The arrest Friday of a 17-year-old boy accused of strangling his mother sent shock waves through western Wake County’s Indian community, according to a Morrisville town councilman.
It took more than a year for investigators to gather enough evidence to make an arrest in the Dec. 17, 2015, death of Nalini Tellaprolu, a popular 51-year-old mother of two who worked at Duke Medical Center. Friends of the family were shocked when Cary police charged her son, Arnav Uppalapati, with her murder; “It’s very devastating. There’s never been an incident where a son has taken the life of his own biological mother.
Arnav Uppalapati was arrested by Cary police on Friday for the death of his 51-year-old mother Nalini Tellaprolu who worked at Duke Medical Center. Tellaprolu was strangled on December 17, 2015 with a plastic bag over herhead.
It really sends shock waves,” Satish Garimella, a Morrisville town councilman of Indian descent, was quoted as saying by the local ‘The News&Observer’. Uppalapati was 16 when he reported coming home from school and finding his mother’s body in the garage with a plastic bag over her head. Her feet were in the back seat of a car. She may have been beaten before she was strangled, the report said, citing the autopsy report.
Uppalapati was a person of interest in the case from the outset, said Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman. One telling clue were early reports that indicated there were no signs of a forced entry into the family’s two-story, USD 450,000 home at the Upchurch Farms subdivision, Freeman said.
“We’re shocked as a community. This was not something we expected to hear. She focused all of her energy on her kids,” said Padma Tummala, a long-time friend of Tellaprolu. “I still don’t believe it. This is completely out of the blue,” said Vijay Javvadi, another family friend. It wasn’t clear how police finally broke the case or what motive played a role.
Police said in a statement that Uppalapati would be tried on a class B1 felony charge, which is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Tellaprolu’s death was ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiner’s Office. Her body was covered with bruises and scratches on her face, neck, torso and arms. There were minor blunt force injuries, and the cartilage in her neck was fractured, the report said.
A former IALI President Gobind Munjal is sworn in as President
The Association of Indians in America (AIA), New York Chapter held an Inauguration / Oath Ceremony of the Newly Elected 2017-2018 Executive Committee at the Consulate General of India here.
Presidents all. Past presidents of AIA. Also seen areConsul General Riva Ganguly Das (5th from right), and Regional Manager of Air India Vandana Sharma (6th from right).
The ceremony was attended by the Chief Guest Consul General of India, Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, Deputy Consul General Dr. Mohapatra, NYC Comptroller Mr. Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President Mrs. Gale Brewer, Past Presidents of AIA National & Chapter Presidents, community leaders, Media and prominent guests from tristate area.
Ceremony was invoked with the Ganesh Vandana performed by Melana Krishna ofNritya Saagaram Dance Academy and an energizing performance by students of Nartan Rang Dance Academy of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, after the renditions of national anthems of USA and India by Gita Setia, ITV Host.
Immediate Past President Mr Sunil Modi, introduced by Asmita Bhatia, talked about accomplishments of his 4-year Presidency. Mr. Modi expressed his full confidence that AIA’s future under the new leadership of Mr Gobind Munjal is bright and that the NY Chapter will further flourish.
The Newly Elected President Gobind Munjal and the following Executive Committee was sworn in:
The Executive Committee members with New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer (holding a commendation)
NYC Comptroller, Mr. Scott Stringer saluted contributions of the Indian Immigrant community to the City of New York, and emphasised the importance of the diversity, while presenting the commendation certificate to AIA. Manhattan Borough President Mrs. Gail Brewer, a long-term friend of AIA, congratulated the team, and reinforced her support to the Indian community, citing examples of her support for the suspension of parking during Deepavali.
AIA National President Dr. Shashi Shah proudly shared AIA’s achievement such as obtaining the minority status and the inclusion in the census.
Mr. Munjal laid down his vision for expanding the youth programs and stressed the need for membership drive for the youths and get them involved. He expressed his commitment to upholding AIA’s objective of “Indian Heritage, American Commitment” thru expanded program such as Desi Next, a forum for the younger generation, commitment to local Philanthropic projects to serve the Indian community, in addition to the continued commitment to Deepavali Festival. AIA proudly celebrates its 50th year, and the program concluded with a vote of thanks by the Secretary Mr. Vimal Goyal.
The new President Gobind Munjal has for long been associated with many social and cultural organizations. He has been President of India Association of Long Island (IALI), a 39 year old organization of over 2,000 members and he successfully led a highly successful India Fest attended by an overwhelming crowd of over 10,000 people, which showcased the rich Indian Culture & traditions, Arts & Crafts, Fashion shows, Shopping, Mehndi, children games, and food stalls with different types of Indian cuisine.
In 2012, As Convener of the very first highly successful India Day Parade in Hicksville, Long Island, he raised substantial funds and help in bringing all the community based organizations together.
In 2014, as Chairman of the IALI India Center Committee, Mr. Munjal achieved the goal of owning the IALI India Center, a long-cherished dream of the Indian Community.
His spirit and passion for community service is never ending. He has been involved in various organizations; as a Secretary of the GOPIO, LI Chapter and Co-Chairperson of Indian American Night, which started Kite Festival. He has also been helping almost all other organizations like RANA, NFIA, India Home, Vegetarian Vision, etc. in whatever way he can.
The Indian Panorama sought views of Mr. Munjal on a couple of issues. We are glad he was good enough to respond promptly.
Here are the questions and their answers.
What is your future Vision?
Mr. Munjal: My vision is to expand the youth programs and to stress the need for membership drive for the youths and get them involved. Desi Next has been launched to provide platform for the young Adults encouragement. He expressed his expanded program such as Desi Next, a forum for the younger generation, commitment to various local Philanthropic projects to serve the Indian community, the Children Diwali program in schools & Museums, recognition of Diwali holiday in Public Schools, in addition to the continued commitment to Deepavali Festival celebrations at the Iconic South Street Seaport in Manhattan.
At the moment, AIA is known more for its cultural work of organizing the signature Diwali Mela. What will you do to make AIA socially more relevant?
Mr. Munjal: We are planning to add a few socially active programs like networking events, senior health information related seminars and TV interviews on latest community related topics of common interest to increase awareness, picnic and cruises etc. We would also look into helping in any way we can for the senior adult housing.
Any plans to make it a political arm of the community, because all around we hear of ‘get involved’ and ’empower’ yourself.
Mr. Munjal: Although we are not a political organization, but we will try to bring the issues of the Indian Community to the forefront, especially issues of hate crime and discrimination etc. and help in any way we can to increase awareness and write to the appropriate authorities to take the strict steps to stop discrimination and the nonsense killings of the innocent people
About AIA
The New York Chapter of AIA was established in 1968 and is well known for its social, cultural and educational activities. Among its various activities, celebrating Diwali at South Street Seaport in New York City has become one of its major functions since 1987. AIA organizes Diwali celebrations on a grand scale, where more than 100,000 New Yorkers from all walks of life turn up to watch the splendor and glory of a showcase of Indian culture, arts and crafts, jewelry, Indian traditional clothes and a taste of Indian dishes from various regions of India. Political Dignitaries, senators, members of US Congress and Indian Diplomats are invited as Guest of honor at this function to promote better understanding between US and India. Topping it all, the program closes with a spectacular display of fireworks in the east river leading to a grand finale, watched by over a million New Yorkers.
WASHINGTON (TIP): Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, has been elected the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans. She succeeds her Democratic congressional colleague Indian-American Dr Ami Bera.
Tulsi was elected in 2012 to the United States House of Representatives, serving Hawaii’s 2nd District. She is one of the first two female combat veterans to ever serve in the U.S. Congress, and its first and only Hindu member.
An advocate for environmental policy, Tulsi was elected to the Hawai ‘i State Legislature in 2002 when she was just 21 years old, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. A year later, she joined the Hawai’i Army National Guard to serve Hawai’i and our country. In 2004, Tulsi volunteered to deploy with her fellow soldiers, becoming the first state official to voluntarily step down from public office to serve in a war zone.
Tulsi served in the U.S. Senate as a legislative aide to Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), where she advised him on energy independence, homeland security, the environment, and veteran issues. Tulsi serves on the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee where she is a strong advocate for veterans.
COLUMBUS, OH (TIP): Dr. V.K. Raju, MD, FRCS, FACS, the Founder and Medical Director of the Eye Foundation of American, who is on a crusade to eliminate avoidable blindness around the world, has been selected for induction in to the Global Medical Missions Hall of Fame.
Eye Foundation of America began its work in 1979 in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. EFA grew out of his earlier work providing services and treatment near his birthplace in Rajahamundry, a town in Southeast India’s Andhra Pradesh. Raju organized teams to go to remote areas and deliver eye care in areas where there otherwise were none. These traveling clinics were known as “eye camps.” (Eye camps remain a standard part of the Foundation’s services today.)
Today, Foundation has grown far beyond its original size and scope but never outgrew the vision of its founder, who continues to look ahead. EFA has built modern eye hospitals and trained ophthalmic assistants and other personnel to carry on our work. We provide workshops and fellowships for physicians and medical students throughout the world. We also conduct research to find better ways of preventing blindness, to learn how to distribute Vitamin A efficiently
His team has done wonders, considering the tremendous work done by them.
* 2 million+ outpatients
* 300 thousand+ eye surgeries
* 25 thousand+ on children
This is completed by the Eye Foundation of America team since 1977 in India and 21 other developing countries. Additionally, the Eye Foundation of America lays great emphasis on teaching and training of health professionals who receive the Foundation’s support at every level.
The induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 in the Howard L. Collier Building on the UT Health Science Campus. Following the induction ceremony, which begins promptly at 7:30 p.m., there will be a plaque unveiling and reception in the Jacobs Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center Atrium.
NEW YORK (TIP): The University of Scranton will welcome three distinguished guests from India to participate in the fourth annual Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar Lecture Series on Wednesday, March 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center.
Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, consul general of India, and Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, deputy consul general of India, will join Dr. Nathan on a panel to discuss “India: Ancient. Culture. Democracy.” A classical Indian dance performance by Kadhambari Sridhar and a reception featuring traditional Indian food will immediately follow the panel discussion.
The event, which is free of charge and open to the public, is made possible through the generosity of Dr. Nathan, a former professor in Scranton’s Kania School of Management who is currently serving as a professor of management at St. John’s University in Queens.
Darla Germeroth, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Scranton, will moderate the panel discussion.
The Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar Lecture Series invites international scholars to visit The University of Scranton to address issues that will enlighten and benefit students, faculty and the community at large. While visiting the campus, scholars deliver presentations on topics of interest to the academic community and meet informally with attendees, students and faculty.
UNITED NATIONS (TIP): When you can go to the United Nations to hear a talk about meditation, you know something has changed in the world.
On Friday, March 10, 2017, Dr. Kunwarjit Singh Duggal, guest of the United Nations Salus Well-Being Network, spoke to a packed audience in the Secretariat Conf. Room 8 on “Cultivating Inner Peace for Outer Peace.” He began: “My main message here is to talk about peace. How do we achieve peace? . . . In order to take peace to the next level, we have to find peace within ourselves first before we can go on helping the rest of society.”
By his own admission, Dr. Duggal is quite passionate about meditation as an intervention for many of life’s challenges, whether worldly or personal – a universal paradigm.
His topic on Friday, particularly timely today,detailed the latest scientific research on theproven benefits of meditation. Noting the many different types of meditation, he talked about several significant studies, most focused on peace, stress and anxiety.
He quoted one randomized controlled study in which people were asked to meditate each morning for 21 days straight for a short duration of time. The researchers measured cortisol (the stress hormone) levels before and after 21 days and found a significant decrease in every participant. Notable studies also found that for patients undergoing orthopedic rehabilitation those who meditated benefitted twice as much as those who were treated only with therapeutic exercise.
One telling example was an experiment done in a troubled San Francisco school district in whichtwo 15-minute periods of quiet time wereinstitutedfor students. The results were improved test scores, attendance, psychological state and enhanced concentration. These students also reported increased calmness and decreased anger. By increasing the calmness in these students, their corresponding troubled geographical regions noted decreased crime rates and improved safety.
Dr. Duggal then presented the meditation technique practiced in Science of Spirituality, Jyoti meditation, after which everyone had a chance to meditate for a short period.
The afternoon concluded with a lively question and answer session.
Dr. Duggal was at the United Nations representing the Science of Spirituality,(NGO), a worldwide, spiritual organization dedicated to transforming lives through meditation. His father, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, head of Science of Spirituality, spoke at the UN last May on “Meditation as Medication for the Soul.”
Dr. Duggal is a Board-Certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist and Assistant Professor at Rush University Meditation Center in Chicago. He lectures extensively on meditation as an effective intervention for physical and emotional medical disorders.
For more information about Science of Spirituality: www.sos.org.
WASHINGTON (TIP): Silicon Valley Indian American Elected Legislative Officials expressed their concern regarding increasing hate crimes against Indian Americans in the Bay Area.
In a joint statement Congressman Ro Khanna, Assembly member Ash Kalra, Mayor Pradeep Gupta (South San Francisco), Mayor Savita Vaidhyanathan (Cupertino), Councilmember Arun Goel (Dublin),
Councilmember Raj Salwan (Fremont), and Councilmember Rishi Kumar (Saratoga) urged to promote diversity and equality to create an America where people continue to treat each other with respect.
“In the past few months, we have seen a number of hate crimes against Indian Americans in our own backyard. In San Jose, an Indian man driving a foreign car was questioned about his loyalty to America and told to ‘go back to [his] own country,’ an incident he later described as his ‘first racial encounter in his 41 years as a resident of this country.’ In Fremont, an Indian woman was slapped in an incident that was categorized a hate crime. There are other minor incidences that have not yet been reported to law enforcement officials.
“All of us are deeply hurt and saddened by these recent happenings, more so with the recent shooting in Kansas and Seattle. It is very unsettling that these hate crimes have popped up in Silicon Valley as well, where diversity and culture are so dearly treasured. America after all, has always been a nation of immigrants and has always valued the work and ideas that immigrants bring to its shores. That people are being attacked simply because of their skin color or their nation of origin is unacceptable and shameful.
“We, the undersigned, pledge that we will make it a priority to protect all minorities and immigrants from such attacks. We are invested in rolling back the climate of hatred that is seemingly sweeping the country, collaborating towards a society in harmony, working together for simple American values, and building a prosperous Silicon Valley and America. Together, we can promote diversity and equality to create an America where we continue to treat each other with respect.
“We have great confidence in the fundamental decency and kindness of the American people. We know these attacks represent a fringe that is not representative of our values. We are confident that here, in the Bay Area, we will rise above these attacks and be a model for the country of tolerance and respect.”
CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Chicago-based Indian-American Public Affairs Committee (IAPAC) has launched a campaign across the US to spread awareness about hate crimes against the community.
The committee plans to organize a series of grass root events and town halls across the country. “There is a need to bring understanding about the people of Indian-American and represent their interests,” Ashwani Dhall, one of the founding members of IAPAC, said in a statement.
The committee plans to highlight how Indian-Americans have been an intrinsic part of the American fabric and will also ask different state governments and cities to announce Indian-American awareness month.
“By bringing together elected officials, local and business leaders and the media, the aim is to assure Indian-American community that incidents like the hate-crime in Kansas City are not tolerated or repeated,” the statement read.
IAPAC will also organize events in San Francisco Bay Area, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Dallas and Seattle as part of the campaign. It wants to ensure that correct information, not rumors, on existing policies is disseminated to people, according to the statement.
“It was heartening to hear [President] Trump denounce the Kansas City incident right at the start of his address to the Congress,” IAPAC president Vinesh Virani said. “We have hope that the current administration will work to bring everyone together,” he added.
ORADELL, NJ (TIP): Indian American Indrani Das, 17, of Oradell, New Jersey, won the top award in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition. Forty finalists, including Indrani, were honored on March 14 at the annual Regeneron Science Talent Search Awards Gala for their research projects demonstrating exceptional scientific and mathematical ability, taking home more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron.
Indrani won the top award of $250,000 for her study of a possible approach to treating the death of neurons due to brain injury or neurodegenerative disease. Another Indian student got third place. Arjun Ramani, 18, of West Lafayette, Indiana, came third for blending the mathematical field of graph theory with computer programming to answer questions about networks.
Archana Verma, 17, of Jericho, New York, Prathik Naidu, 18, of Potomac Falls, Virginia, and Vrinda Madan, 17, of Orlando, Florida took fifth, seventh and ninth places respectively. Eight other Indian-origin students were among the 40 finalists.
“Now more than ever, we need our nation’s best and brightest young minds to pursue their interest in science and use their talents to solve our world’s most intractable problems,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of Science News. “I congratulate our finalists, who are all poised to become our future scientific leaders.” Society for Science & the Public has organized and produced the Science Talent Search since it was founded in 1942.
WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian-American healthcare consultant Seema Verma, on March 14, was sworn-in as the head of a key healthcare agency in the Donald Trump administration. The Senate on March 13 confirmed Verma as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in a 55-to-43 vote. She was sworn in by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence as administrator of CMMS, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services and oversees the Obamacare insurance markets, Medicare, and Medicaid.
“President Donald Trump has chosen one of the leading experts in America on state-based healthcare solutions to lead this important agency,” Vice President Pence said at the swearing-in ceremony at the White House. On November 29, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Verma to serve as administrator of the CMMS.
Verma is the founder and CEO of SVC Inc., a health policy consulting firm. She is president and CEO of the company, which has worked with the states of Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. In preparation for the implementation of Obamacare, Verma and SVC Inc. have worked with state insurance agencies and public health agencies to redesign their Medicaid programs. She developed Medicaid reform programs, including waivers, for Ohio, Kentucky, and Iowa. Her firm provided technical assistance to the state of Michigan in the implementation of their Section 1115 Medicaid waiver. SVC also assisted Tennessee in their coverage expansion proposal and supported Iowa’s Medicaid transition to managed care.
Following the passage of Obamacare, Verma worked with Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels on health care policy. She was the architect of the Healthy Indiana Plan. The health insurance program, designed for people with low income, requires participants to pay into a health savings account and has high deductibles.[3] According to Verma, “you have to make your contribution every month, with a 60-day grace period. If you don’t make the contribution, you’re out of the program for 12 months. It’s a strong personal responsibility mechanism.” The Healthy Indiana Plan received support from the Indiana legislature and passed into law in January 2008. She later created the related “HIP 2.0” under Governor Mike Pence.
Prior to consulting, Ms. Verma served as Vice President of Planning for the Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County and as a Director with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) in Washington D.C.
NEW YORK (TIP): Two Indian Americans – Dr Siddhartha Mukherjee and late Stanford neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Kalanithi were among those shortlisted for 2017 Wellcome Book Prize.
Siddhartha Mukherjee is a cancer physician and researcher, a stem cell biologist, and a cancer geneticist. He is the author of ‘The Laws of Medicine’ and ‘The Emperor of All Maladies: A biography of cancer’, which won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction and the Guardian First Book Award.
Siddhartha Mukherjee was shortlisted for his non-fictional work “The Gene: An Intimate History,” which was published in May 2016. The Gene’ is an epic, moving history of a scientific idea coming to life. The story of the gene begins in an obscure Augustinian abbey in Moravia in 1856, where a monk stumbles on the idea of a ‘unit of heredity’. It intersects with Darwin’s theory of evolution, and collides with the horrors of Nazi eugenics in the 1940s.
Paul Sudhir Arul Kalanithi, who died of lung cancer in March 2015, was named to the list for his memoir, “When Breath Becomes Air,” which was released posthumously in February 2016.
Paul Kalanithi
Paul Kalanithi was a neurosurgeon and writer. At the age of 36, on the verge of completing a decade’s training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, the next he was a patient struggling to live.
‘When Breath Becomes Air’ chronicles Kalanithi’s transformation from a medical student asking what makes a virtuous and meaningful life into a neurosurgeon working in the core of human identity – the brain – and finally into a patient and a new father.
The Wellcome Book Prize celebrates the topics of health and medicine in literature. It awards £30,000 each year to the winning author, and aims to stimulate interest and debate about medical science through books and reading. The prize crosses genres: fiction and non-fiction are both eligible, so its shortlists can include biography, crime, historical fiction, current affairs, sci-fi and more.
The shortlist for the prize was announced at a press conference on Tuesday 14 March at the London Book Fair. The winner will be announced at an evening ceremony on Monday 24 April at Wellcome Collection.
NEW YORK (TIP): A career diplomat, Dr Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Deputy Consul General of India in New York, who is returning to New Delhi end of this month after serving in New York for almost three years, says whatever good job he has done here is because of the “enormous support of the Indian community”. He was speaking with Bidisha Roy, assistant Editor of The Indian Panorama in an exclusive interview which he said was his last interview to The Indian Panorama and recalled his first interview to a newspaper in New York was also with The Indian Panorama.
Dr Mohapatra , who assumed the office as DCG (Economic, Political, Consular & Women’s Affairs) on 31 July 2014. has served in a variety of positions with the Indian Foreign Service. He has served as third secretary in the Embassy of India in Berlin; at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi as the desk officer for India’s bilateral relations with Bangladesh; and as the first secretary and counselor in the Indian diplomatic missions in Budapest, Hungary, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, where he was in charge of political and commercial relations between India and these countries.
He has successfully coordinated many historic events in New York area such as the reception to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Madison Square Garden in September 2014, a little after he joined as DCG in New York; International Yoga Day Celebrations in 2015 and 2016, and visits of many Chief Ministers from India which included Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Phadnavis.
Dr. Mohapatra played a significant role in bringing together people of a State to form a group named “Friends of” Thus, people here belonging to Madhya Pradesh formed a group called “Friends of Madhya Pradesh”. Similarly, with other States. The net result was a better coordination in extending reception to the visiting Chief Ministers by the people belonging to that State. At each of these visits, cooperation of Indian Americans with the State to which they belonged was the major issue of discussion. How people of a State could contribute to the development was an issue which remained the focus of all meetings. Reports from various States in India have suggested that, as a result of these visits by the Chief Ministers of some States and their interaction here with Indian American community which was facilitated by the Consulate here with Dr. Mohapatra leading and coordinating, great enthusiasm was evinced by investors to invest in various States. So much has been a single man’s contribution.
But this humble person gives all credit to the Indian American community. “Community has been an asset. They have always supported us. The events like PM’s reception at Madison Square Garden could not have been so successful without their help. It was made possible because of the tremendous support we got from the community”, Dr Mohapatra told The Indian Panorama.
Dr Mohapatra, who is credited with bringing efficiency and transparency in the functioning of the Consulate General of India, also shares the credit with the media. “I could excel because of the great help from media. The media was so helpful that in a very short period the Consulate was able to change its image. The perception of people (about Consulate) changed because of media.” He was particularly appreciative of The Indian Panorama and its editor-publisher Prof. Indrajit S Saluja who he said, was “my guruji and guided me on many issues”.
Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos presents a Citation to Dr. Mohapatra at the Indo-American Press Club gala, March 4, 2017 Photo/ Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia
Dr. Mohapatra takes pride in the success of Outreach program of the Consulate. “We conducted community outreach programs in all ten states (under the jurisdiction of NY Consulate) and I met eight governors out of ten in a short period of time. It feels good that the Consulate played an important role in strengthening bilateral relationship.” Dr. Mohapatra believes that as a result of contact with the State governors and administration officials there was a growing desire among almost all States to have a closer relationship with the States in India.
And finally, he is confident that the bonhomie between the consulate and the community will continue. “I would request the community to give the same love and support to the Consulate and my successor that I got from them. The Consulate is for the community and vice versa. Our relationship should touch the sky.”
Indian Americans on March 21 will host a reception at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey to bid farewell to their beloved outgoing Deputy Consul General of India.
The Indian Panorama family, spread over the US and India, looks upon Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra as a worthy son of India who has done his best to keep the flag of India flying high here in the US, and wishes him all success and happiness wherever he goes on his next assignment.
Also, The Indian Panorama is happy to let him carry with him the warm appreciation coming from some community representatives who, in turn, represent adequately, the Indian community in the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra (10th from right) administered oath of office to FIA officials, January 28, 2017. Mr. Andy Bhatia, President who was sick and could not be present, was administered oath over the phone. Photo/ Gunjesh-Nayaface.com
Dr Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Deputy Consul General of India in New York
——— From Connecticut, Mr. Andy Bhatia, President, Federation of Indian Associations, NY/NJ/CT says in appreciation of Dr. Mohapatra:-
“Dr. Manoj Mohapatra, Dy. CG has been a true friend of the Indian American community and it has been my privilege to have known him and work with him.
He has been tireless in his efforts to help the community and has always made himself available to us any day of the week.
He is credited for putting in systems in place In bringing efficiency and transparency in the Consulate.
He is a clear thinker and knows how to structure his thoughts to get his point across.
We will miss him and wish him lots of success in his new assignment in New Delhi.”
———
One of the senior community leaders, who is credited with having founded some of the first and the oldest organizations of Indians in the US, and presently, Chairman of GOPIO International, Dr. Thomas Abraham, from Connecticut writes:
“Dr. Mohapatra has been one of the most sincere and dynamic Deputy Consul General who also served as Acting Consul General during the absence of the Consul General. He has been on the top of most of the Consulate activities and has been performing very well with the outreach and resolving issue of the Indian community. He provided leadership in sorting out many of the consular issues and has been instrumental in organizing Open House meeting with the community every week. He had expanded the outreach to American political leaders by utilizing the Indian American community contacts. Community organizations found a good friend in him to promote common goals of our community and India. We will miss him in New York and wish him all success in his new assignment.”
———
And, Dr. Navin Mehta, who has for long been associated with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan says of Dr. Mohapatra:
“Silent worker-
“When I am silent, I fall into that place where everything is MUSIC – Rumi”
Dr, Mohapatra works silently and have observed that his work is his music. Very few people can be this dedicated and still smile.
As Chanakya says about a diplomate
“मनसा चिंतित्म कर्म, वचसा न प्रकाशयेत्”
People of Indian origin, who are living in USA on refugee status, will soon be able to travel to India with a valid travel visa. The Government of India has decided to grant visa to applicants with refugee status living in USA.
This issue was handled by Manoj Mohapatra.
Pioneer and initiator of Outreach program where consulate for the first time reached door steps of common people.
One of the most excellent organizers ,,,, be it outreach program, Visa and Passport facility or PM visiting Madison Square Garden.
We will surely miss him but wish Dr. Mohapatra the best in life and wish that he continues to serve the Nation’s cause.”
———
And here is a comment from Ranjeet Singh, Manager at CKGS who worked under the watchful eye of Dr. Mohapatra .
“DCG Dr Mohapatra has been an inspiring diplomat who has always put community interests on top of his priorities.
Working with him was an enlightening experience. He went out of his way on many occasions to streamline things and make the consular services accessible to Indian diaspora in the best possible way.
He tirelessly worked on reducing the gap between Indian-American diaspora and the Indian government represented by its mission in NY through his innovative ideas and extraordinary execution of day to day work at NY Consulate.
CKGS family joins me in wishing him a great life and an extraordinary career ahead!!!”
———
And, the last comment which proves the saying “brevity is the soul of wit” comes from Mr. Rajiv Khanna, President of India-America Chamber of Commerce: “It was a great pleasure to work with Dr. Mohapatra. He is an outstanding foreign service officer who is dedicated to furthering India’s interest”.
The Indo American Press Club (IAPC) held the inauguration of its new Executive Committee on March 4 here in the presence of community leaders and officials. Mr H.R. Shah, Chairman and CEO of TV Asia who was conferred with Padma Shri this year, was warmly felicitated at the gala event at Antun’s by Minar.
Professor Indrajit S Saluja, editor-publisher of The Indian Panorama, was sworn in as the new President, taking over from Parveen Chopra, Managing Editor of The South Asian Times and The Asian Era. Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos administered the oath of office to the new IAPC office-bearers including George Eapen (General Secretary) and Biju Chacko (Treasurer).
HR Shah is felicitated on conferment on him of Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards of India. Seen in the picture are IAPC officials, community leaders and County officials. Photo/ nayaface.com
Prof Saluja, in his acceptance speech, talked about the power of the media which can make a President, as well as bring down a presidency. Referring to the cover headline of the souvenir distributed on the occasion, he said he believes that “The bedrock of democracy is journalism. And the bedrock of journalism is facts. And facts alone.”
Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos administers oath of office to new Board of Directors led by Chairman Babu and Executive committee members, led by President Prof. Indrajit s Saluja Photo/Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia
Ginsmon Zacharia, founder Chairman of IPAC who has interests in print and TV, stepped down after shepherding the organization for three years. The new Chairman Dr. Babu Stephen publishes two community newspapers from the Washington DC area: Express India and India This Week, and is the CEO of DC Healthcare Inc, and president of SM Reality LLC.
George Maragos honors Mr. Mohapatra with a citation from Nassau County
George Maragos honors Jehangir Khattak with a citation from Nassau County
Deputy Consul General Mr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra honors Ms Vandana Sharma with a plaque
Joining in IAPC honoring Mr HR Shah for his Padma Shri were Deputy Consul General of India Manoj Mohapatra, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and many community leaders. Dr Dattatreyudu Nori introduced Mr Shah, his longtime friend.
Mr Shah, in his speech, dwelt on his initial struggles in media but said he did not give up. Under him, TV Asia is today the largest TV network for the Indian community in America. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for conferring on him one of the highest civilian awards of India. He lauded Prof. Saluja for felicitating him because it was media people honoring a mediaman. He also announced that TV Asia will be launching in India soon.
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, while felicitating Mr. Shah, praised him as a man of vision and action who made it to the top with grit and determination.
Both Dr Parikh and Dr Nori are previous recipients of Padma Shri.
Comptroller Maragos underscored the role of media in a democracy and lauded Indian American media for doing a great job to promote interests of the community and serving the great American nation in the best fashion. He also revealed his intention to run for the office of Nassau County Executive.
The New IAPC leadership with George Maragos
In his keynote address, Jehangir Khattak, Co-Director, Center for Community and Ethnic Media, CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, spoke about how he has been fighting for more government dollars for the ethnic media, including desi media.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Deputy Consul General, New York, rushed from an engagement in Boston to preside over the event.
Deputy Consul General of India Manoj Kumar Mohapatra launches the book “Medicine, Myth, and History-India’s Legacy” authored by Dr. VK Raju and Dr. Leela Raju
A book, ‘Musings on Medicine, Myth, and History – India’s Legacy’, by Dr. VK Raju and his daughter, Dr. Leela Raju was launched on the occasion. Through his Eye Foundation of America, Dr Raju is dedicated to eradicating childhood blindness in India and elsewhere.
Kalpita Chakote presents a captivating dance performance
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included Vandana Sharma, Air India’s Regional Manager (Americas), Dr Ajay Lodha, AAPI National President, Dr. V. Chakote, AAPI President, Gobind Munjal, new President of AIA-NY chapter, Indu Jaiswal, Chairperson IAF, Bina Sabapathy, President, IALI, Arish Sahani, President, Intellectuals Forum, HAB Bank’s Sr. Vice President Rizwan Qureshi, Srujal Parikh Executive Vice President of FIA, Dr Bhupi Patel, Dilip Chauhan, Advisor to Comptroller Maragos, Rajiv Bhambri, CEO of India Abroad, Karan Beri, CEO of Opinio Media, TJ Anand, President of Lions Club, Mohinder Taneja, a former Director with Nassau County, Jay Jasbir Singh, publisher of Hum Hindustani, Shomik Chaudhary, a former COO with News India Group, were among the gathering. Many media fraternity which included representatives from TV Asia, Jus Punjabi, PTC TV, Desi Talk, News India, India Abroad, Hum Hindustani, The South Asian Times, The Indian Panorama, and Malyalam media were present.
The scintillating Bhangra
The roaster of entertainment included a skit by New Jersey street theater group, Prayas. Kalpita Chakote presented a classical dance, and Bhangra group Soormay, of St. John’s College students, gave an electrifying bhangra performance.
IAPC, with six active chapters in the US and Canada, has organized three successful annual international media conferences in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut over the past three years. A highlight of the conference last year was a presidential debate with representatives from Democratic and Republican sides.
Ms Sangeet Sharma was the charming master of ceremonies.
Mr. Mohapatra honors Antun’s Neetoo, and a social activist Anu Jain
WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian American attorney Harmeet Dhillon, a California GOP leader and vocal supporter of Trump, is under consideration to run the civil rights branch of the U.S. Department of Justice, according to a report by Los Angeles Times.
Dhillon is a nationally recognized trial lawyer, trusted boardroom advisor, and passionate advocate for individual, corporate and institutional clients across numerous industries and walks of life. She has been awarded the prestigious designation of Northern California Super Lawyer in business litigation by Thomson / West Publishing, an accolade reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the jurisdiction.
Harmeet has practiced before numerous state and federal courts and administrative tribunals across the United States, has successfully handled numerous trials (jury and bench), arbitrations, and mediations (including international arbitrations), and has resolved many business disputes prior to the initiation of litigation. Admitted to practice law in New York and California, she has been a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales.
NEW YORK CITY(TIP): Indian Americancivil rights activist and attorney Deepa Iyer received Justice in Action Awards from The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) at its 2017 Gala on March 2, 2017 at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, in New York City.
A leading racial justice activist, Deepa Iyer served for a decade as the executive director of South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), focusing on community building in post-9/11 America. She teaches in the Asian American studies program at the University of Maryland. As Senior Fellow at the Center for Social Inclusion, Deepa Iyer provides analysis, commentary and scholarship on the ways to build racial equity and solidarity in light of the rapid demographic transformation in America’s neighborhoods, schools and workplaces.
The AALDEF Justice in Action Awards recognizes exceptional individuals for their outstanding achievements and efforts in advancing social justice. Past recipients include Congressman John Lewis, Yoko Ono, David Henry Hwang, Sandra Leung, Fareed Zakaria, Jose Antonio Vargas, BD Wong, Don H. Liu, Mira Nair, George Takei, Katrina Vanden Heuvel, Harry Belafonte, Seymour Hersh, Larry Tu, Ivan Fong, John G. Chou, A.B. Cruz III, and Margaret Cho.
Since 1974, AALDEF has been protecting and promoting the civil rights of Asian Americans across the nation through litigation, advocacy, organizing, and community education. All proceeds from the gala will go directly towards supporting AALDEF’s legal and educational programs in immigrant rights, economic justice for workers, voting rights and civic participation, educational equity, housing and environmental justice, and the elimination of hate violence, police misconduct, and human trafficking.
SACRAMENTO (TIP): On March 8, 63-year-old Amarjit Singh was arrested for allegedly killing his daughter-in-law Shameena Bibi, in Suinsin City, California with a hammer.
Suisun City Police Chief Tim Mattos said 29-year-old Bibi was killed while her in-laws and 2-year-old son were inside the house. According to investigators, it was only later
at the police station when the father-in-law, Singh, confessed.
According to police, Singh told investigators his daughter-in-law had “disrespected” him and they got into an argument involving a bicycle. The pair took the argument into the garage, where Singh grabbed a hammer and “delivered fatal blows” to Bibi’s head, according to investigators.
Singh was booked into the Solano County Jail on a murder charge. He does not have an arrest history. There were some previous issues over the father-in-law’s acceptance of Bibi in his family, the police department said.
“The hateful actions of one man don’t define us-KS welcomes & supports Indian community,”: Governor Sam Brownback
Leaders of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) joined the Indian American community of Kansas on March 3 to meet with Governor Sam Brownback and Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer. The topic at hand was the tragic hate crime shooting at a bar in Olathe, last month, in which Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed and Alok Madasani was injured. Ian Grillot, an American bystander, remains critically injured from his heroic attempt to stop the shooter from inflicting more harm.
The recent public Facebook post written by Sunayana Dummala, widow of Srinivas, was presented to the Governor. Messages for the Governor sent to the delegation from Sunayana and Alok were read as well, both thanking the Governor for his attention to the tragedy and urging for justice to be served.
Governor Brownback gave assurances that the perpetrator in custody, Adam Purinton, currently facing first-degree murder and attempted first degree murder charges, would be prosecuted to ‘furthest extent of the law’. He further gave commitments that state officials would cooperate with federal authorities officially investigating the incident as a hate crime.
“The hateful actions of one man don’t define us-KS welcomes & supports Indian community,” Governor Brownback said in a tweet shortly after the meeting.
Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer also took to Twitter to express his support after the meeting, “Unique contributions of the Indian community make KS a better place. We stand with them in the face of this crime.”
Anupam Ray, the Consul General of India based in Houston, TX, was also present to convey concern about the safety of its citizens from the Prime Minister of India, as well as gratitude for the heroism of Grillot. The delegation also included Mayor Usha Reddi of Manhattan, KS.
Mr. Sridhar Harohalli, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Indian Association of Kansas City said, “The delegation which included Dr. Anupam Ray, the Indian Consul General, really helped us get assurance that this incident will be prosecuted effectively. Governor Brownback’s commitment help to get Srinivas’ widow Sunayana Dummala back to her home and career in Kansas was also heartening. We look forward to working with his office on initiatives such as the Indian Heritage Month to further enhance awareness about our community in the state.”
WASHINGTON (TIP): President Donald Trump renominated Ajit Pai as FCC Chairman on Tuesday, March 7, extending his role into a second five-year term.
He was designated Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission by President Donald J. Trump in January 2017. He had previously served as Commissioner at the FCC, appointed by then-President Barack Obama and was confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate in May 2012.
“I am deeply honored to have been nominated by President Trump to serve a second term on the Federal Communications Commission,” Pai said in a statement. “If I am fortunate to be confirmed by the Senate, I will continue to work with my colleagues to connect all Americans with digital opportunity, foster innovation, protect consumers, promote public safety, and make the FCC more open and transparent to the American people.”
Pai graduated with honors from Harvard University in 1994 and from the University of Chicago Law School in 1997, where he was an editor of the University of Chicago Law Review and won the Thomas R. Mulroy Prize. In 2010, Pai was one of 55 individuals nationwide chosen for the 2011 Marshall Memorial Fellowship, a leadership development initiative of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
The son of immigrants from India, Pai grew up in Parsons, Kansas. He now lives in Arlington, Virginia
“Go back to your country” shouted in yet another hate crime. Fourth violent attack against Indian American reported
LANCASTER, S CAROLINA (TIP): On March 2 night, a case of shooting death was reported from Lancaster, South Carolina. Convenience store owner, Indian American Harnish Patel’s body was discovered outside his home. Patel is survived by his wife and a child in elementary school, who were at home when he was killed. Local TV reported that there was palpable anger among the residents of Lancaster against the killing of Patel, who was a beloved member of the community. Police officials in Lancaster, however, would not label Patel’s killing was a hate crime as the investigation is still on.
There have been multiple reports of hate-fueled attacks against people of Indian origin from across the US; close on the heels of the shooting death of Olathe based Indian Engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla at a Kansas bar.
On March 3 night a 39-year-old Sikh man working on his car in his driveway was approached by a masked gunman in Kent, Washington State. Following a brief altercation, the gunman yelled ‘Go back to your country’ before shooting the victim in his arm and running away. The victim’s injuries are considered not life threatening. The gunman has been described as a stocky, 6-foot-tall white man wearing a mask over the bottom part of his face. Kent police chief said the department is investigating whether this was a possible hate crime against the Sikh community.
Family members of the victims in the Kansas shooting expressed fears about the current atmosphere in the US. They directly attributed this to President Trump’s negative rhetoric against immigrants. The White House disputed that claim. In his first State of the Union address President Trump condemned as ‘hate and evil’ the killing of Srinivas Kuchibhotla. Indian Americans who lived through the aftermath of the 911-terror attack have noticed a higher uptick in racial persecution and verbal abuses since the 2016 election.
The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) expressed their concern about the incidents. USINPAC Chairman, Sanjay Puri, affirmed, “USINPAC urges the Trump administration to strongly condemn the hate fueled attacks on Indian Americans and to take firm steps to mitigate the negative atmosphere of fear and uncertainty prevailing among racial and ethnic minorities in the country. We are urging concrete steps by the Department of Justice and to address the community”
Malini Shah among 18 women honored by SOFC for outstanding contribution to the society
The Society of Foreign Consuls (SOFC), New York, hosted an event to celebrate the International Women’s Day on March 02, 2017 at the Bohemian National Hall, New York City. The event was an occasion to honor the academic, economic and social achievements of women around the world.
The program witnessed participation by all the Lady Consuls General in New York as well as prominent women from various countries who have made major contributions to their communities. Besides, it had cultural performances and a reception hosted by Mr. Martin Dvorak, the Consul General of Czech Republic and Deputy President of the Society of Foreign Consuls.
In recognition of International Women’s Day, 18 women from all over the world were honored for their outstanding professional achievements and contribution to community empowerment in New York and America with their hard work and dedication.
Initiated in 2011 by Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan Raushan Yesbulatova, the reception in celebration of Women’s Day was so successful that it was established as an annual celebration. Since then every year the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan graciously carries the flag of organizers.
Malini Shah receiving the citation from SOFC President and Consul General of Columbia Maria Isabel Nieto (left) and India’s Consul General Riva Ganguly Das
Eighteen Foreign Consulates in New York came together this year to honor 18 outstanding women achievers from their respective countries. Participating countries included Algeria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bulgaria, Columbia, Georgia, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Philippines, Russia, Slovakia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. All participating countries contributed to the reception with their national specialties.
The 18 honorees were – Malini Shah (India) Rahmouna Rouni (Algeria), Nayeema Khan (Bangladesh), Janet C Malone (Barbados), Boriana Pavlova (Bulgaria), Betty Garces (Columbia), Eteri Chkadua (Georgia), Rodneyse Bichotte (Haiti), Zsuzsa Marka (Hungary), Amaliya Suryani (Indonesia), Yvonne J Graham (Jamaica), Gaukhar Noortas (Kazakhstan), Albana Krasniqi (Kosovo), Analisa Leonor Blares (Philippines), Tatiana Deptola (Russia), Rasha Al-Bawardy (Saudi Arabia), Luba Gregus Mason (Slovakia), and Tulay Taskent (Turkey).
Interestingly, among the 18 Consuls General, 13 were women – including India’s Consul General Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das. Well known Indian American community leader and philanthropist Malini Shah was honored with 17 others for her contribution to the society. Air India Regional Manager, USA, Ms Vandana Sharma graced the occasion along with other prominent Indians.
Air India Regional Manager, USA, Ms Vandana Sharma who was a guest at the event, is seen here with India’s Consul General Riva Ganguly Das (Center) and Malini Shah who was honored
Upon receiving the citation from SOFC President and Consul General of Columbia Maria Isabel Nieto and Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, Malini said, “I am deeply honored to get this recognition. This is how New York celebrates its diversity and culture. I love to work for humanity and will continue to do so.”
On this occasion SOFC received a proclamation from NY Governor Andrew Cuomo declaring March 2017 as ‘Women’s History Month.’
Recently a US diplomat, who is due for his posting in India, asked me to brief him about usage of Hindi in the local community. I live in Central New Jersey, the hub of the Indian-American community.
I wish to tell the US diplomat that I belong to a vibrant community that prides itself in hard work and education. My community has revitalized neighborhoods after neighborhoods uplifting local economies. We demonstrate our unchallenged love for our native culture. What I don’t want to tell him is: our linguistic landscape is littered with broken and incorrect English. We are shy of using our native language, Hindi, in social gatherings and community events.
For the past decade I have been promoting Hindi learning in our communities and beyond. I have successfully convinced many people about the importance of teaching Hindi to the next generation. Parents, who are engaged in diverse occupations, are sending their children to our program to learn Hindi and practice Indian culture. As the director of STARTALK programs I am collaborating with two school districts, Franklin Township in NJ and North Penn School District in Lansdale, PA, for hosting our programs. Our collaborators offer all resources because they believe in benefits of teaching the next generation a world language other than English so they could grow up as a true world citizen.
My students belong to the age groups 8 to 13 years, who attend Elementary, Middle and High schools. My instructors labor hard for more than three months prior to the start of our programs preparing their lesson plans. We facilitate students’ performance in classrooms, computer labs, and in varieties of arts and cultural activities including Yoga and Bollywood dancing. These activitiesare topic-based, supervised and aim atimproving students’ speaking, reading and writing skills in Hindi. I am very proud to announce that our students never drop outof the program. They enjoy the activities at the program and also take it home where interact with their parents in Hindi.
On of the major aspect of STARTALK programs is to prepare students practice their language in real life. In fact community is the major component of the five standards of language learning in order to meet our goals of 21st century learning. That is why we organize a field trip for students so they could see how Hindi is used in the community. But if our kids are exposed to sign boards in English, interact with shopkeepers who speak broken English, they are deprived of opportunities to practice the language we are teaching them at our programs.
I received my training at the University of Pennsylvania for teaching Hindi in our community. As I explored the theories and principles of teaching a foreign language, I learned that we can’t teach our language without providing appropriate cultural contexts. We must use our customs, traditions, mythology and history to design our lesson plans for students born and raised in the US in the 21st century.
STARTALK programs are the result of the very pragmatic education policy of the US government that promotes multilingualism and multiculturalism. The White House categorized Hindi as a critical language for business, commerce and national security. Any student graduating with credits in a foreign language, scores higher credits while applying for jobs in many sectors.
STARTALK supports about a dozen, Hindi among them, with financial and academic resources. These languages are also known as less commonly taught languages, as majority of them are not included in the curricula of local school district. Hindi is now taught in a few schools in NJ, NY and Texas.For the members of the Indian-American community Hindi is a native language and the mother tongue that also functions as the lingua franca in the width and breadth of our native land, India.
Today we need our students to opt for a teaching career. As Professor Janice Jensen, Director of Hindi-Urdu program at Kean University, NJ, says, “We really need teachers, globally competent teachers of Hindi, who could create an environment for Hindi learning. A new generation of language teachers prepared within this global context provides meaningful, relevant (and welcoming!) learning experiences for students that will assist in developing professionally useful skills in Hindi while developing the intercultural and global competencies needed in the global age.
As India achieves its ranking among major world economic powers, use of Hindi becomes even more important. America is willing to utilizing our rich cultural heritage in US classrooms. Local governments are eager to print their documents and public service announcements in our language provided we desire the same and demand for it.
Hindi is the third most spoken language in the world. It is our duty to recognize its vast reach among people around the globe. We need to let others know that we are proud of our language and our culture. A meeting with a US diplomat is an opportunity to demonstrate that Hindi is the unifying language for all people of Indian origin. It is a vehicle to showcase our identity and heritage in the United States. I am going to tell my diplomat friend that when he moves to India he can communicate with a few if he speaks English, but he could communicate with the whole of India if he spoke in Hindi.
(Ashok Ojha is director of Sangam-Franklin STARTALK and YHS STARTALK Hindi Programs. He recently coordinated the Fourth International Hindi Conference, Vishakhapatnam, India, January 6-8, 2017. He can be reached at: aojha2008@gmail.com)
Arguing that America’s ties with India are important to ensure regional stability, a top Indian-American legal luminary has said that the US should treat New Delhi with respect, especially since it has “tough neighbors” like China and Pakistan.
“Strengthening of economic relations between India and the US is obviously in our common interest. Perhaps even more important is our strategic partnership to ensure regional stability, especially in light of India’s tough neighbors, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan,” said Ved Nanda, Evans University Professor and director of the Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
“The relationship should be treated with respect,” said Nanda who has been teacher of several top legal luminaries and diplomats including the former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in an op-ed published in The Denver Post.
Known to be close to the ruling establishment in India, Nanda in his op-ed also mentioned the current H-1B visa policy changes that are being talked about.
Citing examples of two students, he indicated that Indian students could be moving out to European nations and other nations in the West. “This is a loss to the US,” he said.
“I met two Indian students who were accepted for graduate studies, one in engineering at Purdue and the other for an MBA at Carnegie Melon.
“Both are now applying to European universities instead, wary of possible restrictions by the Trump administration on job opportunities for outsiders,” Nanda said.
“The situation is unpredictable and I can’t take chances,” he quoted an engineering student as saying.
Nanda said the Trump administration’s proposed restrictions on the H-1B visa program has rattled the USD 150 billion technology sector.
“Despite the assertions by tech companies that they are re-positioning their business models, the change is likely to adversely affect major Indian tech players, such as Infosys, Tata Consulting, Wipro, and Cognizant,” he noted.
According to Nanda, discussions are taking place between India and the US on exploring measures to strengthen political, economic and defense relations between the two countries.
EDISON, NJ (TIP): The Indian Business Association congratulated IBA President Dhiren Amin who was recognized by the Honor Legion of the Police Departments of the State of New Jersey. He was presented with Honored Citizen Award by President Michael Manzo.
The Honor Legion is a nonpolitical association that fosters and encourages many fraternal and charitable causes. It was incorporated in 1966 under the simple premise of recognizing the ‘Finest of the Finest’ for their many acts of heroism and valor. In their 50+ years of existence, more than 6,000 law enforcement officers, representing agencies throughout the state of New Jersey, have been accepted into the association.
The IBA has a long tradition of working with law enforcement. We salute and thank all the individuals associated or connected with law enforcement for their service.
STAMFORD, CT (TIP): Indian American State Representative Dr. Prasad Srinivasan, R-Conn., who serves as the representative in the state’s 31st Assembly District, announced his candidacy for Governor of Connecticut in 2018.
“Connecticut has been prosperous in our lifetimes, and we can get back to prosperity again. But the path of divisive special interest politics that Governor Malloy and the Democrats in the legislature have chosen is not working. We need to change things around to revive our state. We need new leadership and new vision to conquer the old problems that are continuing to hold us back. That is why I want to be your governor”, he said in a statement.
Dr. Prasad Srinivasan (Dr.S) is a long time resident of the town of Glastonbury. He has been practicing in Glastonbury and the Hartford area for over 30 years. He treats pediatric and adult patients with allergies. Dr. Srinivasan has been accomplished Legislator, Physician, Business Owner and Philanthropist and won many endorsements, accolades, awards and recognitions.
On November 8th 2016, Prasad Srinivasan was elected to his fourth term as the State Representative of the Glastonbury 31st Assembly District. He is an Assistant Republican Leader and Ranking Member of the Public Health committee in Connecticut General Assembly besides being a member of Environment and Judiciary committees.
Prasad Srinivasan was chief pediatric resident at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. He did his fellowship in allergy and immunology at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. He is a graduate of Baroda Medical College in India. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. His community involvement is remarkable and has been recognized on numerous occasions.
WASHINGTON (TIP): A total of seven students of Indian origin have been nominated for the prestigious Harry S Truman Scholarship this year. The scholarship finalists are Shreya Ganeshan from the University of Georgia, Samarth Gupta from Harvard University, Megan Patel from Georgetown University, Maya Durvasula from Duke University, Anjali Misra from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Manju Bangalore from the University of Oregon, and Anjana Murali from the University of Pittsburgh. The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation reviewed more than 750 files from 315 institutions before selecting its finalists, according to a news release from KU.
The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by former President Harry S. Truman four decades ago to inspire and support Americans from diverse backgrounds and from across the United States. Scholarship is awarded to college juniors for display of leadership potential and their commitment toward public service. As part of the scholarship, students are provided up to USD 30,000 for their graduate studies. Every year hundreds of students apply for this scholarship but only 60 Truman Scholars are named nationwide. This year the Truman Scholarship Foundation reviewed 768 potential scholars from 315 educational institutes across the United States of America out of which 199 students were picked to compete for the scholarship.
A regional review panel appointed by the scholarship foundation will interview the finalists between March 3 and April 7. The final list of the scholars will be announced on April 21.
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