The Indian Panorama

Tag: Indian-Americans

  • OUTSTANDING WOMEN HONORED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE SIXTH IAF GALA

    OUTSTANDING WOMEN HONORED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE SIXTH IAF GALA

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): As Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas, Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Town of Hempstead Clerk Nasreen Ahmed (Among many other VIP’s) walked into Antun’s of Hicksville on Friday March 24, they all very well felt the pride and achievement in the air. The Grand ball room was full of so many accomplished and elite, who’s who of the society gathered for one singular purpose, to be the part of and celebrate 6th Outstanding Women’s Achievements Gala, part of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day Celebrations

    IAF (Indian American Forum) led by Indu Jaiswal, known for her strong commitment and dedication to the community cause was the organizing force behind the gala. This year well known business woman Vandana Govil was the Chairperson of the Gala. And of course, the hall was beautifully decorated with Peacocks, and spring flowers theme courtesy Sunita Sadhnani of Glamorous Event Planners. Evening started with lighting of the lamp. Indu Jaiswal Chairperson of IAF in her remarks welcomed all the guests congratulated all the honorees and praised their efforts in achieving such success.

    American National Anthem sung by Inesha Singh and Indian National Anthem sung by Roopam Maini… Master of Ceremonies Mr Anuj Rihal and Chanbir Kaur Sethi made the evening enjoyable. Chanbir Kaur, Roopam Maini and Inesha Singh coordinated a brief Q&A session with the honorees discussing and emphasizing their accomplishments

    In addition to Madeline Singas who was also Chief Guest and Keynote speaker was presented with an award, 4 other distinguished women who had excelled in their profession and community services were presented with Outstanding Women’s achievements Awards

    Kalpana Patel is President and Chief Executive officer of Unique Comp Inc (UCI) an award-winning information technology services company providing IT Solutions and services to Federal, NY State and NY City agencies. Kalpana Patel has received many National and International award and recognition for her performance. Kalpana attributes her success to her parents’ upbringing, Bansi Shah and UCI Team which is with her since inception is really Unique in her opinion which has put UCI on runway to succeed

    Ranju Batra is a woman driven to success and serving him public good by working harder and always paying attention to details. Her successful and historic 7 years journey towards Diwali Stamp is a matter of Pride for generations to come. It was officially dedicated on October 5, 2016 at The India Consulate. She is a loving wife, and a devoted mother of two, one of whom is a special needs miracle daughter Angela. And another capable lawyer son. Ranju has excelled in the public arena and made a difference with her excellence-with-humility approach at all things. She also served as Past President of AIA NY… Ranju’s diligence and goal oriented “grassroots philosophy has made her a strong and worthy bridge between United States and India, bringing both national both peoples closer and together.

    Dr Binita R Shah has bestowed upon the highest academic rank of distinguished Teaching Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrician 2013 the State of University of New York Trustees Albany honoring her mastery of teaching. Binita R Shah has earned a national and international reputation through her highly acclaimed pediatric books 5 so far. Dr Shah’s quest for improving the quality of care delivered to critically ill and injured children globally has led her to travel all over the world. Binita also has passion for performing arts. She also started organizing cultural programs in Herricks Community center. Binita considers herself fortunate as her children and their spouses are practicing in the field of medicine

    Mrs. Vandana Sharma Air India Regional Manager- Americas, has been with Air India for more than 22 years. She hails from Allahabad, and most recently from Mumbai. She came to New York as Regional manager -Americas 2015. So far during her tenure here she has inaugurated two new flights from the USA between Fan Francisco and Delhi and between Newark and London.

    This Year IAF also introduced Awards from Young Achievers and Future Leaders Jiya Singh a senior at Jericho high School. Jiya is very active in community projects such as Project Dignity aims to building bathrooms in India, Jiya has was placed third in the Nassau County for Tennis and qualified to the New York State tournament. Jiya also received Future Business Leaders of America Scholarships and formed E Commerce Website for ecofriendly banquet halls. Jiya is also a successful Golfer.

    Setu Mehta is a is fun loving, caring and kind with a talent for making others around her smile. She is a senior at Herricks High Scholl and is the Valedictorian of her class. Her passion includes playing viola. She has played her t Carnegie Hall, Lincoln center, Adelphi School of performing arts. In addition, she loves Indian Classical dances, Setu has been named toas a National merit Commended Scholar and a member of the National honors Society. She is known by her friends as someone who is approachable and ready to help out. She loves the outdoors, cooking and reading and is always having fun…

    NASSAU County DA Madeline Singas was all in praises for the efforts of Indian American Forum and Indian American Community. She congratulated all honorees and stressed the importance of role women are playing in this world. Citations of behalf of Nassau County Executive Edward P Mangano were presented by Zahid Syed, Chairman of Human right Commission Nassau County to all honorees. Syed praised their efforts and congratulated them for their achievements. Citations were presented from the town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino by Councilwoman Goosby and town Clerk Nasrin Ahmed. Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Saladino and Councilman Imbroto and Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth presented Citations to the honorees

    Among those present during the event were Bobby Kalotee Founder of IAF, Nassau County Human right Commissioner Sharanjit Singh Thind, Bina Sabapathy, President of India Association of Long Island, Sher Madra , Shammi Singh and Peter Bheddah, Board of Directors of Nargis Dutt Foundation, Shashi Anand well known business woman, Haseena Mooppan and Jasia  from Domestic Harmony Foundation, Rizwan Qureshi from HAB Bank, Roopam Maini from Indus American Bank, Sangeeta Bahl, Past  President of Rotary Club, Shiv Dass and Subhash Kapadia, Kamal Dandona, Bharat Jotwani, T S Anand, Peter Bheddah , Smiti Khanna   and several other dignitaries were present

    Dance performances presented by students of well-known Choreographers Swati Vaishnav and Dr Ari Datta. Mr Mohinder Taneja and Animesh Goenka gave special thanks for all of our sponsors and media partners.

    Board of Trustees Dr Azad Anand, Surinder Rametra, and Bobby Kalotee, a, Animesh Goenka, Volunteers Nirmala Rametra, Jaya Bahadkar, Anu Gulati, Dr Meena Jaiswal, Vijay Goswamy, Tejal Kamath, Sunny Thakkar and Many other helped 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)

  • Indian American enters New Jersey Gubernatorial Race

    Indian American enters New Jersey Gubernatorial Race

    EDISON, NJ (TIP): Hirsh Vardhan Singh, a 31-year-old Indian-American entrepreneur has entered the governor’s race in New Jersey. The Republican announced his run for the top elected position in the State earlier this month and urged people of New Jersey to give fresh ideas a chance. He also unveiled several points of his plan including: cutting property taxes and fixing the school funding formula to bring back prosperity to the residents of New Jersey, fix transportation infrastructure, and make New Jersey a national leader in technological innovation.

    Announcing his candidacy for the New Jersey Governor’s seat, Singh emphasized his goal to bring back jobs to New Jersey. “We need to fix our economy, we need to get going in the right direction”, Singh said. During his speech, he mentioned the need for fresh and innovative ideas “we’ve tried bankers from Goldman Sachs before and we’ve tried lawyers”; “Now if you give me the support I bring my engineering background as a problem solver”.

    But Singh will face a tough Republican primary on June 6, 2017, battling with least four popular Republican candidates in the race – Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, Lt Governor and Secretary of State Kim Guadagno, Nutley Commissioner of Public Affairs Steven Rogers and businessman Joseph Rudy Rullo.

    If elected in the November gubernatorial elections, Singh would succeed outgoing Republican Governor Chris Christie and would be the third Indian-American ever elected as a Governor of a State after Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley.

    Born in Atlantic City as the middle of three children, Hirsh attended a public high school in Egg Harbor Township. Through high school, Hirsh got involved in many extracurricular activities, which encouraged him to take on many leadership roles during his time in college at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Hirsh went on to receive a Bachelor of Science from NJIT in Engineering.

  • AAPI condemns violence against physicians in India: Appeals to Govt. of India to put an end to violence against physicians

    AAPI condemns violence against physicians in India: Appeals to Govt. of India to put an end to violence against physicians

    NEW YORK (TIP): Physicians in India feel threatened and their lives are in danger. Some hospital administrators have begun to hire muscular looking bouncers, whose imposing presence deters patients’ relatives from aggressive behavior. The medical fraternity in several states is on strike, due to the recent incidents of violence against doctors. This is not good for the people we are committed to care and also is not benefiting the Doctors.

    In a letter sent to the Prime Minister of India and several high ranking officials at the Government of India, Dr. Ajay Lodha, President of AAPI, condemned the ongoing violence against physicians across several states in India.

    “We at AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation, urge the government of India to make all the efforts possible and put an end to this ongoing violence against medical professionals and enable them to continue to serve the country with dignity, pride and security,” Dr. Lodha said in the letter sent to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Health Minister, India’s ambassador to the US and the Ambassador of the US to India.

    Recalling that from ancient times, physicians across India and around the world have been revered for dedicating their lives for the noble mission of preventing people from getting and saving millions of lives of people from illnesses, Dr. Lodha told the Indian government that “we as a community of physicians and individual members of this fraternity have decided to go into the medical profession with the best of intentions. We as physicians want to help people, ease suffering and save lives. Physicians of Indian origin are well known around the world for their compassion, passion for patient care, medical skills, research, and leadership.”

    Expressing shock that despite these noble intentions, many doctors and nurses put their own lives on the line in the course of their jobs, facing attacks from the very people they are trying to help. “Violence against doctors has reached such an extreme in India that the medical staff is afraid to come to work and they need a police presence in the hospitals where they work,” Dr. Lodha said.

    For instance, 49 doctors have been attacked in the state of Maharashtra alone since 2015. “The violence against physicians in India, will put a dent in these area, where we have been growing rapidly as world leaders and will cause irrevocable damage to the health industry in India and our image will be tarnished forever, Dr. Lodha pointed out.

    Pointing to reports by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), he said, more than 75% of the population of doctors have had to deal with some degree of violence or aggression directed at them, according to. Shockingly, a large proportion of doctors don’t report such incidents, believing them to be a part of the job so the true figures are likely to be higher. Incidents vary from minor verbal abuse all the way through to the murder or attempted murder of staff, Dr. Lodha said.

    While security needs to be strengthened, enhancing the doctor-patient relationship is undoubtedly the most important factor in reducing violence. Improving the quality of medical facilities and reducing the financial burden on patient’s families is also important as large payments may be catastrophic for poorer people and if they then encounter poor facilities too, this may engender a feeling of corruption. There is even an online petition in change.org seeking safe work environment for doctors.

    According to Lodha, this recent rapid increase in violence has the potential to tarnish India’s image globally as a rising super power. One of the world’s fastest growing economics, India is a dynamic market with immense opportunities in healthcare. With pioneering Indian companies offering a global work culture, India is becoming a preferred career destination for professionals looking for exceptional individual learning and unique growth opportunities. And, in recent decades, India is turning medical tourism hub, attracting millions of people from abroad.

    The members of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), an umbrella organization which has nearly 90 local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations, with over 35 years of history of dedicated services to their motherland and the adopted land, are appalled at the growing violence against our fellow physicians in India, Dr. Lodha said. “We strongly condemn this ongoing violence. And we want immediate action against the culprits, who have been carrying on these criminal acts. We are shocked by the lack of coherent action against such violence and protect members of this noble fraternity.”

  • Indian American Vanita Gupta named President and CEO of Leadership Conference

    Indian American Vanita Gupta named President and CEO of Leadership Conference

    WASHINGTON (TIP): The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights on March 23 announced that it and its sister organization, The Leadership Conference Education Fund, had selected civil rights litigator and advocate Vanita Gupta to assume the leadership of both organizations. The chairs of the two organizations’ boards made the announcement after a joint board meeting to ratify the consensus recommendation of a 16-member joint board search committee. Gupta, who most recently served in President Obama’s administration as the head of the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, will officially begin on June 1.Wade Henderson, who announced his retirement in November 2015, has led the organizations for nearly 21 years.

    “At a time when our nation’s ideals and progress are being threatened in such fundamental ways, The Leadership Conference is a vital nerve center of the broad swath of civil and human rights organizations that are fighting for justice, fairness, and equality around the country,” Gupta said. “Civil and human rights work has never been easy, and these unprecedented times demand a clarity of vision, strategy, and solidarity that the Leadership Conference coalition is uniquely positioned to champion. I am honored and humbled to take on this essential work to guarantee that justice and equality apply to every individual as we struggle to be a more perfect union and remain a beacon for hope in the world.”

    “Wade Henderson will go down as one of the all-time great civil and human rights leaders. A true visionary and a brilliant leader, Wade has fundamentally transformed both The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund into the indispensable organizations they are today. It is my privilege to follow in his footsteps and build on his legacy in these challenging times.”

    Obama appointed Gupta as principal deputy assistant attorney general and head of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division in October 2014, where she served until January. As the nation’s chief civil rights prosecutor during one of the division’s highest profile and most productive eras, Gupta oversaw a wide range of criminal and civil enforcement efforts to ensure equal justice and protect equal opportunity for all.

  • Liberian Indian American Dr Raj Panjabi to receive Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship

    Liberian Indian American Dr Raj Panjabi to receive Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship

    NEW YORK (TIP): Dr Raj Panjabi, a Liberian Indian American physician and social entrepreneur, is among four recipients of the 2017 Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship. The other recipients are Kola Masha, Bradley Myles and Dr. Elizabeth Hausler.

    The Skoll Awards distinguish transformative leaders whose organizations disrupt the status quo, drive sustainable large-scale change, and are poised to create even greater impact on the world. Awardees’ organizations receive $1.25 million core support investments to scale their work and increase their impact. Four social entrepreneurs will accept their awards at the Skoll World Forum’s Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 5, 2017.

    “Social entrepreneurs share several important characteristics: concern for the vulnerable, optimism about our future, an ability to think and do, and most importantly, an unfailing belief in solutions,” said Jeff Skoll, Founder and Chairman of the Skoll Foundation. “These four remarkable people give us great hope that a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future is within reach.”

    Dr Panjabi is CEO of Last Mile Health and Associate Physician in the Division of Global Health Equity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Last Mile Health saves lives in the world’s most remote communities by partnering with governments to design, scale, and advocate for national networks of community health professionals.

    In 2016, TIME Magazine named Dr. Panjabi to its annual list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World”, with a tribute from President Bill Clinton. In 2015, Fortune Magazine named Dr. Panjabi one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” recognizing Last Mile Health’s work to support the Liberian Government to build a national community health workforce. Dr. Panjabi is a Forbes 400 Philanthropy Fellow, a Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Social Entrepreneur, and an Echoing Green Fellow. He is a recipient of the Clinton Global Citizen Award, Outstanding Recent Alumni Award from Johns Hopkins, the Distinguished Young Alumni Award from the University of North Carolina, and the Global Citizen Movement Award.

  • Indian-American Killed in Hit-and-Run in Indiana, Wife Critically Injured

    Indian-American Killed in Hit-and-Run in Indiana, Wife Critically Injured

    COLUMBUS, INDIANA (TIP): An Indian American was killed and his wife was critically injured in a hit-and-run crash in Columbus, Indiana, on Sunday, March 26 evening.

    Anshul Sharma, 30, died on the spot while his wife Samira Bharadwaj, 28, was critically injured in the accident. The police said witnesses at the scene told the officers that a man was driving a red Chrysler minivan and hit the couple from behind near Four Seasons Retirement Centre in Columbus and the accused later fled the scene. Later police arrested 36-year-old Columbus resident Michael Demaio who was driving the car.

    The accused, who is in now in a county jail, faces a number of preliminary charges, including “failure to stop after an accident resulting in death,” “failure to stop after an accident resulting in injury,” “operating while intoxicated resulting in death,” and “operating while intoxicated resulting in injury.”

  • Sikh-American girl harassed on New York City subway

    Sikh-American girl harassed on New York City subway

    NEW YORK (TIP): Latest in a series of hate crimes against people of South-Asian origin, a Sikh-American girl was harassed on a New York City subway train when a man, mistaking her to be from the Middle East, allegedly shouted “go back to Lebanon” and “you don’t belong in this country”, according to a report in the New York Times.

    According to the report, Rajpreet Heir was taking the subway train to a friend’s birthday party in Manhattan when the man began shouting at her. Heir said she was looking at her phone when the man shouted at her saying, “Do you even know what a Marine looks like? Do you know what they have to see? What they do for this country? Because of people like you.”

    He told her that he hopes she was sent “back to Lebanon” and using expletives said, “You don’t belong in this country,” before he left the subway.

    The report said that anti-harassment group Hollaback has received nearly double the usual number of reports of harassment on the subway and more than usual involve racist, Islamophobic or anti-immigrant comments since the election of Trump.

  • Indian American Physician Couple donate $5 million to Florida Hospital Carrollwood

    Indian American Physician Couple donate $5 million to Florida Hospital Carrollwood

    CARROLLWOOD, FL (TIP): Florida Hospital Carrollwood has received a significant donation of $5 million from Dr. Kiran Patel and his wife, Dr. Pallavi Patel. This gift will help fund a $21 million project aimed to bring a modernized Catheterization (Cath) Lab and sizable Emergency Department expansion to the Tampa Bay community.

    “We are all in, to help make Florida Hospital Carrollwood’s Cardiac Cath Lab second to none and are excited to bring this advanced facility to the community that we call home,” said Dr. Kiran Patel.

    A noted Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist from Tampa, Dr. Kiran Patel is the Chairman and President of Freedom Health, Inc. and Optimum Health, Inc. in Florida. He sees philanthropy as his responsibility and passion. Dr. Patel built the WellCare Management Group which he sold in 2002 to a private equity group. The Patel’s have used these proceeds to continue their generous philanthropic work in the Tampa Bay community. Recently, Dr. Patel purchased the former Clearwater Christian College property and has plans to create a college of osteopathic medicine to attract more doctors to this area. Their non-profit organization, the Kiran and Pallavi Patel Foundation for Global Understanding, funds a number of initiatives in health, education and culture. It even offers an annual scholarship to the underprivileged youth in the United States.

    As longtime residents of the Carrollwood community, the Patels have been giving back to the Tampa Bay area for decades. In addition to their previous accomplishments, Dr. Patel served as an accomplished Cardiologist and his wife, Dr. Pallavi Patel specialized in Pediatrics.

    “We feel blessed that the Patel’s have chosen Florida Hospital Carrollwood to donate $5 million. This major contribution will help us better serve our community by building a state-of-the-art Cath Lab. In addition, these funds will go directly to expanding our Emergency Department. Most people look forward to receiving gifts on their birthday however, Dr. Patel is celebrating his birthday today, by giving back to the community,” said Joe Johnson, President and CEO of Florida Hospital Carrollwood.

    The new Cath Lab will open in July 2017 and ground-breaking on the “Dr. Kiran C. Patel” Emergency Department expansion will occur in late 2017.

  • Indian Mother and son found dead in South Jersey

    Indian Mother and son found dead in South Jersey

    JERSEY CITY, NJ (TIP): A woman software professional belonging to Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh and her 7-year-old son were found dead in their home in New Jersey on March 23 evening. N Sasikala, 38, and her son were stabbed “multiple times”. Her husband, Narra Hanumantha Rao, reportedly told the police that he discovered their bodies when he returned home from work.

    Narra Hanumantha Rao and his wife Sasikala, both software engineers, hailing from Thimmarajupalem village of Paruchur Mandal in Prakasam district, had moved to USA 9 years back and both worked for the technology company Cognizant.

    The killing was raised in parliament on March 24. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, “We are in touch with US authorities who are trying to ascertain the details in the matter. As and when we have details, will let you know.”

    Many people, particularly Indians, have speculated that the killings may have been a hate crime. But a spokesman for the prosecutor’s office, to state that there is no evidence it is a bias incident.

     

  • Air India Washington-Delhi Service from July 7

    Air India Washington-Delhi Service from July 7

    Only Airline to offer Nonstop Flights from Washington, D.C., to Delhi, Service Will be Three Times a Week on Boeing 777

    "Air India is committed to making service faster and more convenient for our customers, whether traveling for business or leisure," said Ms. Vandana Sharma, Air India's Regional Manager-Americas
    “Air India is committed to making service faster and more convenient for our customers, whether traveling for business or leisure,” said Ms. Vandana Sharma, Air India’s Regional Manager-Americas

    NEW YORK (TIP): Air India announced that it is increasing its services to India from the U.S. to 33 flights per week with the launch of the only nonstop service out of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Delhi (DEL), starting July 7, 2017.

    The Boeing 777-200LR flights will depart Washington three times a week, on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with a flying time of just 14 hours – more than two hours faster than its nearest competitor. Flight No. AI-104 will depart Washington at 11:00 AM and arrive in Delhi at 10:30 AM the next morning.

    The westbound flight AI-103 will depart Delhi at 1:15 AM on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and arrive in Washington at 7:15 AM the same day.

    Washington Dulles is Air India’s fifth U.S. destination, which also includes Chicago O’Hare, New York JFK, Newark Liberty, and San Francisco International Airports. For passengers traveling beyond Delhi, Air India also offers convenient connections to major cities across India, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi and more. Like Air India’s other nonstop flights, the Washington-Delhi flights will feature First, Business, and Economy Class service, all offering a choice of Continental or Indian cuisine.

    “Air India is committed to making service faster and more convenient for our customers, whether traveling for business or leisure,” said Ms. Vandana Sharma, Air India’s Regional Manager-Americas. “Our expanding service also addresses the growing demand of customers living and working in Indo-American communities throughout the U.S. that are looking for fast, direct service with seamless connections to cities across India, and the added convenience of customs and immigration formalities at the final destination. We are proud and privileged to fill that need.”

    For more information on Air India’s new Washington – Delhi service and for reservations, contact your travel agent or call 1-800-223-7776.

    About Air India

    Air India, India’s national airline, has been in operation since 1932. Today, the airline serves 35 international destinations on four continents, and 66 cities across India. The airline’s fleet of 118 aircraft, including B787 Dreamliners and B777LR’s and ER’s, is one of the world’s youngest. Air India is also a member of the Star Alliance. For more information about the airline, visit www.airindia.in.

  • Indra Nooyi and Fareed Zakaria named recipients of Ellis Island Medal of Honor

    Indra Nooyi and Fareed Zakaria named recipients of Ellis Island Medal of Honor

    NEW YORK (TIP): Six Indian-Americans have been named recipients of prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor 2017- the highest civilian award in the US for immigrants.

    Among 88 recipients, the six Indian- Americans are – PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, Fareed Zakaria, Author and host of CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS” show, Harman International Industries chairman CEO Dinesh Paliwal, Dr Annapoorna S Kini, Yashvant Patel, and Mohan H Patel. The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, which awards the medals, announced that 88 people will receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor during an official ceremony on May 13.

    According to the NECO website, “the Ellis Island Medals of Honor embody the spirit of America in their celebration of patriotism, tolerance, brotherhood and diversity. They recognize individuals who have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents and selfless generosity; all while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America. As always, NECO remains dedicated to the maintenance and restoration of America’s greatest symbol of its immigrant history, Ellis Island.”

    Indra Nooyi was named President and CEO of PepsiCo on October 1, 2006 and assumed the role of Chairman on May 2, 2007. In addition to being a member of the PepsiCo Board of Directors, Mrs. Nooyi serves as a member of the boards of U.S.-India Business Council, The Consumer Goods Forum, Catalyst, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Tsinghua University. She is also a member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum, the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and was appointed to the U.S.-India CEO Forum by the Obama Administration.

    Fareed Zakaria is host of CNN’s flagship foreign affairs show, a Washington Post columnist, a contributing editor for The Atlantic and a New York Times bestselling author. Esquire Magazine called him “the most influential foreign policy adviser of his generation.” From 2010 to 2014, Dr. Zakaria served as editor-at-large for TIME. Before that, he spent ten years overseeing all of Newsweek’s editions abroad. Before joining Newsweek, from 1992 to 2000, he served as managing editor of Foreign Affairs, a post he was appointed to at only 28 years old.

  • Indian American Former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma joins SFS as Centennial Fellow

    Indian American Former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma joins SFS as Centennial Fellow

    GEORGRTOWN (TIP): Former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma has joined Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service as SFS Centennial Fellow, the University announced.

    The Centennial Fellows program at the School of Foreign Service brings distinguished practitioners and scholars to be resources for students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as the broader public.

    Ambassador Verma will help support Georgetown’s India Initiative, a signature program to advance research and teaching around India, world affairs and the United States. With his 25 years of experience in the national security field, he will also be an important resource for students interested in Asia, security studies, and the US Congress and its role in foreign policy decision-making.

    “The Walsh School of Foreign Service is truly excited to have Rich Verma join us as a Centennial Fellow,” Senior Associate Dean Anthony Clark Arend said. “Ambassador Verma has a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors. He will bring to the School a unique perspective that will help all of us re-imagine our mission in a new and changing world.”

    “I’m really honored to be a part of the School of Foreign Service and the Centennial Fellows program,” Ambassador Verma said. “Georgetown has always been at the forefront of international relations scholarship, and I look forward to engaging with students, faculty and staff as we compare notes about developments in Asia, and in particular recent trends in India.”

    Ambassador Verma served as the 25th United States Ambassador to India, nominated by President Obama in September 2014 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December 2014. During his two-year tenure, U.S.-India relations experienced a significant resurgence, with important gains made in defense, trade and clean energy. The Ambassador managed an unprecedented 9 meetings and 3 summits between President Obama and Prime Minister Modi, leading to over 100 new initiatives and more than 40 government to government dialogues.

    Ambassador Verma previously served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, where he led the State Department’s efforts on Capitol Hill. He worked in the Senate for many years, serving as Senior National Security Advisor to the Senate Majority Leader and he also worked in the House of Representatives. He is veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served on active duty as a Judge Advocate. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.

    The Ambassador also has a distinguished career in the private sector, serving as partner at the global law firm of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, and as Senior Counselor to the Albright Stonebridge Group. He served as a commissioner on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism Commission and is a co-author of their landmark report, “World at Risk.” He was also a National Security Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a DC-based think tank.

     

  • Indian American tech executive indicted for H-1B visa fraud

    Indian American tech executive indicted for H-1B visa fraud

    FREMONT, CA (TIP): Two Bay Area tech executives, Including an Indian American CEO of an employment firm based in Fremont with an office in India, are accused of filing false visa documents through a staffing agency in a scheme to illegally bring a pool of foreign tech workers into the United States.

    An indictment from a federal grand jury unsealed on Friday, March 24 accuses Indian American Jayavel Murugan, Dynasoft Synergy’s chief executive officer, and a 40-year-old Santa Clara man, Syed Nawaz, of fraudulently submitting H-1B applications to illegally obtain visas, according to Brian Stretch, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California.

    The men are charged with 26 counts of visa fraud, conspiracy to commit visa fraud, use of false documents, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to prosecutors. Each charge can carry penalties of between two and 20 years in prison.

  • Indian American engineer to head Houston’s Public Works Department

    Indian American engineer to head Houston’s Public Works Department

    HOUSTON, TX (TIP): Houston Mayor Mayor Sylvester Turner has nominated Veteran Indian American engineer Karun Sreerama to head the Houston Department of Public Works and Engineering (PWE). Sreerama is a highly respected engineer with 28 years of experience managing multi-million dollar capital projects across the U.S. and abroad. He is a registered Professional Engineer and holds a doctorate in civil engineering as well as a Master’s degree in business administration. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Dale Rudick, who has led PWE since 2014. Pending council approval, the new appointment is to be effective April 3, 2017. In the interim, PWE’s Deputy Director for Engineering and Construction Carol Haddock will manage the department.

    “Karun has developed an impressive 100 day transition plan,” said Mayor Turner. “He is focused on the organization’s culture and spending as well as collaboration with City Council, neighborhoods and the engineering community. He definitely understands the important role the city plays in boosting quality of life for all Houstonians. He will be able to build upon the excellent progress made during Dale Rudick’s tenure. I want to thank Dale for his service and wish him well in this next chapter of his life.”

    Sreerama comes to the city from ESPA Corporation where he served as president and CEO. Under his leadership, the firm secured contracts with the Harris County Hospital District, Harris County Toll Road Authority, the City of Houston, Pearland, Missouri City, Rice University, University of Houston, Houston Independent School District, Aldine Independent School District and the Texas Department of Transportation. Prior to joining ESPA, Sreerama was senior vice president and chief engineer for Professional Service Industries, Inc.

    Sreerama serves on the boards of the Houston Downtown Management District, Houston Community College Foundation, American Council of Engineering Companies of Houston and the Indo American Political Action Committee of Greater Houston.

  • Indian American students win top three spots at USA Brain Bee Championship

    Indian American students win top three spots at USA Brain Bee Championship

    MARYLAND (TIP): Indian American students sweep top three spots at USA Brain Bee Championship hosted by the University of Maryland. The winner of the competition, which took place March 17 through March 19, is Sojas Wagle of Little Rock, Ark. The second- and thirdplace winners, respectively, are Aarthi Vijayakumar of Minneapolis, Minn., and Amit Kannan of Indianapolis.

    This is the 10th anniversary of the Brain Bee, a neuroscience competition for high school students that was founded by Dr Norbert R. Myslinski, associate professor in the Department of Neural and Pain Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD).

    “Its purpose is to motivate young students to learn about the human brain and inspire them to seek careers in the basic and clinical neurosciences to help treat and cure diseases of the brain and nervous system,” Myslinski said of the Brain Bee. “We build better brains to fight brain disorders.”

    As the first-place winner, Sojas Wagle advances to the international competition, to be held in August in Washington, D.C.

  • IALI Celebrates HOLI DHAMAKA in Style

    IALI Celebrates HOLI DHAMAKA in Style

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): Color, Noise and Revelry and Excitement, these were the words used to describe what was the Holi event celebrated by IALI on March 19, 2017.

    The Festival of Colors “HOLI” was celebrated at Antun’s by Minar with a huge crowd of over 300 attendees included dignitaries, community leaders, IALI Members, Past Presidents, Volunteers, Families and Friends. The event was made more festive with the children running around with colors smeared on their faces and participation of the little kids in the entertainment.

    Attendees were greeted by IALI Executive Council Members with a traditional greeting of gulal, tikka and application of festive Holi colors.

    The program started at 12 with appetizers and meet and greet. MC for the event was Dr. Sukhwinder Ranu, Past President of IALI. The program started with the Invocation of the Shlokas by Narinder Kapoor. President Bina Sabapathy welcomed everybody and in her speech re-emphasized about working together with the Community to achieve goals and bringing the Community together. She requested for everyone’s support in the upcoming Vaisakhi cruise on April 30thand the Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner at the Melville Hilton on June 4th.

    Emcee continued the program with the Introduction of the IALI Executive Board and Council, and Past Presidents.

    Guest of Honor included Town Clerk, Nasrin Ahmad, Town of Hempstead and Nassau County Comptroller Honorable George Maragos. Hon. Town Clerk greeted everyone with Happy Holi remarks. Citations were presented on behalf of the Town of Hempstead to IALI.

    Hon. George Maragos attended with his wife along with Senior Adviser to Comptroller, Mr. Dilip Chauhan. Hon. George Maragos presented big bundle of toys to President Sabapathy for IALI toy drive.

    Entertainment was provided by Tara Chaudhary student of Shilpa Mithaiwala from Rhythm Dance Academy,Bollywood Medley by Arya Academy students, choreographed by Shilpa Jhurani. Entertainment also included “Dola Re Dola” a solo by Sandhya Prasad from Nataraj Center for Performing Arts and RajLuxmi who entertained everyone with her melodious voice. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Secretary Lalit Aery and dancing to the tunes of DJ Tony.

    There was a ripple of excitement when the raffle was being drawn. Vendorsat the event included Ashma Creations by Meenu Kumar and Vaishali Vig’s Shawl Collections.

    Sponsors for the event were Navika Capital Group, Vass Pipes & Steel Coand People’s Bank.

    A Souvenir Program Booklet was released to mark the occasion.

    A huge thanks to the Media – Print Media – The Indian Panorama, South Asian Times, South Asian Insider, Hum Hindustani, Indian Express, and TV channels included ITV and PTC.

  • Indian American New Jersey Jewelry Store Owners Sentenced for International Credit Card Fraud

    Indian American New Jersey Jewelry Store Owners Sentenced for International Credit Card Fraud

    JERSEY CITY, NJ (TIP): Two Indian American owners of a New Jersey jewelry store who used the business to further one of the largest credit card fraud schemes ever charged by the Justice Department were both sentenced on March 27 for their respective roles in the scheme, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.

    Vijay Verma, 49, and Tarsem Lal, 78, both of Iselin, New Jersey, were sentenced to 14 months in prison and 12 months of home confinement, respectively. Both previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson in Trenton federal court to information charging them with one count of access device fraud.

    In addition to the prison terms, Judge Thompson sentenced Verma to three years of supervised release and Lal to three years of probation. Each defendant was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay forfeiture of $451,259.

  • Ro Khanna’s take on Trump’s Budget Proposal – Its “Dumb” & “Inhumane”

    Ro Khanna’s take on Trump’s Budget Proposal – Its “Dumb” & “Inhumane”

    Washington:  Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has termed as “dumb” some of the budget proposals of US President Donald Trump and described the move to cut foreign aid as “inhumane”.

    Khanna, the first-time Democratic lawmaker elected to the House of Representatives from a Congressional District in California, hoped that the ruling Republican party, which has majority in both the House and the Senate, would work against passage of the budgetary proposals of Trump.

    “I am really concerned about the community block grants, the USD three billion cut. It is shocking to me given someone campaigned on America first, building American cities. Here USD three billion that goes to building American cities, transportation, infrastructure, job training.

    “I cannot think of a more a dumb proposal than frankly than cutting that. Hopefully the Republicans will push back on that,” he told TYT Politics news YouTube channel yesterday.

    Khanna said he is concerned that the Republicans may not push back on foreign aid, given that the White House has proposed a massive budgetary cut in it.

    “Gorge Bush, I disagreed with about everything Bush/Cheney did. The one thing he did that we should all give him credit for is he helped save people in Africa with HIV. We put billions of dollars in foreign aid to help people with the antiviral drugs and we are going to cut that. That is so inhumane. So I think defending the foreign aid budget, which is less than one per cent, which is going to humanitarian causes,” Khanna said.

    “One of the things that annoyed me so much about Trump’s speech was when he said, ‘Well, it is America’s national interest and America first, and all nations follow their self- interest’. I thought the whole idea about American exceptionalism is we are not all nations. Yeah, other nations just follow their national interest, we care about morality.

    We care about humanity. That is what makes America exceptional, so we should care about the moral case, about what we are going to do for other countries,” he said.

    Alleging that the Republicans want to dismantle the New Deal Coalition, Khanna said this is the reason why they are “so much allowance” to Trump.

    “You talk to members of Congress and they do not agree with everything he says even Republicans. They are as embarrassed. But why do they give him such a pass? Why are not they speaking out? It is because he is helping achieve their vision, which is the dismantling of the administrative state.

    The dismantling of the New Deal in a way that even Ronald Reagan did and so they are saying, ‘Okay, we are going to make the bargain with the devil’. He is giving us what we want. Let us ignore everything else,” he said.

    Commenting on the Democratic party’s defeat, he said the party leadership have to come out with an economic platform that would appeal to people in states like Michigan, Ohio, Arkansas, Kentucky and places that they lost.

    “We have got to be willing to take a risk on something bold. I think that is really where the frustration with the base is, is they see the same type of incrementalism. It is not just a messaging problem. It is not just okay with we use some different word, or George Lakoff, we have the wrong frame. It is a vision problem. It is a substance problem. They are hurting,” Khanna said.

    He said globalization has eviscerated in part the middle class, and the money has gone to corporate interest.

    “The money has gone to CEOs. They feel that their wages have stagnated since 1979 to today for most middle-class families. The cost of healthcare has gone up. The cost education has gone up. Why would not you be upset? Why would not you be angry? They do not see the Democratic Party having done anything for them,” he said.

    Khanna said there is a stagnation of ideas in the Democratic party and there is need for a new vision.

    “We need people who are going to put out the bold ideas for the Democrats, just like Paul Ryan and Newt Gingrich and others did for the Republicans. Barry Goldwater, Reagan, they moved the Republican Party. We need that same energy. I had said somewhat facetiously but I believe it, let us fire all the Democratic consultants. Put Robert Reich, Stephanie Kelton and Paul Krugman in a room and they do a hell of a better job coming up with their agenda,” he said.

    Responding to a question, Khanna said American democracy is extraordinary.

    “I think that American democracy is still extraordinary. My own story: I am of Hindu faith, parents immigrated, was born in Philadelphia, I am 40 years old, I represent a district which is the most economically successful district in the world with Apple and Google,” he said.

    “There is an openness to the American political system that is extraordinary for all its flaws. That is what I hope people will understand that they do not feel disenfranchised.

    If the Democratic Party is the vehicle, great. If that is not the vehicle, go protest, go run as a third-party, but be engaged,” Khanna added.

  • Indian Americans’ income nearly double that of other Americans: US Census Bureau report

    Indian Americans’ income nearly double that of other Americans: US Census Bureau report

    WASHINGTON (TIP): In 2015, the household median income in the US was half as compared to that of an Indian American household. According to a report by the US Census Bureau, the median household income of Indian Americans was $103,821 in 2015. In comparison, the median household income in the US, overall, was $53,889.

    The US Census Bureau report, titled Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: May 2017, was released on March 17, on the occasion of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) in May. The overall median income data for the year 2015 came from a separate report that is available on the Census Bureau’s website. The APAHM report concluded that the median income of households headed by the Asians alone or in combination population in 2015 was $76,260. But, within Asian households, too, an Indian American household’s median income was much higher. “Median household income differed greatly by Asian group. For Asian Indian alone, for example, the median income in 2015 was $103,821; for Bangladeshi alone, it was $49,515,” the report said.

    The report estimates the Indian American population was four million in 2015, which makes it the second largest Asian group. “The Chinese (except Taiwanese) population was the largest Asian group, followed by Asian Indian (4.0 million), Filipino (3.9 million), Vietnamese (2.0 million), Korean (1.8 million) and Japanese (1.4 million),” the report read. The steady increase in the number of Indian American-owned firms complements the aloft trend in income and population. In 2012, the number of Asian-owned firms in the US was 1.9 million. Impressively, the Asian American ownership has spiked up nearly 24 percent from 2007 till 2012. With similar intensity, the Indian American-owned firms showed a steady growth of 20 percent during 2007-2012. In 2012, Indian Americans owned 377,486 firms in the US, compared to 308,491 in 2007.

    The data indicates that the percentage of Indian American-owned firms to that of Asian-owned firms in the US did not change during 2007-2012. During this period, the Indian Americans owned nearly 20 percent of the total Asian-owned firms. Interestingly, from 2007 to 2012 while the number of Indian American firms grew by 22 percent, the White American firms witnessed a decline of five percent.

    Overall, the report indicates positive trends for Indian Americans n terms of income, population and entrepreneurial initiatives.

    (Source: US Census Bureau) 

  • Two Indian American scholars at Rice win prestigious CAREER Award

    Two Indian American scholars at Rice win prestigious CAREER Award

    HOUSTON (TIP): Two Indian American scholars from Rice University have been named CAREER Award recipients by the National Science Foundation.

    Anshumali Shrivastava, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Statistics and Ashok Veeraraghavan, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering earned prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award.

    The NSF awards CAREER grants to young scientists who show the potential for leadership in their fields. The five-year grant to Veeraraghavan is for $549,000.

    While Shrivastava’s research interests lie in machine learning and big data, Veeraraghavan specializes in the use of computer technology, statistics and sophisticated algorithms to see both farther and deeper, and at increasingly sharper resolution.

    “My research leverages the existing algorithmic advances for pushing machine learning to the extreme scale,” said Shrivastava, who became a member of the Rice University faculty in 2015, in a statement. “I design ‘hashing and sketching algorithms,’ a class of randomized algorithms that can process humongous datasets in seconds.”

    Veeraraghavan, who joined Rice in 2010 said, “Apart from the theoretical and algorithmic improvements, we’re looking at applications like obtaining high-resolution images from long distance. In particular, we’re building applications to answer questions like, can you do face recognition from a kilometer distance?”

    CAREER awards support the research and educational development of young scholars likely to become leaders in their fields. The five-year grants, which are among the most competitive awarded by the NSF, are given to some 400 scholars each year across all disciplines.

  • Trump nominates Indian American Judge for top judicial post

    Trump nominates Indian American Judge for top judicial post

    WASHINGTON (TIP): On March 20, President Donald J. Trump nominated Indian American Amul R. Thapar of Kentucky for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

    If confirmed, Amul R. Thapar of Kentucky will serve as a Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The son of Indian-American immigrants, Judge Thapar serves on the District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. With his 2008 nomination by President George W. Bush and subsequent confirmation and appointment, Judge Thapar became the Nation’s first Article III judge of South Asian descent.

    Before his service on the bench, he was the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Before that, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Ohio and the District of Columbia. He began his legal career in private practice, after clerkships with Judge S. Arthur Spiegel on the District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and then with Judge Nathaniel R. Jones of the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Judge Thapar received his BS from Boston College in 1991 and his JD from the University of California, Berkeley.

    Welcoming Trump’s decision, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said, “I applaud the President for announcing his intent to nominate my friend, Judge Amul Thapar, to serve on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Throughout his already impressive career of public service, Amul has shown an incredible intellect and an unshakable dedication to the law. He has earned the respect of his colleagues, and I know that he will bring to the Sixth Circuit the same wisdom, fairness, and ability that he has shown on the District Court. President Trump made an outstanding choice and I look forward to the Senate’s confirmation of Judge Thapar.”

  • Don’t use hateful language: Indian American Congressman to Trump

    Don’t use hateful language: Indian American Congressman to Trump

    Worried about frequent hate crimes against Indian-origin people in the US, a senior Indian-American Congressman has urged President Donald Trump to refrain from using Islamophobic language that pits one group against another.

    “We’re certainly hearing that there’s some anxiety,” Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera, a three-term Democratic lawmaker from California told PTI.

    Now increasingly playing the role of mentorship to other aspiring Indian-American politicians and other elected leaders, Bera said it is important for community to speak out against such hate crimes.

    “It’s not reflective of who I believe we are as a country, we’re a nation of immigrants and I think the majority of Americans understand we’re a nation of immigrants,” he said.

    He is the senior most Indian-American lawmaker in the US House of Representatives which now has three other members from the community Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Pramila Jayapal.

    Bera, 52, said he would like President Trump to speak out more forcefully against these hate crimes.

    “In fact, some of the hateful language that he used on the campaign trail I think has actually allowed some of the groups (involved in hate crimes) to come out of the shadows,” he said.

    “You’ve seen some of the high profile crimes, like what happened in Kansas, what happened in Washington State and South Carolina … Again, that’s not the country that I believe we are as America,” said Bera. Though the number might not be that big, but the community is now a vibrant part in the US, he said.

    “It’s the most affluent demographic in America. Many of the start-ups and the innovations that are occurring in America are coming out of the Indian-American community.”

    “Go to any State across this country, you have Indian American doctors, entrepreneurs, engineers working in fully integrated into the community. So, we are a part of the fabric of America. I think it’s important for the community to come together and let America know that this is not okay. It’s not who the US is,” he asserted.

    Urging Trump to stop tweeting, Bera said he would tell the US President to not use language that pits one group against another.

    “Certainly, he has used some Islamophobic language. The travel ban is the wrong direction because I think it’s targeting the specific group of individuals,” he said, adding that he is also worried a bit about America’s reputation taking a hit across the world.

    “I think it’s important for people like myself to speak out and make sure people around the world and places in India understand we’ve not changed what our values are, the people of America haven’t changed.”

    “Many of us believe the strength of America is this integration of different cultures, different religions, people coming together. That’s unique in the world and that’s something which has always made America a special place,” he said.

    (Source: PTI)

  • The Indian Academy Awards to honor Women’s global achievements through Women’s Achievers Award

    The Indian Academy Awards to honor Women’s global achievements through Women’s Achievers Award

    To commemorate International women’s day, Indian Academy Awards launched IAA WOMEN ACHIEVERS AWARDS; a campaign urging NRI women to share their personal success stories so that they could be rewarded and felicitated.

    IAA aims at felicitating those women holding positions of decision making. We are requesting NRI women to share their real life stories in their respective field with the intention to empower the women of today.

    In today’s world, women play important roles in Politics, ecommerce, education, investing, travel, fashion, arts etc. However, it is not easy in another country especially in the USA.

    Vandana Krishna, Director, Brainstorm Entertainment adds “As an initiative of the Indian Academy Awards we want to share the success stories of real women with the world, to encourage all the Non-Residents of India. True stories of women entrepreneurs are an inspiration to change the world. Today’s women are making the difference with their innovative ideas, seeking solutions and reclaiming their status as equals. We want to create a platform to honor these women and to share their success with the world.”

    The Indian Academy will now celebrate woman empowerment through nominations and authenticated online voting process. Women achievers will be honored for their achievements as strong Indian-American women. Those who have made a significance will be nominated for a special category of awards which would be part of the main event scheduled on 26th March, 2017.

    Tanvi Prenita ChandraFounder and Presidentof Renascent Media, who is also theorganizerand local promoter for hosting IAA WOMEN ACHIEVERS AWARDS. Tanvi, a highly respected personality has been dedicated to help the South Asian Community in New Jersey for over 17yrs through her work at Radio, Television, Stage, Marketing and Events.

    The winners will be selected via a nomination process by EY. The final jury members comprising of Bollywood actresses Manjari  Phadnis and Chitrashi Rawat, Wellness and grooming expert Avni Gandhi Varma will make the final selection.

    Actor & Activist Shabana Azmi would be the guest of honor for the final event.

    The legendary poet, Kaifi Azmi & his daughter Shabana Azmi’s NGO, Mijwan Welfare Society has been invited by The IAA to showcase the exquisite hand embroidery called Chikankari by Mijwan Women. The ‘Mijwan Summer Couture 2017’ by designer Manish Malhotra would be the highlight of the evening.

    The fashion show is a fundraiser and the proceeds collected at the event would be donated to the NGO to support its aim, i.e Education and Empowerment of the girl child.

    Manish Malhotra has pulled women out of oblivion and brought their craft to the doorsteps of Bollywood by creating glamorous outfits in his signature style. By giving women gainful employment, he has given the women to negotiate more space for themselves within the family structure.

    The show epitomizes the continuous realization of Kaifi Saab’s vision and the wonderful legacy of hope for his village, Mijwan. (www.mijwan.org)

    Mijwan today is not only a story of the progress of a small village in India, but it’s also the story of women journeying on, past the patriarchal conforms of their society. It’s the hope for a better tomorrow, beating in the hearts of rural women who have taken charge of their own destinies.

    Recently, the Indian Academy Awards celebrated the first of its kind, The Indian Worldwide Academy and all that it stands for, was announced by superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Mumbai @ US Consulate and in January it was launched by Actor Madhuri Dixit in California!(AV Link – FB & YT of both the AV’s)

    From exchanging cultures to building bridges for tourism, engaging cinema lovers to creating a platform to identify potential talent for the Indian film industry, the IAA, is a real-time celebration for cinema lovers, by cinema lovers and of cinema lovers across the world.

    What makes these awards stand out, is the fact that it invites a global audience to be part of the jury, by a simple registration process.

    The Academy also has one of the biggest certifying agencies in the world to make the voting process authentic.

    This is how it becomes a truly global, democratic award ceremony that will redefine the entertainment world.

    Managed by Asia’s largest production company Cineyug and choreographed by contemporary dance guru of Bollywood Shiamak Davarthis extravaganza, will be nothing short of a mega show that bringing the best of Hollywood, Bollywood and Tollywood together to create history in the entertainment world and will be hosted at the Oracle Arena in the Bay Area of California.

    INDIAN ACADMEY AWARDS – HOSTED, PRESENTED & CURATED BY INDIAN CINEMA

    AWARDED BY THE VIEWERS!

    www.indianacademyaward.com www.iaawomenachievers.com Facebook – Indian Academy Awards Indianacademyawards17@gmail.com

  • Two Indians in New Jersey Sentenced to Prison for Smuggling Foreign Nationals

    Two Indians in New Jersey Sentenced to Prison for Smuggling Foreign Nationals

    NEWARK, NJ (TIP): Two Indians were each sentenced to 17 months in prison for their roles in a conspiracy to illegally transport foreign nationals into the United States via commercial airline flights, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced, March 21, 2017.

    Nileshkumar Patel, 42, and Harsad Mehta, 67 previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to separate superseding informations charging them each with one count of conspiracy to smuggle foreign nationals into the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Judge Martini imposed the sentences in Newark federal court.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Patel and Mehta admitted that from June 2013 through October 2015, they conspired to make money by recruiting Indian nationals to enter and reside in the United States illegally. Patel and Mehta admitted that on July 24, 2014, they brought two Indian nationals to Bangkok, Thailand, so that they could be transported into the United States. They also admitted paying an individual – who was actually an undercover officer – to transport the foreign nationals from Thailand into Newark.

    In addition to the prison terms, Judge Martini sentenced Patel and Mehta to three years of supervised release.

  • Indian American Postal Supervisor Charged with Theft of Government Property

    Indian American Postal Supervisor Charged with Theft of Government Property

    CAMDEN, NJ (TIP): An Indian American resident of Delran, New Jersey, faces charges that he abused his position as a U.S. Postal Service supervisor to steal cash deposits, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced earlier this month.

    Amar D. Patel, 35, is charged by complaint with knowingly embezzling, stealing, purloining, and converting to his use U.S. Postal Service funds exceeding $1,000.

    According to the complaint, filed in July 2016, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General started investigating shortages in cash deposits reported by the Riverside, New Jersey, Delanco, New Jersey, and Delran post offices. Patel – who was a supervisor at those three offices -had access to deposit bags containing cash acquired during retail operations. As part of the investigation, agents installed covert surveillance cameras inside the Riverside post office. On Jan. 14, 2017, one of the surveillance cameras captured images of Patel tearing open a sealed deposit bag, removing cash deposits, and placing the funds into his pocket. According to U.S. Postal Service financial records and bank deposit records, the Riverside office’s deposit was short $1,650 on Jan. 14, 2017. Based on this and other information, Patel is accused of stealing $15,700 in U.S. Postal Service funds on 12 separate occasions from Feb. 20, 2016, through Jan. 14, 2017.

    The embezzlement charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    (Source: Press Release/ U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey)