Kathmandu (TIP): Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on March 5 decided to form a new alliance with former premier KP Sharma Oli’s party after terminating its nearly 15-month partnership with the Nepali Congress due to differences between the top leadership.
The alliance between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) led by Prachanda and the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led Nepali Congress has been terminated as the growing differences between the two top leaders reached a climax, a CPN-Maoist Centre party leader said.
“As (the) Nepali Congress did not cooperate with the Prime Minister, we are forced to look for (a) new alliance,” Ganesh Shah, Secretary of the CPN-Maoist, told PTI.
Prachanda became the prime minister for the third term with the support of the Nepali Congress on December 25, 2022.
After breaking the alliance with the Nepali Congress –the largest party in the House of Representatives– Prachanda joined hands with the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), led by Oli, who was regarded as Prachanda’s top critic.
Last year, the CPN-UML withdrew its support to the Prachanda-led government following a rift over backing the main opposition party’s candidate for the presidential poll.
The new cabinet will be formed on Monday afternoon, and the size of the cabinet will be smaller, said Surendra Pandey, Vice-chairman of the CPN-UML.
The rift between the Maoist Centre and Nepali Congress grew after differences grew between Nepali Congress leader and Finance Minister Mahat and Prachanda over the issue of budget allocation to certain projects.
The rift grew as Nepali Congress President Deuba wanted the party’s senior leader and newly elected lawmaker Krishna Sitaula to be made the Chairman of the National Assembly against Prachanda’s plan to appoint his party’s fellow to the key post.
On Monday, the CPN-UML Chairman Oli met Prachanda at the Prime Minister’s quarters at Baluwatar and discussed matters relating to forming a new alliance, Shah said.
“The two leaders discussed the formation of a new government, a future course of action and possible leftist alliance among others, according to sources close to Baluwatar,” Shah said.
Soon after the meeting, leaders of three political parties, including Prime Minister Prachanda, CPN-UML chairman Oli and Rastriya Swatantra Party’s (RSP) Ravi Lamichhane met at Baluwatar and discussed the modality of the new alliance and the formation of the new government.
Nepali Congress emerged as the largest party in the House of Representatives during the November 2022 general election, securing 89 seats out of a total of 275.
The CPN-UML secured 78 seats, followed by the Maoist Centre, which got 32 seats.
The RSP, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Janata Samajwadi Party and CPN-Unified Socialist won 20, 14, 12 and 10 seats respectively. It is necessary for a party to win the support of at least 138 members of the House of Representatives to form the government.
CPN-UML, the second largest party in Parliament, will be a major alliance for the Prachanda-led new government. (PTI)
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Nepal PM ‘Prachanda’ forges new alliance with ex-premier Oli’s party after splitting with Nepali Congress
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Six people stabbed to death by 19-year-old student from Sri Lanka at Ottawa home
TORONTO (TIP): A 19-year-old student from Sri Lanka is accused of stabbing and killing six people he lived with, including a 2 1/2-month-old baby girl and three other kids from a Sri Lankan family, Ottawa police said Thursday. Ottawa police chief Eric Stubbs said an “edged weapon” or “knife-like object” was used by the suspect, who was identified as Febrio De-Zoysa. He has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. Mass killings are rare in Canada.
Stubbs said the deceased are Sri Lankan nationals who recently came to Canada. He said they include a 35-year-old mother, a 7-year-old son, a 4-year-old daughter, a 2-year-old daughter and the 2 1/2-month-old baby girl as well as a 40-year-old acquaintance of the family.
The police chief said when the first officers arrived at the home the family’s father was outside and screaming for someone to call 911. Police received two emergency calls at 10.52 pm Wednesday.
The father is in hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening, injuries.
“This was a senseless act of violence perpetrated on purely innocent people,” Stubbs said.
Sri Lanka’s high commission said that it is in touch with relatives in the country’s capital, Colombo.
De-Zoysa made a brief appearance in court Thursday and mumbled his assent as the justice of the peace ordered him not to speak to the father who survived the attack or to four other witnesses who provided statements to the police.
His case was adjourned until March 13 to give him time to find a lawyer.
Police were called to the home in the Barrhaven area just before 11 pm Wednesday night. The suspect was arrested quickly after that, and police said there was no continuing threat to public safety.
Don Perera, a neighbor, said he met the family that lived in the home last fall at a Halloween party at the nearby Catholic elementary school. He said the father was from Sri Lanka.
Shanti Ramesh, who lives across the street, was alerted to a commotion late Wednesday. From her balcony, she saw a man sitting on the driveway of the home and yelling before two police officers arrived and carried him away.
On Thursday morning, five marked police cars were parked on the street and in driveways near the home, which is a middle unit of a row of brick townhouses.
Several people in white jumpsuits were going in and out of the home throughout the early morning, while parents and kids walked and biked by on their way to a nearby elementary school.
“Our first reactions are all ones of shock and horror at this terrible violence,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe called the news distressing for all the city’s residents.
“It’s hard to believe,” he said. “It’s devastating and heartbreaking.”
Police have identified the victims as Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake, the 35-year-old mother; Inuka Wickramasinghe, a 7-year-old boy; Ashwini Wickramasinghe, a 4-year-old daughter, Rinyana Wickramasinghe, a 2-year-old daughter and Kelly Wickramasinghe, a 2 1/2-month-old baby girl. (AP) -
Indian American Forum organizes 13th Outstanding Women’s Achievements Award Gala 2024
Lifetime Achievement Award For Late Mrs. Sharan Premi March 3, 2024
GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): Celebrating the theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion’, with the aim of Inspiring others to understand and value women’s inclusion to forge a better world, Indian American Forum honored several dignified and accomplished women of substance at their 13th Annual Women’s Achievements Awards Gala this past weekend at the Metropolitan Caterers in Long Island.Under the leadership of Chairperson Indu Jaiswal and Gala Chair Shammi Singh, known for their strong commitment and dedication to the community cause, along with the entire team of IAF, were the organizing force behind the GALA, celebrating the success of the outstanding achievements by these distinguished personalities in the presence of many accomplished guests and community leaders. The honorees were presented special citations from The Nassau County Hon. Bruce A. Blakeman’s office, Certificates of Recognition from The Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer S Desena, and Town Clerk Hon. Ragini Srivastava’s office, Town of Hempstead Hon. Donald X. Clavin’s office, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Office of The Nassau County’s Comptroller Elaine Phillips office.
Several Officials including North Hempstead Town Supervisor Hon. Jennifer S. Desena, Town of Hempstead Deputy Supervisor Hon. Dorothy L. Goosby,, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, respectfully invited and welcomed by Dr. Bobby Kalotee, portrayed the women empowerment and success.
Our distinguished awardees included:
• Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan -> MD DCH MPH practices Pediatrics, Public Health and Acupuncture in Long Island New York, Chairwomen’s Affairs for AAPI QLI for many years conducts free public health educational programs in Nassau County on numerous health issues including an annual Mental Health Symposium and Annual Breast Cancer Awareness seminar. She holds several core community leadership positions not limited to: President Grant Medical College Alumni USA Inc., Regional Director Mid-Atlantic region AAPI, Chair Publications AAPI, Vice Chair Asian American Advisory Committee Nassau County and Advisory committee Hindu Temple Flushing NY.• Dr. Mala Sachdeva – Professor of Medicine at Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and academic nephrologists, an educator, and part of the full-time faculty at the Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension in Great Neck, New York, North well Health System. Currently she has been elected as President Elect in 2024 and then will serve as President (2025-2026) for Women In Nephrology Organization, a national organization advocating and mentoring wo men and men in developing exciting careers in the field of renal disease.
• Neela Mukherjee Lockel – President and Chief Executive Officer at EAC Network. She has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross on Long Island since 2016, where she oversaw Red Cross activities across Nassau County and Suffolk Counties, and sat on the Regional Leadership Team of Greater New York. She facilitated the Regional Board Diversity Committee, was a member of the Advanced Public Affairs Training Team and the American Red Cross LEAD, an internal leadership development program. She has deployed to Red Cross disaster responses for Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018) and the California Wildfires (2017), and sat as the Interim Regional CEO for the Maine Region, to lead the team through a merger into the Northern New England Region.
• Dr. Mamta Shaha – President of North Shore Rotary Club. She is a Board-Certified Pediatrician and an Assistant Professor of pediatrics at New York University. She is also a Board-certified Ophthalmologist from Bombay University. She is actively involved with JAINA (Federation of Jain Association in North America) and has served as JAINA Northeast Vice president for two years and served as a director of the Jain Center of America NY for 4 years. She currently chairs two committees in JAINA: As a Chairperson of the JAINA Media Committee, she produced and directed the weekly Jain TV show “Mangalam” for 10 years.
Rhea Manjrekar, Rani Verma, Pinky Rangi, Dr Mamta Shaha, Dr Bhavani Srinivasan, Dorothy Goosby, Ms. Elaine Phillips, Neela Lockel Mukherjee, Samyukhtha Arun Kumar, Dr Mala Sachdeva, Indu Jaiswal, Beena Kothari, Dr Bobby Kumar Kalotee, Roopam Maini Vimal Goyal, Deepak Bansal, Wioletta, Aashmeeta Yogiraj, Chanbir Kaur Sethi • Samyukhtha Arun Kumar – Youth leader and inspiring next generation athlete, Golfer
• Late Mrs. Sharan Premi – Lifetime Achievement Award
Mr. and Mrs. Premi took much pride in their incomparable ability to help the local community. They helped with anyone needing assistance. Mrs. Premi never had an issue with welcoming anyone into her home, and she would single-handedly cook meals for large groups of people at the drop of a hat. Many a times they housed people who had nowhere to go. Mrs. Premi helped new immigrants with Housing, providing shelter and guiding them in his new environment for several years. Their House was known as Mini Punjab.Starting with the beautiful décor and warm welcome with sumptuous appetizers, the evening started with American and Indian National Anthem followed by a rocking welcome by hosts Roopam Maini and Chanbir Kaur. Sunita Sadhnani rocked audience with her melodious singing. DJ Parminder rocked the dance floor.
Several distinguished political and community leaders, IAF Board of Trustees, Members, Volunteers, supporters and audience graced the occasion applauding the distinguished accomplishments of women honorees. Several Board of Trustees and community leader in presence included Dr Urmilesh Arya, Dr Bhupendra Patel, Beena Kothari, Flora Parekh – President of Gift of Life USA, Dr. Pallavi Manvar Singh, Dr. Sunil Mehra (AAPI), Pradip Tandon (President IALI), Dr. Jagdish Gupta President (AIA), Vijay Goswamy, Anju Sharma, Dr. Purnaprasad, Dr. Prachi Dua and many other organization leaders. Aashmeeta Yogiraj emceed the event with hosts Indu Jaiswal, Roopam Maini and Chanbir Kaur and concluded with a Thank you note from Beena Kothari, Viola and Flora Parekh. Entire IAF team with several volunteers were instrumental in making the event a grand success. It was indeed a very successful evening, showcasing and honoring outstanding women achievers, who are successful in business, cultural, professional, education, and medical. Community and social services.(Press release by Indu Jaiswal)
Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosy and Elaine Phillips enjoying Music and Dance. -
3 killed in Houthi missile attack on Barbados-flagged bulk carrier True Confidence in Gulf of Aden
Dubai (UAE) (TIP): A missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden on March 6 killed three of its crew members and forced survivors to abandon the vessel, the US military said. It was the first fatal strike in a campaign of assaults by the Iranian-backed group over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The attack on the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier True Confidence further escalates the conflict on a crucial maritime route linking Asia and the Middle East to Europe that has disrupted global shipping. The Houthis have launched attacks since November, and the US began an airstrike campaign in January that so far hasn’t halted their attacks.
Meanwhile, Iran announced Wednesday that it would confiscate a $50 million cargo of Kuwaiti crude oil for American energy firm Chevron Corp. aboard a tanker it seized nearly a year earlier. It is the latest twist in a yearslong shadow war playing out in the Middle East’s waterways even before the Houthi attacks began.
The US military’s Central Command said an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen struck the True Confidence, causing significant damage to the ship. In addition to the three deaths, at least four crew members were wounded, with three in critical condition.
Two aerial photos released by the US military showed the the ship’s bridge and cargo on board ablaze.
“These reckless attacks by the Houthis have disrupted global trade and taken the lives of international seafarers simply doing their jobs, which are some of the hardest jobs in the world, and the ones relied on by the global public for sustainment of supply chains,” Central Command said.
The attack came after the ship had been hailed over radio by men claiming to be the Yemeni military, officials said. The Houthis have been hailing ships over the radio in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since beginning their attacks, with analysts suspecting the rebels want to seize the vessels.
After the missile hit, the crew abandoned the ship and deployed lifeboats. A US warship and the Indian navy were on the scene, trying to assist in rescue efforts.
The ship’s managers and owners said the ship’s crew of 20 included one Indian, 15 Filipinos and four Vietnamese. Three armed guards, two from Sri Lanka and one from Nepal, also were on board. The ship had been carrying steel from China to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The United Nations called on the Houthis “to cease all attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, expressing serious concern about the continuing attacks, including the latest incident where the status of the crew is unknown.
Dujarric said the attacks are causing risks “to property, to life, to ecology in the area.”
At the State Department in Washington, spokesman Matthew Miller condemned the attack. “We continue to watch these reckless attacks with no regard for the well-being of innocent civilians who are transiting through the Red Sea. And now they have, unfortunately and tragically, killed innocent civilians,” he told reporters.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre separately warned: “The US obviously is going to continue to take action.”
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed the attack in a prerecorded message, saying its missile fire set the vessel ablaze. He said the rebels’ attacks would only stop when the “siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza is lifted.”
The rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over the Israel-Hamas war, but up to Wednesday hadn’t killed any crew members. The vessels have included at least one with cargo bound for Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor, and an aid ship later bound for Houthi-controlled territory.
Despite more than a month and a half of US-led airstrikes, Houthi rebels have remained capable of launching significant attacks. They include the attack last month on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, the Rubymar, which sank on Saturday after drifting for several days, and the downing of an American drone worth tens of millions of dollars.
It was unclear why the Houthis targeted the True Confidence. However, it had previously been owned by Oaktree Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based fund that finances vessels on installments. Oaktree declined to comment.
Meanwhile, a separate Houthi assault Tuesday apparently targeted the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that has been involved in the American campaign against the rebels. The Carney shot down bomb-carrying drones and one anti-ship ballistic missile, Central Command said. Saree acknowledged that attack as well. (AP) -
Sexually transmitted infections surge in Europe, latest data shows
London (TIP): Sexually transmitted infections surged across Europe in 2022, with reported cases of gonorrhoea jumping by nearly a half, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said as it released its most recent data on March 7. Syphilis cases rose by 34% from the previous year, to more than 35,000, chlamydia cases by 16% to more than 216,000. Gonorrhoea cases jumped by 48% to more than 70,000.
“The numbers paint a stark picture, one that needs our immediate attention and action,” said ECDC director Andrea Ammon in a press conference on the data.
Untreated STIs can lead to a range of health problems including chronic pain, infertility and, for syphilis, neurological and cardiovascular complications.
Cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and congenital syphilis, when the infection is transmitted from mother to foetus, also increased sharply, ECDC said, although from lower levels.
Rates of STIs have been rising for years in many countries, including in Europe, although this was stalled by Covid as most governments imposed social isolation measures, people stayed home and reporting rates fell.
A number of reasons were behind the sustained rise, ECDC said, including better surveillance and a rise in home-testing as well as an increase in riskier sexual behaviour.
A leap in infections among young heterosexual people in the latest data, and particularly young women, could be due to a change in sexual behaviour post-pandemic, the EU agency said.
It said there was no evidence yet that the rise in gonorrhoea infections was due to antimicrobial resistance, but said it would continue to monitor this. Ammon said the numbers were likely the “tip of the iceberg” as many infections go undetected.
European countries need to focus on testing, treating and prevention efforts, she said, and individuals need to take steps to protect themselves, particularly by using condoms, for example. (Reuters) -
Russian spy chief scolds French President Macron for ‘extremely dangerous’ remark on Ukraine
Moscow (TIP): Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign intelligence chief has said French President Emmanuel Macron’s refusal to rule out sending European troops to fight Russian soldiers in Ukraine was extremely dangerous and irresponsible.
Macron said last month that there was no consensus on sending European troops to fight in Ukraine but that nothing should be excluded, though the United States and other European members of the alliance have said there were no plans to do so.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered the deepest crisis in Moscow’s relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, and President Vladimir Putin has warned that the West risks provoking a nuclear war if it sends troops to fight in Ukraine.
Asked about Macron’s remarks, Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), the main successor to the KGB’s First Directorate foreign spying section, said they were deeply irresponsible.
“This shows the high degree of political irresponsibility of Europe’s leaders today, in this case, the president of France,” Naryshkin told state television in remarks on Tuesday. “These statements are extremely dangerous.”
“It is sad to see this, sad to observe and sad to understand that the ability of current elites in Europe and the North Atlantic to negotiate is at a very low level,” he said.
“They more and more rarely demonstrate any common sense at all.” Russia and the United States have the world’s largest arsenals of nuclear weapons. President Joe Biden has cautioned that a conflict between Russia and NATO could trigger World War Three.
After the Russian invasion in 2022, Western leaders said they would help Ukraine defeat Russian troops on the battlefield and drive out Russian troops. Ukraine recaptured large swathes of territory in 2022.
But Kyiv’s counteroffensive in 2023 failed to pierce heavily dug in Russian lines, and Russian forces have been pushing into Ukrainian territory just as U.S. support for Ukraine is tangled in domestic political debates.
Russia controls just under one fifth of territory internationally recognised as Ukraine. (Reuters) -
Will legitimately defend rights in South China Sea: Beijing
Beijing (TIP): China’s foreign minister Wang Yi on March 7 took a belligerent stance on the disputed South China Sea, warning of “justified actions” to defend its sovereignty claims and chided the US for not implementing its commitments to improve bilateral ties.
Wang, in his customary annual press conference on the sidelines of the Parliament session, took officially vetted questions from the national and international media on varied topics of global significance.
Wang 70, a veteran diplomat and member of the Politburo of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), abruptly took over as Foreign Minister last year after his junior Qin Gang was dismissed. The fate of Qin is not known yet. There was speculation about Wang being succeeded by Liu Jianchao, the Chinese diplomat currently heading the international department of the CPC, but there was no announcement about it.Wang, in his nationally televised press meet that lasted nearly 90 minutes, spoke sternly on the South China Sea disputes as he warned that, “China will take justified actions to defend its rights in accordance with the law, and respond to unwarranted provocations with prompt and legitimate countermeasures in the South China Sea.” His comments came as the South China Sea dispute returned to haunt Beijing with the Philippines, backed by the US, began asserting its claims confronting the Chinese coast guard ships with its naval assets.
China claims most of the South China Sea. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. “The Chinese people have lived and worked in the South China Sea for generations,” Wang said about China’s claims. Wang also announced a visa-free policy for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg on a trial basis, starting March 14.
Meanwhile, a top American diplomat for East Asia and the Pacific, Daniel Kritenbrink, criticised China for using intimidation tactics against other countries in the region to press its sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea. — PTI -
Indian Film Critic and Curator Murtaza Ali Khan Attends 74th Berlin International Film Festival as State Guest of Germany
NEW DELHI (TIP): Murtaza Ali Khan, noted Indian film critic and curator, was invited by the Federal Republic of Germany to attend the prestigious 74th Berlin International Film Festival. As a distinguished guest of the Federal Republic of Germany, Khan’s participation underscored the strong cultural ties between India and Germany. The festival was held in Berlin from 15 – 25 February, 2024.
Hosted by the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany through its Visitors Programme, Khan’s attendance at the Berlinale presented a unique opportunity for him to engage with various luminaries from the global cinema industry. During his visit, Khan got a firsthand taste of the vibrant culture of Germany. His itinerary included visits to prominent institutions such as Deutsche Kinemathek – Museum für Film und Fernsehen, Film University Babelsberg Konrad Wolf, Federal Foreign Office, and Goethe-Institute, Berlin. Additionally, Khan participated in events organized by Berlinale Talents and engaged in discussions on film financing and location promotion.
The Berlin International Film Festival, established in 1951, is renowned for its rich history and serves as a vital platform for intercultural exchange and critical exploration of societal issues. Khan’s presence at the festival as a critic, cultural writer, and curator further enhances the dialogue between India and Germany, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to fostering global understanding through cinema.
This year the Berlin International Film Festival witnessed a very strong Indian presence with films such Raam Reddy’s ‘The Fable,’ Siddartha Jatla’s ‘In the Belly of a Tiger,’ PS Vinothraj’s ‘The Adamant Girl,’ Gavati Wad’s ‘O Seeker,’ Nishi Dugar’s short film ‘Sour Candy,’ and Subarna Dash’s animated short film The Girl Who Lived in the Loo, among others. ‘The Fable,’ starring Manoj Bajpayee alongside Deepak Dobriyal, Priyanka Bose, and Tillotama Shome, made its debut at the 2024 Berlinale in the festival’s competitive Encounters section, garnering praise from critics and audiences worldwide.
In a tribute to a three-decade-long illustrious, the Tagore Centre at the Indian Embassy in Berlin paid homage to Manoj Bajpayee. The event, hosted by Trisha Sakhlecha, Director of the Tagore Centre, coincided with the premiere of ‘The Fable’ at the 74th Berlinale. The celebration, commemorating both Manoj Bajpayee’s 30-year career and the foundation of the Tagore Centre, drew a diverse crowd of fans from India and Germany. Parvathaneni Harish, the Ambassador of India to Germany, also graced the occasion alongside various distinguished dignitaries, including the German Diplomat Karsten Warnecke, the former Ambassador and Executive Director of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), who currently heads the Cultural & Societal Relations with Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean at the Federal Foreign Office.
Murtaza Ali Khan’s participation in the Berlin International Film Festival holds special significance for Indo-German cultural exchange as Khan is set to curate a rare retrospective for the Indian audiences based on the legendary German filmmaker Fritz Lang known for films such as Metropolis, M, The Testament of Dr. Mabuse, etc. Back in 2022, Khan had curated and presented a very unique film festival dedicated to the city of Berlin at the India Habitat Centre for the Embassy of Germany.
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Acclaimed professor of South Asian Literature Dr Kamal Verma passes away
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.”
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PM in Kashmir: Outreach laudable, but twin challenges remain
Paying his first visit to Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to the valley residents with the slogan ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’. His message is clear: the state-turned-UT’s development will go hand in hand with that of the country. He launched and dedicated to the nation more than 50 projects worth Rs 6,400 crore, including initiatives in the tourism sector and a project for the integrated development of the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar.
The PM has asserted that J&K is touching new heights of development and ‘breathing freely’ after the 2019 abrogation. It goes to the credit of the Union Government and the security forces that the count of terror-related incidents has come down significantly in recent years. The annual death toll — both of civilians and security personnel — has also been waning. No major terror strike has taken place in Kashmir after the Pulwama attack of February 2019. The government has been prioritizing development and employment in a bid to keep the youth off the perilous path of violence and extremism.
Amid all these confidence-building measures, there are two major challenges for the Centre: restoring J&K’s statehood and holding the Assembly elections. An inordinate delay in undertaking these all-important exercises is sending out the message that all is not well on the ground. This runs contrary to the government’s claim that everything is hunky-dory in J&K. The resumption of the electoral process is the need of the hour to regain the trust of political parties and voters. Allowing democracy to wither is a recipe for disaster in a region highly vulnerable to cross-border terrorism. The simmering discontent over perceived disempowerment following the revocation of the special status as well as statehood must be addressed with timely remedial steps.
(Tribune, India) -
Facts and statistics: On the national income data released by the National Statistical Office
- GDP numbers bring cheer in election year, and merit more scrutiny
The latest national income data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) last week have generated a fair amount of excitement as well as bewilderment. While the markets have cheered the NSO’s estimate of a robust 8.4% year-on-year growth in real gross domestic product (GDP) in the October-December quarter, some economists have been hard pressed to reconcile the sharp differences of well over a 100 basis points between the official estimates and their projections that many of them had made. The release also posits that real GDP grew by 8.2% and 8.1%, respectively, in the first and second quarters of the current fiscal, 40 and 50 basis points quicker than it had estimated earlier. Full-year real GDP growth too is now forecast at 7.6%, 30 basis points faster than the 7.3% growth it had estimated as recently as in January. A factor behind the upgrades in the current fiscal’s income estimates is the NSO’s revisions to the estimates for 2021-22 and 2022-23. While the revisions to 2021-22 data have resulted in that year’s real GDP growth being raised by 60 basis points to 9.7%, a fallout is the consequent scaling down of 2022-23’s GDP expansion to 7%, from the earlier estimate of 7.2%. Given that revisions to a previous year’s data automatically alter the year-on-year pace of growth, the base effect is a crucial element that has to be factored in while gauging the import of the headline number.
In real productive sectors of the economy, third-quarter gross value added (GVA) growth slowed to 6.5%, from an upwardly revised 7.7% pace in the preceding July-September period, as output in the key rural agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing sector contracted 0.8% year-on-year and growth momentum slowed sequentially across five of the other seven sectors that contribute to the GVA. That the GVA growth rate is a full 190 basis points slower than the GDP’s 8.4% pace is primarily because net indirect taxes are estimated to have surged 32% year-on-year in the last quarter, largely as a result of subsidy payouts, including on fertilizers, being drastically lower. To that extent, the GVA growth rate presents a truer picture of the health of the economy. And even on the demand or expenditure side, the data on private consumption spending and government consumption expenditure in the third quarter reveal a lack of traction. While private spending grew by a mere 3.5% year-on-year, government consumption spending actually shrank 3.2%. With the general election set to be announced any day now, the headlines around the NSO data serve as a poll-eve talking point. But there must be a sober analysis of the real state of the economy that draws on multiple statistical sets.
(The Hindu) -
Legislator Mulé Sings National Anthem at Suffolk Legislature
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (TIP): Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé (D – Freeport) had the honor of singing the National Anthem to open the meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature on Tuesday, March 5. Legislator Mulé, a classically trained soprano vocalist who earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the College of William and Mary and currently serves as a cantor at Our Holy Redeemer R.C. Church in Freeport, accepted the invitation from Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin (D – Huntington Station).
“It is always a privilege to honor our nation with the singing of the National Anthem, and I greatly appreciate Legislator Sanin’s invitation to lead the Suffolk County Legislature in this cherished tradition,” Legislator Mul Legislator Mulé said. “I look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with Legislator Sanin and all of our Suffolk counterparts to tackle the most pressing issues facing our region.”
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Gobind Munjal elected again as National President of AIA
HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): Gobind Munjal has been elected once again the National President of the oldest Association of Indians in America (AIA) for his 2nd term 2024 & 2025.
Along with him, his following team members also got elected:
Vice Presidents:
- Sushma Kotahwala, past president of AIA NY Chapter,
- Uma Swaminathan, the founding member and past president of NJ chapter of AIA
- Santosh Pandey from Chicago, past President of Illinois Chapter,
Treasurer: Gobind Bathija, President of Asa Mai Temple in Hicksville and well known, community leader
Secretary: Gunjan Rastogi, Past President of IALI
Members At Large: 20 in number from various States
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India Association of Long Island (IALI) Inducts Executive Council under the Leadership of President Pradeep Tandon
HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): On a wet and rainy evening with a chill in the air, the India Association of Long Island witnessed a momentous occasion at the Hicksville Community Center in Hicksville, New York. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the members of the 46-year-old organization showed immense support, turning the evening into a glittering ceremony.
The induction ceremony was a testament to the enduring strength of the India Association of Long Island and the unwavering commitment of its members. The show of support from the community added an extra layer of warmth to the chilly evening, turning it into a celebration of unity, diversity, and shared purpose.
As the organization enters a new chapter with the freshly inducted executive committee, the glittering ceremony symbolizes the continuity of a 46-year legacy and the anticipation of exciting new endeavors. The India Association of Long Island looks forward to continued growth, community engagement, and making a positive impact under the leadership of the new executive committee.
The evening unfolded with a harmonious start as the Oath Taking Ceremony commenced. The atmosphere resonated with patriotism as Karishma Pahuja, the granddaughter of Dr. Jagan Pahuja, President IALI 1987-1988, led the gathering in singing both the USA and Indian National Anthems.
Mr. Om Bhambri and Ms. Rita Bhateja, Election Committee members, took the stage to announce the results of the election. The air buzzed with anticipation as they revealed the names of the winning candidates. In a moment of triumph, the entire team emerged victorious with a landslide victory, marking a resounding mandate from the members. The success of the election was not only a testament to the dedication and trust bestowed upon the new executive committee but also a reflection of the unity and solidarity within the India Association of Long Island.
The event was attended by a remarkable turnout of esteemed guests. Among the distinguished attendees were Past Presidents, elected officials including Hon Joseph Saladino, Supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay, Hon Jennifer DeSena, North Hempstead Town Supervisor, Harry Malhotra, Director of South Asian Business and Development of the Town of Oyster Bay, and Bobby Kalotee, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission Nassau County Advisory Board, alongside association members and their spouses.
The ceremony garnered extensive media coverage, with TV ASIA, ITV GOLD, and other prominent outlets capturing the essence of this significant event. The presence of such influential figures reflected the importance and impact of the India Association of Long Island in the community.
Dr. Krishan Jhaveri, a distinguished member of the association, took the stage to introduce Secretary Dr. Neeru Bhambri, a dedicated member for 35 years, who has held various positions within IALI. Dr. Bhambri, in her welcoming address, expressed gratitude to all the guests for contributing to the success of the event. She pledged to serve with full motivation, professionalism, and transparency as the Secretary of IALI in 2024.Dr. Jhaveri extended an invitation to Past President Ms. Gunjan Rastogi, who, in turn, delivered a captivating introduction to President Pradeep Tandon.
The administration of the oath was a solemn moment led by Hon. Jennifer DeSena, the Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead in Nassau County, Long Island.
The ceremony commenced with the swearing-in of Pradeep Tandon as the President of IALI, a moment marked by significance and celebration. Two captivating pictures capture the essence of this pivotal moment, showcasing the commitment of President Tandon to lead IALI into a new era.
Following President Tandon’s oath, the stage was set for the induction of two other key officers. Dr. Neeru Bhambri took the oath of office as the Secretary, while Anjana Kashyap assumed the responsibilities of Treasurer.
Mr. Sushil Khanna, Vice President, did not take the oath as he was on vacation.
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NYS INSPECTOR GENERAL ANNOUNCES THE SENTENCING OF MONROE COUNTY MAN WHO FRAUDULENTLY OBTAINED $16,000 IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS
NEW YORK (TIP): New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang announced the sentencing of Brian Simpson, 55, of Monroe County, who defrauded the State Workers’ Compensation System of more than $16,000. Simpson, who had previously pled guilty on December 20, 2023, to one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Thomas J. DiSalvo in Webster Town Court to a term of three years’ probation and ordered to pay full restitution.
“This outrageous abuse undermines the integrity of the Workers’ Compensation System – a critical safety net designed to enable injured workers to provide for themselves and their families,” said Inspector General Lucy Lang. “My office will continue to proactively root out fraud and other abuses of this system to ensure that these crucial funds will remain available for those truly in need.”
The Inspector General’s investigation established that between April 11, 2022, and March 3, 2023, Simpson made multiple misrepresentations to examining physicians and submitted inaccurate paperwork to the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) regarding his inability to work during the covered period. More specifically, despite asserting that he was not working since sustaining an alleged workplace injury, the investigation established that Simpson was in fact actively working as a bus driver for First Transit, Inc. while collecting workers’ compensation benefits. As a result of his misrepresentations, Simpson fraudulently obtained benefits in the amount of $16,764.78.
Inspector General Lang thanked the members of her staff responsible for handling this investigation, including Investigator Erynn Migaj, former Investigator Mark LaMonte, Investigative Auditor Kaitlyn Gibbons, and Investigative Counsel Phil Druss, under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General Jeffrey Hagan and Chief Investigator Martin Stanford.
Inspector General Lang also expressed her gratitude to the New York State Insurance Fund for its partnership in the investigation, the New York State Police for assisting with Simpson’s arrest, and Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley and her office for their diligent work prosecuting this matter.
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Nassau County Democratic Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton comments on County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s Lawsuit Against Attorney General Tish James
MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Nassau University Medical Center is quickly running out of the money needed to operate, a situation that demands immediate and focused attention. Instead of addressing this, County Executive Blakeman has decided to engage in political theatrics that serve no purpose other than to distract from his administration’s failures. County Executive Blakeman’s choice to pursue this lawsuit over the welfare of Nassau County’s residents is a dereliction of duty. His job is to serve the taxpayers of this county, not to engage in costly and unnecessary legal fights on issues that distract from his fundamental responsibilities. I am baffled that County Executive Blakeman is standing idly by while his appointed hospital chair is declining $83 million in emergency State funding that could save the hospital in exchange for common sense reforms. This mistake puts every taxpayer on the hook for nearly $120 million in hospital debt Nassau County has guaranteed. It’s time for the County Executive to cease his grandstanding and begin the work he was elected to do—focusing on the urgent needs of our community and ensuring the stability of the County’s only safety net healthcare system.
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FORMER NYS CORRECTION OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY AFTER FRAUDULENTLY COLLECTING MORE THAN $35,000 IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS
NEW YORK (TIP): New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang announced the guilty plea of Charles Epps, a former New York State Correction Officer who collected over $35,000 in workers’ compensation indemnity benefits to which he was not entitled.
Epps, 56, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty yesterday in Erie County Court before Honorable Paul B. Wojtaszek to Insurance Fraud in the 3rd degree and Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree, both of which are class D felony charges under NYS Penal Law.
Prompted by a referral from the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), the Inspector General’s investigation established that on May 8, 2020, Epps claimed to have been injured while working at the Wende Correctional Facility in Alden, NY. He subsequently made a claim for workers’ compensation benefits and in July 2020 went out of work claiming a disability from the May injury. Epps received lost wage payments from DOCCS and the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) from July 2020 to November 2022.
While he collected indemnity benefits, Epps completed NYSIF Work Activity Reports and Independent Medical Examination questionnaires which falsely represented a lack of work activity. The Inspector General’s investigation revealed, however, that Epps began working as a motor coach operator for New York Trailways during this time period and was regularly assigned to operate a roundtrip bus route between Buffalo and New York City.
As a result of his misrepresentations to NYSIF, Epps fraudulently obtained $35,544.67 in workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, a related investigation by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) uncovered that Epps also fraudulently collected $16,907.40 in Social Security Disability benefits through concealment of his employment as a bus driver.
Epps was terminated from DOCCS during the investigation.
“All New Yorkers should be outraged that DOCCS is facing a daily staffing crisis due in large part to abuses of the Workers’ Compensation system,” said Inspector General Lucy Lang. “That this correction officer was uniquely situated to understand the impact that his unjustified absence posed to the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals alike, but still prioritized his own self-interest is unconscionable.”
“In addition to pleading guilty yesterday, I am pleased to announce that this defendant has been ordered to pay back the money he stole from the taxpayers of New York,” said Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn. “I would like to thank the New York State Inspector General’s Office and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for their work on this investigation and their partnership with my office. Together, we will continue to uncover the criminals who defraud the state systems that help the injured and disabled and hold them accountable for their crimes.”
Inspector General Lang thanked the members of her staff responsible for handling this important matter, including Investigator Erynn Migaj, Senior Investigator Maren Robinson-Traber, former investigator Mark LaMonte, and Investigative Counsel Jill Florkowski, under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General Jeffrey Hagen and Chief Investigator Martin Stanford.
Inspector General Lang also thanked the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General for their partnership on this case, the DOCCS Office of Special Investigations for their referral, and the New York State Insurance Fund for their cooperation. Lang also thanked Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn and his office for their diligent work prosecuting this matter.
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Mridangam Maestro T. S. Nandakumar: A Cultural Ambassador of India
By Ajay Ghosh
BRIDGEWATER, NJ (TIP): Well known around the world for his mastery of the Mridangam, a percussion instrument that is a primary rhythmic accompaniment in Carnatic music ensemble, and with expertise in various other percussion instruments, including konnakol (vocal percussion), thavil, ghatam, kanjira, and morsing, T. S. Nandakumar is a world renowned south Indian music artist, showcasing his versatility in Carnatic music, has devoted his entire life to the cause of popularizing Indian classical music around the world.
T. Shankaranarayanan Nandakumar, popularly known as “TSN” has played a pivotal role in spreading the knowledge about Indian drums, particularly the mridangam in the United States through his stage performances at prestigious orchestras, participation in global music events, educational initiatives and contributions, collaborations, global impact, and philanthropic endeavors. He has demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility through charity work, including organizing a 24-hour non-stop Akanda Seva Bhajan in aid of India’s tsunami victims.
T. Shankaranarayanan Nandakumar is being honored. Nandakumar’s belief that “Music is like a horizon which is never ending and has no boundaries” has enabled him to take music wherever he went. TSN’s participation in international festivals and workshops has contributed to the global awareness of Indian percussion, showcasing the richness of Indian drumming traditions and providing a platform for cross-cultural exchange. By actively participating in musical collaborations and performances in the United States, TSN not only showcases the beauty of the mridangam but also educates audiences about the intricacies and significance of this traditional Indian percussion instrument.
As a percussionist, TSN has accompanied luminaries in Carnatic music, including Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, M. D. Ramanathan, Bhimsen Joshi, T. N. Krishnan, M. Balamuralikrishna and others. His role as an accompanist has greatly enhanced the events with the performances of these eminent artists.
Through his musical engagements, TSN engages in a form of cultural diplomacy, fostering an appreciation for Indian music and drumming traditions. This indirect form of education occurs as audiences experience the artistry and cultural depth of the mridangam during performances.
“Through music you can reach god,” says Nandakumar and wants to spread this path to the Almighty. Not satisfied with his own mastery of classical Indian music, TSN took upon himself the mission to spread Carnatic music around the world. He established TSN’s Percussive Arts Centre. Inc (TSNPAC), where students are trained in diverse instruments. Since its inception in 1998 in Mumbai, India, TSNPAC has evolved into a hub for students to refine their skills and collaborate within the realm of Carnatic arts. Upon migrating to New Jersey, USA, TSN seamlessly incorporated TSNPAC, offering courses in higher learning for Carnatic percussion enthusiasts in the United States. Today, TSNPAC stands as a beacon for aspiring artists seeking to master the intricacies of Carnatic percussion. It’s well known around the world that through TSNPAC, TSN has played a very important role in teaching and training students in diverse percussion instruments, including the mridangam. In addition, Internationally famous musical institutions have tapped into TSN’s expertise, hosting his performances and though his highly acclaimed special, lectures in percussive arts.
Performing at the Thyagaraja Festival is a prestigious and culturally significant experience for Carnatic musicians. The Thyagaraja Aradhana is an annual music festival held to commemorate the legendary Carnatic composer Saint Thyagaraja. TSNPAC conducts Thyagaraja Festival to commemorate the legendary Carnatic composer Saint Thyagaraja. Thyagaraja Aaradhana Festival in Cleveland, Ohio, which is the largest Indian classical music festival outside of India.
“I feel very good about my accomplishment in spreading my knowledge about music to everyone. I have students all over the world, students of Indian origin and from other nationalities, some of them have become full time musicians and are accompanying renowned artists,” Nandakumar says with pride. TSNPAC, in addition to providing training to music enthusiasts, has successfully organized numerous annual events by notable artists in Carnatic music, including luminaries such as K J Yesudas, N. Rajam, N. Ramani, A. Kanyakumari, and L. Subramaniam.
Mridangam Arangetrams are held annually at TSNPAC, where graduating students perform along with accomplished artists, without prior rehearsal, which is a unique approach that serves as a culminating experience for their graduation from the Center.
The festival is characterized by an atmosphere of devotion, celebrating the profound impact Thyagaraja had on the Carnatic music tradition. Musicians engaged in marathon music sessions, presenting a repertoire of kritis (compositions) composed by Thyagaraja. The festival features continuous music performances, creating an immersive experience for both performers and the audience.
TSNPAC’s significant milestones include a decennial celebration marked by a grand performance featuring over 100 students. The center conducts Mridangam Arangetram annually, where students, without prior rehearsal, accompany main artists like A. Kanyakumari, culminating in a graduation ceremony. Notably, TSNPAC’s influence extends globally, with 108 professional student performances, including drumming, at the Cleveland Thyagaraja festival. Many of his students have achieved high accolades as professionals and have become graded artists by All India Radio. They follow in his footsteps by training their own students in the style of TSN and continuing to promote Carnatic percussive arts.
In addition to training students of South Asian students, several artists from the West, who are now well known for their expertise in Carnatic Music include: Paula Jeanine, Todd Isler, Johann Berby, Guillaume Barraud, Will Calhoun, Bill Buchen, Lenora Zenzlai Helm, and Bernhard Schimpelsberger.
TSN’s discography, featuring solo performances and collaborations with various artists, serves as a valuable resource for those interested in Indian percussion. His recorded works contribute to the preservation and dissemination of this musical knowledge. His album, “Jewels of Rhythm” by his ensemble has earned him high accolades. Nandakumar composed and released Jewels of Rhythm Vol 1, Jewels of Rhythm Vol 2 and Jewels of Rhythm Vol 3 which were performed by his students. Vibrative Rhythms by TSN is a fusion of Carnatic, Hindustani, and Western music as a one-man ensemble of mridangam, konnakol, thavil, ghatam, kanjira and the morsing played by himself.
Author of several books, with the objective of educating students to the themes of Indian Percussive Arts, TSN is currently working on writing books that covers advanced topics.
Son of Shrimati Saraswati and Shri Balakrishna Panicker, a great supporter of the arts as member of the Devaswom board in Kerala and actively involved in promoting Carnatic devotional music in temples and organizing concerts, TSN was born in the village of Ambalappuzha in Kerala, India. As a child, he was fascinated with the rhythmic chants and bhajans that would emanate from the various temples, was introduced to his Guru, Shri Kaithavana Madhavadas, where he was trained in the gurukula samprada tradition of Carnatic music. Nandakumar soon became a ‘Laya Vidwan’ due to his mastery of Carnatic percussive components: Laya, Raaga, Thaala and Bhava .
“At a very early age I started learning mridangam (A South Indian Classical Carnatic double-sided drum) because I was fascinated about percussion and its beats when my uncle’s (Shri Amabalapuzha Brothers) concert was held in the temple where I used to put Thalam,” recalls Nandakumar. “When I started learning I enjoyed playing mridangam and other percussion instruments. I was so passionate about it that I got into teaching mridangam and other percussion instruments and making people aware about the importance of music.”
As a young prodigy, TSN gained a reputation as an accompanist to renowned Carnatic musicians such as Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, M.D. Ramanathan, S. Ramanathan, R. K. Srikantan, V. Dakshinamurthy, Bhimsen Joshi, N. Ramani, M. Balamuralikrishna, T. N. Krishnan, K. J. Yesudas, N. Rajam, T. K. Govindarao, Nedunuri Krishnanmurthy, T. V. Gopalakrishnan, Parassala . B. Ponnamal, A. Kanyakumari, M. Chandrasekaran, D. K. Jayaraman, B. V. Raman, B. V. Lakshmanan and many others.
In his recognition of his great accomplishments, he was honored with The Lifetime Achievement Award by the Shanti Foundation in Chennai. He was awarded the “Best Teacher Award” from several organizations with the most prominent being awarded by Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and the Cleveland Thygaraja Aaradhana Festival and by the Shanmukhananda Fine Arts, Sangeetha Sabha, Mumbai in 2007, Bharat Ratna Dr. M. S. Subbulakshmi Sangeetha Pracharya Award), and Visionary Award by Academy of Indian Music, USA.
Acknowledging contributions to the world of music, TSNPAC has bestowed prestigious titles upon distinguished artists. In 2022, the center conferred the title “Ranjakagayakasiromanih” (The Crown Jewel among those singers whose music is charming) upon the legendary K J Yesudas. A. Kanyakumari was honored with the title “Sasvatanadavidushi” (One Who Is Adept in Music Which Is Ishvara).
Dedicating his entire life to the spreading of Carnatic Music, Nandakumar has been highly sought after as a teacher in India as well as abroad. In Mumbai, TSN trained students at large institutions like Shanmukhananda Fine Arts, Chembur Fine Arts, Gana kala, Music Triangle and Naadalaya.
He has conducted several musical concerts, lectures, demonstrations, and workshops at universities in the United States abroad like Lamar University of Houston and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. TSN also spent some time conducting special classes in percussive arts at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Pittsburgh, the Academy of Indian Music in New Jersey and Switzerland. He also conducted 24 hours nonstop Akanda Seva Bhajan (Offered a Prayer through the medium of music) with his students in Mumbai for the tsunami affected victims of India.
He continues to provide opportunities for his students to perform by conducting seminars specific to accompaniment to other Indian art forms, such as Bharatnatyam Dance recitals and vocal or instrumental concerts, as well as through Talent Exposure Concert Series which are published on YouTube to give students a forum to display their prowess.
Beyond geographical confines, TSNPAC continues to host performances not only in New Jersey but also in various parts of the United States. As a nurturing ground for Carnatic percussion, TSNPAC’s legacy embodies a commitment to excellence, providing a platform for students to explore and flourish in the rich tapestry of Carnatic music.
Looking back into his life’s mission, Nandakumar says, “My aim of contributing to Carnatic music by spreading knowledge has successful and I forever am indebted to my parents and my teacher. I feel even more proud that some of my students have become masters of mridangam and it’s an honor knowing that the knowledge I shared with my students is now spreading to around the world, imparting to many generations.”
TSN’s commitment to promoting local talent and fostering cultural exchange remains unwavering. He has invited senior artists from India for the upcoming TSNPAC annual events with the objective of creating a global stage for collaborative performances.
Don’t miss this cultural extravaganza that promises to transcend boundaries and create lasting memories. Join us for an unforgettable musical journey at Sri Balaji Temple in Bridgewater.
Prepare to be captivated by a Rhythmic Extravaganza, an enchanting spectacle of rhythm, melody, and cultural celebration as T. S. Nandakumar (TSN), the maestro of Carnatic percussion presents an extraordinary event at Sri Balaji Temple in Bridgewater on March 17, 2024, from 9 am to 1 pm.
Event Highlights:
- Multifaceted Performances: Join different groups of percussionists, including students of TSN, along with talented musicians playing Violin, Flute, Veena, and Vocal.
- Diverse Instruments: Experience the soul-stirring sounds of Mridangam, Ghatam, Kanjira, Morsing, Thavil, and Konnakol, creating a symphony of percussion.
- Artistic Fusion: Enjoy dance recitals by students of TSN, mastering Nattuvangam, a South Indian rhythmic recitation, and percussion, creating a seamless fusion of arts.
- Music Cum Percussion Ensemble: Be part of a unique ensemble featuring students across age groups, showcasing the rich diversity of talents from ages 4 to 60.
- Book Release: Witness the unveiling of TSN’s latest book, a testament to his deep-rooted knowledge and contribution to Carnatic percussion.
Distinguished Chief Guest: Dr. Venkataraman Swaminathan, a revered musicologist, will grace the occasion, releasing TSN’s book and adding to the cultural richness of the event.
Star Performance: TSN himself will take the stage in the climax, inspiring and boosting the spirits of the budding talents.
For more details, please visit: http://mridangam.info
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Indian-origin UK based woman charged with murder of 10-year-old daughter
LONDON (TIP): A 33-year-old Indian-origin woman on Wednesday, March 6, appeared before a UK court charged with the murder of her 10-year-old daughter, who was found dead at their home in a town in the West Midlands region of England. Jaskirat Kaur, also known as Jasmine Kang, appeared before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Shay Kang, described as “bright and fun-loving” in a tribute from her school. West Midlands Police said the girl had been found with injuries at an address in Rowley Regis on Monday and pronounced dead at the scene.
“Our thoughts remain with Shay’s family and friends. Her tragic death has had a profound impact on those who knew her as well as the wider community. We ask that they are left to grieve in private as our enquiries continue,” said Detective Inspector Dan Jarratt of West Midlands Police.
“The community has understandably been left shocked by what’s happened, and we’ll continue to have a police presence and offer our support in the area over the coming days,” he said.
Kaur had been arrested on Monday from the residential property where her daughter’s body was found. A cordon remains in place at the property on Robin Close and a post-mortem is to be held in due course to establish the cause of death.
“At this stage we are not looking for anyone else as part of the investigation,” the police said at the time.
Brickhouse Primary School, where Shay was a pupil, issued a statement to say the school was deeply saddened by the tragic death.
“Shay was a bright, happy, fun-loving child who was well liked by all, and she will be very sadly missed by everyone. School is the heart of the community and we have already begun working with our children and staff to support them following this devastating news,” read the statement.
Tributes including toys, cards and balloons have since been laid near the police cordon on Robin Close in the town of Rowley Regis, where the schoolgirl lived with her mother. Some parents of children who attended the same school have also set up an online Go Fund Me fundraiser to collect money for Shay’s funeral, with over GBP 3,800 raised so far.
The fundraiser reads: “As you may be aware she had no family except her mum. The purpose of this is to come together as a community to help raise funds for her funeral and to also help with flowers, headstone etc.
“She didn’t deserve this at all and the best we can do is make sure she flys (sic) high in the most beautiful way.” -
Ramesh Singh Arora becomes Pakistan’s first Sikh minister in Punjab
Belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party, Arora has returned to the Lahore provincial assembly for the third term after winning the February 8 polls
LAHORE (TIP): Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, an influential minority leader, has been sworn in as a provincial minister, making him the first Sikh to occupy a ministerial position in post-Partition Punjab.
Belonging to the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, Arora has returned to the Lahore provincial assembly for the third term after winning the February 8 polls.
Arora, 49, was recently elected pardhan (president) of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and also as the ambassador to the Kartarpur Corridor. He was administered the oath along with 17 others on Wednesday, March 6. Arora has been allotted the portfolio of minorities of Punjab province in the cabinet of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, incidentally, also the first woman to hold the post in the country.
According to sources, Arora has close connections with the military establishment.
“Singh’s brother is also looking after the affairs of the Karatarpur Corridor,” another member representing the Christian minority community of Punjab, Khalil Tahir Sindhu, told Press Trust of India on Thursday, March 7.
Born on October 11, 1974 at Nankana Sahib and hailing from Narowal district, Arora was also the first-ever Sikh member of the Punjab provincial assembly taking oath in 2013. He has done post-graduation in social enterprise and studied at the Government College, Lahore, Punjab University, Lahore, and Harvard Business School in the US. He also served as a member of the National Commission for Minorities, chairman of the Standing Committee on Commerce & Investment and remained as Patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Sikh Council.
According to Arora’s profile on the official website of the Punjab Provincial Assembly, he is also a renowned human rights activist and a social worker, who played a prominent role in protecting the rights of Sikh community in Pakistan and is credited with the passage of ‘The Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act, 2018.’
Due to his efforts, Pakistan has become the first country where the Sikh Marriages Registration Act is enforced, it said.
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Indian-origin executives appointed to UK’s Competition and Markets Authority board
Dharmesh Mistry 
Cyrus Mehta LONDON (TIP): Indian-origin executives with years of experience in the field of law and finance have been appointed to the board of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), a non-ministerial department responsible for strengthening business competition and curbing anti-competitive practices.
Dharmash Mistry, a venture capitalist specializing in technology, new business models and finance, was named among four new non-executive directors of the CMA by the British government’s Department for Business and Trade last week.
Meanwhile, Cyrus Mehta – a former partner at international law firm CMS in London – was named on the CMA board as a Panel Member, Non-Executive Director.
“Our new board members will bring further fresh perspectives and expertise at a time when our responsibilities, and our positive impact on people, businesses and the economy, are growing significantly,” said CMA Chair Marcus Bokkerink.
“They will help us continue the great strides we have made over the past year to ensure that people can get great choices and a fair deal, competitive businesses are free to innovate and thrive, and the economy is able to grow more productively and sustainably,” he said.
Non-executive directors of the CMA board play an important role in setting up the organization, working with the chair and chief executive. As board members, they are also responsible for setting the organization’s strategic direction and policy framework; developing priorities; monitoring performance against its objectives; and making decisions on market investigation references.
Mistry has served on a wide range of boards in executive and non-executive capacity and is also a non-executive director of the Premier League and the Football Association. In the past, he has served as a non-executive director of the BBC and British Business Bank.
Cyrus Mehta, as the former head of the European Union (EU) and competition team at CMS, has over 35 years’ experience in the field of UK and EU competition law, state aid, consumer law, trade law and regulation in both London and Brussels.
Mistry and Mehta are joined by broadcasting personality Dame Patricia Hodgson and entrepreneurs Justin Basini and Frank Dangeard as the new appointees on the CMA board. -
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, British Indian chef Asma Khan win India-UK Achievers Honours
The award recognizes the achievements of Indian students and alumni who have pursued an international programme of study
LONDON (TIP): Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and British Indian chef Asma Khan were among the winners of the annual India-UK Achievers Honours in London, which recognizes the achievements of Indian students and alumni who have pursued an international programme of study.
The initiative, by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, in partnership with the British Council in India and the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade, was launched last year with the aim of celebrating bilateral educational ties.
At a ceremony earlier this week, the “Class of 2024” made up of high achievers across the arts, sports, entrepreneurship and medicine were honored following a day-long conference entitled ‘The Future of Education’.
“I am pleased to see that for the second year, you are showcasing exceptional Indian talent that has been developed in the UK,” said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a message for the event on Wednesday.
“I am extremely proud of the UK-India partnership and the Achievers Honours highlights the strong outcomes that can arise through partnership,” he said.
Akhtar, the acclaimed writer-filmmaker behind box-office hits such as ‘Luck By Chance’ and ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ and most recently ‘The Archies’, was conferred the Living Legend Award in recognition of her work in furthering an understanding of India on the global stage. She spoke of her degree in literature and sociology giving her a strong footing for her filmmaking career.
“I genuinely believe that literature and sociology have helped me immensely in making movies, and writing and telling stories,” Akhtar said.
“However, I don’t believe one size fits all when it comes to your career path in the film industry…today films can even be made on a phone. I do feel it’s a lot easier these days. There is access to a lot more filmmaking tools today,” she said.
The 51-year-old daughter of writers Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani addressed a session on Creative Economies at the conference, during which she reflected on her love of writing.
“I started writing at a very young age because I grew up in a home of writers, so it’s just something that you imitate in a very organic way. You are surrounded by those kinds of discussions and narrations,” she said.
Also recognized in the field of Arts, Culture and Entertainment this year was UK-based chef Asma Khan, behind the women-led Darjeeling Express restaurant in London. The King’s College London alumna started out in the field of law but has since made a mark for herself in the culinary space, including as a cookery writer behind bestselling recipe books on Indian cuisine.
“I never call myself a chef, I am a cook; and most of my cooking I learnt by watching,” said Khan, who was recently also awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (Social Sciences) degree by the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
The India-UK Achievers were also celebrated at the UK Parliament complex, where the finalists had an opportunity to interact with British members of Parliament, policymakers, and stakeholders in the education sector.
“These achievers are not just recipients of a prestigious honor, they are the embodiment of the profound transformation that education and cross-cultural experiences can engender in our societies,” said NISAU UK Chair Sanam Arora, who is also a commissioner of the UK International Higher Education Commission.
“The progress and achievements of Indian students in the UK over the past year have been nothing short of remarkable. Their growing presence in the UK’s universities is a testament to the enduring appeal of British education and the opportunities it offers,” added Lord Karan Bilimoria, Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Students and President of the UK Council of International Student Affairs.
(Source: PTI) -
Indian American Republican candidate Vin Kruttiventi, vying for a seat in CA 14th district
SACRAMENTO (TIP): Vin (Vinay) Kruttiventi is an Indian American Republican, who is vying for a seat in the 14th Congressional District, home to a large Indian American community.
Kruttiventi secured 17.8 percent of the vote in the March 5th primary and now faces incumbent Democrat Eric Swalwell, who is seeking his sixth term. Kruttiventi, a businessman and entrepreneur, came to the United States after earning an engineering degree from Osmania University in India. He is the founder and CEO of A5 Services, a business and technology consulting firm.
Kruttiventi has made a substantial personal investment of $500,000 into his congressional campaign.
The 14th Congressional District spans Lake, Napa, Yolo, Solano, and Sonoma Counties. According to the Cook Political Report PVI, the district leans heavily Democratic (+17).
If elected, Kruttiventi pledges to co-sponsor and advocate for a bill that will cap House members’ terms at three and senators’ terms at two.
Kruttiventi runs the Vinay Kruttiventi Foundation, dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations in the Tri-Valley region. The foundation aims to empower nonprofits and small businesses to thrive and contribute to vibrant communities. Beyond his political and entrepreneurial pursuits, Kruttiventi describes himself as a devoted husband, father, community leader, philanthropist, and outdoors enthusiast. In his leisure time, he enjoys hiking the scenic trails of East Bay, watching basketball and baseball games with friends, and cherishing moments with his beloved wife and two daughters. -
Indian American coach Sean Desai joins Los Angeles Rams in senior defensive role
NEW YORK (TIP): Indian American coach Sean Desai, who was relieved of his duties after just one season as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, is expected to be hired by the Los Angeles Rams in a senior defensive role.
The son of immigrants, Desai, 40, was the first Indian American coordinator in NFL history. He will face his former team when the Eagles come to Los Angeles during the 2024 season, according to CBS Sports.
Desai was let go after Philadelphia finished 30th in the NFL in points allowed during the 2023 season. While the unit struggles in most categories, the Eagles’ defense did finish 10th in the NFL in both fewest rushing yards allowed and touchdown runs allowed, CBS noted.
Prior to his time in Philadelphia, Desai spent six seasons as the Bears’ defensive quality control coach, two seasons as the team’s safeties coach and was Chicago’s defensive coordinator in 2021. That season, the Bears’ defense finished third in the NFL in passing yards allowed.
In 2022, Desai served as the Seahawks’ associate head coach and defensive assistant. He left for Philadelphia after then-Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon accepted the head coaching position in Arizona.
In Los Angeles, Desai will aid a Rams defense that last finished ranked 19th in points allowed during the 2023 season. The unit continues to be led by future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who last season was selected to his 10th Pro Bowl in as many seasons after recording eight sacks.
Desai started his coaching career at Temple (2007-10), where he was a graduate assistant for the defense and special teams while earning his doctorate in educational administration. He entered the NFL ranks in 2013 as the quality control coach-defense for the Bears, working with the defensive backs/linebackers/special teams.
Desai was named Bears’ safeties coach in 2019 and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2021. The Bears ranked sixth in total defense and third in passing defense that season.
In Chicago, Desai coached under noted defensive minds, including Vic Fangio, John Fox, Mel Tucker, and Chuck Pagano. Desai was a part of three different coaching staffs with the Bears.