WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Dhivya Suryadevara, former Indian American chief financial officer for Stripe, a global FinTech company, has joined United Health Group as CEO of Optum Financial Services.
“I’m excited to share that I’ve joined United Health Group (UHG) as CEO of Optum Financial Services,” the Chennai born executive wrote in a LinkedIn post.
In her new role she is responsible for furthering its mission to revolutionize how care is financed and paid for, according to her official profile. “The Financial Services business continues to evolve from its origins in health banking and savings accounts to creating new products and services to improve financial access and support for our consumers and providers across the health system.”
“UHG is in a unique position to transform our health system, with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help the health system work better for everyone,” Suryadevara wrote. “This is not an easy task, but UHG has the capabilities and the people to make real progress.
“With Financial Services being one of UHG’s top strategic priorities, we see extraordinary potential to improve financial access and support for our consumers and providers across the health system,” she posted.
“I’m incredibly honored to have the opportunity to work alongside so many people who are so fiercely determined to make health care better for everyone,” Suryadevara added.
Prior to joining UnitedHealth Group, Suryadevara previously served as chief financial officer for Stripe, a global FinTech company that builds economic infrastructure for the internet. In addition to leading the finance organization at Stripe, Dhivya had responsibility for its Operations, Risk and Global Partnerships functions.
Prior to Stripe, Suryadevara was at General Motors, starting as a financial analyst and rising through the ranks to become the automaker’s chief financial officer in 2018. Early in her career, Dhivya worked at UBS and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Suryadevara earned degrees from the University of Madras and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in 2000 as well as an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
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Indian American executive Dhivya Suryadevara joins Optum Financial as CEO
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Indian-origin attorney Binaifer Nowrojee named president of Open Society Foundations
WASHINGTION, D.C. (TIP): Indian-origin human rights lawyer Binaifer Nowrojee has been appointed the new president of The Open Society Foundations, founded by billionaire investor George Soros, promoting democratic principles and human rights, through grants in more than 100 countries.
Kenya-born Nowrojee, who currently serves as the vice president of Programs, will take over from Mark Malloch-Brown when he steps down from his role in June 2024, according to a media release.
“She embodies the spirit of OSF, past and present. I am confident she will ably lead OSF into the challenging next phase of our work,” said Alex Soros, chair of OSF.
“When I established the Open Society Foundations, I wanted them to be truly global,” said Soros. “At the outset, that was merely an aspiration. But now I feel that this ambition has been fulfilled with Binaifer Nowrojee as president of the Foundations, supported by an international team.”
Nowrojee brings over three decades of experience and dedication to her new role. Previously, she has held a range of senior positions at OSF, including East Africa Foundation director, regional director for Asia Pacific, and vice president for Organizational Transformation.
“Heading this remarkable institution, the world’s largest funder of human rights, at a time when justice and compassion are under siege, is by far the biggest, and best, challenge I have ever faced. I am proud to be president and stand ready to join my colleagues in the fight,” said Nowrojee.
Nowrojee navigates politically sensitive operating environments to drive meaningful change, the release said. Her strategic leadership spans national, regional, and international levels, encompassing policy research, campaigning, grant-making, litigation, and investment.
Nowrojee brings deep expertise in Africa and Asia, where she has spearheaded advocacy initiatives to promote social justice and equality. She played a central role in orchestrating a significant strategic and structural realignment of Open Society, enhancing its capacity to effect change in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Prior to her tenure at OSF, Nowrojee served as legal counsel at Human Rights Watch and as a staff attorney at the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights. She has worked extensively on prosecuting sexual violence under international law and testified as an expert witness at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
Nowrojee’s commitment to advancing justice extends to academia, where she has served as a lecturer at Harvard Law School and was awarded a Carr Center fellowship.
Nowrojee holds a JD from Columbia Law School and an LLM degree from Harvard Law School, underscoring her strong academic foundation and expertise in international law and human rights.
With her wealth of experience and unwavering dedication, Nowrojee is well-equipped to lead the Open Society Foundations into a new era of impactful and transformative change, the release stated.
Nowrojee follows in the footsteps of her father, Pheroze Nowrojee, an acclaimed human rights lawyer who currently serves as senior counsel to the High Court of Kenya.
The Nowrojee family migrated from India to Kenya in 1896 to work on the railroads. Pheroze Nowrojee has written a book about the family’s migration: “A Kenyan Journey,” released in 2019. -
Indian American Dr Kamal Verma, acclaimed scholar of South Asian literature, passes away in Washington
WASHINGTON, D.C (TIP): Dr Kamal D Verma, an acclaimed scholar of South Asian literature, died of natural causes this week here in the American capital. He would have turned 92 in April.
Professor Verma taught for 42 years at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ) in Pennsylvania. After retirement, he continued to serve as Professor Emeritus and an advisor to the University President, focusing on recruiting more diverse faculty and students from South Asia.
He was also one of the founding members of the South Asian Review and the South Asian Literary Association — two nationally acclaimed scholarly efforts aimed to promote Indian and other South Asian writers and ideas.
Dr Jem Spectar, President of UPJ, called Dr Verma “a brilliant scholar, an exceptional teacher and guide, a highly respected colleague, and a dear friend”. “His students speak of a great intellect: a professor who deepened their critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills, someone who deepened their understanding of our world, and someone whose classes prepared them for lifelong success,” Spectar said.
Dr Verma was born in 1932 in Punjab, India. He was the eldest child in a large family, and the first member of his extended family to attend college.
He completed his BA from DAV College, Jalandhar, in 1951, followed by a BA in teaching from Agra University in 1953 and an MA in English from Panjab University in 1958.
In India, he became the principal of a teacher’s college in Punjab where he served until 1963, when he departed for the United States on a Ford Foundation Fellowship to obtain his Specialist in Education degree at the University of Northern Iowa. He then pursued further professional studies in literature, leading to his PhD from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.
Dr Verma, his wife Savitri, also a teacher and head of a women’s college in India, and their five children settled in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1971. They were the first Indian American family to move to the area.
Dr Verma’s children pursued varied careers in business, medicine and law. His son Richard would go on to serve as the US Ambassador to India for President Obama, and he currently serves as the Deputy Secretary of State, the highest-ranking Indian American in the State Department ever. Richard Verma was the first ever Indian American to be US Ambassador to India.
Verma was in New Delhi last month where he gave a talk at the Observer Research Foundation, and noted how his father, like millions of other Indian Americans, started over from next to nothing, rebuilt in their new country, but maintained and even strengthened ties with India. “My father tells a great immigrant story of showing up in the United States with USD 14 and a bus ticket. He left so much behind and he took a big risk. He was brave. And he never let us forget our roots. What an amazing role model we had,” remarked Ambassador Verma. “These are the stories and journeys that bind our two countries together.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a letter sent to Ambassador Verma this past week, wrote that Professor Kamal Verma “was a true embodiment of the grit and determination demonstrated by every Indian immigrant. He worked hard to give a better life to his family in a foreign country, and at the same time continued to remain true to his Indian roots…and will always be remembered in his homeland.”
Dr Verma’s writings were widely admired and acclaimed, especially his three published books. His second book, The Indian Imagination, focused on several of the leading writers of the Indian colonial and post-colonial periods of Indian history. His last book, Understanding Mulk Raj Anand, focused on noted Indian writer Mulk Raj Anand and included a series of letters between Dr Verma and Anand over 15 years, focusing again on the ideas that inspired the colonial struggle for independence.
He released the book in the US and India in 2017 with significant critical success. He even presented the book to Prime Minister Modi in 2018.
During his career, Dr Verma would end up teaching thousands of students in India, Canada and the United States, and he published dozens of articles, in addition to the three books.
Professor Nalini Iyer of Seattle University and the editor of the South Asian Review said: “Dr Verma was a towering figure who had an impact on so many. He paved the way for South Asian scholars and literature in the United States and cared for his family and friends at every turn. He also trained and inspired hundreds of faculty members across the globe in the field of South Asian literature and philosophy. This is a gift for which he will be long remembered.” -
27-year-old Indian-origin student dies in jet ski accident in Florida
TAMPA (TIP): A 27-year-old Indian student died as his watercraft collided with another in Florida, according to media reports. Venkataramana Pittala from Telangana was driving a rented Yamaha personal watercraft (PWC) that collided with another PWC operated by a 14-year-old boy from the South Florida mainland on Saturday, March 9, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Pittala, a student at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, was set to graduate in May, according to a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds to send his mortal remains back to his family in Telangana.
Personal watercraft are tandem boats often referred to as jet skis, the name of a popular model manufactured by Kawasaki.
It is unclear if anyone else was injured, a newspaper reported.
The teen was listed as “uninjured” in the FWC report. It lists arrests as “pending”, the report said.
The FWC released an incident report on Monday with the names of the two people involved but no details on what transpired.
“This is a two vessel (PWC) accident resulting in one fatality,” the report states. “The vessels collided with each other.”
According to FWC, 14 is the minimum age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida.
The report doesn’t state whether authorities have determined fault. Both personal watercrafts were rented, it said. -
First Indian American Sikh woman Mayor Neena Singh honored in New York
NEW YORK (TIP): Neena Singh, first Indian and Sikh woman Mayor of Montgomery township in New Jersey, was among the four prominent Indian and Indian American women honored in New York for their achievements and contributions to society at a function on the occasion of International Women’s Day presided over by the recently posted Consul General of India Binaya Pradhan.
Besides Singh, Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad, Indu Lew and Megha Desai were other honorees at the event hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York and the Federation of Indian Associations.
Gaekwad is a visionary committed to education and community empowerment through her philanthropic work and is known for her dedication to mental wellness and community engagement, said a FIA release. -
Weekly Horoscope- March 11 to March 17, 2024
By Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla
91 81412 34275
Aries
Ganesha says that at the beginning of this week, the people of Aries will spend most of their time participating in auspicious works and having fun. During this, a short and pleasant journey is also possible. People associated with the business will get the expected profit. More money can be spent than expected on things related to home repair or luxuries. In the middle of the week, there can be differences between brothers or fathers regarding something. Be careful during this, the opposing side may try to take advantage of the opportunity. There will be confusion among the youth and students regarding their work. Avoid any kind of haste in a love affair, otherwise, the things made can get spoiled.
Taurus
Ganesha says that the people of Taurus will have to manage their time this week. Spend according to your pocket, otherwise, you may face a financial crunch. Be sure to take the opinion of your well-wishers before investing money in a business or any scheme. In the middle of the week, with the help of close friends or a relative, there will be chances of profit in a particular work. Full cooperation will be received from the parents. Don’t stray from your goal. Caution is expected in a love affair. Someone may try to create a rift in your relationship. It would be better to clear misunderstandings through mutual conversation. Take special care of your spouse’s health at the end of the week.
Gemini
Ganesha says that this week will prove to be the end of long-standing troubles for Gemini. Misunderstandings or disputes with love partners will end. Love affairs will get strengthened. There will be a plan to buy and sell new property. New opportunities will be available in terms of career and business. Those doing business with foreign countries will get special benefits. Working with planning in financial matters is sure to bring benefits. At the end of the week, there may be a dispute with family members regarding the ancestral property. Resolve family issues with a calm mind. Especially do not ignore the feelings of your spouse.
Cancer
Ganesha says that Cancer sign people will be able to expand their long pending plans at the beginning of the week. Full cooperation of subordinates will be received in the workplace. Relatives will accept your love and a love affair can turn into a marriage. Full cooperation will be received from the parents regarding the special work. There will be an increase in social honor and prestige. Most of the time women will be spent in religious works. Youth time is better. At the end of the week, there may be more expenditure on amenities. During this, make the final decision in money-related matters only after understanding your circumstances. Lend money to someone carefully, otherwise, the money may get stuck. Also, drive slowly.
Leo
Ganesha says that the people of the Leo zodiac should come out of the world of dreams and face reality this week. Do not tell anyone else until the work is done. At the beginning of the week, some good news can be received from the children’s side. The efforts of the students engaged in preparing for the examination competition will be successful. Do not forget to consult a well-wisher before investing money in business. There is a possibility of going on a long journey in the middle of the week. Will get a chance to spend more time with their love partner. Love affairs will get strengthened.
Virgo
Ganesha said that this week will be medium fruitful for the people of Virgo. At the beginning of the week, the mind will be affected by an unknown fear. There will be a need to work harder in the workplace. In this regard, long or short-distance travel may also have to be done. Stay away from people who create misunderstandings in the family and reach a decision with discretion. In the middle of the week, there may be an excessive expenditure on the purchase of any special work or item. During this, there will be relatively less support from family members. Do not ignore the feelings of the love partner under any circumstances. Life partners will get full support in times of crisis. At the end of the week, some good news can be received from the children’s side.
Libra
Ganesha said that at the beginning of the week, control both your anger and speech. There can be a dispute in the family, especially with a brother or sister. Any senior advice will prove beneficial to settle property-related disputes. Overall, the week that started with struggle will end with accomplishment. During this, adopt positive thinking and do not let the inferiority complex enter your mind. If there is a possibility of going two steps forward by taking one step back, then do not hesitate to take it back. Will feel a lot of relief with the help of a female friend. At the end of the week, the mind will be upset due to unnecessary expenditure. Take any decision in career business carefully. Respect each other’s feelings in love relationships. There will be some decrease in the pleasures of married life.
Scorpio
Ganesha says that for people of the Scorpio zodiac, this week is going to fulfill their wishes. Positive results will be seen in the workplace. Salaried people will get the full support of their seniors. This time is auspicious for working women. There will be profit in occupations as expected. There will be a possibility of buying land, buildings, vehicles, etc. Students will get good news. In the middle of the week, due to not getting cooperative behavior from siblings, there can be some mental pain. In any case, do not get lost, by the end of the week the solution to the problems will be found. Avoid any kind of show-off in love affairs or you may have to be embarrassed.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says that this week if you want, you can get the desired results by working hard. There will be a meeting with an influential person in the middle of the week. Do not ignore health-related problems at the end of the week, otherwise, you may end up in the hospital. You will get the full support of your life partner in an emergency of life. Will get a chance to spend better time with their love partner. Time is favorable for students and youth. Success will be achieved by working hard.
Capricorn
Ganesha says that at the beginning of the week, things will be as per your wish but, in the middle, you may have to compromise with the circumstances. Employed people need to maintain better coordination with their colleagues. Take a big decision in financial matters only after careful consideration. At the end of the week, the mind will be worried about the health of an elderly person in the house. Material happiness will be spent on things related to resources. There will be mutual happiness and cooperation in a love relationship. You will get the full support of your life partner while facing the challenges of life.
Aquarius
Ganesha says that Aquarius people may have to face some difficulties at the beginning of the week. Although sometimes some challenges teach better lessons, like this, this time will prove to be very important for your future. In this time of crisis, you will get to know the true identity of your loved ones. Due to this, it will be very easy for you to make important decisions in the future. There will be a need to take care of the feelings of others while solving family issues. To achieve a specific goal, students and youth have to manage their time. Do not create any kind of misunderstanding in love relations, otherwise, a third person can take advantage of it. At the end of the week, there will be a chance to spend a better time with the family. A short and pleasant journey is possible.
Pisces
Ganesha says that you will get a chance to be involved in some religious work. During this period, you will get the full support of luck. This time will also be favorable for occupation people. But in the middle of the week, control your emotions and avoid telling your secret things to someone else, otherwise, he may take undue advantage of it. Be honest with your spouse, otherwise, you may have to be humiliated in society. Will get a chance to spend more time with their love partner. The help of a friend will work as a lifeline in strengthening the love relationship. Most of the time women will spend time performing religious works. This week will be normal in terms of soundness.
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Birthday Horoscope- March 11 to March 17
March 11
Ganesha says you would have abundant energy right now, and if you used it well, you would achieve outstanding accomplishments. Later in the year, a long trip looks likely, probably to attend some momentous event. It is not advisable to rely on friends and family because they won’t be accommodating. Financially speaking, it appears to be an excellent time to buy equities and real estate, but all purchases should be made with the long term in mind.
March 12
Ganesha says to be aware of your impulsive and hasty tendencies. To improve your productivity, take the initiative to alter the workplace environment to suit your needs. You’ll target meetings with delegates who are well-known around the world. You’ll be able to start saving for the future now. You’ll appreciate having your partner around. You have a deep faith in God, and you may soon visit numerous holy sites. Your attention will be drawn to interior design and construction.
March 13
Ganesha says starting new businesses is encouraged throughout the upcoming time. Previously sluggish projects would pick up steam. If there are any disagreements, they will be resolved, which will make you feel relieved. Due to your competitive nature, you would always try to outperform others and be well-liked by your fellow students. Friends will be supportive but obnoxious. The possibility of developing romantic relationships with coworkers exists, but they would be very fleeting.
March 14
Ganesha says you enjoy reading to expand your knowledge, but you need to learn to control your urge to act when you are bashful, arrogant, or moody. Children would provide great joy and success in their chosen careers. Travelling far or going on a pilgrimage will be high on your agenda. Property sales, rent accrual, dividends, and interest payments all result in financial profits for the seller. Long-term investments and speculative ventures are also advantageous at this time.
March 15
Ganesha says many people’s financial situations will improve today, and some will inherit family property. Your confidence will increase as the business prospers and you make money. Both academically and athletically, students will do incredibly well. Those with high blood pressure or piles should exercise caution with their health. The legal issues weighing on your mind will be resolved to your satisfaction. For some, promotions and pay raises are likely.
March 16
Ganesha says today you should work on controlling your occasionally careless and stubborn behavior. Entrepreneurs would diversify their businesses and pursue new, lucrative opportunities. If you deal in real estate, you will do incredibly well, but you might anticipate some partner rivalry. Later today, you’ll be delighted to hear some exciting news from your kids. Make the most of your new romance, which may be new to you. For both spiritual and physical benefits, meditation and yoga should be practiced.
March 17
Ganesha says people will regard you with respect and deference. You possess the fortitude to handle any circumstance. You will become a well-known person because of your originality and planned work, attracting everyone’s attention. Your snarky and cynical nature can keep you from social gatherings. Potent nature may cause you to lose credibility. You will soon take the marital oath. Be patient, since resolving your legal challenges will take some more time.
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Jaiswal’s 700: Sunil Gavaskar finally has some company
Dharamsala (TIP)- A wristy flick against Shoaib Bashir’s flighted off-break raced to the midwicket boundary and took Yashasvi Jaiswal to 46 runs. The moment passed by quietly but a significant milestone was achieved nonetheless with that lovely shot against the turn – Jaiswal’s run-tally for this series reached 701.
Before March 7, Sunil Gavaskar, incidentally in the commentary box at HPCA Stadium, was the only Indian to have amassed 700-plus runs in a Test series – he did it twice against West Indies (1971 and 1978-79). On day one of this fifth and final Test, Jaiswal also became the fastest Indian to 1000 Test runs (in terms of matches, having played 9 Tests), eclipsing a record belonging to Gavaskar and Cheteshwar Pujara (11 Tests each). In terms of innings, only Vinod Kambli (14 innings) has got to 1000 faster than Jaiswal’s 16.
A look at the list of 25 batters who have reached the 700-run mark in a series shows that luck doesn’t play a role here. From Don Bradman’s table-topping 974 runs to Viv Richards’s 829 – the names speak of quality, class and the rare ability to make a series their own. Each member of this elite group has had a great impact on the sport as a whole and India will hope Jaiswal manages to keep the tradition going.
The ease with which Jaiswal, 22, peppered the boundary on Thursday was in sync with the oomph he has exhibited all through the home series. Yes, a rush of young blood eventually resulted in Jaiswal’s stumping off Bashir after making a breezy 58-ball 57, but these are minor concerns about a left-handed batter who there’s a lot to like about.
Again in his innings on Thursday, what came through was the clarity about his template. Not until the eighth over did Jaiswal hit a boundary, moving along steadily to six runs off 25 balls even as Rohit Sharma got the scoreboard moving with a few sumptuous strokes. But once Bashir was brought on, Jaiswal was able to flick the switch ever so quickly and hit the rookie off-spinner for three sixes in an over. Jaiswal’s six-hitting prowess is worth harping on. In nine Tests, he has already smashed 29 sixes, showing a fearless propensity to take the aerial route. It’s a skill he has honed by playing in the IPL, where he has ownership of the record for the fastest fifty (13 balls) in addition to a turbo-charged 124 off 62 balls. As Rajasthan Royals’ high-performance director Zubin Bharucha said recently, Jaiswal has spent many hours working on his power-hitting game. Source: HT -
Kuldeep wreaks havoc as England fold for 218
Dharamsala (TIP)- Kuldeep Yadav seems to have a special connection with the HPCA stadium here. It was at the same venue that Kuldeep made his Test debut seven years ago — incidentally, it was also in the month of March. Kuldeep had picked up four wickets against Australia in the first innings.
In only the second Test hosted by the stadium, Kuldeep again lit up the opening day with a five-wicket haul to put India on top against England in the fifth and final Test of the series.
On the eve of the Test, England skipper Ben Stokes had termed the pitch as a “belter”. However, the visitors seemed to have completely misjudged the conditions as the English batters were picked apart by India’s spin trio — Kuldeep (5/72), Ravichandran Ashwin (4/51) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/17). England folded up for 218 in less than 60 overs.
It looked like a completely different pitch when India batted as the hosts replied strongly to cut down most of the deficit. Attacking fifties by openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal led the hosts to 135/1 in 35 overs. Despite England holding a strong position at 175/3, India’s bowlers made a stunning comeback and all credit goes to Kuldeep, who used the flight and drift to get his fourth five-wicket haul. The mild wind blowing at the ground helped new-ball bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. But England’s openers survived the initial period of fierce swing bowling.
However, the breakthrough came in the 18th over when Kuldeep took charge. After being hit for two fours, Kuldeep’s flight was rewarded as Ben Duckett’s mistimed hit was caught by a diving Shubman Gill.
He could have got rid of Zak Crawley (79 off 108) off his second ball of the day but India opted against taking a review for a catch. Kuldeep, though, got his man eventually with a brilliant delivery that crashed into Crawley’s leg-stump.
Kuldeep got Ollie Pope (11), Jonny Bairstow (29), who is playing his 100th Test, and Stokes (0) with googlies. From the other end, Jadeja trapped Joe Root (26) and England were suddenly struggling at 175/6.
Ashwin could not be denied in his 100th Test as the veteran off-spinner cleaned up the tail, dismissing Tom Hartley (6) and Mark Wood (0) in the same over, before wrapping up the England innings with wickets of Ben Foakes (24) and James Anderson (0).
While the ball did wonders for India, the English bowlers failed to find much support. The conditions changed as the sun began to set. Openers Sharma and Jaiswal were off to a flying start. The skipper posted an unbeaten 52, while Jaiswal scored 57 before getting stumped by Foakes off Shoaib Bashir. The left-hander crossed the 1000-run mark in only his ninth Test. Source: TNS -
Liverpool rout Sparta 5-1 and Roma tops Brighton in Europa League
Darwin Nunez scored twice to help Liverpool rout Sparta 5-1 and take a big step closer to the Europa League quarterfinals on March 7. Nunez’s right-footed shot from 25 meters (yards) flew past goalkeeper Peter Vindahl to double Liverpool’s early lead after Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty in Prague in the first leg of the round of 16.
The Uruguay international’s first strike of the evening was the 1,000th Liverpool goal scored under manager Jürgen Klopp, whose team will host the second leg next week at Anfield.
“We’re happy about the result and the performance,” Klopp told Czech public television. “Our goals were fantastic.”
In first-half stoppage time, Nunez let a pass from Mac Allister bounce in the right corner of the area before firing inside the far post for his second.
Nunez scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time Saturday to earn Liverpool a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
In Prague, Liverpool needed just a few minutes to go ahead.
Mac Allister sent Vindahl the wrong way in the sixth minute to convert a penalty awarded after the Argentine was downed in the area by Asger Sørensen.
Conor Bradley reduced the lead to 3-1 with an own goal a minute after he came on as substitute at the start of the second half. Luis Díaz restored the three-goal advantage seven minutes later. -
Ranthambore: A sanctuary for the majestic Bengal Tiger
The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is among the world’s most prominent tiger reserves, serving as a sanctuary for the majestic Bengal Tiger species. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, situated in Sawai Madhopur in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, is one of the largest tiger habitats in the country.
The Ranthambore National Park, along with the Ranthambore Fort and the surrounding hills and valleys, altogether make Ranthambore a traveller’s delight. The place is a boon for wildlife photographers and is perfect for excursions and sightseeing. Safari Rides add to the adventure along with hot Rajasthani picks for shopaholics. With an area of 392 kilometres square, Ranthambore National Park is a natural habitat for a variety of exotic species. It is an absolute delight for birdwatchers and an ideal place to watch animals in their natural habitat.
The Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century, stands tall over the entire National Park. Built by the Chauhan Dynasty, the Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located inside the fort is the majestic temple of Lord Ganesha, the Trinetra Ganesh Temple. Ganesha devotees flock the temple throughout the year. The other two temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ramlalaji respectively. Two Jain temples, devoted to Lord Sumatinath and Lord Sambhavnath are other attractions of the Fort. The Padam lake and the Surwal lake are two among many that are a haven for bird watching. The ideal time to visit these lakes is early morning. Located adjacent to the Padam lake is the Jogi Mahal, a red sandstone marvel. Kachida Valley, famous for locating panthers and bears, along with Raj Bagh Ruins and the surrounding deciduous forests altogether score brownie points for Ranthambore.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Spread in an area of 392 sq. Km, the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is one of the largest and famed tiger reserves in the country, famous for the magnificent Bengal Tiger found there. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve derives its name from the Ranthambore Fort located in the region. Situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, it forms a part of Project Tiger reserves, by the Government of India, set up in 1955. Ancient religious ruins found within the forest, surrounded by the rich biodiversity and aesthetically crumbling cenotaphs make Ranthambore Tiger Reserve a favourite spot for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and travellers.
Among other things, the tiger reserve is known for the medieval hunting trips carried out by the royals of Jaipur when hunting a tiger was the symbol of valour. One can take a safari ride through the jungle and experience watching a tiger in its natural habitat from a few metres away. Dry deciduous forests and marshy grassland forms a distinctive feature of this place with the Aravalli Range and Vindhya Plateau surrounding it to set it apart from the strikingly different desert in the very same state. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Kaldevi Sanctuary that surrounds this tiger reserve became part of the tiger reserve project in the 1990s.
Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari is the best way to explore the various zones of the Ranthambore National Park. Wildlife photographers and bird watchers often opt for these safaris to capture thrilling moments in the National Park. Jeep safaris need to be booked well in advance to ensure availability.
Ranthambhore Fort
Ranthambhore Fort is a magnificent fort erected by a ruler belonging to the Chauhan Royal family located in Ranthambhore in Rajasthan. The regal fort is said to have existed since the 12th century and is a perfect tourist attraction for those wanting to explore Royal Rajasthan. The splendid fort of Ranthambhore stands strong amidst dense forests that form the Ranthambhore National Park. The view of the fort from the national park and the view of the dense forest from the top of the fort are both worth seeing. As one explores the magnificent structure, they are bound to experience the magnificent vibe that the fort radiates in the warm sunlight of Rajasthan.
Ranthambore Fort has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is an important Hill Fort of Rajasthan. The dense forest that forms the Ranthambhore National Park was once the hunting ground of the royalty that lived here. The fort is surrounded by a massive wall and has strong stone pathways and staircases that lead to the top portion of the structure. As you trek upwards; do notice the traditional Rajasthani architecture with massive gates, pillars, domes, palace and temples. The reserve is home to some birds and animals. Tourists will usually find a lot of monkeys in and around the fort; however, if you are lucky, you may also be presented with the beautiful peacocks living in the National Park.
Surwal Lake
A beautiful natural water body, Surwal Lake is a treat to the tired eyes. It is located inside the Ranthambore National Park and the mesmeric surroundings make the attraction worth a visit. The region is also famous for bird watching and one can observe a number of migratory birds during the winter season. -
Mahashivratri: Lord Shiva’s great night
Maha Shivaratri (‘The Great Night of Shiva’) is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of the deity Shiva, between February and March. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is observed on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of Phalguna or Magha. The festival commemorates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, and the occasion that Shiva performs his divine dance, called the Tandava.
It is a notable festival in Hinduism, marking a remembrance of “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva. Ardent devotees stay awake throughout this night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on a pilgrimage to the Jyotirlingams. The festival is believed to have originated in 5th century BCE.
On this day Shiva devotees observe fast and offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves on Shiva Linga. Shivaratri is also spelled as Shivratri, Shivarathri and Sivaratri.Maha Shivaratri is a popular Hindu festival. It is celebrated every year in reverence of the Lord Shiva. Maha Shivaratri festival is also widely known as ‘Shivaratri’. It means the ‘Great Night of Shiva’. This auspicious day is believed to be the day of convergence of divine powers of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. It is believed that on this day the planetary position in universe evokes the spiritual energies very easily. Religious penances are carried out to gain boons through the practice of medication and yoga. People worships lord Shiva whole day and chants “Om Namah Shiva”. Some devotees also perform Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to seek divine blessings of Lord Shiva.
Shivaratri Rituals
Devotees of Lord Shiva observe the Shivaratri Festival by following the prescribed rituals with sincerity and devotion. All through the day, devotees abstain from eating food and break their fast only the next morning, after the nightlong worship. Ritual baths of Shivalinga in the numerous Shiva temples by Shiva worshipper, mainly women, is another significant feature of Shivratri customs and traditions. Devotees strongly believe that ritual worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri absolves them of past sins and they are blessed with Moksha.
As a tradition devotees wake up early in the morning of the Mahashivratri day and take a ritual sunrise bath, preferably in the holy waters of river Ganga. They also offer prayers to the Sun God, Vishnu and Shiva as a part of a purification rite observed on all-important Hindu festivals. After wearing fresh new clothes devotees visit the nearest Shiva Temple to give the customary bath to the Shivalinga.
On a Shivratri day, Shiva temples are thronged by devotees, mainly women, who come to perform the traditional Shivalinga pooja and seek blessings from the god. At times there is so much rush in the temples that devotees have to wait for their turn to observe pooja. At their turn for worship, devotees circumambulate the Shivalinga, three or seven times, and then pour water over it. Some also pour milk. Sounds of bell and shouts of ‘Shankarji ki Jai’ or (Hail Shiva) reverberate in the temple premises.
Ritual Bath of Shivalinga
Shivratri RitualsFollowing the rituals prescribed in the Shiva Purana, every three hours, Shivalingam is given a special bath with milk, yoghurt, honey, sandalwood paste and rose water. Puja, meditation and chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ accompany the ritual bath. Following the bath, vermilion paste is applied on the linga. Traditionally, leaves of a forest tree Aegle marmelos (bilwa, maredu, wood apple) are used for Shiva puja. Thereafter, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves, is kept on top of the Shivalinga. Ber or jujube fruit is a special offering to the god on this day. Beetle leaves are also offered by some. Some also offer bilwa leaves in the belief that the Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. Others believe it is offered for its cooling effects on the hot-tempered deity. Many devotees also decorate the linga with flowers and garlands and offer incense sticks and fruit.
Worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the night on Shivaratri Festival. Devotees stay awake all night and spend the night in Shiva temples in worship of Lord Shiva. Singing of hymns and verses in praise and devotion of Lord Shiva besides the intense chanting of Om Namah Shivay, the mantra that is said free people from all their sins, continue through the night on Shivaratri.
Special worship of Shiva by priests continues through the nightlong prayer vigil. During this ritual worship, Lord Shiva is offered special food made from the fruits of the season, root vegetables and coconuts. Those observing the Shivaratri Fast break their fast the next morning by consuming the prasad offered to Shiva.
Shivaratri Fast
Shivaratri Fast is considered to be the most important fast for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Shiva Purana goes on to say that if a devotee observes Shivaratri Vrata with sincerity, pure devotion and love he is blessed with the divine grace of Lord Shiva. Every year devotees observe Maha Shivaratri fast with devotion and sincerity. Though many go on a diet of fruits and milk, some do not consume even a drop of water all through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival.
According to Hindu mythology, observance of mahashivratri Vrat with discipline helps a devotee to control the two great natural forces that afflict a man, rajas guna (the quality of passionate activity) and tamas guna (the quality of inertia). When a devotee spends an entire day in the Feet of Lord and worships with sincerity, his motion is controlled and evils like lust, anger and jealousy, born of Rajas are ignored and subdued. Besides, when a devotee observes vigil throughout the night (jaagran) he manages to conquer the evils of Tamas Guna too. It has also been mentioned that when a devotee observes a round of worship every three hours, the Shivaratri Vrata becomes perfect.
Devotees of Lord Shiva believe consider Shivratri fast to be extremely auspicious and rate it equal or more than performing an Ashwamedha Yagna. Some believe that a devotee who observes a Shivaratri Fast with sincerity and utters the name of Lord Shiva with perfect devotion is absolved from all sins. Such a devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shiva and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death. -
US stock market: Shares rally to records ahead of jobs report
Global stock indexes rallied to record highs on Thursday, while government bond yields fell after the European Central Bank held interest rates steady and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that easing was likely in 2024 if inflation behaved.
The yield on benchmark 10-year US Treasury notes hit a near one-month low then steadied as investors adjusted positions before Friday’s release of the February U.S. payrolls report.
That is a highly anticipated monthly U.S. economic release because of its centrality to the Fed’s high employment and low inflation mandates.
While the ECB left its policy rate at a record high, it took a first, small step towards lowering it, saying inflation was easing faster than it anticipated only a few months ago.
“We are making good progress towards our inflation target and we are more confident as a result – but we are not sufficiently confident,” ECB President Christine Lagarde told a press conference. That sent the pan-European STOXX 600 to a record high. It closed up 0.99%, while Europe’s broad FTSEurofirst 300 index rose 20.37 points, or 1.03% In the U.S., Powell on Wednesday testified before the House Financial Services Committee, saying rate reductions would “likely be appropriate” this year “if the economy evolves broadly as expected” and once officials gained more confidence in inflation’s steady decline. He repeated those comments before the Senate Banking Committee on March 7. -
Sensex, Nifty eke out gains to settle at fresh lifetime highs
Mumbai (TIP)- Benchmark Sensex and Nifty closed at fresh record highs on March 7 following gains in metal and FMCG shares amid firm global trends and foreign fund inflows.
In a highly volatile trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex eked out gains of 33.40 points or 0.05 per cent to settle at a new closing peak of 74,119.39. During the day, it jumped 159.18 points or 0.21 per cent to reach an all-time high of 74,245.17.
The Nifty rose by 19.50 points or 0.09 per cent to reach a new closing peak of 22,493.55. During the day, it climbed 51.6 points or 0.22 per cent to a record high of 22,525.65. Among the Sensex firms, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Tata Motors, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, ITC and Nestle were the major gainers. Mahindra & Mahindra, Reliance Industries, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank and Power Grid were among the laggards. In Asian markets, Seoul settled in the green while Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong ended lower. European markets were trading on a mixed note. The US markets ended in positive territory on Wednesday.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 2,766.75 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.65 per cent to USD 82.42 a barrel.
The BSE benchmark jumped 408.86 points or 0.55 per cent to settle at a new record high of 74,085.99 on Wednesday. The Nifty climbed 117.75 points or 0.53 per cent to settle at a fresh closing peak of 22,474.05. -
Fed is ‘not far’ from confidence needed to cut rates, says Powell
Washington (TIP)- Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested the central bank is getting close to the confidence it needs to start lowering interest rates.
“We’re waiting to become more confident that inflation is moving sustainably at 2%,” Powell said Thursday while answering questions from the Senate Banking Committee. “When we do get that confidence — and we’re not far from it — it’ll be appropriate to begin to dial back the level of restriction.”
Never miss an episode. Follow the Big Take podcast on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. Read the transcript.
Powell’s remarks add some additional color about officials’ thinking around the timing of the first rate cut, bolstering the idea that such a move could come in the next few months.
Two-year Treasury yields fell following Powell’s comment, while traders boosted bets on a June rate cut.
Powell repeated his testimony from Wednesday that it would likely be appropriate to cut interest rates “at some point this year,” but made clear officials are not ready yet. Policymakers need more evidence that inflation is heading sustainably to the central bank’s 2% goal before acting, he said. After raising the benchmark federal funds rate more than five percentage points starting in March 2022, the Fed has held interest rates at a two-decade high since July. Against a backdrop of strong job growth and January jump in prices, officials have repeatedly emphasized they’re in no rush to lower borrowing costs from the current range of 5.25% to 5.5%. In December, the committee penciled in three interest rate cuts for this year, but Fed officials will update their forecasts at the March 19-20 meeting. The Fed chief was on Capitol Hill for the second of two days of his semiannual monetary policy testimony.
Powell’s European counterpart Christine Lagarde offered more specific guidance Thursday, indicating the European Central Bank may be in a position to lower rates in June. Fresh forecasts show inflation hitting the ECB’s 2% goal in 2025, but Lagarde said she and her colleagues aren’t “sufficiently confident” to start cutting yet.
“We clearly need more evidence, more detail,” the ECB president told reporters in Frankfurt, after policymakers left the deposit rate unchanged at 4% for a fourth straight meeting. “We will know a little more in April, but we will know a lot more in June.” Source: Bloomberg -
Moody’s ups growth forecast to 8% for FY24; India to remain fastest growing G20 nation
Moody’s Ratings on Thursday, March 7, raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY24 to around 8 per cent from 6.6 per cent on the back of strong domestic consumption and capital expenditure. The estimate comes a day after RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the economic growth in the current financial year could be close to 8 per cent in view of the third quarter GDP data released by the government.
The latest estimate of Moody’s is about 140 basis points higher than the earlier projection of 6.6 per cent made in November 2023.
The National Statistical Office has projected 8.4 per cent growth in December quarter of the current financial year. It has also revised GDP estimates for the first and second quarters to 8.2 per cent and 8.1 per cent from 7.8 per cent and 7.6 per cent, respectively. “We expect India to be the fastest-growing economy among major G20 countries, with its real GDP growth to accelerate to around 8 per cent in the fiscal year ending March 2024 (fiscal 2023-24) from 7 per cent in fiscal 2022-23,” Moody’s said in a report.
Government capital expenditure and strong domestic consumption will underpin India’s economic growth. Moreover, India is poised to benefit from increased global trade and investment opportunities arising from companies’ strategies to diversify away from China, it said. Source: PTI -
US army experimenting with generative AI chatbots in war games: Report
The United States Army Research Laboratory is experimenting to see whether OpenAI’s generative AI solutions can help battle planning, but within a military video game.
The New Scientist on Wednesday reported how US Army researchers are using OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo and GPT-4 Vision models to provide information about simulated battlefield terrain and details on friendly and enemy forces, as well as military lessons on attacking and defending. They also used two other AI models based on older technology. After that, they gave the AI assistants a mission to destroy all enemy forces and seize an objective point.
The AI assistants immediately outputted many courses of action, at which point, a user playing the role of a commander asked the model to refine that output. While OpenAI’s GPT models worked better than the other two models, they also caused more casualties while carrying out mission objectives.
The use of generative AI is just one small part of the US Army’s push to take full advantage of artificial intelligence in their strategy. Project Maven, the US Department of Defense’s flagship AI effort, has located rocket launchers in Yemen and surface vessels in the Res Sea and helped narrow targets for strikes in Iraq and Syria, reported Bloomberg in February.
But this potential use of AI on battlefields also raise many ethical concerns. The prospect of leaving decisions that could potentially kill people to machines is more reminiscent of the Terminator series of movies than that of a bright future espoused by AI evangelists. But that has not stopped the military. The Pentagon asked US lawmakers for billions of dollars to develop its artificial intelligence and networking capabilities, reported DefenseScoop in March. It has also established a Chief Digital and AI Officer positions to help use and spread the technology across the department.
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI confronting a mountain of legal challenges
After a year of basking in global fame, the San Francisco company OpenAI is now confronting a multitude of challenges that could threaten its position at the vanguard of artificial intelligence research. Some of its conflicts stem from decisions made well before the debut of ChatGPT, particularly its unusual shift from an idealistic nonprofit to a big business backed by billions of dollars in investments.
It’s too early to tell if OpenAI and its attorneys will beat back a barrage of lawsuits from Elon Musk, The New York Times and bestselling novelists such as John Grisham, not to mention escalating scrutiny from government regulators, or if any of it will stick. -
Russia wants to put a nuclear plant on the moon; China plans to help it
As the modern-age lunar race picks up pace, Russia and China are setting their sights on the moon with plans to establish a nuclear power plant. The power plant is expected to be established on the lunar surface between 2033 and 2035. Yuri Borisov, the head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, revealed this ambitious project in a statement, highlighting a significant collaboration between the two nations in advancing lunar exploration.
Borisov, who has a background as a former deputy defense minister, emphasised the collaborative efforts between Russia and China in a joint lunar program. He pointed out Russia’s valuable contribution with its expertise in “nuclear space energy,” marking a pivotal step towards sustainable lunar habitation.
The initiative aims to overcome the limitations of solar panels, which Borisov noted would not be enough for the electricity demands of future lunar settlements. Instead, nuclear power emerges as a viable solution to fuel these extraterrestrial habitats.
The complexity of delivering and installing a power unit on the lunar surface was acknowledged by Borisov, who stressed the importance of automating the process to avoid human presence during the initial stages.
This approach points to the challenges and risks associated with deploying nuclear technology in space.
Further expanding on Russia’s vision for space innovation, Borisov discussed the development of a nuclear-powered cargo spaceship, dubbed a “space tugboat.” This vessel, described as a “huge, cyclopean structure,” would leverage a nuclear reactor and high-power turbines to transport large cargoes between orbits, collect space debris, and fulfill other critical functions.
Despite the resolution of most technical questions surrounding the project, cooling the nuclear reactor remains a significant hurdle yet to be overcome. Russia’s lunar ambitions have been marred by setbacks, including the failure of its first moon mission in 47 years last year when the Luna-25 spacecraft crashed after spinning out of control.
However, Moscow remains undeterred, with plans for further lunar missions and explorations of a joint Russian-China crewed mission and even a lunar base. This comes as China announces its goal to send the first Chinese astronaut to the moon before 2030, signaling a competitive yet collaborative race to lunar colonisation. Amidst international concerns over the militarization of space, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed US warnings about Russia’s intentions to deploy nuclear weapons in space. -
Earth to witness fourth mass coral reef bleaching event
The world stands on the brink of witnessing its fourth mass coral bleaching event, a phenomenon that threatens to hit a vast expanses of tropical reefs, including significant portions of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef.
This dire prediction from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has marine biologists on high alert following a series of record-breaking ocean temperatures driven by climate change and the El Niño climate pattern.
Derek Manzello, the coordinator of NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch, expressed grave concerns about the impending crisis. “It’s looking like the entirety of the Southern Hemisphere is probably going to bleach this year,” he stated, emphasising the unprecedented scale of the potential disaster. “We are literally sitting on the cusp of the worst bleaching event in the history of the planet.”
Coral bleaching, a stress response triggered by elevated sea temperatures, leads to corals expelling the symbiotic algae that give them their vibrant colors. This loss not only leaves the corals pale and weakened but also jeopardizes the rich biodiversity they support. -
OSCAR 2024 NOMINEE FROM INDIA GETS NOTICED
By Mabel Pais
TO KILL A TIGER
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE nominee for the 2024 OSCARS
REOPENS: March 8 at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), more Cities to follow
“How a father’s love for his daughter challenged India’s ‘rape culture’” –
The Guardian – Saeed Kamali Dehghan
“A powerful portrait of a family’s strength. A masterfully observant film, in which one family’s fight for justice becomes a larger parable about a pressing human rights issue.” – Pat Mullen, POV Magazine
Dir/Co-Prod/Writ: Nisha Pahuja; Co-Prods: Cornelia Principe & David Oppenheim; 2022; Documentary; Hindi with Eng/subs; 2h 5m
Exec.Prod: Mindy Kaling, Dev Patel, Rupi Kaur alongside AC Films Inc’s Andy Cohen, NFB’s Anita Lee, Atul Gawande, Andrew Dragoumis, Anita Bhatia, ShivHans Pictures’ Shivani Rawat, Deepa Mehta, Minor Realm’s Samarth Sahni & Priya Doraswamy.
In a small village in Jharkhand, India, 2017, a farmer becomes embroiled in conflict when he and his wife report to the police a horrific crime — after a family wedding, three village men dragged their 13-year-old daughter into the woods and raped her. According to government data, a woman is raped every 16 minutes in India, and conviction rates are less than 30 percent. Village leaders launch a campaign not for justice, but for the father to drop charges and marry his daughter off to one of her arrested rapists—an “honorable” solution to preserve the community’s dignity. Watch the trailer – youtu.be/Tgu2k1e8sUs
With intimate access to both father and daughter through the years long ordeal (emotional, legal, financial), along with candid interviews with neighbors, the village ward, and NGO activists, Pahuja reveals a riveting story of one family’s inspiring, courageous battle, and the survival instincts of a society entrenched in toxic patriarchy.
“The story is heart-wrenching but triumphant, and stays with you long after you’ve seen it. TO KILL A TIGER shows you not only the power of a father’s love but the strength of a young woman who faced the unimaginable, and chose to fight,” Mindy Kaling said in a statement.
Dev Patel called TO KILL A TIGER a “David and Goliath story to the highest extent,” as well as “one of the most important in modern Indian history. In a culture where submission is commonplace, to challenge a centuries old system that has silenced the voices of victims is revolutionary. Despite threats against the family and being ostracized in their community, they remained unflinching in their resolve.”
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INDIAN FILMMAKER’S 1988 WORK RESTORED
Calypso Rose (Credit :kinolorber.com) By Mabel Pais
ONE HAND DON’T CLAP
“Kavery Dutta Kaul’s vivid and engaging documentary moves and shakes with inimitable music.” – Luis Francia, The Village Voice
“Seductively rhythmic and poetic…not just a documentary about music and musicians, but an examination of cultures co-existing as if in parallel universes.” – John Anderson, New York Newsday
Opens March 8 in New York City, April 8 in several theaters in Los Angeles
Dir: Kavery Dutta Kaul; USA; English; Color; 1h 32m
ONE HAND DON’T CLAP captures the vibrant story of calypso and the emergence of soca, through the eyes of two legendary artists, Lord Kitchener, the Grandmaster of the music and Calypso Rose, the first woman to break through in a traditionally male arena.
Forging onscreen the connections between American communities and where families come from, the documentary leads audiences from New York recording studies to the awesome magic of Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago. The film features artists across the 20th century whose songs reflect regional and global themes that continue to resonate. The many generations in ONE HAND DON’T CLAP trace the evolution of a musical style whose infectious rhythms and exhilarating irreverence have found their way to ever-broadening audiences worldwide.
ONE HAND DON’T CLAP is an important and unique piece of work that does just that. Its vivid colors and imagery bring creative expression of this appealing but perhaps unfamiliar music to a global audience. Kavery’s film plays a pioneering role in the recognition bestowed upon this art form in more recent times. The energy of calypso music combined with the film’s character-driven, informative and entertaining story telling style reaches across borders.
Capturing the audacity and authenticity of its subjects, ONE HAND DON’T CLAP represents momentous perspectives on the music and politics of Caribbean nations and the West Indian-American community. This powerful musical force from the Caribbean combines witty English lyrics with an explosive beat that has burst out in Buster Poindexter’s ‘Hot, Hot, Hot’ and Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long’. ONE HAND DON’T CLAP also reflects the legacy of a vast West Indian-American population, the surprising entrepreneurial growth of their music industry in the US and the iron going ties to the traditions that flourish in the islands they come from. It lends voice to what it means to be American. Awarding the film four stars as “seductively rhythmic and poetic”, John Anderson wrote in New York Newsday, “You might ask yourself halfway through the film why calypso music hasn’t become a bigger part of the American musical culture. When it’s over, you might ask yourself how your concept of the American musical culture could have been so narrow?
DIRECTOR KAVERY KAUL
Director/producer Kavery Kaul makes documentaries that take audiences to places they may not know, to meet people who introduce them to a new experience, a fresh world view.
“Carnival season — that period from the New Year till Ash Wednesday — makes Trinidad one of the greatest film sets in the world. It also poses immense logistical difficulties from a production standpoint”, Kavery recalls. “The challenge was to keep all that out of the film and put the focus on Kitchener, Rose, the other performers, and the story of their music.”
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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SOCIALLY RELEVANT™ FILM FEST NY CELEBRATES WOMEN FILMMAKERS
By Mabel Pais
The 11th Edition of the SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival, NY (ratedsrfilms.org) opens March 13 at the Maysles Documentary Center, then on March 14 at MRHS, and continues March 15-17 at Cinema Village, and finally March 18 at the National Arts Club for the Awards Ceremony.
International Women’s History Month
On the occasion of International Women’s History Month, SRFF celebrates the Women Filmmakers of 2024 with a dedicated program of films, a webinar, and a screening followed by a panel discussion at NGO CSW’s 68th UN Forum.
The in-person events are preceded by two webinars respectively on March 8, with all the women filmmakers of SRFF 2024 (26 in total representing 50% of the Official Selection), and on March 11, when SRFF participates with two films made by women and about women, followed by a panel discussion, as a partner organization in NGO CSW’s (the Committee on the Status of Women) 68th annual UN Forum. The two films are Lego Oma, by Karina Sturm (Germany), and Women on the Move, by Alice Lemkes (UK). Details and registration links may be found on the SRFF website – ratedsrfilms.org/2024scheduleandvenues
Social Issues
SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival, NY covers a broad range of social issues. Totaling (ratedsrfilms.org) 53 films, the Official Selection, including the short films lineup, can be found on the festival’s website under the 2024 Program – (ratedsrfilms.org/2024program). The main themes are 100 Years of Armenian Cinema, Black History Month, BIPOC films, Aging and Disability, Women, LGBTQI+, and more. A special in-person program was presented on February 26, on the occasion of Black History Month at MRHS, one of the festival venues (ratedsrfilms.org/2024scheduleandvenues).
Most of the line-up films stream online starting March 19. The Festival’s YouTube Channel (youtube.com/channel/UCTSz55oZhoPPlhJos82RoSw) streams ‘Meet the Filmmakers’ live interviews, and the trailers of the selected films can be viewed there.
AWARDS
The SRFF 2024 competition award categories are The Vanya Exerjian – Empowering Women and Girls Award, Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Actor, Best Actress and the Vision Award by festival partner IndiePix. The Finalist Screenplay Awards are sponsored by InkTip and NetworkISA.
“Eleven years have gone by quickly. We’re proud to have had the opportunity to present 700 socially relevant films from 40 countries over the past 10 years. The work of talented and dedicated filmmakers has offered us the bonus of learning about the human condition, filmmaking, and ways of engaging an audience, as the first steps towards raising awareness of social issues.” Festival Founding Artistic Director Nora Armani said.
TICKETS
For a limited time only, Early Bird Tickets, Trio Tickets are available at discount prices at filmfreeway.com/SRFF24/tickets.
Full price tickets are also available.
Press and Media are invited.
The SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival, NY
Website – ratedsrfilms.org
Email – ratedsrfilms@gmail.com
SRFF was founded by Actress/ Filmmaker Nora Armani in 2013 as a response to the proliferation of violence and violent forms of storytelling in media and entertainment. Following a family tragedy that cost the lives of two of her dearest and nearest, namely her cousin Vanya, and uncle Jack Exerjian, Armani founded the festival to commemorate them in a meaningful way.
SRFF believes in the power of the film medium in raising awareness of social issues and promoting positive social change. This new edition deals with topics such as Climate Change, Family and Adoption, LGBTQ Rights, Home and Health, Disability, Incarceration and Freedom, New York City, Racism, and BIPOC cultures.
The Mission of the SR Film Festival is to shine the spotlight on filmmakers who tell compelling, socially relevant, human-interest stories across a broad range of social issues without resorting to gratuitous violence and violent forms of storytelling.
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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CELEBRATE ST. PADDY’S DAY WITH TRINITY DANCE FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
By Mabel Pais
Spend St. Paddy’s Day at NJPAC?
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) welcomes the Trinity Irish Dance Company to perform on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 7 p.m. on the Prudential Hall stage.
There’s no better way to spend St. Patrick’s Day than with the Trinity Irish Dance Company at NJPAC. It is Irish step dancing with a rebellious spirit—featuring a troupe of high-energy performers with incredible athletic prowess and precision footwork. Trinity is a modern take on the traditional art form, set to music ranging from Irish fiddle to electric guitar. Founded in Chicago in 1990, this uniquely Irish-American company was the birthplace of progressive Irish dance, opening new avenues of artistic freedom that led directly to commercial productions such as “Riverdance.”
This Saint Patrick’s Day celebration showcases breathtaking displays of athleticism through high-energy performances and modern takes on a timeless, traditional art form.
Under the lead of Mark Howard, founding artistic director/choreographer – and recent inductee into the 2023 Irish American Hall of Fame –the internationally-renowned Trinity Irish Dance Company brings world premiere work to NJPAC!
“Sophisticated and commanding” (Los Angeles Times), the Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) is the birthplace of progressive Irish dance, an innovative movement genre that “ushered in a new era for Irish step dance” (Chicago Tribune).
FUSION DANCE
The Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) creates a thrilling fusion of customs and innovation. Imagine Irish fiddle meets electric guitar, with explosive choreography that ignites the stage and sends your heart racing. It is a breath of artistic fresh air, but still guaranteed to leave you breathless.
The Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) prides itself in its mission to preserve the integrity and ancestral roots of Irish dancing. Trinity Irish Dance Company stands apart in a world saturated with showy, cliche Irish dance productions. They prioritize artistic exploration and push the boundaries of the form in its natural state. Michelle Dorrance, the renowned choreographer of their show ‘American Traffic,’ defines them as “the cutting edge of Irish dance,” achieving a “powerful combination of cultural depth, innovation, and artistry.”
FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
From its inception over 30 years ago, TIDC has been more than just a dance troupe; it has been a beacon for female empowerment and inclusivity. Their stage serves as a platform for powerful women to bring the thunder and shatter stereotypes, redefining the landscape of Irish dance. With every step and captivating performance, TIDC continues to carve a path for equality and artistic freedom. They are unapologetically feminist, unafraid to break down barriers and challenge the status quo.
With a unique blend of uncompromising power and grace, Trinity sends a consistent message of female empowerment with a repertory that is elevating and evolving the art form for nearly three decades.
PROGRAM
Ushering in St. Patrick’s Day with their unique vision to fuse vibrant Irish traditions with ever-evolving American innovation, their mixed repertory program will include two world premiere works:
‘TAKING THE MICK,’ choreographed by Mark Howard and Associate Artistic Director Chelsea Hoy, takes the versatility of these artists to a new level through multi-genre vignettes of rapid-fire footwork, theatrics, and twisted traditions. Drawing upon the American Vaudeville era and its place in Irish step dance history, ‘Taking the Mick’ blends commentary and innovation through a movement that is at once whimsical and fierce.
‘P.O.V.’ is a new work by elusive, renowned choreographer Harrison McEldowney, who has come out of retirement specifically for Trinity Irish Dance Company with a concept that brings a unique “point of view” to audiences who constantly ask, “What is it like to be a Trinity Irish dancer?” A collaboration between two Chicago dance community stalwarts, ‘P.O.V.’ provides the audience with a unique “lens” into TIDC’s fast-paced movement genre. Each performance is unique to its audience and venue – you must be there to believe what you see!
TICKETS
For tickets to see the performance, visit NJPAC.org or the box office or call 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Visit NJPAC.org or call 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) for more information.
Follow NJPAC Online:
Website: njpac.org
Twitter: @NJPAC
Instagram: @NJPAC
Hashtag: #NJPAC
Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand
Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
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NJYC PRESENTS TIMELESS SONGS, FAVORITE MOVIE THEMES, INSPIRING MUSIC
NJYC choirs (Credit : WhartonArts.org) By Mabel Pais
Three ensembles from the New Jersey Youth Chorus (NJYC) presents ‘Songs from Our Childhood’’ on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at the JCC MetroWest located at 760 Northfield Avenue in West Orange.
NJYC’s Primo Coro led by Trish Joyce, Coro Vivo led by Dan Malloy, and Sola Voce led by Joanna Scarangello, will weave a story that includes timeless songs, favorite movie themes, and inspiring music. Choral selections include ‘This Old Man,’ ‘There Was an Old Woman’ ‘Who Swallowed a Fly,’ ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me,’ ‘The Fox,’ ‘Red Light,’ ‘Green Light,’ and ‘Touch the Sky,’ among others.
“Our NJYC choristers are excited to present this program, which will not only feature several selections from each chorus ensemble, but also hand clapping songs, favorite Disney and Wizard of Oz songs, and traditional camp songs. The audience is invited to raise their voices with the choir in this trip down memory lane. It will truly be a program that all ages can enjoy!” said NJYC Founder and Director Trish Joyce.
Wharton Arts, The New Jersey Youth Chorus
Learn more at WhartonArts.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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How gut health helps in improving bone density among women
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength and resilience of women worldwide yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, women often overlook a crucial aspect of their health: the gut. Recent research has unveiled a fascinating connection between gut health and bone density, especially among women. With women at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis than men, understanding how a healthy gut can be a game-changer for women’s bone health is important.
In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Dr Debojyoti Dhar, Co-Founder and Director at Leucine Rich Bio, shared, “The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota. This complex ecosystem plays a pivotal role in various physiological functions, including immune regulation, nutrient absorption, and even bone health. Recent studies have shed light on the intricate relationship between gut health and bone density, particularly in women. Several studies have shown that gut microbiota play an important role on bone metabolism (the intricate balance between bone formation and bone dissolution).”
Talking about Gut Dysbiosis and the role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids, she said, “Disbalance in the microbiota profile in the gut is called dysbiosis. Research has shown that dysbiosis in the gut can lead to loss of bone density. One of the key mechanisms through which the gut microbiota influences bone health is the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are byproducts of the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut bacteria. These compounds have been shown to enhance calcium absorption, reduce inflammation, and promote bone formation. Research indicates that higher levels of SCFAs are associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. This underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiota to support optimal bone health.”
Revealing why bone density is important, Dr Debojyoti Dhar said, “BMD is a measure of the amount of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, present in bone tissue. Higher BMD indicates greater bone strength and density, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Maintaining a healthy BMD is crucial for overall bone health and mobility, especially as women age and face hormonal changes that can affect bone density.”
Did you know menopause affects bone health? Dr Debojyoti Dhar informed, “Menopause is a critical period in a woman’s life when hormonal changes can significantly affect bone health. Estrogen, a hormone that declines during menopause, plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. As estrogen levels decrease, women become more susceptible to bone loss and osteoporosis. However, emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may modulate estrogen metabolism, potentially influencing bone health during menopause.”
Talking about gut microbiome profiling, she said, “Given the profound impact of gut health on bone density, knowing one’s gut microbiota offers scope for the management of bone-related issues. One way to gain insights into the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota is through gut microbiome profiling tests like BugSpeaks. These tests analyse the genetic material of gut microbes, providing valuable information about the overall health of the gut microbiota. By identifying any imbalances or deficiencies in the gut microbiota, women can take proactive steps to improve their gut health and, in turn, support their bone density. This may include dietary modifications, probiotic supplementation, and lifestyle changes that promote a healthy gut environment.”
On this Women’s Day, let’s recognise the significant impact of gut health on women’s bone density and overall well-being. By taking charge of gut health, understanding their gut microbiome through profiling and adopting gut-friendly habits, women can maintain strong bones throughout their lives. Source: HT
