NEW YORK (TIP): Anil Bansal, Past President of FIA, a successful serial entrepreneur, ambassador and promoter of Indian arts and culture, and a great humanitarian, was felicitated as The South Asian Times Person of the Year (POY) 2022 at the Consulate of India here on January 21. The event was oversubscribed with the presence of who is who of the Indian diaspora of the New York metro area.
At the graceful event, immediate past Person of the Year Mohan Wanchoo presented a shawl and Consul General Randhir Jaiswal presented the crystal plaque honoring Anil Bansal POY-2022 on behalf of Forsythe Media Group. Joining in the presentation were Kamlesh C Mehta (Chairman, Forsythe Media), Ankur Vaidya (Chairman, FIA), Dr Nirmal Mattoo (Chairman, IAAC), Chintu Patel (CEO, Amneal Pharmaceuticals), and Haridas Kotahwala (Chairman, Navika group). Mrs. Nimmi Mehta presented a floral bouquet to Mrs. Kumud Bansal.
As a surprise but memorable moment of the evening came when on request of FIA, Consul General Jaiswal presented to Bansal the Pravasi Bharatiya Medal conferred on FIA, which was honored by the Indian government for its commendable service in India and the US during Covid during Bansal’s presidency. Noticeably, Anil Bansal was president of FIA during the peak of COVID-19, and he was instrumental in sending over $50 Million worth of aid from FIA to India during the pandemic.
Speaker after speaker praised the publication and Bansal’s accomplishments and services to the community and society. Kamlesh Mehta highlighted Bansal’s humility and selflessness, mentioning that it was hard to convince him to accept POY honor. Ankur Vaidya spoke on behalf of FIA (Federation of Indian Associations – NY-NY-CT-NE) and Rakesh Kaul and Dr Mattoo for IAAC (Indo-American Arts Council). POY Bansal has supported both organizations for decades.
Bansal’s extended family, friends and colleagues were present in full strength at the event. His son, Avin Bansal, CFO and investor, and daughter Neha Hannan, a lawyer, expressed their love and admiration for him. Nephew Dr Sharad Sahu, an internist, shared some family anecdotes involving Anil Bansal.
Anil Bansal in his acceptance speech expressed gratitude for the honor and went on to share his life experiences. He concluded by sharing the life lesson of ‘giving back’: “I and Kumud felt that we have enough financial resources for the rest of our lives for what we want to do and how we want to live.”
The newspaper featuring Anil Bansal as POY 2022 was also launched at the event by the Consul General. Copies of the issue were distributed to the attendees and coffee mugs gifted by alotusinthemug.com web magazine.
Consul General Randhir Jaiswal presented PBD medal to Anil Bansal. The Indian government conferred PBD Samman award on FIA for 2020 when Bansal was its president.
The South Asian Times could not formally felicitate Mohan Wanchoo, POY 2021 because of Covid, so he was honored with a shawl by Kamlesh Mehta and crystal plaque by Haridas Kotahwala. Other past POYs who were honored and who spoke at the event included Chintu Patel (2017), Haridas Kotahwala (Navika – TSAT Organization of the Year 2018), and Ankur Vaidya (FIA was Organization of the Year 2015 during his presidency). Pam Kwatra, a renowned community leader, Shailesh ‘Sam’ Jain, Chairman of Cheapoair, and prominent community leaders Karamjit Singh Dhaliwal, Jasbir Jay Singh, Alok Kumar Dr. Avinash Gupta, Rajeev Kaul, Sunil Shah, Saurin Parikh, and Sujata Seth were among the attendees.
The event was emceed by the famous Bollywood & Hollywood actor Prashantt Guptha.
A sumptuous vegetarian dinner created by Michelin Star decorated chef Hemant Mathur was served.
The proceedings of the event were supported by Eric Kumar, Totee Wadhwa, Nicky Jagda and Parveen Chopra. Chopra’s wellness and spirituality website, alotusinthemud.com was launched after the felicitation.
Acknowledging felicitations from dignitaries, friends and family, Anil Bansal shared lessons from his own life with the audience.Kumud and Anil Bansal posing with son Avin and daughter Neha’s families.
The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) celebrates, virtually, 75 years of India’s Independence with Dr. Radhika Chopra on August 14, 2021, and with Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash on Sunday, August 15th at 8:30 pm.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14TH @ 8:30 PM
Radhika Chopra (Photo : radhikachopra.com)
RADHIKA CHOPRA is a much sought after composer and singer not only across India and Pakistan, but also in the United Kingdom, the Near East and East Africa where loyal audiences have been enthralled by her melodious & soul stirring renditions. Her impeccable diction of both the Hindi and Urdu languages have won her accolades of the discerning listener right across the globe. Dr. Chopra has been empaneled by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to perform in foreign countries to promote classical Indian music and commissioned by the Indian Ministry of Culture to commemorate legendary figures such as Ghalib, Kundan Lal Saigal, et al. To learn more, visit radhikachopra.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 15TH @ 8:30 PM
AMAAN ALI BANGASH & AYAAN ALI BANGASH
(left) Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash. (Photo : ayaanalibangash.com)
AMAAN ALI BANGASH: A “worthy heir to his father’s crown” – Songlines Magazine (songlines.co.uk)
AMAAN ALI BANGASH, the older son and disciple of the Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan and grandson of Haafiz Ali Khan, along with his younger brother Ayaan, belongs to the seventh generation in an unbroken chain of the Senia Bangash School. He was initiated by his father into the fine art of Sarod playing and gave his first public performance at age eight.
Amaan’s musical style is marked by its precision in tunefulness, bold and resonant strokes, along with tradition and continuity of Indian Classical Music. An inspiration for younger generation musicians, he is considered one of the finest Sarod players in the world and has obtained a very special place for himself among music enthusiasts across continents. He has performed at numerous mainstream venues in India and around the world from 1986 to the present day. He continues to perform internationally, both individually and in collaboration with other artists.
In 2005, Amaan composed music for the film, “American Delight,” directed by Academy Award winner Rodger Christian. In 2002, he received the Provogue Society’s Young Achievers Award for Performing.
In addition to playing the Sarod, Amaan co-authored a book with his younger brother Ayaan, titled “Abba – God’s greatest gift to us” on his father’s life in November 2002 as part of their ‘Family Pride’ series. In early 2010, he co-authored his second book with Ayaan called ‘50 Maestros 50 Recordings’ for Harper Collins and also released an album called “The Music Room” and “Sarod Symphony” with his father and guru. To learn more, visit amaanalibangash.com
AYAAN ALI BANGASH, the younger son and disciple of the Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan, Ayaan stepped into the world of music and the Sarod, at a very early age, with confidence, clarity, consistency and technical mastery all of which he learnt at his father’s knees. He gave his solo debut performance at eight. He has performed in India as well as at venues in countries around the world. He has collaborated with his talented brother Amaan and his illustrious father, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
Ayaan collaborated with the noted Cellist Mathew Barley in 2002, in 2005 with Guitarist Dereck Truks of the Allman Brother’s band and Evelyn Glennie. In 2006 Ayaan collaborated with Evelyn Glennie at Queen Elisabeth Hall. Bestowed with the MTV’s Lycra Award for the Most Stylish person in Music in 2006, Ayaan was honored by the Mayor of the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma with the Keys to the City along with an Honorary Citizenship and the Bharat Shiromani Award for Instrumental music in 2007. To learn more, visit ayaanalibangash.com
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LC “BAANDS” TOGETHERDANCE FESTIVAL
By Mabel Pais
BAAND Poster (Photo : incolncenter.org.)
LINCOLN CENTER presents the “BAAND Together” Dance Festival, an unprecedented week of outdoor dance performances as part of Restart Stages. At Lincoln Center’s Restart Stages, from August 17-21, five of the city’s most iconic dance companies share the stage — for the first time ever! Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem come together on one stage—with dancers and works from across the companies featured each night at 7:30 pm at Damrosch Park. New works and repertory favorites offer audiences the unique and exciting experience of an evening of programming curated collaboratively by the artistic directors of each company.
Company Members Lead Outdoor Family Workshops
Before Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem take the stage at night, they’ll be teaching kids and families how to dance for themselves at 4:00 pm from August 17–21. Join the general admission standby line the day of the event. From Salsa, barre work, West African dance style Kuku, and signature “Swan Lake” choreography, you’ll be moving to your own beat in no time.
Program 1 – August 17, 2021
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Lazarus (excerpt); Choreographed by Rennie Harris
This excerpt is inspired by the life and times of Alvin Ailey. It addresses racial inequities in America when Mr. Ailey founded his company in 1958 as well as today. Watch the video from Part 1: youtu.be/Mluat0zysb4
New York City Ballet
“Ces Noms Que Nous Portons;” Choreographed by Kyle Abraham
A tribute to LGBTQ Pride Month in 2020. The artists revealed their intent to “celebrate our queerness and our color in a way that hopefully stresses its importance, its fragility, and its strength. We create dances for those who have yet to see themselves on a stage.” To see the world premiere dance on film performance of “Ces Noms Que Nous Portons,” watch the video: youtu.be/DG0o1bjmRIA
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Harlem on my Mind (excerpt); Choreographed by Darrell Grand Moultrie
“This work was created to celebrate the memory of my beloved music teacher Ms. Gwendolyn McLoud. She loved Jazz music and made sure her students in Harlem were exposed to its history and brilliance. I would love to keep sharing this great music with the next generation.” – Darrell Grand Moultrie
American Ballet Theatre
Let Me Sing Forevermore; Choreographed by Jessica Lang
Jessica Lang’s spirited and romantic “Let Me Sing Forevermore” is set to a medley of American popular songs as sung by Tony Bennett (“Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” “Fly Me To The Moon” and “I Got Rhythm”).
Ballet Hispánico
18+1; Choreographed by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano
18+1 celebrates Gustavo’s 19 years as a choreographer and the vulnerability, care, and hope that comes with each artistic endeavor. In a display of subtle humor and electric choreography, the movement merges with the playful rhythms found in Pérez Prado’s mambo music. Sansano draws from his history and memory to take a joyous look at the past, present, and future.
TICKETS
For Tickets, visit TodayTix.com.
To learn moreand about events August 18-21, visit lincolncenter.org/lincoln-center-at-home/series/baand-together-dance-festival
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness)
“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” – Mohandas K. Gandhi (The Mahatma)
“When politicians show hostility, we need to hear words of love and respect more than ever.” – Nasrin Sotoudeh
In A Letter to the UN, Imprisoned Iranian Writer Nasrin Sotoudeh, called “The Nelson Mandela of Iran” Protests Executions. She also reminds us of the late Congressman John Lewis. The young John Lewis led a march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge (Selma, Alabama) into an army of state troopers and sheriff’s deputies wielding billy clubs, bullwhips and tear gas. Both Mandela and Lewis were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
In February 2021, Nasrin Sotoudeh, a distinguished human rights lawyer, writer, and PEN America’s (pen.org – American Association of Writers) ‘2011 Freedom to Write’ honoree, was currently jailed in Iran’s Qarchak prison.
In late 2020, she undertook a grueling 46-day hunger strike to protest the conditions facing political prisoners, including a heightened risk of contracting COVID-19. She was returned to Qarchak against the advice of medical professionals after a brief furlough in December, and continues to advocate for prisoners’ basic human rights.
Nasrin has asked PEN America to release and circulate the following letter on her behalf, to appeal to the international community to speak out regarding the current spate of prisoner executions in Iran.
To The Honorable Secretary-General of the United Nations,
“I write to you from Qarchak, one of Iran’s most notorious prisons, so that my voice might, in some way, boost the efforts of the United Nations. My hope is that, in the not too distant future, we can realize even some small part of the great dreams for humanity enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As you may be aware, in the past few months, many of our religious and ethnic minority compatriots in Iran have been executed amid the media’s silence. At dawn on Wednesday, February 17, Zahra Esmaeli, an inmate at our prison, and eight other prisoners were taken to the gallows and hanged.
You know well what predictable mistakes are often made in these numerous executions. As someone who has been closely involved in Zahra Esmaeili’s case, I am certain that she did not commit murder. I ask you, the international community, and human rights activists to please pay close attention to the issue of executions in Iranian society, especially that of religious, ethnic minorities, and women, and take necessary measures to prevent such extensive executions.
With deep respect,
Nasrin Sotoudeh
Qarchak Women’s Prison
February 2021
“Nasrin” is the documentary made by Jeff Kaufman, the director, producer and writer of the film.
Nasrin Sotoudeh, an attorney and human rights activist often called “Iran’s Nelson Mandela,” is back in an overcrowded prison cell, separated from those she loves. Under arrest since 2018, she was granted a brief medical leave in January 2021, but it was abruptly canceled on Jan. 19, the same day the government froze her family’s bank accounts. That afternoon, her husband, Reza Khandan, drove her to Qarchak’s prison for women, accompanied by their daughter Mehraveh and son Nima.
Imagine what each of them was thinking and feeling during that hour-long drive — the dread and the heartbreak. Those are emotions felt by political prisoners and their loved ones all over the world. Repressive regimes use personal cruelty to punish their opponents. As a lawyer, she continually put herself at risk by defending religious minorities, children, journalists, artists, women, peaceful protesters and those facing the death penalty. She was arrested in June 2018, in part for defending women who challenged Iran’s mandatory hijab law by publicly removing their headscarves and waving them like flags.
Like Mandela, another inspiring figure who often cited Gandhi, Nasrin has shown that determined voices cannot be silenced, even behind prison walls. In December, she was honored with the 2020 Right Livelihood Award (widely known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize”), and the American Bar Association’s Eleanor Roosevelt Prize for Global Human Rights Advancement (along with Anthony S. Fauci and Billie Jean King). The Iranian government’s response was to transfer Nasrin to the most unsanitary prison in the country. In a letter written after her arrest to the film’s director and producers, Jeff Kaufman and Marcia Ross, Nasrin said, “I’m sending you this letter from prison, but I’d rather talk of freedom. When politicians show hostility, we need to hear words of love and respect more than ever. I am so grateful for our collaboration. We lean on our friendship and walk toward each other.” “So, let me speak to you of my dreams, and of roads traveled and not yet traveled.” Bryan Stevenson, founder/executive director of the ‘Equal Justice Initiative,’ filmed a video on behalf of Nasrin Sotoudeh
Watch it here youtu.be/5LZUyzFj9xA
IAAC Celebrates WHM
On Women’s International Day
Speakers at IAAC’s International Women’s Day (IWD). (Photo : Courtesy IAAC)
With Phenomenal Women
Monday, March 8, 8 PM
Watch LIVE on facbook.com/iaac.us and youtube.com/user/IAACEvent
ABOUT BARKHA CARDOZ
Barkha Cardoz received her culinary training at The Institute of Hotel management in Mumbai, India and worked in the Development department at St. Peter’s Preparatory School in Jersey City, NJ. With her husband, the late chef Floyd Cardoz, she managed their Bombay Bread Bar in New York City from 2016 – 2019 and oversaw fundraising events for The Young Scientist Foundation, founded in 2011 with Floyd’s $110,000 Top Chef Masters win. Barkha is currently the Managing Member of Cardoz Legacy LLC, where she actively executes ongoing legacy projects including the FC +B&B Collaboration Masala spice line.
ABOUT CHEF SURBHI SAHNI
With two decades of professional culinary experience, chef Surbhi Sahni brings a fresh twist to modern Indian cuisine and confections. Before launching TAGMO, chef Surbhi served as the creative force behind three lauded New York City restaurants, Devi, Tulsi and, most recently, Saar Bistro in Midtown with chef Hemant Mathur. She is also the creative director and events director at Saar Catering.
ABOUT POOJA BAVISHI
Pooja Bavishi is the Founder and CEO of Malai, an artisanal ice cream company with flavors inspired by nostalgic, aromatic spices and South Asian ingredients, based in Brooklyn, New York. Pooja founded Malai when she discovered that the same spices of her childhood – ginger, rose petals, saffron, and cardamom – could be used to robustly flavor ice creams in a way that she had never tasted before. She notes that she “founded Malai because desserts bring people joy, and I wanted to be in the business of delivering happiness.”
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WORLD CHANNEL (WC) – A SHOWCASE OF FILMS BY, FOR AND ABOUT WOMEN
In celebration of Women’s History Month, World Channel (WC) will showcase films by & about women – leaders, mothers, activists, daughters, storytellers, sisters, filmmakers and friends.
WORLD Channel (WC) celebrates these groundbreaking women, well-known and a little less known, like Madam C.J. Walker, Sandy White Hawk, and Melody McCurtis whose works positively ripple through society. Throughout March, WC will share the stories of women who have defied traditional social standards for the opportunity of equality and equity. Watch #HerStories All Month and at worldchannel.org
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HERALD NATIVE WOMEN
Join Vision Maker Media for a month-long worldwide online streaming event “commUNITY: Herald Native Women” featuring films all produced and/or directed by Native women. The program portrays Native women in leadership, coming of age, and language revitalization stories suitable for the entire family.
The event is FREE and open to the public, but registration is required. Register at visionmakermedia.org.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is March 8th!
Let’s Celebrate the spirit of womanhood in each human being. In an enlightened society, each human experiences a balance of the masculine and feminine qualities within.
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness)
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