The Indian Panorama

Tag: Consulate General of India

  • Anjali Bhushan’s ‘My Home India’ Screened at the Consulate General of India, New York

    Anjali Bhushan’s ‘My Home India’ Screened at the Consulate General of India, New York

    NEW YORK (TIP): “My Home India”, a documentary directed by Anjali Bhushan traces Poland India connection during World War II.

    A view of the distinguished gathering

    Migration in the history of human existence is a powerful reminder that life connects all of us in ways unexplained and often unfathomable.

    Taking out a slice from the history of World War II that affected millions of people then as well as the future generations is an enchanting new documentary entitled ‘My Home India’.

    Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul General of India in New York, hosted a screening of this important piece of history with a conversation with director Anjali Bhushan at the Indian mission on Feb 27.

    ‘My Home India’ is an important story that connects Poland to India during World War II. While historians have documented and how the war shaped the new world, Bhushan took out a little riveting detail from those times to document how a population from Poland managed to find its way to India and made India its new home.

    The screening at Indian Consulate General in New York was a well-attended event. The audience included diplomats and representatives from Pilsudski Institute of America as well as members of the Indian American as well as Polish American communities.

    Both the audiences had enough to relate and connect with the strong story line that traversed across decades and generations to establish how human connects are formed to places and people during the toughest times.

    After the screening, Bhushan had an engaging question and answer session with the audiences, who were impressed to see this important piece of history brought to life.

    It is perhaps for the first time that this subject has been brought to the attention of people and outside of Poland, almost very little is known about the life and existence of those Poles who were able to escape the Soviet Siberian labor camps.

    In an interesting analogy, that explains the Polish influence in some parts of India, the documentary shows how these Poles found their way to India.

    The film also highlights an important Polish lady in the history of this ancient migration – Kira Banasinka. She was the wife of Eugene Banasinski, the first Polish Consul General of Poland in Bombay.

    Intertwined within the story of how Kira and her husband, 18-years older to her found love and her life as a diplomat’s wife that revolved around social engagements, is another powerful tale of how she ensured that hundreds of thousands of Poles found a safe passage to India.

    The story is about one woman’s will to provide safe space to thousands of Polish refugees of war.

    (Source: Consulate General of India)

  • Kashmir will become a developed state, a global state. It will become the pride of India: Ambassador Chakravorty

    Kashmir will become a developed state, a global state. It will become the pride of India: Ambassador Chakravorty

    The Indian Panorama team of chief editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja and assistant editor Bidisha Roy interviewed Consul General of India Sandeep Chakravorty on August 7, 2019 to  elicit his views on certain recent developments in India and to address some issues related to the Indian American community here.

    Ambassador Chakravorty, as ever, candidly answered all our questions. We bring to readers of The Indian Panorama excerpts from the interview.

    “We have decreased the turnaround time of our consular services. For instance, you apply for passport through CKGS today. It comes to us this evening. Tomorrow we do it and day after tomorrow you get it. So our turnaround time is just a day. Which means if somebody is in an emergency, we can give him the passport across the counter.”

    TIP: We are here with you when India has lost one of her best human beings and an accomplished politician who, until a few months ago,  was India’s external affairs Minister, and your boss. I will like to begin with your memories of Sushma Swaraj Ji, and, of course, your condolences .

    Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty with Late Smt. Sushma Swaraj

    CG :  We know politicians, we know leaders, ministers but Sushmaji was very special in the sense that she led our ministry (External Affairs) for five long years and she really had a very intimate relationship with all officer and staff. I think she changed our ministry. She changed the way our consulates work. She made us responsive to the community. On many issues, she played very very important role in keeping our embassy in forefront of diplomacy. She used the power of Twitter to help people. It is unparallel in the diplomatic history. No leader, no foreign minister used social media so effectively. There is an outpouring of grief. In New York she used to come every year for the General Assembly and we got the chance to meet her. I remember she would call me personally and ask me to help people in stress and trouble including patients in hospitals here in the United States. She connected beautifully to everybody. Everybody is missing her. We are poorer by her absence. She was a tall leader. We don’t have many women at the forefront of politics. She was the youngest minister at the central government. She has been in politics for 40 years. She was the face of Indian diplomacy. I think we will all miss her. My condolences to her family.

    TIP: Modi government has taken some decisions on the State of Jammu &  Kashmir which have divested the State of certain privileges and taken away some special rights of the people of J &K. Obviously, the decisions have altered the character of relationship between the State of J& K and the Center. How will you explain the action which you have called in your note circulated to media, including the NY Times, as “administrative action”? How does abrogation of Article 370 help people of J&K?

    CG – Before I get into answering it,  I would like to recall the last tweet of Sushmaji which she made just an hour before her cardiac arrest. She thanked Prime Minister Modi and said I could never imagine that I will see this day I was waiting for. I think it’s a very telling comment, poignant tweet. I’ve seen the tweet a number of times and I think it was a historic day. I would like to highlight two points. One is that – I believe that Article 370 was a temporary provision in our constitution, and it was made to protect the people of Kashmir to work for its development and protect their culture and uniqueness of Kashmir. Unfortunately,  because of several developments, it went to the contrary. It has not developed Kashmir. There is no institution, no hospital, no university, no medical college, no engineering college, no industry, no business.

    What will happen in next few years that Kashmir will become a developed state, a global state. It will become the pride of India. I got a comment from one company – they said, we’ll work with India to bring Kashmir to the forefront of technological change in the world. The people of Kashmir are as Indian as anybody else. Why they have been deprived for so many years of these benefits of development? No law of India was applicable to Kashmir including reservations for the backward classes. There was rampant corruption. Even the prevention of corruption act was not applicable. It was a jarring point in our political structure which has been corrected and I am so happy that our government has the courage to do so. The culture of Kashmir will be demolished – that’s not true. India is based on linguistic states and India celebrates its culture and diversity. More and more Kashmiri culture will come to the forefront. There have been forces who tried to kill the culture of Kashmir. This action will protect the culture of Kashmir. I am very very positive that this is a landmark decision and it will be a game changer. It will solve the problems that we have faced in the past. It will bring out the people of Kashmir to a high level of economic development.

    TIP: There are fears that when you open up the forbidden area to people to buy land, the land mafia will dispossess  the local people who are known to be poor. And that will drive them to greater poverty. What do you think?

    CG- I don’t think that is a correct description of the fact. It is a very hypothetical situation. It has not happened elsewhere. Nobody will force you to sell your land. Things will not happen overnight. If somebody has land and wants to build a hotel, why he should be denied? The land of Kashmir should have similar valuation like in Mumbai or Delhi. Tourism will prosper and protection will be given like in other parts of India. The beginning has to be made.

    TIP: Let me take you to your August 2017 interview with The Indian Panorama. You had said : There are three relationships here – India-US relationship, Indian community-US relationship, and Indian community-India relationship. All are very important, and we need to focus on all three. How do you assess yourself today with regard to your work in strengthening these relationships?

    Thank you for reminding me. It was a very useful framework to analyze our work. The India-US relationship has progressed enormously in  the last two years. The best indicator is the trade which has crossed 142 billion. It was less than 20 billion 20 years back. What is very interesting is trade deficit has been reducing. US export to India is growing. We believe in comparative advantages.  We are buying thing from US which we have never done before such as oil and gas. We are also increasing our defense purchases from the US. US is the biggest supplier of aircraft to India. On economic relations, the investment relationship is very strong. Indian companies are investing here. Strong presence of them in our jurisdiction. The US-India relationship has done well. It is prospering. Our Prime Minister and US leaders have said that this is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. It is the relationship of the future. There is great deal of understanding about the role of India. As the relationship advances it creates opportunities for us.

    As far as the Indian community-US relationship is concerned, that is also very significant. More and more Indians are participating in the political process. Indian origin men and women are participating in the local level across the US as assemblyman, councilman or judges or senators. That awareness is growing and people are talking about it. There is appreciation of role of Indian community in the US administration. Our community is the most educated and prosperous community and they are playing huge role in the development of United States. Today US is the technological powerhouse because of the contribution of people of Indian origin.

    Thirdly, the connection with India is growing. The concern which I have is whether the second or third generation is connected or not. As India is becoming economic powerhouse, the interest in India should be natural. The second or third generation should not connect to India because their parents belong to India. They should connect because they feel to do so just like other Americans do. That is happening. I find lot of people who deal with India, are investing in India. Our job is to facilitate that. I see my role as a bee, a pollinator – pollinating the flower. In diplomacy we don’t do business. Our role is to facilitate business. Here at the consulate, so many subsidiary relationships are blooming. I believe in supporting these contacts and relationships.

    TIP: Between 2017 and 2019, you have accomplished a lot. Also, you may probably have a feeling that much more could have been done. Do you have any flop side?

    CG- I think after two years, I am focusing on involving more and more mainstream Americans in the activities of the consulate. I have done, but I have to do more. My emphasis now will be trying to do more of that. I am trying to do things that will last. I am sitting on the success and hard work done by my predecessors.  We also increased our outreach. The feedback is very positive. We fail in many occasions but it’s not because of lack of effort. We failed because everything is not in our control. When we get feedback, we respond. We try to correct problems of people. We respond on google, Facebook, twitter, Instagram. We have developed our web Application – Pramit. It is an in- house development. It has ensured 100% response to any applicant who has any issue with the consulate. it is widely used. In the last 7 months about 10,000 people used it. We have redone our website in June 2018, we had 1.3 million hits since then. For a consulate, it’s very very satisfying.

    “I believe that India’s time is now. India is on the way to becoming five trillion dollar economy and that cannot happen without greater India-US cooperation and involvement of Indian American community.”

    TIP: You inherited one particular initiative from Mr Mulay – Consulate at your doorstep – what have you done to promote that?

    CG- We have decreased the turnaround time of our consular services. For instance, you apply for passport through CKGS today. It comes to us this evening. Tomorrow we do it and day after tomorrow you get it. So our turnaround time is just a day. Which means if somebody is in an emergency, we can give him the passport across the counter. This has not happened before. Our turnaround time for visas is also one day. I am proud to say that we are one of the very few consulates globally who open on weekends to give emergency services. For transfer of mortal remains, we are open on Saturday and Sunday. I think hardly anybody does that. We give emergency visas and passport if anybody is critically ill. A proper procedure is established. The consulate is for the people. If we are not able to satisfy and help them, there is no point. Consulate at your doorstep is happening but because we have brought down the processing time, the demand has decreased. But still we are doing it in places like Boston and Philadelphia. Our jurisdiction is very compact.

    TIP: It is about Open House and redressal of grievances. Do you maintain a record of complaints received?

    CG – We do. We are very sensitive regarding this. If an appreciation makes my day, a complaint ruins my week. That is the importance we give to complaints. We respond to each and every complaint. Some of the complaints come because of our limitations when we say ‘No.’ We can’t say yes in every circumstance.  When we say ‘No’ people respond in a negative way. We understand their difficulties and we try to be as humane as possible. Most of the complaints are because of lack of response. Because of Pramit, the complaints have also drastically reduced. It’s a mixed bag and I take both in my stride. Our phone calls are now on recorder. We receive 120 to 130 calls a day and every call is recorded. I make sure by the end of the day we respond. We call and leave a message and I guarantee you that we’ll get back within 24 hours.

    TIP: What have been the most recurrent complaints and grievances?

    CG – Mainly two. One is for passport of people who are not documented here and asylum seekers who have not got US travel document. Sometimes they need to travel to India. There is a very flexible rule and we are compassionate. But sometimes people take benefit of the rule and then don’t travel to India. They say, somebody is unwell. So we give them the passport and then they don’t go. But that number is not large. One thing to notice that passport is not an identity document but a travel document. Some undocumented people who demand the passport they do not travel. They want identity. When we ask what the purpose is, they are unable to explain. We don’t want to jeopardize the US immigration system.

    Passport and Visa Consul Mr. Murugesan explains to The Indian Panorama assistant editor Bidisha Roy the new digital system of registration on arrival

    TIP:Congratulations for providing certain new facilities to visitors to the Consulate to transact business. We visited the office in the basement area and found the place much more welcoming than before. The comfortable new chairs and the ambience of the place are surely welcome. Bidisha who spoke with the Consul Passport and Visa Mr. Murugesan was told about the entire operation-how a visitor has to register on arrival and  then wait in the queue. The new digital queue monitoring and display makes things much easier for visitors. Bidisha also noted that the Consulate has provided free copying and computer services to fill in the forms. Mr. Murugesan also informed about the plans  to have a children’s section. Surely, there are enough indications of improvement.

    CG: We constantly review the services.

     TIP: What are your plans regarding the celebration of 550 years of Guru Nanak Devji and 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi?

    CG – In last several months we have arranged many events on 550 birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji. We have had many outstanding events at the consulate.  The latest one was at the Gurudwara at Hicksville. We are planning few more events. We have proposals from other Gurudwaras in our jurisdiction. We are planning with Mayor’s office in Norwalk, Connecticut where there is a sizable Sikh community to host an event in November on of Guru Nanak Devji’s birthday. We are planning to host it at mayor’s office with participation of mainstream people.

    In connection with the year long commemorative celebration of 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we have partnered with  the State University of New York, Old Westbury (SUNY-OW),  and Shanti Fund to plant 150 trees in the Old Westbury Campus. We are requesting individuals to adopt trees. The Gandhi Peace Garden will be inaugurated in September during the visit of Prime Minister who will do it. On October 1 we are doing ‘Homage to Mahatma’ music concert by Sitarist Subhendu Rao and his wife at the consulate.

    TIP: We are a week away from celebrating India’s 73rd Independence Day. Your message , please.

    CG – On the occasion of our 73 rd Independence Day, I greet the readers of Indian Panorama and the larger  Indian American Community and the friends of India. I believe that India’s time is now. India is on the way to becoming five trillion dollar economy and that cannot happen without greater India-US cooperation and involvement of Indian American community. I felicitate you on this very very happy occasion. We should project what is good in India. I want to take this opportunity to invite you to participate at the grand celebration of August 15. Please join us and come in large numbers.

    TIP: Thank you, Ambassador Chakravorty for your time. Happy Independence Day1

  • Ambassador Shringla Inaugurates Queue Management System at New York Consulate

    Ambassador Shringla Inaugurates Queue Management System at New York Consulate

    NEW YORK CITY(TIP): The Consulate General of India, New York has launched ‘Queue Management System’ to manage queues of applicants who come to the Consulate for various services and also to improve the overall quality and delivery of services rendered at the Consulate. The new Queue Management System (QMS) considerably reduces the waiting time in availing the consular services.

    Ambassador of India to the United States Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla on July 15 inaugurated the Queue Management System at Consulate General of India, New York. Ambassador was also apprised of various initiatives taken by Consulate General of India, New York for the welfare of the applicants availing consular services at the Consulate, such as free coffee and free photocopying machine and Internet facilities. The Consulate provides about 150000 persons with various services annually.

    Ambassador Shringla also interacted with applicants present at the Consulate. Applicants lauded various initiatives taken by CGI, New York to improve the overall quality and effective delivery of services. Queue Management System considerably reduces the waiting time and will make delivery of Consular services a hassle free and comfortable experience.

  • Asia Society Hosts Landmark Exhibition – The Progressive Revolution: Modern Art for a New India

    Asia Society Hosts Landmark Exhibition – The Progressive Revolution: Modern Art for a New India

    Bidisha Roy

    NEW YORK CITY(TIP): The Asia Society of New York hosted a press conference at Asia Society Museum in New York City on September 13 to debut a landmark exhibition of works by members of the Progressive Artists’ Group, which was formed in Bombay, now Mumbai, in the aftermath of independence.  India’s Consul General in New York Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty inaugurated the show.

    In his brief speech Ambassador Chakraborty applauded Asia Society for hosting an exhibition of such magnitude. “I am aware of the hard work (of Asia Society) behind the show because it is not easy to convene such an exhibition. This is a rare exhibition because I think this kind of exhibition has not been organized ever before in the United States

    Progressive Artists’ Group, Bombay 1949.The exhibition comprises of important works from the Group’s core founders—K. H. Ara, S. K. Bakre, H. A. Gade, M. F. Husain, S. H. Raza, and F. N. Souza — as well as later members: V. S. Gaitonde, Krishen Khanna, Ram Kumar, Tyeb Mehta, Akbar Padamsee, and Mohan Samant
    Image / Courtesy Raza Foundation Archives. The Raza Foundation, New Delhi

    Just after India’s independence, six young firebrands came together in Bombay: K. H. Ara, S. K. Bakre, H. A. Gade, M. F. Husain, F. N. Souza, and S. H. Razaunited to form the Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG). In the early 1950s, Krishen Khanna, V. S. Gaitonde, andMohan Samant joined their ranks; Ram Kumar, Tyeb Mehta, andAkbar Padamseebecame closely affiliated with the Group. Together, the Progressives forged fresh art for an independent India and in time have come to be known as the country’s quintessential moderns.

    The Progressive Revolution: Modern Art for a New Indiawill examine the founding ideology of the Progressives and explore the ways in which artists from different social, cultural, and religious backgrounds found common cause at a time of massive political and social upheaval.

    Though the group disbanded in 1956, the movement continued to animate and give visual expression to India’s modern identity, with many of the group’s artists creating their most iconic works after this period. Works in the exhibition — primarily oil paintings­ from the 1940s to 1960s — underscore how these artists gave visual form to the idea of India as secular, heterogeneous, international, and united. Like their counterparts in the West, India’s modern masters mined multiple sources of inspiration while forging their own distinctive styles. Their consideration of the ways in which a new secular republic could emerge from a rich, multi-religious tradition continues to be relevant today.

    The Progressive Artists’ Group, surrounded by artists, art critics, and patrons at the Bombay Art Society Salon in the 1940s.
    From Left to Right: (Seated in the first row): Mulk Raj Anand, K.H. Ara, M.F. Hussain.
    (Seated in the second row): Laxman Pai, Mrs. Langhammer, Emmanuel Schlesinger, Bal Chhabda, among others.
    (Standing): Khorshed Gandhy, Krishen Khanna, S.K. Bakre, V.S. Gaitonde, Walter Langhammer, and Kekoo Gandhy.
    Image / Courtesy Chemould Prescott Road Archive

    The exhibition comprises of important works from the Group’s core founders—K. H. Ara, S. K. Bakre, H. A. Gade, M. F. Husain, S. H. Raza, and F. N. Souza — as well as later members: V. S. Gaitonde, Krishen Khanna, Ram Kumar, Tyeb Mehta, Akbar Padamsee, and Mohan Samant.

    A Page from M.F. Hussain’s Scrap Book, with a drawing and annotated photographs.
    Image / Courtesy Private collection, France /Courtesy Grosvenor Gallery

    The exhibition comprises of three sections. The first section, Progressives in Their Time, considers the Group’s origins as the artists struggled to cast off the old and invent a new artistic language for the new India. National/Internationalexplores the development of the Progressives’ styles, as they drew upon multiple sources of inspiration, not only Western motifs, but also South Asian high art and folk traditions, as well as those from Asia more generally. The last section, Masters of the Game, displays some of the most iconic artworks produced by the Progressives, many of which were created long after the Group dissolved, and individual members had developed their signature styles.

    A must-see exhibition, it will be on view at Asia Society Museum from September 14, 2018 to January 20, 2019.

     

  • Drive East Festival Featuring ICCR sponsored Artists to be presented in New York and San Francisco

    Drive East Festival Featuring ICCR sponsored Artists to be presented in New York and San Francisco

    NEW YORK CITY(TIP): On Thursday, August 02, 2018 Consulate General of India & Navatman Inc. presented Drive East Opening Night at the Consulate wherein Navatman’s Co- Artistic Director – Sridhar Shanmugam and Sahasra Sambamoorthi announced the schedule for their annual Indian dance and music festival – Drive East. This year Consulate is participating in “Drive East” with an ICCR sponsored Kathak! Ensemble.

    Navatman, Inc., is an organization dedicated to supporting the Indian classical arts, emphasizing Indian classical music and dance. This year, Navatman will present 35 concerts in 14 days and in 2 major cities – New York (August 13-19) and San Francisco (August 22-26) at the LaMama Experimental Theater Group and in San Francisco, California, at the Joe Goode Annex.

    From Bharatanatyam to ghazals, Drive East will present international, award-winning artists from all over the world. However, the highly anticipated performance is in New York on Friday, August 17 of Kathak, by a group of acclaimed performers from India produced by Battery Dance Company, sponsored by Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Consulate General of India, New York. Kathak will feature acclaimed Kathak dancers – Sandip Mallick & group with Anuj Mishra and group. Joining them will be Piyush Chauhan and Preeti Sharma. The entire schedule for Drive East is available on http://www.driveeastnyc.org/index.html

  • Indian Consulate with Shradhaa Foundation Celebrates Vijay Diwas

    Indian Consulate with Shradhaa Foundation Celebrates Vijay Diwas

    NEW YORK CITY(TIP): Indian Consulate along with Shradhaa Foundation celebrated the Vijay Diwas at Indian Consulate in NY on 18thJuly 2018. It is the first time an event of this nature has been celebrated. The Victory at Kargil in 1999 was celebrated and all those who laid down their life in the service to nation were remembered.

    Seema Jagtiani, co-founder of Shradha Foundation welcoming and speaking about the event

    The event started with the Indian National anthem by Col (Ret.) Virendra Tavathia. Ms. Seema Jagtiani introduced the Shradhaa Foundation to the audience.  A comprehensive presentation of the Kargil war in general and battle of Tololing and Tiger Hill was made by Col Tavathia. Entire audience was moved by the sacrifice made by the gallant soldiers of Indian Army fighting at the highest battlefield. The actions of Indian Air Force and Navy were appreciated. The audience was overwhelmed by the courage, determination and will power of our Infantry Soldiers who defied all odds to achieve impossible victory. Some soldiers who actually participated in the Kargil war were also present.

    Col Virendra Tavathia, co-founder of Shradha Foundation, speaking about the Kargil operation

    Shradhaa Foundation, a New Jersey Non-Profit Organization is committed to support the families and children of our martyrs organized the event in the true traditions of Indian Army. The Foundation has been helping the families of our martyrs since 2011. The efforts and support received from Tri Service Ex-servicemen Welfare Organization was well recognized. Major Krishna Chari gave a detailed account of the activities of Shradhaa Foundation.

    Consul General Sandeep Chakravarti appreciated the efforts and sacrifices of the Indian soldiers in his emotional address to the audience. He appreciated the efforts of Shradhaa Foundation and announced that the Victory Diwas will be celebrated annually at the Indian Consulate.

    On behalf of Shradhaa Foundation, Ratilal Patel, trustee, Dr Avtar Ganju and Lt Col Suresh Mehra, current President presented the painting of Major Vivek Gupta, Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous) to Consul General of India. Consul General thanked the office bearers of Foundation and said that this painting will find most appropriate place in the Indian Consulate. Young Yash Kansara and Vicky Kohli presented the emotional patriotic songs with perfection to bring tears in the eyes of listeners.

    The entire Shradhaa Team including the volunteers Dhara Desai (Editor of the Video Presentation), Rajnish Balyan and Rajeev Chaudhary worked very hard to make the entire arena like a battle field. The delicious food was provided by Deewan Banquet Hall, Piscataway, NJ. Ms. Seema Jagtiani thanked Mr. Harpal Singh Obhan of Deewan Banquet Hall, and all the volunteers who helped in putting up this memorable event. The event culminated with the thank you note by the President.

    A View of the audience

    Shradhaa Foundation will be hosting their annual fund raiser on 03rdAugust at Akbar Banquet Hall in Edison, NJ. The stories of some unsung heroes will be presented to the community. An educational entertainment is in offing in honor of those who gave their TODAY for our TOMORROW.

    (Based on a press release)

     

  • Indians detained in US ‘in shackles’: India’s Consulate General in San Francisco seeking access

    Indians detained in US ‘in shackles’: India’s Consulate General in San Francisco seeking access

    PORTLAND USA(TIP) Three men bunked in a small cell for more than 22 hours a day. No access to legal help. Lawyers willing to help pro bono, but authorities say no. In shackles and forced to eat food in cells next to open toilets. No idea where their families might be, or when the next court hearing is. Two men shot at but not provided medical care.

    Activists and lawyers working for the detainees have told The Tribune in India that almost all of the 123 persons — 52 of whom are Indians — being held at a federal prison in Portland, Oregon (US), are living in sub-human conditions. The Tribune could not independently verify these claims, but a host of respected legal and voluntary organizations have talked about the inhuman conditions in which these detainees from 16 different countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal and Brazil, have been kept at Oregon’s Sheridan detention center.

    “They are from 16 countries and speak 13 languages. We believe many of them have been detained since mid-May after seeking asylum at the port of San Diego,” said Jai Singh, Field Organizer for voluntary organization APANO (Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon).

    Facing criticism globally and at home, even within his own Republican Party, President Donald Trump has backed down on the controversial immigration order separating young children from families. However, the fate of 1,600 plus illegal immigrants detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remains unsure. The largest group of immigrants at the Sheridan facility comprises 52 Indians, most of them Sikh or Christian, who have sought asylum to avoid “religious persecution” back home.

    Ministry of External Affairs sources underline that the cases of asylum seekers are different from the diaspora arrested in foreign countries under criminal charges.

    Officials claim some of them could be seeking asylum under the pretext of “religious persecution” only to avoid the law of the land for crimes they might have committed.

    However, sources said K Venkata Ramana, Consul (Community Affairs, Information & Culture), Consulate General of India, San Francisco, was seeking consular access to the detainees in Portland. He would try to ascertain details of the Indians at the Oregon center.

    The detainees have not been allowed visits by faith leaders or any meaningful access to attorneys, which is in violation of the US Constitution, federal immigration laws and international treaties, point out lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Oregon (ACLU of Oregon), Innovation Law Lab and the American Immigration Lawyers Association Oregon Chapter (AILA Oregon).

    In a joint letter, they have said while the courts decide the fate of these men’s asylum claims, the ICE must ensure the federal prison complies with civil detention standards. “There should be no deportations until all 123 men have meaningful access to lawyers,” said Mat dos Santos, legal director of ACLU, Oregon. Civil organizations claim the detainees are allowed out of their cell for 15 minutes at a time, three times a day. They are forced to eat in their cells nextto open toilets.

  • Consulate General of India organizes International Day of Yoga 2018 in New York

    Consulate General of India organizes International Day of Yoga 2018 in New York

    GOVERNOR’S ISLAND, NY(TIP): The fourth International Day of Yoga was celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor at the historic Governor’s Island on 16th June 2018. The event organized by the Consulate General of India, New York saw enthusiastic participation from people of all ages.

    It was on 11 December 2014, when UNGA approved the proposal by consensus, with a record of 177 countries, to designate 21st June, the day of the Summer Solstice, as International Day of Yoga (IDY). Since then the IDY has been celebrated annually by member countries of the UN with great enthusiasm.

    Yoga is an ancient Indian discipline, which evolved thousands of years ago for physical and spiritual wellbeing of the humankind. The word ‘Yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Yoga had gained worldwide popularity due to its immense health benefits. It is in keeping with that thought that the theme of the event this year was ‘Let Yoga Govern your life’.

    The historic setting of the event in many ways exemplified the eternal values of yoga. Governor’s Island is a 72-acre (70 ha) island in New York Harbor, approximately 800 yards (732 m) from the southern tip of Manhattan Island and separated from Brooklyn by Buttermilk Channel, approximately 400 yards (366 m). Perhaps signifying the global influence of yoga, the famous skyline of downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty formed the backdrop of the event.

    Consul General of India Sandeep Chakraborty (extreme left) and Congresswoman Maloney (Third from left) with participants

    US Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney was the chief guest for the event. While complimenting the organizers, she spoke of the benefits that yoga has on contemporary lifestyles.

    “Yoga, which is derived from Sanskrit, means to join or unite and symbolizes the union of body and mind” said Congresswoman Maloney. “It is a unique way to approach an individual’s health and well-being. Practicing yoga has been shown to decrease stress, fatigue, and alleviate chronic pains, as well as improving physical fitness. I know first-hand the benefits of practicing yoga. It is an essential part of my life, I practice it as often as I can, and it helps me to find balance and peace.”

    The event featured performances from Hindu Temple, Indian Cultural Association, Mallakhambh Federation, Sam Katz (David Lynch Foundation), Art of Living Foundation, Isha Foundation, World Yoga Community and the Battery Dance Co.

    The performances included demonstration of yoga mudra, salutations, common yoga protocol, Yogasanas on the pole, Transcendental Meditation, desktop yoga, Yogic music and musical performances from the Salon Di Virtuosi and a dance performance by the Battery Dance Co.

    ICICI Bank, Air India, State Bank of India, India Tourism Office, Bank of Baroda,

    Federation of Indian Associations, Amity Education Foundation, Ashram Kant Darshan    Darbar, and     Bhakti Centre were partners/ sponsors of the event.

     

  • Interview: 4th International Day of Yoga

    Interview: 4th International Day of Yoga

    The Fourth International Day of Yoga is just a few days away. Since June 21, 2015, when International Day of Yoga was first celebrated, IDY celebrations have multiplied, spreading over a couple of days. This year, with quite a few celebrations already scheduled, we will be seeing the celebrations starting as early as June 15 and going up to the end of the month. However, among all other celebrations, there are two which are official and more noteworthy. The one is organized by Permanent Mission of India at the United Nations, and, the other, by the Indian Consulate.

    The Indian Panorama Chief Editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja spoke with Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty, and Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, Permanent representative of India to the United Nations to know from them how the historic event was planned this year.

    Here are excerpts from the interview with Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty.

    TIP: Thank you so much and we are meeting for the 4th International Day of Yoga Celebrations this year and it was a wonderful, very successful day of Yoga last year; the first that probably was organized after you took over, and congratulations for that. And since you have already set the bar so high, people are expecting a lot better performance and celebration this year. So, without waiting, for my readers to know, I would request you first to highlight the program that you have devised for people to celebrate International Day of Yoga.

    Amb: Thank you Saluja Sahib. There are two aspects of this year’s celebration. One is that we are working with many organizations, particularly organizations which have and share this idea & vision of Yoga, associated to Yoga.  So, we are partnering with large number of organizations in many states and many counties. So, that part has already started. You know a few weeks back we had a big curtain raiser event at TV Asia, you must have seen it, many people came, I think it was covered in your Newspaper.

    TIP: Yeah, we even covered that right on the front page.

    Amb:  Yes. Yes…absolutely. So there if you saw, large number of organizations came. So, this year I think what we are trying to do is that we are partnering with many organizations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Boston area and everybody has been joining hands under this one framework. So that celebrations have started and will continue. We have 2 weekends in frame of reference in the sense that starting from June 16 to June 24, we are celebrating Yoga Day, our main event. So, not only we did the TV Asia Program we also had a Yoga cruise partnering with Vegetarian Vision and Malcolm Foundation. So, around 400 people came for that Yoga cruise where there were a lot of discussions, asanans, a lot of yoga, and yoga related events took place on the cruise for 4 hours. So, that also is a part of our yoga day celebrations.

    Secondly, our main event is on June 16 at 11 o’clock. I invite everybody to Governor’s Island. We have chosen that to be a very iconic place in New York. And we though if we do Yoga there you know what the idea of Yoga Day is. The idea is to focus on the importance of Yoga and it’s like any anniversary that we celebrate so we thought that if we do it at an iconic place then the message will go loud and clear. So, on June 16, invite your readers to join us. It’s a beautiful place against the backdrop of the ocean, the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan Skyline. Carolyn Maloney who is our Congresswoman of Manhattan will be our chief guest. So that will be a 2-hour program with various aspects of Yoga and meditation, music and dance. So, it will be a fiesta of Yoga. Then various organizations like temples, cultural organizations, Indian community all over this region are doing and we are trying to support them and trying to attend their functions. So, that will be the Consulate’s footprint of Yoga Day. Then of course our permanent mission to the UN will be organizing I think 2 events, on 20th and 21st. Those are also important events. So, the Yoga calendar is rather packed, I must say.

    TIP: I understand you are having for the first time an International conference also.

    Amb: Yes, I was coming to that as well. Now as part of the Yoga day celebrations on June 20th and 21st, we are having an international conference on Yoga here in the Consulate. That is an event that is a specialized event, not an event for Yoga practitioners that way but much more about people who do research on Yoga, academicians, you know people who have been seriously working on Yoga, doctors, scientists, academicians so that will be technical seminar where people will read papers and you know trying to give more clinical and scientific basis to what we know is Yoga. So, that will be of 2 days on June 20th and 21st and President of ICCR Mr. Vinay Sahastrabuddhe, he will be coming as chief guest at this event.

    TIP:  And you have something on June 22, 23 and 24, 3rd International Conference on Integrative medicine?

    Amb: That is also there. We are joining hands with Center of Excellence of in Integrative Medicine in Boston. So that will be in Boston not here.  They are partnering with Harvard Medical School and some other prominent Institutions of the Boston area. So, those will take place from June 23 to June 25. So, it’s a very packed calendar, yes.

    TIP: Yes, I do see it’s a very packed calendar for community as well, as there are Yoga celebrations at various places starting from Hicksville, after that, Connecticut, Westchester, Hartsdale.  There are so many of them coming up.  These are all being supported by the Consulate?

    Amb:  These are all, yes in coordination, we are meeting, we are talking, and we are working together.

    TIP:  Now, having talked about this packed calendar, Congratulations! You know there is so much activity going on. It has now been 3 years you know. Now this is 4th year that we are into celebrating the International Day of Yoga, what has been the achievement because it means huge investment in terms of human energy, in terms of funds, finances; what has been the gain-the overall gain. How do you sum up this aspect?

    Amb: You see what we are trying to do, I think, the effort of Government of India and Consulate is that so far Yoga was seen as spherical, you know you do everything and then you do some Yoga. Yoga was more seen in the West at least as an exercise. You want to lose weight, you have back pain, you have a neck pain, you do Yoga. Our effort is now to mainstream Yoga. Yoga is a lifestyle. Yoga is not only doing asanas; yoga is meditation, yoga is keeping your mind and body under control. Yesterday I was addressing a seminar in Bhakti Center where eminent Professors from Yale and Indiana Universities had come. You know today some of the questions that are being raised, I think the only answer is in what we broadly term as Yoga. How do you treat depression? how do you treat addiction? how do you treat suicidal tendencies? how much of pills will you take?  The answer is Yoga…it teaches us to keep our mind and body and soul under control.

    TIP: Ultimately, all boils down to one thing “Health”

    Amb: Yeah, Mental & physical health.

    TIP: That is why the West is interested in it.

    Amb: I think all of us should be interested in it. Our effort is to mainstream Yoga and I think it is happening because the kind of interest that is being exhibited by Universities and Hospitals. A renowned Hospital in Manhattan now has a gallery on Ayurveda including Yoga. It was unthinkable a few years back that a mainstream hospital of New York will have a gallery on Yoga and which I went and inaugurated. Harvard Business School, Massachusetts Hospital, General Hospital, all these people have been doing work on Yoga because they realize you know that after some point this allopathy doesn’t give any answer. If a patient is dying how will you console him? What is that you have to do to control the pain? Here meditation and Yoga helps you. People are realizing it and that is the biggest gain of celebrating Yoga Day.

    TIP: You added to Yoga, Ayurveda which is altogether a different stream? This is now being combined and I have a question here for you. I understand the businesses in India, the business houses particularly the ones I can name like Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali. They are into manufacturing so may herbal medicines and all that and they claim to be curing so many maladies which even the higher end allopathic medicines cannot cure. Now you may look into this aspect also. Is there a thinking on the part of the government which is of course business friendly that one day Yoga would become a trillion-dollar business all over the world and with that Ayurveda would also become trillion or may be many more trillion, zillion dollar business?

    TIP: Is there a thinking of that kind?

    Amb: Yes, there are 2 aspects to it. One is I don’t see any problem in the sense that you know if our Indian medicines become popular in the world and generate revenue for the people, I see no harm in that but there is a slight difference in popularizing Yoga and popularizing Ayurveda. I am talking from experience. Yoga is very noninvasive; anybody can do Yoga and Yoga comes with caviars. If back pain, don’t do this exercise. If obese, don’t do this exercise, if spondylitis, don’t do this exercise, but there is no popping of pills, there is nothing that you consume but Ayurveda you have to consume you know herbs and other medicines. Now, when you consume there are regulatory issues like if you have to import a medicine into the US there is FDA regulation. So, then there is a barrier there and it is not so easy to overcome that barrier. So, I would say as and when companies will overcome that barrier they will register their products in foreign markets. Then what is the harm in popularizing Indian medicines in foreign markets?

    TIP: That’s why I say, like right now Yoga has been promoted over the years, So Ayurveda is now being promoted and we don’t do any of these kinds of things- promotions or something- unless and until we have something else on the back of our mind.

    Amb: I will not be able to focus on Ayurveda because there are issues in Ayurveda in terms of regulatory methods, but Yoga is noninvasive, Yoga is not subject to any regulatory control, Yoga is soft power. Yoga is a life style. I think it’s a very win-win kind of a formula that we have adopted, and it shows India in good light. It is an ancient Indian tradition, People are accepting it you know It’s not that Yoga has become popular only because Consulate or Government is promoting it.  Yoga has been popular in the US for many many years. In fact, although it originated in India it became very popular because of the work done in the US. So, I see a lot of synergy between what is happening in the US and our efforts in popularizing Yoga. Yoga is a way of thinking you know how you control your mind, how you become impulsive, how you become reflective, how you take care of the environment, how you build relationships. A lot of aspects are there, and I think it’s a very positive story which needs to be told and we feel very happy to be associated with the story.

    TIP: Let me phrase a question connected with entrepreneurship and Yoga removing Ayurveda, I understand Ayurveda products are being brought in as dietary supplements mostly, you cannot bring them in as medicines so there is that issue. Yoga as we know as of now connects with products like yoga mats , yoga pants , you have even shoes included etc. whereas in our original practice of yoga, we have bamboo mats or jute mats , so when we talk about entrepreneurship we are in the land of opportunities, America, promoting Indian products connected with Yoga only could be a focus point, removing everything when we see a lot of companies promoting all the above products,  even hot yoga studios, Is it possible that Govt. of India brings out one such business or branch for people who are connected with it may be we can have Kerala people making yoga mats with bamboo or Jute leading to a handicraft promotion?

    Amb: I think what you are saying is very relevant because yoga products, books are selling and becoming popular like hot cakes. Yoga professionals are getting jobs, yoga gurus have become more popular, Yoga sites and there is a yoga TV channel, popular, run by ZEE TV. So, these are spin offs of the concept

    TIP: That’s why I said Yoga could become a trillion-dollar business

    Amb: Yes, Why not? If Soccer and cricket are trillion dollar business then why not Yoga?

    TIP: Is there going to be a blueprint regarding the products.

    Amb: I think Govt, of India could be thinking about this but I am not really aware, but I know they were talking to Khadi Gram Udyog and they asked us for what products will do well. So, we told them to manufacture high quality Yoga mats in Khadi.

    TIP So there is a plan?

    Amb: Yes, there is. But I don’t think India is an open society. So most of the entrepreneurship will come from Private sector and I am sure it is there. I am sure, but we must not expect the govt to do so.

    TIP: The government is not into business. Govt. can make policies to promote.

    Amb: Yes, But I will be very happy if private sector does that and I am sure they are doing it. Like for example, Ghee. It is being rediscovered.  American Indians earlier referred to Ghee as a bad thing. Nowadays ghee is in demand, and popular. America companies are making it. In fact, some people came, and I gave them ghee as a return gift and told them to have it. It was a cardamom flavor made in the US. One Indian entrepreneur featured in a popular American TV show for manufacturing ghee. In fact, coconut oil is very popular and manufactured in the US. Then turmeric, of course, sweets and saffron. Turmeric is known to cure many diseases. So, we used to be carefree to consume all these things but in America people take these cautiously.

    TIP: Any message for readers of the Indian Panorama?

    Amb: Yes, please come to Governor’s Island on June 16 to celebrate International Day of Yoga. Hopefully, the weather will be fine, and we will have a great celebration.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Gujarat Day Celebrated

    Gujarat Day Celebrated

    NEW YORK CITY(TIP): ​On May 2, the Federation of Indian Association of Tri-State and Gujarati Associations from various states in the U.S. organized an evening to celebrate 58th Gujarat Din at the Consulate General of India in New York.   This was the second year where this group celebrated Gujarat Din at the Consulate General which was attended by more than 175 invited guests, dignitaries and the leaders of community organizations from the tristate area, Philadelphia and Baltimore.   Honorable Consul General of India in New York, Mr. Sandeep Chakraborty was the Guest of Honor for the evening.

    FIA President Srujal Parikh welcomed speech and introduced Consul General Sandeep Chakraborty and felicitated him with a memento of Gujarat.

    In his address, Consul General Chakraborty welcomed and congratulated everyone on Gujarat Sthapana Divas and stated that “it is a proud moment that all organizations from the nearby states are here under one roof which is a biggest achievement and our endeavor should be a model and principles of our Government to be inclusive and you all are the best carriers of this message.  Gujarat inspires our country with richness of its culture, diversity, architectural history and many other areas”.  Furthermore, he urged everyone to be a part of the biggest India Day Parade organized by FIA-Tri-State on August 19, 2018 at Madison Avenue in New York.

    An inspirational written message from Chief Minister of Gujarat Mr. Vijay Rupani was very well received by the audience.  The Chief Minister congratulated various organizations from Gujarati communities and appreciated to celebrate Gujarat Divas under one roof by these organizations.

    Mr. Yogesh Patel, MLA from Gujarat attended the event as a special guest and addressed the audience by congratulating everyone and described the progress of Gujarat.  Radhika Meganathan, author of “The Gurukul Chronicles” book was launched by the dignitaries including the Consul General.  Ramesh Patel, Chairman of FIA, Dr. Sudhir Parikh from Parikh World-wide media, Pinakin Pathak, Chairman of Ohmkara, Vishnu Patel of Gujarati Samaj of New York, Rupal Shah, Gujarati Samaj of Baltimore, Bhupesh Shah, Gujarati Samaj of Delaware Valley in Philadelphia, Rajeev Desai, Vaishnav Parivar of Connecticut, Smita (Miki) Patel of India Performing Arts Center and Arvind Patel of Rajbhog Foods were among the supporting organizations who addressed the audience and felicitated by the  Consul General Mr. Chakraborty.

    The master of ceremonies Nishi Parikh, member of the Gujarat Sthapana Divas Committee did a marvelous job. Local singers Umesh Patel and Foram Shah sang famous Gujarati songs in their melodious voice which was applauded by all.  Traditional Gujarati folk performances in colorful costumes were wonderfully choreographed by Smita (Miki) Patel of India Performing arts center and Priya of SBU Raas group in New York were among the highlights of the evening.

    Event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Tushar Patel, committee member of Gujarat Sthapana Divas who extended his sincere appreciation to all supporters and community organizations for their help and support to make Gujarat Sthapana Divas a huge success.   A delicious and mouth-watering authentic Gujarati food was provided by Arvind Patel of Rajbhog Foods which was enjoyed by all.

    (Based on a Press Release)

  • A Mesmerizing International Cultural Evening with Indian and Peruvian dance performances at the Indian Consulate

    A Mesmerizing International Cultural Evening with Indian and Peruvian dance performances at the Indian Consulate

    NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): Guests at the Indian Consulate in New York on March 27 were simply electrified to watch the Indian and Peruvian artists performing with superb finesse the dances of India and Peru.

    The stars of the evening- Nandini Chakravorty (left) with her Guru Ananga Manjari Malatesta Gonzalez of Peru
    Nandini (left) and Ananga gave a superb performance of Bharatnatyam, a classical dance of India
    Mudras and Bhangimas play a major role in Bharatnatyam. Ananga is seen here in two different mudras.

    The Peruvian dance was full of vigor and grace. The two female dancers simply bowled over the gathering with their performance. The artist who played trumpet cast a spell as did the drummers and the artist on guitar.

    Mudras and Bhangimas play a major role in Bharatnatyam. Ananga is seen here in two different mudras.
    A scintillating Peruvian dance performance had all spellbound

    However, the show was completely stolen by the duo of disciple and her teacher. Nandini Chakravorty who is daughter of Sandeep and Taruna Chakravorty, gave an outstanding performance with her Guru Ananga Manjari Malatesta Gonzalez of Peru. Ananga is one of the best known Bharatnatyam dancers and has very lovingly groomed Nandini. One does not come across such superb performance of Bharatnatyam, which is considered to be one of the most difficult dance forms. Bharatanatyam style is noted for its fixed upper torso, legs bent, or knees flexed out combined with spectacular footwork, a sophisticated vocabulary of sign language based on gestures of hands, eyes and face muscles.

    In his brief welcome note, Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty, who grew nostalgic about his tenure as India’s ambassador to Peru underlined the importance of cultural exchanges between different people and nations. He thanked the Consul General of Peru Maria Teresa Merino de Hart for her cooperation in organizing an international cultural evening.

    Consul General of Peru Maria Teresa Merino de Hart said she was happy to be at the Indian Consulate for the cultural evening

    Ambassador Maria Teresa Merino de Hart said it was a great idea to have the artists of various countries coming together too exhibit their cultures. She said she was pleased to be at the Indian Consulate for the cultural evening, with Indian and Peruvian dancers performing.

    A view of the gathering. Seen in front 9right) is First Lady of the Indian Consulate Taruna Chakravorty with Consul General of Peru Maria Teresa Merino de Hart, to her right
    Consul General of India Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul General of Peru Maria Teresa Merino de Hart, and Taruna Chakravorty with performers. (L to R): Two Peruvian artists, Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty, Nandita Chakravorty, Ananga Manjari Malatesta Gonzalez, Ambassador Maria Teresa Merino de Hart, and Taruna Chakravorty
    Photos / Jay Mandal on assignment

     

    Guests were treated to delectable Peruvian cocktails, beer and delicious Peruvian food.

  • Jugaad Culture is the Best Improvisation in Corporate India, but it can’t take the place of established systems, says Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria

    Jugaad Culture is the Best Improvisation in Corporate India, but it can’t take the place of established systems, says Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria

    NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): Indian CEOs are best at improvisation or jugaad culture which is unique as well as remarkable, said Professor Nitin Nohria, Dean of Harvard Business School. Prof. Nohria was speaking at the second ‘New India Lecture’ series at the Indian consulate in New York on February 26. Eminent journalist Bobby Ghosh moderated the session.

    In his brief welcome address Consul General Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty explained the significance of the lecture series, which will be held on fourth Monday of every month. “We are exchanging visions for creating a new India – India of our dreams”, he said.

    Speaking on ‘Doing Business in India – The Good and the Bad’ Professor Nohria touched upon all aspects of corporate culture in India. “Findings of a study on how Indian CEOs practice leadership are very compelling and connect with my own experiences. The thing that Indian CEOs are best at is improvisation or jugaad as we call it. This is the unique quality in India, it’s a remarkable capacity”, he said. But he also explained why jugaad can’t take the place of established systems. “Too often, our conversations tend to focus on the extremes. It’s like punditry on the Indian cricket team. They’re either so good that can’t get beaten or they’re in their worst form. We need to be able to focus on the middle. So, my comments on jugaad culture should not be misunderstood as pessimism. But then, jugaad cannot take the place of established systems and processes either”, he further added.

    Seen in the picture, from L to R: Bobby Ghosh, Dr. Nitin Nohria, and Consul General Sandeep Chakraborty

    Professor Nohria also explained how the corporate culture of USA is different from India’s. “In the US, the relationship between employers and employees is very transactional. In India, so many family businesses dominate the Indian landscape that the employer- employee relationship becomes one of familiarity. They (employer) begin to think of the business itself as their Parivaar.”

    “For many Indian business owners, these are people whose mission for the company is more than just to create shareholder value. American leaders are preoccupied with creating shareholder value. In India, the firm is seen by most people as an instrument for society”, he further explained.

    A view of the gathering

    The event was followed by a Q&A session. The next ‘New India Lecture’ series will be held on March 26 where Hussain Haqqani, who served as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States from 2008-2011, will deliver the lecture.

    The response to the lecture was tremendous, with a roomful attendance.

  • Opting for major reforms, India can achieve 10 pc growth: Dr. Panagariya

    Opting for major reforms, India can achieve 10 pc growth: Dr. Panagariya

    NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): “By all accounts, I have no doubt that (India) will get back to eight per cent plus (growth rate). India really today is probably the only game in the town,” the professor of economics at the prestigious Columbia University said while addressing the inaugural “New India” lecture series, launched by the Consulate General of India here.

    India has the potential to achieve 10 per cent growth rate, but it needs major reforms in areas in labor laws and land acquisition, former Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya said.

    He said Indian economy grew 7.5 per cent in the first three years of the Narandra Modi government, but two major reforms – demonetization and goods and services tax – brought the growth rate down a little.

    In the current fiscal, he said, India will end up at 6.5 per cent, which is also a pretty good growth rate.

    Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty giving opening remarks
    Photo / Jay Mandal-on assignment

    The “New India” lecture series is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a new India by 2022. It is an initiative of Indian Consul General Sandeep Chakrabarty.

    He said that although China is probably growing at 6-7 per cent but its rate us likely to decline to five in the years to come.

    Panagariya said that India will sustain its high growth rate for the next two decades at least with the current trajectory of reforms, unless it starts making mistakes again.

    He also said that India is headed to become the world’s fifth largest economy and there was no doubt that the country has got the potential to do 10 per cent.

    “Certainly, there is no doubt that we have got the potential to do 10 per cent.

    “For India to achieve the double-digit growth, the country needs major reforms in labor and land acquisition laws. It also needs significant privatization and a major reform of civil service, which is quite not sufficient to handle the large economy that India is now,” Panagariya said.

    To a question on next budget, the former Niti Aayog Vice Chairman said that the next budget is unlikely to be different from the previous budgets.

    “It would be reform-oriented budget in my view. I think there is a lot of talk about reaching the fiscal consolidation plan.

    Expecting that the budget will give clear indication of reforms,” he said, adding that the agriculture sector could see more emphasis in the upcoming budget.

    Refuted the notion that there was a large-scale unemployment in India, Panagariya said “Unemployment in India is not very high. Jobs are being created, but as the way policies were being adopted in India, in the end it gives very little incentive to employers to employ people in the formal sector.”

    “This is a long-standing problem in India.”

    Panagariya said he enjoyed his three-year term in India as the Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog, and he would have stayed longer, if he did not have a permanent job at the Columbia University or the varsity would have given him a longer leave.

    He described as “scandalous” a number of loans being given without any collaterals.

    A View of the gathering
    Photo / Jay Mandal – on assignment

    “It is scandalous. What kind of culture are we promoting? Absolutely unforgivable If one looks at the banks situation, default by the farmers are relatively small.

    “The problems are all coming from large industrialists, but this government is not letting them go. This government is very tough… The Prime Minister is very tough on the corruption issue,” he said.

  • CONSUL GENERAL CHAKRAVORTY EXTENDS SUPPORT TO KEAN UNIVERSITY MASTERS PROGRAM IN HINDI PEDAGOGY

    CONSUL GENERAL CHAKRAVORTY EXTENDS SUPPORT TO KEAN UNIVERSITY MASTERS PROGRAM IN HINDI PEDAGOGY

    By Ashok Ojha

    NEW YORK, NY (TIP): As hundreds of Hindi enthusiasts gathered on a chilled Saturday morning to celebrate the International Hindi Day at the Consulate General of India in New York, there were a few important guests the Consul General allowed special hearing. It was a matter of promoting higher education in learning that required special attention of the Indian Diplomat, himself a great listener.

    Hindi Sangam Trustee Purnima Desai received a Certificate from the Consul General of India Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty while Ashok Ojha, President, HSF looks on!
    Photo:-Jay Mandal/On Assignment

    Professor Janis Jensen, director of STARTALK projects at Kean University was anxious about the quality of teachers, especially for teaching a critical language, Hindi. “There is a great need to build capacity for the teaching of Hindi in the USA where most Hindi teachers lack formal teacher’s training to teach Hindi to 21st century digital learners”, said Jensen, who appealed the consul General and the Indian community to support the sustainability of the Masters’ Program in Hindi pedagogy at Kean University, the only teacher preparation program aimed at preparing Hindi teachers for teaching in schools or preparing for doctoral programs.

    Professor Jennifer Eddy, Queens College, CUNY, guest speaker at Hindi Day event, January 13 at Indian Consulate, NYC
    Photo:-Jay Mandal/On Assignment

    Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty told Jensen that he would extend all possible support to keep her program running. He repeated this resolve before the gathering of community folks, who were attending the Hindi Day event that it was time to supplement our talk to support Hindi to really act by supporting meaningful teaching and learning programs outside of India. Chakravorty patiently listened to the other speaker Dr. Jennifer Eddy, who made a presentation about NYS Teacher Certification for Hindi 7-12 grades. She emphasized that the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Critical Languages Education is a program of initial and professional certification combined into a 39-credit master’s program that was designed for teacher candidates who will be responsible for designing their new language program. Professor Eddy said that the program was offered at Queens College located amidst the residential hub of people of Indian origin and was ideal for those interested in teaching Hindi. Chakravorty promised the support of Government of India for promoting Hindi outside of India.

    The event proved to be very special for parents who left home as early as 6 am in order to reach the Consulate premises in time. “It was a rare occasion for students to showcase their skills in Hindi speaking at the Consulate”, said Anil Dadheech, whose daughter Ria, a millennium kid who is very savvy using online tools while learning Hindi and practicing Indian culture. Ria performed a ‘Ghumar’ dance and recited the popular ‘Jhansi ki Rani’ poem. Other students representing Educators Society for the Heritage of India, Hindi USA and Hindi Sangam Foundation STARTALK program expressed a great sense of pride and self-confidence as the presented their song and dance items. Nehal, a two-time Sangam Franklin STARTLK student reflected her classroom learning in real life as she summarizes with reasons her favorite destinations to visit in India. “I learned at STARTALK program what are the important places I must see and why? It inspired me to think and express my own list of favorite places”, Nehal articulated. “Our goal at STARTALK programs is to prepare our students innovate and use their classroom learning into expressing their viewpoints in real life situations. That is why presentations at events like this become so important. It offers our students real life experience to interact with native speakers of Hindi”, said Mamta Tripathi, who serves as the lead instructor at Hindi programs in Franklin, Marlboro and Montgomery Townships.

    Ria Dadheech, a student of Sangam-Franklin STARTALK students performing at the Hindi Diwas Celebration on January 13 at the Consulate General of India, New York, NY.
    Photos by Jay Mandal- on assignment

    Consul General Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty distributed certificate to all participating students who came from various places in the New York Metro area. The participating students and accompanying teachers represented many schools including those run by Hindi Sangam Foundation, Educators Society of India, Yuva Hindi Sansthan and Hindi USA. Ashok Ojha, coordinator of the event elaborated upon his efforts to work together with language experts, officials and the Consulate for strengthening the forum of Hindi in USA. He thanked the Consul General for his support in promoting Hindi and helping to organize the Fifth International Hindi Conference in September 2018. Teachers and students led by Mamta Mamta Kandpal Tripathi, Akila Sekhar, Mainu Maino Murmu and Hema Ojha presented spectacular performance. HSF Trustee and Vice-Chairperson Purnima Desai Desai delivered a vote of thanks.

     

     

     

  • Bollywood Legend “Pritam” Live North American Tour Dedicated to Opioid Epidemic Awareness

    Bollywood Legend “Pritam” Live North American Tour Dedicated to Opioid Epidemic Awareness

    NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): On Sunday Jan 14th, Press conference was hosted at the Indian Consulate in New York announcing the Launch of the much awaited and the historic North American Tour of Bollywood Music Legend Pritam Chakraborty dedicated to the cause of Opioid Epidemic awareness in America. With more than 600 songs in 120 movies to the Music Maestro #Pritam Credit, this tour will be the grandest Bollywood musical journey America has ever seen with eight singers and extraordinary performers in seven cities across North America.

    Dr. Kavita Gupta addresses

    “We are extremely pleased that Legendary Pritam Chakraborty is dedicating this historic tour to the awareness of opioid Epidemic Awareness, which as we all know is America #1 Crisis and a national emergency as declared by our President. With more than 500,000 American deaths, the message need to reach all youth to abstain from drugs. Indian kids are especially susceptible given the high pressure to succeed and we are glad that Pritam Da is so involved in this cause.

    Said Dr Sanjay Gupta, President American Pain Association who along with Dr. Kavita Gupta, President AAPI East Coast, Karl Karla with Live2u and Anand and Sona Dawda from Cinema on stage organized this press conference.

    Dr Sanjay Gupta thanked Ambassador Chakravorty to be part of this initiative from the very beginning last year when Dr Gupta presented the initiative to the now New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Ambassador Chakravorty at Dr. Gupta home along with Dr. Kavita Gupta.

    Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty addressing the gathering

    Ambassador Chakravorty speaking at this occasion stated that drugs are killing more people than traffic accidents and guns in America and is a major concern. He felt that unfortunately this issue is not discussed and kept under a rug and has become a silent epidemic. We need more and more awareness and this tour will be a great platform to reach Indian Diaspora. He thanked Dr. Sanjay and Kavita Gupta in taking this initiative and felt that involvement of Bollywood is one of the best way to penetrate young minds and hearts.

    Dr Kavita Gupta stated that we have more than 100,000 Indian Physicians in America and together we can help eradicate this deadly epidemic which is affecting our kids and youth. We all need to take it seriously and put whatever effort we can, as safety and future of our next generation is at stake. We have one 9/11 happening every 3 weeks and it is time to stop this before more youth is killed.

    Music Legend Pritam Da stated “I am extremely happy to be associated with this extremely important cause and will help in whatever way I can with this tour and even otherwise in fighting this epidemic. He felt that wrong messages are being given to young minds about drugs and using drugs is becoming a part of popular and Hip culture. A large part of this epidemic is due to ignorance of harmful effects of drugs.”

    Pritam talk about the 8 singers who will be singing many of his compositions which are the top Bollywood hits. The singers include Harshdeep Kaur, Nakash Aziz, Shilpa Rao, , Sreerama Chandra, Antara Mitra, Shalmali Kholgade,  Amit Mishra and Amanat Ali.

    Some of the movies to Pitam Crdeit  credit include Dhoom, Dhoom 2,Goal Mal 3  Bajrangi Bhaijaan Phantom and Dilwale Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Jagga Jasoos, Badtameez Dil, Tigers, Raabta, Tubelight Jab Harry Met Sejal,  Dangal,and the list goes on.

    With Pritam Da at the dais

    Dr. Sanjay Gupta thanked Cinema on Stage founders Anand and Sona Dawda for conceptualizing and producing  this amazing and historic show and Karl Karla and the entire National team for bringing the tour across North America. The national team includes Jaweria Khan , Raj Uppal ,Gaurang Patel, Jagmohan Nanda Bobby Bajaj Ajay Mittal Padma Mishra Dr. Bharat Patel Manish K Sood Bikram Jeet Singh  Ray Sharma and Gaurav Sharma.

    PRITAM National Tour  in North America will take place in April 2018 as follows- April 6th Chicago, 7th New Jersey, 8th Toronto, 13th Dallas, 14th Los Angeles, 20th Washington D.C., 21st San Jose.

    Mr Karl Karla thanked the entire national team for worked hard in making the dream to reality and bringing one of a kind mega show to American public.

    Mr Anand and Sona Dowda mentioned that production of the legendary Pritam show was a longtime dream and it is an amazing feeling finally see it as a mega show.

    The press conference was compered by Mamta Narula from Ultimate media and Dr. Kavita Gupta. The Press Conference was also attended by Physicians and community leaders along with media representatives.

    Dr. Sanjay Gupta in his closing remarks felt that wrong messages from Hollywood and Bollywood are part responsible for creating this epidemic and now they can play a major role in reversing it. India is a country with a large young population and this epidemic is growing fast in India, but nobody wants to talk about it . It is sad to see the country of strong characters like swami Vivekananda and Narendra Modi falling prey to wrong messages. We are happy to see the support of Hollywood, Bollywood Artists and Sports Athletes in this initiative  and hopefully together we will be able to turn this deadly tide .

    (Press Release)

     

  • New Master’s Degree Program in US Targets Teaching of Hindi

    New Master’s Degree Program in US Targets Teaching of Hindi

    Special article on the occasion of celebration of Hindi Day on January 13 at the Indian Consulate in New York

    Over the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in the U.S. in the study of Hindi as an important world language due to India’s emergence as a political and economic power in the global age. This is reflected in the current upward trend in student enrollment at the secondary and post-secondary levels by heritage students (irrespective of their home language, which may be Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, etc.) who recognize the growing demand for Hindi-speaking professionals in the business, scientific and health sectors.  Enrollment is also on the rise for non-heritage students who see opportunities for the use of Hindi in the U.S., especially in local businesses in which there are a large concentration of people of Indian origin (hospitality workers, tax accountants, information technology), in addition to law and medical practice, and also worldwide due to India’s economic ties across the globe.

    Given the current trend and future projections for the growth of Hindi (the third most common language other than English spoken in homes in the states), leaders in the Hindi education field recognized the need to build capacity for the teaching of Hindi in the U.S. (where most Hindi teachers lack formal teacher preparation) that would support the training of a “new breed of teachers” prepared to teach Hindi to 21st century digital learners. These teachers would learn about research-based best practices for effective teaching of languages that include language learning in real world contexts and in contemporary learning environments incorporating the use of current and emerging technologies. With well trained teachers, who actively engage students in learning Hindi for meaningful, real world purposes, the vision is to attract yet a greater percentage of students who “value” and wish to further pursue the study of Hindi for its long-term worth in our modern society. (It is well documented that instructional practices influence students’ inclination to study the language and impact efforts to promote the teaching and learning of Hindi).

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    New Jersey based Kean University’s program is the only master’s degree program in Hindi and Urdu foreign language pedagogy in the U.S.

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    A Master’s Degree Program in Hindi and Urdu Language Pedagogy was developed at Kean University with support by federal funding. This program is the only master’s degree program in Hindi and Urdu foreign language pedagogy in the U.S. Although there are domestic institutions of higher education offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Hindi and Urdu as foreign languages, none of these institutions offer undergraduate/graduate Hindi/Urdu teacher preparation programs or a concentration in the field of Hindi/Urdu language-specific language pedagogy at the graduate level. Graduate level pedagogy programs are also non-existent in the Hindi/Urdu language field in other countries, including India and Pakistan.  The program builds upon Kean’s well established reputation for teacher education due to its innovative approach to Hindi and Urdu teacher preparation and the potential development of a corpus of research lacking in the field of Hindi/Urdu language pedagogy.

    The first cohort of MA students will graduate from the program in spring 2018.  Applications are currently being accepted for the next cohort of students which begin the program in fall 2018 and are available online at http://grad.kean.edu/masters-programs/hindi-and-urdu-language-pedagogy

     While the application deadline is June 1, 2018, interested individuals are encouraged to apply as early as possible as partial scholarships are available on a limited basis for the first 10 qualified applicants (subject to availability of federal funding on an annual basis).  The program seeks applicants who are Native/Advanced speakers of Hindi or Urdu that reside in the U.S. and possess a Bachelor’s Degree. Applicants should be willing to complete the 2-year 30-credit program which consists of seven online courses and four onsite courses (offered at the Kean University Union Campus for 3-weeks during 2-consecutive summers and include clinical practice). Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to: teach in private schools and/or government schools, colleges/universities and in heritage language community schools using contemporary research-based best practices in language education; conduct research on second language-specific pedagogy or in the field of Hindi/Urdu Second Language Acquisition leading to a doctoral program; and/or pursue Alternate Route teacher certification options available in NJ and in most states in order to teach in public school settings. For additional information, interested individuals may contact Janis Jensen, Program Director, at jjensen@kean.edu.

    (Janis Jensen is Program Director of STARTALK Language Initiatives at Kean University where she oversees Hindi/Urdu Student Summer Programs and the MA Degree Program in Hindi/Urdu Language Pedagogy.)

  • A Legacy for Hindi Education in USA

    A Legacy for Hindi Education in USA

    By Ashok Ojha, Hindi Sangam Foundation
    Special article on the occasion of celebration of Hindi Day on January 13 at the Indian Consulate in New York

    In the late Nineties and during the first decade of 21st century I worked in a publishing company dealing with readers reviews of newly published books. Those were the years of the onset of Internet age that was strengthening its grip on the electronic media. Print media was collapsing, readers were moving towards blogs, podcasts, newsletter and e-commerce.

    I was among those feeling marginalized finding no option than to look for a new profession. The profession of teaching required face to face interaction with students in classroom. I came in contact with STARTALK program that proved to be an ideal system for teaching Hindi in the community using modern tools. The program offered teachers training opportunities at various universities. I was selected by the University of Pennsylvania teacher training program for this training. On the other hand, we needed to collaborate with local schools and colleges for developing quality program under STARTALK. With the support from open minded community leaders like Upendra Chivukula, who was a member of NJ Assembly, I was able to launch our first short term Hindi program in a public university in 2010. Since then I achieved a number of milestones in my journey to promoting Hindi learning and its use in the community.

    A large number of language experts support and encourage me. A growing number of Indian-American parents have supported our program by sending their children to study Hindi during the summer vacation. Most of these supporters don’t speak Hindi but truly understand the importance of promoting its teaching in USA. We have the back and the ears of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, whose officials have quietly extended their support to our programs.

    With the help of our ever powerful community and successful professionals Hindi Sangam Foundation is moving towards fulfilling its mission to establish a K8 language school where Hindi will rule. Students will learn all subjects including Science and Math in Hindi up to the standards of six or eight after which English learning will be introduced. Research tells us that Bilingual students of immersion programs graduate from High School with top scores. They grow up as proud adults who reflect the values of their native culture and qualities of the education system of the adopted land, in our case, India and the USA. Such students make both cultures proud of themselves-America, where they grew up and their native culture from where their parents or grandparents came from.

    (Ashok Ojha, President, Hindi Sangam Foundation, is a New Jersey based journalist and teacher.)

  • Hindi Sangam Foundation Honors Consul General Sandeep Chakraborty

    Hindi Sangam Foundation Honors Consul General Sandeep Chakraborty

    Consul General of India in New York Sandeep Chakraborty was honored by Hindi Sangam Foundation as its Patron on December 6, 2018. Mr. Chakraborty (third from left) is seen with (from left) Ashok Ojha, president, HSF, Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Editor, The Indian Panorama, Mrs. Hema Ojha, Prof. Gabriela Nik Ilieva, NYU and Head of Chancery Jaideep.

  • Consulate General of India to organize Consular Camp in Irving on December 16

    Consulate General of India to organize Consular Camp in Irving on December 16

    HOUSTON (TIP): Consulate General of India, Houston in association with Indian Association of North Texas (IANT) and all Indian community associations in the region would be organizing a one-day Consular Camp on Saturday, 16 December 2017 from 0930 hrs to 1630 hrs at Chinmaya Chitrakoot, 900 N Beltline Road, Irving, TX 75061.

    US passport holders of lndian origin, who are in the process of applying for OCI Card, Visa and Renunciation of Indian nationality, may bring in their applications with the supporting documents to the Consular Camp.

    Indian passport holders who are in the process of applying for renewal of their Indian passport, may also bring in their applications with the supporting documents to the Consular Camp.

    Officers of the Consulate General of India, Houston will verify the applications and supporting documents. Applicants may thereafter send the approved applications to CKGS, Houston.

    Since this is a special drive, Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin may avail this opportunity and meet officers of the Consulate General of India, Houston.

  • “I hope the new generation understands the spiritual nature of the Indian classical music and continues to keep the tradition alive”: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

    “I hope the new generation understands the spiritual nature of the Indian classical music and continues to keep the tradition alive”: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Veteran musician and Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan expressed hope that the new generation understands the spiritual nature of Indian classical music and will continue to keep the tradition alive. The maestro was addressing the audience in New York on October 5 at an interactive session moderated by India’s Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty, on his new book ‘Master on Masters’, which released in March this year in India.

    ‘Master on Masters’ is a ‘deeply personal book’ about the lives and times of some of the greatest icons of Indian classical music. Having known these stalwarts personally, Maestro recalls anecdotes and details about their individual musical styles, bringing them alive.

    Twelve eminent musicians of the twentieth century appear in the book – Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Begum Akhtar, Alla Rakha, Kesarbai Kerkar, Kumar Gandharva, M.S. Subbulakshmi, Bhimsen Joshi, Bismillah Khan, Ravi Shankar, Vilayat Khan and Kishan Maharaj.

    In writing about them, Amjad Ali Khan transcends the Gharana and north-south divide, and presents portraits of these great artists that are drawn with affection, humor and warmth. Through pictures, anecdotes and personal experiences the book provides interesting insights into lives of the stalwarts who contributed to the glory of the Indian classical musical tradition in India.

    Talking about the inspiration behind writing this book, he said, “My father (Haafiz Ali Khan) used to say, always find out quality of other musicians. That is what I have done. We had difference of opinions and fought with each other for our different gharanas. But I had great personal bond with them (the 12 maestros). I miss their presence. This is my humble homage to the greats.”

    Ustad Amjas Ali Khan also spoke about the individual musical styles of the twelve musicians featured in his book. Highlighting the spirituality of Indian classical music, he said, “I hope the new generation understands the spiritual nature of the Indian classical music and continues to keep the tradition alive.”

    His two sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash were also present at the event. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan will perform in New York on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Carnegie Hall.

  • 148th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Celebrated

    148th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Celebrated

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The Consulate General of India in collaboration with Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, and the Manhattan Borough President’s Office celebrated 148th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the International Day of Non- Violence on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Union Square Park, near Gandhiji’s Statue. The occasion was graced by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Manhattan Borough President Ms. Gale Brewer, Deputy Borough President. Mathew Washington and Dr. Navin Mehta, Chairman of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan.

    The program began with offering of floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and other dignitaries. In their remarks, the speakers were united in conveying the relevance of Gandhian principle in today’s world. Some remarked that even though we might think that Gandhism is too idealistic to be practiced in today’s world, these principles resonated with Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, two great leaders who followed them successfully. His principles could be solution for religious extremism and terrorism being witnessed today.

    The event concluded with Ram Dhun followed by floral tributes to Gandhiji the gathering.

    (Based on a press release)

  • Sandeep Chakravorty takes over as India’s Consul General in New York

    Sandeep Chakravorty takes over as India’s Consul General in New York

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Mr. Sandeep Chakravorty, a member of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) since 1996, has taken over as Consul General of India in New York on August 3. He was India’s ambassador to Peru.

    49-year-old Mr. Chakravorty has served in India’s Missions in Madrid, Bogota, Dhaka and Lima. In the Ministry of External Affairs of India, New Delhi, he worked on several desks including Press Relations Officer as well as Private Secretary to Minister of State for External Affairs. He also served in the Eurasia Division dealing with Central Asia and in the East Asia Division on China, Japan, Koreas and Mongolia. He was India’s Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2012 to June 2015. From July 2015 to July 2017 he was Ambassador of India to Peru and Bolivia with residence in Lima. He assumed charge as Consul General of India in New York on August 3, 2017.

    He holds a Master’s Degree in Advanced Studies from Geneva University and has an MA in Sociology. He has a PG Diploma in Forestry Management from Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal. He graduated in Physics from Delhi University. He is fluent in Hindi, Bangla, English and Spanish.

    He was born in 1968 and is married. The Chakravotys have twin daughters.

  • NYS Resolution on 100th Anniversary of Abolition of Indian Indentureship presented to Consul General Riva Ganguly Das

    NYS Resolution on 100th Anniversary of Abolition of Indian Indentureship presented to Consul General Riva Ganguly Das

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): New York State Assemblyman David Weprin, accompanied by Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), presented to Ambassador. Riva Ganguly Das the NYS Resolution #701 adopted by NYS Legislature on June 21, 2017 in recognition of the March 3, 2017 observance of the New York Indian Consulate’s recognition of 100th Anniversary of the abolition of Indian Indentureship. The presentation took take place on Wednesday July 19, 2017 at the Indian Consulate in New York.

  • Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das in her farewell

    Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das in her farewell

    “Thank you for the tremendous support I got from you”, said Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das in her farewell to Community

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The Indian Consulate in New York organized an official farewell for outgoing Consul General Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das on July 19th at the Consulate Ball Room in New York. The event was attended by a large number of people from all walks of life and prominent community leaders. Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, Permanent Representative of India at the UN, Consuls General of Japan and Bangladesh, Assemblymen David Weprin and Raj Mukherji were among the dignitaries.

    In her brief address, Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, who will be taking over as Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), said that she is happy for her new role but will miss New York and the community. “I want to thank you all for the tremendous support I got from you”, she said.

    In his address Raj Mukherji, Assemblyman in the New Jersey State Legislature who represents the 33rd Legislative District, praised Ms Das for her ‘humbleness’ and talked about many of her successful initiatives, including conversion of PIO cards. “It was a pleasure and privilege to work with her. Now that she is going back to Delhi, it’s good for India but tremendous loss for us”, said the Bengali Assemblyman about the First Bengali Consul General of New York.

    Assemblymen David Weprin, a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly, representing District 24 in Queens since 2010, spoke about the many accomplishments of Ambassador Das. “In a very Short period of time, she made a big impact”, said Weprin.

    India’s current Ambassador to Peru Sandeep Chakravorty, who has been appointed as the new CG, will be taking over charge on August 3rd.

  • FIA hosts farewell reception for Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das

    FIA hosts farewell reception for Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das

    FORDS, NJ (TIP):  The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut in collaboration with the Indian American community, hosted a farewell reception July 18 for Riva Ganguly Das, India’s Consul General in New York, at the Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ.

    Ambassador Das, who assumed charge in New York in March 2016, was recently named Director General of Indian Council for Cultural Relations by the Government of India, and is scheduled to leave for New Delhi later this week.

    The event, attended by more than 250 members of the Indian American community in New York and New Jersey, was hosted by FIA and sponsored by H R Shah, Dr Sudhir Parikh, Albert Jasani, AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin), Drs Sanjay and Kavita Gupta, TV9, Anil Bansal, The Indian Panorama, Malini Shah and FOKANA (Federation of Kerala Associations in North America).

    Presenting a plaque to India’s Consul General in New York, Riva Ganguly Das (center left)

    Many speakers, including FIA chairman Ramesh Patel and president Andy Bhatia, H R Shah, chairman of TV Asia, Anil Bansal, chairman of Indus American Bank, and Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, President of Indo-American Press Club recounted how Ambassador Das had steadfastly interacted with the Indian American community. Speakers also pointed out that Ambassador Das was instrumental in co-sponsoring the International Yoga Day celebrations this year with the New York City Public Advocate’s Office and the Parks Department. Despite her short stint in New York, Ambassador Das was also credited with engaging several US Congressmen and Senators as well as New York city elected officials.

    “When we had a welcome dinner for you over a year ago, there were more than 500 people and at your farewell dinner today we have much less,” said Andy Bhatia. “It is because many are sad to see you leave so soon and have decided not to be here and have you see them in tears.”

    FIA chairman Ramesh Patel was exuberant yet emotional while introducing Ambassador Das at the event. “

    “You have been very helpful and gracious to the cause of FIA and India Day Parade and we wish you all the best,” said Patel.

    Ambassador Das joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1986. A post-graduate in political science from Delhi University, Das was a lecturer at Delhi University before joining the Indian Foreign Service. Following her first foreign posting in Spain, Das has had stints in Nepal, Bangladesh, China, The Hague and Romania.

    Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das speaking at the farewell reception, hosted by FIA, July 18

    In her remarks, Ambassador Das lauded the FIA in “showcasing Indian culture to mainstream communities in New York, aiding in better understanding of Indian immigrants.” She pointed out that it was imperative a direct channel of communication always existed between the Indian Diaspora and the Indian Consulate in New York. “I have always tried to encourage fortnightly meetings between the Indian Consulate and Indian organizations, both cultural and corporate, to be able to understand the concerns of the Diaspora.”

    Among FIA partner organizations represented at the event included, FOKANA (Federation of Kerala Associations in North America), TANA (Telugu Association of North America), Haryana Global Chamber of Commerce, Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce and AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin), BAJANA (Bihar-Jharkhand Association of North America).

    The FIA of NY-NJ-CT was formed in 1970 and is among the largest umbrella organization representing over 500,000 Indian Americans in the tristate region. The centerpiece of its efforts culminates in the India Day Parade in New York each year.

    The 37th India Day Parade in New York this year is scheduled for Sunday, Aug 20. The gala banquet is set for Aug 21 at the Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ.