The Indian Panorama

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  • Treasury and IRS issue proposed regulations identifying certain monetized installment sales as listed transactions

    Treasury and IRS issue proposed regulations identifying certain monetized installment sales as listed transactions

    WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP): The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, on Augus t3, issued proposed regulations identifying certain monetized installment sale transactions and substantially similar transactions as listed transactions – abusive tax transactions that must be reported to the IRS.

    Material advisors and certain participants in these listed transactions are required to file disclosures with the IRS and are subject to penalties for failure to disclose these transactions. The IRS listed monetized installment sales this year as part of the agency’s Dirty Dozen list of common tax scams and schemes.

    Monetized installment sale transactions generally include the following elements:

    A seller of appreciated property, or a person acting on the seller’s behalf, identifies a buyer who is willing to purchase the property in exchange for cash or other property.
    The seller enters into an agreement to sell the property to an intermediary in exchange for an installment obligation, which provides for interest payments from the intermediary to the seller.
    The seller then purportedly transfers the property to the intermediary, although the intermediary never actually takes title or takes title to the property only briefly before transferring title to the buyer in exchange for the buyer’s cash or other property.
    The seller also obtains a loan with an agreement that provides for interest payments from the seller to the lender that equal the amount of interest that the intermediary pays the seller under the installment obligation.
    Both the installment agreement and the loan provide for interest due over the same periods, with principal due in a balloon payment at or near the end of the term of the installment agreement and loan.
    The sales proceeds received by the intermediary from the buyer, reduced by certain fees, are provided to the lender to fund the loan to the seller or transferred to an escrow account of which the lender is a beneficiary.
    The lender agrees to repay these amounts to the intermediary over the course of the term of the installment obligation.
    The seller then treats the sale as an installment sale under section 453 on a Federal income tax return for the year of the purported sale and defers recognition of gain until the year in which the seller receives the principal balloon payment.
    Written comments regarding the proposed regulations must be submitted by Sept. 3, 2023. A public hearing has been scheduled for October 12, 2023.

    Report tax fraud

    As part of the Dirty Dozen awareness effort, the IRS encourages people to report individuals who promote improper and abusive tax schemes as well as tax return preparers who deliberately prepare improper returns.

    To report an abusive tax scheme or a tax return preparer, people should mail or fax a completed Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers and any supporting materials to the IRS Lead Development Center in the Office of Promoter Investigations.

    Mail:
    Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center
    Stop MS5040
    24000 Avila Road
    Laguna Niguel, California 92677-3405
    Fax: 877-477-9135

    Alternatively, taxpayers and tax practitioners may send the information to the IRS Whistleblower Office for possible monetary reward.

    For more information, see Abusive Tax Schemes and Abusive Tax Return Preparers.

  • Attorney General Merrick Garland appoints a special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe

    Attorney General Merrick Garland appoints a special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe

    David Weiss, the U.S. attorney in Delaware, has been appointed special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on August 11 he is appointing a special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe, deepening the investigation of the President’s son ahead of the 2024 election, an AP report says. Attorney General Garland said he is naming David Weiss, the U.S. attorney in Delaware who has been probing the financial and business dealings of the president’s son, as the special counsel.

    Attorney General Garland said on Tuesday that Weiss told him that “in his judgment, his investigation has reached a stage at which he should continue his work as a Special Counsel, and he asked to be appointed.”

    “Upon considering his request, as well as the extraordinary circumstances relating to this matter, I have concluded it is in the public interest to appoint him as special counsel,” Attorney General Garland said. The move is a momentous development from the typically cautious Garland and comes amid a pair of sweeping Justice Department probes into Donald Trump, the former president, and President Joe Biden’s chief rival in next year’s election. It comes as House Republicans are mounting their own investigation into Hunter Biden’s business dealings. “Upon considering his request, as well as the extraordinary circumstances relating to this matter, I have concluded it is in the public interest to appoint him as special counsel,” Garland said.

  • Pearl Banquet Hall and Convention Center in heart of Hicksville celebrates Grand Opening

    Pearl Banquet Hall and Convention Center in heart of Hicksville celebrates Grand Opening

    Ribbon cutting by the family: Dilsheet, Janessa, Alissa, Navneet Sikka, Bably Sikka, Sean Sikka, Gary Sikka, Sunny, Sondhi, and Rubal Sikka.
    Suffolk County Deputy Executive Jon Kaiman presenting a Proclamation on behalf of the County to Gary Sikka . L to R: Indu Jaiswal, Gary Sikka, Jon Kaiman, Naveen Shah, Mohinder TanejaSuffolk County Deputy Executive Jon Kaiman presenting a Proclamation on behalf of the County to Gary Sikka . L to R: Indu Jaiswal, Gary Sikka, Jon Kaiman, Naveen Shah, Mohinder Taneja.
    L to R: Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Sant Chatwal, Gary Sikka, Herman Singh.

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): As part of their mission to provide the best in the hospitality industry, PEARL Banquet Hall opened its doors on 23rd July 2023. More than 1100 guests attended to celebrate the occasion and to experience the majesty. brilliance, elegance, and grandeur of PEARL firsthand.
    The Grand Opening program started with Sukhmani Sahib Path, Kirtan and Ardaas, followed by sumptuous Langar Prasad that was catered by Mint.

    Harry Bolla (left ) congratulates Gary Sikka

    Rubal Sikka, the owner and President of Pearl said that with determination and perseverance, anything can be achieved. Pearl is a labor of love and brings an excellent dining experience in an atmosphere that is both tranquil and exhilarating.
    Gary Sikka, the Chief Executive Officer, and the Executive Chef said that the 2000 Sq. feet building of Pearl stood in a 2-acre lot, with a spacious parking lot. The Banquet Hall has the capacity to host events for up to 400 people on the main floor. Another 100 can be accommodated on the second floor.
    Pearl is an extension of Mint known for their delicious food for the last 20 years. Pearl will offer not only all kinds of Indian cuisines, but it will also offer Continental, Chinese, Thai, Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican cuisines. The opulent ambience in gold tones and with beautiful chandeliers is a delight to look at.
    The unveiling of the Banquet Hall was attended by Mr. Sant Singh Chatwal, internationally renowned Hotelier, Mr. Harry Singh Bolla Chairman of the Billion Dollar Bolla Management Corporation, Mr. Naveen Shah, CEO of multibillion-dollar corporation Navika Capital Group, Dr. Pailla Malla Reddy, CEO of ScieGen Pharmaceutical Company, Mr. Jon Kaiman, Deputy County Executive, Suffolk County, many community leaders and social activists.
    Among the many who attended the Opening Ceremony were Mr. Mohinder Sigh Taneja, Mr. Zahid Syed, Mr. Shudh Prakash Singh, Mr. Varinder Sikka, Dr. Sunil Mehra, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Mr. Harish Thakkar, Ms. Indu Gajwani, Ms. Indu Jaiswal, Ms. Beena Kothari, Ms. Bina Sabapathy, Mr. Deepak Bansal, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Thind, Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Dr. Rajinder Jinna, Dr. Vinny Jayam, Dr Raj Bhayani, Dr. Tarun Wasil, Dr. Avtar Singh Tinna, Mr. Satnam Singh Parhar, Mr. Govind Munjal, Mrs. Suman Munjal, Mr. Sunil Hali, Mr. Ajay Sondhi ,Mr. V Nagendra Gupta, and Mr. Jasbir Jay Singh. Mr. Sant Chatwal was full of admiration for the ambience of the place. Mr. Harry Bolla congratulated Mr. Gary Sikka for the “lovely place” which was the best in Long Island. Mr. Jon Kaiman presented a Proclamation o behalf of Suffolk County to Gary Sikka.

    The great place is open and ready to serve you. Why wait? Barge in today.

    Main lobby of Pearl
    Banquet Hall
    Buffet area
    Entrance
    Spacious 150 cars Parking lot

  • Life Lessons from Tirlok Malik: Love yourself

    Happy Life Yoga workshop enthuses hundreds

    Over 125 senior citizens from various organizations attended the lively, entertaining, and interactive workshop. While making his audience laugh heartily, Tirlok Malik, founder of Happy Life Yoga, drove home a serious message at his workshop in Queens, sponsored by four community organizations.
    • By Parveen Chopra

    JAMAICA ESTATES, NY (TIP): Tirlok Malik’s Happy Life Yoga workshop at India Home here on July 28 was a roaring success. He made over 125 senior citizens from various seniors’ organizations laugh and dance to his tunes. Founder of Happy Life Yoga, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik aimed to empower seniors in the audience to live a healthy, happy, and more fulfilling life. His live, entertaining, interactive workshop brims with the wisdom of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian Philosophy, which he distills and presents with practical tips and short exercises.

    To me and some attendees I spoke to, the most striking takeaway from the workshop was when Malik made us hug ourselves and say loud and clear, “I love myself.” This line he made us repeat like a mantra or talisman. And from these three words, a big life lesson flows naturally. Explained Malik, “If I love myself, then it is my responsibility to take care of my health and happiness. So, commit that you will try your best to be healthy and happy.”

    Each of Malik’s close friends will tell you that the moment he calls, both burst into guffaws. At the workshop too, he made everybody laugh, “like babies”, as one participant commented. “Laugh as much and as often,” Malik said. “It is good for you, it opens the lungs, and it produces happy hormones.” He does not resort to cracking jokes as he advises, “You don’t need a reason to laugh. Laugh at the absurdity of life, laugh at ordinary events – ‘oh, chapati on the stove got burnt’ is a good enough opportunity to laugh it away.”

    Having his audience to eat out of his hands, Malik then moved to the core of his workshop.

    Indian philosophy, he explained, tells us that you can have it all but only if you balance Artha, Kama, Dharma, and Moksha. Artha is our means, and Kama is our desires, and normally the two are out of whack, which causes problems. “I may want a Mercedes, but if currently, I can only afford $20,000, then it is better to shelve that goal,” he suggested. Dharma is making the right choices. Moksha is contentment or fulfillment that flows from harmoniously living the first three. From Ayurveda, Malik said, we learn to eat the right food for the body. Eat healthy as many times as possible and skip junk food.

    The Yoga of Happy Life Yoga does not require mats. “Move the body as much as possible,” Malik advised, as yoga asanas also involve various body movements. Then, he made people sway and dance even as they were sitting in chairs. One simple breathing exercise he taught: “Take a deep breath, hold for a while, and exhale from the mouth with a sound.”

    Malik wrapped up his motivational workshop with this nugget: We cannot change our past, so we must accept it. We may have made mistakes, but we cannot go back to correct them. We do not know what the future has in store for us. So, live in the present, doing your best to have a happy and healthy life.

    The program was sponsored by Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York, GOPIO Manhattan, GOPIO New York, and India Home. Media support was provided by Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, Chief Editor of The Indian Panorama. Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, Executive Director of India Home, talked about the various free programs offered by the not-for-profit center for senior care.

    Mukund Mehta, President, India Home, and Past President and Paramarshak of Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York, introduced Tirlok Malik.

    Happy Life Yoga founder Tirlok Malik is an Emmy award-nominated filmmaker and restaurateur.

    Tirlok Malik is an acclaimed actor and filmmaker who is known for making feature films on the Indian American experience under his banner Apple Productions, such as ‘Lonely in America’, and ‘On Golden Years’. When asked, he will tell you that Happy Life Yoga is not a departure from that work but is the continuation of his love for India and his community. He had started the first Indian food restaurant (1985), the first Ayurveda medicine center (1992), and the first Ayurveda restaurant (1998), all in Manhattan.

    During the program, Malik called upon Claudine and Jack Halpern to introduce their online app, named Zage, for elder care. The couple distributed discount coupons to the attendees.

    Toward the end of the program, Malik introduced and thanked his team: Neha Lohia, a filmmaker and Happiness Director of Happy Life Yoga, and John Pina and Bohan, also filmmakers.

     Fulsome praise for the workshop

    Tirlok Malik (third from left) with Organizers. L to R: Pankaj Parikh, Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi – Executive Director of India Home, Mukund Mehta, and Jagdish Patel, posing for a picture after the workshop.“Tirlok Ji’s presentation on Happy Life Yoga was extraordinary and seniors overwhelmingly enjoyed it. The entire session was robust and participative. He introduced the principles for a happier and healthier life based on the wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Indian Philosophy.”
    -Mukund Mehta, President, India Home, and Past President and Paramarshak, Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York.

    “Happy Life Yoga is beneficial for everyone to have good health, physically and emotionally, and Tirlok Malik’s platform can show how to achieve it.”

    -Jagdish Patel, President, Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York

    “Tirlok Malik’s workshop was unique in many ways. There were frequent bursts of laughter along with useful tips for breathing and developing a positive attitude towards your own self.”

    -Pankaj Parikh, Vice President, Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York

    “Tirlok Malik taught us the techniques to connect mind, heart, and body through positive thinking, using fundamental values and breathing exercises. It was a unique experience to expand the inner joy in our life.”

    -Ashok Sheth, Vice President – Finance, Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York

  • Vijay Divas celebrated at the Indian Consulate, New York

    Consul General of India Honorable Randhir Kumar Jaiswal speaking about the Vijay Divas to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in Kargil war , May 3, 1999
    Col. Virendra Tevathia speaking about the historic victory in Kargil war with Pakistan.
    Sema Jagtiani speaking about the Shradhaa Foundation.
    Honorable Consul General with organizers and soldiers (Photos : Courtesy Consulate General of India)

    Sanya Gupta

    NEW YORK (TIP):- July 26th, 2023 marked the 24th anniversary of Vijay Diwas. Vijay Diwas is celebrated to recognize India’s victory against Pakistan in the Kargil War, May 3, 1999.
    Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated with freedom in mind, faith in words, pride in hearts, and memories in souls.
    At the event held at the Consulate General, New York, on July 26th, 2023, many heroic soldiers were remembered and praised. The soil from the battlefield during the war was also displayed for the audience to see.
    The Honorable Consul General, Colonel Virendra Tevathia, Major Krishna Chari, Major General Manjit Khara, and Colonel KB Singh (a veteran of 1971 War), were present during this lively event.

    About Shradhaa Foundation
    Shradhaa Foundation’s mission is to provide financial support, educational resources, and career counseling for the spouses and children of soldiers of Indian descent. It has helped many widows and children over 12 years so far. With their determination and courage, they have helped many families and children of our soldiers back home, struggling financially as well as those needing professional guidance.
    As Seema Jagtiani proudly announced, “Our promise to the world is that all the donations meant to be delivered to India will not go through any secondary sources. Your money will safely be sent to where you expect it to go.”
    Seema is a passionate woman who from a very young age has wanted to be that “vision” that people are usually not able to see in the army. She mentioned, “…when people talk about the army, they don’t really think that our soldiers are on duty 24/7 even when there is no war going on.”
    Seema explained how when there are floods in India, or the landslides, cloud bursts, or any other natural disaster, soldiers are the ones who step up to help us through our life. They take the initiative and risk their life to give us a hand when we need it the most, without expecting anything in return. Visiting the soldiers on a high altitude post, Seema asked over 200 soldiers, “who all are here for money?” Only one raised his hand. Everyone else was there to protect their nation, even if that meant risking their life for it.

    During the event, I was taken aback when I learned about the Kargil War, our courageous soldiers, their devotion to duty, and their love for the Nation. I remember telling my friends how the vibe had taken me to experience the war as if I was really there. I told my parents that the atmosphere had made me think as if we were at a place in India, and not in New York. It is amazing to see the Indian legacy stretch out across 7 oceans to the other side of the world, with the level of enthusiasm not a drop less.
    At a moment in the event, the audience rose in unison and saluted the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for their mother country. During a moment in a speech that was being shared in the event, I learned something that sank into my heart: “Soldiers have to work in climates below 40 degrees Celsius in the mountains and over 55 degrees Celsius in deserts. It can be deadly for human beings to tolerate anything under 11 degrees Celsius and over 30 degrees Celsius.” I don’t think I can ever forget this.
    It was really a beautiful event when many courageous soldiers were recognized, memories were remembered, tears were brought, emotions connected, and warriors were saluted. And through it all, our Tiranga flag was held high. Jai Hind!

    For more information about Shraddha foundation, visit www.shradhaa.org

    (The author of the article, Sanya, will enter 9th grade in September. The article is written by her without any assistance from anyone)

  • All set to celebrate 77th Indian Independence Day in Hicksville

    All set to celebrate 77th Indian Independence Day in Hicksville

    A view of the gathering
    Organizers of the Parade

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, various events have been organized by people of Indian origin living abroad, and one of the main events is India Day Parade of Long Island in Hicksville. This year the 12th India Day Parade dedicated to India’s Independence Day is being organized on August 27.

    In this regard, a curtain raiser ceremony was held in Nassau County Legislative Building. In the presence of massive gathering the poster of the 12th India Day Parade was released.

    New York State Senator Kevin Thomas, former New York State Senator Anna Kaplan and Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips participated on this occasion.

    IDP Founder and Nassau County Human Rights Commissioner Bobby Kumar Kalotee, who started this parade twelve years ago, praised the organizers of this parade. Speaking to the audience he said that everyone this time is looking forward to making this parade historic under the presidentship of Deepak Bansal and Vimal Goyal.

    Speaking to the gathering Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips said: “we’re here to celebrate the 76th anniversary of independence of India. Our County happens to be larger when it comes to population -almost 1.5 million people- than 10 states in the United States. Our GDP is greater than 145 countries in the United Nations but what makes us so special is this. It’s celebrating all the diverse cultures, creeds, religions in the County. We are truly blessed. On behalf of the county executive Bruce Blakeman, I wish you a great parade.”

    She further added: “I want to thank Bobby for being the founder of this India day parade . I want to thank you and the entire team because we all know that events like August 27th in Hicksville are not going to happen without a team of many people that are going to work hard.”

    On this occasion, New York State Senator Kevin Thomas said that this parade is a symbol of the hard work and progress of the Indian American community living in America and this parade is being talked everywhere. On the occasion, former New York State Senator Anna Kaplan said that she feels proud to be a part of this parade.

    The presidents of this parade Deepak Bansal and Vimal Goyal jointly thanked everyone for participating in this program and urged everyone to contribute to making the parade a success.

  • SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES OUTREACH CAMPAIGN ENGAGES 10,000+ NEW YORKERS

    SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES OUTREACH CAMPAIGN ENGAGES 10,000+ NEW YORKERS

    • More Than 280 Events Held Across All Five Boroughs in Last Fiscal Year Alone, Breaking Agency Records
    • Launches New Outreach Effort to Promote NYC Business Solutions Centers to Local Businesses

    NEW YORK (TIP): Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim today announced that SBS’s outreach team has connected with more than 10,000 New Yorkers in the last year alone, breaking agency records for community outreach, and reflecting a dramatic expansion in SBS’s engagement efforts. Since 2022, SBS launched a series of new, innovative initiatives to advance Mayor Eric Adams’ vision for business engagement and workforce outreach outlined in the Blueprint for Economic Recovery. The announcement comes as SBS launches a new outreach effort to promote NYC Business Solutions Centers (NYC BSC) to local businesses across New York City, its first-ever “BSC Crawl.”

    SBS has taken significant steps to meet New Yorkers where they are and provide information directly in multiple languages about free City services available for small businesses and jobseekers alike, including services available through its 18 Workforce1 Career Centers, 7 NYC Business Solutions Centers, and 9 Industrial Business Service Providers.

    “I am thrilled to see SBS’s outreach team making tremendous inroads in meeting New Yorkers where they are and bringing workforce and business services directly to those who need them most,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “Entrepreneurial spirit permeates every corner of our city, and through creative outreach we can harness the full power of the people and bring opportunity to everyone.”

    “As the son of immigrant New York City small business owners, I know first-hand how important it is for government to be present in our communities. Too often, New Yorkers in need don’t know where to turn for help. By bringing the full force of SBS services and programs into our neighborhoods, we’re closing the gap to connect New Yorkers to economic opportunity,” said SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “I am proud of our phenomenal SBS outreach team – and all SBSers – who are getting the word out to more New Yorkers than ever before because when people know about SBS services, they use them, and that helps make our city more prosperous and vibrant for everyone.”

    Reaching New Yorkers Where They Are

    In the last year, SBS has engaged more than 10,000 New Yorkers to promote awareness of its programs – from services that help business owners avoid fines and fees on violations and compete for government contracts, to free job training programs that help New Yorkers jumpstart their careers, to grants for neighborhood organizations that steward commercial corridor development.

    The expansion of SBS outreach is centered on innovative methods of connecting with New Yorkers where they are. New and expanded initiatives launched under SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim’s leadership include:

    Created the agency’s first-ever centralized outreach unit to ensure cross promotion of all business and career services wherever SBS has a presence. Completed the largest-ever M/WBE recertification campaign, reaching out to more than 2,800 firms with expiring certification through webinars, calls, and direct email.

    Significantly expanded interagency Mobile Unit outreach, hosting 55 Mobile Unit outreach events in 35 neighborhoods with partners across 13 City agencies. The SBS Mobile Unit brings a suite of resources directly to New Yorkers in their neighborhoods, including free Wi-Fi, printers, computers, and multilingual representatives from several City agencies.

    Met directly with thousands of small business owners through corridor tours in more than 40 neighborhoods, including several “little” ethnic enclaves, to understand how the City can cut red tape and support their growth.

    Proclaimed for the first time ever, NYC Small Business Month in May 2023 – an expansion of National Small Business Week. NYC Small Business Month also marked the first-ever BID Day, which highlighted the special role of the City’s 76 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in New York’s commercial corridors and included new partnerships with the Yankees and Mets to promote services to jobseekers at their stadiums.

    Launched “NYC BEST in Your Community,” a new initiative of SBS’s NYC Business Express Service Team (NYC BEST), by hosting 15 events with community partners in the first year of the program. NYC BEST works one-on-one with local businesses to expedite permits and licenses, and help business owners avoid fines and fees. Since FY 22, NYC BEST has helped more than 2,200 small business owners save more than $22 million in fines, fees, and lost revenue. Started the “Lift Off! Cannabis NYC Listening and Learning Tour,” a major public engagement campaign to educate New Yorkers about the growing cannabis industry with plans for more than 40 events across the five boroughs.

    Partnered with community leaders and organizations to host 15 small business roundtables, connecting business owners from across New York City directly to SBS Commissioner Kim to share their experiences and concerns.

    Collaborated with six local non-profit organizations with deep ties in immigrant communities to improve the translation of SBS materials and strengthen communication with immigrant small business owners.

    Hosted the first Small Business Services and Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) joint Immigrant and Ethnic Media roundtable at City Hall, extending dozens of immigrant and ethnic media outlets the opportunity to speak directly with SBS Commissioner Kim D. Kim and MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro.

    Expanded translation of educational materials, including outreach for the NYC Opportunity Fund – the City’s largest-ever public-private loan fund directed at small businesses – in more than 20 languages.

    Created bite-sized digital content promoting SBS services through our animated Mobile Unit character (Mobie), in 11 languages – Urdu, Bengali, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Korean, Polish, French, Arabic, Haitian Creole, and Spanish. Reached 1.1M users across all SBS social media channels and doubled average post engagement.

    Engaged business owners and community leaders in the City’s first Small Business Advisory Commission, the first-ever Latino American Small Business Task Force, and the growing Asian American Small Business Task Force to leverage trusted messengers to amplify SBS services and targeting services to address community concerns. Partnering with FDNY on e-bike battery safety and education. The joint agency effort is focused on outreach to delivery drivers, restaurants, and the owners of e-bike shops to promote awareness on the proper practices for purchasing, storing, and charging e-bike lithium-ion batteries. SBS’s educational efforts are boosted by the multilingual skills of staff who are fluent in six languages, including English, Spanish, Fuzhounese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Bangla.

    Organizations interested in partnering with SBS on community outreach can fill out the Agency’s Mobile Unit Request Form. New Yorkers interested in visiting one of SBS’s Workforce1 Career Centers, or NYC Business Solutions Centers can use this online map. Business owners and entrepreneurs can call 888-SBS-4NYC for more information on the resources available at SBS.

    About the Department of Small Business Services (SBS)

    SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information, visit nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • Indian Christians to hold a prayer vigil in front of the U.N. for the victims of violence in Manipur, India on Saturday August 5 Noon

    NEW YORK (TIP): ‘Concerned Citizens on Manipur,’ an activist group, is organizing a prayer vigil in front of the United Nations building in Manhattan on Saturday, August 5th, at 11 am in solidarity with the victims of violence in the northeastern State of Manipur in India and to pray for restoration of peace.

    The tiny State of Manipur has witnessed violent conflict between the majority of Meitei and a minority of Kuki tribes. Stabbing, chopping, burning, shooting, and other attacks killed more than 140 people. Mobs have destroyed more than 400 churches and shrines; houses have been burnt, some with inhabitants in them and over 50,000 people have been displaced into temporary relief camps in miserable states. Parading of naked women, gang rape and sexually abusing them have occurred in public spaces. Although the Government is supposed to protect the lives and properties of its citizens, the BJP government in power in the State and at the Center has done very little to quell the violence. Independent observers report that the Government has indirectly tolerated the majority Meitei community to continue the atrocities. The BJP government is a fundamentalist Hindutva party advocating for converting India into a Hindu nation. The religious persecution behind the conflict has not been known to the public. The state government has been suppressing the dissemination of information by taking legal action against people who speak the truth publicly and shutting down the Internet. The current Government led by Prime Minister Modi remains silent. There have been reliable reports that Christians are being targeted, and part of the agenda is said to be the ethnic cleansing of the Christians from the Tribal land.

    There is almost a blackout by the Indian media on this ongoing tragedy, and the international media has not covered the worsening humanitarian situation in detail. The prayer vigil is primarily organized by a group of activists from different organizations and churches belonging to the Indian Christian Community. However, the vigil is also supported by other minority groups and Dalits living across the country.

  • AMERICAN BANK OPENING NEW LOCATION IN FRICSO

    AMERICAN BANK OPENING NEW LOCATION IN FRICSO

    DALLAS (TIP): American Bank of Dallas continues to expand with the opening of a new branch in Frisco on Monday, August 7. This becomes the bank’s third location, joining the main office on West Northwest Highway in Dallas and its branch in Irving’s Valley Ranch Neighborhood.

    “Since being acquired by Bright Force Holding in 2019, we have grown from $55 million in assets to more than $400 million in assets by focusing on ‘boutique banking’ that delivers personalized service and innovative solutions for both business and consumer customers,” said Jeff Weaver, President and CEO of American Bank.

    Chairman of the Board Chirag “Chuck” Patel added, “As one of the country’s fastest-growing community banks, it’s very appropriate for American Bank to now bring our convenient and competitive style of banking to Frisco, one of the country’s fastest-growing communities.” To celebrate its new branch location, American Bank is offering a special “grand opening” interest rate of 6% APY on new six-month Certificates of Deposit (CDs) opened at any of its locations during the month of August. “Many people feel disconnected with the routine impersonal service they receive at large banks, so we’ve changed that by creating a community bank that’s big on service — where customers are known by their names, not their account number,” explained Weaver.

    Located at 3382 Preston Road in Frisco, the new branch will be managed by Stephanie San Miguel, who has almost 25 years of banking experience in management positions with community banks as well as regional and national banking institutions. “We’re locally-owned and managed, which allows us to make faster loan decisions, avoiding the rigid policies and delays typically associated with larger banks,” explained Chairman Patel. “That’s very important for small business owners who need to move at the speed of business rather than the speed of bureaucracy.” American Bank offers a full range of commercial and consumer services, including SBA and commercial real estate loans, auto loans, business financing, as well as business and personal deposit account options. The bank was established in May of 1974 as Pan American National Bank of Dallas, changing its name to American Bank in May of 1987. It was acquired in March of 2019 by Bright Force Holding, an investment group based in the Dallas suburb of Grapevine that consists of six prominent Asian American business leaders – Chirag Patel, Daxesh Patel, Mehul Patel, Mital Patel, Sanjay Patel, and Yogi Patel.

    These six investors are partners in NewcrestImage, a privately-held investment firm that currently owns an extensive portfolio of diversified real estate and alternate assets, including approximately 70 hotels across 26 states. American Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). For more information, visit www.abdallas.bank

  • New England Indian American Community Extends a Warm Welcome to US Congressman Ro Khanna at Fundraising Event

    New England Indian American Community Extends a Warm Welcome to US Congressman Ro Khanna at Fundraising Event

    LEXINGTON, MA (TIP): On a picturesque Sunday afternoon, the New England Indian American community gathered once again to extend a warm welcome to Congressman Ro Khanna, renowned as a member of the esteemed “samosa caucus,” representing Silicon Valley and California’s 17th district. The lunch meet and greet fundraiser, hosted by the US India Security Council’s President, Mr. Ramesh Vishwanath Kapur, along with esteemed co-hosts Thomas Arul, Mr. Ashok Bhatt, Dr. Suvas Desai, Sanjay Gokhale, Priya Samant, Amar Sawhney, Deepika Sawhney, Pramit Maakoday, Manoj Schinde and Abhishek Singh proved to be a remarkable occasion for celebration and camaraderie.
    The event took place at the Clay Oven restaurant, nestled in the historic town of Lexington, MA, and was graced by the presence of many distinguished business and community leaders, including Mr. and Mrs. Puran Dang, Mrs. Ranjani Saigal, Ms. Amrita Saigal, Mr. Gope Gidwani, Mr. Dhruba Sen, Mr. Archan Basu, Dr. Smita Joshi, Puneet Kohli, Paru Sanghvi, Vijay and Madhu Narang, Dr. Dinesh Patel, Mr and Mrs. Yash Shah Mr. Guruprasad Sowle, Krishna Srinivasa and many others.
    Mr. Ramesh Kapur, in his opening address, welcomed Congressman Ro Khanna to New England, emphasizing the Congressman’s unwavering perseverance and determination that led him to triumph in his third election, eventually defeating the incumbent. Notably, Congressman Khanna played a significant role in inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month to address the joint session of the US Congress.
    During his remarks, Congressman Khanna emphasized the importance of recognizing India’s elected leaders and acknowledged that the relationship between India and the United States is pivotal. He stressed that India’s emergence as a powerful nation, two generations removed from colonialism, requires realistic expectations in terms of alignment with US policies.
    In his closing statements, Mr. Kapur shed light on the upcoming visit of Congressman Khanna and other esteemed members of Congress to India in August, signifying the continued commitment to strengthening India-US ties.
    This momentous event marked not only a celebration of Congressman Ro Khanna’s achievements but also a testament to the cohesive spirit and vibrant engagement of the New England Indian community in furthering bilateral relations between India and the United States.
    The Indian American Community of Massachusetts successfully raised over $25,000 at this event.

  • Legislator Lafazan Honors Locust Valley’s Jack Baker for Patriotic Acts of Community Service

    Legislator Lafazan Honors Locust Valley’s Jack Baker for Patriotic Acts of Community Service

    LOCUST VALLEY, N.Y. (TIP): Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (D – Woodbury) recently honored Locust Valley’s Jack Baker for channeling his patriotism into inspiring actions that brought comfort to the community.
    Baker’s notable endeavors include the creation of a memorial display of more than 2,000 American flags at Bayville Village Hall to honor the memories of the friends and loved ones that have been lost to COVID-19, including his beloved grandfather. He also volunteered for Wreaths Across America and participated in the Tunnels to Towers Foundation’s annual run to honor all who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. These accomplishments have led to Baker’s acceptance by the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation as a junior ambassador and his recent selection as a participant in the American Legion’s historic Boys State citizenship and leadership training program. On Thursday, June 22, Legislator Lafazan presented Jack with a Nassau County Legislature Citation.
    “From a young age, Jack has demonstrated his love of the United States in ways that have touched countless lives in our community,” Legislator Lafazan said. “His recent acceptance to both the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation and Boys State are well deserved and bound to propel him to even greater heights. I’m excited to see what Jack will accomplish in the next chapter of his leadership journey!”

  • Legislator Mulé Recognizes Merrick Mayhem Little League For Successful ALS Foundation Fundraiser

    Legislator Mulé Recognizes Merrick Mayhem Little League For Successful ALS Foundation Fundraiser

    WANTAGH, N.Y. (TIP): Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé (D – Freeport) honored the coaches and members of the Merrick Mayhem 8 and Under Little League team for raising more than $4,000 for the ALS Association – a feat they accomplished by literally turning lemons into lemonade.

    Guided by their community spirit and a desire to give back to the community, the team sold lemonade and snacks during a recent Little League game and set a goal of raising $1,400. The philanthropic lemonade stand was a massive hit, and by the time they were done, they had tripled their goal. “The tremendous success of this fundraiser is a beautiful demonstration of how Little League and other youth sports programs can instill important values that can serve a person well throughout their entire lives,” Legislator Mulé said. “I thank the coaches and the players of the Merrick Mayhem for working so hard on behalf of such a worthwhile cause.”

     

  • Legislator Drucker Applauds Completion of Plainview-Old Bethpage Library’s Electric Car Charging Station

    Legislator Drucker Applauds Completion of Plainview-Old Bethpage Library’s Electric Car Charging Station

    PLAINVIEW, N.Y. (TIP): Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) joined with the leaders of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library on Wednesday, July 26 to celebrate the grand opening of the facility’s newly installed electric vehicle chargers. The completion of this new public amenity comes at a time when Nassau County residents and drivers across America are embracing electric vehicles at a greater rate than ever before.
    “Electric cars are an essential component of ongoing efforts to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change, and charging stations like the one at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library are key to supporting the increased daily reliance upon these zero-emissions vehicles,” Legislator Drucker said. “I applaud Library Board Chairperson Marilyn Leibowitz and Library Director Maryann Ferro for bringing this environmentally friendly project to fruition.”

  • Legislator Solages Welcomes Summer Interns to District Office

    Legislator Solages Welcomes Summer Interns to District Office

    MINEOLA, N.Y. (TIP): This summer, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages (D – Lawrence) has welcomed three young interns to his office and provided them with a first-hand look at the operations of local government and the law. Two of his interns, Michelle Prudencio and Danna Bermejo, are currently studying at Nassau Community College; and the third, Jamel Campbell, is a recent graduate from Elmont Memorial High School.

    “As a former Nassau County Legislature intern myself, I know how important first-hand experiences can be in shaping a young person’s professional future,” Legislator Solages said. “I am truly fortunate to have so many bright students working with me this summer to assist the residents of the Third Legislative District, and it is a privilege to offer them this opportunity.”

  • Bihar Industries Minister Mahaseth invites investment for the State

    Bihar Industries Minister Mahaseth invites investment for the State

    A view of the gathering.
    Organizers with Minister Shri Samir Kumar Mahaseth (9th from the left) and additional chief secretary Shri Sandeep Poundrik (8th from the left)Organizers with Minister Shri Samir Kumar Mahaseth (9th from the left) and additional chief secretary Shri Sandeep Poundrik (8th from the left)

    NEW YORK (TIP): Industries Dept, Govt of Bihar hosted the “Invest in Bihar” summit in New Jersey on 18th July 2023. The summit was hosted in alliance with Bihar Foundation USA, a diaspora cell of Govt of Bihar and Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America. A Delegation of Industries Ministry led by Minister Shri Samir Kumar Mahaseth and additional chief secretary Shri Sandeep Poundrik are in New Jersey USA intending to attract investors to Bihar. The summit was attended by 130 reputed entrepreneurs and professionals from the US who expressed their desire to invest in the state of Bihar. This includes companies related to food processing, manufacturing, IT, and Consulting Services.

    The event started with Welcome remarks by Bihar Foundation USA Chairman Shri Alok Kumar and BJANA President Shri Anurag Kumar. Both leaders thanked the visiting delegation for their great initiatives and assured their support in bringing investment to their home state Bihar. Smt. Nidhi Jha welcomed Minister Shri Samir Kumar Mahaseth with a Maithili folk song. The entire cultural presentation was curated by Santosh Jha.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Bihar Industries Minister Shri Samir Kumar Mahaseth said that through this summit, the government is encouraging investment in Bihar. He urged entrepreneurs from the United State, who have been “running businesses across India and the world over” to rise to the occasion and invest in Bihar”.

    Shri Sandeep Poundrik, Additional chief secretary, Industries Dept made a detailed presentation for the potential investors citing investment opportunities in Bihar. During the presentation, Poundrik said whether it is textile, manufacturing or IT, a large chunk of manpower is from Bihar, who are willing to return to the state. “Bihar government is acting proactively and taking all possible steps to make a conducive climate here. The government is developing plug-and-play stations where investors will be able to come and start work directly. They will not be required to go through situations like land acquisition and power shortages. This will speed up investment.

    Ajay Kumar Singh Founder & CEO of Slayback Pharma wanted to bring more business and opportunities in Bihar specially in Lukhisarai, Bihar whereas Dr. Pankaj Mohan, CEO & Chairman Sonnet Bio Therapeutics, Inc asked for more focus on Buxar, Bihar.

    Prashant Kumar, CEO – Mareana Inc , Princeton NJ asked about getting trained skillsets from Various IIT s and Engg colleges and Govt plan for retaining them after hire as well as provisioning some innovative recreational facilities so that hired resources stay back in the state. They could look at joint programs with dept of industries pitching in for continuous dishing out right skills.

    The other person was Amit Anand, Partner Deloitte Consulting looking for opportunities in putting up large centers in Bihar …they would like to explore outside of Patna too but within Bihar …was talking about possibility of large-scale offices with thousands of head counts.

    While answering a question from the audience Shri Poundrik pointed out that Bihar has suffered a lot due to the wrong perception created over the years that it does not have much to offer and is not a safe investment destination. Mr Poundrik assured that the state will provide the same ease of doing business that is associated with the developed states.

  • NY State Senator Kevin Thomas to run for US Congress from NY-04

    NY State Senator Kevin Thomas to run for US Congress from NY-04

    NEW YORK (TIP): Indian American New York State Senator Kevin Thomas has launched his campaign for New York’s 4th Congressional District. He announced the bid in Elmont, NY, surrounded by family, friends, and supporters, to take on first-term Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito in the next year’s congressional election.
    Thomas, who has been representing New York’s 6th Senate district since 2018, said, “I’ve accomplished real results for Nassau County families – fighting to stop property tax hikes, clean up our drinking water, guarantee the right to an abortion under New York law, keep guns out of the wrong hands, and ensure our neighborhoods stay affordable and safe.” Thomas was quick to tie the incumbent to former President Donald J. Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement.
    “I’ve proven I can get things done to make life better for folks on Long Island, while MAGA Republicans like Anthony D’Esposito offer up extremism and political games that only make things worse,” he said. “Now, more than ever, we need action. I’m ready to take this fight to Washington to be an effective voice for Long Islanders at a time when we need it the most!”
    The 4th district, covering central and southern Nassau County, is one of the wealthiest congressional districts in the country and the second wealthiest in New York.
    The Democratic-leaning district was narrowly won by D’Esposito.
    It has voted for every Democratic presidential nominee since 1992. In 2020, President Joe Biden won the district by 14 points, making it one of the 18 districts nationally that voted for Biden for president and a GOP candidate for Congress. Reportedly, it is the most Democratic district held by a Republican.

    In 2018, he became the first Indian American elected to the New York State Senate, when he defeated the incumbent Sen. Kemp Hannon, who had been a New York state lawmaker since January 1977.

    Currently, Thomas holds the position of Assistant Majority Leader in the state senate and serves as the chairman of its Consumer Protection Committee. Additionally, he is a member of several committees, including Rules, Finance, Health, Judiciary, Local Government, and Agriculture.

    24 hours after announcing his entrance into the race, state Senator Kevin Thomas has raised $109,000 against Republican Anthony D’Esposito in New York’s 4th Congressional District. Thomas announced his bid to defeat D’Esposito yesterday at his parents’ house in Elmont.

    “I’m incredibly grateful for the early and astounding support for our campaign. In Congress, I’ll never stop fighting to help Long Island families, tackle the gun violence epidemic, protect our environment, and defend a woman’s right to choose.”

    About Kevin

    Kevin Thomas’ story is a Long Island story. It’s a story of perseverance, defending the vulnerable, and giving back to his community. Kevin immigrated to the United States at 10 years old. His parents never forgot nor took for granted the freedom and opportunities the United States gave them and their children. Their experience motivated Kevin to be an active participant in our democracy, and to give back through public service.

    Knowing education was the key to success, Kevin worked hard, took out student loans he’s still paying off today, graduated college and then law school. Instead of joining a big, high-powered law firm, Kevin took a different path, becoming an attorney with the New York Legal Assistance Group, defending those too often pushed aside. He also served as an appointee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to the New York State Advisory Committee, Kevin worked tirelessly to advance civil rights and expand opportunities for all New Yorkers. When the powerful tried to take advantage of regular New Yorkers, Kevin took up their fight – and won.

    In 2018, Kevin Thomas became the first Indian-American in New York history to serve in the State Senate. He is currently the Assistant Majority Leader and also serves as Chairman of the Consumer Protection Committee and sits on the Rules, Finance, Health, Judiciary, Local Government, and Agriculture committees. He has passed countless bills into law to make the lives of New Yorkers better. Kevin lives with his wife, Rincy, his daughter Layla, and their beloved family dog, Sirius.

  • NY INDIAN CONSULATE GEARS UP TO ORGANIZE FIFTH INTERNATIONAL HINDI CONFERENCE IN OCTOBER

    NY INDIAN CONSULATE GEARS UP TO ORGANIZE FIFTH INTERNATIONAL HINDI CONFERENCE IN OCTOBER

    Ashok Ojha, Coordinator, Fifth International Hindi Conference provided an overview of the conference at the pre-launch event. (Photo : courtesy Consulate General of India, New York)

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Consulate General of India in New York, the host of the Fifth International Hindi Conference scheduled to be held on October 20 and 21st, is fully geared up to successfully conduct the event.

    Reinforcing the commitment of the Consulate for promoting India’s languages and culture Dr. Varun Jeff, Deputy Consul General, commented, “It is not about promoting Hindi, it is about promoting India’s culture around the world”, he said while addressing a gathering of Hindi enthusiasts at the pre-launch event organized by the Consulate on July 20. Dr Jeff further said, “We consider all Indian languages very important for the progress of our nations. However, Hindi commands a special place in the Indian Diaspora and it must be supported by all people of Indian origin. Honorable Randhir Jaiswal, the Consul General, is the advisor of this conference. We are committed to make this conference a grand success.”

    He congratulated Hindi Sangam Foundation, the organizing body of the conference, for collaborating with leading US universities, such as, New York University, Michigan State University and a number of educational and cultural organizations including The World Hindi Secretariat, Mauritius, Shikshayatan, New York and more. “I am sure it will ensure a high quality of discussions over Hindi education around the world during the conference”, he said. “We encourage everyone interested in promotion of Hindi as a world language, to participate in the conference”, said Ashok Ojha, Coordinator of the conference, “The registration is free and can be done by submitting a form, which is published on the conference website: https://ihc2023.in/. One can also submit his/her proposal using the link on our site on the theme-Innovations in Hindi Instruction-which will be evaluated by our Academic Committee headed by Prof Gabriela Nik Ilieva, NYU.”

    “We want to reach out to the Indian-American community in order to convey the importance of promoting Hindi language through education,” commented Purnima Desai, Chairperson of Hindi Sangam Foundation, the organizing body of the conference, “Today we are enjoying the friendly relationship between India and the USA. It is natural that our language and culture should be promoted vigorously in this country.“

    Upendra Chivukula, former NJ Assemblyman and Chairperson, Yuva Hindi Sansthan, whose native language is Telugu, said that the new generation of Indian-American must learn the language and culture of India, especially Hindi, in order to remain connected to their roots. Dr. Bijoy Mehta, a NY Cardiologist and Hindi poet, who will preside over a Kavi Sammelan during the conference, demanded that the Government of India should consider building a Hindi Center in the New York metropolitan area on the lines of cultural centers of France, Japan and other nations. Others who spoke on the occasion included Mrs. Suman Singh, Head of Chancery, The Consulate General of India, NY; Neena Sarin, a Fulbright-Hays recipient; Akshay Charturvedi, Country Head, ICICI Bank, USA; Vijay Kumar, Bank of India, NY; Sushma Malhotra and Pradip Tandon, Queens, NY.

    The conference aims to provide a forum for Hindi professionals engaged in teaching Hindi from Kindergarten to College levels. The conference aims to provide a forum for Hindi professionals engaged in teaching Hindi from Kindergarten to College levels. It will attempt to create a road map for moving forward with teaching the Hindi language as a heritage language and a foreign language in countries other than India.

    About Hindi Sangam Foundation:
    HINDI SANGAM FOUNDATION, USA, a NJ, USA based non-profit organization, established in 2015 for the purpose of promoting Hindi in USA and beyond. HSF organized International Hindi Conferences in collaboration with GITAM, Visakhapatnam, India (2017), the Consulate General of India, New York (2016), Rutgers, NJ (2015), and New York University (2014).

  • Sikhs to serve langar to thousands at Parliament of World’s Religions

    Sikhs to serve langar to thousands at Parliament of World’s Religions

    CHICAGO (TIP): Displaying an important tenet of the Sikh faith, the Sikh community in Illinois is gearing up to feed thousands of delegates who will be congregating in Chicago next month.
    The event, which is a much needed and inclusive display of acknowledging and understanding different religions, faiths, and cultural practices, will be held in Chicago from August 14 to August 18.
    Entitled the Parliament of the World’s Religions, the 2023 edition will see thousands of attendees.
    The event kicks off with a Parade of Faiths that will be held on August 13. The parade in Chicago is accepting participation submissions. The inter-faith parade is a spectacular confluence of many different cultures and is open to the public. Showcasing Chicago’s rich diversity, there will be festivities, music, and dance. The parade will be held at the Museum Campus, The Welcome Garden, 1521 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago. Those who are interested can submit to participate in the parade by August 1.
    In a remarkable gesture, the Sikh community of Illinois, led by the Sikh Religious Society of Palatine, will be serving a daily langar to over 6,000 delegates of the event. According to Rajinder Singh Mago, trustee emeritus of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions and community outreach and media coordinator for the Sikh Religious Society of Palatine, “The community meals will be vegetarian, wholesome, and free, and they will be served throughout the event.”
    Langar is a free, communal meal that is served to everyone regardless of their faith or culture. It is an important tenet of the Sikh faith. Traditionally, Sikh community volunteers have been serving vegetarian Sikh dishes to delegates, who sit on the floor and enjoy a serving of Indian-style curries and saag.
    Before this, the Sikh community has extended similar gestures during earlier editions of the Parliament of the World’s Religions as well. In 2018, they served thousands of delegates in Toronto, and prior to that, in Salt Lake City and Barcelona, Spain.
    The event will see participants from more than 200 religious, Indigenous, and secular beliefs coming together. More than 80 nations are expected to be part of the event. The interfaith event has a rich history of 130 years. The inaugural World Parliament of Religions was held in September 1893 in Chicago. The event would take place at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center, 2301 S. Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

  • “THE JOURNEY WITHIN: MEDITATION, WISDOM, AND THE ART OF LIVING JOYFULLY”

    “THE JOURNEY WITHIN: MEDITATION, WISDOM, AND THE ART OF LIVING JOYFULLY”

    Special Event with Globally Revered Spiritual and Humanitarian Leader, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on July 29, 2023

    PLANO, TX (TIP): The DFW Chapter of the Art of Living Foundation is excited to host “THE JOURNEY WITHIN: MEDITATION, WISDOM, AND THE ART OF LIVING JOYFULLY” featuring world-renowned spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

    Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar returns to the Big-D again after the successful “I Stand for Peace” event in May 2022, with almost 2.5K attendees. “The Journey Within” with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, will be a transformative event on the heels of his groundbreaking book which has recently been headlining on bestseller lists: Notes from the Journey Within.

    “THE JOURNEY WITHIN: MEDITATION, WISDOM, AND THE ART OF LIVING JOYFULLY” will be an empowering evening of meditation and wisdom starting at 6.30 pm on July 29,2023 at Plano Event Center, located at 2000 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074. Approximately 1500+ people are expected to attend this almost sold-out event. Dallas is one stop on Gurudev’s exhaustive multi-city U.S. speaking tour ahead of the Olympic scale, World Culture Festival happening on the historic National Mall in Washington, D.C. from September 29-October 1.

    Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living, shares wit and wisdom that distills life’s most complex issues into everyday truths. His words create a deep sense of peace and resonance that transcends the intellect and makes one smile. As a renowned humanitarian, his goal of a society free of stress and violence through personal and social transformation has ignited an unprecedented global movement uplifting life all over the world.

    “THE JOURNEY WITHIN: MEDITATION, WISDOM, AND THE ART OF LIVING JOYFULLY” will feature a powerful guided meditation, designed to access everyone’s inner source of joy, wonder, and true happiness. Attendees will discover practical tools to cultivate lasting happiness and well-being in their lives, and even people who have never meditated will find themselves dropping into a deep state of stillness. At the event we will have copies of his book, which is on USA Today’s bestselling booklist. Notes from the Journey Within: Essentials on the Art of Living, by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is a powerful insight into the inner landscape and how best to navigate it with peace, joy and resilience.

    “The real purpose of life can only be found deep within yourself. Once that is found, nothing else matters and the smile on your face will never diminish.”

    — Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

    Limited tickets for “THE JOURNEY WITHIN: MEDITATION, WISDOM, AND THE ART OF LIVING JOYFULLY” are now available FREE of cost with an option to pay for reserved seating. To secure a spot at this life-enhancing event, please register online: tiny.cc/dallasjourneywithin

    The Dallas Art of living Chapter is also hosting 500+ people In-Person SKY Breath Meditation Workshop, Live Sessions w/ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the Plano Event Center, DFW Metroplex, 28-30 July (https://aolf.me/sky-dallas).This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn ancient meditation and breathing techniques for the modern day in this special workshop to help you find balance in your life and deal with any worry, stress, and anxiety that you may be facing.⁠

    About Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

    Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a world-renowned global humanitarian, spiritual leader, and peace envoy. He has helped millions of people worldwide find peace and resilience in the face of adversity, learning not only how to excel in their own lives, but also how to become effective agents for social change.

    Gurudev has created numerous educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness and well-being for individuals. His flagship program is the SKY Breath Meditation, which has been tailored for special-needs groups, while his many other programs for self-care and self-improvement all together represent a comprehensive way to help deal with issues faced by the people of the world.

    As a proponent for the Gandhian principle of non-violence, Gurudev has mediated and progressed negotiations for peace in conflict-stricken areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and Colombia, where he is credited for playing a central role in ending the violent 52-year conflict between FARC and the Colombian government. He has received 39 governmental awards, including the highest civilian awards from several nations. Twenty-four universities have awarded him with honorary doctorates for his peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts.

    About the Art of Living Foundation
    Operating in 180 countries, the Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by the humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. AOLF’s programs help Gurudev’s goal of creating world peace through a stress-free and violence-free society. AOLF has touched over 500 million lives through numerous educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and promote individual and societal well-being. https://www.artofliving.org/us-en

  • ‘Shocked and horrified’ by the video of extreme attack on two women in Manipur: US

    ‘Shocked and horrified’ by the video of extreme attack on two women in Manipur: US

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The US is “shocked and horrified” by the video of an extreme attack on two women in Manipur and supports the Indian Government’s efforts to seek justice for them, a senior Biden administration official has said. The video showing two women being paraded naked and molested by a group of men on May 4 in Kangpokpi district surfaced on July 19, attracting condemnation countrywide.

    “We were shocked and horrified by the video of this extreme attack on two women in Manipur.

    We convey our profound sympathies to the survivors of this act of gender-based violence and support the Indian Government’s efforts to seek justice for them,” Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department, told reporters at his daily news conference on Tuesday, July 25.

    Patel was responding to a question asked by a Pakistani reporter on the violence in Manipur.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself noted that such violence against women is shameful in any civilized society, Patel said. “And as we have previously stated, we encourage a peaceful and inclusive resolution to the violence in Manipur and encourage authorities to respond to the humanitarian needs and protect the lives and property of all groups,” Patel added.

    In his first public comments on the situation in Manipur, Prime Minister Modi last week expressed pain and anger over the incident, saying it has shamed 140 crore Indians and asserted that the guilty will not be spared even as the Congress Party termed his remarks “too little, too late”.

    More than 160 people have lost their lives, and several have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

    Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts.

    Meanwhile, the small Manipuri diaspora in the United States has sought an immediate end to violence in the state and the imposition of the president’s rule, which it said is important to restore law and order in Manipur.

    “I am so tired of talking about this issue. I am so exhausted talking about this issue. … What can we do? Why are we as a world, as people allowing this to happen? There is a very simple solution in India itself, which is the president’s rule. The government for reasons of their own have decided not to do or say anything about this,” Florence Lowe, president of the North Manipur Tribal Association told PTI in an interview.

    Adjunct Professor of Digital Production Management at the University of Texas at Dallas, Florence is the daughter of a former Indian Police Service Official of Uttar Pradesh cadre.

    Born in Manipur, Lowe spent most of her childhood in Uttar Pradesh. In May she formed the North American Manipur Tribal Association to bring the hill-tribe people from her state together under the banner of one platform to protest against the violence in the state of their origin.

    “They’re letting the fires burn. At least in the US what we are trying to do is to raise awareness with our Congress people and our Senators and with world organizations like the World Bank, the UN, the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and so on,” Lowe said.
    (Source: PTI)

  • IRS invites public input on ways to improve dispute resolution programs; suggestions wanted

    IRS invites public input on ways to improve dispute resolution programs; suggestions wanted

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The Internal Revenue Service , on July 27, invited public input on improvements to certain post-filing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) programs currently offered to taxpayers.

    “The IRS is greatly interested in examining ways to help to reduce the time, costs and administrative burden for taxpayers and the government in resolving tax disputes,” said Andy Keyso, Chief of the Independent Office of Appeals. “We’re open to all suggestions about how to better use ADR techniques to help expedite their fair resolution.” The IRS is committed to resolving disputes with taxpayers without a costly legal process whenever possible. The Inflation Reduction Act Strategic Operating Plan (initiative 2.4) emphasizes improvements to tax certainty programs that help taxpayers resolve compliance issues quickly and with finality.

    Available ADR programs
    ADR programs can be important tools for resolving tax disputes efficiently without litigation in a way that is fair and impartial to taxpayers and the government.

    Over the past two decades, the IRS has offered four principal post-filing ADR programs:

    Fast Track Settlement (FTS) – available to taxpayers under audit and in the jurisdiction of Large Business & International (LB&I), Small Business and Self Employed (SB/SE), or Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division (TEGE). Under FTS, an independent Appeals mediator assists the taxpayer and the IRS to try to reach an agreement on disputed issues, facilitating settlement discussions and offering settlement proposals.
    Fast Track Mediation – Collection (FTMC) – available for certain collection cases and issues to help taxpayers resolve disputes resulting from Offers in Compromise and Trust Fund Recovery Penalties. Collection Due Process cases and cases worked at a Collection Campus site are some of the cases excluded from FTMC. Under FTMC, an independent Appeals mediator assists the taxpayer and the IRS to try to reach an agreement on disputed issues.
    Rapid Appeals Process (RAP) – available to most LB&I cases or SB/SE estate and gift cases. It consists of a pre-Appeals conference in which IRS Appeals utilizes mediation techniques to try to resolve unagreed issues while the case is in Appeals’ jurisdiction. RAP enables taxpayers and Exam to work together to expedite the resolution of unagreed issues in Appeals and is meant to be completed in one conference.
    Post Appeals Mediation (PAM) – available if IRS Appeals settlement discussions are unsuccessful and the remaining disputed issues are fully developed. Cases for which tax disputes have been previously mediated through a different ADR program, such as through FTS, are ineligible for PAM. PAM is available to resolve disputed tax issues that originate from an IRS audit or to resolve disputed tax issues that originate through IRS tax collection actions.
    The IRS is interested in suggestions to improve the administration of these ADR programs and in proposals for other approaches to ADR that can increase the use and efficacy of ADR in the resolution of tax disputes.

    Public input sought on ADR programs
    The IRS welcomes comments on all aspects of alternative dispute resolutions practices to help inform IRS policies for improving taxpayer service and resolving issues and cases fairly and expeditiously.

    The IRS particularly welcomes thoughts on:

    Reasons taxpayers choose not to use these ADR programs (e.g., Fast Track Settlement – see LB&I FTS, SB/SE Examination FTS, and TEGE FTS; Fast Track Mediation – Collection; Rapid Appeals Process – see RAP; and Post Appeals Mediation – see PAM), and potential modifications to these programs that can remedy taxpayer concerns.
    Issues that are currently excluded from these ADR programs that should not be excluded.
    Other ways in which these ADR programs could be improved.
    Suggestions for how best to educate taxpayers and representatives about these ADR programs.
    Experiences with the use of mediators from the IRS Independent Office of Appeals, and suggestions for how Appeals can ensure that mediators promote an ADR engagement that is conducive to settlement.
    Suggestions for how best to extend the use of these or other ADR programs to taxpayer segments that may be less aware of, or familiar with, ADR, such as small business and low-income taxpayers, and whether any unique characteristics of these segments necessitate modified ADR procedures.
    Feedback about experiences with the IRS when ADR programs were offered or not offered by IRS personnel or were denied when requested by taxpayers.
    Feedback about whether there are types of cases where ADR has proven particularly useful (e.g., valuation cases) and, if so, how ADR use can be increased in these types of cases.
    Ideas to achieve tax certainty or resolution sooner beyond these existing ADR programs, including ideas for new ADR programs.
    All comments beyond the items listed above are welcome. Public comments can be sent to ap.adr.programs@irs.gov by Aug. 25, 2023.

  • Second lottery round for H-1B applicants to be conducted this year: US immigration service

    Second lottery round for H-1B applicants to be conducted this year: US immigration service

    The decision could benefit more Indian professionals

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): A second round of random lottery selection for the much sought-after H-1B visas for fiscal 2024 will soon begin after it was determined that “additional registrations” need to be selected to reach the numerical allocations, the US federal immigration agency has announced, a decision that could benefit more Indian professionals. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said on Thursday that it will select the additional registrations from the previously submitted electronic registrations using a random selection process.

    In March, the USCIS conducted an initial random selection of properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption.

    Only those petitioners with selected registrations for FY 2024 are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. The initial filing period for those with selected registrations for FY 2024 was from April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023. 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.

    “We recently determined that we would need to select additional registrations to reach the FY 2024 numerical allocations. Soon, we will select additional registrations from previously submitted electronic registrations using a random selection process,” the USCIS said in a statement.

    “We will announce once we have completed this second selection process and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations from this round of selection that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration,” the statement said.

    Those with selected registrations will have their accounts updated to include a selection notice, which includes details of when and where to file, it added.
    As mandated by Congress, USCIS can issue a maximum of 65,000 H-1B visas in a year. It can also issue another 20,000 H-1B visas to foreign students who have completed higher studies from a US university in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
    (Source: PTI)

  • COUNCILMEMBER UNG ANNOUNCES ALLOCATION TO FUND NEW SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS IN THE 109TH PRECINCT

    COUNCILMEMBER UNG ANNOUNCES ALLOCATION TO FUND NEW SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS IN THE 109TH PRECINCT

    FLUSHING, NY (TIP): Councilmember Sandra Ung visited the 109th Precinct on Tuesday July 18 afternoon to present a check for $312,000 to commanding officer Deputy Inspector Louran Hall. The funding secured by the Councilmember in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget will go toward the purchase of new Argus surveillance cameras for the precinct. “When I took office last year, the 109th Precinct was experiencing an alarming uptick in crime,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “Working closely with Deputy Inspector Hall, I have made improving public safety a top priority, but there is still more we can do. Our officers can’t be everywhere at once, so these cameras will help serve as their eyes and ears. They will not only be a valuable tool to help solve crimes, but hopefully act as a deterrent for would-be criminals who know they are being watched.”

    The FY24 allocation will be used to purchase approximately seven to ten NYPD Argus cameras to be deployed in high-crime areas around the precinct. The NYPD will determine the exact locations, but Deputy Inspector Hall has already submitted several locations for consideration to One Police Plaza, including spots in Murray Hall and around Flushing.

    There are currently 32 Argus cameras spread across the 109th Precinct, with a significant concentration in downtown Flushing. The Argus cameras are generally positioned about 20 feet off the ground and attached to a white box clearly marked with the NYPD insignia. Each camera has two views, allowing for 64 unique views of the 109th Precinct.

    “This money is going to allow us to improve and increase the amount of Argus cameras,” said Deputy Inspector Louran Hall. “As the Councilmember noted, this is not only going to help us deter crime, but when crime happens will give our investigators the best opportunity to catch the individuals who commit them.”

     

    In December, Councilmember Ung sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams calling on his administration to direct the New York Police Department to assign more police officers to the 109th Precinct. Since then, the precinct has received officers from several graduating classes of the Police Academy, many of whom were assigned to foot patrols in downtown Flushing.

     

     

  • Russia targets Ukraine’s farm storage sites after days of hitting Black Sea port facilities

    Russia targets Ukraine’s farm storage sites after days of hitting Black Sea port facilities

    KYIV (TIP): Russia followed its withdrawal from a grain export deal by expanding its attacks from port infrastructure to farm storage buildings in Ukraine’s Odesa region on July 21, while also practising a Black Sea blockade. Other Russian missiles damaged what officials described only as an ‘important infrastructure facility’ southwest of the port city of Odesa, in what appeared to be an effort to cripple Ukraine’s food exports.
    Attacks in recent days have put Odesa in Russia’s crosshairs after Moscow abandoned a wartime deal that allowed Ukraine to send grain through the key Black Sea port.
    In the attack on the storage site, two low-flying cruise missiles started a blaze, then another struck during firefighting efforts, regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said.
    The barrage injured two people, damaged equipment and destroyed 100 metric tons (110 tons) of peas and 20 metric tons (22 tons) of barley, Kiper said.
    Russia targeted Ukrainian critical grain export infrastructure after vowing to retaliate for what it said was a Ukrainian attack that damaged a crucial bridge between Russia and the Moscow-annexed Crimean Peninsula.
    “The enemy is continuing terror, and it’s undoubtedly related to the grain deal,” said Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military’s Operational Command South.
    Both Russia and Ukraine have announced they will treat ships travelling to each other’s Black Sea ports as potential military targets.
    Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin clarified the Defense Ministry’s announcement earlier this week that Moscow has declared wide areas in the Black Sea dangerous for shipping.
    The ministry said it would consider incoming vessels as laden with weapons and treat the country of its flag as a participant in the conflict on the Ukrainian side.
    Vershinin said the Russian navy will inspect the vessels to make sure they aren’t carrying military cargo before taking any other action.
    “There is no longer a sea humanitarian corridor, there is a zone of increased military danger,” he told a news briefing.
    Vershinin added that Russia will fulfil the needs of African countries despite the deal’s termination.
    President Vladimir Putin has promised to provide poor countries in Africa with free grain.
    The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said the recent strikes against port and grain infrastructure and threats of escalation at sea “are likely part of a Kremlin effort to leverage Russia’s exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and exact extensive concessions from the West.”
    In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Western countries should address Russia’s demands to restore the Black Sea grain corridor.
    “Russia has some expectations. If these are overcome, Russia is in favour of the active work of this grain corridor,” said Erdogan, who helped negotiate the deal.
    “We know that (Putin) has some expectations from Western countries. Western countries need to take action on this issue.”
    He reiterated he would talk to Putin by phone and hoped to meet him in Turkey next month.
    In comments reported by state-run news agency Anadolu and other media, Erdogan warned that the end of the grain initiative would raise global food prices, increase famine and unleash new waves of migration.
    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with Erdogan by phone Friday, and they “coordinated efforts to restore the operation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.”
    “Unlocking the grain corridor is an absolute priority,” Zelenskyy said on the Telegram messaging app.
    The Russian Defense Ministry said the navy conducted drills that simulated action to seal off a section of the Black Sea.
    In the manoeuvres, a missile boat fired anti-ship cruise missiles at a mock target.
    The ministry also said it fired long-range sea-launched weapons on facilities “used for the preparation of terror attacks against the Russian Federation involving drones,” adding that “all the designated targets have been hit.”
    It didn’t elaborate. (AP)

  • One dead, three injured in Seoul stabbing rampage

    One dead, three injured in Seoul stabbing rampage

    SEOUL (TIP): One person was killed and three more wounded when a man went on a “stabbing rampage” near a subway station in the South Korean capital Seoul on July 21, police told AFP.
    The attack took place near the Sillim subway station in southwest Seoul, police said, adding that the suspect had been detained by officers at the scene. “The suspect is a man in his 30s and he did not look intoxicated. We are questioning him as to the motive of his crime,” they said.
    The Yonhap news agency reported that the attack happened near Exit 4 of the station at 2:07 pm (0507 GMT).
    Video posted on local television station YTN’s YouTube channel showed orange-vested emergency responders running towards the incident carrying stretchers.
    Police had cordoned off the area with yellow tape, the footage showed.
    “The man shouted he didn’t want to live any more as he was being apprehended by the police,” YTN reported. Grainy footage on YTN appeared to show police apprehending the suspect, who had sat down on steps and seemed to sit passively as armed police approached him and placed him under arrest.
    “People ran into my store, telling me a man with a big knife was stabbing people. We locked the door,” a store owner in the area told YTN. Eyewitnesses said the suspect stabbed a man who was talking on the phone in the back multiple times before running off and attacking more people, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported.
    “All four victims are reportedly men,” it added.
    ‘Low crime rate’
    South Korea is typically an extremely safe country, with a murder rate of just 1.3 per 100,000 people in 2021, according to official statistics.
    By comparison, America has 7.8 homicide deaths per 100,000 people, according to the country’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Most South Koreans are trained shooters, as all men must perform about two years of mandatory military service.
    But the country has strict gun control laws and it is extremely difficult for civilians to obtain firearms, with gun-related crime almost unheard of.
    There have been a handful of high-profile stabbing crimes over the last few years.
    Earlier this year in the southern city of Busan, a 23-year-old crime drama fanatic stabbed to death a woman she had met online, local media reported.
    In March, a 37-year-old woman was accused of injuring three people with a knife on a subway, allegedly after someone called her “ajumma” — a way to refer to a middle-aged woman.
    Last year, a man stabbed a former co-worker to death in a subway station after stalking her for years. He was later sentenced to decades in prison.
    The rare incident in Seoul quickly began circulating on Korean-language social media. “Don’t come to Sillim now. There is a crazy man on a stabbing rampage. I called the police after seeing a person injured on the ground,” one user with the handle sanong_cos wrote on Twitter.(AFP)