The Indian Panorama

Tag: Counsel General Of India

  • FIA Hosts Community Reception to Welcome New Consul General of India in New York

    FIA Hosts Community Reception to Welcome New Consul General of India in New York

    FORDS, NJ (TIP): The Federation of Indian Association of NY, NJ, CT (FIA Tristate) hosted a welcome reception on Aug. 7, 2020 for Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, the newly appointed Consul General of India in New York, at the Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey.

    It was an intimate affair due to New Jersey state and local restrictions and regulations on gatherings.

    FIA leadership, prominent members of the Indian American community and members of the press attended the event. Guests networked and mingled with each other, observing social distancing guidelines.

    Ambassador Randhir Jaiswal and Deputy Consul General Shatrughna Sinha with FIA leadership

    Andy Bhatia, member of the FIA Board of Trustees, compered the evening. FIA leaders including President Anil Bansal, Chairman Ankur Vaidya, senior advisors  Dr. Sudhir S. Parikh and   Dr. H. R. Shah, among others, welcomed Consul General Jaiswal and Deputy Consul General Shatrughna Sinha.

    Dr. V. K. Raju, founder and president of the Eye Foundation of America, spoke eloquently about the importance of vision and the role his organization plays in restoring vision for the underprivileged community in India and around the world.

    Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Chief Editor of The Indian Panorama who spoke on the occasion was appreciative of FIA’s tremendous contribution in forging the spirit of nationalism among the Indian American community through the India Day Parade to commemorate the Independence Day of India, and hoped that the 50th annual India Day parade next year will attract bigger crowds and prove to be historic. He also spoke of the need for greater cooperation between the Consulate and community organizations, in particular with the FIA which he said, is the most representative organization of the Indian American community.

    Mahesh Bhagia (right), chairman of the Edison Democratic Party, delivering a Proclamation from the State Assembly to Consul General Jaiswal. Also seen in the picture, from L to R: H.R. Shah and FIA President Anil Bansal

    Mahesh Bhagia, chairman of the Edison Democratic Party, delivered a Proclamation from the State Assembly to Consul General Jaiswal.

    Dipak Patel, FIA Board of Trustees, introduced the Consul General. Prior to being appointed the Consul General of India in New York, Jaiswal was the Joint Secretary cum Social Secretary to the President of India Ramnath Kovind. A 1998 Indian Foreign Service officer, Jaiswal headed the foreign affairs office of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and advised the President on India’s foreign policy. Prior to that he served as the Consul General of India in Johannesburg in South Africa.

    In his address, Consul General Jaiswal thanked the FIA for a warm welcome, and acknowledged the contributions made by the community in various fields. “The Indian story all over the world is very engrossing, very deep” he said. “It is a story that carries a message of peace and harmony.” Consul General Jaiswal lauded the FIA for putting a stamp on New York City with its flagship India Day Parade “which has become iconic, not just in New York and in this country, but all over the world.”

    Consul General Jaiswal noted that the Indian American story is that of “peace and progress,” as well as a story of “sharing and caring for others.” And that, he said, is what defines the community and has also become its identity. He urged the community to keep playing a pivotal role in “strengthening the friendship between the U.S. and India, which is going to be a defining pathway of the century.” He said he is looking forward to the time when the Indian American community “will have a stronger imprint of our strength, of our hard work, of our identity, culture, color, and vibrancy, in this country and everywhere else.

    He said he seemed the community’s support and wishes, as he “carries out his responsibilities as a representative of the Government of India.” The Consulate will “have an engaging relationship with the FIA,” he said, and added that during this time of the pandemic “we have to see how to hold each other’s hands and see how best we can help each other.”

    FIA ladies with Ambassador and FIA President
    Photos / Paresh Gandhi -Gunjesh Desai

    He said he looks forward to interacting with the Indian American community which is full of “great ideas and great energy.” He said the Consulate General of Indian in New York is “looking forward to supporting the FIA support next year when it will celebrate 50 years. He said, he, along with his college Deputy Consul General Sinha and the entire team in New York is “ere for you whenever you need us.

    Consul General Jaiswal’s first introduction to prominent members of the community was on July 19, a few hours after his arrival in New York. He administered the oath of office to FIA’s new executive committee. “No sooner than I arrived in New York, I had the opportunity to engage with a few members of the Indian American community when I swore-in the new FIA team,” he said.

     

  • Randhir Jaiswal Assumes Charge as Consul General of India in New York

    Randhir Jaiswal Assumes Charge as Consul General of India in New York

    I.S. Saluja

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal , on July 19, assumed charge as Consul General of India in New York . He has succeeded Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty  who remained Consul General from April 2017 to June 2020.

    Ambassador Jaiswal ‘s last posting was as  Joint Secretary cum Social Secretary to the President of India Ramnath Kovind . A 1998 Indian Foreign Service officer, Jaiswal headed  the foreign affairs office of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and advised  the President on India’s foreign policy. He had earlier served as Consul General of India in Johannesburg ,South Africa.

    Ambassador Jaiswal (right), on arrival in New York, was received by the acting Consul General Shatrughna Sinha (left)

    Jaiswal is no stranger to New York. He had earlier worked as a Counselor at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York.

    Speaking with the editor of The Indian Panorama on July 23, Ambassador Jaiswal  spelt out  in brief  his  priorities which include nourishing and  strengthening the already strong bonds between India and US, and exploring  new areas of cooperation and relationship in diverse fields of  economy, trade, technology, and   culture etc.

    Ambassador Jaiswal added  that serving the Indian Diaspora remains the primary focused concern of  the Consulate. The strengthening of multi-stake holders relationship will be another priority, he said.

     

     

  • A Farewell to an accomplished diplomat and a great friend to Indian American community

    A Farewell to an accomplished diplomat and a great friend to Indian American community

    Comment By Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja

    Consul General of India at New York, Sandeep Chakravorty, as his last name suggests, has indeed been a Chakravorty Samrat of his sprawling territory covering ten US States . He came, he saw and he conquered, can well go to describe his work, accomplishments and achievements.

    Mr. Chakravorty’s  tenure witnessed extraordinary situations which demanded extraordinary responses. In both, the government of India’s J&K action , including the abrogation of Article 370 which granted special status to the State of Jammu & Kashmir, and later, the colossal human misery caused by COVID-19 calling for a gigantic effort to extend a helping hand to Indians , Ambassador Chakravorty proved himself equal to the occasion.

    Ambassador Chakravorty ‘s work went well beyond the routine consular work. He strengthened the existing framework and created new and innovative ones. He strengthened institutions and organizations with his ideas, active participation and frontal leadership. In the process, he endeared himself to not only the Indian American community, but also to many  from various communities . They will miss him .

    Building bridges between  India and U.S. and between Indian Americans and mainstream Americans has been his overriding passion. He can be credited with promoting amity and goodwill among communities here and the two nations. He leaves behind a rich legacy  which his successor could well be proud of .

    Ambassador Chakravorty’s fan following probably compares well with that of  top film stars. He came to have many admirers, and quite a large number of friends, among whom I count myself. We will miss him a lot, and also his lovely wife Taruna Chakravorty, the kindly and caring First Lady at the Indian Consulate. Their twin daughters hardly ever made appearances but when they did as when they gave stellar Classical dance performances, they were amazing. God bless them!

    New Yorkers tell me they will miss the friendly family. Of course, we will miss them.

    We, at The Indian Panorama, Opinio Media , and  International Media Arts,   and my family who admire the Chakravorties, will miss the beautiful and admirable family. We wish them  all health and happiness, and hope to see them  remain connected.

    Au revoir.

  • 150 Trees Planted at SUNY Gandhi Peace Garden in Commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary

    150 Trees Planted at SUNY Gandhi Peace Garden in Commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary

    LONG ISLAND , NEW YORK(TIP): Plantation Ceremony of 150 trees at Gandhi Peace Garden at the State University of New York Old Westbury Campus took place on Oct 1.Prime Minister Narendra Modi  had earlier on September 24declared open the “Gandhi Peace Garden” at a solemn event at United Nations commemorating Gandhi’s 150thbirth anniversary.

    On Sept 24 Modi along with United Nation chief Antonio Guterres and other world leaders, inaugurated the Gandhi Peace Garden at the UN headquarters in New York. The inauguration was held during a special commemorative event  that marked Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.

    Gandhi Peace Garden is an innovative initiative under which Consulate General of India (in New York), Shanti Fund (a Long Island-based NGO) and State University of New York- Old Westbury have entered into an agreement for planting 150 trees. It is a crowdsourced project, with people adopting trees in memory of their loved ones at the State University of New York-Old Westbury campus. The garden is in an open site within 600 acres campus of the University. The garden is dedicated in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and seeks to underline that his principles act as a moral compass as world grapples with challenges of climate change, terrorism and corruption.

    India’s Consul General in New York Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty inaugurated the plantation ceremony. Prominent community leaders and  dignitaries graced the occasion.

  • Congresswoman Grace Meng Praises India as a Great Democracy

    Congresswoman Grace Meng Praises India as a Great Democracy

    Consulate General of India celebrates India’s 72ndIndependence Day

    NEW YORK CITY(TIP): India’s 72ndIndependence Day was celebrated by a very large gathering at the Indian Consulate in New York on August 15.

    Congresswoman Grace Meng was the chief guest. Also present were Assemblyman David Weprin, New Jersey Senator Vin Gopal, Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, and a couple of other politicians and officials, besides a large number of Indian Americans.

    Consul General extends congratulations on India’s 72nd Independence Day

    Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty hoisted the Indian National Flag to the singing of the Indian national Anthem.

    Consul General read out Indian President’s address to the nation and offered his congratulations to the gathering on the historic day. He spoke briefly about the achievements India has made in its 71-year journey as a democratic nation.

    Congresswoman Grace Meng praised India as a great democratic nation

    Congresswoman Grace Meng in her brief address, spoke of the greatness of India as a democratic nation and praised the contribution of the Indian American community in “so many ways”.

    Bollywood actor Anupam Kher described India as a country with opportunities

    Anupam Kher spoke feelingly about India, emphasizing the opportunities the country offers to all to grow.

    A Kathak presentation
    Photos / Jay Mandal-on assignment

    Speeches were followed by a cultural presentation, which included a Kathak presentation.

  • Federation of Indian Associations & Siddhivinayak Temple organized Community Outreach Visa & OCI Camp

    Federation of Indian Associations & Siddhivinayak Temple organized Community Outreach Visa & OCI Camp

    NEW JERSEY(TIP): Indian Consulate did Community Outreach program with support of FIA, BJANA and Sri Siddhivinayak temple USA on 13th May 2018 at Sri Siddhivinayak Temple premises. More than 60 people came even in very bad weather.

    Consul General Sandeep Chakraborty with his team helped the people who came to get help for various services like renunciation, power of attorney, attestation of application and did Q&A session. People asked various questions and got clarification regarding AADHAR to Voting process.

    Dr. Avinash Gupta, Chainman, Sri Siddivinayak temple USA, Alok Kumar Exec. VP (FIA) and Vinay Singh President(BJANA) worked hard with complete team to have a successful outreach for community. Srujal Parikh president (FIA) supported the cause for the community and spoke about bringing more events for the community.

  • Rang Darpan: Celebration of Creativity and Harmony in Hindi

    Rang Darpan: Celebration of Creativity and Harmony in Hindi

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Insight for Creativity attained another milestone in the journey of its creative and constructive offerings by organizing a unique literary and cultural evening with the Indian Consulate in New York. It was aptly titled ‘Rang Darpan’ by Ashok Vyas, who roped in poets as well as essayist, story writer and theatre artists for a meaningful sharing of Hindi literature at the historical venue.

    This literary evening ‘Rang Darpan’ happened by encouraging support of Consulate General Sandeep Chakravorty and the team of consul staff. Jaideep, consul (Cultural) and Vipul Mesaria, Consul (Political) worked closely with Insight for creativity and hosting this poetic evening.

    Lighting the lamp

    This “Rang Darpan’ evening began by invoking ‘Saraswati Mata’, Goddess of Knowledge, through a short and sweet classical dance by Pt Satya Narayan Charka Saraswati Mata, mother Goddess for knowledge and creativity.

    Consul General talked about various initiatives that are being taken by the govt of India to promote Hindi. Jaideep shared a poem that highlighted the significance of innocence.

    Yogacharya Dr Daya Shanker Vidhyalankar recited his poem and also wonderfully recited a poem of former PM of India Atal Bihari Vajpeyee.

    Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty with Consuls and organizer Ashok Vyas and Mrs Vyas

    Indian American poets started off connecting with the audience through their poems ranging from humor to romance to pure philosophy. Bindeshwari Agrawal offered a sense of satirical humor through her poem about the exaggerated sense of freedom.

    Prof Indrajit Saluja revived the tradition of essays in Hindi at the request of Ashok Vyas and shared his thoughts on ‘Enthusiasm’.

    Anoop Bhargav presented a sensitive poem about the impact of economic pressure on the sense of concern for each other. Poet after poet, audience was drawn towards the inexpressible space of raw emotions and longing for expansion in distinct way. Susham Bedi questioned the parameters of norms associated with love.

    Seema Khurana conveyed a feel of mischievous and playful layer on the surface in her profound poem about different dimensions of a romantic relationship. Swadesh Rana imaginatively expressed the abandonment born out of pure commitment towards love. While arriving at the destination is important.

    Dr Ram Das Singh ‘Mahtaab’ started with few lines in Punjabi and later he connected with the audience through his gazals.

    A special issue ‘Rang Darpan’ was published by Jay Singh in his Hindi Newspaper ‘Hum Hindustani’, Hindi books of NRI authors were displayed on this occasion.

    Ashok Vyas moderated this evening by making use of his own poems and poems of acclaimed poets. The poetry session culminated with his poems. Mr Vyas invoked a sense of oneness, peace and harmony through his poem. One of his poem was like a prayer, prayer with the desire of belonging to everyone with love.

    Ameeya Mehta directed and presented Hindi Play ‘Amrit Ke Khareedaar’ with Himanshu Sharma and Deepak Gupta. Ashok Vyas authored the play

    Ameeya Mehta directed and presented Hindi Play ‘Amrit Ke Khareedaar’ with Himanshu Sharma and Deepak Gupta. Playwright Ashok Vyas personified “fear” and faith in the play, it was a play based on the inner working of human mind. The message of being truthful was artistically interwoven with dramatic elements in the play. Ashok Vyas expressed deep sense of gratefulness for Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul General of Indian in New York, consul staff, invited poets and artists.

    (Press Release and phots by Ashok Vyas)

     

  • Eminent Women deliver Message on International Woman’s Day celebration at Indian Consulate in New York

    Eminent Women deliver Message on International Woman’s Day celebration at Indian Consulate in New York

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): A grand program for Woman’s Empowerment was planned by the FIA at Indian Consulate, New York on March 8. Five prominent women addressed more than 100 guests. Women from social, economic, industrial, music and educational fields as well as some successful women who created their own place in communities graced the occasion.

    The program started with lighting of the lamp by  FIA Chairman Ramesh Patel,  President Srujal Parikh, TV anchor Nisha Mathur, writer Mayra Godfrey, social worker Ishita Chakrabarti, musician and successful Industrialist Chandrika Tandon, celebrated professor Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, violinist Daisy Joplin, and Consul General  Sandeep Chakraborty and his wife Dr. Taruna Chakraborty.

    Miss India USA, women pilots and co-pilots from Air India were also invited specifically to attend this program. Women who created their unique  place in different fields were honored by Ambassador  Sandeep Chakraborty.

    The program organizer and president of FIA Srujal Parikh, addressing  the gathering  said, “I am surrounded by women with  strong talent every day- my mother, my wife, my daughter, and my friends.” He thanked the women brigade of FIA in particular for making it possible for FIA to organize the Woman’s Day celebrations.

    Consul General Sandeep Chakraborty introduced the panel and talked about impressive percentage of women employees at the consulate. He also mentioned about Air India employing one eighth of woman pilots as compared to one in twenty in the industry. 8 woman pilots of Air India were also present at the event. Ambassador Chakraborty said:  “I want to congratulate every woman on this special day, who has made her own special place with her hard work and courage.”

    Speaking on the occasion, Nisha Mathur, a TV producer said, “Whether you are a man or woman, we all have the ability to share and inspire”

    Myra Godfrey shared her struggle on various fronts. She found a way to heal herself through understanding herself in totality. Her spiritual understanding of life helped her regain her strength and positive perception of life. She said, negative thinking affects digestion; our mental health demands taking care of emotions.

    Ishita Chakrabarti opined that political empowerment is necessary. Only about a quarter of the positions belong to women. Women of Indian origin have not been represented, and upholding right values requires that we assimilate with main stream.

    “If we women put our minds together we can make a difference. We should initiate change towards global empowerment of women.”

    Daisy Jopling said, “When a woman lights up, she lights up the whole world”.

    She played violin, energetic and full of joy. She uplifted the packed hall by her music with complete absorption.

    Chandrika Tandon, a philanthropist, said: “We have 41 percent of women in the engineering class of NYU Tandon school of engineering “

    She talked about the usual way that prevents people from realizing their dreams. She talked about how she overcame her fears. She said, we need to break free from low self- esteem.

    Her single message was “I am perfection, you are perfection, we all are perfection.” “I salute feminine energy in the form of love, in the firm of peace”, she added.

    Padma Bhushan Prof Gayatri Chakravorty said: “I am a hand in activist with very poor woman. I am 76-year-old, happy old lady but I try to bring top and bottom together. I tell my students that in order to save the work, we have to work. Gender equality need not be confused with sameness.  “Ya Devi Sarvi bhuteshu…” “Feminism forever is my title, not because of race and class but this work has to be approached with newness by every generation.  I work all over the world, feminism is education strategy against prism of truth. We must learn that we don’t represent all women. She talked about tape culture and bribe culture. She drew attention towards people who are still facing discrimination based on gender.

    She said, Enforcement and punishments alone don’t lead to just society; feminist education should be forever. It is an important part for creating social justice. Our world is full of hope. She remembered her mother and her social work.it is in her memory that I shall remain fearless and mention unpleasant facts.”

    Those recognized on the occasion included Shashi Vishnu of Manavi and Dr Raman Kaul of AWAKE.

    Miss Uma Narayan of Sneha could not come from Connecticut to receive her award.

    (With inputs from Ashok Vyas and FIA)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Indian Consulate New York honored to host Air India’s all-women-crew pilots

    Indian Consulate New York honored to host Air India’s all-women-crew pilots

    New York (TIP): Air India marked this year’s International Women’s Day by flying all-women-crews to various cities – Washington DC, Newark, Chicago & San Francisco. The national carrier flew four flights to the US with women pilots as its commanders.

    Supporting the initiative, the Indian Consulate in New York honored the eight pilots.

    “Literally with high flying women. All 4 Air India flights into US today, JFK, Newark, Chicago & SFo were commandered by women pilots. We were delighted to honour 8 women pilots at the Consulate on #Internationalwomensday .Big thanks to Vandana Sharma of @airindiain & FIA,” tweeted Consul General of India, New York, Sandeep Chakravorty.

    In addition to the four flights to the US, the airline flew all-women-crew flights to destinations including Milan, Frankfurt, and Singapore.

    “The national carrier has planned several flights on its domestic and international sectors operated only by its women employees to salute woman power,” the airliner had said last week in a press release. It had announced that the all-women-crew flights that the company intends to operate to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day will have women pilots in addition to women cabin crew, check-in staff, doctor, commercial staff, ground operators to technicians, engineers, flight dispatchers and even safety and quality auditors.

    Air India reiterated that by flying all-women-crew in its flights it wants to stress on its constant efforts to encourage women by giving them an equal opportunity in the workplace.

    The schedule for the crews was also planned by a woman – Amrita Sharan, Executive Director Integration and Industrial Relations and in charge of Crew Management, announced the carrier.

  • The Indian Panorama Hosts a Lunch to Celebrate Holi

    The Indian Panorama Hosts a Lunch to Celebrate Holi

    Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty, wife Taruna Chakraborty graced the event as guests of honor

    Councilmember Paul Vallone joined with wife Anna Marie Vallone

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The Indian Panorama, the leading Indian American English weekly newspaper on the East Coast hosted a lunch to celebrate the Indian festival of colors-Holi, on March 4 at Zaika Restaurant located on 44th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, New York City.

    The guests were received in a traditional Holi style with a tilak (mark) of gulal (color) on the forehead.

    Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty extending Holi greetings
    Photo/ Jay Mandal on assignment

    Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty described Holi as one of the most popular festivals of India, next to Diwali. In a lighter vein he observed that while in India celebration of festivals like Holi and Diwali is a matter of half a day or a day, in USA, a celebration span is days together.

    Councilmember Paul Vallone offered to host next Holi in his district
    Photo/ Nisha

    Councilmember Paul Vallone offered to have the festival of Holi celebrated in his district. He praised the Indian American community for their contribution to America in a number of ways. He said there was a large presence of Indian American community in his district and he loved to meet with them.

    Air India Regional Manager Vandana Sharma exhorted the Indian American community to patronize Air India
    Photo / courtesy Davinderpal

    Air India Regional Manager Vandana Sharma promptly offered Air India’s sponsorship for such an event. She also spoke of Air India as the airline of Indians and exhorted the Indian American community to patronize Air India which she claimed offered the best services comparable with any airline.

    Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, editor/ publisher of The Indian Panorama,  who hosted the event extended a word of welcome and proposed toast to the festival of Holi, the guests present, particularly to the two month old Aleesha Ananya Steele, niece to Vandana Sharma, Ashishpal Saluja, Prof. Saluja’s eldest son who turned forty, to Resham Sharma, his foster sister, and to Zaika and its partners Mandeep Oberoi, Mohan Ahluwalia, Ramanuj and Pooja Patel.

    The event was graced by Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty, Consul General of India, and wife Dr. Taruna Chakraborty as guests of honor. Councilmember Paul Vallone, who represents 19th District of the New York City Council, which incidentally, has a large presence of Indian Americans, attended with wife Anna Marie Vallone.

    Present on the occasion were guests from all walks of life. They included officials from Indian Consulate, Permanent Mission of India, various government of India enterprises, including Air India and banks, officials of various organizations, physicians and surgeons, professionals from IT and finance industry, businessmen and businesswomen, film makers, artists, and journalists.

    The gathering
    Photos/ Nisha

    Ms Vandana Sharma, Regional Manager, Air India, with her sister, brother in law and nieces, Consuls from the Consulate- Mr. Devadasan Nair with his spouse, Mr. L. Krishnamurthy with his spouse, Mr. Vipul Kumar Mesariya with his spouse, and Mr.  Devi Prasad Misra; Counsellar Anjani Kumar from Permanent Mission of India; and Mr. Sunil Sharma, Chief Executive of Bank of India, with his wife graced the occasion.

    The gathering
    Photos/ Nisha

    Dr. Ajay Lodha who was present with his physician wife, is a past President of Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) International. Dr. Jagdish Gupta who attended with his physician wife is currently President of AAPI-QLI, Gunjan Rastogi, President of the oldest association of Indians on Long Island- IALI- was present with her spouse. Also present was Mr. Andy Mansukhani, President of Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation. Dr. Satyajit Bhattacharya, a Molecular Geneticist and Cancer Research Scientist and    Founder, President & CEO of Harlem Children Society, Brooklyn, New York attended.

    Dr. VK Raju, a world-renowned ophthalmologist and Chairman of the Eye Foundation of America who came all the way from Morgantown, WV attended with his physician daughter Leela Raju. Dr. Raju has only recently signed a MOU with Andhra Pradesh State to set up a Children’s Eye Hospital in Amaravati.

    The gathering
    Photos/ Nisha

    A well-known educationist and promoter of Indian culture through her institutions Shikshayatan Cultural Center and Sriniketan Foundation, Purnima Desai graced the occasion.

    Neeta Bhasin, well known in the community for Diwali at Times Square was present.

    The gathering
    Photos/ Nisha

    Anu Jain, a finance consultant,  painter and community activist, attended the event, as did Mr. Dave Makkar and his daughter Prachi Makkar.

    Harjit (Harry) Panaser, a lobbyist, attended with wife Dr. Manjeet and two daughters Ajooni Kaur and Alicia Kaur.  Also present were Tejbir Singh and his wife.

    Malini Shah, a diamond merchant , a political and social activist, and a passionate promoter of Indian Classical Art forms who works closely with Councilmember Paul Vallone; Mr. Harpreet Singh Toor, a Sikh community leader and community liaison to Assemblyman David Weprin; and Mr. Jarnail Singh Gilzian, a Sikh Community leader and a businessman, were also present.

    Prominent Film maker Tirlok Malik attended with his wife, as did TV anchor Ashok Vyas with his spouse.

    Ace photographer Jay Mandal; Mr. Davinderpal Singh and Jaya Sharma from PTC TV, Sandra Peddie from NEWSDAY, Bidisha Roy from The Indian Panorama with her banker and painter spouse Krish Sengupta, The Indian Panorama photographer Nisha, journalist Anjali Sharma and photo journalist Gloria Kins also attended.

    Ashok Vyas reciting his poem, much to the delight of the gathering.
    Photo/ Nisha

    Ashok Vyas who is a writer and a poet, besides being a TV anchor recited a couple of couplets from his compositions, much to the delight of the gathering.

    The gathering
    Photos/ Nisha

    Also present were Mrs. and Mr. Jack Pohani with their daughter Anika and son Aman.

    The staff of Zaika

    Guests were full of praise for the ambience of Zaika. The food and service received the appreciation of all.

  • Association of Indians in America, New York Chapter holds Seminar on Tax Reform

    Association of Indians in America, New York Chapter holds Seminar on Tax Reform

    GARDEN CITY, NY (TIP): Association of Indians in America, NY Chapter (AIA-NY) held a Free Seminar on Tax Reform on February 6, 2018. The Seminar was attended by over 175 individuals, past presidents of AIA, Community Leaders and dignitaries including members of the Media. Consul General of India Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

    Since US tax Reform was recently passed and it left everybody wondering about its implications on Individuals, Corporations and International Taxation. This being the biggest Tax Reform in 31 years after Reagan Tax Reform of 1986, AIA NY Chapter wanted to bring to the Indian Community such type of informational, educational and awareness seminars of public interest. Therefore to provide some clarity on that, AIA NY Chapter arranged a high profile seminar on Tax Reform including Estate & Gift Tax on Tuesday Feb 6th 2018 at Mint Restaurant, said Mr. Gobind Munjal, President of AIA NY Chapter. We brought renowned and eminent speakers to address this topic. CECIL NAZARETH ACA, CPA, MBA, who is expert on National and International Taxation and have addressed many seminars all over the world, including appearing on ITV, gave the talk on Major US tax Reform For Individuals, Corporations and International Taxation. Whereas renowned Attorney MICHAEL MARKHOFF. Esq. from Connecticut addressed the audience on Estate and Gift taxes.

    Ambassador Chakravorty described it as “A wonderful event and it was truly rewarding”.

    Explaining tax reform- CECIL NAZARETH, MICHAEL MARKHOFF, and Gobind Munjal (in the center)

    Gobind Munjal told the press about AIA NY Chapter upcoming programs, which are as follows:

    • Fundraiser Event for their Project India Charity Program on June 9, 2018 in Manhattan.
    • Benefit Gala on Sept 15, 2018 for the 31st Deepavali Festival.
    • 31st Deepavali Festival Celebrations on Oct 7, 2018 at the Iconic South Street Seaport in Manhattan, culminating with a spectacular display of Fireworks.
    • Children Deepavali in Libraries around end of October 2018.
    • Desi Next event for the younger generation somewhere in November 2018.

    The Association of Indians in America (AIA) is the oldest not-for-profit organization of Asian Indians in America founded on August 20, 1967. It is the grassroots national organization of Asian immigrants in the United States. With chapters and membership spread across the United States of America, AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian Heritage and American Commitment.

    For more info, please find us on Facebook and visit our website at www.theaiany.org.