Dear Editor,
Apropos of your editorial comment “Save America from its guns and its wars. https://www.theindianpanorama.news/editorial-comment/save-america-from-its-guns-and-its-wars/
Ashook Ramsaran
Gun violence in America is a prevalent, mind-numbing social dilemma resulting in deaths and injuries to people of all ages and social groups, but particularly high among lower income and minority groups. It is heart wrenching to see the continuing pattern of children being massacred in schools, while gun advocates hide behind the façade of so-called constitutional protection. “Thoughts and prayers” are momentary salves for a nation that bleeds every day from this manmade scourge. It is unfortunate, and unbecoming, that elected officials are beholden to gun rights advocates and manufacturers while their constituents clamor for sensible gun safety and laws. The inability and fear among elected officials to do the right things to protect citizens from gun violence is a shameful act of cowardice. Ashook Ramsaran President, Indian Diaspora Council International New York
“America is undergoing serious soul wrenching changes at the same time soul searching. Recently, there have been shocking setbacks to long established order: Huge monetary contributions to elections that tilts the scales of justice; denying women the right to choose; reversing affirmative action in college admissions, thereby denying the opportunity to right the wrings of the past. It can be turbulent, seemingly disorderly and chaotic at times, viewed by Americans and the world alike, but Americans are resilient, persevere and strive for a better tomorrow. Eventually, the individual and national spirit prevail and society tries to right the wrongs.”
Despite its flaws, Americanism continues to be the envy of the world as it remains an unrivaled beacon of freedom, championing the cause of freedom, justice and liberty throughout the world, as well as the foundation of hope, aspirations, rewards and progress
By Ashook Ramsaran
Americanism is a unique historical, political and social phenomenon embedded in the founding principles of the Republic as duly recorded in its Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and subsequently, in the US Constitution signed on September 17, 1787, with the underlying covenant: The land of liberty, equality, freedom from injustices, freedom of the press, separation of religion and government, good governance with transparency and accountability, and the pursuit of happiness with equal justice under the law.
Independence Day in America is a time of national celebration for becoming an independent nation, discarding the yoke of colonialism and foreign rule, forging a new nation of peoples from many countries, religious beliefs, cultures, languages and walks of life, all living together in peaceful coexistence, striving for success and happiness today and a better tomorrow, individually and collectively as a country. Americans share in this jubilation annually in a show of national pride, a deep sense of belonging.
The celebration of USA independence is also of historic significance to the rapidly growing Indian American community who have benefited enormously from the Luce-Celler Immigration Act of 1946 signed into law on 3rd July 1946 by President Harry Truman granting naturalization rights to Filipinos and Asian Indians. The Immigration Act of 1946 also “allowed Filipino Americans and Indian Americans to naturalize and become United States citizens”. Upon becoming US citizens, the new Americans could own homes and farmland, and petition for family unification. This reversed the Naturalization Act of 1870 which had denied Asians the right to gain US citizenship.Unmatched economic and military strength, technological prowess and national resiliency define the pre-eminent position of United States in the world, while the US engages in wars and conflicts at enormous human and financial costs, defending democracy, fledgling nations and its own economic interests, as well as exporting US technology, manufacturing expertise and US brand of music, foods and entertainment for economic gain. At times, economic interests dictate geo-political alliances, ignoring human rights and freedom of the press abuses. Despite its flaws, Americanism continues to be the envy of the world as it remains an unrivaled beacon of freedom, championing the cause of freedom, justice and liberty throughout the world, as well as the foundation of hope, aspirations, rewards and progress. National pride and optimism have always been, and continue to be, hallmarks of Americanism. The “can do” attitude is a reminder of the many accomplishments that dominate world economics, military position and high technology.
Americanism also pays homage and honors those Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the United States during its many wars and conflicts. From Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia, USA) to Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial France), US Memorial Day is a national holiday, observed annually in somber remembrance with wreath laying ceremonies, nationwide parades, concerts and fireworks. The many cemeteries and unmarked tombs the world over are a reminder of the lengths to which the USA has gone to wage war and defend its interests.
America is a nation that is always adapting in innovating ways to sustain its democracy amidst ever changing demographics with new immigrants and their children taking their places in this amazing experiment of nation building and personal upliftment. There is outspoken and visible opposition to increased migration from many segments of American society, while not acknowledging that migration adds to the vitality and sustained advancement of the country. Example: There are over 30 major US companies whose CEOs are of Indian origin. Immigrants from other countries flourish and achieve significantly more than would have been possible in their countries of origin. Americanism provides a welcome environment for competitiveness, equal opportunity, meritorious rewards, and freedom to explore possibilities despite risks. Americanism also gradually acknowledges the positive influence of major cultural phenomena such as Lunar New Year, Eid-ul-Fitr, Yoga and Diwali, the latter celebrated in the White House and becoming a New York City school holiday. Notwithstanding, Americanism is replete with its own history of subjugating and depriving Native Americans (from inception at Plymouth and continuing) and Afro-Americans (as slaves from 1619 to 1865) in brutal and inhuman ways. It must be noted that indentured Chinese labor was used in inhuman ways to build the trans-continental railroads, while Japanese Americans were illegally placed in internment camps during World War II. Despite the Civil War and the 1865 end of slavery declaration and the Civil Rights Act of 1965, the struggle continues to bring about equality and social justice by stalwarts such as: The late Dr Martin Luther King Jr, the late John Lewis, President Barak Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, Medgar Evers, Rosa Parks, W.E.B. Du Bois, George Mason, Julian Bond, Maya Angelou, Arthur Ashe, Thurgood Marshall, Supreme Court Justices Thurgood Marshall and Ketanji Brown Jackson, and many, many others.
This sad history has long lasting consequences because the wrongs inflicted on Native Americans and Afro-Americans continue to suppress and diminish the potentials, aspirations and progress among a significant population of Americans. While Americanism is strong and resilient, its democracy can also be put at risk (as exemplified on January 6, 2021) if resoluteness and constant vigilance are not in place. America is undergoing serious soul wrenching changes at the same time soul searching. Recently, there have been shocking setbacks to long established order: Huge monetary contributions to elections that tilts the scales of justice; denying women the right to choose; reversing affirmative action in college admissions, thereby denying the opportunity to right the wrings of the past. It can be turbulent, seemingly disorderly and chaotic at times, viewed by Americans and the world alike, but Americans are resilient, persevere and strive for a better tomorrow. Eventually, the individual and national spirit prevail and society tries to right the wrongs.
Americanism, now, continues its journey of a nation trying to find itself in a new world order, adapting and innovating, at times soul searching, yet strong and vigilant, amidst rapidly changing internal demographics, and a very different world than when America became a country.
( Author is President, Indian Diaspora Council Int’l and Exec Vice President of Queens Civic Congress)
2021 is exiting and 2022 is about to enter. So, adieu to one, and welcome to the other. We all have had a mixed kind of experiences in 2021 and we may have our hopes and apprehensions about 2022. The Indian Panorama decided to reach out to readers to have their comment on what impacted them the most in 2021, and what concerns them the most in 2022. We are glad that the response has been quite enthusiastic; we received comments from as many as 15 readers of The Indian Panorama. So, here we go with their comment. Please note we have not edited any, and, as such, the editorial board may please not be held responsible for the mistakes, if any.
We thank the readers for their time and love, and wish them a Happy New Year – EDITORIAL BOARD
Dr. VK Raju, Founder & President Eye Foundation of America, Morgantown, WV
My reflections on 2021
COVID-19 has affected our lives, our economy and nearly every nook and corner of the globe. More than 5 million covid deaths are reported globally and increasing. The US record for daily Coronavirus cases has been broken as two highly contagious variants- Delta and Omicron- have spread across the country.
In 1918, the flu epidemic death rates varied among different groups. It is sad to say that 100 years later, this history repeated itself. Any specific therapies of the day had little impact on the disease. A hundred years later it is still true of covid 19.
While few living people can recall the great flu epidemic of 1918, we can continue to learn its lessons, for example: 1. Common sense value of hand washing, 2. Wearing masks; 3. Vaccinations. Speaking about vaccinations, what percentage of the population recollects smallpox and polio? Smallpox was eradicated because of vaccinations. Polio is eradicated from the planet except for isolated cases in only two countries because of vaccinations. In the case of polio, the Rotary International played a key role. It brought together the political will, professional will, and people’s will. Compare that with the covid situation in US.
Benjamin Franklin said once,” in 1736, I lost my son, a fine boy of 4 years old to smallpox. I long regretted bitterly and still regret that I have not given it to him by inoculation. This mentioned for the sake of parents, who omit that operation on the supposition that they should never forgive themselves if a child dies: my example showing that the regret might be the same either way. Therefore, the safer should be chosen.” Today, living in such an advanced world, many of us get the basic facts wrong. In spite of the many advances in public health, one might say that it is too easily forgotten here and seen as having not enough impact in the rest of the world. There are > 700,000 physicians in USA and only less than 1% practice public health. Yearly flu infections cost the USA more than $87 billion annually, and it can be prevented by developing a universal vaccine at a fraction of the cost. We know the old adage “prevention is better than cure”. Yet prevention is celebrated in principle and resisted in practice.
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Amita Singh, Owner, Daminis, Indian fashion retail store, Edison, NJ.
Dreams can be realized at any age, with hard work and a vision
One always dreaded the ‘C’ word, never quite comprehending the multiples it brings. As I was growing up and entering my adolescence, I was taught to respect ‘Mother Nature ‘and ‘Father Time’. Today my two cents worth would be to also trust science and a human’s resilience and spirit. Covid has taught us that there are multiple aspects of life that are out of our control. As a single woman, in my apartment during the worst of the pandemic, with my business closed, all I could realize was that it could always be worse. I have also within me, recognized my own personality to accept and overcome what I cannot change. It could be termed as maturity. Personally, it has risen me to another level. This is ‘POWER’.
Today I celebrate me, the family that truly connects with me and not just because we share a family tree. I have also grown to respect friends that have an honest, not always agreeable, discussion with me and participate in my life. I have grown to cherish time that others make for me and not the gifts they bring nor the accolades. As we enter 2022, recognizing life can’t get any worse yet it can, I want to remember lessons learnt, not to be easily forgotten. I want to celebrate the strength within me to make small changes that leave those around me in a better place. Be it in words, action, holding hands or just offering my shoulder.
Life is not difficult; we make it so by the choices we make!
So I think and believe!!!
Wishing every ‘Indian Panorama’ reader a very happy New Year! May 2022,bring you gifts that sustain you as a human being and are not fleeting. History is a cruel reminder. Let’s rise & shine!
May you create precious memories that are passed onto the next generation!
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Ashook Ramsaran, President Indian Diaspora Council International, New York
Impactful Issue of Year 2021 and Primary Concern for 2022 – by Ashook Ramsaran
Most impactful issue of 2021: The continuing spread, unknown trajectory and devastating effects of Covid-19 and its variants, inequity of Covid-19 vaccines globally and the tremendous impact on the lives and livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. The unexpected toll globally in 2021 has been hugely impactful: The unprecedented numbers of those who died, got infected, were physically and mentally affected, displaced, lost their jobs and loved ones, and experienced inordinate disruption in their way of life. Disproportionately affected were front line medical, emergency food industry workers, the poor, and working parents. Covid-19 induced poverty increased by over 100 million people worldwide. Business, travel, education and purchasing of food and goods changed dramatically in ways never before imagined. While technology allowed some sectors to continue at reduced levels, the untold consequences will have long lasting impact into the future.
Issue of primary concern in 2022: The continuing devastating effects of global climate change with continued resistance to taking necessary steps to reverse the trend and save our planet. While promises are made and broken, there is absence of a coherent strategy and global leadership on the dire impact of changing climatic conditions due to mankind’s adverse influence on the environment. Developed and developing countries, as well as business self- interest, have largely failed to acknowledge science and physical changes taking place: unprecedented levels of pollution, global temperature rise, floods and droughts, forest fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and storms, increasing respiratory problems among all ages, availability of healthy foods, water and air. Climate changes will affect everyone’s lives and livelihood in unprecedented ways.
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Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman, GOPIO International, Stamford, CT
The 2021 continued to be a year in turmoil with a global pandemic continuing to hit the USA, Europe, India and many other countries very badly. When the pandemic hit India severely in April/May/June 2021 and causing lack of Oxygen supplies, the Indian Diaspora community organizations including GOPIO came forwarded to ship massive number of oxygen concentrators to India. The good part in the USA in 2021 was the change over to a new administration which had put together many concrete steps to help American people from the disaster caused by the pandemic. The administration also helped to bring back a robust economy with a very low unemployment. The Corona Virus affected everyone including our Diaspora community. We lost many friends in India due to the pandemic. For Indian Americans, it was an extraordinary year with Indian/African origin Kamala Harris sworn in as Vice President of the USA. By the middle of the year, we could start organizing programs with physical presence, however, the new Omicron variant spreading fast in the USA and all over the world, has alerted us to be cautious. As we enter the New Year, let us hope that our world comes back with normal life in 2022. I wish everyone a healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.
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George Abraham, Vice Chairman, IOCUSA
Another tumultuous year is passing by as we are on the threshold of a New Year. We were told to wear masks, wash our hands, take vaccines twice, take a booster shot, keep a safe distance, and we complied with them all. However, Omicron couldn’t care less, and once again as this virus (manufactured or not) made its way all-around, creating havoc and spreading panic. I am nostalgic for those days when I was indeed a free man enjoying life as a normal human being.
It is also sad to see that politicians are using this crisis to advance their own interests rooted in the ideology of their choice. These elected representatives who are supposed to serve us are acting as our Lords and Kings. They have succeeded in depriving people like me of going into a Dunkin’ Donut’s shop and enjoying a coffee and apple fritter in-house in the last several weeks. I wonder whether they are genuinely concerned about my health or usurping their authority and exercising power over all of us. The primary responsibility of the government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. If they are genuinely concerned about our security, they will not defund the police and facilitate a rise in crime that threatens every law-abiding citizen. However, today the authorities are busy yanking a whopper jr. from a kid’s hand at a Burger King joint rather than arresting and detaining marauding youths who are engaged in ‘smash and grab’ burglaries all around! It is amazing how our world has just turned upside down!
Our only hope for 2022 is that common sense will prevail across the board! May I wish everyone a peaceful and healthier New Year!
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Mabel Pais, Writer on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, and Spirituality, New York.
In 2021, the COVID-19 virus that began to make its appearance in the latter half of 2019, pervaded us and took the lives of 10s of 1000s of humans, first in the western countries, then most countries, one by one.
My wish for all of us to stay healthy in 2022 and live productive lives is to develop a healthy immune system that will NOT get impacted by any deadly virus. I think this can happen if we live as a co-existent, interdependent human society where we look out for one another.
The demise this week of Nobel Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the South African Anglican bishop, theologian, and peace activist brings home the message: “I am, who I am….because…. we are, who we are.” “I am… because…. you are.” – Ubuntu thoughts. Our survival and our thriving are inextricably connected.
Treading in the footsteps of another Nobel Prize laureate Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and other peace seekers, it is fitting to accept this co-existence and inter-dependence of us humans as absolutely vital to our survival and prosperity, if we wish to continue to thrive on Mother Earth. Mother Earth is our home. We cannot abuse our Mother who nurtures us and allows us to live and flourish day by day. Would we abuse our human mother? I doubt it. Let’s treat Mother Earth with the respect and caring she has bestowed on us for millennia. Let’s stop abuse of nature: the flora and fauna with which we have been gifted from birth.
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Urmilesh Arya MD FACP, President, National Association of Indians in America, New York
Impact of Covid on USA
One of the issues that impacted US as well as the entire world is the Covid 19 crisis. In US more than 52.5 million suffered from this infection out of that more than 833,000 people died. As of Dec 16, 2021, 1 in 6 US resident have been confirmed infected and 1 in 409, people died. Many hospitals did not have enough staff to meet the demand and many countries had shortage of PPE, Respirators and oxygen supply. The pandemic made an increase in Violence, robberies and lootings, a constant threat.
Addictions, mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social isolation affected more to young generation between18 to 34 years of age. Preventive care delayed because of Covid infection
The pandemic has created a need of support in the areas of Housing / Homelessness, Health care, Nutrition / Food support, Mental Health, Domestic Violence, care for seniors etc.
The major invention to control pandemic was invention of vaccine. According to CDC 241.6 million people (73%) has received at least one dose, out of that 62 % are fully vaccinated. Recently there is a 41 % increase in new covid cases. People who are getting hospitalized are those who are not vaccinated.
Pandemic has changed the life of people, how we work, learn and interact as social distancing guidelines have led amore virtual existence both personally and professionally. The good news is people were using this time to get healthier in many areas, better eating habits, improved sleep pattern, modifying on exercise program and healthy dietary changes. Quarantine made them value their relationships. Children have benefited from being able to spend more time with family. Also, people reevaluated how they spend their time and the life goals.
There is a new variant of concern in 2022, covid Omicronthat spreads fast but less severe than beta and delta variant, symptoms are same as that of Flue.
Vaccines clearly raise antibody and strengthen the body defense against infection. People feel a great concern about effect of Covid in 2022. Bill gates said, the biggest concern is “people’s distrust in Government.” Chief executive officers of Companies like Health care, Restaurants, manufacturing etc., think hope for return of economy to normal is misguiding. Stock market may crash, Recession may happen. President Joe Biden said “we are experiencing the strongest economic recovery in the world. Even after inflation, our economy is bigger, and our families have more money than they did before pandemic.” We got to think positive and hope for a better future. Wish you all a Happy New year and there is a healthy, happy and pandemic ending 2022.
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Gobind Bathija Entrepreneur and Community Leader, New York
As 2021 comes to a close, it is sometimes difficult to remove yourself from the immediate challenges that face us and reflect on what has evolved as a result of those challenges. India’s commitment to the development and implementation of COVID-19 vaccinations and treatment programs is a testament to their dedication to the safety and welfare of its citizens regardless of Sector. With respect to the fight against the Covid Pandemic, India is unified. All necessary steps are being taken to ensure India is prepared well to face the continued challenges and threats posed by the continued pandemic of the corona virus. India has even addressed the Indian men’s love of spitting with officials introducing penalties for such actions combatting the airborne dangers in the spread of the virus. While united in the fight against Covid and with a growing economy, India continues to face challenges with Sector unification. The Public Corruption Index (PCI) still measures close to historical highs. In 2001, the PCI measured at 31 and currently measures at an historical high of 42.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proven credibility in making the grandest of decisions to combat global and internal threats, including corruption and the pandemic. PM Modi took immediate action at the early stages of the pandemic by shutting down the economy on the grandest possible scale. He put the country first ahead of the political effects. PM Modi can never be accused of not doing enough. PM Modi should continue to lead with visions of improving quality of lives, strengthening of human freedoms and aspirations, and deepening democracy. While leaders around the world are pre-occupied with immediate challenges, PM Modi presents the initiatives for the next 25 years marking the Centenary of Indian Independence including making India stronger, more prosperous, more inclusive and equal and more democratic. This will result in less corruption, and a safer, cleaner, stronger economic world power of India.
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Harpreet Singh Toor, Co -Founder & President, South Asians for Global Empowerment
The Year 2021 was a very challenging year as we were still in Covid-19, which we still are, and we also have a new President for US. There was such a contrast in personalities with outgoing president, but the challenges were still the same. The withdrawal from Afghanistan for US, the Farmers Protest and resolution for India and Russia knocking on the door of Ukraine. The 2022 is beginning with two major challenges for world. One is Covid-19 still raging and geopolitical challenges from Russia, China and Taliban. I hope and wish we have more Statesmen in the world. Still, wishing a Best and Healthy New Year to all of you. Best wishes for Indrajit Saluja for his tireless work and efforts to put the issues in a proper perspective.
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Sunil Mehra, MD, FACP, FCCP, Professor of Clinical Medicine Former Chief of Pulmonary Medicine, and Director of MICU
We had a rough 2020-2021 for the entire world. Covid impacted the lives of everybody. It struck humanity with vengeance as Pandemic of the century. We lost a few million people in the world with USA losing more than half a million. It causes an economic downfall for many professions including medical field. 2022 is starting with surge in Covid omicron numbers making lots of people sicker esp. kids and unvaccinated individuals. My best wishes to readers of Indian Panorama and entire world for a better healthier life. May God be on our side and give us hope and strength
Health, health and health was one fear or issue for a lot of people in 2021 and it will continue in 2022 also. The atmosphere around covid is unpredictable. Various theories are being spread by many different people. It’s hard to really know what is true. I think it’s better to listen to doctors and scientist but then there are peoplewho do not agree. For me personally taking care of myself and be responsible towards my wellbeing and not getting sick. has been a concern. So far, I am fine, and I will continue taking care of myself and my health in 2022. My suggestion is to be responsible towards your wellbeing and learn to be more grateful to the universe and the people in your life. Explore within you happiness, contentment and inner peace.
Once one practices this exploration then it can be easier to face challenges in life.
Then there are realities of living such as work, family, finances etc which bring another challenge for individuals depending on their circumstances. I think the US had four cross-cutting issues- COVID-19, economic recovery, racial equity, and climate change. But the most important issue has been covid in 2021 and it will continue in 2022. Having said this, I still say welcome 2022 with hope and self-care responsibility.
so Happy New Year! It sounds good to say it and to hear it!
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Mike Ghouse- motivational speaker, thinker, author, and interfaith wedding officiant, Washington, D.C.
2021 went away swiftly, even before we realized it, so will be 2022
We have a choice to reluctantly accept what comes our way or choose to shape the future we want. We can carry a rotten face and sulk about things that went awry or have a plan for 2022.
A good plan is not difficult to write; let me simplify it for you. All you have to do is cut a few pieces of pocket-size paper or get 3×5 cards. On the top of each piece of paper, write this out.
Personal health
Family health
Family finances
Income and what to spend on
Job situation
Education
Vacation
Volunteering
Whom to donate
Other items
As your mind races through different topics, take each piece and write down the bullets, don’t worry about priority or sequence at this time. Just jot down the points as they come to you. Once you have enough points on each piece of paper and start thinking about each item, could you write it down or absorb it?
Now, you have the complete data to do whatever you want to do with it. Experience has shown that it gives you peace of mind when you come to this point; the scattered brain comes together.
What is my plan?
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Gobind Munjal – A dedicated and committed Community Worker, New York
Let me first congratulate Prof Saluja for having completed 15 years of publication of The Indian Panorama. I wish Prof Saluja and the staff of The Indian Panorama all the success and best wishes in their endeavor to serve the Indian Community by bringing truthful reporting and making it an informative and educative publication. It gives me immense pleasure to know that The Indian Panorama is bringing out a special edition on the occasion of the New Year.
I am sure the new year edition will record events of 2021 much like 2020, a source of misery to people all over the world. In addition to a lot of deaths, the Coronavirus in the form of new variants continue to adversely impact the businesses and the economy causing a shortage of work force, supply constraints and high inflation. One thing is good that very effective Vaccines were made within a record period of time, which have proved to be a good defense against this deadly virus and people are learning to live with it. As we bid goodbye to 2021, we hope that the new year will bring hope and prosperity and put an end to this pandemic. The things will come back to normal, and world will be a much better place to live in. I wish Prof. Indrajit Saluja and The Indian Panorama continued success and wish everybody a Happy New Year!
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Rajendar Dichpally, General Secretary, IOCUSA, New York
As the year 2021 comes to an End, we look back at the past year with a sense of despondency and also sorrow on the destruction that the second wave of Covid-19 – 2021 caused to human lives, especially for American Indian’s. I still have nightmares listening to horror stories of the collapse of the healthcare system in India caused by the second wave of Virus that hit the country like a tsunami. I have personally lost so many loved ones in my own family and friends. There was nothing we could do to control the situation and looked on helplessly as the virus took away so many lives in India and USA with quick succession.
I was fortunate to work with some good organizations like Gandhian Society to do whatever little we could to help the situation in India. This Virus has taught us that life is so fragile and unreliable and only thing we can do is live a life to the full and try and be a good human being.
As we enter 2022, we are again on the verge of another wave of the virus that has mutated in the form of Omicron, and we are looking at more troubling times. I pray to God to grant the world relief of this virus and let the world breathe easy again, let the children begin to enjoy their childhood again, let businesses flourish and let there be happiness, Good Health and happiness again in this world. Let us again unite to fight this battle together and emerge victorious against the virus. God Save this world and bless all the people who love on this earth. Amen.
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Indu Jaiswal RDN CDN, Chair Indian American Forum, New York.
As we approach the end of 2021 and are looking forward to New Year 2022, we are still going to face tremendous challenges. We hope that year 2022 will be better than 2021. We are still facing the Pandemic of the COVID -19. all over the world however Vaccine and Booster shots are providing better hope in times to come. We also hope that people affected with mental Health challenges will think positive and become more tolerant. Pandemic has affected the Mental Health of people, Despite the arrival of Omicron Variant of COVID – 19 all over, we still feel positive that with constant Vaccinations this variant will be controlled. We Look forward for positive progress against COVID 19. Another factor is to hope for better environment, address Global warming so we do not have to face extreme weather. As people will start returning to work and to normal lifestyle, things will improve. Also as, Global economy will improve, and people will have better expectations. We all must be positive in our thoughts, and we continue to Salute out Frontline workers who continue to work tirelessly in providing us Quality health care and save our lives. We also want to Salute members of All armed forces and police officers for protecting our everyday lives. On behalf of Indian America Forum Members of Board of Trustees and Executive members we wish all of you Happy and Healthy New Year 2022
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Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Maryland
May this New Year bring along love, prosperity, health, and peace in everyone’s life to make this year a beautiful one for all. We wish the New Year unfolds new goals, new happiness, and new achievements and brings smiles and joy for all of us. Na.e saal me.n pichhlii nafrat bhulaa de.n, Chalo apnii duniyaa ko jannat banaa de.n.(Parveen Shakir).
After receiving a doctorate from the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, in 1972, I served as a faculty member at the Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. In 1994, joined the Veterans Health Administration, US Government as Scientific Review Advisor until retirement in 2020. I have served with several Indian literary and cultural organizations.
Comments of readers are invited on the views expressed here.
Ashook Ramsaran, President, Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), New York
The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) congratulates the people of United States of America (USA) on the 245thanniversary of the Declaration of Independence and conveys its best wishes for continuing progress in championing the cause of freedom, justice and liberty throughout the world. Despite recent setbacks due to the devastation effects of Covid-19, widespread protests to achieve racial and economic inequities, many attacks on Asians in America, and perpetuating misinformation leading to ideological disputes in some segments of society, America and its institutions remain strong and resilient as a progressive nation.
We are grateful for the enormous sacrifices made for the hard fought independence of USA and the continuing diligence and determination to maintain and advance freedom and liberty which universally endear the USA as a beacon of hope, freedom and refuge for the persecuted and downtrodden. USA’s struggle for independence and promoting freedom exemplify the indomitable human spirit to choose and make decisions for “the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness”, and has inspired nations, racially diverse and ethnic groups and individuals to advance their own struggles for freedom. The USA strives to be introspective and adapt to changing times and recognition of past injustices to better serve the needs of its citizens with established institutions and processes for social justice.
The celebration of USA independence is also of historic significance to the rapidly growing Indian American community who have benefited enormously from the Luce-Celler Immigration Act of 1946 signed into law on 3rd July 1946 by President Harry Truman granting naturalization rights to Filipinos and Asian Indians. The Immigration Act of 1946 also “allowed Filipino Americans and Indian Americans to naturalize and become United States citizens”. Upon becoming US citizens, the new Americans could own homes and farmland, and petition for family unification. This reversed the Naturalization Act of 1870 which had denied Asians the right to gain US citizenship.
The 2020 election of Indian origin Kamala Harris as Vice President, and the appointments of the Vivek Murthy as US Surgeon General and Vanita Gupta as Associate Attorney General, as well as many others in prominent positions, reflect the changing demographics and the diversity of America as well as the rapid strides that Indian Americans are making in the political landscape.
My mother was a blessing with a special, loving and caring bond which we, her children, shared with her while we lived in Guyana and continued in USA when she migrated in 1977 with my father. My mother passed away in 2008 while my father a few years earlier. Although we were farming villagers, my mother taught us love with hard realities of discipline with tough love; she taught us to eat and dress well, and how to be clean and neat. And best, of all she taught us those things in her own way to make us remember. She knew each of us individually and cared for us lovingly. My mother faced adversity like a champion. She never complained except for medical problems which were gradually more intense as she advanced in age. After my father passed away, I knew that my mother would feel lonely even though she was living with my sister and her family. I made sure I called her each day no matter where in the world I would be. She looked forward anxiously to receiving my telephone calls and would proudly tell others with happiness and smiles. Her experiences were sometimes harsh andhave become memorable for us. She showed us strength and resilience and we learned from her how to cope with difficult situations. No matter how harsh or tough, she persevered and survived, and we are all grateful for that. She taught us well in that respect and we will always have fond memories.
NEW YORK (TIP): The Indian Diaspora Council (IDC) joins in solidarity with its global affiliates and membership, other organizations, institutions, agencies, and individuals globally in supporting the international awareness of Earth Day and its 2021 campaign to Restore Our Earth.
April 22 is Earth Day, an international event celebrated around the world to pledge support for environmental protection. The year 2021 marks the 51st anniversary of the annual celebrations. This year’s theme for Earth Day is ‘Restore Our Earth’. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 as ‘International Mother Earth Day’. Earth Day was first observed in 1970, when 20 million took to the streets to protest against environmental degradation. The event was triggered by the 1969 Santa Barbara, California oil spill, as well as other issues such as smog and polluted rivers.
For over the next half century, Earth Day continued to play an important role in environmental activism. The landmark Paris Agreement, which brings almost 200 countries together in setting a common target to reduce global greenhouse emissions, was signed on Earth Day 2016.“Recovery from the COVID-19pandemic is a chance to set the world on a cleaner, greener, more sustainable path,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement. “Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action. Let’s remind more than ever on this International Mother Earth Day that we need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet”.
“Education is the foundation for progress. We need to build a global citizenry fluent in the concepts of climate change and aware of its unprecedented threat to our planet. We need to empower everyone with the knowledge to inspire action in defense of environmental protection. Environmental and climate literacy is the engine not only for creating green voters and advancing environmental and climate laws and policies but also for accelerating green technologies and jobs”.
Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) Statement: “Earth sustains all life and must be protected in order for it to continue to provide viable means for sustainable life, health and well being of all its inhabitants, especially as the world population keeps on increasing. Over consumption and over population adversely affect the natural resources and earth’s climate with catastrophic consequences. It is an increasingly urgent call to action, a commitment of individual and collective responsibility, obligation and duty for environmental literacy and awareness from the early stages among children as well as among adults, professionals, businesses, institutions, agencies and officials. Our legacy is intimately linked to protection of earth and its environment for a sustainable future and that is undeniable and indisputable. While economic progress is important, it is vital that all sectors of society, as a collective partnership, make this collective commitment for earth’s sustainable future. We live and share in earth’s bounty of life sustenance and we have a responsibility to do that which we must to protect it as well.”
For more information, please contact: Indian Diaspora Council president Ashook Ramsaran@ ashookramsaran@gmail.com
Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), established in 1997, is an international non-profit organization with global affiliates and membership in 21 countries with the objective to embrace, engage, and enhance the shared heritage, aspirations, and interests of persons of Indian origin with optimum inclusivity.
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