The Indian Panorama

Tag: Darshan Singh Dhaliwal

  • International Indian Icon (3iii) Season 9- 2025 Successfully Completed

    International Indian Icon (3iii) Season 9- 2025 Successfully Completed

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): A delayed report from the  3iii Talent Foundation says it successfully completed  the 9th season of INTERNATIONAL INDIAN ICON (3iii)—its most expansive, diverse, and globally celebrated edition to date. Hosted from November 28th to 30th, 2025, at The Matrix Club in Naperville, Illinois, Season-9 brought together extraordinary talent from across the world, reaffirming the platform’s commitment to elevating Indian arts, culture, and performance on a truly international stage.

    Season 9 marked a historic milestone, recording more than 10,000+ global registrations from over 39 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia. Participants competed across the multi-tiered structure of online video auditions through video upload and online LIVE auditions, conducted internationally. From these extensive audition rounds, 150 semifinalists advanced to the Chicago Episode Production, each of them bringing dedication, passion, and artistic excellence to the global 3iii stage.

    The on-site episode production of 3iii Season-9 2025 unfolded as a vibrant cinematic and cultural spectacle, spanning three days of multi-camera filming, celebrity mentoring, live performances, and iconic red-carpet moments. The event was honored by the presence of Bollywood legend and Grand Master Jatin Pandit, alongside a distinguished panel of judges representing diverse categories—singing, dancing, fashion, acting, instrumental music, and unique talent formats. Haley Bhardwaj, Director of Simantikos Dance Academy (Chicago), served as the judge for the dance category, while Rami Mital, Miss Universe USA & Mrs. Illinois Bharat 2026, and Director of Ark Medical Revenue Management Group, one of the event’s key sponsors, led the Fashion Category as the primary judge. Anchors Sonia Keshwani, Raahul Jatin and Ajai Kumar brought exceptional energy, charisma, and warmth to the stage, adding a dynamic presence to the 3iii Season-9 journey.

    The contestants

    The 3iii platform continues to stand as a uniquely inclusive movement, open to all age groups, genders, cultures, and backgrounds. Participants compete in categories such as Singing, Dancing, Acting, Instruments, Fashion, Comedy, and IGT (I‑Got‑Talent), with no restrictions on artistic expression. Non‑Indian participants can also compete by showcasing an element of Indian culture through language, dance forms, attire, or musical traditions.

    The 3iii Talent Foundation acknowledges the exceptional leadership and guidance of its Board of Directors, whose collective vision and dedication were pivotal in making 3iii Season-9 (2025) a resounding success. The Board comprising Founder & CEO Sharan Walia, and Executive Board of Directors Brij Sharma, Yogi Bharadwaj, Dileep Shrivastava, Swetalina Ahuja, Dr. Hitesh Bhatt, Vinni Walia, Ishita Walia and Palak Walia played a transformative role in shaping the event’s direction, scale, and execution. Each member contributed strategic insight, organizational stewardship, and unwavering commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission of providing a global platform for talent and cultural expression. Their combined expertise across business, arts, community leadership, media, and technology created the strong foundation upon which Season-9 achieved its remarkable impact and global reach.

    As 3iii continues to expand each year, Founder & CEO Sharan Walia remains unwavering in his vision of building a global cultural bridge—one that elevates Indian arts and talent, giving them the recognition, visibility, and creative freedom they deserve on international stages. Under his leadership, and with the dedicated support of core team members Rahul Kundu, Naresh Shastri, and Damini Datta, the execution of the world’s first global non-profit talent platform reached a defining milestone.

    The Season-9 production stands as a testament to this mission, showcasing an exceptional blend of scale, quality, and worldwide participation—reflecting 3iii’s continued commitment to empowering talent and celebrating cultural excellence.

    The success of 3iii Season-9 (2025) was strengthened by the valued support and contributions of esteemed sponsors and partners, each bringing remarkable credibility and momentum to the event. The Grand Finale was graced by Darshan Dhaliwal, Director of Dhaliwal Enterprises, who attended as the Chief Guest of Honor, adding distinguished presence through his longstanding legacy in business and philanthropic leadership. The Fashion Category received exceptional endorsement from Sunil Bhatia, Director of MyFashion.com, whose commitment to creativity and industry excellence enhanced the platform for emerging fashion talent. Significant support was also extended by Rami Mital, Director of Ark Medical Revenue Management and a prominent contributor to 3iii Season-9, recognized for championing growth and opportunity for global performers. Brij Sharma, owner of Power Volt Group and Power Gen AI LLC, played an influential role as a driving force for innovation and technology, aligning strongly with the event’s forward-looking vision. Additional recognition goes to RJ Anya Ahuja, owner of Anya International, acknowledged for her dynamic encouragement of cultural and community-focused initiatives. Culinary partnership was led by Rajat Sahani, owner of Shimla Peppers, whose authentic flavors enriched the event’s hospitality experience. Premium accommodation for artists, judges, and production crew was facilitated by Sunny Shah, owner of Holiday Inn, as the official Stay Partner for Season-9. Esteemed mentor Pratibha Phadke, owner of A3P Connections, further contributed through her guidance, expertise, and commitment to nurturing the personal and artistic growth of participants. Together, these distinguished partners elevated 3iii Season-9 with unparalleled support, enabling a truly global celebration of culture, creativity, and talent.

    Below are the official results, presented in individual paragraphs as part of the press release.

    SINGING – JUNIOR CATEGORY RESULTS:

    According to the official results document, the Singing Junior category winner is Nitika Pande from the USA, who earned the top title through her exceptional vocal performance and artistic expression. The first runner‑up is Mishka Kacholiya from the USA, followed by two second runner‑ups: Tharani Somanathan from the UK and Rayyan Ariff from the UK. Judges’ Choice recognitions were awarded to Saanvi Chandna (USA), Renia Ganguly (UK), Prasheeta Mohanty (USA), and Sahithi Yalamanchli (Canada).

    SINGING – SENIOR CATEGORY RESULTS:

    In the Singing Senior category, the Season‑9 winner is Razin Syed from the USA, celebrated for his powerful voice and stage presence. The first runner‑up position was secured by Zain Baig (USA), while the second runner‑up was awarded to Luoyi Pan (USA). Judges’ Choice recognitions were presented to Ranjita Roy (USA), Caren Mempin (USA), Arwyn Anish (UK), Soumya Mahapatra (UK), and Shayan Mukherjee (USA).

    SINGING – SUPER SENIOR CATEGORY RESULTS:

    The Super Senior Singing title was won by Raj Kewalramani (USA), whose performance captivated the judges and audience alike. The first runner‑up was awarded to Murali M. Collur (USA), followed by the second runner‑up, Saigeetha Matta (USA). Judges’ Choice recognitions were extended to Bhavvika Merchant (USA), Rekha Mahbubani (USA), Kuldeep Sethi (USA), and Jayanta Mukherjee (USA).

    DANCING – JUNIOR CATEGORY RESULTS:

    The Dancing Junior winner of 3iii Season‑9 is Thejolakshmi Achari (USA), whose choreography and energy earned the top honor. The first runner‑up title went to Little Angels (USA), and the second runner‑up titles were shared by Saanvi Panda (USA) and Jaanvi Venkatesan (USA). Judges’ Choice recognitions were given to Classical Rhythms Dance Academy (USA), Sunshine Reynoldsburg Dance Group (USA), Reet Jain Parakh (USA), and Sataakshi Joshi (USA).

    DANCING – SENIOR & SUPER SENIOR CATEGORY RESULTS:

    In the Senior category, Classical Rhythms Dance Academy (USA) secured the winner’s title for their exceptional stagecraft and precision. The first runner‑up was Dance Den Senior (USA), while the second runner‑up recognition was shared by Ritu Jain (USA) and Abhilasha Chawdhary Saxena (USA). In the Super Senior segment, the winner was Asha Mehta (USA), recognized for her expressive and graceful performance.

    IGT – JUNIOR CATEGORY RESULTS:

    The Junior IGT category winner is Sai Khusheel Krishna Bayya (USA), whose unique talent act stood out among the strong competition. The first runner‑up title was secured by Sabarish Rajagopal (USA), and the second runner‑up was awarded to Avismit Bhattacharya (USA). A Judges’ Choice honor was given to Shrihaan Mukherjee (USA).

    IGT – SENIOR & SUPER SENIOR CATEGORY RESULTS:

    In the Senior category, the winner was Dinesh Sunar (USA), recognized for his unmatched Parkour performance that stunned audiences and judges. In the Super Senior segment, Judges’ Choice recognitions were awarded to Cris M. (USA) and Rekha Mahbubani (USA), acknowledging their creativity and artistic uniqueness.

    The organizers and the distinguished guests (Photographs : Asian Media USA)

    The 3iii Talent Foundation extends heartfelt congratulations to all winners, runner‑ups, and participants whose dedication made Season 9 an unforgettable celebration of global Indian talent. Each performer contributed to the cultural richness and artistic excellence of the 2025 edition, inspiring audiences worldwide.

    Looking ahead, registrations for 3iii Season‑10 2026 will open in March 2026, with State and Country‑level competitions scheduled through November 2026. The Grand Finale location and production details will be announced soon, as the organization continues its mission to expand globally and bring Indian arts to international audiences.

    (Based on a Press release by Sharan Walia)

  • Master Mohinder Singh: A Votary of Secularism and Justice for All

    Master Mohinder Singh: A Votary of Secularism and Justice for All

    • By Bidisha Roy

    Veteran Sikh community leader Master Mohinder Singh, a former president of Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society, Richmond Hill, and a founder President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Sikh Center, was born in 1948 in Miani, a remote village in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab, India. His family members were farmers but his father was a police inspector. Elder to two brothers and one sister, Mohinder Singh aspires to be a teacher from his childhood. After completion of his B.Sc. and B.Ed. from govt college, he started his career as a school teacher in 1970. In 1974, he went back to his village after getting a job in the govt high school there.

    In 1985, Mohinder Singh moved to the USA for a better life and better opportunities. He started his new journey as a construction worker and within two years established his own construction company and ran the company until 1999. His family – wife, two daughters and one son joined him in 1995.

    He never got disconnected from his root and engaged himself into social and cultural activities. Master Mohinder Singh was two-time president of Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society, Richmond Hill, New York. Later he founded Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Sikh Center in South Richmond Hill and was a president for the organization for three terms.

    Master Mohinder Singh, a member of the Sikh Delegation at a meeting with the US President George Bush in the White House after 9/11. L to R: Master Mohinder Singh, Rajwant Singh, President George W Bush, and Darshan Singh Dhaliwal.

    He became a voice for the Sikh community when it suffered significantly post-9/11 with discrimination. He was a part of Sikh delegation who met US president George Bush after 9/11 and raised many issues including the future of the Sikhs.

    Master Mohinder Singh is seen receiving Bill de Blasio, the former mayor of New York at an event.

    “I work with so many assembly members and city council members. As a result of which Congressman Gregory Mick and speaker of the city council became my good friends. Many politicians visit our Gurdwara and most of the time, I introduce them to the audience. When mayor (NYC) Eric Adams was inaugurated, I did the prayer (Sikh) for him. I performed prayers for many other leaders along with other religious heads.” Master Mohinder Singh is in close touch with NYC mayor and discusses various issues with him regularly.

    Master Mohinder Singh is addressing an Interfaith Breakfast meeting hosted by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

    Master Mohinder Singh is also very active in Indian politics. When Prime Minister Modi came to the USA for the first time, he was invited to meet him and conveyed him about the difficulties Sikh community is going through. “I categorically told him that if every religion gets equal treatment, only then India will progress. If you give special treatment to one religion at the cost of other religion, India will never be strong.”

    He is also very critical about the current situation in India. “When India got independence, the only goal was secularism. The government should respect all religion. But look at India now – all the fear is created for Muslims. The central government is ignoring the difficulties of the Punjab farmers. The Prime Minister does not utter a single word (regarding the issue) in the parliament. He is the prime minister for everybody – who cast vote for him or did not – he is the prime minister for all. It’s his duty to solve the issue. What is happening is not democracy. We are the largest democracy but we are not listening to the voice of people”

    Master Mohinder Singh received a Certificate from People’ s Police Academy.

    He feels that the government must talk to the farmers and fulfill not all but few demands because if the famers don’t survive, India will also not survive. He also strongly advocates for creating employment opportunities for current and future generation.

    “I love India, I respect India. I am talking for the betterment for all Indians – not only Sikhs – Hindus, Muslims, Christians and all other religions that make the Unified India”, he signs off.

  • Modi meets delegation of the Sikhs in New York

    Modi meets delegation of the Sikhs in New York

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met several members of the Sikh community here in the US, who thanked him for the work done by his government for the Sikh community.

    “We were so happy, and what a positive feeling we had after the meeting. We greeted the prime minister as soon as he walked in the room with the Sikh traditional jaikara of Jo Bole So Nihal, and the prime minister was so gracious to reply back Sat Sri Akaal,” Jasdip Singh Jassee from the Sikhs of America organization said after he met Modi in New York on Monday, September 23. Prominent Sikh leader from Wisconsin Darshan Singh Dhaliwal also met the Prime Minister. “We had a very good discussion. The prime minister has done a lot for the Sikh community,” Jassee told PTI after returning to Washington later in the day.

    “I don’t think any other Prime Minister in history of India has done for the Sikh community what Prime Minister Modi has been doing, including the opening of Kartar Saheb Corridor, celebrations of 500 years of Guru Nanak’s 550th birthday, abolishing the blacklist of Sikhs, who could not visit India and also getting justice for the victims of the Sikh genocide that happened in 1984 under the Congress government,” Jassee said, referring to the anti-Sikh riots that took place in 1984 after the assassination of then-prime minister Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh security.

    “We thanked him today for what he has done for the Sikh community and we are going to take another delegation to India to meet him pretty soon and discuss issues with him,” he said, congratulating the prime minister for his “very, very successful visit” to the United States.

  • Indian American businessman Darshan Singh Dhaliwal to get Pravasi Bharatiya Samman

    Indian American businessman Darshan Singh Dhaliwal to get Pravasi Bharatiya Samman

    Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, a US-based businessman and a philanthropist, has been selected for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest honor given by the Indian government to its settlers in foreign countries. Dhaliwal, who hails from Patiala, will be conferred the award during the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Indore. Dhaliwal is known for his philanthropy in India and abroad. An incident had grabbed eyeballs when he was denied permission to enter India during the farmers’ protest the now-repealed three farm laws. He was running a ‘langar’ at the Delhi border but had to return to the US.

    Dhaliwal had moved to the US as a student of mechanical engineering in 1972. He married and settled there. He along with his brothers has business in gasoline and real estate sectors in the US.

    Dhaliwal’s father Subedar Kartar Singh Dhaliwal was also involved in social work. His family said, “Wisconsin University in the US has a chair in the name of our father Subedar Kartar Singh Dhaliwal. Till date, the chair has sponsored education of over 400 to 500 students from Punjab who are working in different sectors in the US.” He also organized the World Punjabi Conference in the US in 1997, which was attended by individuals from across the globe. While talking to media, Dhaliwal said he felt honored that the Indian government was going to confer an award. Asserting that he felt proud to be an Indian, the businessman said he was invited to the PM’s residence for a Sadbhavna event organized in 2019. Dhaliwal has helped over 1,000 people from India get jobs and set up business in the US. He said, “We have contributed millions for social causes. We are planning to start an initiative on indoor farming which uses 5 per cent water and gives 10 times the result. We plan to start it in Punjab.”