The Indian Panorama

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  • 2024 Is The Time To Address Nassau’s Most Pressing Issues

    By Siela A. BynoeSiela A. Bynoe

    As we embark upon 2024 and a new term of the Nassau County Legislature, we do so at a truly evolutionary time.

    During our organizational meeting on Jan. 8, we welcomed five new Legislators, as well as six new caucus leaders within our group of 19 elected representatives. As part of that transition, I have accepted Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton’s appointment to serve as the Legislature’s Alternate Deputy Minority Leader. I am humbled and gratified by the decision and excited for this opportunity to be of greater service to my colleagues and the residents of Nassau County and our region.

    At a time of such profound change, there is value in pausing to review fundamentals of our legislative process, with the term of governing being key among them. Nassau’s Legislature operates in two-year cycles, and we have just started our 15th term. Any pending, unresolved legislative items from the prior term expired at the start of the year and must now be re-submitted as part of the new business before us.

    Among the items that were not acted upon were important legislative initiatives that would confront the maternal mortality crisis, add Juneteenth to the County’s list of paid holidays, safeguard our cybersecurity, and protect consumers in the marketplace. I plan to reintroduce these and other items, including the plan I discussed in a previous column for providing Project – Lifesaver technology to cognitively vulnerable, income-eligible individuals.

    As our neighbors in Suffolk County continue to grapple with the fallout from the crippling cyberattack that still reverberates through its daily operations, we are reminded that Nassau County is not immune from this ongoing threat, and I will be re-filing legislation to create an in-house cybersecurity team headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Cybersecurity. This individual and team would be directly accountable to the County Executive for protecting our systems from threats, maintaining the integrity of our IT infrastructure, bolstering resiliency and recovery strategies, and further augmenting the department’s expertise by retaining subject-expert consultants.

    We are also tasked with confronting maternal mortality – a crisis which has an especially disparate impact upon Nassau County’s communities of color. Recent data from the New York State Department of Health reveals the shocking fact that Nassau County’s Black infant mortality rate, recorded at 7.8 per 1,000 live births from 2018 to 2020, is in fact worse than the rates in Brooklyn (6.8), the Bronx (6.9), Manhattan (6.6) and Westchester (5.9) during the same period. I will resubmit legislation to establish a dedicated Nassau County task force consisting of department heads, medical experts and maternal health advocates who will be tasked with devising strategies for saving lives, preventing dangerous medical complications, and addressing the institutional healthcare disparities that have allowed this issue to persist for far too long.

    Our work for the New Year must also include the reevaluation of Nassau County’s approaches to protecting consumers from misinformation in the marketplace. Like many of you, I use non-cash forms of payment for many transactions. I enjoy the convenience of not carrying sums of cash with me, and I take comfort in negotiating transactions in the safest possible manner.

    While New York State law allows vendors to charge consumers for using credit cards, they must do so within very defined parameters. One of my biggest frustrations emerges when I see a price posted for a product or service – and then being told I will be charged an additional 3- or 4-percent fee to use a credit card. The correct way to comply with the law is to post the higher credit card price – preferably alongside the cash price – but the law is commonly misapplied.

    Faced with this landscape, I have reintroduced legislation that would direct Nassau’s Department of Consumer Affairs to create, plan, and oversee regular educational outreach to merchants and consumers – through direct mail, digital means such as websites and social media, and PSAs – on state laws governing cash discount policies. To aid Consumer Affairs in any necessary enforcement, a dedicated hotline and/or online portal for reporting possible violations would also be established.

    My goal is to educate business owners so that they self-correct their practices – accordingly, the law provides for a three-month grace period during which time a business will be given five business days to cure violations. However, enforcement is an essential arm of any consumer protection strategy. If a violation is not cured during the five-day window, or a violation occurs after the three-month grace period, the business owner in question will be fined up to $500 for each violation.

    I hope that this overview of my priorities for the initial stages of the new term underscores the important and diversified role of our Legislature in the daily lives of the people we are entrusted with serving. Your input is crucial for focusing and expanding the scope of our efforts, and I am looking forward to working with you to make Nassau County a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous place to live, work, and raise a family.

    (Siela A. Bynoe, of Westbury, is the Alternate Deputy Minority Leader of the Nassau County Legislature. She has represented the Second Legislative District since 2014)

  • Asia Society names South Korea’s ex-foreign minister as president & CEO

    Asia Society names South Korea’s ex-foreign minister as president & CEO

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Asia Society, a leading think-tank, on Wednesday, January 24, named as its president and Chief Executive Officer the former foreign minister of South Korea, Kyung-wha Kang, known for her ”deep relationships across Asia and with the US.” An accomplished diplomat who served as South Korea’s 38th Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2021, Kang is the first woman to serve the role in the nation’s history.

    Headquartered in New York, the Asia Society was founded in 1956. It is a leading nonpartisan, nonprofit global organization that promotes mutual understanding and strengthens partnerships among people, leaders, and institutions across Asia and beyond.

    ”I am deeply honored and excited to be Asia Society’s next President and CEO,” Dr Kang said.

    ”Since its founding, Asia Society has been the world’s leading nonprofit organization to enhance knowledge and understanding about Asia and create bridges between the region and the rest of the world. Today, that mandate is more important than ever,” she said.

    “Asia Society, with a deep focus on policy, arts, culture, and education, is the pre-eminent global NGO to engage in both soft power and inclusive policy solutions—both sorely needed in a world of geopolitical tensions,” Kang said.

    “In selecting Kyung-wha Kang to be Asia Society’s next leader, we continue a tradition of bringing individuals with deep diplomatic experience to build bridges and foster greater understanding between nations in an uncertain world,” said John L Thornton, Co-Chair of the Asia Society Board of Trustees.

    “The need for this role and these skills has seldom been greater. We are confident that former Foreign Minister Kang will be a trusted voice on both sides of the Pacific and around the world,” he said.

    Stephen Biegun, the former US Deputy Secretary of State, said, “Former Foreign Minister Kang is a fantastic choice to lead the Asia Society. She was a great partner and courageous leader during the time that we served together in our respective governments.”

    ”Kyung-wha is a highly respected diplomat, and her deep relationships across Asia and with the United States will serve the Asia Society well,” he added.

    Ban Ki-moon, the former UN Secretary-General, said, “I am confident that her (Kang’s) intellect, vision, experience, and diplomatic and leadership skills will be of immense benefit to Asia Society, which is a storied global NGO that is well-positioned to leverage its expertise in both policy solutions and soft power to build bridges and deepen understanding.”
    (Based on a press release)

  • Jury order Donald Trump to pay $83 million to Jean Carroll in damages for defamation

    Jury order Donald Trump to pay $83 million to Jean Carroll in damages for defamation

    NEW YORK (TIP): A jury in New York ordered former U.S. President and 2024 candidate Donald Trump on Friday to pay $83.3 million to compensate the writer E. Jean Carroll whom he was found to have sexually assaulted and defamed. The civil order, which prompted an audible gasp in the federal court, far exceeds the more than $10 million in damages for defamation that Ms. Carroll had sought.

    Mr. Trump lashed out almost immediately calling the verdict “ridiculous” in a statement and promising to appeal.

    The jury reached its decision after slightly less than three hours of deliberations.

    Mr. Trump had been in court earlier, storming out at one point to subsequently return for closing arguments. He was not in court when the level of compensatory and punitive damages was read out by a court clerk.

    Following the verdict, Mr. Trump’s lawyer Alina Habba spoke only to thank court staff.
    “It’s clear to me… you paid attention,” Judge Lewis Kaplan told the jury following the verdict.

    The order was comprised of $65 million punitive damages after the jury found Mr. Trump acted maliciously in his many public comments about Ms. Carroll, $7.3 million in compensatory damages, and $11 million for a reputational repair program.

    Mr. Trump — whom a jury found liable for sexual assault of Ms. Carroll in a separate federal civil case in New York — used his Truth Social platform to fire off a spate of insulting messages attacking Ms. Carroll, the trial, and the judge, whom he called “an extremely abusive individual.” Mr. Trump, 77, briefly took the stand on Thursday, January 25 to deny he instructed anyone to harm Ms. Carroll with his statements.

    During Mr. Trump’s testimony, Judge Lewis Kaplan limited him to three questions from his lawyers, to which he could only answer yes or no — a precaution taken to prevent the Republican leader from returning to his custom of disparaging the court or Ms. Carroll in public.

    “This is not America,” Mr. Trump said as he left the courtroom following his short appearance.

    He was not required to attend the trial or to testify. However, he has used the case, as well as others he faces, to generate heated media coverage and to fuel his claims of being victimized as he campaigns for a return to the White House in November’s election.

    Mr. Trump separately faces multiple criminal cases, including his alleged attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 Presidential election, which he lost to Joe Biden, and a civil business fraud case.

    Courtroom tension
    Ms. Habba sought to have the case thrown out Thursday on the grounds that threatening messages targeting Ms. Carroll, which have been aired in the case, began on social media before Mr. Trump’s 2019 comments. Her request was denied. Jurors were shown Mr. Trump’s October 2022 deposition during which he confused a picture of Ms. Carroll for his former wife Marla Maples, which threatened to cast doubt on his claim Ms. Carroll was not his “type.” Last year, another federal jury found Mr. Trump liable for sexually assaulting Ms. Carroll in a department store dressing room in 1996 and subsequently defaming her in 2022, when he called her a “complete con job.”

    Mr. Trump had been in court while he campaigned ahead of the New Hampshire primary, which he won handily over his only remaining challenger Nikki Haley, as he closes in on becoming the Republican candidate in the November election against Mr. Biden.

  • India-US relationship has deepened in intensity, matured in character, and expanded in scope: Ambassador Sandhu

    India-US relationship has deepened in intensity, matured in character, and expanded in scope: Ambassador Sandhu

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): “The relationship between the world’s two largest democracies has deepened in intensity, matured in character and expanded in scope”, India’s outgoing ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said.

    Sandu, 61, who retires later this month from the foreign service after more than 35 years. on Wednesday, January 24, made these remarks at a farewell ceremony held in his honor with the community leaders at the India House here.

    “India, United States relationship has deepened in intensity, matured in character, and expanded in scope, as I say so many times that it touches almost all spheres of human activity: tech, trade, defense, space, healthcare, education, skilling, people to people, space ties,” Sandhu said in his address on Wednesday at a farewell ceremony held in his honor with the community leaders at the India House here.

    During his service, Sandhu has served in the US three times, the last being India’s Ambassador to the US for four years.

    “So much is happening in these areas. And this transformation, as most of you have seen, has happened in the last 10 years. In fact, some friends are here,… when we conducted the nuclear test in 1998, the sanctions were put on India. That was my first exposure and experience with challenging times,” he said.

    “I recall the late Ambassador Naresh Chandra, and I walked with him. I told him that there’s one setup, which I’m the liaison for, that is the US Congress. When there was difficulty in getting meetings outside, the US Congress will open its doors, and that’s why I say that the US Congress is the pioneer in creating the foundation of this relationship,” Sandhu said.

    During his term as India’s Ambassador to the US, he met more than 300 Congressmen and about 75 Senators.

    “I must say in each of those interactions, we found positivity. And that’s where my own positivity came out, that whatever crisis the United States, India partnership is there to remain and progress ahead,” Sandhu said.

    “I will say that we have still reached the tip of the iceberg. There is so much to be covered,” he said.

    Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus applauded Sandhu for his service and building the bilateral ties.
    “I will make one prediction that while Ambassador Sandhu may be leaving this post, I believe and I hope with all my heart, that he has more public service in his future,” Warner said.

    John Podesta, senior advisor to the president for clean energy innovation and implementation praised the ambassador for his role in strengthening the India-U.S. relationship.

    “We’ve developed a great friendship and a great partnership and our government has done tremendous work together,” he said.

    Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia said that the Ambassador helped in resolving several of the agricultural disputes and tariff issues between the two countries. Senator Amy Klobuchar said that this is a relationship between the countries that has always been strong but is on the move in the right direction.

    “We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next. But thank you for your incredible service,” she said.

    Nisha Desai Biswal, Deputy CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation speaking at the farewell ceremony said that Ambassador Sandhu has been working on this relationship for over three decades.

    “In his many different tours of duty, he has been working to ensure that this relationship is not just government to government, that it is not just about ties between our parliaments, but that it reflects the really deep and rich relationship between our people,” she said.

    “He recognized very early on the importance of the diaspora community in elevating this relationship. In my very first work in Congress as a staffer, I will say Ambassador Sandhu in his role as the political officer of the embassy, was constantly exhorting all of us to say that there must be more ambition in the US-India relationship.

    You must think about ways to deepen that collaboration. And I just have to say that his instinct for this relationship as being foundational for not just our two governments, but our two societies, has been a really important aspect of how this partnership has developed over the decades,” she said.

    Bawa Jaswinder Singh, the US head of the Buddha Dal Sikh Organisation presented an award to Ambassador Sandhu in recognition of his contribution and the legacy of his family. (TIP photo)

    During the event, Sandhu was presented with an award on behalf of the Buddha Dal Sikh Organisation in recognition of his contribution towards Sikh and the legacy of his family.

    Sikh community leader Sukhpal Singh Dhanoa told the audience that it was decided at the time of 200 years of Baba Phoola Singh’s birth anniversary to present this award to the ambassador.

    Bawa Jaswinder Singh, the US head of the organization, presented the award on behalf of Baba Balbir Singh, its India head.

    A successor to Sandhu has not been announced, yet.
    (Source: PTI)

  • India’s Military Might, Woman Power on display at the 75th Republic Day Celebrations

    India’s Military Might, Woman Power on display at the 75th Republic Day Celebrations

    The twin themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra Ki Matruka’ reflected throughout in this year’s parade which witnessed the participation of 13,000 special guests

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Despite the cold and thick layer of fog covering the national capital, lakhs of people reached the Kartavya Path as President Droupadi Murmu led the processions of India’s 75th Republic Day.

    A show of culture, diversity, military strength, women empowerment, and above all a show of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka,’ (India – mother of democracy) this diamond jubilee for India was led by the accomplished women of the nation.
    The celebrations took place in New Delhi, with French President Emmanuel Macron as the Chief Guest.

    The cultural vibrance of India was on full display this year, with over 13,000 special guest – an initiative which provided an opportunity to people from all walks of life to take part in the celebrations and encourage ‘jan bhagidari’ (people’s participation).

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    Republic Day parade to be women-centric, showcasing India as ‘mother of democracy’
    Throughout the parade, 13,000 women reached the centre stage in a display of national strength and vibrance.

    For the first time ever, the parade was heralded by over 100 women artists who played Indian musical instruments. The parade commenced with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. which was played by women artists.

    It also witnessed the maiden participation of an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path. Women pilots also enthralled the audience during the Fly-past, representing nari shakti (women’s power). The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces also consisted of only women personnel.

    The parade began at 10.30 a.m., when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the National War Memorial, where he paid solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

    The President of India and her French counterpart were escorted by the President’s bodyguard – ‘Rashtrapati ke angrakshak’ which is the senior most Regiment of the Indian Army. This elite Regiment as the ‘angrakshak’ (bodyguard) have completed 250 years of service since its raising in 1773. The two Presidents arrived in the traditional buggy, the practice which is making a comeback after a gap of 40 years.

    As people patiently waited for the sun to shine, India’s National Flag was unfurled by Major Saumya Shukla ASC, which was followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute given with indigenous gun system 105-mm Indian Field Guns. Four Mi-17 IV helicopters of 105 Helicopter Unit showered flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path.

    The parade then commenced with the President, who took the salute. The parade was commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, a second-generation Army officer. Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area was the Parade Second-in-Command.

    The highest gallantry awards this year included Param Vir Chakra winners — Subedar Major (Honorary Captain), Yogendra Singh Yadav (retd.) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (retd.), and Ashok Chakra winners Major General CA Pithawalla (retd.), Colonel D. Sreeram Kumar and Lt. Col. Jas Ram Singh (retd.).

    The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy, while the Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valor and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.

    For the first time ever, the French Air and space force joined the fly past over Kartavya Path with two French Rafales and one A330 MRTT. France is the first foreign country to join the fly past, similarly the French regiment was the first one to have marching contingent at the parade in 2016.

    The Air Force tableau showcased the idea of atma nirbharta (self-reliance), which depicted IAF C-295 transport aircraft being flown by two women aircrew.

    For the first time, Delhi police had its all women contingent participating in the parade. Over 15 State tableau and 8 Ministry, defense and other departments tableaus, all decorated also made their presence known.

    While Meghalaya and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s tableaus brought in rich flowery visuals of cherry blossoms and lilacs respectively, the Arunachal Pradesh tableau was focused on its “bugun community reserve” a biodiversity hotspot in the State.

    All tableaus put women in the front and centre of the show including the Indian Space Research Organisation which highlighted the landing of Chandrayan-3 and the women scientists who contributed to it.

    Among the grand showcase of mechanized columns and missile systems, were the march-past by marching contingents — the Madras Regiment, The Grenadiers, the Rajputana Rifles, the Sikh Regiment, and the Kumaon Regiment. To showcase the spirit of nari shakti, around 1,500 female dancers performed on 30 folk dances, including Kuchipudi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Satriya, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri and more. Out of 1,500, 199 were tribal dancers, 486 were folk artists, 399 dancers were trained in classical, and 56 were Bollywood.

    The parade ended with the fly-past in the sky, with different formations like — Arjan, Netra, Varuna, Bheem, Trishul and Vijay — which was formed by Rafale.

  • Indian Consulate in New York Celebrates Republic Day

    Indian Consulate in New York Celebrates Republic Day

    Consul General addresses the gathering

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): 75th Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Indian Consulate here on Friday January 26th, which was attended by a large number of Indian Americans.

    New Jersey State Senator Raj Chatterjee addresses the gathering.

    Consul General of India Binaya S Pradhan unfurled the national flag of India. The unfurling was accompanied by the singing en mass of the Indian National Anthem. Ambassador Pradhan then addressed the gathering. He congratulated the gathered Indian American community on the 75th Republic Day of India and thanked them for the great contribution that they were making to India’s growth story and to the strengthening of relationship between India and the US. He then read out the President’s Address to the Nation.

    Governor of New York State Kathy Hochul, via video, congratulated the Indian American community on the Republic Day of India and spoke appreciatively of the contribution of the Indian American community.

    Also present on the occasion was Senator Raj Chatterjee from New Jersey State who addressed the gathering.

    A couple of patriotic songs were sung by three ladies from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

    Dr. Varun Jeph, the deputy consul general thanked the gathering .

    Consul HOC & CPIO Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh was the master of ceremonies .

    The celebrations ended with a sumptuous refreshment graciously hosted by the Consulate General of India.

    Ladies from the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan rendering patriotic songs
    A view of the gathering.
    Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph thanks the gathering.
  • Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange calls off protest over reservation issue

    Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange calls off protest over reservation issue

    Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday, January 27, said he had called off his protest over the reservation issue, saying the Maharashtra government had accepted all the demands. He expressed satisfaction that the government had issued a notification to issue Kunbi caste certificates to all relatives of the Marathas whose records (linked to Kunbi caste) had been found. He made the announcement at Vashi in neighbouring Navi Mumbai, where he camped overnight with thousands of supporters after reaching the place on Friday morning.
    Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is set to meet Jarange. Both are likely to address the people present there. Jarange on Friday made a fresh demand that the government amend its free education policy to include all Marathas until the benefit of reservation becomes available to the entire community.
    He has sought data of the 37 lakh Kunbi certificates issued by the state government. Kunbi, an agrarian community, falls in the Other Backward Classes category, and Jarange has been demanding Kunbi certificates for all Marathas.

  • Boost for bilateral ties, India and France seal key deals

    Boost for bilateral ties, India and France seal key deals

    New Delhi (TIP) – India and France have agreed to a new road map for defence industrial cooperation to identify opportunities for partnership in the sector including co-designing, co-development and co-production of military hardware, the two countries will jointly produce a multi-mission helicopter in India, and French engine maker Safran is willing to transfer 100% technology to build fighter jet engines in the country, top officials said on Friday, January 26, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held extensive talks to deepen strategic ties.
    The two counties have also reached agreements on defence space partnership, satellite launches, joint research in clean energy, health care cooperation, collaboration in the field of public administration, and activation of five-year validity of Schengen visas for Indian students pursuing their Master’s degree in France, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said, briefing the media on the outcome of the talks between the two leaders.
    Tata and Airbus Helicopters will partner to produce the H125 helicopters in India with a significant indigenous and localisation component, he said.
    This will be India’s first helicopter assembly line in the private sector under the government’s “Make in India” initiative. The production of the first made-in-India H125 helicopter is expected to commence in 2026, people aware of the matter said. The helicopter can carry up to six passengers.
    “The two countries have agreed to adopt the defence production road map. The priority of defence cooperation through this road map is to actually identify opportunities for partnership in the defence industrial sector that prioritise co-designing, co-development, co-production and also building the defence supply chains between the two countries so that they cannot only fulfil the defence needs of India and France but also can be a useful contributor to the security partnership with other countries who might be in use of similar products,” Kwatra said, in response to a question. Elaborating on the scope of the cooperation, he said it will encompass both air and space technologies, maritime technology including underwater domain awareness, equipment and systems related to land warfare, robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and platforms, and cyber defence.
    “This flows from what the two countries agreed to in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap last year…The focus is on defence production and manufacturing in a manner that you can harness the compatibilities and competencies which the two economies have and the two engineering systems have and then use it to further strengthen your defence cooperation.”
    Macron’s visit seeks to consolidate the ambitious renewal of the India-France strategic partnership that the two leaders decided on in Paris last July through the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. The French President’s visit has been very heavy in terms of its substantive outcome as well as the richness of discussions between the two leaders, he said.
    France could step in to help India design and develop fighter jet engines.
    On the Safran engine for India’s fighter jet programme, India’s ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf, who was present at the briefing, said, “The issue is really about arriving at a set of specifications that comply with our future fighter jet requirements. So this always features in the conversation between the President and the PM because what we are looking for is not just a manufacturing transfer of technology which essentially keeps you going with the same crutches that you have been going on for the last six decades.

  • 2024 Lok Sabha polls: 96 crore citizens, including 47 crore women, eligible to cast vote

    2024 Lok Sabha polls: 96 crore citizens, including 47 crore women, eligible to cast vote

    Over 96 crore people, including 47 crore women, are eligible to cast vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, for which more than 12 lakh polling booths would be set up across India. Over 1.73 crore of those eligible to vote are in the age group of 18 to 19 years, according to Election Commission (EC) data.
    As many as 1.5 crore polling personnel would be deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the parliamentary elections to elect members of the 18th Lok Sabha.
    According to a 2023 letter sent by the EC to political parties, India had 17.32 crore registered voters in 1951, which rose to 19.37 crore in 1957.
    There were 91.20 crore voters in the 2019 polls. Out of the total voters registered in the electoral rolls, nearly 18 lakh are persons with disabilities. In the first Lok Sabha elections, the voter turnout was recorded at 45 per cent. It was 67 per cent in the last parliamentary polls.

  • Temple existed at the site of Gyanvapi mosque: ASI report

    Temple existed at the site of Gyanvapi mosque: ASI report

    Varanasi (TIP)- In a significant development, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in its scientific survey report on the Gyanvapi mosque has concluded that there existed a Hindu temple at the site of the Gyanvapi mosque prior to the construction of the mosque. As per the report, the pre-existing structure was destroyed in the 17th century during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
    “The pre-existing structure appears to have been destroyed in the 17th century, during the reign of Aurangzeb, and part of it was modified and reused in the existing structure. Based on scientific studies/ survey carried out, study of architectural remains, exposed features and artefacts, inscriptions, art and sculptures, it can be said that there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure,” the report, a copy of which is with Bar & Bench, said. Further, sculptures of Hindu deities and carved architectural members were found buried underneath, the report stated.
    The survey was done and the report was prepared after the Varanasi district court ordered the same while hearing suits filed by Hindu parties claiming that a temple existed at the spot prior to the mosque.
    In July last year, the court had ordered the Director of the ASI to conduct a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises, excluding the area previously sealed by the Supreme Court (wuzukhana or an ablution pond). Pursuant to the same, the ASI had carried out the survey. The other relevant excerpts from the ASI report are:
    Pillars and Pilasters
    A total of 34 inscriptions were recorded during the present survey and 32 Estampages were taken. These are, in fact, inscriptions on the stones of the pre-existing Hindu temples, which have been re-used during the construction/ repair of the existing structure. They include inscriptions in Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu and Kannada scripts. Reuse of earlier inscriptions in the structure, suggest that the earlier structures were destroyed and their parts were reused in construction/repair of the existing structure. Three names of deities such as Janardhana, Rudra, and Umesvara are found in these inscriptions.
    Order to demolish the temple
    During the recent survey, a stone with inscription was recovered from a room in the mosque. However, the lines relating to construction of the mosque and its expansion have been scratched out. This is also brought out by the biography of Emperor Aurangzeb, Maasir-i-Alamgiri, which mentions that Aurangzeb “issued orders to the governors of all the provinces to demolish the schools and temples of the infidels” (Jadu-Nath Sarkar).
    Hindu deities sculptures found buried
    Sculptures of Hindu deities and carved architectural members were found buried under the dumped soil in a cellar. Existing architectural remains, decorated mouldings on the walls,kama-ratha and prati-ratha of central chamber, a large decorated entrance gate with torana on the eastern wall of the western chamber, a small entrance with mutilated image on lalat bimba, birds and animals carved for decoration in and outside suggest that the western wall is remaining part of a Hindu temple.

  • Nitish inches closer to alliance exit; BJP ready

    Nitish inches closer to alliance exit; BJP ready

    New Delhi/Patna (TIP)- Bihar’s ruling coalition appeared at breaking point on Friday, January 26, with the Janata Dal (United), its ally Rashtriya Janata Dal, and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party all corralling their lawmakers and calling meetings over the weekend as speculation about chief minister Nitish Kumar’s joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) reached fever pitch. If Kumar makes the switch, as rumoured, it will be the fourth such move in the past decade and the second this term.
    Signs of plummeting ties in the ruling alliance were apparent after deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav skipped the Republic Day celebrations at Raj Bhavan, where Kumar was present. The two didn’t exchange a word in the parade held in Patna soon after. “Ask those who were not present why they skipped the function,” said Kumar to reporters. At Raj Bhavan, the CM was seen chatting with the leader of the Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha, and JD(U) minister Ashok Choudhary was sitting on the chair allotted for the deputy CM. The RJD has called a meeting of its legislators on Saturday, while the JD(U) scheduled its meeting on Sunday even as the BJP indicated it was open to joining hands with its friend-turned-foe-turned-friend-turned-foe.
    “We are keeping an eye on all the developments and if needed an appropriate decision will be taken. No door is permanently closed in politics and the door can be opened if needed,” said BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP and former deputy CM Sushil Modi.
    If Kumar goes with the BJP, he is likely to remain CM till at least the Lok Sabha polls later this year, people aware of developments said. But disagreement is rife over who’d become his deputy — Kumar favours Sushil Modi, with whom he worked for a decade in the past, but the BJP might want to go with another face. “They may prefer someone from an extremely backward caste, or dominant OBC group such as Yadav or Kushwaha,” said a person aware of the negotiations.
    Hectic parleys were on in Delhi and Patna throughout the day as the BJP rushed key leaders to the state after a late-night meeting chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah. Sushil Modi flew to Patna on Friday and the state’s central in-charge Vinod Tawde is scheduled to hold a key meeting in Patna on Saturday. “The home minister’s direction to us is very clear,” said a BJP leader in Patna, on condition of anonymity. “We have to speak to everyone so that we are ready for all eventuality. We are waiting for Nitish Kumar to take the final call and resign. Everything will become clearer tomorrow.”
    In Patna, the leading constituents of the six-party ruling coalition exchanged barbs.
    “There is a lot of confusion which is not in the interest of the people of the state. Only the CM can put an end to the confusion,” said RJD MP Manoj Jha. JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar shot back. “Kumar plays politics from the front. He has no confusion.”
    The timing of these moves is crucial. On Monday, Jan 29, Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra enters Bihar and the Congress had planned a show of strength with all members of the ruling alliance. Source: HT

  • New politics of religion a challenge to secular character of Republic

    New politics of religion a challenge to secular character of Republic

    In the complex realm of Indian politics, the relentless surge of Hindutva under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has triggered profound alarm among critics and concerned citizens. The concept of Hindutva, an ideology with historical roots dating back to the early 20th century and led by influential thinkers like V.D. Savarkar and M.S. Golwalkar, sought to uphold the significance of Hindu culture amidst India’s religious diversity. However, the forceful institutionalisation of this ideology has birthed an era where “cultural nationalism” takes precedence, even if it leads to ignoring the essential idea of treating everyone equally, regardless of their religion.
    The BJP’s unwavering pursuit of cultural nationalism has been nothing less than alarming and highly divisive. By placing the Hindu cultural identity on a pedestal and attempting to assimilate diverse communities into this narrow framework, the party has demonstrated a dangerous disregard for India’s pluralism and religious diversity. This analysis delves into the unsettling consequences of Hindutva evolving from an ideology to an imposing institution, making India’s diverse ways irrelevant and prompting debates about the nation’s cherished pluralism and democratic principles.
    Promised on its 2014 and 2019 manifestos, the BJP’s steadfast emphasis was on matters such as the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya (a pet project for the BJP, which has now become a reality) and the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. These actions have played a significant role in worsening societal rifts and escalating communal strains. The party’s persistent emphasis on these matters, propelled by its Hindutva ideology, has deepened pre-existing fault lines and sowed discord among religious and regional communities. The construction of the Ram Mandir, though celebrated by Hindus, has been viewed as a symbol of exclusion and bias, leaving other religious groups feeling marginalised and disregarded.
    Similarly, the abrupt abrogation of Article 370 has stoked feelings of alienation and discontent among the Muslim-majority Kashmiri population, further distressing communal relations in the region. These actions, backed by various laws and measures, have engendered legitimate concerns regarding the potential dilution of India’s secular values and its commitment to fostering an inclusive and harmonious society. Moreover, such steps seem to prioritise divisive identity politics over the pursuit of genuine national unity.
    In the prevailing circumstances, the BJP’s steadfast emphasis on Hindutva principles and identity-based politics has faced substantial backlash. The rise of communal violence and the polarising impact of divisive rhetoric have deeply unsettled India’s social fabric, posing a grave threat to the state’s ethos of religious harmony and pluralism. The BJP’s focus on Hindutva politics has been a driving force behind communal disharmony, raising serious apprehensions about the party’s commitment to promoting a united and inclusive society for all citizens, regardless of their faith or ethnicity. The party leaders, through their controversial statements and actions, have played a significant role in cultivating an atmosphere of intolerance where minority groups feel increasingly excluded and targeted. This has been attributed to the escalation of communal tensions, evident in the surge of communal violence in places like Manipur. Additionally, this approach has been criticised for contributing to the marginalisation of religious and ethnic minorities, with particular attention to the Muslim community.
    Under the guise of promoting Indian culture, the BJP has marginalised religious and ethnic minorities, with a notable focus on Muslims, by stigmatising their customs and traditions. Modi’s policies towards Muslims are part of broader measures that may contribute to the discrimination of the Muslim population in India. For instance, the cow protection agenda has been wielded to target Muslims, leading to violence and instilling apprehension among those who do not align with Hindu convictions. Similarly, the BJP’s attempts to rewrite historical narratives and promote a skewed portrayal of Indian heritage can be characterised as a kind of propaganda. By engaging in the manipulation of school curricula and promoting a distorted narrative of ancient India, the party is attempting to erase the contributions and historical legacies of non-Hindu communities, thereby alienating them from the broader national narrative.
    As India approaches the impending 2024 general election, the BJP retains a formidable stance on its skewed perspective, with Prime Minister Modi’s widespread popularity and the party’s organisational strength and resources giving it a significant advantage. However, despite the apparent dominance, the BJP is not without its concerns. The party’s continued focus on institutionalising Hindutva ideology in Indian polity raises potential concerns of discrimination and racism, and it may exacerbate regional tensions and deepen social divisions. With Article 370 scrapped and the Ram temple in Ayodhya well on its course, a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) remains among the last unfulfilled items as part of the BJP’s manifesto promise in the upcoming elections. A UCC is conceptualised as a set of laws that govern personal matters, including marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession, for all citizens regardless of their religion. It aims to replace the existing diverse personal laws that vary based on religious affiliations. The party’s push for UCC, despite India’s diverse population, could raise further alarm, potentially eroding the rights and freedoms of religious minorities and fueling apprehensions about India’s secular fabric. While the BJP’s base remains committed, there are signs of quiet worry within the party as it faces an unprecedented set of political dilemmas heading into the election. The next year holds uncertainties, and the political landscape could deteriorate dramatically, making the 2024 election a highly contested and controversial event in Indian politics.
    Source: CSCR.PK

  • REVEL IN THE MEMORY OF SONGS OF TWO ICONS

    REVEL IN THE MEMORY OF SONGS OF TWO ICONS

    • By Mabel Pais

    “If I’m the duke, man, Peggy Lee is the queen,” decreed Duke Ellington. “I consider her as great a musician as Frank Sinatra, who in that world is king.” – Duke Ellington

    “Peg is just about the best friend a song ever had.” – Frank Sinatra

    The New Jersey Performing Arts Center celebrates the songs of two of the 20th century’s most essential and influential singers. This pair of close friends and Capitol Records labelmates are Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra. The musical tribute takes place on Thursday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m.

    This magical musical tribute in song features ALOE BLACC, DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER, PAULA COLE, BETTYE LAVETTE, CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE, RACHAEL PRICE, BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL and THE CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE BIG BAND & STRINGS. This one-night-only event features Christian McBride as Musical Director and the Christian McBride Big Band and Strings.

    This tribute is guaranteed to be a memorable performance. In addition to singing duets originally performed by Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra like ‘Our Love is Here to Stay’ and ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It,’ these outstanding performers will share stories of the revered musical friendship between the great Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra.

    Singers performing their (FS & PL) songs – left to right: ALOE BLACC, DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER, PAULA COLE, BETTYE LAVETTE, CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE, RACHAEL PRICE, BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL AND THE CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE BIG BAND & STRINGS (Photo / Courtesy NJPAC)

    Listen to these duets…..

    Our Love is Here to Stay

    youtube.com/watch?v=p2JR3ZYayw4

    Nice Work If You Can Get It

    youtube.com/watch?v=FB1MxIZrmCk

    You’ll hear all your favorite Peggy Lee songs (‘Fever,’ ‘Is That All There Is,’ ‘It’s a Good Day,’ ‘Let’s Love’), along with Sinatra’s classic tunes (‘Luck Be a Lady,’ ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin,’ ‘One For My Baby,’ ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’)…plus many more. Learn the story behind these two musical icons who were best friends and creative colleagues for over 50 years.

    PEGGY LEE

    PEGGY LEE is one of the most famous jazz singers of the significant band era, with a smoky subtlety that could stop the brashest band in its tracks, Peggy Lee – who sang her way to 13 Grammy nominations and two awards, including one for Lifetime Achievement, with her trademark voice. Not only did she bring a famously velvety tone to her work with Benny Goodman, scoring hits with ‘Somebody Else is Taking My Place’ and ‘Why Don’t You Do Right?’ as well as her own ‘Fever’ and ‘Is That All There Is?’ She was also an accomplished writer, with songs like ‘Mañana’ and ‘I Don’t Know Enough About You,’ earning her induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

    Over her seven-decade career, Peggy Lee helped redefine what it meant to be a female singer, and her quietly captivating voice continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Born in an era where women struggled for equality – a conversation that continues today – and carrying the burden of years of a traumatic childhood, she was a true pioneer and survivor to her core. What she accomplished as a woman and artist is nothing short of extraordinary. Learn more at peggylee.com.

    FRANK SINATRA

    FRANK SINATRA regarded as the greatest superstar of all time, was born to Sicilian parents in Hoboken, New Jersey. Throughout his seven-decade career, Frank Sinatra performed on over 1,400 recordings. The Recording Industry Association of America awarded him 31 gold, nine platinum, three double platinum, and one triple platinum album. The three-time Oscar® winner also appeared in over 60 films and produced eight motion pictures. Sinatra was awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Recording Academy, The Screen Actors Guild, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as well as the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal.

    Frank Sinatra demonstrated a remarkable ability to appeal to every generation that continues; his artistry still influences many of today’s music superstars. He remains a legend and an inspiration worldwide for his cultural and artistic contributions. For more information about Frank Sinatra, visit sinatra.com.

    TICKETS

    For Tickets to honor these two extraordinary singers, visit njpac.org or the NJPAC Box Office or calling 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).

    The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

    The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.

    Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts.  NJPAC has attracted more than 11 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.  Visit njpac.org for more information. 

    NJPAC

    One Center Street

    Newark, New Jersey 07102

    njpac.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)

    Follow NJPAC Online:

    Website:    njpac.org

    Twitter:     @NJPAC

    Instagram:   @NJPAC

    Hashtag:    #NJPAC

    Facebook:    facebook.com/NJPAC

    YouTube:     NJPACtv

    Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:

    Website:     njpac.org/takeastand

    Hashtag:       #NJPACTakeAStand

    Youtube:        Standing in Solidarity playlist

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)

     

  • NAI NI CHEN PRESENTS SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCES AT NJ AND NYC

    NAI NI CHEN PRESENTS SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCES AT NJ AND NYC

    By Mabel Pais

    “An outburst of pure joy…nothing less than spectacular” wrote NJArts.net about Nai Ni Chen Dance Company.

    This year for the ‘Year of the Green Wood Dragon,’ the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company celebrates the Lunar New Year with spectacular performances at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in New Jersey and the Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College, New York City. Performances take place  at NJPAC on Saturday, February 10 @ 2 p.m. and Sunday, February 11 at 2 p.m. At Kupferberg Center performances take place on *January 27 at 3 pm & 7 pm and on *January 28 at *3 pm.

    (*The 3 PM performances are each 60-minute-long, while the 7 PM performance is an extended 90-minute program).

    AT THE NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (NJPAC)

    This year, at NJPAC, the dance company embraces the spirit of the dragon — a symbol of power, strength, good luck, prosperity and happiness. The whole family can enjoy this joyful display of Chinese dance, contemporary dance, acrobatics, vibrant costumes and live music. And of course, you’ll experience the dazzling Dragon Dance! After the show, patrons can stop at the lobby to shop for beautiful papercraft by traditional artists.

    A Newark tradition for over two decades, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company returns to NJPAC to welcome the coming of the Spring of 2024, the Year of the Green Wood Dragon. It is a spectacular experience for all ages, combining traditional Chinese celebration with modern flair. NJPAC hosts this fantastic Newark celebration of the Lunar New Year with performances and festivities by the Fort Lee-based company, Nai-Ni Chen Dance. The Company Dancers, acrobats and musicians perform in festive costumes in red, gold, blue and purple colors symbolizing their prayer for a peaceful and harmonious New Year with plenty of prosperity and good fortune for everyone to enjoy and share.

    This year’s program premieres a NJPAC-commissioned work: ‘Mongolian Festival’ by Mongolian dancer/choreographer Lawrence Jin. In this traditional Mongolian dance, he focuses on the generous spirit of the Mongolian people, the powerful Mongolian warriors and the respect they have for the great prairie that is essential for their nomadic life. The dance portrays aspects of Mongol herders’ daily activities, including milking cows, cooking, hunting, household labor, celebrations, and traditions. This culturally rich and dynamic performance will be accompanied by traditional Mongolian music, creating a captivating and immersive experience for the audience. 

    **TICKETS

    Tickets to the performances are available at njpac.org/event/nai-ni-chen-dance-company-year-of-the-green-wood-dragon

     AT KUPFERBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS

    Ring in the Year of the Dragon with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company with an unforgettable weekend at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College, Flushing, NY. These joyous Lunar New Year events will be a cultural extravaganza filled with vibrant performances, traditional festivities, and immersive experiences.

    ‘The Year of the Dragon’ is considered one of the most auspicious and significant years in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, courage, and good fortune. To mark this special occasion, Kupferberg Center for the Arts has partnered with the renowned Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company to create a celebration like no other.

    Family-friendly performances will take place on Saturday, January 27, and Sunday, January 28 at 3pm, featuring majestic dragons, dancing lions, Mongolian dance, acrobats, and much more. On Saturday, January 27 at 7pm, the company will present a contemporary program combining modern and traditional dances. Be prepared to be enthralled by their mesmerizing choreography, combining contemporary and traditional elements in a breathtaking display of talent and culture.

    The program includes:

    ‘Lion in the City’ is a new collaborative work by Hip-Hop legend Rokafella and Kwikstep with Company’s Director of New and Contemporary Dance Peiju Chien-Pott. This new lion dance integrates Hip-Hop movement and beats with traditional Chinese Lion Dance.

    ‘Mongolian Festival’ is a new work commissioned by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in 2024 for the year of the Dragon. The Mongolian people are one of the five major races that make up the Chinese people (Han, Mongolian, Manchurian, Muslim and Tibetan). Mongolian Dance movements originated from the nomadic life of the people.

    ‘Whirlwind’ is a phenomenon in the desert caused by the air coming from the mountains to the plain in different directions. This dance takes inspiration from the choreographer’s journey on the Silk Road which passes through Central Asia, connecting China to Europe and crossing many deserts and mountains.

    ‘Way of Fire’ is an exploration of the ancient Chinese theory that the cycles of creation and destruction correspond to the ever-changing phenomena of nature. The “Five” refers to the five elements: wood, water, fire, metal, and earth. The cycles are also used to mark the passage of time. With live music by Wei Sun on guzheng.

    Musician Wei Sun (孙薇) is a young guzheng artist from China and principal guzheng player with the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York (CMENY). She was born into a musical family and started her guzheng journey at the age of 6; and is now a certified senior teacher of guzheng, and member of the China National Instrumental Association and the International Guzheng Association.

    ‘Spear Dance’ is taken from the Chinese Peking Opera, which has over three hundred years of history and is considered the most well-preserved Chinese performing art in China. The dancer in this piece portrays a warrior who is preparing to go into the battlefield. His strength is shown through his acrobatic movements and dramatic poses.

    ‘Coinstick Dance’ originated with the Hans in Hubei province and is traditionally done by street performers. People drill holes in the sticks, which are made of bamboo, and fill the holes with coins. Dancers hit the sticks against their bodies and the ground to produce interesting rhythms as they move, and they often incorporate acrobatic skills.

    **TICKETS

    Tickets are available online at kupferbergcenter.org/lunar-new-year

     or by phone at (718)-793-8080.

    **Information & ticket-availability to all shows are subject to change.

    The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

    The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States.  It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.  Learn more at njpac.org.

    The Kupferberg Center for the Arts

    The Kupferberg Center for the Arts located in Queens College, Flushing, NY, is one of the largest and most prestigious performing arts centers in the United States.

    Learn more at kupferbergcenter.org

    Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

    “like endlessly proliferating forces of cosmic energy,” wrote ‘The New York Times.’

    Nai-Ni Chen (1959-2021), choreographer/dancer, was a unique artist whose work crosses cultural boundaries. Each of her dances reflect her personal vision as an immigrant and an American female artist with deep roots in Asian culture.

    From this perspective, she created new works that reflect current issues with global influences. Many of her works were developed in collaboration with renowned artists such as the Ahn Trio, Glen Velez, Joan La Barbara, Rokafella, The Chinese Music Ensemble and the New Asia Chamber Music Society.

    Bridging the grace of Asian elegance and American dynamism, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company is a premier provider of innovative cultural experiences that reflect the inspiring hope and energy of the immigrant’s journey. Learn more at nainichen.org.

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)

     

  • Takeaways from the Ayodhya spectacle

    Takeaways from the Ayodhya spectacle

    Prime Minister should follow in Lord Rama’s footsteps to ensure justice for all

    “Ram Mandir has succeeded in restoring Hindus’ pride in their religion. That is a positive development. What’s left is for Modi to follow the principles of good governance associated with Lord Rama for dispensing justice to all. There were no Muslims and Christians in Bharat in those ancient times. But they are there now. Their only prayer to Modiji is that they be counted as equal citizens of Bharat, as Lord Rama, the epitome of justice and good governance, would have done.”

    By Julio Ribeiro

    It was awe-inspiring to watch the consecration of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. PM Narendra Modi stole the show with his march to the spot where the idol of Ram Lalla was installed and his unforgettable address to the 7,000-odd guests.

    I was moved to instruct my domestic help to light a diya, as our Prime Minister had requested. Even I, normally a critic of the government, was carried away by the moment!

    The sheer magic of the occasion, the unmistakable devotion on the faces of the invitees and the pride in being a Hindu that was reflected on the countenance of the diaspora worldwide lent a new dimension to the dharma of our people and our ancestors. I was moved to instruct my domestic help to light a diya, as our Prime Minister had requested. Even I, normally a critic of the government, was carried away by the moment!

    The temple will be completed in a year or so, but it has been consecrated ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. It is expected to play the role that the Balakot airstrikes did for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi is expected to win a third term.

    If the INDIA bloc does not get its act together soon, the ‘mother of democracy’ (our PM’s words) will metamorphose into an autocracy. Even after Rahul Gandhi hinted that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge would lead the coalition, Mamata Banerjee announced that the Trinamool Congress would fight the Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal on its own.

    Nitish Kumar had expected himself to be anointed as ‘primus inter pares’ (first among equals). He is frustrated because he has to share the honor with Kharge. Arvind Kejriwal wants an all-India footprint for AAP. He demands seats in Gujarat, Haryana and Goa, where his party has a small presence.

    Even Akhilesh Yadav, who has been eclipsed by CM Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, thought that his Samajwadi Party was entitled to representation in Madhya Pradesh. All in all, the INDIA bloc is hopelessly placed against the BJP’s juggernaut. And with the Ram Temple being projected as Modi’s baby instead of Lal Krishna Advani’s, to whom it legitimately belongs, the battle can be written off as far as INDIA is concerned.

    Yogi has captured the imagination of the residents of Uttar Pradesh (which has 80 Lok Sabha seats) with one major achievement — he has brought the state’s criminals to heel. In the beginning of his reign, he encouraged the use of unconventional, even illegal, methods to instill fear in the minds of the law-breakers. Wiser counsel later advised him to change tack. To all appearances, it seems that conventional methods (except the bulldozer) are currently at play.

    A newspaper article by a young IPS officer, Vrinda Shukla, currently SP of Bahraich (UP), quotes figures from the National Crime Records Bureau to show that because of “scaled-up monitoring at all levels”, conviction was obtained by the UP police in 71 per cent of the cases of crimes against women in which the trial was completed. The corresponding figures for Rajasthan and Maharashtra are 37.2 per cent and 11.2 per cent, respectively. Public prosecutors, who had stopped taking ownership of the cases and become unaccountable, have begun feeling the heat generated by Yogi, says Vrinda.

    Those who dream of forming a government in any state will need to adopt the UP CM’s attitude to corruption and the legal steps he has put in motion to control crime and criminals. More than ‘development’ that our Prime Minister harps on, citizens want security of life and property. He or she who can provide this will win.

    In the meantime, Modi will milk the devout Hindu’s devotion to Lord Rama for electoral gains. A politician can hardly be blamed for exploiting public sentiment to influence voters. The only regret a sensitive BJP follower can possibly have is that the originator of the Rath Yatra, Advani, was left out in the cold. But these are games ambitious politicians play. They dump their rivals in their own party when the opportunity beckons. Politics, after all, is a cut-throat enterprise. Only one who is adept at the game comes out on top.

    The media shows Modi feeding cows at his home and visiting temples in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, both southern states where he is keen to open his party’s account. Public memory is notoriously short. The voter may forget our PM’s piety and opt for the communists or the Congress in Kerala and for CM Jagan Mohan Reddy or his sister YS Sharmila, who has taken on the responsibility of resuscitating the Congress in Andhra Pradesh.

    A group of 200-odd retired diplomats, civil servants and police officers, called the Constitutional Conduct Group (of which I am a part), had drafted an open letter to the PM, lamenting that he involved his high constitutional office and government agencies in the run-up to the idol’s installation in the Ayodhya temple. A secular country, constitutionally mandated to strictly separate religion from the State, had been subjected to the spectacle of its PM performing puja in South Indian temples and finally in Ram Mandir.

    There is no objection to the PM visiting and praying to his god as an individual. But to do so as the country’s pre-eminent elected leader and committing government resources to such an event is neither constitutionally acceptable nor ethical or moral. The Election Commission should decide whether this is permissible under the election laws on the use of religion for garnering votes.

    The founders of Pakistan used religion to secure for the Muslims a separate country. The military regime of Gen Zia-ul-Haq Islamized it to the hilt. The results of such religiosity are for all of us to see. Pakistan today needs the US and China to keep itself functioning. There are not many nations today that incorporate religion into governance. Those that follow this path have not prospered.

    Ram Mandir has succeeded in restoring Hindus’ pride in their religion. That is a positive development. What’s left is for Modi to follow the principles of good governance associated with Lord Rama for dispensing justice to all. There were no Muslims and Christians in Bharat in those ancient times. But they are there now. Their only prayer to Modiji is that they be counted as equal citizens of Bharat, as Lord Rama, the epitome of justice and good governance, would have done.

    (The author is a former governor and a highly decorated retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer )

  • Lessons from a high-profile Harvard exit

    Lessons from a high-profile Harvard exit

    The hard-earned academic freedom and intellectual sovereign space in India must remain non-negotiable, having been shaped by the spirit of diversity, equity and inclusion

    “The resistance to this onslaught must be more prudent. If our adherence to political correctness crosses a threshold level, the liberal fabric would be pummeled by the social oligarchs. Let us be very clear that attempts to divinize a leader/scholar are indeed an anti-intellectual exercise. Any critical scrutiny or academic engagement per se of leaders’ scholarly contributions is not an insult to people who adulate them. Ideological commitment is different from academic pursuits as the commitment to unravelling the truth alone remains the nucleus of the latter’s mandate. When our ability to falsify our own propositions remains unassailable, the real cognitive contribution begins in academia. If replicating dogmatic narcissism is perceived as an intellectual enterprise, the day is not far off when our public academic institutions will collapse. More than the inflated strength of right-wing populism, unscrupulous political correctness would be singularly responsible for the denouement of our public academic institutions.”

    By Dr. R. Thirunavukkarasu

    On January 2, when Harvard University’s first African-American President, Claudine Gay, stepped down from her post, the high-decibel euphoria from the conservative cabal in the United States was along expected lines. Emboldened right-wing activists such as Christopher Rufo claimed that it was they who had got her out. In his verbal onslaught, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy said what Ms. Gay had published in her whole career was what a distinguished American academic published in just a few years. Further, he attributed the policy of affirmative action as the reason for scholars like her to ascend to the coveted position. Her reluctance to immediately condemn the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and her subsequent confession before a Congressional committee caused controversy, eventually leading to her resignation. There was also the issue of alleged plagiarism.

    When Ms. Gay was appointed as the 30th president of Harvard on July 1, 2023, it was widely believed that Harvard firmly believed in and adhered to the larger contours of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The long-cherished legacy of DEI is deeply embedded in modern consciousness not only in American academia but also the globe. It is not very difficult to foresee the consequences of any explicit racial slur against a student or a faculty member. The political ascendency of Donald Trump was, no doubt, a turning point as the conservatives stepped up their attack on the ethics of DEI and its political manifestation. Today, Hamas’s attack on Israel and Tel Aviv’s brutal response in Gaza perhaps effortlessly became a lame excuse for right-wing political pundits and social conservatives to strike at the celebrated values of DEI.

    The threat in the background
    The rise of right-wing populism across the globe entails solid structural change, especially in academia. In their epistemic fabric, an academician’s political persuasion or ideological commitment is no longer an individual’s sovereign choice but ought to be subservient to their edict since their illiberal nationalism is equated with virulent patriotism. Hence, disputing or critiquing right-wing populism may spell deeper trouble for academics. The hideous campaign against Ms. Gay is a perfect example of this trend.

    Is the episode cause for alarm? Yes, to some extent. It has no doubt emboldened the conservative political class here in India. The right-wing politics in the U.S. has tacit endorsement from many scholars, whereas, here, the political right is deeply communal and deplorably divisive. Hence their didactic narratives on polity and society are either a harangue or quite pedestrian. Our academia have largely remained impervious to the nefarious designs of majoritarian communalists as the freedom struggle, with its solid secular orientation, shaped the post-colonial academic milieu.

    The founding fathers of our republic pledged to establish the country as a nation of/for all. Their social privilege and affluence did not deter them from speaking up for subaltern communities and the underprivileged. Their tenacious commitment to have a level-playing ground for all sections resulted in the introduction of a reservation policy and several welfare measures. Our academic atmosphere since the formation of the republic is largely shaped by this spirit of DEI.

    However, the insidious nature of right-wing populism sends out a distressing signal as its coercive tantrums may wreck the academic spirit over time. The hard-earned academic freedom and intellectual sovereign space must remain non-negotiable and cannot be in thrall of political parties. Today, when majoritarianism effortlessly becomes a text-book-like definition of patriotism, and caste hegemony camouflages itself into sacred antiquity, the task of academia is to resist this onslaught and preserve the spirit of DEI. Ms. Gay’s unceremonious exit seems to be an apt ingress for the cheerleaders of right-wing populism to ramp up their tirade against the spirit of DEI here too.

    Signals that cannot be missed
    Celebrating private academic institutions and foreign university campuses is actually disguised contempt for the spirit of DEI. The silence in the draft University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023, on reservation in students’ admission and faculty appointment is not inadvertent. The desperation of social conservatives to establish caste-class exclusivism in academic campuses will see fruition if right-wing populism remains at the helm.

    The resistance to this onslaught must be more prudent. If our adherence to political correctness crosses a threshold level, the liberal fabric would be pummeled by the social oligarchs. Let us be very clear that attempts to divinize a leader/scholar are indeed an anti-intellectual exercise. Any critical scrutiny or academic engagement per se of leaders’ scholarly contributions is not an insult to people who adulate them. Ideological commitment is different from academic pursuits as the commitment to unravelling the truth alone remains the nucleus of the latter’s mandate. When our ability to falsify our own propositions remains unassailable, the real cognitive contribution begins in academia. If replicating dogmatic narcissism is perceived as an intellectual enterprise, the day is not far off when our public academic institutions will collapse. More than the inflated strength of right-wing populism, unscrupulous political correctness would be singularly responsible for the denouement of our public academic institutions.

    (R. Thirunavukkarasu teaches sociology at the University of Hyderabad. The views expressed are personal. E-mail: rthirujnu@gmail.com)

  • Reclaiming the Republic, and the Constitution

    Reclaiming the Republic, and the Constitution

    There is an urgency now — Indians have a collective duty to reassert the values and central role the Constitution has played in determining the dreams and the vision of a united and plural India

    By Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey

    On January 22, 1947, the “Objective resolution” of the Indian Constitution was unanimously adopted by the Constituent Committee. This became the inspiring and powerful Preamble to the Indian Constitution. And now, as the Indian Republic enters its 75th year, a mammoth state-sponsored spectacle has undermined the determined resolve of both the Preamble and the basic structure of the Indian Constitution for India to be a secular nation.

    The flattening of multidimensions
    However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s agenda being presented at this time, is not just making the state ‘theocratic’ and the majority religion ‘political’. It is part of an unprecedented effort to create a unidimensional culture in a nation that has been the home of a multitude of cultural practices. Indians will also have to decide whether to walk the path of a top down, politically imposed Hindutva; or respond culturally to ensure that the vibrant cultural landscape including a myriad of religious practices prevails , nurturing our diversity and building tolerance, rather than suspicion and hate for the ‘other’.

    The political nature of the Hindutva effort is to flatten our multidimensional imagination into a two-dimensional vision of “ourselves” and the rest of the world. Even the somewhat clichéd messages of “unity in diversity” have gone. It is now one nation, one market, one color, one language, one election, and, of course, one official religion. Even within the majority religion, which has never had one set of laws, or a high priest, we are witnessing a concerted, centralized effort to determine its “national norms”. Others will be allowed to exist, but either through official or unofficial fiat, the attempt is to make them all subservient to the dominant identity. Even religion is being centralized. Freedom of faith and worship is intrinsic to humanity, individually and in groups. Some of the most powerful manifestations of the diversity of faith have been continually played out in India.
    To be Indian was to be complex, to represent differences. There was anticipation about the context, cultural nuances and political alliances of every Indian you met. The person unraveled the nuances of language, food, clothes and cultural choices, weaving together a vibrant and colorful tapestry. Why, if we are proud of our heritage, do we rush to follow others who do not have the richness of diversity? It is perhaps because the ones driving this are attracted by the power and the control that centralization and identity politics helps exercise.

    Post-Independence, and Partition, we have grown up with the flavor of multiple choices including the liberty to opt-out of what we were born into. It was the freedom to choose. We defined choices as those that liberated us from the narrow definitions of stereotypes — including religious, caste and racial identities. Liberation included the right to step out of those two-dimensional definitions, to realize our potential, and have the freedom to eat, wear, sing, and think in multiple ways. For those of us living in cosmopolitan ‘Indian spaces’, it meant understanding the plural ways in which one celebrated even a ‘Hindu’ festival. Dusshera was celebrated in many ways — with a Durga pandal, a Tamil Navaratri with dolls, the north Indian Ram Lila, and the nuanced differences of every State and language group represented there. One looked with pity at cousins trapped in a single identity and who had to live in a single language zone.

    The Constitution’s space for diversities
    India’s Constitution adopted 75 years ago, recognized and incorporated space for these diversities and differences, not just in politics but also in culture, and how we led our lives. What we count as progress has been built on sanctified objectives of tolerance and solidarity even as we faced the seemingly insurmountable challenges of competing interests. This was a sophisticated perspective written into the Constitution, that knew that differences had to be tolerated, if not welcomed to make India something more than a collection of kingdoms or a “former colony”.

    The heroes of the nascent nation saw an India emerge with understanding the need to break caste, language and religious barriers. They celebrated cultural differences, and worked to overcome arrogance and prejudice. B.R. Ambedkar recognized the huge challenge presented in the search for economic and social equality. These values shaped and defined the Constitution. A document which is a democratic and ethical pledge, now critically important to India’s future. The Preamble resolves that we will practice fraternity “assuring the dignity of the individual, and the unity and integrity of the Nation”. To every Indian this document is a guarantee of our right to live with liberty, equality, and justice.

    The idea of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is in direct contradiction to the Indian Constitution, but its proponents have used the political and democratic freedom provided by the Republic to propagate their conception of Hindutva aggressively. January 22, 2024 saw a brazen crossing of many red lines of the Indian Constitution, with every arm of the state giving in, and even endorsing the violation and marginalization of secular principles.

    B.R. Ambedkar warned us with uncanny wisdom, “Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place creed above country? I do not know. But this much is certain that if the parties place creed above country, our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever …This eventuality we must all resolutely guard against.”

    S. Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, was also wary of what could happen in a situation of majoritarian assertion and said: “our national faults of character, our domestic despotism, our intolerance which have assumed different forms of obscurantism, of narrow mindedness, of superstitious bigotry… Our opportunities are great, but let me tell you that when power outstrips ability, we will fall on evil days.”

    India faces stark choices
    With the state-driven consecration of the temple in Ayodhya sending reverberations through our polity, and the celebration of the 75th year of our Republic upon us, we are faced with stark choices. Our choice for a Constitutional republic over a Hindu Rashtra has to be reasserted. These assertions made now will enable or cripple our children from claiming their place in the Republic of India.

    The Indian Constitution has been conceived in a way that extends our rights and shared values far beyond the five-year cycle of elections and governments that come to power with an electoral majority. The Constitution sought to build a social democracy that protected the views and dignity of all — particularly if they were marginalized groups or communities, at all times. As we enter the 75th year of the Republic, perhaps more than ever before, we have a collective duty to reassert the values and central role the Constitution has played in determining the dreams and the vision of a united and plural India.

    The Constituent Assembly had the wisdom and the ability to understand that this subcontinent called India, will survive only if there is equal respect for all its citizens. It is the commitment to tolerance in its principles, and the grace inherent in its practice, that helps us overcome the challenge of bigoted religious expression and insecurities. It enables us to include and embrace religious differences and the vast and complex history, architecture and culture that makes India unique in the world. It will also help India retain its space in the globe, as a true ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ rather than hurtle towards becoming a helpless particle in a fast-shrinking global economy and culture.

    (Aruna Roy and Nikhil Dey are social activists)

  • Narrowing field: On 2024 U.S. presidential election’s Republican primaries race

    Trump’s ad hoc policymaking has many takers among Republicans

    The 2024 U.S. presidential election’s Republican primaries race has already narrowed to two candidates, frontrunner and former President Donald Trump and former Governor of South Carolina, Indian-origin Nikki Haley. The latest twist in the election cycle saga, which kicked off last week with the Iowa caucuses, saw Florida Governor Ron DeSantis step off the contest after he admitted that he could not see a path to victory. Both he and Vivek Ramaswamy, a pharmaceuticals entrepreneur who exited the race earlier, have endorsed Mr. Trump, who leads by double digits, 50% to Ms. Haley’s 39% among likely Republican voters, in New Hampshire, the next Republican primary venue. In Iowa, he garnered 20 delegates to Ms. Haley’s eight, a wide margin, even if he has a long road ahead to acquire the 1,215 delegates necessary to capture the nomination. While there are no presidential debates on the cards at this time because Mr. Trump has refused to join them, the tenor of the remarks by the two candidates against their rival appeared to be getting sharper. Ms. Haley questioned Mr. Trump’s mental fitness to hold high office after he seemed to confuse her with former House of Representatives Speaker and Democrat Nancy Pelosi, in the context of the January 6, 2021 riots. Mr. Trump has mocked her first name Nimrata and, in an echo of the birther movement remarks he made against former President Barack Obama, implicitly questioned whether she was a natural-born U.S. citizen.

    Unlike previous U.S. elections, such as in 2016, where there were no fewer than 10 candidates in the fray during the presidential debates, this time a considerable skew in voter preferences towards Mr. Trump is evident, leading to a lopsided primaries season. Ms. Haley is only likely to remain in the race for as long as she is able to raise sufficient funds to keep her campaign going, and donors are notoriously quick to pull out when they see a dead end for a candidate, regardless of their political leanings. The wholesale rush towards the aura of Trumpism, now apparently an ever-growing force despite Mr. Trump facing serious criminal indictments and other legal challenges, has in fact fractured mainstream Republicanism as a bulwark of the U.S. conservative movement. Voters now appear to prefer Mr. Trump’s chaotic ad hocism in policymaking, his aggressive views on immigration and minorities of all hues, and his relentless eschewing of political propriety even when dealing with institutional issues. Unless there is an impulse for new leadership within the Grand Old Party to challenge the Trump “paradigm”, the sheer lack of alternative voices with populist appeal will lead to Trumpism deepening its hold on U.S. institutions, governance and socio-economic outcomes.
    (The Hindu)

  • India’s 75th Republic Day: Celebrating Achievements and Reflecting on Challenges

    As India commemorates its 75th Republic Day, it is a momentous occasion to reflect on the incredible journey the nation has undertaken since gaining independence in 1947. The last seven and a half decades have witnessed remarkable progress, from overcoming social and communal divisions to tackling issues of illiteracy and poverty. The country, once burdened with the legacies of foreign rule, has emerged as a global player on various fronts.

    In the initial years of the Republic, visionary leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru played a pivotal role in steering the nation towards stability and growth. Nehru’s leadership during the first 15 years set the tone for India’s commitment to democracy and secularism. Despite facing internal socio-economic challenges and strained relations with neighboring Pakistan, and later, China, Nehru’s statesmanship laid the foundation for a resilient and united India.

    Fast forward to the present, and India finds itself at a critical juncture. Over the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has experienced rapid economic growth, earning the distinction of having the fastest-growing economy globally. The nation is poised to become the third-largest economy in the world within the next two decades. While these economic strides are commendable, concerns linger regarding the equitable distribution of the benefits of this growth.

    Reports suggest that the economic boom has disproportionately favored the wealthy, leaving the vast majority of the population, especially in rural areas, mired in poverty. The current policies seem to shower privileges on the affluent while neglecting the needs of farmers, workers, and ordinary citizens. This growing economic divide threatens to undermine the social fabric of the nation.

    The communal politics employed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is another cause for concern. India, known for its diversity and pluralism, has witnessed a rise in tensions fueled by religious and communal divides. The emphasis on majoritarianism rather than inclusivity challenges the unity and brotherhood that have been the pillars of India’s strength. A nation with over a billion people, facing internal strife, could potentially become a destabilizing force with far-reaching implications for global peace.

    On this auspicious day of celebration, it becomes imperative to engage in introspection and address the challenges that threaten to hinder India’s progress. While economic growth is essential, it must be inclusive, reaching every stratum of society. The government’s policies should prioritize the upliftment of the rural masses, ensuring that the benefits of progress extend to the marginalized and vulnerable.

    Furthermore, the importance of secularism cannot be overstated. India’s history is replete with examples of harmonious coexistence among diverse communities. The shift towards divisive politics erodes the very essence of the nation and risks alienating sections of the population. A united India is not only crucial for its citizens but also for the stability of the global community.

    As we wish India a Happy Republic Day, it is essential to acknowledge the achievements and progress made over the past 75 years. Simultaneously, it is incumbent upon the nation’s leaders and citizens to address the existing challenges and work towards fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and harmonious society.

    The 75th Republic Day should serve as a catalyst for positive a change, inspiring a collective commitment to building a stronger, more united India that embraces its diversity and upholds the values of democracy and secularism. Only through such efforts can India continue to shine as a beacon of hope and progress on the global stage.

  • Thirteen Indian Americans among 40 Science Talent Search finalists

    Thirteen Indian Americans among 40 Science Talent Search finalists

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Thirteen Indian American high schoolers figure among top 40 finalists in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. The 2023 finalists’ research projects showcase their breadth of knowledge, their commitment to addressing issues important to modern society, and their passion for STEM, according to a media release.
    The finalists were chosen by a national jury of professional scientists from a pool of 300 scholars, based on their projects’ scientific rigor and their potential to become world-changing scientific leaders.
    “We are thrilled to welcome this inspiring and highly talented class of Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News.
    “I am certain these extraordinary students will be following in the footsteps of our many accomplished alumni who are the forefront of breakthrough discoveries. The 2023 finalists will be using their leadership, intellect, creativity and STEM skills to solve our world’s most intractable challenges.”
    Finalists will participate in a week-long competition in March 2024, during which they will undergo a rigorous judging process that goes beyond their own research to encompass other scientific disciplines and compete for more than $1.8 million in awards.
    They will also have an opportunity to interact with leading scientists and share their research during a virtual “Public Day” event on March 12.
    The top 10 Regeneron Science Talent Search 2023 winners will be announced during an awards ceremony on March 14, streamed live from Washington, DC.
    In total, more than $3 million in awards will be distributed throughout the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The finalists are each awarded at least $25,000, and the top 10 awards range from $40,000 to $250,000.
    Here is list of Indian American finalists:
    Saraswathy Amjith, Tesla STEM High School, Redmond, Washington.
    Project Title: A Novel Integrated Machine Learning Approach Utilizing Radar and Satellite Imagery for Selective Logging Remote Sensing Detection and Accompanying AI-Logging Map-Generating Webtool.
    Aarav Arora, Del Norte High School, San Diego, California.
    Project Title: A Mechanistic Basis for the Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Severity.
    Aditi Avinash, Rock Canyon High School, Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
    Project Title: Model Validation and Preclinical Testing of Digestive Enzymes for Gluten Breakdown: A Move To Cure Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease.
    Harshil Avlani, BASIS Chandler, Chandler, Arizona.
    Project Title: Analyzing the Effect of Mid-Circuit Measurement (MCM) on Spectator Qubits.
    Arav Bhargava, The Potomac School, McLean, Virginia.
    Project Title: Low-Cost, 3D-Printed, Universal-Fit, Transradial Socket for Amputees in Developing Countries.
    Arnav N. Chakravarthy, Homestead High School, Cupertino, California.
    Project Title: Leveraging Mitochondrial DNA Mutations for Macrophage Lineage Tracing in Primary Human Tissues. Sarang Goel, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, Denton, Texas.
    Project Title: IVY – Intelligent Vision System for the Visually Impaired: Innovative Low-Cost, AI-Based Eyeglasses To Help the Visually Impaired Overcome Mobility Limitations Through Navigational Assistance and Object Avoidance Algorithms and an Intuitive Vibration and Audio Guidance System.
    Amanrai Singh Kahlon, Sanford School, Hockessin, Delaware.
    Project Title: Enhancing Wearable Gait-Monitoring Systems: Identifying Optimal Kinematic Inputs in Typical Adolescents. Alexandra Mahajan, Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
    Project Title: A Novel Method To Determine Precise Stellar Radii and Temperatures of Low Mass Stars Using JWST Transits and Occultations.
    Ekansh Mittal, Westview High School, Portland, Oregon.
    Project Title: Harnessing Machine Learning and 3D Spheroid Cultures To Identify Biomarkers for Combating Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer.
    Achyuta Rajaram, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire.
    Project Title: Automatic Discovery of Visual Circuits.
    Rhea Rastogi, Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School, Montgomery, Alabama.
    Project Title: Understanding How the Maternal Epigenetic Reprogramming Function of LSD1 Contributes to Inherited Developmental Disease.
    Riya Tyagi, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire.
    Project Title: Using Computer Vision To Disentangle Features Enabling AI To Learn Self-Reported Race and Ethnicity From Medical Images.

  • Indian American CEO Sanjay Shah dies in tragic accident while celebrating Ramoji City’s 25th anniversary

    Indian American CEO Sanjay Shah dies in tragic accident while celebrating Ramoji City’s 25th anniversary

    CHICAGO (TIP): In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Indian American Sanjay Shah tragically lost his life while commemorating his company’s 25th anniversary at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, India, on January 19.
    According to reports, Shah, the CEO of Vistex, met with a fatal accident when an iron cage being lowered onto the stage malfunctioned and plummeted from a height of 15 feet. The cage was in the process of descending to the stage, assisted by ropes and pulleys with the aid of a rolling machine.
    Tragically, one of the two wires connected to the iron cage unexpectedly snapped, leading to the entire structure crashing onto the concrete stage below.
    Shah was rushed to a hospital, where he passed away on Friday morning. Vistex President Vishwanath Raju Datla, who was alongside Shah during the incident, suffered a head injury and is currently in critical condition.
    Inspector M. Manmohan of the local Abdullapurmet police station informed a local newspaper that a specially designed wooden stage had been set up 20 feet above the concrete stage using a crane. It was secured with a 6 mm iron wire having two layers on both sides. He added that during the performance, one side of the rope suddenly snapped, resulting in the stage falling onto the people below, directly impacting Shah and Datla.
    The Chronicle reported that the police are investigating Usha Kiran Events, the event management body of Ramoji Film City.
    This heart-rending incident has cast a somber shadow over what was intended to be a joyful celebration.
    “I am shocked and deeply saddened with the tragic demise of good friend, entrepreneur, philanthropist and Indiaspora member Sanjay Shah,” wrote M.R. Rangaswamy, founder of Indiaspora, in a Facebook post. “He was a lovely human being who led with quiet confidence and gave back generously including building a world class hospital in India. He will be sorely missed! May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti!”
    According to the company website, Vistex was founded by Shah in 1999. It has offices in 20 locations worldwide and employs more than 2,000. The company’s clients include GM, Barilla, and Bayer.
    “Under Sanjay’s leadership, Vistex has grown into a global organization dedicated to transforming how businesses across multiple industries bring their products and services to market by taking control of mission-critical processes,” the site says. Shah made headlines more than nine years ago when he purchased the most expensive condominium in Chicago’s real estate history – a penthouse located on the 89th floor of the Trump Tower, for a staggering $17 million in cash.
    The 14,260-square-foot penthouse boasts five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, offering an unparalleled 360-degree view of Chicago’s skyline.
    Initially listed at $32 million, Shah managed to seal the deal after engaging in nearly two years of negotiations with the Trump Organization. The American Bazaar reported, “Shah’s record-breaking $17 million purchase price surpassed the previous high-water mark in Chicago, set by hedge-fund billionaire Kenneth Griffin in 2012 when he acquired a full-floor penthouse in the Park Tower for $15 million. Nevertheless, Trump agreed to a deal that fell short of its $32 million asking price.” The penthouse is within the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, which has a total of 486 residential units.

  • Five Indian restaurants named in ‘Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants 2024’

    Five Indian restaurants named in ‘Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants 2024’

    NEW YORK (TIP): Five Indian restaurants have earned spots on Yelp’s prestigious “Top 100 US Restaurants 2024” list, a compilation reflecting the culinary diversity and gastronomic excellence of America. This annual list is curated from the reviews and ratings shared by Yelp’s extensive food community, making it a highly anticipated and influential ranking in the dining industry.
    Yelp.com and its accompanying apps provide a platform for users to contribute crowd-sourced reviews and insights about various businesses, including restaurants.
    The five Indian restaurants that have secured places on this exclusive list are:
    1. Little India in American Fork, Utah (ranked 19): The restaurant is known for its flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala and exquisite Butter Chicken, which are perfectly complemented by a variety of tandoori-baked naan, including the sweet Peshawari naan. Beyond its delectable cuisine, Little India offers a unique dining experience with vibrant decor, hand-painted murals, and a backdrop of Indian background music. The restaurant’s popularity is evident with packed crowds on Friday and Saturday nights, and the Singh family plans to expand with a third location in Highland, Utah, in March 2024.
    2. Ocean Indian Cuisine in San Francisco, California (ranked 29): This Indian-Nepalese-Himalayan restaurant offers a fusion of traditional Indian flavors with Chinese classics like chow mein and dumplings. Managed by Tara Sharma, the menu includes dishes like Paneer Chowmein, Everest Chicken Momo Special, Butter Chicken Masala, and Chicken Tikka Masala, all celebrated for their rich flavors. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance with white tablecloths, chandeliers, and red-rose centerpieces ensures that every visit feels like a special occasion.
    3. Tandoori Kitchen in Lafayette, Colorado (ranked 41): This restaurant introduces patrons to the flavors of the Himalayas through its Indian and Nepalese cuisine. Dishes such as Vegetable Samosas, Thukpa, and Himalayan Sweet Orange Chicken delight the taste buds. An all-you-can-eat lunch buffet on weekdays offers a wide range of options, including Chicken Tikka Masala and vegan dishes like Aloo Zeera and Chana Masala. Meat enthusiasts can savor tender tandoori kebabs marinated in a special seasoning and cooked in a traditional tandoori clay oven.
    4. Sindoore in Nashville, Tennessee (ranked 78): Located near the Nashville airport, this restaurant is celebrated for its authentic North Indian cuisine prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients. Highlights include the sumptuous Butter Chicken and an array of vegetarian options like Malai Kofta, Channa Masala, and Dal Tadka. Sindoore’s diverse menu has received accolades from Yelpers who appreciate the deliciousness of dishes like samosas, pakoras, Fish Goan, Lamb Shanks, Kashmiri Naan, and mango chutney.
    5. M & N’s Pizza in Bethesda, Maryland (ranked #82 overall): This pizzeria, located just outside Washington, DC, offers a unique twist with its “Whacky Pizza” menu, featuring inventive creations like the Aushak Pizza inspired by Afghan dumplings and the Dal Makhani Pizza showcasing Indian-style creamy black lentil curry. In addition to these unconventional pizzas, the restaurant serves traditional Indian curries such as Chicken Vindaloo and Achari Lamb, providing diverse options for patrons who appreciate the quality and friendly service.

  • Indian American Dinesh Venugopal appointed as Infogain CEO

    Indian American Dinesh Venugopal appointed as Infogain CEO

    SAN FRANCISCO (TIP) : Infogain, a Silicon Valley-headquartered leader in human-centered digital platforms and software engineering services,  has appointed Indian American executive, Dinesh Venugopal as its CEO, effective Feb 8. Venugopal will take over from Ayan Mukerji, who joined Infogain in 2018 as COO before becoming CEO in 2021, according to a company press release.
    Venugopal joins Infogain with close to three decades of management experience. He was the CEO of PK, an experience engineering company, before its acquisition by Concentrix, where he became the President of Concentrix Catalyst. Venugopal also spent over a decade at Mphasis, serving in various roles, including President of Direct & Digital.
    Rohan Haldea, Partner at Apax, said, “We are delighted to welcome Dinesh as the new CEO of Infogain. He brings a wealth of experience in digital transformation, experience engineering, and large deals, which closely complements Infogain’s growth strategy.” “We thank Ayan for his immense contribution to Infogain and for setting the stage for dynamic growth in the last six years,” he added.
    “Infogain’s platform growth story over the last few years has been remarkable,” Venugopal said. “I’m delighted to join at an exciting time as Infogain positions its customers to succeed in the race for digital dominance.”
    “Leading Infogain has been an extraordinary journey, and I extend my gratitude to Apax and the Infogain Board for this incredible opportunity.” said Mukerji. “Dinesh comes with a proven track record and is the perfect choice to steer Infogain into its next growth chapter. I wish him the very best.”
    Infogain engineers’ business outcomes for Fortune 500 companies and digital natives in the technology, healthcare, insurance, travel, telecom, and retail/CPG industries, according to the release.
    The company says it accelerates experience-led transformation of digital platforms using technologies such as cloud, microservices, automation, IoT, and artificial intelligence. It’s a multi-cloud expert across hyperscale cloud providers – Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services.
    Infogain, an Apax Funds portfolio company, has offices in California, Washington, Texas, the UK, and Singapore, with delivery centers in Seattle, Dallas, Montevideo, Kraków, Noida, Bengaluru, Pune, Gurgaon, and Mumbai.

  • Indian community mourns tragic death of 4 compatriots who drowned at unpatrolled beach in Phillip Island, Australia

    Indian community mourns tragic death of 4 compatriots who drowned at unpatrolled beach in Phillip Island, Australia

    MELBOURNE (TIP) : The Indian community in Australia is mourning the tragic death of four compatriots, including three women, who drowned at an unpatrolled beach in Phillip Island this week.
    Jagjeet Singh Anand, a 23-year-old male nurse, Suhani Anand and Kirti Bedi, 20-year-old nursing students, and Reema Sondhi, 43, died in the tragic incident on Wednesday. They were part of a group of about 10 people who were enjoying a day out at Phillip Island, near Melbourne in Victoria.
    A close relative, who was too devastated to speak at length, said Sondhi was visiting her family in Australia and had arrived there two weeks earlier, the media reported.
    Sondhi was the daughter-in-law of industrialist Om Sondhi from Phagwara in India’s Punjab state. Reema’s husband Sanjeev, too, was part of the group but he survived.
    Jagjeet Singh Anand, a Melbourne-based nurse, was a permanent resident in Australia while Suhani Anand and Bedi were on student visas. The three younger victims were all residents of Clyde, a suburb of Melbourne.
    Ravinder Singh, who is close to the family of the victims and is organizing a fundraiser, said the community was struggling to comprehend the scale of the tragedy.
    “It is so sad, we have no words,” he media.
    “They were very kind members [of Melbourne’s Indian community], they were very down to earth.
    “This is a loss that will never be filled. It is the darkest day of my life.”
    Singh said he also wanted to raise the community’s awareness of the danger of swimming at the beach, to try to prevent future heartache.
    “It is very important to teach the community about rip currents,” he said.
    Friends have also started a GoFundMe campaign to help “fulfil the wishes” of the family.
    “Shivam, a registered nurse with a heart of gold, saved many lives throughout his career but was unable to be saved when needed himself. Suhani and Kriti, both nursing students, had planned to stay home and focus on their studies, but life had other plans,” campaign organizer Ankur Chhabra said.
    “In this time of immense grief, we can come together, not just in mourning, but in a tide of compassion that lifts their families above the depths of despair.
    “We can help by raising funds to assist the family in fulfilling their wishes, whether it be transporting the remains back to India or supporting the cremation ceremony in Australia,” Chhabra told a media channel.
    The Indian high commission in Australia on Thursday in a post on X spoke about the “heartbreaking tragedy” in which “four Indians lost their lives”.
    The commission said the consulate general of India in Melbourne was providing support to the family and friends.
    Bass Coast Mayor Clare Le Serve, expressing her condolences to the victims’ families, said the Forrest Caves tragedy and other recent drownings had deeply saddened the Phillip Island community.
    “Whilst we live in a beautiful region surrounded by beaches, this is sadly a tragic reminder of how dangerous the ocean can be,” she said.
    Victoria Police Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Karen Nyholm said the victims entered the water near Forrest Caves — close to Cape Woolamai — on the Bass Strait side of the Phillip Island’s south-eastern peninsula.
    Off-duty lifeguards surfing nearby rushed to their aid after the group got into difficulty, pulling three people from the water unresponsively.
    Life Saving Victoria commander Kane Treloar said lifeguards from Cape Woolamai were called at about 3.40 pm on Wednesday and a rescue boat retrieved the fourth person—all required CPR.
    Three of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene while one of the 20-year-old women was resuscitated and flown to The Alfred. She died in hospital, police said on Thursday morning.
    “We all worked tirelessly to help those people,” Ambulance Victoria manager Paul James said. “It’s tragic…only a week ago we had three other separate drownings here in Gippsland.”
    Treloar said Wednesday’s tragedy was the worst drowning incident in Victoria in almost two decades.
    “It’s not since 2005, [when] a tragedy occurred at Stingray Bay, that we’ve seen these sorts of numbers,” he said, referencing a drowning at Warrnambool’s Middle Island that killed five people from one family.
    Treloar urged those on Phillip Island to swim at three patrolled beaches, including Cowes Beach on the protected Western Port side of the island.
    “The exposed beaches along Bass Strait…are a dangerous, but really beautiful stretch of coastline that a lot of people want to come and enjoy this summer,” he said.
    A spokesperson for Phillip Island Nature Parks, which manages the Forrest Caves area, said the authority would review warning signs at the beach, which already had a no-swimming symbol and met Australian standards.
    Police are still trying to piece together what led to Wednesday’s tragedy but are not treating the deaths as suspicious. Emergency services warned against swimming at the relatively remote Forrest Caves beach.
    Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

  • Indian American ex-Pfizer employee convicted of insider trading on Covid-19 medicine clinical trials

    Indian American ex-Pfizer employee convicted of insider trading on Covid-19 medicine clinical trials

    NEW YORK (TIP): A 44-year-old Indian American former Pfizer employee has been convicted for insider trading by a federal court in New York for his scheme to reap illicit profits by trading on information about the results of a Covid-19 medicine’s clinical trials by the pharmaceutical giant.
    Following a two-week trial, Amit Dagar of Hillsborough in New Jersey was convicted of one count of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud last week, the Department of Justice said in a statement.
    According to court documents, in November 2021, Dagar participated in an insider trading scheme to reap illicit profits from options trading based on inside information about the results of clinical trials of Paxlovid, a medicine used to treat Covid-19. At that time, he was an employee of Pfizer and assisted in managing the data analysis in specific clinical drug trials.
    On November 4, 2021, Dagar learned that a Pfizer trial of Paxlovid- a medicine designed to treat mild to severe COVID-19 infection- had produced positive results.
    The results were confidential and were meant to remain so until Pfizer publicized them the next day.
    Later that same day, while the results remained confidential, he purchased short-dated, out-of-the-money Pfizer call options that expired days and weeks later.
    Federal prosecutors said Dagar also tipped a close friend, who purchased similar call options.
    The following day, Pfizer publicly released the results of its Paxlovid study before the market opening, and its stock price increased substantially, opening — and eventually closing — more than 10 per cent higher than the previous day’s closing price.
    In the following weeks, Dagar sold his Pfizer call options for profits of more than USD 270,000, federal prosecutors alleged.
    “As the jury’s swift verdict shows, the proof at trial was overwhelming that Amit Dagar stole information about Paxlovid from his employer, Pfizer, and used that illegal edge to profit in the stock market,” told US Attorney Damian Williams. “Combatting the corruption of our financial markets continues to be a top priority of this Office,” he added. A conviction in securities fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while that in conspiracy to commit securities fraud carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.