If Rafael Nadal was hoping to ease his painful left foot back into action after nearly two months off tour, that’s hardly what happened in his Citi Open debut, which ended after just two matches.
A night after needing three sets and more than three hours to get by, Nadal was eliminated 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 by 50th-ranked Lloyd Harris of South Africa under the lights on Thursday, August 5, at the hard-court tournament.
Harris hit 16 aces and took advantage of Nadal’s admittedly problematic serve.
The match ended when Nadal got broken for the second time, with Harris dropping his racket in disbelief after delivering a lob winner.
“I played this last game really bad,” said Nadal, a 20-time Grand Slam champion who was seeded No. 1 in Washington. “My serve was not working the proper way.”
This was less of a physical tug-of-war between a pair of heavy hitters than Nadal’s victory over 192nd-ranked Jack Sock on Wednesday.
The one bit of good news for Nadal on Thursday was that he said his injured foot felt better.
About 3 1/2 hours before entering the U.S. Open tuneup’s main stadium to face Harris, Nadal had made his way to tiny Court 5 for a training session.
As fans shouted “Vamos, Rafa!” and snapped photos and video with their phones from the stands at an adjacent court, Nadal didn’t do much running, mostly staying in place while hitting groundstrokes and practicing volleys, serves and returns for 45 minutes with Emilio Gomez, a 29-year-old from Ecuador who is ranked 165th and lost in the Citi Open’s first round.
Not at all taxing by Nadal’s usual exacting and exhausting standards.
“The NJSO Youth Orchestras have set an incredible and leading example within the inevitable virtual world that musicians have faced due to the pandemic. Making music together is the very essence of what we do, and thanks to our amazing team of staff, coaches and teaching artists, and their bravery in facing reinvention and adaptation, we continued to serve the students and the community with innovative approaches. This digital album is a testament to that.”– José Luis Domínguez, NJSO Youth Orchestras Artistic Director
The NJSO Youth Orchestras on August 6 will release “Our Voices,” an album of original student compositions composed during the program’s 30th anniversary season. The album marks the culmination of a season-long NJSO Youth Orchestras creative composition project in which nearly 200 students collaborated in small groups to explore their own musical voices and compose new works drawing from all the genres that inspire them.
The album, which will be available to stream for free at jsymphony.org/ourvoices, features 25 compositions by groups of middle- and high-school student groups from all levels of the youth orchestra program. NJSO musician coaches and teaching artists guided each group; NJSO Youth Orchestras Artistic Director José Luis Domínguez, a celebrated composer, orchestrated and arranged the works and digitally recorded each composition using Logic Pro.
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra gave the world premiere of “The Enchanted Forest,” one of the student compositions, at the Orchestra’s virtual Spring into Music Gala concert on May 12. Other works on the album include “Calypso,” a tone poem inspired by Greek mythology; variations on the Korean folk song “Arirang”; works that grew out of improvised jam sessions, and more.
One piece was entirely arranged, orchestrated and recorded by student composer Ben Rosales. One work for jazz band and orchestra features recorded performances by jazz musicians Yoojin Park (violin), James Borowski (bass trombone), Cristian Monreal (bass), Bryan Pezzone (piano) and Dan Graziano (drums).
OUR VOICES
NJSO Youth Orchestras 30th Anniversary Creative Composition Project: The Album
The album is available August 6 at njsymphony.org/ourvoices.
Track #1: “Calypso”
Academy Orchestra Group 2a
Composers: Gabriel Bulacan, Stephen Cheng, Jacqueline Li, Sarah Spitzer, Michelle Wang, Paige Wang, Jacqueline Zhou
Composers: Vihaan Agarwal, Kendra Buffaloe, Andrew Reza, Julien Soto-Raspa, Winston Wang
Coach: Martin Andersen
Track #20: “Irish Reel”
Sarah Spitzer (Academy Orchestra violinist)
Track #21: “#SquadGoals”
String Ensemble Group
Composers: Wiktoria Brauntsch, Jada Clark, Anais-Skye Clarke-Avignant, Chadley Gede, Kelsey Guillen, Kelvin Guillen, Eliza Kapchits, Jakub Khan, Tara Khurana, Alethea Liu, Anna Lungu, Eva Neves-Szczypior, Akoya Rodriguez, Ella-Simone Scantlebury, Elena Sherrard, Sadie Valencia, Jared Vega, Sebastian Vega, Kimberly Vito
Track #22: “Hazy Sunrise over Snow Covered Tulips”
Academy Orchestra Group 1b
Composers: Milind Bangalore, Jomar Hernandez, Katherine Lebedev, Eric Lee, Leah Lu, Evan Nguyen, Timothy Shi, Jenny Wang, Cheryl Yang
Coach: Gregory LaRosa
Track #23: “The King’s Overture”
Academy Orchestra Group 1a
Composers: Joseph Bejjani, Alexander Dobrescu, Gabe Ingliss, Aiden Lu, Katherine Porcello, Mirella Richard, Alexander Saldana, Olive Wang
Coach: José Luis Domínguez
Track #24: “Essence”
Training Ensemble – Ms. Yoojin’s Group
Composers: Malcom Artis, Crystal Burbano, Joel Calado, Madison Cardona, Melanie Cuna, Pamela Garzon, Thandiwe Hintze, Jasmine Hughes, Isabella Lopez, Cortlandt Paisley, Jaziah Pickering, Alex Pola, Ava Trinity, Vania Tueros, Julissa Villanueva
Teaching Artist: Yoojin Park
Guest artists: Yoojin Park (violin), James Borowski (bass trombone), Cristian Monreal (bass), Bryan Pezzone (piano), Dan Graziano (drums)
Track #25: “Mythological Friends & Hazards”
Academy Orchestra Group 5
Composers: Timothy Lien, Giovanni Lombardo, Madisen Stearns, Patrick Sun, Cameron Xu, Kevin Xu
Coaches: Andrew Lamy & Alexander Bickard
Cover art by Jacqueline Zhou
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO)
To learn more about NJSO, visit
Website: njsymphony.org
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NJSymphony
YouTube: @NewJerseySymphony
Email: information@njsymphony.org
COVID SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The safety of patrons, musicians and staff is of the utmost importance to the NJSO. Visit njsymphony.org for constantly updated details focused on attendees’ well-being at the performances.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness)
“If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.”– George Bernard Shaw
August 6
August 6-10, 1787 – The Great Debate occurred during the Constitutional Convention. Outcomes included the establishment of a four-year term of office for the President, granting Congress the right to regulate foreign trade and interstate commerce, and the appointment of a committee to prepare a final draft of the Constitution.
August 6, 1945. The first Atomic Bomb was dropped over the center of Hiroshima at 8:15 a.m., by the American B-29 bomber Enola Gay
August 6, 1945 – The first Atomic Bomb was dropped over the center of Hiroshima at 8:15 a.m., by the American B-29 bomber Enola Gay. The bomb detonated about 1,800 ft. above ground, killing over 105,000 persons and destroying the city. Another estimated 100,000 persons later died as a result of radiation effects.
August 6, 1962 – Jamaica achieved independence after centuries of British and Spanish rule. During 150 years of Spanish rule, African slaves were first brought to the island. The British invaded in 1655 and the slave trade greatly expanded during the 1700s. Following the abolition of slavery in the 1830s, Jamaica remained a British colony.
August 6, 1965. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
August 6, 1965 – The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Act suspended literacy, knowledge and character tests designed to keep African Americans from voting in the South. It also authorized the appointment of Federal voting examiners and barred discriminatory poll taxes. The Act was renewed by Congress in 1975, 1984 and 1991.
August 6, 1809.British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) was born
Birthday – British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) was born in Somersby, Lincolnshire, England. He was appointed Poet Laureate in succession to William Wordsworth. Memorable poems by Tennyson include Ode on the Death of the Duke of Wellington and The Charge of the Light Brigade.
August 6, 1881.Penicillin discoverer Alexander Fleming (1881-1955) was born
Birthday – Penicillin discoverer Alexander Fleming (1881-1955) was born in Lochfield, Scotland. By accident, he found that mold from soil killed deadly bacteria without injuring human tissue. He received the Nobel Prize in 1954.
August 7
August 7, 1964 – Following an attack on two U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin off North Vietnam, the U.S. Congress approved the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting President Lyndon B. Johnson authority “to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression.”
August 7, 1990 – Just five days after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, President George Bush ordered Desert Shield, a massive military buildup to prevent further Iraqi advances.
Birthday – International spy Mata Hari (1876-1917) was born (as Margaret Gertrude Zelle) in Leewarden, Netherlands. Arrested by the French in 1917 as a German spy, she was tried, convicted and sentenced to death. At her execution, she refused a blindfold and instead threw a kiss to the French firing squad.
August 7, 1904. African American statesman and Nobel Prize recipient Ralph J. Bunche (1904-1971) was born
Birthday – African American statesman and Nobel Prize recipient Ralph J. Bunche (1904-1971) was born in Detroit, Michigan. In 1949, as a mediator for the United Nations, he helped bring an end to hostilities in the war between Israel and the Arab League.
August 8
August 8, 1945 – Soviet Russia declared war on Japan and sent troops into Japanese-held Manchuria.
Birthday – African American explorer Matthew Henson (1866-1955) was born in Charles County, Maryland. He accompanied Robert E. Peary on several Arctic expeditions and reached the North Pole on April 6, 1909.
August 9
August 9, 1945 – The second Atomic bombing of Japan occurred as an American B-29 bomber headed for the city of Kokura, but because of poor visibility then chose a secondary target, Nagasaki. About noon, the bomb detonated killing an estimated 70,000 persons and destroying about half the city.
August 9, 1974 – Effective at noon, Richard M. Nixon resigned the presidency as a result of the Watergate scandal. Nixon had appeared on television the night before and announced his decision to the American people. Facing possible impeachment by Congress, he became the only U.S. President ever to resign.
August 10
August 10, 1874.Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) the 31st U.S. President was born
Birthday – Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) the 31st U.S. President was born in West Branch, Iowa. He was the first President born west of the Mississippi.
August 11
August 11, 1841 – Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave, spoke before an audience in the North for the first time. During an anti-slavery convention on Nantucket Island, he gave a powerful, emotional account of his life as a slave. He was immediately asked to become a full-time lecturer for the Massachusetts Antislavery Society.
August 11-16, 1965 – Six days of riots began in the Watts area of Los Angeles, triggered by an incident between a white member of the California Highway Patrol and an African American motorist. Thirty-four deaths were reported and more than 3,000 people were arrested. Damage to property was listed at $40 million.
Birthday – Roots author Alex Haley (1921-1992) was born in Ithaca, New York. His Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, published in 1976, explored seven generations of his family from its origins in Africa through slavery in America and eventual hard-fought freedom. Roots was translated into 37 languages and also became an eight-part TV miniseries in 1977 which attracted a record American audience and raised awareness concerning the legacy of slavery.
August 12
August 12, 1676 – King Philip’s War ended with the assassination of Metacom, leader of the Pokanokets, a tribe within the Wampanoag Indian Federation. Nicknamed ‘King Philip’ by colonists, he led a Native American uprising against white settlers which resulted in a war that raged for nearly two years, now known as King Philip’s War.
August 12, 1881. Film pioneer Cecil B. DeMille (1881-1959) was born
Birthday – Film pioneer Cecil B. DeMille (1881-1959) was born in Ashfield, Massachusetts. He produced over 70 major films including Cleopatra, The Ten Commandments, and The Greatest Show on Earth.
A 1,200 km long mountain range with endemic flora and fauna interspersed with green plantations and splendid hill stations- the Western Ghats of India hide many gems of destinations.
Recognized as one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity and as a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, the place attracts various kinds of travelers every year and offers them an experience like no other.
To slowly familiarize yourself with these mountain ranges, here is a list of some destinations you can visit to explore the best of the Western Ghats.
Madikeri, Coorg (Karnataka)
If you’re someone who dreams of reconnecting with nature and in turn yourself during the upcoming getaway, then Coorg is just the right destination for you. Lush green landscapes.
Aromatic tea and coffee plantations. Magnificent waterfalls. Mouth-watering cuisine. Misty hills. Exotic flora and fauna. Be it the food lover in you or the curious geographer, the wandering traveller or the nature enthusiast- Coorg is a gem that attracts thousands every year, leaving them with no other option other than to pay a visit to the place.
Alternatively known as the ‘Scotland of India’, Madikeri is a picturesque hill-town in Southern India. Framed by the Western Ghats range, it is an extremely beautiful plantation town with rich culture and warm locals. With its haven of dense forests, misty peaks, magnificent waterfalls and soothing streams- it offers a heavenly retreat from a cluttered life.
You can spend the day walking around Chikli Hole or stay at cozy homestays and meet great hosts. You can try the amazing cuisine or go waterfall-hopping, spending a day mesmerized by all the beauties. A trip to Coorg is the relaxing long drive that will put you in a good mood.
Mahabaleshwar (Maharasthra)
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in India’s forested Western Ghats range, south of Mumbai. The beautiful hill-station has something to offer to everyone.
For the adventurous spirits, you have the option of going jungle trekking in unique hamlets like Tapola. To calm your spirit and encounter a soothing ambiance, you can ride a shikhara in the Venna Lake, as you watch the sun paint a million hues on the blue canvas. If you are a history buff or want to take a trip down the nostalgia lane, you can always visit popular heritage sites like Pratapgad Fort and the Mahabaleshwar Temple. To get some picture-perfect frames for your Instagram posts, elevated viewing points, such as Arthur’s Seat or nature’s beauties like Lingmala Waterfall provide the perfect muse.
The famous strawberries of Mahabaleshwar, the centuries-old forts, the soothing rivers, and culturally rich temples- be it a nature-lover, a budding photographer; an artist searching for inspiration or a frequent trekker, Mahabaleshwar, its scenic beauty and its mountains offer a home to everyone. Once you get a taste of this place, you would not want to come back.
Mollem (Goa)
Goa is the go-to destination for most people when you want to enjoy all the benefits of the modern world and have the time of your life. Very few people associate Goa with a place that can help one seek spirituality, oneness, and proximity to nature.
However, Mollem is a small village in Goa that serves the purpose of breaking all these predetermined notions. Situated in South India on National Highway 4 near the border with Karnataka in the foothills of the Sahyadri Mountain range at the beginning of Anmod Ghat- Mollem is a place that introduces you to stunning waterfalls and rich, wild forests.
It is the primary entry point for Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. If you plan to visit Goa anytime soon, you cannot miss out on the opportunity to visit this place. The sanctuary spread over an area of 240 sq. km, it is home to an impressive diversity of flora and fauna and ancient temples. It takes you to the breath-taking Dudhsagar Falls. A drive through this forest will certainly rejuvenate your senses and make you look forward to the next day, even more.
Kalpetta,Wayanad (Kerala)
Kalpetta is the main town in Wayanad and one that attracts travelers every year but hasn’t been affected by excessive commercialization yet. It is all about its beautiful countryside, magnificent waterfalls, green landscapes, tea-gardens, and rich flora and fauna. Wayanad literally means ‘Land of Paddy Fields’ and brings out the true beauty of Kerala. It is the ideal place to be in for a serene drive amidst beauty of a kind.
Coonoor (Tamil Nadu)
Coonoor is one of those unexplored gems that will leave you spellbound. Completely surrounded by Nilgiri Hills, the region is mainly known for its tea plantations and mystical beauty. To get a taste of Coonoor, drive through the beautiful roads hugging the hills with a mesmerizing view of tea plantations around you. Drive to Kotagiri or Ooty or head up into the hills and take the toy train or the century-old mountain railway up the hills.
Hartalika Teej is a popular fast observed by Hindu women during the monsoon season. On this day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped for marital harmony. This year, the festival will be observed on August 11 (Wednesday).
While there are three important Teej festivals in India – Hartalika Teej, Hariyali Teej and Kajri Teej, Hartalika is celebrated with much fervour. On this day, women dress up, decorate their hands with henna and also observe a fast.
The word is made up of ‘Harat’ and ‘Aalika’ which means “abduction of a woman friend”. According to a legend, Parvati’s friend once took her into a thick forest forcefully so she could marry Lord Vishnu. However, that was not to be so.
According to Drik Panchang, on this day, devotees make statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with sand and worship them. The world ‘hartalika‘ is made up of two words ‘harat‘ and ‘aalika‘ which mean ‘abduction’ and ‘female friend’, respectively. According to Hindu mythology, a friend of Goddess Parvati had taken her to a forest so she could hide from her father who wanted her to marry Lord Vishnu, much against her wish.
If you are planning to sit down for puja, keep in mind that the morning time is ideal. Mostly, people start praying after taking an early bath, and getting dressed in fine clothes. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm by married women in the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. Besides Hartalika Teej, the two teej festivals which are celebrated in the Sawan and Bhadrapada months are: Hariyali Teej and Kajari Teej.
According to the legend associated with Hariyali Teej, Lord Shiva reminds Goddess Parvati about the number of times she took rebirths to win his heart. Mata Parvati had forgotten all that happened in the 107 previous births. Therefore Lord Shiva narrated the stories of her struggles, determination and perseverance to her. Mata Parvati took her 108th birth at the house of the King of Himalayas.
During this birth, Mata Parvati performed intense penance to win Lord Shiva’s heart. She survived on dry leaves after giving up food and water. She braved harsh weather, hail and storm and continued with her penance. After seeing her undergo so much pain, her father was distraught.
A few days later, Devarshi Narada Muni visited her father’s palace as Lord Vishnu’s representative with a marriage proposal. After learning that Lord Vishnu has expressed his desire to marry his daughter, the father beamed with joy, but this news left Parvati devastated. Therefore, she sought one of her friend’s help and hid in a thick forest. The king of Himalayas sent his soldiers to nook and corner, but all their efforts went in vain. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva appeared before Parvati and granted her the boon of having him as her husband. He also asked her to inform her father about her decision not to marry Lord Vishnu. Eventually, after learning about his daughter’s desire, the father invited Lord Shiva and got Parvati married to him.
Therefore, on the day of Hariyali Teej (Tritiya Tithi, Shukla Paksha Shravan), women worship Lord Shiva and Parvati and seek their blessings for a blissful married life. It is also a special occasion for unmarried girls, who wish to marry the man of their choice.
Hariyali Teej dos
– Apply mehendi on your palms one day before the puja
– Next day, wake up early and take a bath
– Maintain celibacy
– Be prepared for the vrat. In case you have any existing medical condition, avoid keeping a vrat. You must keep yourself hydrated and well-nourished to prevent health issues.
– Dress up in your best fineries.
– Perform the puja and pray to Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati for yourself, your husband and everyone else whom you love.
– Enjoy yourself thoroughly as it is a day meant for making the most of the festivities.
– Listen to the Hariyali Teej Vrat Katha to learn essential life lessons.
Hariyali Teej don’ts
– Do not exert yourself if you are not in a position to keep a vrat. It is okay not to observe fast. Take part in the festivities and pray to the Gods wholeheartedly.
– It is a day to enjoy; therefore, do not take the stress. Make the most of the festivities and celebrate it with family.
– Do not let the akhand jyot (oil or ghee lamp) lit before the deity extinguish. Make sure it has sufficient fuel to remain ignited throughout the day.
Significance
The Tritiya Tithi (third day) in the month of Shravan, Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva had blessed Mata Parvati with the boon of choosing him as her husband. And since Mata Parvati’s Tapasya bore fruits on this day, it is considered to be the day of her reunion with Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati is also known as Shiva’s Shakti, meaning strength.
Shiva and Shakti are inseparable, and therefore, unmarried girls wish for a husband of their choice, and married women pray for the well-being and long life of their husband. Thus by worshipping for their husband, women wish to remain Atal Suhagan (blissfully married forever).
And since Teej festivities are about celebrating the institution of marriage, women get dressed in their best fineries, primarily green in colour. Applying of Mehendi on the palms, wearing green-coloured bangles, swinging on Jhoolas hung from a tree or an open courtyard, singing and dancing all are an integral part of the celebrations. The colour green represents everlasting prosperity and auspiciousness, and hence the importance.
Parents of the married women send a gift pack for her and her in-laws. This gift is called Sindhara, and it contains new clothes, accessories, Ghewar (a type of sweet), mehendi etc. Therefore, Hariyali Teej is also known as Sindhara Teej or Shravan Teej since it falls in the month of Shravan. Women who hail from the states of Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana.
New Delhi (TIP): Indian billionaire Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s plan to launch an ultra-low-cost airline could give planemaker Boeing a chance to regain lost ground in India after the fall of one of its biggest customers, Jet Airways, two years ago, industry executives say.
Jhunjhunwala, known as “India’s Warren Buffett” for his successful stock investments, plans to team up with the former CEOs of IndiGo, the country’s biggest carrier, and Jet Airways to tap into demand for domestic air travel.
While Jhunjhunwala’s proposed Akasa Air comes at a time when India’s aviation industry is reeling from the impact of the COVID pandemic, which has seen airlines losing billions of dollars, the sector’s long-term prospect makes it a hot market for planemakers Boeing and Airbus.
“There will be a big fight between Airbus and Boeing,” said Nitin Sarin, managing partner at law firm Sarin & Co, which advises lessors and airlines.
“For Boeing, this is a great opportunity to step in and up their game, considering they don’t have any other major operator for their 737 aircraft in India apart from SpiceJet,” Sarin said, referring to Boeing’s narrow-body aircraft.
One industry source said the new venture was already moving towards what could be one of the biggest deals of the year outside the United States to acquire purchased or leased 737s.
Boeing did not comment on Akasa’s plans but said it always seeks opportunities and talks to current and potential customers about how it can best support their fleet and operational needs.
Fare wars and high costs
Jhunjhunwala, who is considering investing $35m and would own 40 percent of the carrier, expects to get a no-objection certificate from India’s aviation ministry in the next 15 days, he said in a Bloomberg Television interview Wednesday. The ultra-low-cost airline’s team, which includes a former senior executive of Delta Air Lines Inc, is looking at building a fleet of 70 180-passenger planes within four years, he said.
Jhunjhunwala, whose fortune is valued at $4.6bn by Forbes, did not respond to an interview request.
Indian skies are dominated by low-cost carriers (LCCs) including IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoFirst and AirAsia India, the majority of them operating a fleet of Airbus narrow-body planes.
Boeing dominates India’s wide-body market of 51 planes but fare wars and high costs have led to casualties among full-service carriers, including Kingfisher Airlines in 2012 and Jet Airways in 2019, making LCCs and Airbus even more dominant.
Boeing’s share of India’s 570 narrow-body planes fell to 18 percent after Jet’s demise from 35 percent in 2018, data from consultancy CAPA India shows. Jet was recently rescued from bankruptcy and is expected to fly again.
ABL – Indira Projects JV – A Joint venture between Ashoka Buildcon and Chennai based Indira Projects & Developments signed a $48 Million (Rs 350 crore) infrastructure contract with Maldives Police Service for the design and construction of Police stations, barracks and detention center facilities.
The Indian EXIM Bank is funding 85% of the total construction cost through Buyers credit facility. The Indian government is having cordial relationship with the Maldives government and the construction of the police facilities in Maldives will be a milestone project of both Governments relationship.
Bhupesh Nagarajan, Chairman of Indira Projects is a graduate Civil Engineer having experience in the construction industry in India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Indira Projects recently incorporated in Maldives. Indira Projects is a Patron Member of Builders Association of India and Indian Green building Association. Indira Projects is an associate member of Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) and also it is a corporate member of TCC and Tamil Chamber of Commerce.
Indira Projects is a corporate member of CII [Confederation of Indian Industry]. Bhupesh Nagarajan is the convener of FICCI TN Council (Infrastructure). This agreement was signed by Commissioner of Police of Maldives Police Mohammed Hammed and ABL Indira projects JV’s Chairman Bhupesh Nagarajan in the presence of Indian High Commissioner to Maldives Sanjay Sudhir and other dignitaries from Maldives Government.
Bhupesh Nagarajan said the Government of Maldives, aims to improve the Maldives Police infrastructures including Island Police stations, Island Police post, Atoll police stations, Male and Hulhumale Police stations, Police staff Barracks, Facility Extension and One detention center in Dhonidhoo island in total 61 Facilities in different 61 Islands of Maldives.
The improvement of Maldives police facilities will support the law enforcement system more effectively and improve the overall law and order situation of Maldives. The implementation of this project will support Maldives government’s vision to make the Maldives a beautiful, bright, and safer Country for Maldivians and tourists from all over the world. This Project is awarded to ABL Indira Projects JV – Joint venture between Indira Project & Developments
Private Limited, India and Ashoka Buildcon limited, India.
The value of the project is USD 48.1 Million dollars in which 85% is funded by EXIM Bank India as loan facility for 12 years. It’s a design and built project. The contractor will design the project according to Maldives regulations and International regulations including Mandela regulation for detention centre. The project is spread out in 61 different islands from north to south of Maldives covering entire region of the country.
Maldives government aims that this project will lead to the establishment of police stations across Maldives, and facilitates the delivery of modern and democratic services required by the people in a decentralized system. It will also allow for the establishment of infrastructure that will meet international standards for detention and meet basic requirements for police facilities.
More than 500 laborers and 100 engineers required for the project will be taken from Tamil Nadu and preference will be given to those who had lost their jobs and returned from the Gulf nations. Three Indian companies participated in the tender. The company plans to take infrastructure development projects in Africa and Mauritius and plan to go global. Talks are underway. Total area to be constructed is 750,000 square feet in all across Maldives
The raw materials required for construction will be sourced from Tamil Nadu providing indirect employment. The company has consultancy office in Singapore and Maldives and planning to scale up the operations. Plans are afoot to hire special airplanes to take workers to Maldives. Maldives will issue work visas to Indian workers and engineers who have taken two doses of vaccination and there is no quarantine.
The ground breaking will be held in October jointly by the President of Maldives and top Indian leader to be decided soon in the presence of India’s High Commissioner to Maldives who is extending his full support for the project. It will be completed in less than three years. The approved Maldives salary structure will be followed in the payment of salaries to workers and engineers. The Company is now building a beach resort in Marakkanam with 150 rooms. The agreement was signed by Bhupesh Nagarajan and Mohammed Hameed, Commissioner of Police, Maldives Police Service.
India’s financial-crime agency has asked Walmart’s Flipkart and its founders to explain why they shouldn’t face a penalty of $1.35 billion for alleged violation of foreign investment laws, three sources and an agency official told Reuters. The Enforcement Directorate agency has been investigating e-commerce giants Flipkart and Amazon.com Inc for years for allegedly bypassing foreign investment laws that strictly regulate multi-brand retail and restrict such companies to operating a marketplace for sellers. The ED official, who declined to be named, said the case concerned an investigation into allegations that Flipkart attracted foreign investment and a related party, WS Retail, then sold goods to consumers on its shopping website, which was prohibited under law. A so-called “show cause notice” was issued in early July by the agency’s office in the southern city of Chennai to Flipkart, its founders Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal as well as current investor Tiger Global, to explain why they should not face a fine of 100 billion rupees ($1.35 billion) for the lapses, said the agency.
Facebook-owned WhatsApp is developing a way for its users to transfer their chat histories from iOS to Android, the media reported. According to 9To5Google, Google’s ‘Data Transfer Tool’, the standard tool for copying files from one Android to another or from iOS to Android, is preparing to offer a way to copy your WhatsApp chats from your iPhone. The report said that one of the bigger shortcomings of WhatsApp is that users can only access their messages on one smartphone at a time. Even with the recently launched multi-device beta, which allows the WhatsApp web and desktop apps to work while your phone is offline, the one-smartphone limitation is still in place. This, unfortunately, means there’s no easy way to move your chats from one device to another if they’re not both Android or both iOS, the report said. Android has a built-in device-to-device transfer app called “Data Restore Tool,” which is used by the Android setup wizard to copy photos, apps and files from one phone to another, including from iOS. With its recent launch to the Play Store, the Data Restore Tool received an update to version 1.0.382048734, which includes preparation for copying your WhatsApp chats and history from an iPhone to an Android phone.
Google will no longer allow sign-in on Android devices that run Android 2.3.7 or lower starting September 27. If you sign into your device after September 27, you may get username or password errors when you try to use Google products and services like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps. “If your device has the ability to update to a newer Android version (3.0+), we advise you to do so in order to maintain access to Google apps and services on that device,” the company said in an update. “As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our users safe, Google will no longer allow sign-in on Android devices that run Android 2.3.7 or lower starting September 27, 2021,” the company added.
Android 2.3.7 was released nearly 10 years ago. When support ends for sign-in with a Google Account on Android 2.3.7 and below, the users will receive a username or password error if they try to sign into their devices or to add an email or calendar account. “You will be able to sign into your account with a newer Android version (3.0 or newer). If your device has the ability to update to a newer Android version (3.0+), we advise you to do so,” Google advised.
The trailer of Camilla Cabello-starrer Cinderella is out, and it promises to bring a fresh perspective to the age-old fairy tale. Camilla’s Cinderella does sing, go to a grand ball and hopes to become the charming prince’s bride. But she also aspires to run her own business, Dresses by Ella. While the trailer promises magical stuff, thankfully, it doesn’t answer the pertinent question of career vs love, or whether Cinderella is able to manage both in the end. For that, the audience will have to wait for the film’s release. This is Camilla Cabello’s first full-length feature role. A reigning singing sensation, it remains to be seen if Camilla will also be able to charm cinegoers too. Apart from Camilla Cabello, the movie also stars Billy Porter as the genderless fairy godparent, Idina Menzel as the wicked stepmother, Pierce Brosnan as the king, Minnie Driver as the queen, Missy Elliott as the town crier, John Mulaney, James Corden and Romesh Ranganathan as the three mice-turned-footmen.
Kelly Preston was the “ultimate professional” on the set of her last-ever film, according to director Jules Williamson.
The actress, who died at the age of 57 following a battle with breast cancer in July 2020, plays Cassie, one of a group of 50-something friends who go interrailing, in new comedy-drama Off the Rails.
At the film’s recent London premiere, Williamson paid tribute to the late Mischief star.
“The thing that is the greatest sadness is we haven’t got Kelly with us which was incredibly bittersweet,” she stated to HeyUGuys. “We didn’t know she was ill when she was with us. You would never in a million years thought that. She was so alive and vivacious and passionate about the story. Obviously, that spoke volumes to her because of her own situation and she has her own daughter.”
Kelly was diagnosed in 2018, but chose not to reveal that news during the film’s production in early 2019.
She maintained contact with the cast of Off the Rails after filming, and was excited about its impending release.
“We were like a little gang, on and off set, after shooting,” Williamson recalled. “We do adore each other, and I know the actresses miss her terribly. You can see their friendship on the screen. It shines out, and Kelly shines out.
The HBO film titled, `The Days of Abandonment`, featuring Oscar-winning star Natalie Portman, is dead. As per Variety, on Monday, the network announced that Portman has stepped down from the film, and production will not be moving forward. “Due to unforeseen personal reasons, Natalie Portman has stepped down from HBO Films` `Days of Abandonment` prior to the start of filming. Unfortunately, the production will not move forward,” HBO said in a statement. “We are very sorry we won`t be able to bring this beautiful story to the screen with our talented writer/director and cast. We send our sincere thanks to our cast, producers, and crew for all their passion and hard work,” the studio added in the statement.
Portman was first attached to star in the upcoming project, an adaptation of the Elena Ferrante novel of the same name, in April. The story follows Tess (Portman), who has abandoned her own dreams for stable home life. When she is in turn abandoned by her husband, her world is thrown off its axis. Portman was also set to executive produce along with Sophie Mas under the pair`s MountainA production banner.
Maggie Betts was set to write, direct and executive produce the adaptation. Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler of Maven Screen Media were also on board as executive producers, along with Len Amato of Crash and Salvage, Ferrante, Domenico Procacci of Fandango and Maria Zuckerman. `The Days of Abandonment` was going to be produced in association with Medusa.
The internet has found a new doppelganger of actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and she is Aashita Singh. We are sure you will do a double take after seeing Aashita’s pictures and videos owing to her sheer resemblance with Aishwarya.
Soon after social media users spotted Aashita’s profile, she went viral and achieved the status of an internet sensation within no time. On Instagram, Aashita often posts short clips of herself in traditional attire, lip-syncing to Bollywood songs and dialogues, much to the delight of her fans and followers. Aashita Singh has over 26,000 followers on Instagram. In a short clip that Aashita posted on Tuesday, she was spotted lip-syncing to the song Sisila Yeh Chaahat Ka from the 2002 film Devdas, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit. Aashita managed to imitate Aishwarya’s expressions from the hit track and we think she did a great job.
Actress Lara Dutta is playing the pivotal role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Her physical transformation has been hailed by her fans, who spotted her in the trailer which was launched a day back.
“It is a great responsibility when you portray someone who’s an iconic figure like Mrs Gandhi. It was very important to get her body language right,” Lara Dutta said at the ‘BellBottom’ trailer launch, reports IANS.
Bellbottom is set in 1984, the year that saw Operation Bluestar as well as Mrs Gandhi’s assassination.
“The film is about a hijack that took place during Mrs Gandhi’s tenure,” IANS quoted the actress said, describing the outline of the plot. Bellbottom stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role. It is slated for a big-screen release on August 19 and will regale audiences in a 2D and 3D format.
New Delhi (TIP): Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, August 3, gave a call to Opposition leaders to “unite the majority voice of the people of India” that is represented by their parties.
Accompanied by his party colleagues and Opposition leaders, Gandhi rode a bicycle to Parliament to protest against the rise in the prices of fuel and cooking gas.
Just before the cycle protest, he hosted a breakfast meet for leaders of 15 Opposition parties at the Constitution Club, close to Parliament.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi rides a bicycle in a symbolic protest over rising fuel price after a breakfast meeting with the Opposition leaders on August 3, 2021.
“We [the Opposition parties] represent 60% of the people, the majority of the people. When the government shuts us up, they are not humiliating us as members of Parliament but the majority voice of the people of India. The single most important thing in my view is: let’s unite this voice,” he told all the Opposition MPs.
“The more this voice unites, the more powerful it will become, more difficult it will become for the BJP and RSS to suppress this voice,” he asserted. The principles for the foundation of such unity should be worked out now, he added.
Congress spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Abhishek Singhvi called the meet “historic” and claimed that it was “a trailer for 2024 [Lok Sabha polls]”. He said, “This shows you the new resolve, new direction, new momentum and a new determination and grit…. We will proceed unitedly without fear and deterrence. Be it Pegasus, the terrible price rise, the farmers’ issue or any number of governance issues”.
He, however, played down a question on who would be the face of the “united Opposition” by terming it “irrelevant” at this point in time. DMK’s Kanimozhi, NCP’s Supriya Sule and Praful Patel, Trinamool Congress’s Saugato Roy, Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra, Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut and Priyanka Chaturvedi, Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav and Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Manoj Jha were among those present.The BSP was a notable absentee. The Congress is clearly sending a subtle message that it continues to occupy the pole position when it comes to taking on the Narendra Modi government. Gandhi said on Twitter, “Neither our faces are important nor our names. What is essential is that we are the people’s representatives. Behind every face lie crores of faces who are troubled by price rise and inflation. Are these the ‘acche din’ [good days]”.
In its third week now, Parliament has failed to function properly, as the Opposition has been insisting on discussing the Pegasus issue and the three farm laws before every other issue. Gandhi’s is one among the select few Indian numbers that were identified as a possible suspect for hacking by an international consortium of investigative journalists.
Senior ministers in the governments of Assam and Mizoram held a detailed discussion on the boundary dispute between the two states and issued a joint statement saying the issues related to it would be resolved amicably.
As deputed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, two senior ministers of the state government — Atul Bora and Ashok Singhal — today travelled to Aizawl and held discussion with Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana on the issue.
Earlier, the Assam Government issued an order revoking and withdrawing a travel advisory for the state residents, asking them to think before visiting Mizoram, officials said.
“The Governments of Assam and Mizoram agree to take forward the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and the CMs of the two states to remove tension prevailing around the interstate borders and to find lasting solutions to the disputes through discussion,” the statement read.
Bengaluru (TIP): The Karnataka High Court has issued notices to former chief minister B S Yediyurappa and others including his son B Y Vijayendra, who is BJP state unit vice president, to appear before it on August 17 in a case alleging corruption in a housing project.
The notices were issued on a petition by activist T J Abraham seeking quashing of an order of additional city civil and sessions judge, who had dismissed his petition for want of sanction from a competent authority to try Yediyurappa, the then chief minister and former minister S T Somashekar. Challenging the dismissal, Abraham had moved the High Court, which served notice to Yediyurappa and others.
“You are hereby directed to appear before this court in person or by a pleader duly instructed on August 17 at 10.30 am to show cause against the petition failing wherein the said petition will be heard and determined ex-parte,” the court notice issued said.
As many as 44,646 fresh cases of the coronavirus (Covid-19) disease were registered in India in the last 24 hours pushing the cumulative tally to 3,18,56,757 on August 6. This is the third straight day when the country saw more than 40,000 new cases being registered, while there has been a rise in over 2,000 cases from Thursday’s (August 5) figures when 42,982 were recorded.
According to the latest update from the Union ministry of health and family welfare, India’s active Covid-19 figures now stand at 4,14,159 constituting 1.29 per cent of the total infections. The daily positivity rate now stands at 2.72 per cent. This has remained below three per cent since the last 11 days.
So far, India has seen 4,26,754 deaths from the viral disease, including 464 loss of lives recorded in the last 24 hours. The fatality rate has now touched 1. per cent. Also, 41,096 patients recovered from the virus during the same period, taking the total tally of discharges to 31,015,844, the updated bulletin read. With this recovery rate is now at 97.37 per cent.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said 47,65,33,650 samples have been tested for the virus since the pandemic hit the country. Of these, 16,40,287 tests were conducted on Thursday.
Meanwhile, 57,97,808 vaccine doses were administered against the virus during the day. This pushed the total count of jabs to 49,53,27,595 as part of the nationwide vaccination drive launched earlier this year.
New Delhi (TIP): The cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has gone past 49 crore, the Union health ministry said on Thursday, August 5.
More than 50.29 lakh (50,29,573) vaccine doses were administered on Thursday, according to a provisional report compiled at 7 pm.
The ministry said 27,26,494 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years received the first dose, while 4,81,823 were administered the second dose of the vaccine on Thursday.
Cumulatively, 16,92,68,754 people in the 18-44 age group have received the first dose and 1,07,72,537 have been administered the second dose of the vaccine since the start of the third phase of the nationwide inoculation drive, the ministry said.
Five states—Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh—have administered more than one crore vaccine doses each to beneficiaries in the 18-44 age group.
Also, the first dose of the vaccine has been administered to more than 10 lakh beneficiaries in the said age group each in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
On the 202nd day of the vaccination drive (August 5), a total of 50,29,573 vaccine doses were given — 37,13,231 beneficiaries received the first dose and 13,16,342 received the second dose—according to the provisional report.
The final report for the day would be compiled by late night.
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level, the ministry said.
Kerala now reports the highest deaths per million per week in the country. Between July 25 and 31, Kerala reported 24 deaths per million per week, while Maharashtra came second with 12 deaths per million per week, followed by Odisha’s 9 deaths per million per week. India’s average is about 2 deaths per million per week.
“Kerala’s case fatality ratio (CFR) on May 15 was 0.3% and it increased to 0.49% by July 31. But Kerala continues to have one of the lowest CFRs in the country,” said public health expert Dr Padmanabha Shenoy, who has been analysing Covid patterns across India on a weekly basis.
Kerala’s seven-day average daily growth rate in cases is 0.61% while India’s is 0.13%. The state’s R-naught (reproduction rate) is 1.28, with its daily active cases and deaths now highest in the country.
National Son’s and Daughter’s Day on August 11th brings parents and their children together for quality time. On this day, be with the joys of your life.
Let your children know that you are glad they are part of your life. While listening to the events of their day, share family stories. Find out about their hopes and dreams. Learn what inspires them. Teach them something new, or maybe there’s something they can teach you. Enjoy every day you have with them and spend as much quality time as you can.
Time with our children can be fleeting. Not only do they grow quickly, but their interests and needs change, too. Whether we realize it or not, sons and daughters look up to us. They emulate our behavior – the good and the bad. As much as times change, children don’t. We craved our parent’s approval and acceptance. Our children do, too.
Every child is different. Their personalities uniquely fitted to them. While one child devours books, another may deconstruct every electronic device in the house. The chatterbox keeps us awake on long road trips and the night owl keeps us alert to everything under the stars. No two are the same. That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. Celebrate them and the parts they play in your family.
History
The origins of this day go back 1930s Missouri, according to National Today. A man in the town of St. Joseph “ took up a young boy’s cause” when the boy complained that his mom and dad had a day, so why shouldn’t he have one too. The man spread the idea, and gradually it became popular over the years, until the 70s.
By 1945, the day reached its peak at 22 states with organizations participating in the event, says the National Day Calendar. In the following years, organizations like the Lions Club and women’s auxiliaries would host Sons and Daughters Day within their local governments.
I haven’t heard of Son and Daughter day, until recently – it’s not even on my calendar. It’s eerie that the days of appreciation for figures of authority are popular, but not the day youth is appreciated.
In 1972 Florida Congressman Claude pepper has allegedly put in a request for the U.S. Congress to officially recognize National Son and Daughter day, according to National Today. Claude Pepper had in mind to recognize George Paul, a hero of Pepper’s from an old Texas rodeo, by attaching Paul’s name to the holiday if it became official.
Son and Daughter day was also referenced in the Nanaimo Daily News, a Canadian Publication, in 1988 – according to National Today.
“Whatever the origins are, August 11 is a day for spending some quality time with your children. Do something that you all enjoy doing as a family and treasure those moments together,” their website read.
Parents should let their children know that they are glad they are a part of their life, says the National Day Calendar. Parents should share family stories, find out about their children’s hopes and dreams and learn what inspires them. Parent;s could also teach their children something new, “or maybe there’s something they can teach you,” Enjoy as much quality time with them as you can.
It’s unclear whether or not the day is official, so it’s in the same boat as Opposite day.
Tell your parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents that today is Son and Daughter day, and to mark their calendars for August 11 of each year.
TRADITIONS
National Son and Daughter Day is, of course, for spending time with your sons and daughters. It’s tradition to do something as a family that you all enjoy doing. It could be going out for dinner, going to the movies, or going for a hike, it all depends on what your family likes to do.
Whatever activity you choose, it’s a chance to cherish the time with your family and collect a few more memories. Family comes first, especially on National Son and Daughter Day.
ACTIVITIES
Take the day off
Depending on your particular workload, you might feel like you work more than you get to spend time with your family. To celebrate National Son and Daughter Day, try using up some of that paid time off or even take a sick day so you can do something fun with the kids. This is a day for quality time.
Make a special treat
It doesn’t have to be a sugary snack or a messy project, either. You know what your children love to eat and chances are there’s even a favorite food that you can make together at home. Some fun and relatively healthy make-at-home snacks include tacos, peanut butter crackers or veggies and ranch dip. You could even go all-out with your kids and teach them to make a favorite dinner or opt for a treat with less cleanup and let the kids pick a restaurant for a special night out.
Spend time with your children
Whether your children are youngsters at home or adults on their own, Son and Daughter Day is a great reminder to make time in your life to stay connected. Take your children out to a movie, meet up for a stroll through the park or sit down around the dinner table and really listen to what they have to say. Sometimes the best way to say “I love you” is by being available and letting the youngsters take the lead. Whatever your children like to do, you can rock this holiday by showing up with your natural excitement for their successes.
WASHINGTON (TIP): A 37-year-old Indian-origin truck driver has died after his vehicle skidded off a busy highway in the US state of Arizona, his friends have said.
Nirmal Singh from the Karnal district of Haryana was the sole bread earner of his family back home. He lived in Indiana, which has emerged as a hub of Sikh drivers in the country over the years.
The incident is reported to have occurred around 11 pm Monday on Highway 40 near Flagstaff in Arizona, as the victim was taking a consignment from Georgia to California. The police are investigating the accident.
Singh is believed to have died on the spot, while his companion Rahul is battling for life at a local hospital. Rahul is said to be from Ambala.
According to his friends, Singh is survived by his wife and an 11-year-old daughter – who live in Karnal. Last year, his son, 14, died in a road accident in India. Because of Covid-19 and the lockdown, he was not able to fly back home, according to his friends. He was planning to travel to India later this year.
His friends in the US have launched a GoFund campaign to support his family and for his last rites.
LONDON (TIP): Indian-origin business and industry veteran Vindi Banga has been appointed as Chair of the UK Government Investments (UKGI), the government’s center of expertise in corporate finance and governance and an arm’s length body of the Treasury department.
Banga, 66, currently Chair at Marie Curie and a senior non-executive director (NED) at GlaxoSmithKline, will take over the prestigious role from September, the Treasury said on Monday.
Banga, also a NED at The Economist Group and Partner of private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), has 33 years of experience at Unilever, where his last role was President of the Global Foods, Home and Personal Care businesses, and on the Unilever Executive Board.
“His extensive leadership experience will be a great asset for guiding the UKGI board in the coming years,” said John Glen, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, who made the formal appointment.
“UKGI provides invaluable advice and support to the government on corporate governance and corporate finance, and Vindi’s appointment will ensure this continues,” he said.
Banga will take over at the agency, which oversees taxpayer interests in state-owned entities of the country, following a handover with incumbent chairman Robert Swannell CBE.
Charles Donald, CEO of UKGI, said: “Vindi joins UKGI with a wealth of experience from his previous and current positions. I am particularly pleased that someone who embodies our ambitious diversity and inclusion agenda and is passionate about helping me to build on the progress made to date will lead this critical organization.
“I very much look forward to working with Vindi in his new role as we continue to deliver on our objectives over the next year and beyond.”
The appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Public appointments (OCPA) and is made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the UK Cabinet Office.
The Chair is appointed based on merit and, in accordance with the code, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity, if any declared, to be made public. Banga did not declare any such political activity, the Treasury said.
The UKGI provides expert advice and proposes solutions that inform and translate government decisions into outcomes. It acts as a shareholder for and leads the establishment of other UK government arm’s length bodies; advises on all major UK government corporate finance matters, including financial interventions into corporate structures and corporate finance negotiations; analyses and advises on the UK government’s contingent liabilities; and acquires, manages and executes the sale of all significant UK government corporate assets.
The UKGI is owned by Her Majesty’s (HM) Treasury and independently managed with a Board, comprised predominantly of independent NEDs. It works closely with both the private and public sectors, advising and interacting with ministers, Parliament and civil service departments.
VANCOUVER, BC (TIP), August 4: Leading Indian-origin entrepreneur Ajay Dilawri has been honored with Canada’s prestigious Order of British Columbia award, the province’s highest form of recognition.
Mr. Dilawri, the owner of Canada’s largest automotive group — Dilawri Group — is among 16 “exceptional people” to be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, according to a statement by the Government of British Columbia.
“As representative of the Crown in British Columbia and as Chancellor of the Order of British Columbia, I am delighted to welcome 16 new members to the order,” Lt. Gov. Janet Austin, chancellor of the order, has announced.
Their extraordinary leadership has been a source of strength for communities across the province, she said.
“In difficult times, they have connected us through art, culture, public service and more. As we move with optimism toward the future, their achievements will be a foundation of success for future generations. It is with great honor (that) I share congratulations to these remarkable individuals,” Janet said.
According to the British Columbian government’s citation, Mr. Dilawri is a leading entrepreneur whose vision, perseverance, leadership, and social conscience continue to improve the lives of many people in the province.
“He has made a significant and far-reaching impact throughout British Columbia. Ajay and his brothers Kap and Tony are the founders of the Dilawri Group – the largest automotive group in Canada, with more than 4,000 employees and 76 automotive dealerships across Canada.
“With 24 dealerships in B.C. alone, he supports more than 2,000 employees and their families in his home province. His significant investment in electrical vehicle development is also helping address climate change and contributes to a greener economy,” it said.
The Dilawri brothers’ success is largely based on learning a strong work ethic from their parents, who immigrated to Canada from India, according to the citation.
“They haven’t forgotten their upbringing and have built the business not only for financial success, but to generate enough capital to give back to the community.
“With a focus on children and healthy outcomes, the Dilawri Foundation has donated tens of millions of dollars to help charitable causes in health care, mental health, education, autism and public safety,” it said.
His commitment to making B.C. a better place to live creates a healthier and more productive population, which benefits everyone in the province, it added.
Since its inception, 475 British Columbians have been appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the province’s highest form of recognition.
Each one of this year’s Order of British Columbia recipients has made tremendous contributions to their communities, Premier of British Columbia John Horgan said.
“I want to extend my congratulations and honor them for their leadership and dedication as community leaders. Trailblazers in medicine, that carried us through an incredibly difficult pandemic with expertise, grace and ofcourse, kindness, inspiring philanthropists, determined protectors of the environment and powerful Indigenous leaders. We are all truly grateful for your leadership,” he said.
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