The Indian Panorama

Tag: Connecticut

  • Attorney General James Leads Multistate Coalition Condemning DOJ Threats Against Minnesota

    In Letter to Attorney General Bondi and Secretary Noem, 22 AGs Call DOJ’s Demand Letter an “After-The-Fact Attempt to Justify a Highly Concerning Federal Operation.”

    NEW YORK (TIP): New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 21 other attorneys general in denouncing the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) latest attempt to coerce the state of Minnesota. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Attorney General James and the coalition condemn the Trump administration’s effort to exploit recent chaos in Minnesota to pressure state leaders into turning over sensitive resident data and dismantling longstanding public safety policies. The attorneys general warn that these thinly veiled federal threats are likely to conflict with ongoing litigation and court-ordered protections.

    “The federal government is asking us to accept a belated justification for its unlawful actions in Minnesota,” said Attorney General James. “We refuse to be intimidated by these threats, and we reject their unlawful demands that infringe on Minnesota’s fundamental sovereignty. My fellow attorneys general and I will continue to stand firm in defense of the rule of law and Americans’ rights.”

    Attorney General James and the coalition sent today’s letter in response to Attorney General Bondi’s January 24 letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, which accused the state – without any concrete evidence – of enabling widespread fraud. The Bondi letter, sent the same day federal immigration agents fatally shot a Minneapolis resident for the second time in as many weeks, demanded a series of drastic actions in exchange for the withdrawal of federal agents from Minnesota.

    In today’s letter, the attorneys general write that Attorney General Bondi’s demands are “inconsistent with fundamental principles of our federal system,” including the request that Minnesota turn over sensitive Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data, dismantle critical local public safety policies, and grant the federal government access to Minnesota voter information.

    The attorneys general warn that Attorney General Bondi’s actions toward Minnesota represent a dangerous escalation that threatens the constitutional balance of power between states and the federal government. They assert that the demands amount to a profound intrusion on state sovereignty and conclude that DOJ’s letter is an unlawful and unsupported attempt to “terrify the people of Minnesota and coerce the state into abandoning” the residents it is sworn to protect. With so many of DOJ’s actions already blocked by courts across the country, the attorneys general decry the administration for “attempting through force what it cannot achieve through the courts.”

    Attorney General James and the coalition unequivocally condemn the administration’s dangerous and escalating assault on Minnesota. They express their unwavering support for the people of Minnesota and reject the Trump administration’s “demand[s] that we ignore the unlawful acts that our eyes clearly see and accept pretextual justifications or outright fabrications instead.” As the attorneys general emphasize, “states and their residents should not be subjected to violence and terror at the hands of federal law enforcement.” In New York and nationwide, state governments remain focused on protecting the safety and well-being of their residents. In contrast, the attorneys general write, the unleashing of rogue federal agents into the neighborhoods of Minnesota has brought only fear, chaos, and violence.

    Attorney General James and the coalition make clear that their states will continue to stand firm against unlawful federal interference and will defend both state sovereignty and the rights of their residents. The coalition respectfully urges the administration to end its dangerous and unlawful campaign against Minnesota immediately, before anyone else gets hurt.

    Joining Attorney General James in sending this letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

  • Massive winter storm spanning 40 states threatens US with snow, extreme cold

    Massive winter storm spanning 40 states threatens US with snow, extreme cold

    • 235 million brace for weekend winter weather; Travel disruptions inevitable
    • More than 8000 flights canceled; Air India cancels New York, Newark flights

    DALLAS/ NEW YORK (TIP): Freezing rain fell in parts of Texas on Friday , January 23, as a huge, days long winter storm began a trek that threatened to bring snow, sleet, ice, bone-chilling temperatures and extensive power outages to about half the US population. Forecasters warned that catastrophic damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival that of a hurricane.

    Schools in Chicago and other Midwestern cities called off classes, airlines cancelled thousands of weekend flights, churches moved Sunday services online and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, decided to hold its Saturday night radio performance without fans. Carnival parades in Louisiana were cancelled or rescheduled.

    At least 182 million people were under watches or warnings for ice and snow, and more than 210 million were under cold weather advisories or warnings. In many places those overlapped.

    Utility companies braced for power outages because ice-coated trees and power lines can keep falling long after a storm has passed.

    “It’s going to be a big storm,” Maricela Resendiz said as she picked up chicken, eggs and pizzas at a Dallas store to get her, her 5-year-old son and her boyfriend through the weekend. Her plans: “Staying in, just being out of the way.”

    Freezing rain slickened roads in Lubbock, Texas, in the afternoon as temperatures dropped.

    After sliding into the South, the storm was expected to move into the Northeast, dumping about a foot (30 centimeters) of snow from Washington through New York and Boston, the National Weather Service predicted.

    Arctic air was the first piece to fall in place
    Frigid air that spilled down from Canada prompted the cancellations of classes at schools throughout the Midwest. Wind chills as low as minus 40°F (minus 40 Celsius) meant that frostbite could set in within 10 minutes, making it too dangerous to walk to school or wait for the bus.

    Despite the bitter cold, a protest over an immigration crackdown went on as planned in Minnesota, with thousands demonstrating in downtown Minneapolis.

    Nationwide, more than 1,000 flights were delayed or cancelled Friday, with well over half of them in Dallas, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. About 2,300 were called off for Saturday.

    In Oklahoma, Department of Transportation workers treated roads with salt brine, the Highway Patrol cancelled troopers’ days off and National Guard units were activated to help stranded drivers.

    The federal government put nearly 30 search and rescue teams on standby. Officials had more than 7 million meals, 600,000 blankets and 300 generators placed throughout the area the storm was expected to cross, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

    President Donald Trump said via social media that his administration was coordinating with state and local officials and “FEMA is fully prepared to respond.” Ice could take down power lines and pipes could freeze After the storm passes, it will take a while to thaw out. Ice can add hundreds of pounds to power lines and branches and make them more susceptible to snapping, especially if it’s windy. In at least 11 Southern states from Texas to Virginia, a majority of homes are heated by electricity, according to the US Census Bureau.

    A severe cold snap five years ago took down much of the power grid in Texas, leaving millions without power for days and resulting in hundreds of deaths. Gov Greg Abbott vowed that it will not happen again, and utility companies were bringing in thousands of employees to help keep the lights on.

    Northeast braces for possibly heaviest snow in years
    Boston declared a cold emergency through the weekend, and Connecticut was working with neighboring New York and Massachusetts in case travel restrictions are needed on major highways.

    Connecticut Gov Ned Lamont urged people to go grocery shopping now and “stay home on Sunday.”

    Philadelphia announced schools would be closed Monday. Superintendent Tony B Watlington Sr told students, “It’s also appropriate to have one or two very safe snowball fights.”
    (Agencies)

  • Thousands of Sikhs Participate in the 37th Sikh Day Parade In New York City

    Thousands of Sikhs Participate in the 37th Sikh Day Parade In New York City

    NEW YORK, NY (TIP): Organized by the Sikh Cultural Society, Richmond Hill,  New York,  with the cooperation of the Sikh Gurudwaras and the  Sikh organizations of the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, the 37th Sikh Day Parade on April 26 in Manhattan, New York, attracted, as usual, large crowds of Sikh men, women and children from far and near. Contingents of the Sikhs came from as far as Philadelphia and Maryland.

    Saturday’s dreary weather didn’t stop a full day of traditions, history, food and music at the Sikh Day Parade in Midtown.

    Colorful displays of the Sikh faith made their way down Madison Avenue, ending with free meals for thousands. As the floats made their way down the wet pavement, the sounds of Sikh traditions were heard loud and clear.

    For the 37th Annual Sikh Day Parade, many in their colorful turbans and cultural clothing — most of them wearing rain ponchos — lined up to celebrate Vaisakhi. The day which originally is the celebration of harvest, is also the day when the Tenth Master of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, created a sect called Khalsa, and gave it a distinct form and appearance. Thus, the day is both a socio-cultural festival and a celebration of the birthday of Khalsa (more popularly known as the Sikhs)

    “Today is  a celebration of Vaisakhi, and also a celebration of the creation of our faith, and we are here celebrating,” paradegoer Baldev Singh Grewal who is founder -publisher of a leading Punjabi newspaper Sher-e-Punjab,  said.

    The parade concluded with a meeting at Madison Square Park, where community leaders made speeches and  free food , called langer in Sikhism, was served.

  • Five Democratic U.S. lawmakers receive bomb threats at home

    Five Democratic U.S. lawmakers receive bomb threats at home

    U.S. Representatives Jim Himes, Jahana Hayes, John Larson and Joe Courtney, all from Connecticut, reported the threats in statements on Thanksgiving Day

    STAMFORD, CT (TIP): Five Democratic U.S. lawmakers from Connecticut on Thursday, November 28, 2024 said they were targeted with bomb threats at their homes, but no explosive devices had been found, according to social media and local media. U.S. Representatives Jim Himes, Jahana Hayes, John Larson and Joe Courtney, all from Connecticut, reported the threats in statements on Thanksgiving Day.

    “There is no place for political violence in this country, and I hope that we may all continue through the holiday season with peace and civility,” said Mr. Himes. Ms. Hayes said that on Thanksgiving morning, police told him they received an email “stating a pipe bomb had been placed in the mailbox at my home,” but that no bombs or explosives had been found and that the investigation was ongoing. Local media in Connecticut reported that U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat, had also been targeted. The U.S. Capitol Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

  • Students are ambassadors of the country

    The Indian Panorama Editor Indrajit Saluja interviews Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, Consul General of India at New York 

    Ambassador Jaiswal says Indian students here are promoters of “economic ties,technological ties, cultural ties.” (File Photo / TIP)

    Consul General of India at New York Mr. Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, a few days after joining the present position on 19th July 2020  in an interview with The Indian Panorama, had spelt out  in brief  his  priorities which included nourishing and  strengthening the already strong bonds between India and US, and exploring  new areas of cooperation and relationship in diverse fields of  economy, trade, technology, and   culture etc. Ambassador Jaiswal added  that serving the Indian Diaspora remained the primary focused concern of  the Consulate. The strengthening of multi-stake holders relationship will be another priority, he said.

    The Indian Panorama interviewed him a couple of times, and each time, Mr. Jaiswal was forthcoming on all issues raised ,and questions asked. Three days to the end of the year 2022, Mr. Jaiswal agreed to sit with the editor of The Indian Panorama to share for the readers of the publication his thoughts. It was a long interview in which Ambassador Jaiswal touched upon all the aforementioned areas.

    In the part 1 of the interview published last week, Ambassador Jaiswal focused on the vibrant Indian American community and its contribution. In this second  part of the interview, we bring to readers Ambassador’s perspective on Indian students as a powerhouse of knowledge, catalysts of  national integration, and promoters  of Indian arts, culture and values.

    Here are some excerpts from the interview.

    TIP: We have a large number of Indians studying in the US. A large chunk of them is on the East Coast where there are a number of prestigious educational institutions which are the preferred destinations for pursuing studies. They may need help from the Consulate in quite a few areas. How does your Consulate help them?

    Ambassador: We  have a very broad mandate. The consulate has a certain jurisdiction. Our jurisdiction  comprises 10 states in northeast of United States which include six of  New England- Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont-, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio. This is a conservative direction, in terms of rendering, consular services- Visa, passports, all sorts of documentation, which are required, and  power of attorney etc. That is a constitution. In addition, we have a large community here so we have to maintain community links, community relations, and we have to see as to how we can strengthen the links of India with the community here, not just strengthen, but also continue to add value to it. It’s a cross flow which helps all the stakeholders; it helps the country; it helps the community. So, that is a community part of our function.

    Then we have cultural relations that we have to maintain. We have this beautiful relationship. We have to promote cultural understanding. That cultural understanding enhances the value of our community here at the same time as it  enhances mutual cooperation between the people of America and our people. The  unity  binds us together and we have to see how we can build this relationship. So, cultural understanding and better appreciation  of each other are important.  And that was the third pillar.

    The fourth pillar, I would say is education. We  have a large number of students here who are studying in various universities. We have upwards of 220,000 students in the United States. This year, I think, 82,000 fresh Indian students have come which makes us the largest international cohort. We have to take care of the welfare of  students. We maintain close relations with the student bodies. They may have welfare issues. They may have several day-to-day issues which we have to attend every year. That’s why you know we try to have a meet and greet with the students. Obviously, the space is a limitation. We can’t invite 80,000 people but we do invite whoever we can, so that our student relations are smooth and efficient and cordial and we attend to their needs.

    Education has other aspects to it. Also, there is a very strong education cooperation between universities here  and universities in India on the research side,  on faculty exchange and academics. And now with the new education policy, we see that more and more universities in the United States want to do more and more things with universities in India on  research side, on finding ways to earn degrees. New programs are coming up . So,  that remains an important part of our function.

    TIP: Since you were speaking  about the understanding of India amongst the American people and all that,  do you think students can really play a major role in promoting an understanding about India here because they are in contact with the Americans, the mainstream Americans where they are studying? Do you think something should be done in the first place to have the students come under an umbrella and that umbrella organization gives them a feed on what is happening in India, and about Indian values,  and how they can probably pass on that kind of information to their friends in the colleges and the universities where they are studying? Have you ever had an idea that an organization of students under your jurisdiction should be created?

    A view of the gathering of new students at University of Connecticut meet and greet organized by GOPIO (File photo / Courtesy GOPIO-CT )

     Ambassador : So, you know, students are ambassadors of the country. They bring with them their cultural values, their ethos, their fairs and festivals. Each year, I go around universities where I find them  all celebrating  Holi, Diwali and other festivals. The Indian organizations  celebrate them.  We were in Ohio. Ohio State University has very strong links with Punjab and  Punjab Agricultural  University. So very interestingly in Ohio, apart from the Indian association, you also had  Punjabi Student Association. So, they celebrate fairs and festivals as per the calendar.  So, I see like the Indian diaspora, the Indian students who come here,  have a very important role to play as cultural ambassadors in the country.  They live the  American environment. So, they are very well placed to make an impact as far as understanding of India is concerned among the cohort, among the student groups and that has huge impact that will  go a long way in promoting India -US friendship. That’s on the cultural side.

    The second thing is, of the 220,000 Indian students who come here,  a majority of them are into STEM  areas. Now, when you are  an expert in data science or computer science  etc. you add competitive value to the local economy. You provide talent based to the local economy, which serves the interests of local society of local economy. It adds competitive value and that leads to a very strong appreciation of the kind of value that Indian talent and skills is today, adding to not just American economy, but global economy. So, overall, you know, the large number of students that we have, they then become the conveyor belt or the conduit through which they promote economic ties, technological ties, cultural ties.

                                    To be continued next week

  • INDIAN CHRISTIAN DAY: A DAY OF UNITY AND SPIRIT TO CELEBRATE INDIAN CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

    ELMONT, NY (TIP): The Indian Christian Day (Jesus Bhakti Divas) organized to celebrate the Indian heritage and Christian spirit to show solidarity with persecuted Christians in India, has made history. As Christians from all Indian states gathered, read the Bible in their own language and sang prayer songs, it became a bright union of fervent faith.  The program was attended by Indian Christians from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The event was organized by the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA), a forum of Christian organizations in response to the insidious attempts to alienate and attach the Christians through the propaganda that the Christian faith was left behind by British colonialism in India, despite its two thousand years of tradition. The event also coincided with the 1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint Thomas.  Historically, July 3rd is celebrated as St. Thomas day by Christians across India. However, starting from 2021, the day is being celebrated as Indian Christian Day in India and among the global Diaspora of Christians. In the United States, it is estimated that Christians from India constitute about 20% of the Diaspora, which amounts to close to a million non-resident Indians and people of Indian origin.

    The gathering, which was blessed with the presence of bishops and priests from various churches, began with a chendamela and a procession. St. Vincent de Paul Malankara Catholic Church in Elmont became a platform for Christian unity. The conference started with the bishops lighting the lamp as a symbol of Indian heritage and patriotism. Fiacona President Koshy George pointed out  in his welcome speech that our established belief is that Saint Thomas has brought the gospel to India and was martyred in AD 72.  To mark its 1900 years, the government of India issued a postage stamp in 1972. So, this year marks the 1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint Thomas. Mr. Koshy also expessed his deep concern growing persecution of Christians in India as the fundamental religious freedom guaranteed under India’s constitution is no longer guaranteed under the BJP rule under the Indian Courts’ eyes.   Last year alone 761 cases of persecution have been identified which have been published in a book form by FIACONA.  He said that the purpose of the meeting is to express our pain against such atrocities. Rt. Rev. Dr. Dharmaraj Rasalam, the Moderator of the Church of South India, spoke about how the arrival of St. Thomas not only impacted the lives of Christians and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Christian community to the nation in uplifting the poor and oppressed. Rev. Dr. Ruben Mark, the Deputy moderator Bishop spoke about the love Indian Christians in the Diaspora have for India and encouraged them to continue with the unity they have exhibited at the gathering. He described how the arrival and activities of St. Thomas influenced India. The work of St. Thomas is crucial in the Christian faith. He also extolled the diaspora’s love for India.  He said that we are proud to be Indian Christians.  He said the willingness to sacrifice for the faith was part of the Christian faith.  Despite being a persecuted community, Christians are not united.  But today, all the sects of Christians are happy to attend this event.

    Bishop Johncy Itty, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Long Island, New York, said that India, along with the rest of the world, is going through a serious crisis today.  However, our faith should sustain us in such a time as this.  He pointed out that India and the world are in various conflicts. There is no time in life without conflict. But now it is too much. But God leads us by the hand. We may not be able to change the times, but we can make changes. Rev. Dr. Itty Abraham of the Indian Pentecostal Church, in his speech, encouraged Christians to be steadfast and said, “It is Christ that built the Church, and no forces would be able to undo it. The propaganda to paint Christianity in India as part of the colonial legacy is ill-conceived and will not gain footing.” Father John Thomas representing Orthodox Church, urged his fellow Christians to follow the path of St. Thomas in taking the message of Christ across the people.Christ had many followers. But in the end only a few remained. Faithful men like St. Thomas did not hesitate to sacrifice themselves. The situation can be dire. But trust in God. Let the cross of Jesus guide us, he said. The persecution against Christians is increasing Rev. Dr. Itti Abraham pointed out. But it won’t break us. Christ builds the church. No evil shall prevail against it. Jesus himself said that there will be such persecutions. In such situations, we need to move forward with unity. He said that it is wrong to think that the Indian Christianity is a faith arisen from British colonialism.

    CSI Church General Secretary Adv. Fernandez Rathinaraja pointed to Saint Thomas as a social reformer.  It was work against human sacrifice and caste system that led to his martyrdom.  Secularism is enshrined in the preamble of the Indian Constitution. There have been concerted efforts to undermine it. Religion should not be a part of political life. The state should be neutral in religious matters. Protests against these are taking place in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra and Kerala. He pointed out that the administration is able to suppress the voice of protest in other states. Fr. John Thomas  pointed out that we should be able to preach the gospel and bear witness like St. Thomas. Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt who has just been elevated to the head of Syro Malabar Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Chicago expressed his thrill to participate in the program which he thought he had participated in ecumenical functions in New York and Chicago, this was the first time he was participating in one of this kind.   just been elevated to the Bishop of the Syro Malabar diocese of Chicago.   This gathering on St. Thomas Day is significant. We become Christian people through the mission work of Thomas. The contribution of Christians to the development of India is inestimable. We are saddened that Christians are being persecuted not only in India but all over the world. Prayer is our weapon against it. Christian faith strengthens us for martyrdom. Jesus himself has said that there will be such persecutions. But He has also assured that He will always be with us. So don’t be afraid. We do not hesitate to suffer. But persecution caused by injustice is unacceptable. We must question it. Through his own life and death, Thomas has shown us the way. So, we must strengthen our faith.

    Saint Thomas is one of the strongest characters in the Bible. Especially in the Gospel of John. St. Thomas is mentioned there three times. In Chapter 11, Thomas arrives to comfort Martha and Mary’s family. They are mourning the death of their brother Lazarus. Thomas forces Jesus to visit Bethany. Thomas also witnessed a miracle when Jesus came. We see the bravery of St. Thomas in the Bible. But today’s Christians have lost that courage. We dare not bear witness to Christ.Likewise, we must strive for our unity should be willing to testify to Christ with prayer – he said. The General Secretary of Church South India, in Chennai, Adv. Fernandas Rathaniraja, in his speech, warned the audience about the concerted efforts vested interests are making to remove the word secularism from the constitution and transform India into a Hindu Rashtra and urged vigilance.George Abraham, one of the leading organizers of the program began his vote of thanks by repeating from Bible “how good andpleasant it is when God’s people live together in the unity”.  He said that we have witnessed an extraordinary manifestation of unity, unit of Christians from India, across regions and languages despite the denominational differences. The program was enriched Bible readings in Malayalam, Telugu, English, Tamil, Punjabi, Kannada, Hindi, and Gujarati and prayer songs by choirs from Saint Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic Church, St. Paul’s International Lutheran Church, CSI Jubilee Memorial Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church, and Bethlehem Punjabi Church. A group of nurses from Saint Mary’s Syro Malabar Church entertained with a Marggam Kali, a traditional Christian dance from Kerala.  The program was moderated by Shre John and Leno Thomas.

  • GOPIO-CT holds Annual Holiday Party; Raises funds for local charity Grassroots; Elects new team

    GOPIO-CT holds Annual Holiday Party; Raises funds for local charity Grassroots; Elects new team

    STAMFORD, CT (TIP):  GOPIO-CT organized its General Body Meeting (GBM) and elected a new team on December 5th held at the Hampton Inn suite in Stamford. In its report to the GBM, President Ashok Nichani said, “In spite of the Corona Virus pandemic, GOPIO-CT did several virtual programs in the beginning of the year on Zoom including a New Year Party which served as a fundraiser in support of soup kitchens, a Holi Celebration, interactive meetings with CT lawmakers and raising funds for sending Oxygen Concentrators to India.”

    “As the pandemic was coming down in the year, the chapter organized several programs with physical presence participating with other ethnic communities celebrating Stamford’s founding, and organizing Indian and American flag hoisting at Govt. Center in Stamford to celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day which was followed by an India Festival at the Mill River Park, hosting UConn Indian students for a Networking Welcome Dinner, an interactive session with India’s Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan, Hosting a Conversation with Indra Nooyi and a Diwali fundraiser for local charities,” added President Nichani.

    Secretary Prachi Narayan listed all major activities for the year which included major initiatives for serving the local community and institutions during the pandemic and lockdown. These included donating cash and replenishing food items for the homeless and needy at the New Covenant House in Stamford and Food Bank of Lower Fairfield. Two other service organizations were supported by GOPIO-CT in 2021, Future 5 which helps and counsel needy students at Stamford High Schools and Building One Community which serves new immigrant communities. The chapter also held a virtual interactive meeting with Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.

    IT Serve Alliance official Prasad Chintalapudi presenting a check to Grassroots.
    From L to R: Jayashri Chintalapudi, Samantha Hayes and Prasad Chintalapudi.

    The GBM also conducted its annual election for 2021. Mr. Ashok Nichani was re-elected as the President for one more term. Other elected officials are Mr. Prasad Chintalapudi as Executive Vice President, Dr. Jaya Daptardar as Vice President, Ms. Prachi Narayan as Secretary, Ms. Mahesh Jhangiai as Joint Secretary and Mr. Srinivas Akarapu as Treasurer. GBM also reelected two trustees, Mr. Joseph Simon and Mr. Shailesh Naik. Following the GBM, Annual Holiday Party was held which served as a fundraiser for a service organization.

    The fundraiser netted $5,500 to give to the local service organization Grassroots Tennis and Education, a youth development non-profit organization that uses sports of tennis to engage youth in out-of-school time programming in Norwalk and Stamford. The group’s volunteers teach tennis and helps students in education. Grassroots’ representative Ms. Samantha Hayes spoke about the organization and thanked GOPIO-CT for its generosity in raising funds for Grassroots. Another organization IT Serve Alliance also presented a check of $2,000 to Grassroots.

    Singers and organizers at the GOPIO-CT Holiday Party Fundraiser.
    From L to R: Shree Kanaskar, Dhilan Shah, Trupti Shah, Shilpa Kulkarni, Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Srinivas Gunupuru, Kashyap Jani and Mike Patel.

     A musical evening followed and was organized by GOPIO-CT Vice President Dr. Jaya Daptardar. Singers at the evening were Srinivas Gunupuru, Kashyap Jani, Shilpa Kulkarni, Trupti Shah, Mike Patel and Dhilan shah. GOPIO-CT Executive Vice President Prasad Chintalapudi concluded the program and thanked everyone for making the program a success.

    Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International said that GOPIO-CT is the most active chapter among over one hundred GOPIO chapters worldwide.

    About GOPIO-CT

    Over the last 14 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of PIOs through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.

  • Another Hindu Temple approved in Connecticut

    Another Hindu Temple approved in Connecticut

    MILFORD, CT (TIP): Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Milford in Connecticut has reportedly unanimously approved the proposal to establish a Hindu Temple and Cultural Center in Milford.

    Besides worship services, it also plans to undertake various cultural activities and community events. The proposed Temple building sits on 1.77 acres, reports suggest.

    Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed commended the efforts of temple leaders and area community towards realizing this temple complex.

    Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this temple would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

    Milford, whose history goes back to 1639 and which calls itself “A Small City with a Big Heart!” and claims to be a meticulously maintained “town green”, is known for its annual Milford Oyster Festival. Benjamin G. Blake is the Mayor.

    Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about 1.1 billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

  • Indian American Achievers Honored

    Indian American Achievers Honored

    GOPIO CT honors Five distinguished Indian American achievers at Annual Gala

    STAMFORD, CT (TIP): “This country is the greatest nation in the history of the world because of our diversity,” Richard Blumenthal, the senior United States Senator from Connecticut, told a packed audience at the 11th annual Gala and awards nite organized by The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)-Connecticut Chapter in the Ballroom at The Hilton Hotel in Stamford, CT on Saturday, July 8th, 2017. “We have become a great nation because of your contributions. We have welcomed talent, energy and dedication. There is no greater example of this than our relationship with India; two great democracies on earth. Our nation faces biggest challenge to rule of law today than ever before.”

    The sold out and much anticipated event was attended by over 250 guests from across the state of Connecticut, including community leaders, elected officials, and honorees and their families. The gala included a cocktail reception, dinner, music, live DJ and dances by participants, eloquent speeches, touching life-stories and inspiring narratives on the lives of the five distinguished honorees. The program was compered by Gayatri Mahesh.

    Prominent among those who had attended and spoke at the annual gala included, Congressman Jim Himes, Stamford Mayor David Martin, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Connecticut State Senators Tony Hwang and Toni Boucher and CT State Assemblymen Dr. Prasad.

    In her presidential address, Anita Bhat described the mission and vision of GOPIO-CT under her leadership. “Our mission at GOPIO-CT is to be active participants in the local community through involvement in community events and local politics, and by providing services to the Indian community at large here in Connecticut. This lofty goal of providing services and a political voice to the local Indian population has evolved into an exemplary community service organization thanks to the tremendous support of our local Indian community.”

    Describing some of the programs GOPIO-CT initiates, Bhat said, GOPIO members serve in local soup kitchens, do walkathons to support cancer patients, and jointly celebrate Diwali and India’s Independence Day with the members of multiple Indian groups in our community. “This year we want to take our mission a step further and become the voice of Indian Americans living in Connecticut. This lofty goal is not easy to reach without your support. Please become a member of GOPI-CT and make our goals come true,” she said.

    Congressman Jim Himes, who represents Connecticut’s 4th District in the United States House of Representatives, said he was delighted to be at the event to honor the accomplishments of so many talented individuals. Congressman Jim Himes, in his felicitations, “This is the largest ever dinner you I have ever attended of GOPIO. We are experiencing one of the backsliding moments in the history of the where the core strength of this nation, the immigrants, are being threatened. There is no bigger rebuttal than the people in this room. You are scientists, educators, engineers, entrepreneurs, community activists, philanthropists, who represent the success and contributions of immigrants to the country”

    Riva Ganguly Das, Consul General of India, in her address, “The Indo-US relationship has been strengthened by who you are; your accomplishments. Though you are only 1% of the US population, you have excelled in education, income level, economic standing and contributions to the society, you are the model for all other immigrant communities.” Describing the partnership as strategic, she pointed out to the fast growing and maturing of collaboration between the two nations.

    Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder President of GOPIO International who is also a Trustee of GOPIO-CT, chairman of the Awards Committee, said, “The evening is a celebration – a celebration not just of the accomplishments of our awardees, but also a tribute to a strong and vibrant Indian-American community in Connecticut.”

    “You are the community. You are not part of the community,” Mayor David Martin told the Indian Americans. Pointing to the historic nature of the upcoming general elections in November, Mayor Martin urged the members to register and vote, and thus become ensure that your voices are heard.”

    Mayor Harry Rilling said, “I am honored to be here to celebrate among friends and am thankful for the warm welcome the Indian community has always extended to me and my family.” He also congratulated GOPIO-CT for its 11 years of service and bringing the Indian community together.

    The founder and CEO of T V Asia, H. R. Shah, a charismatic Indian American, who is a well-known entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who endeared himself as a close friend of who’s who of the world, and was honored with Padma Bhushan, one of the highest honors by the Indian Government, was honored by GOPIO for his accomplishments and contributions to the Indian American community. While thanking GOPIO, Shah said, “For getting success in life you have to have a goal, vision, and determination. Money comes later. You have to work hard.”

    GOPIO-CT 2017 awardees, scholarship recipients with GOPIO Officials and dignitaries

    Ila Paliwal was honored for her contributions in the field of Performing Arts.

    Dr. Draupathi Nambudiri was honored for her accomplishments in the field of Medicine and Health Care.

    Dr. Rupendra Paliwal, who was honored for his accomplishments in the field of Education, currently serves as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Sacred Heart University.

    Captain Alpa Ladani, a distinguished 20-year Veteran of the Connecticut Army National Guard, was honored for her services to the nation.

    GOPIO-CT President’s Young Professional Achiever Award was given to Nitesh Banta.

    For the third year in a row, GOPIO-CT Scholarship for College Tuitions were given to four young students from Connecticut towards their higher education. The recipients are Praneetha Desu (Indiana University), Vivek James (University of Pennsylvania), Arjun Ahuja (University of Connecticut) and Ruhi Patel (Norwalk Community College), GOPIO-CT Scholarship Committee consisted of Shelly Nichani (Chairman), Shobhna Bhatnagar and Priya Easwaran coordinated GOPIO-CT efforts and led the fund-raising at the event to expand the scholarship to other parts of Connecticut in the coming years.

  • Indian-Americans shine at Intel science fair in the US

    Indian-Americans shine at Intel science fair in the US

    WASHINGTON (TIP): While four Indian- Americans received top awards in various categories, an Indian boy has won the world’s largest pre-college science competition in the US in environmental engineering category for his project on biodegradation of pesticides.

    Prashant Ranganathan, a 12th grader from Jamshedpur, alongwith over 20 high school students from various parts of India, participated in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. “My project will actually help farmers in biodegrading the pesticide which is plaguing the country,” Prashant told PTI after he was declared winner in the environmental engineering category at this years’ competition.

    In all, more than 1,700 students from across the world participated in the week-long event which concluded here on Friday.

    Student of Carmel Junior College in Jamshedpur, Prashant’s project ‘Biodegradation of Chlorpyrifos using native bacteria’ said that farmers should not use pesticides.

    Prashant who bagged the coveted award for his innovation for fighting against pesticide and getting rid of its side effects through biodegradable use. “In almost all the states, like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, Haryana and Bihar and Jharkhand, there’s extensive farming. Using excessive amounts of pesticides, is affecting the health and the environment around them,” he said.

    While the topmost Gordon E Moore Award of $75,000 went to Ivo Zell, 18, of Germany for designing and constructing a remote-control prototype of a new “flying wing”, almost every participant of the Indian delegation returned from the annual competition with one award or the other.

    “India really boasts really extraordinary mathematics, science, physics, education,” Maya Ajmera president and CEO of Society for Science and Public, told PTI in an interview. In fact, in every section the award ceremony had the budding Indian scientists on the stage.

    So were the Indian American high schoolers, prompting one of the Intel official to say, “Indians and Indian Americans rock today” as the awards ceremony concluded at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles.

    Indian-American Pratik Naidu from Virginia bagged an award in the category of computational biology and bioinformatics, Adam Nayak from Oregon was declared the winner in earth and environmental sciences, Karthik Yegnesh from Pennsylvania in Mathematics and Rahul Subramaniam from Connecticut in the microbiology category.

    As a result, Indians and Indian Americans accounted for nearly one-fifth of the top categories of the awards. “I think that many generations of Indian scientists and engineers and computer scientists, have truly paved the way of this generation of young people doing extraordinary things,” Ajmera said referring to the incredible and innovative projects of Indian students who participated in this year’s science competition.

    For instance, a sister-brother team – Sairandi Sathyanarayanan & Sacheth Sathyanarayanan – from the National Public School in Chennai have invented a gearbox that generates electricity when a fisherman’s boat is lying idle at night, which they said is enough to meet the energy needs of a fisherman’s house for a day.

    The team not only received accolades from the judges but were on the stage on Friday for receiving awards in various categories.

    Shinjini Ghosh, a 12 grader from South Point High School, Kolkata was recognized for developing a language identification kit based on the variations in intonation using discrete markov-chain model.

    Similarly, Sahithi Pingali from Inventure Academy, Bangalore received multiple awards for developing a new approach to monitoring lakes in developing countries in a crowdsourcing environmental science.

    Kunj Siddharth Dedhia, from the Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai has developed a smartphone application based on user feedback for cyclists to reduce incidence of lower back pain, while Chaitanya & Geeve George from the Little Rock Indian School in Udupi received an award for developing a smartphone-aided multispectral imaging system. (Source: PTI)

  • Black teen wins essay contest on topic of white privilege

    Black teen wins essay contest on topic of white privilege

    WESTPORT  (TIP):A black teenager who wrote about the “unavoidable” racial issues he faces growing up in an affluent, predominantly white Connecticut town has won an essay contest on the topic of white privilege.

    Chet Ellis, a 15-year-old sophomore at Staples High School in Westport, described a discussion on getting into college one day during track practice. He wrote that a white friend said he would have no problem because he’s black.

    “I was stunned,” he wrote, “and mumbled something instead of firing back, `Your parents are third-generation Princeton and your father runs a hedge fund and yet you think my ride is free?”‘

    The annual essay contest, put on by the town’s diversity council and the Westport Library, aims to prompt discussion of multicultural issues in the shoreline community that is 93 percent white. This year’s topic stirred some controversy by encouraging high schoolers to describe how they have been touched by white privilege, a term used mainly by liberals that refers to unseen advantages conferred to whites, and not racial minorities.

    Chet was awarded the $1,000 top prize at a ceremony Monday night.

    Living in a place where almost everyone is white, he writes, he wonders how his race affects how he’s treated. He writes about being followed around by a manager inside a store and how it felt when a classmate said a racial slur out loud to describe an offensive sign. And he notes the knowing nods a track teammate receives when he explains a loss by telling others, “I mean I was running against two giant black guys.” “As a black teen in Westport, race issues in and outside the classroom are unavoidable,” he wrote. (AP)

  • Indian American Prasad Srinivasan announced his candidacy for Governor of Connecticut

    Indian American Prasad Srinivasan announced his candidacy for Governor of Connecticut

    STAMFORD, CT (TIP): Indian American State Representative Dr. Prasad Srinivasan, R-Conn., who serves as the representative in the state’s 31st Assembly District, announced his candidacy for Governor of Connecticut in 2018.

    “Connecticut has been prosperous in our lifetimes, and we can get back to prosperity again. But the path of divisive special interest politics that Governor Malloy and the Democrats in the legislature have chosen is not working. We need to change things around to revive our state. We need new leadership and new vision to conquer the old problems that are continuing to hold us back. That is why I want to be your governor”, he said in a statement.

    Dr. Prasad Srinivasan (Dr.S) is a long time resident of the town of Glastonbury. He has been practicing in Glastonbury and the Hartford area for over 30 years. He treats pediatric and adult patients with allergies. Dr. Srinivasan has been accomplished Legislator, Physician, Business Owner and Philanthropist and won many endorsements, accolades, awards and recognitions.

    On November 8th 2016, Prasad Srinivasan was elected to his fourth term as the State Representative of the Glastonbury 31st Assembly District. He is an Assistant Republican Leader and Ranking Member of the Public Health committee in Connecticut General Assembly besides being a member of Environment and Judiciary committees.

    Prasad Srinivasan was chief pediatric resident at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. He did his fellowship in allergy and immunology at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. He is a graduate of Baroda Medical College in India. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. His community involvement is remarkable and has been recognized on numerous occasions.

  • A.R. Rahman honored with “Tamil Ratna Award”

    A.R. Rahman honored with “Tamil Ratna Award”

    NEW YORK (TIP): New York based America Tamil Sangam presented its highest honor -Tamil Ratna Award – on maestro AR Rahman at the United Nations General Assembly Hall on Monday, August 15, thehistoric day of India’s Independence seventy years ago.

    Rahman gave a sparkling musical performance in aid of Sankara Nethralaya to commemorate the birth centenary of Dr M S Subbulakshmi.

    Presenting the award Dr Prakash M Swamy, president of the Sangam said the twice Oscar and Golden Globe winner is always an embodiment of peace, humbleness and charity The previous awardees include Bharathi Raja. the ace Tamil movie director, dancer Kamala Lakshman, Dr Srinivasa Varadhan,Abel laureate and Dr Prasad Srinivasan first Indian Assemblyman from Connecticut and Dr Valavanur Subramaniam, world renowned cardio thoracic surgeon.

    “It was an historic occasion for global Tamils to have him perform at the United Nations General Assembly Hall”, said Dr. Swamy.

    Executive committee members- Verra Kumar, Calai Chandra, John Joseph, Koshy Oomen, Nivetha Arasan and Soumya Murthi attended the event at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

  • Volume 10 Issue 26 | New York | Jul 08

    Volume 10 Issue 26 | New York | Jul 08

    10 years
    Celebrating 10 Years of The Indian Panorama

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    Volume 10 Issue 26 ~ NY ~ Jul 08

     

    The Indian Panorama Newspaper for The Indian Americans in New York & Dallas - VOL 10 ISSUE 26 ● NEW YORK ● JULY 08 - JULY 14, 2016
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  • THE BIRTH OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

    THE BIRTH OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

    When the initial battles in the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, few colonists desired complete independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered radical. By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists had come to favor independence, thanks to growing hostility against Britain and the spread of revolutionary sentiments such as those expressed in Thomas Paine’s bestselling pamphlet “Common Sense,” published in early 1776.

    On June 7, when the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence. Amid heated debate, Congress postponed the vote on Lee’s resolution, but appointed a five-man committee-including Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York-to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain.

    On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted affirmatively). On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.” On July 4th, the Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.

    EARLY FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS

    In the pre-Revolutionary years, colonists had held annual celebrations of the king’s birthday, which traditionally included the ringing of bells, bonfires, processions and speechmaking. By contrast, during the summer of 1776 some colonists celebrated the birth of independence by holding mock funerals for King George III, as a way of symbolizing the end of the monarchy’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty. Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war. George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence in 1778, and in 1781, several months before the key American victory at Yorktown, Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday.

    After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day every year, in celebrations that allowed the new nation’s emerging political leaders to address citizens and create a feeling of unity. By the last decade of the 18th century, the two major political parties-Federalists and Democratic-Republicans-that had arisen began holding separate Independence Day celebrations in many large cities.July 4th fireworks

    JULY 4TH BECOMES A NATIONAL HOLIDAY

    The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.

    Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. The most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States.

    (Source: History.com)

  • Volume 10 Issue 25 | New York | Jul 01

    Volume 10 Issue 25 | New York | Jul 01

    10 years
    Celebrating 10 Years of The Indian Panorama

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    Volume 10 Issue 25 ~ NY ~ Jul 01

     

    VOL 10 ISSUE 25 ● NEW YORK ● JULY 01 - JULY 07, 2016
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  • GOPIO-CT honors 5 and gives 4 college scholarships

    GOPIO-CT honors 5 and gives 4 college scholarships

    It was a memorable evening in every possible way. The Ballroom at The Hilton Hotel in Stamford, CT was filled with more than 200 invited guests from across the state of Connecticut, including community leaders, elected officials, and honorees and their families on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The event was the 10th annual Gala and awards nite organized by The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Connecticut Chapter honoring five for their achievements and contributions to the community: The gala included a cocktail reception, dinner, music, live DJ and dances by participants, eloquent speeches, touching lifestories and inspiring narratives on the lives of the five distinguished honorees.

    Prominent among those who had attended and spoke at the annual gala included, Congressman Jim Himes, Stamford Mayor David Martin, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Connecticut State Senators Tony Hwang and Toni Boucher and CT State Assemblyman Dan Carter.

    Sachin Lawande, President and CEO of Visteon Corporation (Van Buren, MI), was recognized for his achievement as a Corporate Leader. Visteon is one of the world’s leading suppliers of vehicle cockpit electronics, serving auto manufacturers around the globe. Sachin was described to be leading a rapid evolution of electronics technology and software to meet the demands of the connected car era. In his response, Laweande, while thanking GOPIO-CT, he said, “May this award given to me today be an inspiration to the younger generation.”

    Anjali Sharma, a Greenwich resident, was honored for Community Service and promoting philanthropy. Anjali, a Trustee of AIF, has worked tirelessly to as a humanist and philanthropist to promote India’s development. She won the loudest applause from the audience for her simple narration of the many effort she and her organization do to bring a little cheer in the lives of hundreds of people in India she has been instrumental in touching with her monetary help. While acknowledging the award, Sharma applauded GOPIUO and said, “Your efforts show that you are working to have our community integrated with the mainstream world.”

    Annapurna Duleep, a  former Norwalk Councilwoman, was recognized for her contributions and achievements in Political Involvement. Anna is the first woman and South Asian to be elected Sheriff of Norwalk City in 2014.  She is an ardent proponent of gun control.  Duleep urged the participants and the larger Indian American community to “Join with me in the effort to take the community to the next level.”

    GOPIO-CT President’s Young Professional Achiever Award was given to Roopa Modha of Shelton, who has been working tirelessly to promote women’s issues using her legal expertise to further women’s causes. Her commitment is to empower women and bring the issues of domestic violence and rape into the public domain. A lawyer by profession, She attended the White House’s United State of Women Summit in 2016.

    Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder President of GOPIO International who is also a Trustee of GOPIO-CT, while introducing, David Smith, FACHE of Stamford Hospital as the recipient of the Friend of GOPIO and the Indian American community award, said, “For the first time, GOPIO-CT is recognizing an employee of an institution. Mr. Smith currently serves as Senior Vice President, Strategy and Chief Strategy and Network Development Officer at Stamford Health, Stamford, Connecticut.  He has worked in the Health Care Sector for over 35 years. He is an ardent supporter of good health and healthy food habits. David has supported IndianAmerican community for many years.” In his response, shared with the audience as to how he developed an increasing taste for India and the people from this large nation. He spoke about his his close association with many people of Indian origin in the US.

    GOPIO-CT President’s Young Professional Achiever Award was given to Roopa Modha, who has been working tirelessly to promote women’s issues using her legal expertise to further women’s causes. Her commitment is to empower women and bring the issues of domestic violence and rape into the public domain. In her passionate address, Modha hoped that “this award will inspire many more to join in the efforts to make a just world.” She urged the audience to “be passionate about making a positive impact on others.”

    For the second year in a row, GOPIO-CT Scholarship for College Tuitions were given to Gunja Shah, a prospective student at Massachussetts College of Pharmacy; Tanusri Balla, entering University of Pennsylvania; Nikita Jaaswal, who has enrolled to begin her studies at University of California; and Sirin Vahora, amother of two, who has accepted into Norwalk Community Ciollege’s Nursing Program. GOPIO-CT Scholarship Committee consisted of Sanjay Santhanam (Chairman), Hari Srinivasan, Tara Sharma, and Priya Easwaran coordinated GOPIO-CT efforts and led the fundraising at the event to expand the scholarship to other parts of Connecticut in the coming years.

    Proclamations from Governor Malloy, Mayor David Martin, and US Senator Richard Bllomenthal to the awardees were read out at the awards ceremony. In welcoming the guests and dignitaries, Shelly Nichani, President of GOPIO-CT said “We are celebrating the achievements of five distinguished individuals and the award is a reflection of their remarkable accomplishments and commendable services.” He said, over the last ten years, GOPIO-CT has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future.

    Congressman Jim Himes, who represents Connecticut’s 4th District in the United States House of Representatives, where he is serving his fourth term, said he was delighted to be at the event to honor the accomplishments of so many talented individuals. He complimented the IndianAmerican community as the highly educated 3.2 million strong, making tremendous contributions to the economic quality of this country.

    “You are the community. You are not part of the community,” Mayor David Martin told the Indian Americans. Pointing to the historic nature of the upcoming general elections in November, Mayor Martin urged the members to register and vote, and thus become ensure that your voices are heard.”

    Mayor Harry Rilling said “I am honored to be here to celebrate among friends and am thankful for the warm welcome the Indian community has always extended to me and my family.” He also congratulated GOPIO-CT for its 10 years of service and bringing the Indian community together.

    Niraj Baxi, the President of International GOPIO congratulated the awardees for “bringing honor to your Indian heritage. We are all very proud of you.” He said he was “delighted to be part of the celebration in Connecticut honoring distinguished IndianAmericans and David Smith, a Friend of GOPIO.”the Friend of GOPIO and the Indian Community award.

  • Volume 10 Issue 24 | New York | June 24

    Volume 10 Issue 24 | New York | June 24

    10 years
    Celebrating 10 Years of The Indian Panorama

    Print Edition

    Reimagined for the Web 

    Volume 10 Issue 24 ~ NY ~ June 24

     

    VOL 10 ISSUE 24 ● NEW YORK ● JUNE 24 - JUNE 30, 2016
    VOL 10 ISSUE 24 ● NEW YORK ● JUNE 24 – JUNE 30, 2016

     

     

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  • Volume 10 Issue 23 | New York | June 17

    Volume 10 Issue 23 | New York | June 17

    10 years
    Celebrating 10 Years of The Indian Panorama

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    Volume 10 Issue 23 ~ NY ~ June 17

     

    TIP VOL 10 ISSUE 23 | June 17
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  • US Lawmakers Propose Change In H-1B Visa Laws To Contest Layoffs: Report

    US Lawmakers Propose Change In H-1B Visa Laws To Contest Layoffs: Report

    New York: Several US lawmakers have proposed revisions to visa laws to include measures allowing former employees to contest their layoffs after a number of American workers lost their jobs to immigrants from countries like India on H-1B and other work visas, a media report said on Sunday.

    The New York Times report said that while corporate executives have been outspoken in defending their labour practices, the American workers who lost jobs to global outsourcing companies have been largely silent.

    “Until recently. Now some of the workers who were displaced are starting to speak out, despite severance agreements prohibiting them from criticising their former employers,” the report said.

    It cited the example of former Abbott Laboratories employee Marco Pena, who was among about 150 technology workers laid off in April by the global healthcare conglomerate.

    Mr Pena and the other laid off employees “handed in their badges and computer passwords, and turned over their work to a company based in India”.

    Mr Pena said he had decided not to sign the agreement that was given to all departing employees, which included a nondisparagement clause. He said his choice cost him at least $10,000 in severance pay.

    The report said leading members of the US Congress from both major parties have questioned the non-disparagement agreements, which are commonly used by corporations but can prohibit ousted workers from raising complaints about what they see as a misuse of temporary visas.

    Lawmakers, including Richard Durbin of Illinois, the second-highest-ranking Senate Democrat, and Jeff Sessions of Alabama, the Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, have proposed revisions to visa laws to include measures allowing former employees to contest their layoffs.

    “I have heard from workers who are fearful of retaliation,” Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of
    Connecticut, said in the report. “They are told they can say whatever they want, except they can’t say anything negative about being fired.”

    Senator Durbin, who is from Illinois, criticised the layoffs and said Abbott’s non-disparagement clause was “overly broad”.

    Professor Hal Salzman, a labour force expert at Rutgers University, said in the past five years, through loopholes in the rules, tens of thousands of American workers have been replaced by foreigners on H-1B and other temporary visas.

    In March, two Americans Craig Diangelo, 63, and Judy Konopka, 56, laid off in 2014 by a New England power company – Eversource Energy, spoke at a news conference in Hartford even though they had signed non-disparagement agreements.

    They said “most of the 220 people facing dismissal had been required as part of their severance to train Indian immigrants with H-1B and other visas”.

  • Volume 10 Issue 22 | New York | June 10

    Volume 10 Issue 22 | New York | June 10

    10 years
    Celebrating 10 Years of The Indian Panorama

    Print Edition

    Reimagined for the Web 

    Volume 10 Issue 22 ~ NY ~ June 10


     

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    Our main print coverage is in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Dallas / Fort Forth among other major cities of The United States.

    The Indian Panorama is the 2nd most visited website by NRI’s & Indian Americans for Asian News, Immigration, Diaspora News in the United States much ahead of other newspapers like DesiTalk, NewsIndiaTimes, India Abroad, The Indian Express, South Asian Times etc (Source: Alexa Rankings)

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  • Indian Americans raise funds for sitting Congressman Jim Hines

    Indian Americans raise funds for sitting Congressman Jim Hines

    Indian Americans for Congressman Jim Himes headed by community veteran activist Dr. Thomas Abraham raised funds for sitting 4th term Congressman Jim Himes (Democrat) at a fundraiser in Stamford on May 20th.

    Rep Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th District covering the rich Fairfield County which includes Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Stratford and part of New Haven County.

    A member of Indian Caucus, Congressman Himes is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and serves as the ranking member of the NSA and Cybersecurity Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, as well as is Vice-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition.

  • Volume 10 Issue 21 | New York

    Volume 10 Issue 21 | New York

    10 years
    Celebrating 10 Years of The Indian Panorama

    Print Edition

    Reimagined for the Web 

    Volume 10 Issue 21 ~ NY ~ June 03

    Volume 10 Issue 21 ~ NY ~ June 03

     

     

    Introducing Home Delivery Subscription:

    As a home delivery subscriber to The Indian Panorama, you enjoy the convenience and reliability of having the printed newspaper delivered to you first thing in the morning every Saturday.

    This incredible offer is available for 2016 at an introductory price of $5 per month (including shipping & handling – US Only). To know more email subscriptions@theindianpanorama.news

    Your subscription includes free Digital Access to www.theindianpanorama.news at no additional charge.

     

    Advertise with The Indian Panorama 

    Place your advertisement or message in The Indian Panorama and let us start delivering your best customers to you.

    For advertisers, The Indian Panorama has no rivals. Connect with our Advertising Sales team in order to learn more about who reads TIP and how your brand can connect with our audience.

    Our main print coverage is in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Dallas / Fort Forth among other major cities of The United States.

    The Indian Panorama is the 2nd most visited website by NRI’s & Indian Americans for Asian News, Immigration, Diaspora News in the United States much ahead of other newspapers like DesiTalk, NewsIndiaTimes, India Abroad, The Indian Express, South Asian Times etc (Source: Alexa Rankings)

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  • Volume 10 Issue 20 | New York

    Volume 10 Issue 20 | New York

    10 years
    Celebrating 10 Years of The Indian Panorama

    The Indian Panorama Print Edition

    Reimagined for the Web 

    Volume 10 Issue 20 ~ New York ~ May 27


     

    Introducing Home Delivery Subscription:

    As a home delivery subscriber to The Indian Panorama, you enjoy the convenience and reliability of having the printed newspaper delivered to you first thing in the morning every Saturday.

    This incredible offer is available for 2016 at an introductory price of $5 per month (including shipping & handling – US Only). To know more email subscriptions@theindianpanorama.news

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    Place your advertisement or message in The Indian Panorama and let us start delivering your best customers to you.

    For advertisers, The Indian Panorama has no rivals. Connect with our Advertising Sales team in order to learn more about who reads TIP and how your brand can connect with our audience.

    Our main print coverage is in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Dallas / Fort Forth among other major cities of The United States.

    The Indian Panorama is the 2nd most visited website by NRI’s & Indian Americans for Asian News, Immigration, Diaspora News in the United States much ahead of other newspapers like DesiTalk, NewsIndiaTimes, India Abroad, The Indian Express, South Asian Times etc (Source: Alexa Rankings)

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  • The Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebrations organized in New Britain

    The Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebrations organized in New Britain

    NEW BRITAIN, CT (TIP): The State of CT Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division (CSSD) Multicultural Affairs Unit hosted the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration (AAPIHMC) to raise awareness and to celebrate the contributions made by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States.

    The event was held at the Central Connecticut State University Institute of Technology & Business Development building located at 185 Main Street New Britain, CT 06051.

    CSSD oversees pretrial services, family services, divorce and domestic violence, probation supervision of adults and juveniles as well as juvenile residential centers including Juvenile Detention. CSSD also administers a network of statewide contracted community providers that deliver treatment and other support services.

    The mission of CSSD is to provide effective support services within the Judicial Branch by working collaboratively with system stakeholders to promote compliance with court orders and instill positive change in individuals, families, and communities.

    CSSD is able to accomplish this mission by employing risk and conflict reduction strategies within each of its service areas.

    A panel from three religion Sikhism, Hinduism and Islam was invited to share knowledge and experience about their faith.

    Keynote Speaker Dr. Bill Howe addressed the audience about the Asian American culture and his experience as an educator and consultant in multicultural education.

    Dr. William (Bill) A. Howe provides training and consultation in multicultural education, culturally responsive education, diversity awareness and gender equity (Title IX). He is the former program manager for culturally responsive education, multicultural education, bullying & harassment, gender equity and civil rights at the Connecticut State Department of Education. He is a regular presenter at state and national conferences, has appeared on both radio and television on diversity issues. Over the years, he has trained over 15,000 educators.

    On this event Swaranjit Singh Khalsa from Sikh Sewak Society International USA who has recentlybeen appointed as Member in City Planning Commission for city of Norwich, said that Sikhs have been targeted for hate crime due to their articles of faith like Dastaar and beard.

    He explained the articles of Sikh faith and also spoke about the history of Sikh Religion. He said Guru Nanak who was a social reformer and a champion of Civil rights in the 15th century, five hundred years before America spoke about these liberties, founded the Sikh religion which is the youngest and the fifth largest religion of the world with  a worldwide following of 25 million.