The Indian Panorama

Tag: Dr. Urmilesh Arya

  • Lotus shows way to celebrate Yoga Day – with a twist

    Lotus shows way to celebrate Yoga Day – with a twist

     

    Eddie Stern had the audience practice Brahma Mudra

    GREAT NECK, NY (TIP): In a soulful celebration to rekindle yoga’s spiritual roots, over 200 people came together to celebrate the International Day of Yoga here. Instead of yoga postures, they were introduced to the higher steps of the discipline that originated in India. The Spirit of Yoga event on June 22 was co-hosted by Parveen Chopra, founder of ALotusInTheMud.com, and the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization.

    For Anjani, Desena and Parveen: Jennifer DeSena, Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, flanked by Sister Anjani Seepersaud and Parveen Chopra.

    Parveen Chopra played a video of the Lotus web magazine he founded three years ago and moderated the evening, along with Erik Larson, Director of Brahma Kumaris WSO. Sister Anjani Seepersaud, Coordinator of the Global Harmony House venue, introduced them.

    Parveen Chopra presented a crystal lotus to Piyush Singh, who represented the Indian Consulate in New York.
    Saeed Hassan, Director Interfaith Outreach for NYS Senator Steve Rhoads, presented citations on behalf of the Senator to A Lotus In The Mud (accepted by Parveen Chopra) and the Brahma Kumaris (accepted by Erik Larson and Sister Anjani Seepersaud.

    While acknowledging that almost all Yoga Day programs and yoga studios focus only on asanas and pranayam, Chopra pointed out, “Asana practice will lead many to explore the spiritual side of yoga.”

    Dr Anjali Grover presented the story of yoga in dance.

    India’s Consul General In New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan was Chief Guest. He was represented by Piyush Singh – Consul, Press, Information, and Culture. Singh relayed the message from the Consulate: “We are privileged to support this inspiring initiative. The energy and intent that radiate from this gathering truly reflect the deeper essence of yoga. Not merely asanas, yoga is a profound spiritual discipline that harmonizes body, mind, and soul.”

    Piyush Singh was introduced by Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, who mentioned that he was witness earlier this month to a record 10,000 people attending a yoga session in San Pedro Carcha in Guatemala, organized by the Indian embassy there, even though only 100 Indian families live in that city.

    Eddie Stern, yoga instructor and founder of the Ganesha Temple in Manhattan, positioned postures in the 8-limb yoga discipline and led the audience in doing Brahma Mudra exercise.

    Jennifer DeSena, Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, thanked Chopra and the Global Harmony House for hosting a meaningful celebration of Yoga Day, adding. “Yoga is not just movement—it’s a journey inward, a practice of stillness in a restless world.”

    Rakesh Bhargava, President of the World Vegan Vision (NY chapter), discussed the vegan lifestyle and yoga. Dr Anjali Grover danced the story of yoga and Andonia Fthenakis presented sound bath meditation.

    In an expression of India’s call of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family), the speakers and attendees represented diverse religions and communities.

    Prominent people at the event included Arvind Vora, Chair of Shanti Fund and founding trustee of Lotus, Dr Faroque Khan, Chair of Interfaith Institute of Long Island, Paul Chellani, head of the Sant Nirankari Mission – New York, Kamlesh Mehta – Chairman of The South Asian Times, Prof Indrajit Saluja – Editor-Publisher of The Indian Panorama, Mohan Wanchoo, Varinder Bhalla, Mukund Padmanabhan, Chandra Bhansali, Ashok Vyas, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Rashmin Master, Jyoti Gupta and yoga teacher Anita Rana.

    After the program, people enjoyed vegetarian and vegan refreshments in the sunny outdoors.
    (Photos by Kripa Ranjan Prasad, courtesy of Parveen Chopra/ALotusInTheMud.com)
  • Dr. Urmilesh Arya’s lifetime of service in the US and India is laudable

    Dr. Urmilesh Arya’s lifetime of service in the US and India is laudable

    Honored to lead India Day Parade as Grand Marshal, Dr Arya’s leadership roles and contributions to the community have brought her many laurels.

    Dr Urmilesh Arya celebrating Diwali on Capitol Hill with Congress members Gregory Meek and Carolyn Maloney and other community leaders.
    • By Parveen Chopra

    Chosen to lead the 13th India Day Parade of Long Island in Hicksville on August 25 caps many decades of community service by Dr Urmilesh Arya in both America and India, in which she has served in leadership roles in Indian community organizations.

    In her message on the eve of the parade, she said, “We are celebrating the 78th Independence Day of the largest democracy on the land of the strongest and oldest democracy in the world. Our mission and vision are to promote unity, commend the hard work and sincerity of the Indian community, and remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters.”

    Dr Arya with fellow Rotarians and others at planting of the Tree for Unity at Gandhi Peace Garden in SUNY Old Westbury.

    A true ambassador of India, she added, “Our ancestors have given us a rich heritage and culture that teaches us to live happily and help others get peace and happiness. If we work together, we all progress.”

    Dr Urmilesh and Dr Yashpal Arya with Dr. Nirmal K. Mattoo (left) at the dedication of the Arya India Studies Library at Stony Brook.

    Urmilesh Arya, MD, has had a stellar professional career. Coming to America in 1970, she earned eminence as a pediatrician and retired as Medical Director at Queensbridge Family Health Center of Wyckoff Heights Hospital. She also served as COO at Arya Gastroenterology Associates in Brooklyn, which is run by her husband, Dr Yashpal Arya.

    Community service and leadership

    At the turn of the century, she started serving the community, becoming a trustee of the Hindu Temple Community Center in Flushing and of the American Association of Indian Physicians—AAPI QLI chapter.

    Congressman Tom Suozzi presented a Proclamation on the Golden Jubilee of the AIA to Dr Arya, its president.

    Primed for bigger responsibilities, in 2003, she was elected President of the Association of Indians in America (AIA) – New York, which organizes the annual Deepavali Festival at South Street Seaport to showcase Indian culture. She initiated Diwali celebrations at City Hall, Gracie Mansion, and the White House. Her advocacy led to free alternate street parking on Diwali in NYC. Diwali is now a school holiday in the city.

    Dr Arya went on to serve as the first woman President of the National AIA in 2018, leading its Golden Jubilee event. Congressmen Tom Suozzi and Raja Krishnamoorthy, actor Anupam Kher, and honoree Dr Arthur A. Gianelli, President of the Mount Sinai Health Network, graced the event.

    Dr Arya believes helping those in need is a hallmark of Indian culture. As President of the Rotary Club of Hicksville South for 2017-18, she led the club’s annual drives for school bags, winter jackets, and blankets and served food in a soup kitchen. With her team, she planted a tree in Gandhi Peace Garden on the premises of SUNY Old Westbury in a message of Indo-US friendship.

    Dr Arya received Bharat Gaurav award at the United Nations, one of many bestowed on her.

    In 2017, Dr Urmilesh and Dr Yash Arya set up the India Library in Stony Brook University’s Mattoo Center for India Studies.

    Service projects in India

    During the Covid pandemic, Dr Arya distributed facial masks and gloves to Nassau County Medical Center and meals to essential workers. She also sent Oxygen Concentrators and Ventilators to India.

    To educate the underprivileged children, the Arya couple has joined hands with Vidya Bharti to establish 5 high schools and 2 primary schools in northern states. These schools also infuse patriotism and Indian culture in the students.

    During Covid, Dr Urmilesh Arya arranged to send Oxygen Concentrators and Ventilators to India.

    Dr Urmilesh Arya has received many honors and awards, including from temples in New York, the Women’s History Month Award from Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, a Gold Medal from the National Republican Congress Committee, and the Bharat Gaurav Award at the UN.

    The Arya couple lives on Long Island. They have two sons, one daughter, and three grandchildren.

    Dr Urmilesh and Dr Yash Arya have established 5 high schools and 2 primary schools in India.
  • New Yorkers celebrate Rama Mandir consecration with Car Rally

    New Yorkers celebrate Rama Mandir consecration with Car Rally

    Hundreds of devotees gathered to celebrate and show solidarity to Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya.

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): The windy, freezing Sunday with sub-zero temperatures afternoon saw enthusiastic Indian Americans show their support for the Ram Lalla consecration in Ayodhya, thousands of miles away. A car rally was organized in Hicksville in Long Island, New York. Hicksville is a hamlet within the Town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County, on Long Island, in New York, with large Indian population.

    The rally started from Patel Brothers in Hicksville. 150 cars participated in this rally, which halted midway at a Gurudwara in Hicksville. Dr Raj Bhayani said, “The Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddha communities have all united to celebrate this historic moment.”

    The float had DJ which played Bhajan songs devoted to Rama.
    LED truck with three screens played videos on Ramayana. And images of Rama Mandir.
    Everyone was wearing the saffron scarf with Hanuman and Rama pictures in it.
    And cold conditions could not dampen the enthusiasm and the celebratory mood.
    In addition to cars, floats and LED truck there were children dressed as Ramayana characters Rama, Sita , Laxman, and Hanuman which really brought the experience and excitement to the rally.
    The organizers for the rally were Dr Raj Bhayani. Mukesh Modi and Dr Dipak Nandi, Mohan Wanchoo, Naveen Shah, Chintu Patel, Gary Sikka and Dr Neeta Jain. The committee comprised of Sunil Hali, Gobind Bathija, Pradeep Tandon, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Vimal Goyal, Eric Kumar, Kanak Golia, Kishore Malik, Harshad Bhai Patel, Vibhuti Jha, Mohinder Taneja, Dr Satish Anand, Dr Inderpal Chhabra, and Ajay Patel

    Each car was adorned with saffron-colored flags. The huge lineup of cars finally reached the beautiful Asa Mai temple in Hicksville. LED Truck displayed Ramayana and float carried the banners celebrating Ram Mandir.
    The devotees enjoyed an enchanting evening of bhajans and a Ramleela. The entire event was telecast live on AASTHA TV and Radio Zindagi

    The float had DJ which played Bhajan songs devoted to Rama
    Organizers. L to R : Indu Jaiswal, Gary Sikka, Dipak Nandi, Raj Bhayani, Pradeep Tandon, and a guest
  • Bharatiya American Community Celebrates BJP’s Grand Victory in New York

    Bharatiya American Community Celebrates BJP’s Grand Victory in New York

    Ladies at the celebration

    NEW HYDE PARK, NY (TIP): “This is Modi Era. Modi means performance”, said Mr Jagdish Sewhani, President of The American India Public Affairs Committee in New York. People have voted for good governance and performance . The credit for this victory goes to our “yashasvi” Prime Minister Narendra Modiji. The Strategy developed by his team Home Minister Amit Shahji and Party President J P Naddaji decimated the opposition.
    The results are a reflection of mood of the country.
    Mr Sewhani further said that people of three states have shown full confidence in BJP, its governance and its leadership, under the guidance of visionary Prime Minister Modi ji.
    People Voted for Modi Guarantee. It Shows they Trust Prime Minister Modi under whose Leadership Bharat is Growing Economically, Culturally, Socially and Strategically. Today, Bharat is among Top five Economies of the world with GDP of 4 trillion., and thanks to the leadership of prime minister Modi ji, I have no doubt that in next 25 years Bharat will be a 40 Trillion economy.
    Mr Sewhani further said that people have outrightly rejected caste politics and voted for” Development ,Development, Development.” This is Semi Final . Final will be next year and I’m confident that BJP will again be blessed by people of Bharat. We Bharatiya Americans need to play important role by aggressively campaigning for the BJP and its Candidates in 2024 Elections. Dr Narinder Kukar, Chintu Patel , Dr Dipak Nandi , Sunil Hali, Amba Sharma, ,Dr Urmilesh Arya , Satvinder Satta , Kulbir Singh, Indu Jaiswal , Anju Sharma, Pinki Jaggi, Dr Pushp Bhansali , and Dr Sanil Sarkar also spoke at the celebrations.

    Gentlemen at the celebration

  • Arya Samaj of Long Island Celebrates Vaisakhi

    Soormay group giving a thrilling performance of Bhangra.
    Master of Ceremonies Gita Setia recited Vedic Invocation and sang a Punjabi song.
    Vivarta Arts Dance group performing a dance.
    Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Chief Editor of The Indian Panorama is being honored. L to R: Veer Mukhi, Secretary, ASLI, Dr. Urmilesh Arya, Dr. Yashpal Arya, Chairman, ASLI, and Prof. Indrajit S Saluja.
    Prachi Makkar sang ‘boliyan’ and ‘tappe’ and brother Surya Makkar thumped the ‘dhol’, and the guests could not resist dancing.
    An exciting Gatka performance by Akal Gatka group
    Jon Kaiman, Deputy Executive, Suffolk County, addressing the gathering. Seen behind Kaiman from L to R: Gita Setia, Indu Jaiswal, Dr. Yashpal Arya, Dr. Urmilesh Arya, Prof. Indrajit S Saluja and Veer Mukhi
    ASLI Trustees with Jon Kaiman, Deputy County Executive Suffolk County.

    Performers enthrall, guests thrilled

    HICKSVILLE , NY (TIP): Arya Samaj of Long Island celebrated Vaisakhi- Punjab’s harvest festival on  April 30 at Hicksville Middle School. Though the Samaj has been celebrating Vaisakhi since 2007 it is for the first time that the festival was celebrated on a large scale , Secretary of Arya Samaj of Long Island Mr. Veer Mukhi said. “The intention is to spread India’s rich culture and traditions”, he added. Incidentally, the Arya Samaj of Long Island was founded in 2006. The school auditorium with a seating capacity of around 300 was full, and the audience was treated to a delightful music and dance variety program.

    The master of ceremonies Gita Setia gave a wonderful recitation of the Vedic Invocation which was followed by national anthems of America and India. Gita, who is a trained vocalist, cast a magic spell with a Punjabi song.

    Vivarta Arts Dance group gave graceful dance performances.

    Prachi Makkar and Surya Makkar- the sister-brother duo -made many in the audience come forward and dance to their Punjabi boliyan.  Both are extremely accomplished. While Prachi sings with equal ease the thrilling boliyan and tappe- the two forms of Punjabi folk singing, and mata ki bheta, Surya plays with equal mastery six different musical instruments.

    The audience was literally excited to watch a thrilling performance of Gatka- the Sikh martial art. The vigor of the performers was appreciable. The Akal Gatka Group founded by Sardar Daler Singh and ably supported by his brother Sardar Gurmej Singh is one of the best known Gatka groups in America.

    Then came Bhangra, the king of folk dances which has become a rage internationally. The fleet footed dancers of Soormay group sent waves of delight with their graceful motions. Bhangra is a folk dance of Punjab which is a must on  every festive occasion.

    Earlier, Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Chief Editor, The Indian Panorama,  who was the keynote speaker and the chief guest  was  honored by the Arya Samaj of Long Island. Dr. Urmilesh Arya presented him a bouquet and Dr. Yashpal Arya, Chairman of ASLI honored him with a shawl and a plaque.

    Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Saluja  paid rich tributes to Swami Dayanand Saraswati who founded the Arya Samaj on April 10th in 1875. He congratulated the organizers for celebrating Vaisakhi in the month of the founding of the Arya Samaj.

    Prof. Saluja said it was natural for human beings to express their joy  on occasions which brought them happiness. Quoting from the Sikh Scripture, Shri Guru Granth Sahib which says “Nachan Kuddan man ka chao” which means  it is human desire to sing and dance, he said  Vaisakhi is celebrated in this spirit of joy when the farmers have harvested their crops and are prosperous. He added that the harvest festival is celebrated all over India by different names. Also, this is the time of the beginning of new year in many parts of the country.

    Prof. Saluja acknowledged the presence of Mr. Jon Kaiman, the Deputy Executive of Suffolk County and his staff Mr. Mohinder Singh Taneja, besides recognizing and thanking his family and the media. He thanked the Arya Samaj of Long Island for inviting and honoring him.

    Me. Jon Kaiman said he has a long relationship with the Indian American community who he has always found very supportive of him, and assured of his support to the community always.

    It was left to the Secretary,  Mr. Veer Mukhi to thank the guests, performers and the media , and invite all to a “sumptuous vegetarian dinner, catered by Raj Bhog, Hicksville”.

     

  • Emmy – nominated Tirlok Malik’s motivational short film ‘To New India with Love’ Screened

    Emmy – nominated Tirlok Malik’s motivational short film ‘To New India with Love’ Screened

    The Indian Panorama and Indian American Forum host a panel discussion on the film

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Indian Panorama and the Indian American Forum, on October 17, hosted a panel discussion, virtually on Zoom, on the Emmy-nominated Indian-American filmmaker Tirlok Malik’s new short film ‘To New India with Love,’ which was also screened on the occasion. The short film examines the subject of youth aspirations. ‘To New India with Love’ is a non-commercial venture, produced with a public-service spirit, appealing broadly to Indians worldwide. It is presented by Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parikh. The screenplay and dialogues are written by Murtaza Ali Khan and Rakesh Zharotia is the film’s editor and assistant director.

    While beginning the proceedings for the day, Indu Jaiswal, Chairperson, Indian American Forum introduced the moderators and the panelists while welcoming the guests and underlining the agenda of the event. She congratulated Trilok Malik on the success of ‘To New India with Love’ which has been praised worldwide by audience and critics alike for his inspiring and empowering message to the youth of India.

    The panel discussion was moderated by Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja, Chief Editor, The Indian Panorama and Dr. Renee Mehrra, a celebrated TV anchor. While congratulating Tirlok Malik on his latest film, Prof. Saluja reflected upon the overwhelming love for India that each and every film of Malik oozes with. Dr. Mehrra praised the film’s message and its relevance. The panelists included Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Tirlok Malik, Dr. Azad Anand, Dr. Bhupi Patel, Dr. Urmilesh Arya, Shashi Malik, and Animesh Goenka. Each of them praised the film’s subject and its timely message. Sudhir Vaishnav, Neeta Bhasin, Anju Sharma, Lal Motwani, and Andy Bhatia who were also present on the occasion appreciated the film while sharing their views about Malik’s remarkable contribution as a filmmaker over the last three decades. Pam Kwatra, Jyoti Gupta, Chitranjan Sahay Belwariar, and Anurag Sharma were also present.

    Murtaza Ali Khan who wrote the film’s screenplay and dialogues also joined the discussion and gave his comment.

    Talking about his association with the film, Dr. Sudhir Parikh praised the film’s inspiring message. While highlighting the positive changes that have taken place in India over the last five decades, he reminded that the India of today is very different from when he first came to the US. He asserted that the Indian youth today has so many opportunities while touching upon the new initiatives of the present Indian government which have been instrumental in empowering the youth. Sharing the vision behind the film, Tirlok Malik said that the film aims to inspire the youth of India to not give up on their dreams. Even if someone doesn’t have the means to realize his/her dreams, he/she can achieve success through their hard work and determination. My film ‘To New India with Love’ is an inspiring and motivational film that gives a message of hope to the youth to pursue their dreams.

    Tirlok Malik is best known for making films about Indian immigrants in the US, starting with his pioneering work, ‘Lonely in America,’ which was shown in 74 countries and as well as on HBO and participated in 37 film festivals, winning several awards. He subsequently made films such as ‘Love Lust and Marriage,’ ‘Khushiyaan,’ and ‘On Golden Years’. He has also acted in films like ‘Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar,’ ‘Lajja,’ ‘Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu,’ ‘Ta Ra Rum Pum,’ ‘Sivaji: The Boss,’ and ‘Mehbooba,’ among others.

  • The Indian Panorama and Indian American Forum to host a panel discussion on ‘To New India with Love’–A film by Emmy-nominated Tirlok Malik

    The Indian Panorama and Indian American Forum to host a panel discussion on ‘To New India with Love’–A film by Emmy-nominated Tirlok Malik

    NEW YORK (TIP) The Indian Panorama and Indian American Forum are hosting a panel discussion on Emmy-nominated Indian -American filmmaker Tirlok Malik’s new short film ‘To New India with Love,’ which examines the subject of youth aspirations, virtually on October 17th, 2021 at 11 AM, New York EST virtually on Zoom. This short film is a non-commercial venture, produced with a public-service spirit, appealing broadly to Indians worldwide. It is presented by Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parikh. The screenplay and dialogues are written by Murtaza Ali Khan and Rakesh Zharotia is the film’s editor and assistant director.

    The panel discussion will be moderated by Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja, Chief Editor, The Indian Panorama and Dr. Renee Mehrra. The panelists include Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Tirlok Malik, Dr. Azad Anand, Bobby K. Kalotee, Dr. Bhupi Patel, Dr. Urmilesh Arya, Shashi Malik, Animesh Goenka. Tirlok Malik is best known for making films about Indian immigrants in the US, starting with his pioneering work, ‘Lonely in America,’ which was shown in 74 countries and as well as on HBO and participated in 37 film festivals, winning several awards. He subsequently made films such as ‘Love Lust and Marriage,’ ‘Khushiyaan,’ and ‘On Golden Years’. He has also acted in films like ‘Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’, ‘Lajja’, ‘Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu’, ‘Ta Ra Rum Pum’, ‘Sivaji: The Boss’, and ‘Mehbooba’, among others.

  • Greetings to all on July 4 th -the Independence Day

    Dr. Urmilesh Arya, President National AIA
    Long Island, NY
    urmilesharya@yahoo.com

    As we celebrate American Independence on the Fourth of July every year,wethink ofJuly 4th, 1776 as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence as the birth of the United States of America. This day commemorates the adaptation of independence by delegates from 13 colonies.The Declaration was written in April 1975 and almost after 100 years, Congress declared July 4th to be a National Holiday. This was the most important secular holiday on the calendar.

    On July 4th1776, John Hancock,the president of the continental congress at that time signed the declaration in the presence CharlesThompson, the secretary of congress. The official signing event took place on Aug. 2nd 1776 when 50 men signed the document.

    As an independent country, it became free from control and influence of other person, country or entity. It became internationally recognized land and borders. It has power to levy war, make alliances with foreign nations, conduct trade and anything else that they think its right to do

    Today America means Opportunity, Freedom and power

    President Abraham Lincoln said, “Government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

    This Independence Day of July 4th, 2021 is special, as people can celebrate it together after one year of lock down from Covid Crisis that made a loss of 6000 people in this country.

     First time after one and half year,people can meet their loved ones and hug them. Children can go back to school and life resume to normal routine. Thanks to the highly skilled scientist who generated the effective vaccine against Covid.This is the time of celebration the work of elected officials, Front line workers and the volunteer workers of the community. People are highly enthusiastic to celebrate this Independence Day on July 4th by Fireworks, Family reunion, Parade and concerts etc. Macy’s has already declared that they will sponsor the Fireworks.

    Wish you all, Happy Independence Day!