MADRID (TIP): In Spain, a Sikh boy was asked by a referee to remove his turban during a football match. The whole situation was “humiliating” for 15-year-old Gurpreet Singh. The reason given to Gurpreet Singh from Arratia C team was that wearing “a hat” is prohibited as per the game rules.
However, in all previous games, referees had allowed him to wear his turban.
A post by Sikhexpo on Instagram read: “15-year-old Gurpreet Singh from Spain was told to remove his Patka during a football (soccer) match between Arratia C and a local rival Padura de Arrigorriaga. “The Arratia players interceded to explain that it is an element linked to his religion, with which he has always played. The referee insisted on his criteria. And both the players and the Arratia coach kept their pulse: they decided to leave the field of play as a sign of solidarity.”
According to a local newspaper:
The referee justified his decision by alluding to the fact that the 15-year-old was wearing “a hat”, and explained to the players that it is prohibited according to the regulations. Before this match, however, other referees allowed the youngster to play and have avoided that interpretation.
This is how Pedro Ormazabal, president of Arratia, explains it: “He has been playing normally for at least five years, even in his first year as cadets and so far, this season. We have never had the slightest problem. It has been something that has been carried out with absolute normality. The first year we warned that he played like that, and everyone understood it.
In the past day, however, the situation was even “humiliating” for the youngster. “It was the first minutes of the second half and, as soon as he left, the referee turned to him and urged him to take off his turban. In front of the whole world: of all the families, of the players… A matter like this cannot be left to the interpretation of the referees because what happened in Arrigorriaga could happen”, indicates Ormazabal.
Fortunately for Gurpreet, his companions did not hesitate to side with him decisively. “The kids were the first to support him. The coach was also very clear. They decided to withdraw. Afterwards, he received the support of the rival team, especially through the coach, and from the families that had attended the game,” adds the president of the Arratian club.
This Saturday, however, he returns to the competition. The Biscayan club is confident that the painful situation that occurred at the Padura facilities will not be repeated. And they are clear that they will not leave Gurpreet alone.”
According to a FIFA ruling, men football players can wear turbans during matches.
Tag: Dallas
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Indian-origin Sikh boy asked to remove turban during football match in Spain
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Indian American Arvind Raman named dean of Purdue engineering college
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN (TIP): Arvind Raman, a longtime Indian American administrator and faculty member at Purdue University has been appointed the new John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering effective April 1.
An Indian Institute of Technology Delhi graduate, Raman is currently the university’s executive associate dean of engineering and the Robert V. Adams Professor in Mechanical Engineering. He succeeds Mark Lundstrom who has served as interim dean of the college since July 1, 2022.
Raman brings an impressive record of academic leadership experience to this new role, said Patrick Wolfe, Purdue provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity, announcing his appointment on Feb 6.
“Professor Raman is passionate about the role of engineering in creating innovative solutions for people and society. We’re confident that as our next engineering dean, he will lead the college to new levels of excellence and impact,” Wolfe said.
“It is truly an honor to be selected to lead the nation’s largest top-ranked college of engineering at a university with a tremendous legacy and a record of innovation and impact on a global scale,” said Raman.
It’s an especially exciting time for Purdue and engineering, he said noting the transformative development underway for Purdue’s presence in Indianapolis and the momentum from a decade of unprecedented success and growth for engineering and across the Purdue campus.
“The College of Engineering, in partnership with our faculty, students, staff, alumni and industry partners, is poised for excellence at scale and the promise to pursue and lead truly game-changing initiatives that will impact the state, nation and world,” Raman said.
In his role as executive associate dean since December 2019, Raman has led activities aimed at recruiting excellent and diverse faculty talent, enhancing the success of faculty and staff programs, elevating the prestige of Purdue engineering, and supporting the overall quality of academic programs and faculty development, according to a university press release. He also oversaw the offices of graduate and undergraduate education. Prior, he was the inaugural associate dean for global engineering programs, where, within three years, he helped more than double the number of international experiences taken by engineering students, and established new partnerships in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Raman was named a Purdue University Faculty Scholar from 2008-12 and a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2012. He also has a courtesy professorship appointment in materials engineering.
His research interests are in nonlinear dynamics and its applications to atomic force microscopy, human biomechanics, and roll-to-roll flexible electronics manufacturing.
In addition, he is co-founder of the Shah Family Global Innovation Lab, which has supported over 30 faculty-led technology development and scale-up projects with top nongovernmental organizations for sustainable development.
He also served as director of the USAID-funded LASER (Long-term Assistance and Services for Research) PULSE (Partners for University-Led Solutions Engine) consortium, leading the five-year, $70 million program.
Through its partners Catholic Relief Services, Indiana University, Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, LASER delivered research-driven solutions to field-sourced development challenges in USAID (United States Agency for International Development) partner countries.
Raman is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and an ASME Gustus Larson Memorial Award recipient, as well as a Keeley fellow (Oxford), College of Engineering outstanding young investigator awardee, and a National Science Foundation CAREER awardee. Through the Purdue-led nanoHUB, Raman’s atomic force microscopy simulation tools are used by thousands of researchers worldwide.
He received his PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, a master’s degree, also in mechanical engineering, from Purdue and a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi.
Purdue’s undergraduate and graduate engineering programs are among the top 10 and top five in the country, according to the last two years of the US News and World Report college rankings. Roughly 30% of Purdue undergraduates are enrolled in the engineering college, according to the release. -
Indian American artist’s contribution behind America’s first art tunnel
HOUSTON (TIP): When traveling between terminals D and E at the George Bush International Airport in Houston, Texas you will be amazed to see an immersive audio-visual treat.
Unveiled earlier this year, the Aquarius Art Tunnel is a 240-feet-long art experience. The tunnel showcases species of fish, coral, sharks, dolphins, barracudas, lobsters, manta rays, and, even, oil rigs, among other ocean creatures.
The floor of the tunnel is a coral carpet, and the accompanying sounds are a combination of classical music and the artist’s own meditative, underwater breath, created by Andrew Karnavas.
The brainchild behind the art experience is Indian American artist Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee. As perhaps the first ever project spearheaded by an artist of color that represents contemporary art in America, the Aquarius project is special in many ways.
Mahimtura Folmsbee herself said at the launch that the tunnel also has a special significance for her as it is where she, and countless others, take the flight home to India.
The Aquarius Art Tunnel is a 240 feet immersive Art tunnel Installation. It comprises two unique 240 by 9 feet fine art murals. The hallway is approximately 20 feet wide, and currently covered with 700 yards of custom designed sea anemone and abstract inspired carpet design.
There are 15 unique lenticular works of art in the ceiling that have lighting components and three unique images in each lenticular work. A total of 116 custom handcrafted lighting fixtures of side lighting reflect light on quartz crystal pigment in the paint on the murals, 58 for each side of the tunnel.
There is also a sound component and an augmented reality experience through an instagram filter. This work of art is not just a mural. It is truly an experience for any visitor from all walks of life. -
Indian American Apsara Iyer named President of Harvard Law Review
BOSTON (TIP): The Harvard Law Review has elected Apsara Iyer as its 137th president, making her the first Indian American woman to head the prestigious publication in its 136-year history.
The 29-year-old Harvard Law School student, who has been investigating art crime and repatriation since 2018, succeeds Priscila Coronado.
“Since joining the Law Review, I have been inspired by her (Priscila’s) skillful management, compassion, and capacity to build vibrant, inclusive communities. I am so grateful that we ‘Volume 137’ inherit her legacy, and I am honored to continue building on this important work over the next year,” Iyer said in a statement announcing her appointment.
Iyer graduated from Yale in 2016 with a B.A. in Economics and Math, and Spanish. Her dedication to archaeology and indigenous communities led her to pursue an MPhil at Oxford as a Clarendon Scholar and, in 2018, to join the Manhattan District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit (ATU), a Harvard Law Review release said.
At the ATU, she investigated art crime, coordinating with international and federal law-enforcement authorities to repatriate more than 1,100 stolen works of art to 15 different countries.
Iyer enrolled at Harvard Law School in the fall of 2020, where she is a student in the International Human Rights Clinic and member of the South Asian Law Students Association.
Committed to fighting illicit antiquities trafficking, Iyer took a leave of absence from Harvard Law School in 2021-22 to return to the DA’s Office, where she worked on an international antiquity trafficking investigation and rose to be the deputy of the ATU.
“Apsara has changed the lives of many editors for the better, and I know she will continue to do so. From the start, she has impressed her fellow editors with her remarkable intelligence, thoughtfulness, warmth, and fierce advocacy. The Law Review is extremely lucky to have her lead this institution,” Iyer’s predecessor, Coronado, said.
The Law Review, founded in 1887 by future Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, LLB 1887, is an entirely student-edited journal with the largest circulation of any law journal in the world.
Former President Barack Obama was the journal’s first Black president. -
First Indian-origin officer of US’ Milwaukee police retires after 21 years
MILWAUKI , WI (TIP): The first Indian police officer of Milwaukee city in the United States has retired after serving 21 years in the force, a media report said.
Balbir Mahay was honored, and his career was celebrated on Sunday at the Oak Creek gurdwara in Wisconsin, where a tragic shootout in 2012 killed six people.
“Thank you to my community, my Indian community, and my Milwaukee Police Department, friends, and families to bring me here and give this much respect that I was able to retire. I’m happy with that,” the report quoted him as saying.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who attended the ceremony, took to Twitter on Monday and said, “Yesterday, I was able to go to the @SikhTempleWi to honor Balbir Mahay – the first Indian police officer employed by the @MilwaukeePolice Department. Thank you, Balbir, for your over 20 years of dedicated service to our city!”
Mahay, who is a member of the gurdwara, came to the US in 1999 and worked for the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office for a year before joining the Milwaukee Police.
On August 5, 2012, a white supremacist opened fire inside the Oak Creek gurdwara, killing six people.
A Sikh priest, who received injuries in the shootout that left him paralyzed, also passed away eventually. -
Off-duty NYPD cop Adeed Fayaz dies three days after being shot
NEW YORK (TIP): The off-duty NYPD cop and married father of two who was shot and critically wounded during a botched robbery attempt in Brooklyn over the weekend was declared dead on Tuesday, February 7, law enforcement sources said.
Officer Adeed Fayaz, 26, a five-year veteran of the NYPD, had been on life support at Brookdale Hospital since the cowardly attack in East New York on Saturday, February 4 evening.
He was pronounced dead at 3:25 p.m., sources said. Flags were later seen flying at half-mast at his 66th Precinct stationhouse in Borough Park.
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell and both rank-and-file and brass from the department were at the hospital throughout the day, comforting grieving relatives, including several who flew in from Pakistan.
“What can you say about a police officer, it’s someone who dedicated their life to serve and protect,” said retired cop Ahmed Nasser, who knew Fayaz from the NYPD Muslim Officer’s Society.
“To me, it’s a family,” Nasser said. “It doesn’t matter if I know them. A cop is a family.”
Hundreds of cops, including top NYPD brass, lined the streets outside of the hospital as officer Fayaz’s body was led into the back of an ambulance destined for the city Medical Examiner’s Office shortly before 7 p.m.
His grieving relatives held onto Fayaz’s two young sons during the somber scene.
A fellow police officer and friend of Fayaz who was outside the hospital described the slain cop as “my own nephew.” Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said Fayaz’s family was at his bedside when he was taken off life support.
“It’s a difficult day. You see police officers standing shoulder to shoulder with tears in their eyes,” said Lynch.
“This was a police officer who loved his job. Since he was a young person, he wanted to become not just a police officer, but a New York City police officer. He was viciously gunned down in the streets of Brooklyn.”
“The hole in their heart will never go away,” he said about the family. “There is no such thing as closure.”
Fayaz was shot once in the head after he and his brother-in-law responded to a Facebook Marketplace ad for a Honda Pilot and the two were ambushed by an armed would-be robber. The pair had $24,000 in cash on them at the time, police sources said.
The gunman, identified by police on Tuesday as Randy “Popper” Jones, 38, of Harlem, was charged with murder and attempted robbery in the attack, according to police officials.
Jones allegedly lured Fayaz and his relative down a dark alley on Ruby Street, pulled a gun and demanded money — opening fire “almost immediately.”
The cop was struck once in his left temple, with the bullet exiting the back of his skull, and went down.
His brother-in-law then pulled the gun from the cop’s holster and returned fire as the shooter fled.
Jones fled but cops tracked him down to a Rockland County hotel — where they took him into custody on Monday, February 6, using Fayaz’s handcuffs.
Police found the getaway vehicle, a black BMW SUV registered to Jones’ mother, on 129th Street and Park Avenue on Sunday and impounded it, with crime-scene detectives examining it at the 75th Precinct in Brooklyn on Monday.
Randy “Popper” Jones, 38, of Harlem, is now expected to face murder charges in the attack. -
Dr Kavitha P Das is a national DentaQuest award Honoree for 2022
- Renee Mehra
NEW YORK (TIP): Dr. Kavitha P. Das is one of the winners of the national DentaQuest award for 2022. She was selected from a national pool of outstanding candidates to be awarded this prestigious award. She has worked as a health disruptor in the health system for 15 years and focused on interdisciplinary research which can lead to equitable access to care and focused on oral-systemic health connections.
For this award, DentaQuest selected forward-thinking agents of change, and they created the national Health Equity Hero program eight years ago to celebrate individuals and organizations responsible for extraordinary work that champions equitable access to health care (medical, oral health, behavioral health) and optimal overall health outcomes. Health heroes taking action to transform health systems in their communities in an effort to remedy long-standing disparities.
Dr. Das is a dentist who is an interdisciplinary health researcher, academic, and healthcare innovator. She has been working in the space of increasing access to care with diverse communities to improve the health and well-being of residents of diverse urban communities which have a predisposition to a number of chronic diseases that have lifetime consequences. She has worked at Columbia University, NYU, Yale University, and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai as an academic and in research. She leads a health equity-focused community-based organization to implement programs to have equitable access to care. Her goal is to change the inevitability of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, oral diseases, and oral cancer) for children and families with a focus on prevention. Das leads unique research projects, public health policy, works with key stakeholders such as academics, school and community leaders, and clergy groups to highlight the opportunity for change, align on what can be done, and create an action plan that builds trust and engagement within the community.DentaQuest manages dental and vision benefits for 30 million Americans and provides care directly through a national network of clinics. Their mission is to improve oral health for all Americans, to make it more affordable and easier to have equitable access to care with an emphasis on prevention. They use a multi-pronged approach to revolutionize oral health in ways that make the community healthier. They understand how to align incentives to drive better outcomes and lower costs. They have provided more than $230 million in funding for research and grant programs to advance oral health in communities across the country.
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Meet Mikhael Simmonds, the new Center for Community Media (CCM) Executive Director
NEW YORK (TIP): Mikhael Simmonds has taken over as the new Executive Director of Center for Community Media. Before joining CCM, Simmonds served as the director of new relationships at the Solutions Journalism Network, where he co-led operations, strategy, and execution around how SJN trained journalists, developed teaching products and coached news outlets. As a regional manager, he co-developed and managed solutions journalism projects with news partners in Kenya, Nigeria, and the U.S.
In an interview with CCM, Mikhael Simmonds said he has been working in international affairs and journalism for a decade. One of his earlier jobs was at the Amsterdam News. He later moved on to Solutions Journalism [Network]. And there it was very much international, but also based in New York. His interest in CCM really came from that duality – people who have multiple identities, multiple nationalities, multiple cultures living next to each other and telling relevant news for their audiences – and having conversations with each other, among each other. So, when the opportunity to work with CCM came up, he was like, ‘oh, you’re speaking my language!’Simmonds said he is an immigrant (from Trinidad). He went to undergrad at CUNY, grad school at CUNY. His undergrad was international affairs, with a bunch of different immigrants at City College. They all talked about multiple identities, multiple spaces issues. Now there’s a job where he can get to work deeply in that.
Welcome, Mr. Simmonds. -
2024 H-1B Cap Registration period opens March 1
NEW YORK (TIP): U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2023 H-1B cap will open at 12 p.m. EST on March 1 and extend to 12 p.m. EST on March 17, 2023. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations using the USCIS online H-1B registration system.
Prospective H-1B cap-subject petitioners or their representatives are required to use a myUSCIS online account to register each beneficiary for the selection process and pay the associated $10 H-1B registration fee for each registration. Prospective petitioners submitting their own registrations (i.e., U.S. employers and U.S. agents) will use a “registrant” account. Registrants will be able to create new accounts beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Feb. 21. Of note, the USCIS confirmation number assigned to each registrant is used solely to track registrations and cannot be used to track the case status in Case Status Online.
Moreover, representatives may add clients to their accounts at any time, but both representatives and registrants must wait until March 1 to enter beneficiary information and submit the registration with the $10 fee. Through the account, prospective petitioners will be able to prepare, edit, and store draft registrations prior to final payment and submission of each registration.
After the registration period is completed, USCIS will begin the H-1B cap selection process. Petitioners will be notified of the selected registrants via selection notifications sent to their my USCIS online accounts through March 31. An H-1B cap-subject petition, including a petition for a beneficiary who is eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may only be filed by a petitioner whose registration for the beneficiary named in the H-1B petition was selected in the H-1B registration process.
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An Even Deadlier Pandemic Could Soon Be Here
NEW YORK (TIP): “As the world is just beginning to recover from the devastation of Covid-19, it is facing the possibility of a pandemic of a far more deadly pathogen”, writes Zenep Tufekci, in an opinion column in New York Times, published February 3. Bird flu – known more formally as avian influenza – has long hovered on the horizons of scientists’ fears. This pathogen, especially the H5N1 strain, hasn’t often infected humans, but when it has, 56 percent of those known to have contracted it have died. Its inability to spread easily, if at all, from one person to another has kept it from causing a pandemic.
But things are changing. The virus, which has long caused outbreaks among poultry, is infecting more and more migratory birds, allowing it to spread more widely, even to various mammals, raising the risk that a new variant could spread to and among people, Tufecci writes.
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New IRS features allow taxpayers electronically filing amended returns to choose direct deposit to speed refunds
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): In the latest improvement for taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service announced today, February 9, that people electronically filing their Form 1040-X, Amended U.S Individual Income Tax Return, will for the first time be able to select direct deposit for any resulting refund.
Previously, taxpayers who filed Form 1040-X with the IRS had to wait for a paper check for any refund, a step that added time onto the amended return process. Now, anyone who electronically files the Form 1040-X can select direct deposit and enter their banking or financial institution information for quicker delivery of refunds. Taxpayers file a total of approximately 3 million amended returns each year.
“This is a big win for taxpayers and another achievement as we transform the IRS to improve taxpayer experiences,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Doug O’Donnell. “This important update will cut refund time and reduce inconvenience for people who file amended returns. We always encourage direct deposit whenever possible. Getting tax refunds into taxpayers’ hands quickly without worry of a lost or stolen paper check just makes sense.”
The IRS began accepting the Form 1040-X electronically in 2020 but until now did not offer direct deposit as an option for a refund. Following IRS system updates, those filing amended returns can now enjoy the same speed and security of direct deposit as those filing an original Form 1040 tax return. Taxpayers filing an original tax return using tax preparation software can file an electronic Form 1040-X if the software manufacturer offers that service. This is the latest step the IRS is taking to improve service this tax filing season. As part of funding for the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS has hired more than 5,000 new telephone assistors and is adding staff to IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). The IRS also plans special service hours at dozens of TACS across the country on four Saturdays between February and May.
No matter how a taxpayer files the amended return, they can still use the “Where’s My Amended Return?” online tool to check the status.
Taxpayers still have the option to submit a paper version of the Form 1040-X and receive a paper check. They should follow the instructions for preparing and submitting the paper form. Direct deposit is not available on amended returns submitted on paper.
Current processing time is more than 20 weeks for both paper and electronically filed amended returns, as processing an amended return remains a manual process even if it’s filed electronically. However, filing electronically cuts out the mail time, and including direct deposit information on an electronically submitted form provides a convenient and secure way to receive refunds faster. -
Tackling Gun Violence in the Chicago Neighborhoods: The Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP Launched at Englewood, IL
CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Chicago City’s impressive overarching skyline and beautiful landscapes have helped it to secure a top spot in the World’s Best Cities list, but the local residents also know how their beautiful city struggles with violence and gun related crimes. These shooting incidents are a common occurrence taking place at the South Side of Chicago’s Downtown area and if you hear the news, you’ll know that the Englewood Community especially has suffered greatly in the past few years marred with similar incidents. And at this sensitive juncture, realizing the need of the hour, and to commemorate the Black History Month, the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP, a first of its kind institution was launched at Englewood, IL on February 01, 2023.
The Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP was conceptualized and initiated by Dr Vijay Prabhakar, fondly known as Dr VGP is a very highly acclaimed and a proven community leader who has always strived to bring social justice and equality across different ethnic and religious groups and is a big profounder of peace and harmony in the community. He is a Public Health Professional and a Graduate from Madras Medical College, 1982, MBBS, CPH, MPH, DD. He is also Chairman of GSA and Founder for AMEC Commission & MEATF community organizations.
Toni Preckwinkle is Cook County Board President and was the honorary guest at this glorious celebration. She cut the ribbon to open the mobile community food pantry, which will also provide services like meditation, yoga, music therapy, color therapy, basketball coaching, group therapy, mobile food trailer, mental health services, mediation – crisis intervention and wellness screenings to reduce Violence and Crimes. Additionally focus will be on getting City Vacant lands to be developed, Vocational Skill Development and 24-hour Crisis hotline are part of the Center’s mission.
Taking the stage, the Master of the Ceremony, Ambassador, Dr. Twin Green, Founder and President – The Link & Option Center, Inc., South Holland, Chairperson, the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence, Ambassador for the Citizens Alliance of Behavioral Health, declared that the Englewood community can now breathe! She added, “There have been so many opportunities, businesses and providers that have come to Englewood with the intent to do very, very well. Then the air will go out and deflate but not the Gandhi King Center for Nonviolence. The resources that are going to come to this community are not going to deflate. We’re going to give the people of Englewood the opportunity to stabilize, to be able to receive the civil and economic rights that they deserve to have.” To begin the program, Interfaith Prayers were held, which included, Christian Prayer by Chaplain Ylysses Ruff, Shepherd’s Hope; Islamic Prayer by Brother Dion, Community Activist; Hindu Prayer by Councilman Acharya Rohit Joshi, MEATF-7th CD-IL. Brian Anderson, Founder-CEO Shepherd’s Hope, was invited to deliver the Welcome Address. And the Opening Remarks were shared by Brother R-Raheen, Founding Director – Midwest Coalition to Stop Violence, Chicago. A solemn Tribute: was presented Christiana Gray 11-Year-Old Poet and Student – Calvin Christian Academy, South Holland.
Toni Preckwinkle Cook County Board President, Dr Vijay Prabhakar Chairman of GSA and Founder for AMEC Commission & MEATF and Neal Patel, CEO Medstar Laboratories with invited guests. There were several Keynote Speakers invited at the event: Dr. Sriam Sonty, Vice President, Gandhi Memorial Foundation, who presented Deep Insights Into The Gandhi-King Legacy; Donald Dew, CEO Habilitative Systems, Inc., presented Perspective of the Plague of Violence in Chicago’s Englewood Area and the Westside of Chicago, Zoey Ma, Outreach Director-Brigitte G. House of Hope Foundation-Tri-Taylor Area, Chicago, spoke on How Vacant Lots Breed Crime & Violence in the Community. Dr. Abha Agarwal, Chief Medical Office of Humboldt Park Health, spoke on How Health Inequity Contributes to Violence & Crime, Dr Zenobia Sowel, Chair Bethel Mennonite Community Church, spoke on Inadequate Affordable Housing & Food Insecurity Spikes Violence & Crime In Chicago, Blue Pachecco-Cornejo, Founder Coach 3-B Basketball by Blue, spoke on Engaging Neighborhood Students & Youth.
An impactful Presidential Address – Role of “The Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence” was delivered by Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar, President-American Multiethnic Coalition, USA. He explained that the Action Speaks Louder Than the Words and now all the community work will definitely create a much needed harmony in the Englewood community and eventually other neighboring communities. He explained the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence strives to provide innovative resources to the community gatekeepers to reduce violence and promote peace in neighborhoods. He also acknowledged the generous contribution, a $10,000 Check to Shepherd’s Hope – by Neal Patel, CEO Medstar Laboratories.
Dr Prabhakar then called upon the Guest of Honor, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkles, who was invited for her support of gun violence reduction programs and her deft handling of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to confer the title “the Iron Lady of America.”.
Regarding the choice of which individual should be chosen to launch the Gandhi King Center for Non Violence NFP, Dr VGP explained that, “We all decided we should have somebody who really believes and (walks the walk) of the principles of Gandhi and King, and that’s none other than the Iron Lady of America.”
Guest of Honor Preckwinkle said nearly half of Cook County’s $8 billion budget goes toward health care, and that Cook County hospitals have some of the most well-regarded emergency room trauma centers in the country. “We train young people in the Navy for combat in our emergency room. The Navy sends young people to our emergency room to be trained so they will know what it’s like to treat combat wounds,” she said. “Now, we’re pleased that we’re able to help our military in this way. But it’s a tragedy that we have a hospital that’s equivalent to a military hospital where you’re treating gunshot wounds.”
Preckwinkle’s spokesman Nicholas Mathiowdis said that although Cook County did not directly provide funds for this nonviolence center, the county does want to support and uplift gun violence prevention programs. “The county has re-imagined the way we look at gun violence, instead of looking at it as a crime and law issue, we are looking at it as a public health crisis,” said Mathiowdis.
Cook County received $1 billion from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act and has laid out plans for spending it on health and wellness, economic development and criminal justice.
It is interesting to know that the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP was launched in February, very close in heels with significance to both the leaders, Mahatma Gandhi ji’s Shraddhanjali which was on Jan 30, 2023 and Martin Luther King, Jr’s Day on Jan 16 2023, this year. These two heroes with their message of Peace & Non-Violence are still relevant to our world today and we need them even more and they continue to inspire us with their strength and tenacity to endure and be brave to stand up against inequality and injustice violence and crime! Let us hope the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP helps reduce gun violence, not just in Englewood, but also in the adjoining neighboring communities and eventually brings peace to the City of Chicago, and all US and the entire World at large!
(Photographs and Press release by Asian Media USA)
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US President Biden seeks comprehensive immigration reform in State of the Union address
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): President Joe Biden has urged the US Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration reform, a move which would provide a path to citizenship to not only illegal immigrants but also those who entered the country legally, like those on H-1B visas. In the 118th Congress, where the Opposition Republicans enjoy a majority in the House of Representatives, such an ask might not be an easy one.
Biden acknowledged it indirectly though. “If you won’t pass my comprehensive immigration reform, at least pass my plan to provide the equipment and officers to secure the border,” Biden said in his second State of the Union Address before a Joint Session of the US Congress.
“And a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, those on temporary status, farm workers, and essential workers. Here in the people’s House, it’s our duty to protect all the people’s rights and freedoms,” said the president amidst applause from the Democratic lawmakers of the Congress.
Dreamers are undocumented immigrants who enter the US as children with parents.
Millions of illegal immigrants are looking for a pathway to citizenship, and so do a large number of those who entered the country legally with visas like H-1B and are having years waiting for a Green Card.
The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
A Green Card, known officially as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued to immigrants to the US as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently.
In his address that lasted for more than 75 minutes, Biden urged Congress to come together on immigration and make immigration a bipartisan issue like it was before.
“We now have a record number of personnel working to secure the border, arresting 8,000 human smugglers and seizing over 23,000 pounds of fentanyl in just the last several months,” he said. “Since we launched our new border plan last month, unlawful migration from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela has come down 97 per cent. But America’s border problems won’t be fixed until Congress acts,” Biden said.
(Source: PTI)
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Online petition launched to extend grace period for H-1B visa holders to 12 months
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Amidst massive layoffs in the American tech sector that have resulted in a large number of Indian professionals being jobless, two Indian-American organizations have launched an online petition urging President Joe Biden to extend the grace period of H-1B visas holders from two months to a year.
This means that once fired from a job, a foreign tech worker on H-1B visas would have one year to find a new job instead of the existing duration of 60 days, after which they have to leave the country.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
“On behalf of immigrants (from the world, mainly from India and China) as well as naturalized citizens like Indian-Americans, Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies and Global Technology Professionals Association (GITPRO) has submitted an appeal to the President of the United States, the Secretary of DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and the director of USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) to extend the current grace period from 60 days to 1 year (minimum 6 months),” the online petition said.
“We join the appeal and request to sympathetically consider the impact of the families on humanitarian grounds. We believe that this extension will pause this brain drain and ensure that the US will continue to be a world leader in technology and innovation. We also request elected officials to support this extension and if needed introduce a bill in the House of Representatives,” said the online petition that has been signed by more than 2,200 people so far. According to LayoffTracker.com, 91,000 were laid off just in January 2023 and this number may grow in the coming months. This has a huge impact on them, and their families, especially on the H-1B holders who would need to leave the US immediately within 10 days beyond the H-1B grace period, the petition said.
In addition to the impact on them and their families, this is also a long-term impact on the talent that the US has. For example, 70 per cent of startup founders are immigrants. About 50+ CEOs of public companies are of Indian origin. Hence, the exodus of this talent from the US is harmful for the long-term interests of the US, especially in the modern age of Artificial Intelligence competition, it said.
“The laid-off H-1B holders currently have about 60 days to find another employer to file for the H-1B transfer or leave the country. During the current economic situation, it would be impossible for these hardworking, tax-paying and talented people to get hired till the economy recovers,” said the petition.
Meanwhile, a Facebook group of overseas Indians has launched a petition urging the Indian government to hire the laid-off Indian tech workers in the US. “Considering the ongoing layoff situation, we are requesting you to consider hiring the recently laid-off and returning Indian IT workers as consultants as part of the digitization initiatives undertaken by your ministries,” said the letter addressed to Ashwini Vaishnav, the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology.
(Source: PTI)
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US President Biden touts administration’s economic policies in State of the Union address
- Asserts that his administration is building an economy where no one is left behind
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): America today is in a much better shape than it was two years ago when its economy was “reeling”, President Joe Biden has asserted, touting his administration’s economic accomplishments in his State of the Union address as he laid the groundwork for his 2024 White House run.
The economy is coming back, even if there’s more to do on inflation, Biden told Americans on Tuesday, February 7, in his primetime address to the nation, his second since assuming the presidency in 2021.
The economy was reeling two years ago, he said, adding that today the unemployment rate is at a 50-year low.
“We’ve been sent here to finish the job,” Biden said, a phrase he used repeatedly as he laid out his agenda for the next two years.
In his 72-minute speech, 80-year-old Biden, the oldest sitting US President, touted areas of bipartisan agreement, telling Republicans that “there’s no reason we can’t work together” after the Republican Party took control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections. His remarks amounted to the opening of a re-election campaign he plans to announce by this spring, The New York Times Newspaper reported.
“Two years ago, our economy was reeling. As I stand here tonight, we have created a record 12 million new jobs, more jobs created in two years than any president has ever created in four years,” he said before the joint session of the US Congress.
“Two years ago, COVID had shut down our businesses, closed our schools, and robbed us of so much. Today, COVID no longer controls our lives. And two years ago, our democracy faced its greatest threat since the Civil War. Today, though bruised, our democracy remains unbowed and unbroken,” Biden said.
Confronting a divided Congress for the first time since taking office, Biden talked back as Republicans heckled him from the floor of the House of Representatives they now control.
Biden told the lawmakers that as they gather at the US Capitol they are writing the next chapter in the great American story, a story of progress and resilience.
“When world leaders ask me to define America, I define our country in one word: Possibilities. You know, we’re often told that Democrats and Republicans can’t work together. But over these past two years, we proved the cynics and the naysayers wrong,” he said.
“Yes, we disagreed plenty. And yes, there were times when Democrats had to go it alone. But time and again, Democrats and Republicans came together. Came together to defend a stronger and safer Europe,” he said.
“Came together to pass a once-in-a-generation infrastructure law, building bridges to connect our nation and people. Came together to pass one of the most significant laws ever, helping veterans exposed to toxic burn pits,” he said amidst applause from the Congressmen. Biden told Congress that the State of the Union is strong.
“As I stand here tonight, I have never been more optimistic about the future of America. We just have to remember who we are,” he said. Biden used the phrase “finish the job” 13 times in his address — calling on Congress to do everything from capping the price of insulin at USD 35 per month to imposing new taxes on the wealthiest Americans to passing a ban on assault weapons.
He said he would not let Republicans “take the economy hostage” over the debt ceiling,
Biden asserted that his administration is building an economy where no one is left behind.
“Jobs are coming back, pride is coming back, because of the choices we made in the last two years. This is a blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America and make a real difference in your lives,” he said.
Biden asserted that manufacturing has been one of the top priorities of his administration.
“For too many decades, we imported products and exported jobs. Now, thanks to all we’ve done, we’re exporting American products and creating American jobs,” he said.
“Inflation has been a global problem because of the pandemic that disrupted supply chains and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s war (against Ukraine) that disrupted energy and food supplies,” Biden said.
But the United States is better positioned than any country on Earth, he insisted.
Acknowledging that his administration has more to do, “but here at home, inflation is coming down”, he said.
Gas prices are down USD 1.50 a gallon since their peak. Food inflation is coming down, he said.
Inflation has fallen every month for the last six months while take-home pay has gone up, he added.
Biden said that his administration is making sure the supply chain for America begins in America.
“We’ve already created 800,000 manufacturing jobs even without this law. With this new law, we will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the country,” he said.
“That’s going to come from companies that have announced more than USD 300 billion in investments in American manufacturing in the last two years,” Biden said.
He said that “Made in America” is the top priority of his administration and announced that bridges, roads and highways in the country will be made with American construction materials.
To maintain the strongest economy in the world, the US also needs the best infrastructure in the world.
The US used to be number 1 in the world in infrastructure, but then it fell to number 13th, he said.
“Now we’re coming back because we came together to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the largest investment in infrastructure since President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System,” he said.
He said ‘Buy American’ has been the law of the land since 1933.
“But for too long, past administrations have found ways to get around it. Not anymore,” Biden said in his joint address to the US Congress. “Tonight, I’m also announcing new standards to require all construction materials used in federal infrastructure projects to be made in America. American-made lumber, glass, drywall, fiber optic cables,” he said.
He said under his watch, American roads, bridges and highways will be made with American products.
(With inputs from PTI)
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INDO-AMERICAN DESIGNS THE ONE-MINUTE SAREE BRAND
- By Mabel Pais
Calling All “I-Love-Wearing-Saree” Women!
Do you wish to wear the elegance of the Indian saree without the draping hassle?
Indo-American Sasha Revankar has found the answer.
One Minute Saree. (Credit : oneminutesaree.com) 
Sasha Revankar. (Credit : oneminutesaree.com) Asia’s largest and most prominent showcase for young designers, India Beach Fashion Week (IBFW), has selected only ONE Indian American brand for its 2023 runway show on Goa’s private Divar Island on February 13 and 14, 2023. ‘One Minute Saree,’ a direct-to-consumer, online saree brand founded by Indo-American Sasha Revankar (originally from Goa) in early 2022, will unveil its eclectic collection on a fashion ramp for the first time at IBFW on Valentine’s Day 2023.
Rooted in tradition but crafted for the modern woman, ‘One Minute Saree’ is the fashion revolution for which the next generation of Indophiles has been awaiting. The desire to embody celeb-like grace in stunning sarees at weddings without the fear of tripping over a long pallu or sporting uneven pleats is an all-too-real fear for any millennial. ‘One Minute Saree’ ends the saree enthusiast’s draping woes with custom-stitched, pre-draped sarees that perfectly fit each time and leave wearers feeling as immaculate as they look, all under one minute!
Founded by sheer necessity, Revankar says: “After having been a bit traumatized from the experience of wearing a saree to a wedding while handling two little kids in 2018, I had basically given up on the idea of ever putting one on again. Even though I spent an hour perfecting my drape, the saree repeatedly came loose throughout the evening. It was a bit disheartening because I love the concept of a saree for the tradition and elegance it represents, but it was just too complicated, especially for someone living in the States – and where would I even go to buy a petticoat!”
Enter – ONE MINUTE SAREE! It is not a skirt or dress-type saree; it is still a wraparound cloth that fits adjustable sizes and maintains the flow and drape of the garment. Unlike other options, the goal is to stay true to the authenticity of sarees such as the traditional Nivi Sarees, Gujarati Sarees, and Kanjivaram Sarees, with inclusive sizes for all body types from extra small to extra-large.
The founders of India Beach Fashion Week had never seen a more practical way to wear a saree, and for this reason, they decided to include the line in their destination-wedding-themed fashion show. “We have always believed in the power of the young and the bold and have created a niche in the fashion segment since 2015. This season, IBFW positions itself as a platform for the daring fashion enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, designers, content creators, artists, fresh graduates, and early innovators who are changing the world with their creative outlook, vision, design aesthetics, and technology on a daily basis. ‘One Minute Saree’ is exactly the kind of avant-garde game-changer that will excite fashionistas and claim its rightful space in the millennial market,” said co-founders Pallav Ojha and Neha Asthana Ojha. The brand will present 14 looks on the runway on February 14th (Valentine’s Day) in Goa, and founder Revankar will also participate in a panel discussion on the Future of Indian Fashion for a Global Marketplace. For more information and to order your own piece from the collection, visit oneminutesaree.com.
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NIMBUS DANCE MAKES AN OFFER YOU CANNOT REFUSE
Nimbus Dance students
(Inset): Samuel Pott. (Credit : oneminutesaree.com)By Mabel Pais
Interested in learning dance that integrates attention to a range of movement styles including contemporary dance, ballet, somatic work and dance theater?
You are invited for a free hybrid contemporary dance class with Samuel Pott, founding artistic director of Nimbus Dance. Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn from one of New Jersey’s leading choreographers.
Samuel Pott, founding artistic director of contemporary dance company Nimbus, teaches two master classes featuring choreography from his company’s repertory. Pott will teach two master classes, for beginners and intermediate/advanced dancers, featuring choreography from his company’s repertory. Each class integrates Nimbus’ principles and approach to movement, which include attention to detail, partnering, self-awareness and technique. During each class, Pott will guide dancers through a floor warm-up, improvisational exercises and choreographed sequences representing a range of movement styles including contemporary dance, ballet, somatic work and dance theater.
The intermediate/advanced class will be held from 12 – 1:30PM, followed by the beginner class at 2 – 3:30PM, at Nimbus Arts Center in Jersey City. You may also choose to tune in to either class virtually. Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn from one of New Jersey’s leading choreographers on February 18!
SCHEDULE
Sat, Feb 18 @ 12 & 2PM
Hybrid (In-person and virtual)
Nimbus Arts Center
329 Warren St, Jersey City, NJ 073022 classes:
1 Intermediate/Advanced class – 12 PM – 1:30 PMVIRTUAL RSVP: njpac.tfaforms.net/145?id=a2F8X000008za2wUAA
IN-PERSON RSVP: njpac.tfaforms.net/145?id=a2F8X000008za2WUAQ
1 Beginner Class 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
VIRTUAL RSVP: njpac.tfaforms.net/145?id=a2F8X000008zaUQUAY
IN-PERSON RSVP: njpac.tfaforms.net/145?id=a2F8X000008zaTSUAY
In person classes will take place at Nimbus Arts Center. To learn more and for directions to Nimbus, visit nimbusdance.org.
Samuel Pott
Samuel Pott, founding artistic director of contemporary dance company Nimbus, teaches two master classes featuring choreography from his company’s repertory. Each class integrates Nimbus principles and approach to movement, these include attention to detail, partnering, self-awareness and technique. During the one hour and a half class, Pott will guide dancers through a floor warm-up, improvisational exercises and choreographed sequences representing a range of movement styles including contemporary dance, ballet, somatic work and dance theater.
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RESTORED FILM COMES TO USA
By Mabel PaisIRREVERSIBLE: STRAIGHT CUT
Dir/Writ: Gaspar Noé l 2020 l 1h 26m l French w/Eng SubsOne night. An unforgivable act. A tale told in reverse.
Gaspar Noé’s infamous director’s re-cut has taken the notorious revenge film and ‘re-reversed’ it so that it now plays in chronological order. A restored version of the original film will play concurrently in select cities, and makes for an interesting double feature.
Nearly 20 years after the original film’s release, Noé world premiered IRREVERSIBLE: STRAIGHT CUT at the Venice Film Festival in 2019, and this release marks the U.S. theatrical premiere of his radically revised director’s re-cut.
Now available for the first time theatrically in the U.S., IRREVERSIBLE: STRAIGHT CUT – along with a restored original version in both digital and a new 35mm print format – provides an opportunity to see Noé’s potent account of humanity at its worst from multiple perspectives, and the unshakable understanding that time, indeed, reveals all things.
Not for the faint of heart, easily offended, or anyone with photosensitivity, this is Noé’s dark masterpiece, now in reverse and ‘re-reversed’ versions.
Watch the Trailer: vimeo.com/756509485/281f38e5f8
Release: Runs Feb 10-16 at the IFC Center, New York City and Landmark’s Nuart Theatre (Los Angeles, CA). Learn more at alteredinnocence.net/irreversible.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
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NJYC GIVES BACK FOR LOCAL CHARITIES
By Mabel Pais
The New Jersey Youth Chorus (NJYC) hosts two benefit concerts this month to raise community awareness and funds for local charities Oasis (oasisnj.org – a haven for women and children), on Saturday, February 11, and Matheny (matheny.org – a New Jersey-approved private school for children with disabilities) on Sunday, February 12.
NJYC Heart-to-Heart Concert. (Credit: Wharton Arts) The Heart to Heart Benefit Concert, featuring singers from NJYC’s Primo Coro and Coro Vivo ensembles, students from the Paterson Music Project, and members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church choir, will take place on February 11 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church located at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson. The Middle School Treble Choral Festival Kids for Kids Concert, featuring NJYC’s Sola Voce ensemble and area middle school choirs, will take place February 12 at 5:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Middle School located at 160 Wolfe Road, Budd Lake.
TICKETS
Both concerts are free and open to the public with a free-will offering. For more information, visit WhartonArts.org.
In 2001, during NJYC’s 10th Anniversary Season, the youth choir adopted the philanthropic philosophy of “Kids for Kids” to teach choristers the importance of giving back to the community. The annual benefit concert has supported local charities including the Hugs for Brady Foundation, Casa of NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Relay for Life, Matthew Larson Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Brooke Healey Foundation, Team Campbell Foundation, and Good Grief, and more. In 2014, NJYC produced and distributed a CD entitled ‘Stand Together: Music for Hope and Healing,’ a project benefiting cancer patients in local hospitals.
Founded in 1992 by Trish Joyce, the New Jersey Youth Chorus is an auditioned choral program for children in grades three through twelve, divided into five performing ensembles. The Chorus, which joined Wharton Arts in July, performs frequently with professional ensembles including the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and Canadian Brass, among others.
Past highlights include performing at the White House for “Christmas at the White House, 2019,” with Queen Latifah at Super Bowl XLVIII, with six-time Grammy winner The Chieftains in NYC, with Barry Manilow at the Prudential Center, at the New Jersey State Theater’s Gala under both Oscar and Grammy award-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch and Bill Conti, with Ronan Tynan, at the Jimmy V Basketball Classic at Madison Square Garden, and multiple performances at Carnegie Hall. In addition, they have been a featured choir at regional and national music conferences and invited to perform the national anthem for several sports teams.
NJYC has participated in numerous festivals and tours to New Orleans, Hawaii, Canada, England, Italy, Ireland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Budapest, Vienna, and Wales. This summer, members of both high school ensembles, Coriste and Camerata, will tour Italy.
Wharton Arts
Wharton Arts’ mission is to offer accessible, high quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds inclusive communities.Wharton Arts’ vision is for a transformative performing arts education in an inclusive community to be accessible for everyone.
Wharton Arts is located in Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Paterson, NJ and reaches students from 12 counties. All of Wharton Arts’ extraordinary teaching artists, faculty members, and conductors hold degrees in their teaching specialty and have been vetted and trained to enable our students to achieve their personal best.
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PMP WITH TATI HOSTS MUSIC TEACHER TRAINING EXPERIENCE
PMP-TATI Students. (Credit: Wharton Arts)
By Mabel Pais
The Paterson Music Project, New Jersey(PMP) one among five nonprofits across the US, was selected to host a tailored professional development teacher practicum. The Paterson Music Project (NJ) and Teaching Artists Training Institute (US) collaborate to offer a two-day professional development experience for music Teaching Artists across the Northeast. The Northeast Regional Practicum will be held February 16-17, 2023 in Paterson, NJ, with afternoon visits to Paterson Music Project’s after-school program sites.
Chosen as part of a national application process to host a Regional Practicum, the Paterson Music Project will partner with the Teaching Artists Training Institute (TATI) to help Teaching Artists across the Northeast, including CT, NJ, NY, PA, and MD, gain new skills and tools that directly support the continued growth of their teaching practice. “A majority of Teaching Artists working with community music programs have extensive music performance backgrounds, but don’t necessarily have experience working with students in classroom settings. Providing foundational training not only increases their confidence and success, but also builds a stronger network of support for their students,” shares Anna Barson, Managing Director of TATI.
Designed to be highly interactive, this Regional Practicum will provide hands-on workshops centered in classroom management, culturally responsive teaching, and youth voice and leadership by utilizing group discussions, problem-solving challenges, and peer networking. Practicum attendees will have the opportunity to learn from guest clinician, Alice Tsui, Founding Music Teacher at Brooklyn-based elementary school: ‘New Bridges.’ Alice is a GRAMMY-nominated music educator focused on “decolonizing, ABAR (anti-bias, anti-racist), abolitionist public music education and empowering the individual and collective voices of youth through music as expression.”
In addition, Practicum participants will visit Paterson Music Project’s after-school programming to tour and engage in teaching observations, implementing some of the newly learned classroom strategies, as well as giving and receiving peer feedback on their teaching practices. “I am excited that TATI will be providing high quality teaching artist training that is tailored specifically to the needs of music for social impact programs like PMP. Teaching Artists…often face similar challenges, so having an opportunity for them to come together and work on these challenges in a very practical way is invaluable.,” says Shanna Lin, Director of the Paterson Music Project.
Registration for the Northeast Regional Practicum is open now through February 1st for any music Teaching Artist working with a community music or El Sistema-inspired program in the Northeast region. For more information, visit tatraininginstitute.org/northeast-practicum. About Teaching Artists Training Institute: Founded in 2020 the Teaching Artists Training Institute (TATI) believes that transformational music education starts with transformational training for teachers. For more information, visit tatraininginstitute.org.
About Paterson Music Project: The Paterson Music Project (PMP) is a program of Wharton Arts that empowers children to achieve their full potential through the joyful pursuit of musical excellence. For more information, visit whartonarts.org/programs/paterson-music-project.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
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SENATOR JOHN LIU COMMENTS ON EDUCATION ITEMS IN GOVERNOR HOCHUL’S PROPOSED BUDGET
NEW YORK, NY(TIP): Giving his comment on the Governor’s proposed budget announcement, Senator John Liu thanked the governor “for honoring our collective commitment to fully funding foundation aid with an additional $2.7 billion for school funding in your budget proposal. New York school kids can finally receive a sound, basic education as they are long owed under the New York State Constitution.
“However, the naked attempt to remove the cap on charters in NYC is a nonstarter. The cap has historically served to strike the balance between giving parents so-called ‘choice’ and the constitutional requirement to keep public schools open, and it’s not common sense to upset that balance.”
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Long Island couple organize eye camp in native India; provide free eyeglasses to the needy
Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Member of India’s Parliament joins Rajesh Bhalla and Satish Bhalla distribute food at the Langar, a community meal. LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Former Commissioner of Nassau County Varinder Bhalla, a native of Amritsar in the Punjab state of India celebrated the life and legacy of his late father on the 50th anniversary of his passing by organizing an eye camp for free eye exam and eyeglasses for the underprivileged.
The event was also marked by a Langar, a community meal served to over 1000 people as well as distribution of groceries to the poor families in the area.
Optometrist Suresh Kamboj checking the eye sight of one of 200 people who attended CLB Eye Camp. The event was conceived by Ratna Bhalla, former Deputy Commissioner of Nassau County who inspired her husband to commemorate the half century mark of his father who passed away on January 25, 1973.
The eye camp was supported by a team of eye specialists from the renowned BSLN Eye Hospital in Ganga Nagar, established by Shree Kumar Swami, a spiritual guru acclaimed for his charitable works.
After determining the approximate lens power of a patient, the optometrist Varun Devesar determines the exact power with trial set. Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Member of India’s Parliament, Om Parkash Soni, former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and Sandeep Rishi, Commissioner of Amritsar were the notables who gathered to pay homage to the late Chaman Lal Bhalla whose exemplary support of a local school for the blind inspired the Bhalla family to carry on his tradition of giving back to the society. The Bhallas of Long Island also run a food bank in India’s capital city where surplus food from hotels, airlines and industry kitchens is distributed to the needy. Since its inception in 1991, the AWB Food Bank named after their mother Agya Wanti Bhalla, has distributed nearly 15 million meals to the orphans, widows and the other disadvantaged and vulnerable in New Delhi.
The elder Satish Bhalla acknowledged that the current charitable endeavors of the Bhallas are simply an extension of the humanitarian works of his late parents. The Senate and the General Assembly of the state of New Jersey passed a joint resolution to recognize “Shri Chaman Lal Bhalla in appreciation of the immeasurable contributions he made throughout his lifetime in furtherance of the common good.” For more information about this news, contact Varinder Bhalla at 516.680.8037 or VarinderBhalla@gmail.com
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NJ councilwoman Dwumfour found shot to death outside of her home
SAYREVILLE, N.J. (TIP): A New Jersey borough councilwoman was found shot to death in an SUV outside of her home, authorities said. Eunice K. Dwumfour, a councilwoman in Sayreville, N.J., was serving her first term in office when she was fatally shot on Wednesday, February 1.
Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, 30, was found at around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Middlesex County prosecutor’s office. She had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dwumfour, a Republican, was elected to her first three-year term in 2021, when she ousted a Democratic incumbent. Colleagues recalled her as a soft-spoken devout Christian who could maintain her composure in contentious situations.
“She was a 30-year-old woman. To have this happen in such a tragic way, I mean, our hearts are just broken and everybody wants an answer,” said Karen Bailey Bebert, the local GOP chairwoman who served as her campaign manager. “So, we’re waiting with bated breath.”
Authorities have not made any arrests or said whether they believe the motive for the killing might be personal, political, or a random act.
In a 2021 campaign interview, Dwumfour described herself as a proud graduate of Newark public schools who earned a degree in women’s studies at William Patterson University while working part-time as an EMT.
She said she moved to Parlin, a section of Sayreville, after graduating “because of the tremendous public safety work the community does.” That interest fueled her run for council, where she served as a liaison to the police department now helping to investigate her death.
“She just wanted to make a better community for all our children,” said Bebert, who served as her campaign manager. Dwumfour, who had a school-age child, announced at a fall council meeting that she had recently gotten married, Bebert said. She was active in her church in Newark, she said.Dwumfour worked in information technology, according to her LinkedIn page, where she posted last month that she was looking for a new opportunity. Her resume also said that she worked for six years with a religious nonprofit group. Her next-door neighbor, Chyann Brown, said she was arriving home Wednesday evening just as police were “flying in the complex.” She had no idea that Dwumfour, whom she described as kind and respectful, had been shot.
“When I came to park my car, there were shell cases everywhere. … I (saw) the car was still rolling down the street,” she said of Dwumfour’s vehicle.
Brown said they had spoken over the past year, but she did not realize Dwumfour was involved in local politics.
“She’s a very nice woman. She’s always well-dressed,” she said. “I can’t believe she would be involved in such a tragic incident,” Brown said. Several high-ranking state leaders, including Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, issued statements expressing their grief over her death. John Wisniewski, a former Democratic state Assembly member from Sayreville, had spoken to her at a few council meetings.
“Almost always her comments were about God, divine providence. She was a woman of faith,” Wisniewski said.
Bebert described Dwumfour as an outgoing person who “always had that beautiful smile on her face that you see in her picture.” Sayreville, a borough of roughly 45,000 people, is about 30 miles (about 48.2 kilometers) south of Manhattan. At the scene Thursday, another car in the parking lot had damage apparently sustained when Dwumfour’s car struck it.
Bebert described Sayreville as a peaceful community and said Dwumfour lived in an attractive complex near an elementary school. She hopes to organize a vigil to celebrate what she called “a life cut too short by such a heinous criminal act.”
“She was so young,” she said. “It’s just rippling through the town.”
(Source: Boston Globe)
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“I Have a Dream” Song at Program Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King
NEW YORK (TIP): Dr. Martin Luther King’s spirit of brotherhood, his life and his ongoing legacy were honored January 14 at a program hosted by the Sri Chinmoy Centre at its Headquarters in New York City. Featured at the program was a new arrangement of the song “I Have a Dream”, with words extracted from Dr. King’s historic 1963 speech, melody by Sri Chinmoy, and a new piano arrangement. Recognized as a beacon of light and world leader, Dr. King received the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964. The song first premiered at a program held at the United Nations in 1977, with Coretta Scott King as guest of honor and keynote speaker.
In her closing remarks at that program, Coretta Scott King thanked Sri Chinmoy and the Peace Meditation Group, as well as the many ambassadors and UN officials who paid tribute to her husband: “Your words have been, indeed, an inspiration to me. And to have heard what has been said by representatives of nations around the world, who have understood Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message and his great life commitment, certainly inspires me personally to continue in the struggle, which we are all a part of here….I feel that I am also a citizen of the world, as Martin Luther King, Jr. was a citizen of the world.”
Sri Chinmoy with Coretta Scott King at the United Nations at a program honoring her husband on November 29, 1977. Coretta Scott King and Sri Chinmoy were later honored in 1994 by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, India’s foremost and most respected cultural institution as the first two recipients of the Mahatma Gandhi Universal Harmony Award for their contributions to universal peace and harmony. At this award ceremony, hosted at the Hilton Hotel in New York City, Sri Chinmoy and Coretta Scott King had the honor to meet with Ramaswami Venkataraman, former President of India, who took part in the ceremony of conferment by the Bhavan along with other tidings from respected top dignitaries and Bhavanites of India such as S. Ramakrishnan, C. Subramaniam, Vice president Palkhivala, Vice president N. Gandhi.
A poem dedicated to Dr. King by Dr. Gerald Deas, respected doctor and public health advocate, delighted the audience, and Dr. Ganapati John Coleman offered a thorough history of Dr. King, the civil rights movement, and influences by Mahatma Gandhi. Ranjana Ghose, President of the Board of Directors of the Sri Chinmoy Centre, inspired the audience to follow in the footsteps of Dr. and Mrs. King and Sri Chinmoy, and to work towards a better world. Noting an often overlooked but essential factor to achieve success, she quoted Sri Chinmoy, “ The first step towards world transformation, is self transformation.”
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New Jersey Leadership Program opens applications to increase South Asian youth participation in government and politics
GUTTENBERG, NJ (TIP): The New Jersey Leadership Program (NJLP) announced that it has started accepting applications for the 2023 Summer Fellowship Program. The fellowship program seeks to introduce New Jersey-based South Asian youth to government and politics. Applications are due by Friday, February 28, 2023, and interested candidates may apply online at www.njlead.org. The NJLP Summer Fellowship Program is a six-week program in which high school and college students of South Asian background are placed in internships with legislative and other government offices. The Fellowship Program also hosts weekly speakership series with elected officials, senior government staffers, journalists, non-profit leaders, and others.
“While we are seeing increasing participation each year from New Jersey’s South Asian community, we remain underrepresented at all levels of government,” said NJLP President Ishan Shah. “We have to do more and the NJLP Summer Fellowship Program seeks to empower and develop the next generation of South Asian political leaders.”
The NJLP Fellowship Program is entering its eighth year and the New Jersey Leadership Program as a whole has graduated over 70 South Asian youth fellows since its formation.
More information about the NJLP Summer Fellowship Program can be found at www.njlead.org.
The New Jersey Leadership Program (NJ Lead) is a non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting South Asian American youth participation and education at the local level of government in the State of New Jersey. NJ Lead and its Fellowship Program focus on developing leadership skills, building public policy knowledge, and building the pipeline for South Asian Americans to work in government or pursue public office at the local, state, and federal levels. To learn more about NJ Lead, please visit www.njlead.org
Contact: info@njlead.org/ (201) 234-9261
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India’s Republic Day celebrated in Long Island
Flag hoisting by Nassau County Controller Elaine Phillips and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello, Chairman of Human Rights Commission Dr Bobby Kalotee joined with Indian American Forum Chairperson Indu Jaiswal and Indian American Community from Long Island, celebrated the 74th Republic Day of India on January 26, 2023. The national anthems of the US and India were sung, and the Indian national flag was hoisted.
Mrs. Sujata Seth , Public Affairs Associate for Parker Jewish institute of Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Dr Shaifali Karkare specializes in Pediatric Neurology in New Hyde Park, Dr Jagmohan Kalra, Specializes in Hematology and Medical Oncology, Dr Sohita Mehra is currently the Director of Breast imaging and started the Breast MRI institute, Mrs. Anju Sharma, active member known for her outstanding Community Services.,
Dr Swati Kumar, and Shilpi Kumar MBA were presented with India Republic Day Awards by Indian American Forum and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino.Present on the occasion were elected officials and members of the Indian American community.
Honorees: Mrs. Sujata Seth, Mrs. Anju Sharma, and Dr Sohita Mehra. -
AAPI’s Women’s Leadership Forum Deliberates on Ways To “Advancing Women’s Health Through Awareness and Action”
HOUSTON (TIP): “Advancing Women’s Health Through Awareness and Action” was the theme at the much-anticipated Women’s Leadership Forum that featured extraordinarily successful Women Leaders representing a diversity of professions, involving public, private and government organizations, during the recently concluded Global Healthcare Summit organized by the American Association of Physici9ans of Indian origin (AAPI) in Visakhapatnam, India from January 6th to 8th, 2023.
Dr. Smt. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Honorable Governor of Telangana & Honorable Lt. Governor of Puducherry delivered the keynote address at the Women’s Forum virtually. She urged everyone to “Pay attention to little things and how changes can be brought in. Ensure that the much-needed healthcare services reach everyone. There are many plans and programs initiated by the state government, but people need to be made aware of them and be helped to utilize the programs,” she said. She lauded “the great work by AAPI members for promoting health globally, particularly in India and the United States.”
Shri. MVV Satyavathi, Member of Parliament, representing Anakapalli in Andhra Pradesh was the Guest of Honor at the Women’s Forum. In her address, she congratulated AAPI, whose members having been born and educated in India, settled down in the US with success, have come back to India to serve the people of India, and work together for the betterment of humanity.
While congratulating the members of AAPI’s Women’s Forum and lauding them for some of the major initiatives of the Women’s Forum, Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI said, “In collaboration with national AAPI, the Forum has successfully organized events like HPV vaccination drive, fundraiser for suicide prevention awareness, scholarship for medical students, and many others.” In the next 2 years, the Forum aims to conduct CPR and AED training and install more AEDs in areas such as the railway stations, bus stations, malls, schools, and colleges. We plan to organize certified training workshops on Neonatal resuscitation, basic life support and emergency medicine for emergency responders and healthcare professionals.
Dr. Udaya Shivangi, Chair of AAPI’s Women’s Committee, in her opening remarks provided an overview of the Forum and the many initiatives by the Forum both in India and the United States. “It is my privilege and great honor to serve as the Chair of AAPI‘s Women Leadership Forum. We are fortunate to have with us. leaders and decision makers who have made a significant impact on the society and share a common vision of a healthier and stronger India,” she said.
“Each year, the Women’s Forum has played a significant role in organizing events, fundraisers and service projects that represent the core values of AAPI and our collective mission of giving back to our motherland. These events serve as a platform to expand our resources, share technological advancements and establish new partnerships, Dr. Shivangi added.
Panelists at the Women’s Forum included: Dr. Suneela Garg, Dir. Professor & Head of Community Medicine at Maulana Azad Medical College; Dr. Anuradha Medoju, Senior Regional Director at Telangana & Andhra Pradesh Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India; Dr. S. Radha Rani, Former Professor and Superintendent, Hospital of Mental Health; and Ms. Meghna Chalasani, Team Lead, Advisory Committees, Program Lead, Science Office Strategies for New Drugs at Center for Drug Education and Research, US Food & Drug Administration.
Dr. Anuradha Medoju, Senior Regional Director at Telangana & Andhra Pradesh Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India spoke about how she is able to work as a mother and government servant. “Working with balance is challenging. We should have boundaries for everything while needing to balance our personal life, our family life and our passion,” she said.
Dr. Suneela Garg, Dir. Professor & Head of Community Medicine at Maulana Azad Medical College pointed out that women are 55% of the total population of India. “We have made progress in so many areas of health indicators and infant mortality. I urge AAPI to come forward to work with local organizations and help spread wellness initiatives among the people.”
Dr. S. Radha Rani, Former Professor and Superintendent, Hospital of Mental Health spoke about why mental health is important and how to improve one’s overall health. “Woman is an important member of the family and the society. Her mental health is vital, as it affects everyone in the family and therefore caring for her mental health is important. Major life events impact women, who in turn affect all other members of the family.”
The Women’s Forum is chaired by Dr. Udaya Shivangi and Dr. T. Radha, while Dr. Uma Jonnalagadda is the Advisor and Dr. B. Devi Madhavi is serving as the Co-Chair. Dr. Jonnalagadda, while proposing the vote of thanks, said, “I thank you for being with us today and advocating for women’s rights.” For more details, please visit: www.aapiusa.org
(Press release issued by Ajay Ghosh)
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US NGO based in Pakistan associated with terror organizations, alleges Congressman
Congressman Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, seeks a suspension of the funding to the NGO pending a full and thorough review of these allegations
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): A US NGO based in Pakistan and receiving humanitarian aid from the US Agency for International Development is associated with designated terrorist organizations, an American lawmaker has alleged. In a letter to USAID Administrator Samantha Power on January 24, Congressman Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sought a suspension of the funding to the NGO pending a full and thorough review of these allegations.
“This award must immediately be suspended pending a full and thorough review of these accusations,” McCaul said. The Congressman, in the letter, expressed concern that USAID received information from his office more than eight months ago regarding credible allegations that one of its grantees is associated with designated terrorist organizations.
In October 2021, USAID awarded USD 110,000 to Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) through the Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program. This award was made despite longstanding, detailed allegations that HHRD is connected to designated terrorist organizations, terror financiers and extremist groups, he said.
In November 2019, three Members of Congress requested that the State Department review these alleged ties to terrorism in a public letter, he wrote.
“Please immediately personally review this grant to HHRD. I strongly urge you to pause this grant while you complete a thorough review of the allegations, to include coordination with the intelligence community, federal law enforcement, the State Department Counterterrorism Bureau, and the Department of Homeland Security,” McCaul said.
The HHRD, a top 4-star rated USA NGO, is also registered in Pakistan with the Ministry of Interior. It is present in all four provinces – Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – of Pakistan, in addition to Pakistan occupied Kashmir. According to the allegations and media reports, some sponsors of HHRD events in Pakistan include Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), the charitable wing of Lashkar-e-Taiba, the terrorist outfit responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The US in 2016 had designated FIF as a terrorist organization.
(Source: PTI)