipe Vargas, who previously wrote a horror short about a dark fairy who preys on children in an orphanage.
The voice of Bob will be provided by Anthony Ramos, who starred in both the stage and screen versions of In the Heights.
“For years, Bob the Builder’s characters have inspired young people around the world. A movie about friends working together, a celebration of a beautiful home they share, and how love can help to conquer any obstacle in your way. Can we fix it? Yes, we can!” He said. Ramos, who is also producing the film with Lopez, said that some aspects of the film were based on his own life experiences. Robbie Brenner, the president of Mattel Films, praised Ramos and Vargas for their “genius vision for the story” and said that they would capture the essence of the beloved character for both old and new fans.
History of Bob the Builder
Bob the Builder started as a cartoon about a bricklayer who, along with his co-worker Wendy and various talking machines, tackled different building tasks on the BBC’s children’s channels from 1999 to 2011. The show was a global hit, with minor changes in language and voice actors for different markets. Neil Morrissey, who voiced Bob in the original and had a UK No 1 hit with the song Can We Fix It?, was replaced by Greg Proops for most of the US version of the show. There was a rumor that Bob and his crew would get an extra finger for the Japanese version of the show, because having four fingers was associated with the yakuza, the Japanese mafia. However, this turned out to be false, and the four-fingered Bob remained unchanged. Postman Pat, another four-fingered character, also avoided this issue. Source: HT -
Anne Hathaway leaves Vanity Fair photoshoot
Anne Hathaway reportedly walked out of a Vanity Fair photoshoot on 23 January in solidarity with Condé Nast’s labour union strike. More than 400 staffers of Condé Nast – the parent company of publications including Vanity Fair, Vogue and GQ – staged a 24-hour walkout to protest the “unlawful handling of layoff negotiations and bad-faith bargaining”, according to CNN Business.
The 41-year-old actor was apparently not aware of the work stoppage when she initially arrived at the photoshoot in New York, Variety reports. However, once Hathaway’s team was notified by a staffer and advised to support the strike, she left.
“They hadn’t even started taking photos yet,” a source told Variety. “Once Anne was made aware of what was going on, she just got up from hair and makeup and left.” -
French President Emmanuel Macron, the chief guest at India’s 75th c celebrations
French President Emmanuel Macron is the chief guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations that is taking place in all its glory today, January 26, 2024. A day earlier the French President arrived in India but his first stop was the Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Later at night, he arrived in the capital Delhi, where the grand Republic Day parade takes place. Macron’s visit marks a unique reciprocal exchange following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France on its National Day in July 2023.
According to sources, in Delhi, the French President is staying at the luxury hotel ITC Maurya. He is reportedly staying on the Grand Presidential Floor of the hotel, where US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump have also stayed in the past. According to hotel sources, French President Macron is extremely warm and has a friendly demeanour. Even though he arrived at the hotel late at night, he warmly greeted the hotel staff and was all smiles.
Earlier in the day, Macron called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a dear friend, Macron took to X to post, “My dear friend @NarendraModi, Indian people, My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you. Let’s celebrate!”
This is the sixth time (the highest for any country) that a French leader is participating in India’s biggest ceremonial event. This tradition began with President Jacques Chirac in 1976, followed by Valery Giscard d’Estaing in 1980, Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008, and Francois Hollande in 2016. PM Modi and President Macron have engaged in a series of high-profile meetings throughout 2023, underscoring the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship. Their interactions have spanned various global platforms, including the COP 28 Summit in Dubai, the G20 Leaders’ Summit, and the G7 Summit in Hiroshima. Notably, President Macron was also the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Celebrations in France in July 2023.
Emmanuel Macron was re-elected for the second term as the French President in 2022. He defeated his arch-rival Marine Le Pen by a significant margin. With his re-election to the office, he becomes the first French President to secure a second term for two decades.
Emmanuel Macron was born on 21 December 1977 in Amiens to Françoise Macron and Jean-Michel Macron. His father is a professor of neurology at the University of Picardy while his mother is a physician.
Macron did his schooling at Lycée la Providence in Amiens and Lycée Henri-IV in Paris. He holds a diploma in piano studies from Amiens Conservatory and a DEA degree in philosophy from the University of Paris-Ouest Nanterre La Défense. Macron obtained a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the Paris Institue of Political Studies and graduated from the École Nationale d’administration.
Emmanuel Macron was appointed as a deputy secretary-general by President François Hollande after he was elected in May 2012. In 2014, Macron was appointed to the French Cabinet as the Minister of the Economy, Industry and Digital Affairs by then Prime Minister Manuel Valls. During his two-year stint in the Cabinet, he launched several business-friendly reforms.
Emmanuel Macron resigned from the Cabinet in 2016 to run for the 2017 French Presidential election on En Marche! ticket. He won the presidential election with a 66.1% vote, thereby defeating arch-rival Marine Le Pen. He is the youngest President in the history of France.
He was re-elected for a second term by defeating Marine Le Pen in the 2022 France Presidential Election. With this, he became the first person in the history of France to be re-elected as the President.
During his stint as French President, Emmanuel Macron has brought about several reforms in labour laws, taxation, pensions and a transition to renewable energy.
He has led the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the vaccination drive. He has inked several bilateral treaties with countries such as Italy and Germany and called for reforms to the European Union. He oversaw the dispute between Australia and US over the trilateral AUKUS security pact.
Under his leadership, France continued its involvement in the Syrian civil war and is in solidarity with Ukraine to help Russian de-escalation.
Emmanuel Macron Wife and Children
Emmanuel is married to his former teacher Brigitte Trogneux. The two met at the theatre workshop where Trogneux was the trainer. At that time, Macron was 15-year-old while his teacher was 39-year-old. Macron’s parents initially attempted to separate the two by sending their ward to Paris for his final year of schooling. However, after his graduation, the couple reunited and hitched in 2017.
Brigitte Trogneux has three children from her previous marriage and Macron doesn’t have a child of his own. During the 2017 presidential campaign, Trogneux helped Macron in improving his public speaking skills. -
Remembering Mahatma Gandhi – A protagonist of non-violence
Mahatma Gandhi fondly referred to as Bapu, played an instrumental role in India’s independence movement. He is referred to as the Father of the Nation. He was a great leader who followed the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truth). His death anniversary falls on January 30.
Even after Independence, Mahatma Gandhi continued to work toward peace between Hindus and Muslims at a time of discord between the two communities. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in Delhi on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse.
Martyrs’ Day is observed on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who successfully led his country to freedom from the British Empire. Born in the small town of Gujarat, Gandhi studied to become a barrister and lived a pretty austere life, until he made his first trip to South Africa, and everything changed.
Life in South Africa exposed him to the deep class divisions of society and the evils of inequality. Gandhi’s life experiences shaped his worldviews. The discrimination he suffered in South Africa inspired him to fight for equality, the pain of losing his first child at the age of 16 made him a furious opponent of child marriage, and so on.
During India’s struggle for freedom, Gandhi advocated for peaceful demonstrations and inspired everyone to lead by example. He negotiated many peace treaties with the Britishers, before giving them the final ultimatum of departure. As the Indian constitution came into ratification, Gandhi took on the impossible task of building a country out of many provinces and territories.
Gandhi was vehemently opposed to the idea of partition of India. Even after the declaration of independence, he held regular demonstrations to establish his resistance. Gandhi’s objection to the partition was met harshly with Hindu nationalists, who accused him of appeasing the Muslims. On the eve of January 30, Nathuram Vinayak Godse, a notorious Hindu nationalist, shot Gandhi three times at point-blank.
Gandhi’s lifelong quest for non-violence ended with a bullet in his chest. On Martyrs’ Day, Indians from all around the world come together to celebrate the legacy of a great hero and acknowledge the futile destruction caused by violent extremism.
Monhandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in the small town of Porbandar, on the west coast of India, on October 2 1869. He belonged by birth to the Vaishya, or trading caste. His father died when he was 15 years old, and apart from that time, his mother became the greatest influence in his life. Her spiritual teacher was a Jain devotee. Among the Jains in India the central doctrine is the “sanctity of all life,” or Ahimsa, which is often translated as “non-violence.” This teaching remained paramount with Gandhi.
In South Africa
When 19, he came to London, qualified as a barrister (being “called” at the Inner Temple), and, returning to Bombay in 1892, set up a practice.
In 1896 he went to the Transvaal to help a client in a legal suit. That visit changed the whole course of his life. Seeing the social and political disabilities of his fellow-countrymen in South Africa, he decided to stay and help them and soon he had become their political leader and adviser. Meanwhile a religious conflict was taking place in within him. He read Tolstoy and corresponded with him: the result was an experiment in the simple communal life conducted by a small band of enthusiasts whom he had gathered together. He became an ascetic of the most rigorous type, setting great store by fasting and every form of self-denial. To the end of his life he remained a devout Hindu, but declared if ever “untouchability” were made part of Hinduism he would cease to be a Hindu. Perhaps the greatest religious effort of his life was to break down “untouchability.”
He went on steadily preparing his followers in South Africa for the struggle which was to end the indignities under which they suffered. Three times he went to prison. Little by little, the Indians gained the respect of the Europeans in South Africa by the faith with which they obeyed their leader in his campaigns of passive resistance. The summer of 1914 brought victory for the cause, and in July of that year the Gandhi-Smuts Settlement was signed.
When the war of 1914-18 broke out he came to Britain to organise an Indian ambulance corps (he had done ambulance work in both the Zulu campaign and the Boer War), but was taken so seriously ill the doctors sent him back to India. He founded a religious retreat on Tolstoyan lines near Ahmedabad, the Viceroy conferred on him the Kalsar-Hind Gold Medal for distinguished humanitarian work in South Africa, and, by general consent, he began to be called by the name Mahatma, which means literally “Great Soul.”
Non-Co-operation
A series of events quickly following each other at the end of the war brought him back into political leadership. The first was the passing of the Rowlatt Act, the second the tragedy of the Punjab and Amritsar, the third was what was regarded in India as the betrayal of the Indian Moslems by the Treaty of Sevres. He launched a non-co-operation movement in September,1920, but the non-violence which he demanded from his followers was broken. Congress revolted against his authority and the government selected the moment for eliminating him from the political scene. He was arrested, brought to trial for promoting disaffection, and sentenced to six years imprisonment.
On his return to politics he found himself a stranger in the existing atmosphere of disillusioned realism. He yielded the leadership to C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru, and retired to hand-spinning and the editing of his weekly paper. He showed no desire to resume his old position as dictator, and for that reason his moral supremacy was recognised even by his political rivals. So when at the time of the Simon Commission the old Congress leaders found that the young men were heading for revolution they decided that the only remedy was to call him back.The last phase
The last phase
His internment ended in April, 1945. He was then 76 and though his hold over the country was unshaken, he allowed the leadership in policies to pass increasingly into the hands of Mr. Patel and Nehru. After the election of the Labour Government, Great Britain made absolutely clear that it would lay down its power in India, and the principal question was whether it should transfer power to a unitary India or to two separate Governments of Hindu and Moslem India. Mr. Gandhi was known to believe that the division of India would be a calamity. At one time in the negotiations between Congress and the British he seemed to acquiesce in division, as the price of freedom, but later he reverted to unqualified opposition. Opinion in the Congress Working Committee was, however, for division as the only solution, and Mr. Gandhi therefore stood aside and left the decision to the younger men, believing that they were taking a disastrous course, but believing too that the leadership must now be in their hands.
His last few months he spent in continuous and not unsuccessful attempts to restore peace in one area after another as communal hostility flared up into massacre and calamity after the withdrawal of the British power. With a number of disciples he made a progress through the disturbed parts of Bengal, awing the excited masses into peace by the prestige of his name and his asceticism. His reply to a renewal of violence in Calcutta in September was a complete fast from everything but water. After three days peace was restored and his fast was broken. Again early this month he met communal disturbances in Delhi with another fast – of five days – which had great moral effect and led to solemn assurances of consideration for the Moslem minority. Less than a fortnight later he was to meet his death while engaged in religious observances. -
Amid diplomatic row, Maldives Prez conveys greetings on Republic Day
Male (TIP) – Amid Male’s diplomatic row with New Delhi, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday, January 26, wished India on the occasion of its 75th Republic Day, stressing that the two nations “nurtured by centuries of friendship, mutual respect, and a deep sense of kinship”.
Mohamed Muizzu’s greeting “from the Government and the people of the Maldives” to “the Government and the people of India,” came in the backdrop of a diplomatic tussle between the two countries over several issues that unfolded after China-leaning Maldives president took the oath of office in November last year.
Foreign minister Moosa Zameer and two former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also wished India on the Republic Day on their social media platforms.
In the statement from Muizzu’s office, the president sent greetings and “good wishes to the President and Prime Minister of India on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India”.
“In separate messages to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Muizzu conveyed greetings and extended his heartfelt felicitations on commemorating the 75th Republic Day of India,” the Maldives President’s office said in the statement.
“President Muizzu conveyed good wishes from the Government and the people of the Maldives to the Government and the people of India. He underscored the Maldives-India bond nurtured by centuries of friendship, mutual respect, and a deep sense of kinship. The President expressed hope for continued peace, progress, and prosperity for the Government and people of India for years to come,” the statement added.
Minister of foreign affairs Zameer congratulated his counterpart S Jaishankar and the people of India with “warmest greetings and sincere good wishes” and said. In a post on X (formally Twitter), Zameer said, “I am confident that the close bonds of friendship and cooperation between Maldives and India will continue to flourish in the years ahead.”
In a post on X, Nasheed said, “A very happy Republic Day to the Prime Minister and people of India! Maldives-Indian friendship is eternal, and we are very grateful to India, its people and personnel, for all the assistance provided to us over the years.”
Solih said may the unbreakable bonds of friendship that have long existed between Maldives and India go from strength to strength. -
Biden admin officials applaud Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu for his leadership in India-US relationship
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Applauding Taranjit Singh Sandhu for his leadership in strengthening the India-US relationship, senior Biden administration officials have said that the outgoing Indian ambassador has made the groundwork for a “thousand flowers to bloom” in the garden of bilateral ties.
A farewell reception hosted, on Monday, January 22, at the India House in honor of Sandhu, who will retire from the foreign service after more than three decades of a glorious career, later this month. The reception was attended by officials from the Biden administration and the think-tank community.
“Ambassador, you have served India well and have made the groundwork for thousands and more than a thousand flowers to bloom,” said Rahul Gupta, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy in the White House.
“Thank you for your leadership and accomplishment, and for setting the groundwork,” he said.
“I don’t think there is another ambassador in this city (like Sandhu) who has been as active and creative, as much up in our direct messages, signal and WhatsApp with new ideas to strengthen this relationship,” said the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland.
“If you look at where we were, which was already a strong place before you started and where we are now, I think a huge amount of credit goes to Ambassador Sandhu,” she said.
“I think everybody in this room will agree. Not only that, but he’s just a delight to work with because he is always up. He is always looking to make the situation better. We’re going to miss you,” Nuland said.
Frank Kendall, US Secretary of the Air force, said Sandhu has played a key role in this relationship.
“Our friendship has grown over the years, as our relationship with our two countries has grown. We met when you were the deputy chief of mission here about 10 years ago. I was working with Ash Carter at the Pentagon at the time. I took over the leadership from him with the defense technology and trade initiative. We worked together to build that,” he said. “You talked about the garden. I think the garden has matured. It’s been well-attended. I think in addition to the pretty flowers, there are some fruits and vegetables that I think are very nourishing in that garden and are going to do as well going into the future,” Kendall said.
In his remarks, Sandhu said that the India-US relationship has now matured. “That’s the most satisfying part. It’s like a garden, a well-attended garden. There are always some challenges in the way, but at the end of the day, the flowers are blooming and increasing,” he said.
“Some of you who were here in 2016 will remember that when my prime minister addressed the US Congress, he used the words, we have overcome the hesitations of history… This relationship has grown, matured, and blossomed. So, it was apt when my prime minister came last year,” he said.
“And he said, I’m quoting him. ‘The scope of our cooperation is endless. The potential of our synergies is limitless, and the chemistry of our relations is effortless.’ I think if I look around the room, I can see so many people who have made it happen,” Sandhu said.
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Indian community has been anchor of Indo-US relationship: Ambassador Sandhu
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The Indian-American community has been an anchor of the Indo-US relationship, India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said, emphasizing that the diaspora has a great role to play in the development of India.
Sandhu was speaking at his farewell reception on Thursday, January 25, in a Maryland Suburb of Washington DC that was hosted by Indian-American organizations, including Sikhs of America, Overseas Friends of BJP USA, US India SME Council. “Indian community here has been an anchor of the fantastic relationship that has emerged,” Sandhu said. During the farewell reception, several members of the Indian-American community, particularly those from the Sikh Diaspora, urged him to do something for his hometown Amritsar and his home State of Punjab after his retirement.
In response, Sandhu speaking in Punjabi said that the Diaspora can do more for Amritsar.
He said that every time members of the diaspora go to Amritsar, they should spend an additional two days in the city and play a role in the development of the city and the state.
“The tourism of Amritsar is like that of Agra, no less,” Sandhu said.
Addressing the gathering, Jasdip Singh Jesse from Sikhs of America, said that Sandhu has made the community proud and has played a very important role in strengthening the India-US relationship.
Under his leadership, the embassy resolved several issues impacting the community.
Adapa Prasad, president of Overseas Friends of BJP USA, said that Sandhu has been the top Indian diplomat during whose tenure the bilateral relationship reached a new height.
He hoped that the country would continue to benefit from his services in one capacity or the other post-retirement. Elisha Pulivarti, president of the US-India SME Council, presented Sandhu with the “Modern Day Chanakya and Master Strategist” award on the occasion.
Sandhu, 61, retires from the foreign service after 35 years of diplomatic career this month.
(Source: PTI) -
SALDEF Welcomes FBI’s Release of Punjabi PSA on Transnational Repression
Building on SALDEF advocacy, the release is an acknowledgement of community concerns
WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP) : The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) welcomes the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for releasing a public service announcement (PSA) in Punjabi, addressing transnational repression.
“By releasing this announcement in Punjabi, the FBI is validating the ongoing and very real threat of transnational repression against Sikhs in America, ” said SALDEF Acting Executive Director, Kavneet Singh. “This release builds on months of discussions with the Administration on how to effectively ensure the safety of the community in light of deep concerns shared with us by the sangat and other minority communities. Issuing it in Punjabi means that this information will reach the most members of our community as possible. This public service announcement underscores how seriously the government is taking our concerns around the safety, security, and sovereignty of America and its residents.”
The PSA highlights various forms of transnational repression such as surveillance, stalking, harassment, and cyberattacks. It underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting individuals in the United States from foreign threats and ensures that reports of repression are taken seriously, without the fear of information being shared with foreign governments.
This critical development is a direct result of SALDEF’s continuous advocacy and engagement with the FBI, Congress, and the Administration to protect the rights and freedoms of the Sikh American community.
With detailed research reports in the past and a forthcoming report on transnational repression, SALDEF continues to lead the charge engaging with national leaders regarding the safety and advancement of Sikh American civil rights. SALDEF urges community members and the press to listen to and share the PSA, and to report any instances of transnational repression. The PSA is a crucial tool in our collective efforts to combat intimidation and threats from foreign entities.
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Ambassador Sandhu has been one of the leading architects of India-US relationship: USISPF head
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): In his remarks at a farewell reception hosted in honor of the outgoing Indian envoy here on Thursday, January 25, Mukesh Aghi, the president and CEO of US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF), said Sandhu’s resume of achievements remains long and impressive.
“Ambassador Sandhu has been one of the leading architects of this relationship, which stands at its apex from the deep synergy in clean energy, education partnership, space collaboration, defense, and technology ties,” said at the farewell organized by the USISPF.
Sandhu, 61, retires from the foreign service after 35 years of diplomatic career this month.
However, when Ambassador Sandhu took the helm in Washington in February 2020, ominous times were about to upend the economies and suspend daily lives, Aghi said, adding that a cataclysmic pandemic meant new challenges even for a veteran diplomat.
Sandhu steered through COVID-19, helping Indian students return home, working through visa backlogs for the diaspora, and strengthening vaccine diplomacy between the two countries.
“A post-Covid-era saw the onset of Ambassador Sandhu helping lead the first in-principal Quad Summit in Washington, the restart of the Trade Policy Forum, and then the onset of the I2U2, IPEF, consolidating bilateral ties in multilateral settings,” he said.
The I2U2 is a grouping of Israel, India, the United Arab Emirates and the United States to deepen technological and private sector collaboration in the region and tackle transnational challenges in six focus areas: water, energy, transportation, space, health and food security.
The United States launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) along with countries like India, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to advance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness for participant economies.
“Today, the Indo-Pacific is a priority as Ambassador Sandhu has overseen new defense partnerships, from iCET to INDUS-X, to drone transfers to jet engine manufacturing deals, from semiconductors to supply chains, ushering in a new chapter in critical technology,” Aghi said.
The highlights of Sandhu’s tenure, he said, would be the historic state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden’s first visit to India as Commander-in-chief for a momentous G20 summit, and also organizing former president Donald Trump’s maiden visit to the country.
However, one must remember that the relationship was not always smooth sailing, he noted.
“Sandhu’s perspicacity was evinced early on, during his first Washington stint as the First Secretary (Political) as he formed crucial relations on Capitol Hill, with both Democrat and Republican lawmakers, during a time of sanctions from the Clinton Administration,” he said. “Today, the relationship is truly bipartisan, and the India Caucus and the Samosa Caucus, are in deep admiration of Ambassador Sandhu’s diplomatic efforts to steer the relationship from choppy waters then to the pristine seas now,” Aghi said.
His second stint in Washington was as second in command to S Jaishankar, as then DCM Sandhu and Ambassador Jaishankar, wrote the beginning chapters of Prime Minister Modi’s engagement with the United States, he noted.
“But more important than the dossiers, visits, and agreements, have been the intangible bonds of friendship that Ambassador Sandhu has forged with the diaspora. From young students to veteran business leaders, from entrepreneurs to titans, from cultural communities and caucuses, the diaspora across the US has at least one Ambassador Sandhu story,” he said.
“Historians will note that he changed the nature of the relationship, forged new connections, strengthened the strategic partnership, and above all remained affable and humble in challenging and celebratory times,” Aghi said.
Ashley Tellis, a top American expert on India, in his remarks, said that Sandhu has been an insidious contributor to this relationship because he understood right from the beginning how important this partnership is for the future of both countries.
“In his last tenure here in Washington, he had to deal with a very complex environment in terms of our bilateral relationship. But the fact that we have still managed to stay the course and move this relationship ever upward is a great tribute to you, Taranjit,” Tellis said. Eminent Indian American defense expert Vikram Singh said Sandhu has been a steward of this relationship for an entire generation. “For those of us who have been involved, it’s been one of the best parts of our jobs trying to advance this relationship to have you as our partner. You are sought, kind of irreplaceable because you have this long span of history of the period of growth, dynamism, and transformation of the US-India partnership,” Singh said.
In his remarks, Sandhu recollected the words of Prime Minister Modi at an event hosted by USISPF in the city in which he said that the US-India partnership is not just for convenience, but for conviction, compassion and of shared commitment for a better future. “So, our relationship touches the people. It is for development,” Sandhu said.
(Source: PTI) -
ICJ ruling vindicated us: South African President Ramaphosa after U.N. court’s decision in genocide case
JOHANNESBURG (TIP): South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the International Court of Justice has vindicated his country’s decision to charge Israel of genocide during its military offensive in Gaza. The top UN court on January 26 stopped short of ordering a ceasefire in Gaza but demanded that Israel try to contain death and damage in its military offensive. South Africa, which brought the case, had asked for the court to order Israel to halt its operation.
The top U.N. Court decided not to throw out genocide charges against Israel for its military offensive in Gaza, as part of a preliminary decision in the case.
In a national TV broadcast on Friday evening, Mr. Ramaphosa said the International Court of Justice on Friday issued a ruling that is “a victory for international law, for human rights, and above all, for justice”.
“The court has concluded that pursuant to Article 9 of the (1948 Genocide) Convention, it has jurisdiction to adjudicate our application. The effect of the order that the ICJ has granted today is that there is a plausible case of genocide. This follows the unprecedented action taken by South Africa to take another country to the International Court of Justice,” he said.
The President said the ICJ ruling marked an important first step in South Africa’s quest to secure justice for the people of Gaza.
“Some have told us to mind our own business. Others have said it was not our place. And yet it is very much our place, as people who know too well the pain of dispossession, discrimination, and state-sponsored violence. “We are also a people who were the victims of the crime of apartheid. We know what apartheid looks like. We experienced and lived through it. Sadly, many people died and were exiled like our beloved leader Oliver Tambo and others, others were jailed, like the father of our democracy [Nelson Mandela] and others were maimed,” Mr. Ramaphosa said.
He said, “We, as South Africans, will not be passive bystanders and watch the crimes that were visited upon us being perpetrated elsewhere. We stand on the side of freedom for all. We stand on the side of justice.” Paraphrasing a statement by Nelson Mandela made 30 years ago when he was elected South Africa’s first democratically elected President, Mr. Ramaphosa said, “We say again today, never, never and never again shall it be that acts of genocide are perpetrated with impunity as we, the international community look on.” The President said he firmly believed that following this judgment there should now be a more concerted effort towards a ceasefire.
“Negotiations should commence on a permanent two-state solution, to enable Israel and Palestine to live side by side as independent states,” he said as he thanked those in the international community who had supported South Africa’s application to the ICJ.
“We will not waver in our commitment to the Palestinian people and their quest for self-determination. Our own painful history obliges us to do no less. We thank the International Court of Justice for upholding its role of achieving justice, promoting peace, preventing genocide and holding those guilty of genocide accountable,” Mr. Ramaphosa said.
South Africa filed the ICJ application on December 29 last year, arguing that Israel was in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
The ICJ, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, handed down a ruling that Israel should immediately implement a set of provisional measures to prevent any further acts of genocide in Gaza, desist from such acts, and take effective measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence relating to acts of genocide.
“As the South African Government, we welcome the decision of the ICJ. We note the court’s statement that it is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering and that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is at serious risk of deteriorating further before the court renders its final judgement. “This order is binding on Israel, and must be respected by all states that are party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide,” Mr. Ramaphosa said in a veiled reference to the U.S., U.K. and other countries who are supporting Israel.
“We expect Israel as a self-proclaimed democracy and a state that respects the rule of law to abide by the measures handed down by the International Court of Justice. After more than half a century of occupation, dispossession, oppression and apartheid, the Palestinian people’s cries for justice have been heeded by an eminent organ of the United Nations,” Mr. Ramaphosa concluded.
(Source: PTI) -
Mayor Eric Adams Unveils Gandhi Statue in Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar’s Constituency
Mayor Eric Adams said the event “is not only a symbolic unveiling, it is a commitment that we have that we’ll continue in the footsteps of our great leader, our leader Gandhi.” RICHMOND HILL, NY (TIP): On Sunday, January 21, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar—the first Hindu-American elected official in New York State—brought Mayor Eric Adams and the community together to unveil the magnificent new Mahatma Gandhi statue at Shri Tulsi Mandir, a beloved Hindu temple in South Richmond Hill. The Gandhi statue replaces one destroyed as a result of two separate vandalism incidents in August 2022.
When the statue was destroyed, Assemblywoman Rajkumar brought worldwide attention to the issue, gaining the support of the White House and drawing international news coverage. She brought together Mayor Adams and the community at the mandir, where they launched a worldwide movement for mutual understanding among all faiths and cultures. The Assemblywoman also convinced the NYPD to investigate the case as an anti-Hindu hate crime, one of the first ever classified as such in New York.
This week, Assemblywoman Rajkumar again brought together a diverse coalition of elected officials, community leaders, and people of all faiths to celebrate the historic unveiling of a brand new Gandhi statue and the Gandhian values it embodies. Joining her and the Mayor were Assemblyman David Weprin, Councilwoman Lynn Schulman, Mayor Adams’ South Asian Community Liaison Sookranie Dhanpat, Tulsi Mandir founder Pandit Lakhram Maharaj, and Richmond Hill community leader Romeo Hitllal.
At Sunday’s unveiling ceremony, Assemblywoman Rajkumar spoke about the Gandhian principles of ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (love), which inspired her commitment to public service. She spoke of honoring the Gandhi belief in not just respecting people of other backgrounds, but embracing them as if they are your own. Assemblywoman Rajkumar also spoke of Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on the American civil rights movement. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously spoke of how Gandhi’s nonviolent movement for social change his guiding light was. Assemblywoman Rajkumar spoke to the community about how achieving peace around the world, while not easy, is within our reach through love, hard work, and dedication.
During the event, Assemblywoman Rajkumar said, “I am here to say that hate against any group will not be tolerated in my district, in Queens, or anywhere in New York City. Vandals may have destroyed the first statue, but nothing can destroy our belief in the Gandhian principles of love, unity, nonviolence, and peace. Today, as a symbol of our everlasting faith, we proudly unveil a brand new Gandhi statue.”
She added, “Let us all, as Gandhi commands, be the change we wish to see in the world. Take a moment today to extend a hand and lay down the sword. Maybe even to embrace and show love to someone who does not do the same to you. It is the first step for a peaceful world.”
Mayor Adams recounted the inspiration he continues to draw from Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s event uniting the community in 2022 in the wake of the initial hate crime, saying that the Assemblywoman truly embodies the idea of embracing other cultures as her own. He expressed his deep admiration for Gandhi, whose teachings inspire his work as Mayor. He vividly described visiting Gandhi’s home and the powerful image of his preserved footsteps, serving as a permanent reminder of the importance of nonviolence and understanding. The Mayor also praised the Richmond Hill community for their commitment to tolerance, faith, family, and hard work, which serves as a shining example for all New Yorkers.
Mayor Adams said, “I thank you for allowing me to participate in this event. I often look at the photo we took together out front and how we all came together, and the diversity of those who were here because I agree with our Assemblywoman: our strength lies in our faith and, Assemblywoman, you personify that—your level of comfort of embracing all the different faiths in this City is what a true leader [is], not only in Albany but here in the beautiful rich neighborhood.”
He added that the event “is not only a symbolic unveiling, it is a commitment that we have that we’ll continue in the footsteps of our great leader, our leader Gandhi.”
Assemblywoman Rajkumar spoke about the Gandhian principles of ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (love), which inspired her commitment to public service. The event continued Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s extensive work to combat hate crimes and foster unity among diverse communities—a hallmark of her tenure in office. She recently passed groundbreaking legislation to address hate crimes through creation of the first ever State level Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission, which will develop policies to end anti-AAPI hate crimes. The Assemblywoman also regularly responds to hate crimes by bringing people of diverse backgrounds together in solidarity. She also led the historic movement establishing Diwali the South Asian “Festival of Lights” as a New York City public school holiday. Assemblywoman Rajkumar passed the historic Diwali bill in Albany this year to worldwide acclaim.
Assemblywoman Rajkumar said afterward, “The unveiling of the new statue symbolizes our City’s resilience. As the statue rises, so too will love always rise above hate. A central tenet of Hinduism is inclusivity toward people of all faiths. Hindus believe not just in tolerance, but in one step more than tolerance—actively loving and welcoming people of different backgrounds and faiths. This was Mahatma Gandhi’s dream: a peaceful, loving world. We have achieved Gandhi’s dream in Richmond Hill, where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, and Christians live together in harmony, often on the same block. Together, we are a powerful force inspiring peace and understanding throughout the world.”
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Top Ophthalmologists of India Discuss Important Issues in Rajahmundry Conference
Padma Bhushan Dr K I Vara Prasad Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Shantha Biotechnics, Hyderabad, was the Chief guest. 
Dr. V.K. Raju, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University and founder and president of The Eye Foundation of America and Goutami Eye Institute welcomed the guests 
Dr R D Ravindran, Chairman of Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai delivered the ‘Dhanvantari Oration’ 
Dr Jyotirmay Biswas, Director of Uveitis and Ocular Pathology Department of Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai delivered the
Susrutha Oration’NEW YORK (TIP): Goutami Eye Institute and Eye Foundation of America in association with Young Ophthalmologists Society of India (YOSI) under the aegis of Indian Medical Association, Rajahmundry – Andhra Pradesh, India organized a conference on “Anybody Can Research and Innovate’ on January 7, 2024 at GSL Medical College, Rajahmundry.
Dr. V.K. Raju, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University and founder and president of The Eye Foundation of America and Goutami Eye Institute welcomed the guests. Mr V V Kumar gave the welcome address. Padma Bhushan Dr K I Vara Prasad Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Shantha Biotechnics, Hyderabad, was the Chief guest. A record number of prominent ophthalmologists from all over India and delegates participated in the conference.
There were three sessions in the daylong conference. The first session started with a panel discussion moderated by Dr Karan Bhatia. The panelists were Dr (Maj Gen) V S Gurunadh, Dr Y Srinivas Reddy, and Dr Kandula Satish. Some of the topics discussed were ‘How to plan a clinical trial’ by Dr Mithun Thulasidas and ‘How to write a case report’ by Dr Amanjot Kaur.
After that, Dr R D Ravindran, Chairman of Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai delivered the ‘Dhanvantari Oration’ on ‘Epidemiology of Cataract and Cataract Surgery Trends in India.’
Session 2 started with a free paper competitive session where each participant got 8 minutes for presentation and 7 minutes for discussion. Dr R D Ravindran, Dr Jyotirmay Biswas, Dr Y Srinivas Reddy, Dr A Prashanth Kumar, And Dr Sabyasachi Sengupta were the judges. Then there were discussions on various topics by Dr Akshay Wagh, Dr Anjali Maheshwari, Dr Ipsita Barman, among others.
Then Dr Jyotirmay Biswas, Director of Uveitis and Ocular Pathology Department of Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai delivered the Susrutha Oration’ on ‘Polymerase Chain Reaction in Ocular Infection – Three decades of our Research.’
The last session, which was chaired by Dr V K Raju, had a panel discussion with Dr R D Ravindran, Dr Jyotirmay Biswas, And Dr P Viswa Mithra and moderated by Dr Divyansh Mishra. The conference came to an end with vote of thanks from Dr Prashanth Kumar.
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Indian community groups celebrate Ram Mandir opening with fervor at Times Square
Hundreds joined in the puja and prayers even as the heart of New York City reverberated with the chants of Jai Shri Ram on January 21.
(from left) Dr Sheetal Desai, Jagdish Sewhani and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh. 
Ardent devotees filled with joy and pride celebrating the Ram temple opening in Ayodhya. Parveen Chopra
NEW YORK CITY (TIP) : The momentous opening of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was celebrated with full fervor at Times Square on the same day as its consecration led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
People from diverse Hindu communities based in the tristate area joined in as chants hailing Lord Ram reverberated in the heart of New York City.
The event started with a havan (fire ritual) and prayers for Shri Ram, his consort Sita ji, and ardent devotee Hanuman ji. Cold weather on Sunday evening was overcome by heart-felt emotions of the people gathered, overwhelmed by the decades-long dream of the temple at Ram Janmabhoomi (birthplace) seeing the light of day.
The event was attended by prominent community leaders including Master Chef Vikas Khanna who said he was there to pay homage to Bhagwan Ram and to be in the special moment.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati from Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh also joined the divine celebration, energizing the gathering. She said Ram is a messenger and embodiment of righteousness, peace, love, oneness, togetherness, and justice, which is what our world needs today. She added that the spirit, love, and message from Ayodhya not only have spread across India, but also to every corner of the world, so together we may move into a new era of oneness and goodness.
Dr. Sheetal Desai, a community leader, said we should include qualities of Ram, Sita and Hanuman ji in our lives.
Dinesh Chandra Mozumdar, Founder of Hindu Coalition of USA, said his Bangladeshi Hindu community is excited to celebrate this glorious event.
Veteran Hindu community leader Jagdish Sewhani, Sridhar Shanmugam from Saneeswara temple and Rupa ji chanted Ram Stuti and all attendees started dancing with joy at the historic celebration at the iconic Time Square.
The energy and positivity that permeated the atmosphere was heartwarming. Witnessing the unity of diverse communities to celebrate the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was a testament to the spirit of harmony and inclusivity that the event in India has inspired.
May the blessings of Lord Ram continue to inspire us towards a path of righteousness, love, and unity, a press release from the organizers said.
( Parveen Chopra is the Founder and Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, a wellness and spirituality web magazine) -
New Yorkers celebrate Rama Mandir consecration with Car Rally
Hundreds of devotees gathered to celebrate and show solidarity to Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya.
LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): The windy, freezing Sunday with sub-zero temperatures afternoon saw enthusiastic Indian Americans show their support for the Ram Lalla consecration in Ayodhya, thousands of miles away. A car rally was organized in Hicksville in Long Island, New York. Hicksville is a hamlet within the Town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County, on Long Island, in New York, with large Indian population.
The rally started from Patel Brothers in Hicksville. 150 cars participated in this rally, which halted midway at a Gurudwara in Hicksville. Dr Raj Bhayani said, “The Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddha communities have all united to celebrate this historic moment.”
The float had DJ which played Bhajan songs devoted to Rama.
LED truck with three screens played videos on Ramayana. And images of Rama Mandir.
Everyone was wearing the saffron scarf with Hanuman and Rama pictures in it.
And cold conditions could not dampen the enthusiasm and the celebratory mood.
In addition to cars, floats and LED truck there were children dressed as Ramayana characters Rama, Sita , Laxman, and Hanuman which really brought the experience and excitement to the rally.
The organizers for the rally were Dr Raj Bhayani. Mukesh Modi and Dr Dipak Nandi, Mohan Wanchoo, Naveen Shah, Chintu Patel, Gary Sikka and Dr Neeta Jain. The committee comprised of Sunil Hali, Gobind Bathija, Pradeep Tandon, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Vimal Goyal, Eric Kumar, Kanak Golia, Kishore Malik, Harshad Bhai Patel, Vibhuti Jha, Mohinder Taneja, Dr Satish Anand, Dr Inderpal Chhabra, and Ajay PatelEach car was adorned with saffron-colored flags. The huge lineup of cars finally reached the beautiful Asa Mai temple in Hicksville. LED Truck displayed Ramayana and float carried the banners celebrating Ram Mandir.
The devotees enjoyed an enchanting evening of bhajans and a Ramleela. The entire event was telecast live on AASTHA TV and Radio Zindagi
The float had DJ which played Bhajan songs devoted to Rama 
Organizers. L to R : Indu Jaiswal, Gary Sikka, Dipak Nandi, Raj Bhayani, Pradeep Tandon, and a guest -
Scrutiny Builds Over Mazi Pilip’s Personal Finances
GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): In the special election to replace George Santos, Conservative and Republican candidate Mazi Pilip is continuing to face questions and scrutiny around transparency regarding her personal finances.
Newsday, on January 24, built on recent reporting from The New York Times and revealed that Pilip disclosed substantial discrepancies between her federal and local financial disclosures, including investments around her husband’s multiple medical start-ups, as well as the salary she made from her husband’s medical practice.
Suozzi Senior Advisor Kim Devlin released the following statement in response:
“This raises serious questions about the lack of vetting the Republican Party bosses conduct in naming their candidates. First George Santos and now Mazi Pilip with the murky personal finances. No wonder Mazi Pilip is refusing to meet with voters. The more we learn about her the more questions it raises.”
“Pilip, in the county filing last May, detailed investments with her husband such as a co-op and medical startups. Her campaign said disclosure of the holdings was not required on the federal report Pilip submitted recently to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, disputing the opinion of an ethics watchdog.
On both the county and federal disclosures, Pilip also reported income earned from her husband Dr. Adalbert Pilip’s medical practice, New York Comprehensive Medical Care, despite her campaign having said she stopped working there in 2021.
Pilip initially had reported to the House clerk earnings of $50,000 in each of the last two years from the medical practice, where she said she worked as operations director. Pilip spokesman Brian Devine has said the House disclosure was a draft filed in error. In a revised version filed days later, Pilip reported no income from the practice in 2023 and $13,472 in 2022.
The federal disclosures said Pilip and her husband owed the Internal Revenue Service between $100,000 and $250,000 in income tax as of April 2023. The campaign has said the debt has been paid.
The May 2023 county disclosure also listed a debt to the IRS but didn’t specify an amount or date.
In the Nassau disclosure, Pilip said her husband was an owner or partner in three businesses besides his main medical companies listed on the federal forms. The ventures include Infuse Chi, described in a 2022 news release as “an all-natural electrolyte hydration” powder.
Devine said in a statement the businesses “have not taken off and have no value. As such, it is not appropriate for these entities to be reported in [the federal] disclosure.”
The county form also listed Mazi and Adalbert Pilip as owners of a co-op in addition to their home in Great Neck. Devine said Mazi Pilip’s in laws reside at the co-op, it yielded no rental income and that lawyers with knowledge of federal reporting guidelines advised the campaign that it was not subject to disclosure.
The property was listed on the county form under the investments category, and Kedric Payne, senior director of ethics at the Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit watchdog in Washington, D.C., said “federal financial disclosure laws require disclosure of investment property even if it did not generate rental income.”
What is Pilip hiding?
