The Indian Panorama

Tag: Indian-Americans

  • India’s Independence Day belongs to all Indians and all people who wish India well

    India’s Independence Day belongs to all Indians and all people who wish India well

    As an American proud of my Indian ancestry, and my name unchanged, I am more than merely delighted that these United States and India have found a durable rhythmic tune, geopolitical and strategic in nature, bound by common notes and dreams of our bilateral citizenry in their enlightened self-interest-based pursuit of happiness guaranteed by separated powers regimes.

    2015 is special for many reasons. We overcame the unexpected bilateral pain that became known as the Devyani incident with Hours of Immunity successfully negotiated by FM Salman Khurshid with Secretary John Kerry, to then witness PM Modi rock Madison Square Garden. Later, as I wished, President Barack Obama held a Chai Summit in India. But, then it got better. President Obama did for Indian-Americans and India what he did for Chinese-Americans and China – as he had appointed Gov. Gary Locke as our ambassador to China in 2011, in the past year he appointed Senate Leader Harry Reid’s right hand Richard Rahul Verma as our ambassador to India. For good measure, he also appointed talented diplomat Atul Keshap as our ambassador to Sri Lanka. Recently, Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asia, visited India’s Consulate General in New York to personally plant eternal-goodwill where Devyani used to be DCG. Such an act serves to repair even frayed feelings and is worthy geometrically – as there is an implied promise that all will be well between our two nations.

    That India produced a man such as Dr. Kalam – who rose to be India’s 11th President – an Indian Muslim – and who was so loved by Indians and who so loved India -seems to me to be a clarion call for all good people everywhere to stand up to religious oppression everywhere with humility-based good deeds that serve their nation above all else, and with respect for all faiths. Earlier, the world experienced the slaughter and splatter of precious ink at Charlie Hebdo – the home of cherished Voltaire who prodded many a monarch to better serve the public good – and Paris became Ground Zero for unity of all nations’ leaders walking arm-in-arm seeking tolerance of free speech as a “core” right and obligation of global citizenship. Dr. Kalam, methinks, singlehandedly well honored Mahatma Gandhi’s love for Muslim Indians, Christian Indians, Buddhist Indians, Jewish Indians and inter alia, Hindu Indians. 68 years ago Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru rose to say these immortal words: “Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.”

    Dr. Kalam answered India’s Tryst With Destiny – excellence with humility, nation above religion, peace above war. India belongs to everyday Indians who recall the sacrifices made by so many to be a free nation, and live their lives as homage to those who sacrificed so much.

    That Indian Tea played a starring role in the Boston Tea party of 1773, and today India and United States find themselves in a vortex that cannot be denied – of unity of interest – one may be forgiven to say it was so decreed even by natural law without the need of being a Calvinist. May we continue to be worthy of God’s grace at the stroke of the midnight hour and every hour thereafter.”

  • IAPC opens Tristate chapter at conference kickoff

    IAPC opens Tristate chapter at conference kickoff

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Tristate Chapter of Indo American Press Club (IAPC) was inaugurated July 29 by Dilip Chauhan, Director of Southeast/Asian Affairs for Nassau County Comptroller, at a colorful meeting at Tyson Center in Floral Park, NY.

    During the meeting, the Chairman of IAPC Ginsmon Zacharia kicked off registration for its 3rd International Media Conference 2016, to be held at Toronto near Niagara Falls, Canada on October 8-10. Scores of prominent mediapersons, political, business leaders and community leaders from world over will participate in the conference. IAPC is undertaking activities to promote and encourage journalism students and citizen journalists by conducting competitions in areas such as writing and photography.

    During the conference, IAPC will also honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society, making a positive difference. The conference will feature Seminars, Workshops, Discussion/Debate Forums presided by eminent journalists and writers, Photo Exhibition, Property Expo etc.

    IAPC President Parveen Chopra welcomed the gathering at the meeting.

    The recently graduated children of the members were recognized and honored with cash award and certificate of appreciation. The newly restructured website of IAPC was also launched at the function. Website: www.indoamericanpressclub.com

  • Indian American State Senator Pramila Jayapal Wins Congressional Primary in Washington

    Indian American State Senator Pramila Jayapal Wins Congressional Primary in Washington

    SEATTLE (TIP): Indian-American Pramila Jayapal has swept an open Congressional primary in Washington State with 38.2 per cent of the votes and could make history as the first woman from the community to be elected to the US House of Representatives if she wins the November general election.

    Born in India and raised in Indonesia and Singapore, 50-year-old Jayapal would be facing either of the two candidates she defeated in the open primary by more than 16 per cent.

    Besides Pramila there are three other serious Indian-American contenders for seat in US House of Representatives.

    Ami Bera is seeking his third term from California. He is the only Indian American in the current Congress. Two others running for a House seat are Raja Krishnamoorthi from a suburb of Chicago and Ro Khanna from Silicon Valley.

    All four are considered to have a bright chance of winning the November general elections.

    The Indian American Democrat emerged victorious in the Aug. 2 primary election for the state’s 7th Congressional district, which is vacant with incumbent Jim McDermott not seeking reelection.

    Her two other rivals were Joe McDermott (21.5 per cent) and Brady Walkinshaw (20.9).

    “Thank you so much to the voters of the 7th Congressional District! You have fueled the flame of our movement with the clear belief that we together can and will reclaim our government to work for all of us!” Jayapal told her supporters at a victory speech.

    Jayapal was endorsed by former Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders.

    “Pramila just proved that candidates can run a strong progressive campaign funded by small-dollar donors and win big,” Sanders said.

    “The people-powered movement that propelled our campaign to victory in states around the country is already changing how campaigns are run up and down the ticket,” he added. Jayapal trailed early in the race, but saw a steady climb in the polls following Sanders’ endorsement on April 13.

    In addition to campaigning with her, the Vermont senator helped Jayapal raise USD 226,000 from 27,692 individual donations and recruited volunteers to make 140,314 phone calls and knock doors.

    “When you think of the political revolution, I want you to think about Pramila,” Sanders said.

    Jayapal has spent the last 20 years working both internationally and domestically as a leading national advocate for human rights.

    She led one of the largest voter registration efforts in Washington State, helping over 23,000 new Americans to register to vote.

    In the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks, Jayapal founded Hate Free Zone to advocate on behalf of Arab, Muslim and South-Asian American victims of hate crimes targeted after the attacks. After eleven years at the helm of the organization, which was later renamed OneAmerica, she was recognized by the White House as a “Champion of Change” for her work on behalf of the immigrant community.

    A Chennai-born Malayali, she came to the US in 1982 to attend Georgetown University.

    She worked on Wall Street as a financial analyst and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University.

    After working in the medical equipment industry for a year she found her passion in the social justice arena. She now lives in Seattle.

  • Naperville Indian Community Outreach to host 2nd India Day Parade

    Naperville Indian Community Outreach to host 2nd India Day Parade

    NAPERVILLE, IL (TIP): Naperville Indian Community Outreach in association with City of Naperville and Indian Consulate General will be hosting the second grand India Day Parade and Celebration on August 14, 2016 (Sunday) to mark the 70th anniversary of India’s independence. Several thousand people from Chicago and the suburbs are expected to attend the event which is being held in downtown Naperville.

    With Bollywood celebrity Sunidhi Chauhan as the Grand Marshall, the India Day Parade will serve as a showcase of India’s rich and diverse culture with estimated 100 parade entries. Colorfully decorated floats organized by Indian cultural associations, local businesses and political organizations along with multiple colorful dance performers will be the highlight. Spectators will be treated to a rich variety of Indian cuisine, ethnic arts, apparel, and jewelry. This event has the distinction of being the 2nd India Day Parade backed by any city in America.

    The Parade will be followed by a concert headlined by top Bollywood singer from India, Sunidhi Chauhan and her troupe. This concert is historical as this will be the first India Day in America with a concert of this kind with the free entry for everyone.

    The ICO is a non-partisan and a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage and contributions of Indian Americans while promoting their integration in the growth of Naperville. Its chairman, Krishna Bansal, has been appointed by, and reports to the Mayor of Naperville.

    Bansal said that his team and him are excited to have the ICO organize this pioneering event. “Indian Americans are now a significant part of Naperville’s population, both in numbers and impact,” he said. The community which saw a dramatic growth since the nineties, now comprises of over 10 percent of the suburb’s total population. Moreover, with the recent influx of information technology workers and other professionals from India, over 70 percent are first generation immigrants.

    Naperville Indian community outreach 750 Shoreline Dr. STE 100, Aurora, IL 60504 (630) 300-0345 www.napervilleindian.com |www.facebook.com/IndianCommunityOutreach

    Viral Shah, board member and treasurer of ICO described that several South Asian community leaders, restaurants, businesses and cultural organizations have come forward to support the event. While Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico and Consul General of India in Chicago, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, will be chief guests, Sunidhi Chauhan, Indian’s sensational singer will be the Parade Marshal.

    Among the other dignitaries invited and are attending include the Governor, Senator, Congressman State and Local elected representatives and prominent leaders of the Naperville community.

    Chirag Jani, board member of ICO and lead of event logistics explained that parade will begin at Naperville Central High School in Naperville at 5:00 PM and end at Knoch Park, 724 S West St, Naperville, IL 60540 where the celebration/concert will kick off. While providing outline of the event, he emphasized this to be an excellent opportunity for local businesses and groups to partner, participate and gain visibility.

    The parade may be seen as a symbol of the rapid growth of the Indian American community in the Chicago suburbs. From 1990 to 2010, Indian-Americans became the largest Asian ethnic group in Illinois, according to data from the last census. Demographers and Indian community leaders say they expect that the figures will increase even more as highly educated Indians continue to fill jobs in the computer industry and change the face of the suburbs.

    Ashfaq Syed, Member of the Organizing Committee said Naperville, ranked as one of the most desirable American cities for a family, is home to more than 15,000 Indian-Americans, making it the suburb with the largest & growing population of the community in the area outside Chicago. Indian-Americans have been contributing greatly in the fields of business, medicine, information technology and as the leaders of large corporations.

    Additional information about the parade and celebration including applications to participate in the parade and celebrations as well as sponsorships is available on our web site www.napervilleindian.com.

    (Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA)

  • SRINIKETAN FOUNDATION PAYS TRIBUTE TO INDIA’S HEROES AND SAINTS

    SRINIKETAN FOUNDATION PAYS TRIBUTE TO INDIA’S HEROES AND SAINTS

    NEW YORK (TIP): A premier Indian American foundation dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian history, culture and values organized, on Sunday, June 26, a classic cultural event to pay tribute to celebrated Indian heroes and saints.

    Sriniketan Foundation run by Mrs. Purnima Desai who has been running for three decades another well known educational institution Shikshayatan organized a musical evening to pay tribute to the celebrated Rani Lakshmibai, queen of Jhansi kingdom on her martyrdom day. Another hero of India, Maharana Pratap was remembered on his birth anniversary. Similarly, a great saint Kabir was remembered on his birth anniversary. The evening was also dedicated to Ganga. The venue was Shikshayatan-Sriniketan Center located at 149-50 Northern Boulevard. in Flushing, New York.

    Shikshayatan’s students- Sudipta started the program with a short prayer. She was accompanied by Sudeep on Tabla. Sudipta sang Sathya Sai bhajan “Prasann ho Sathya Sai Ganeshaa” followed by Saraswati Vandana, “Hey Sharde Maa”, Raag Bhairavi Chhota Khayaal “Bhavani Dayani” and Taranaa (Raag Bhupali).

    Purnima Ji sang three bhajans. The first bhajan was “Bahati Gangaa” celebrating Gangaa Dasseraa and second was “Shyamal Shyaamal hai Krishna” describing Lord Krishna’s glory. Her last bhajan was dedicated to her SADGURU GURUNATH and all Gurus of GURU MANDALA. A versatile singer that she is, she got great appreciation from the audience. She was accompanied by famous artist from Kolkata, Anirban Dasgupta on Harmonium, top class artist Shivalik Ghosh on Tabla, Suresh Ketwarpe on Guitar. All three artists are not only modest but highly talented and experts in their areas.

    Dr. Narsinha Kamath, a very popular flutist, played two film songs and one classical piece, Shivranjani Raag.

    The highlight of the program was the performance by Bollywood playback singer and Music Director Sharda Rajan Iyenger who sang for more than an hour. Shardaji sang a few extraordinary devotional songs that were composed by her. Later Shardaji sang two songs – one was her old and classic famous song “Titli Udi” and another was an old song of her favorite and renowned singer Noorjahan. She kept the audience spellbound with her energetic voice.

    Dr. Bindeshwari Aggarwal -an eminent poet sang one poem written by Subhadra Kumari Chohan on Lakshmibai “Khoob ladi mardani voh to Jhansi wali rani thi”. Dr. Aggarwal sang another small poem dedicating to Maharana Pratap.

    Mrs. Neena Wahi came from Boston and recited her own poem “Kal Kaa Sapnaa” which was appreciated by the audience. She honored Purnima Ji with a handmade greeting card with Lord Ganesha’s picture on it, with the blessings for the success of Sriniketan Foundation.

    Last but not the least was the great performance by Suresh Ketwarpe who sang some Bollywood songs, playing guitar.

    Purnima Ji thanked the audience by distributing “Hanuman Chalisa” in the form of wallet sized cards in Hindi to keep as Raksha Sutra – a unique product of Sriniketan Foundation, for their valuable time and for gracing the function.

    Purnima Ji recalled that her father’s dream was to have a center look and feel like PARADISE and all attendees not only see the center as PARADISE but also feel as if they entered in the realm of peace and tranquility. The sole purpose of Sriniketan isto give all entrants a feeling of bliss. Purnima Ji says it is happening it is happening with the grace of her Sadguru GURUNATH’s special blessings when he had visited Sriniketan Center. All attendees had Maha Prasad at the end of the program.

  • Two Indian-Americans Shortlisted for White House Fellows Program

    Two Indian-Americans Shortlisted for White House Fellows Program

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Two Indian-Americans have been named finalists for the prestigious White House Fellows program that offers first-hand experience of working at the highest levels of the US federal government.

    Tina Shah, a physician from the University of Chicago and Anjali Tripathi, an astrophysics Ph.D. candidate at Harvard University, have been shortlisted for the White House Fellows Program, the White House said , June 7.

    Shah and Tripathi were among the 30 finalists selected for the program founded in 1964 by President Lyndon B Johnson.

    The National Finalists will be evaluated by the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships in Washington, DC from June 9-12, a media release said.

    In a statement, the White House said this year’s class of Finalists represents an accomplished and diverse cross-section of professionals from the private sector, academia, medicine, and armed services.

    National Finalists for the nation’s premiere program for leadership and public service have demonstrated remarkable professional achievement early in their careers, a commitment to public service, and the leadership skills needed to succeed at the highest levels of the Federal government, the White House said.

    After a competitive application process, selected individuals spend a year in Washington, DC working full-time for Cabinet Secretaries, senior White House staff, and other top-ranking government officials.

    Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of round-table discussions with renowned leaders from the private and public sectors, including the President and Vice President.

    Fellowships are awarded on a strictly non-partisan basis.

    There are more than 700 White House Fellow alumni, a distinguished group that includes former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr Sanjay Gupta, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

  • Amid Trump’s call for ban on Muslims, US Congressmen table bill to block move

    Amid Trump’s call for ban on Muslims, US Congressmen table bill to block move

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Seventy American lawmakers have introduced a bill in the Congress to ensure people were not barred from the US because of their religion, even as presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has stuck to his controversial “temporary” ban call on Muslims.

    “We cannot allow fear and paranoia to drive our public policy, especially when it comes to the defining values of our country,” said Congressman Don Beyer, the lawmaker behind the move to introduce the Religious Freedom Bill.

    Beyer has been able to cobble together a coalition of as many as 70 lawmakers -mostly from the Democratic party, and a few from the Republican party – to back the legislation.

    “Our Founding Fathers guaranteed religious freedom for all in the First Amendment to our Constitution. People all around the world look to us as the standard for freedom, liberty, and tolerance,” he said.

    The bill tabled on Thursday gained support of over 100 ethnic and minority groups, including from Indian-American communities. Several lawmakers in their statement made clear that the legislation was in response to the call given by Trump to prevent Muslims from entering the United States. “This bill is about the very foundation our nation was built on, and that’s religious freedom,” said Congressman Joe Crowley, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus.

    “Unfortunately, the rhetoric we’ve heard over the past year or so has not only greatly affected our national discourse, it has fanned the flames of hate and hurt innocent families,” said Crowley, a former co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans.

    House minority leader Steny Hoyer said regardless of what Trump maythink, barring members of a particular religious group from entering the country is unconstitutional and would never be supported by the Congress or the courts.

    “I hope House Republicans will join with us as cosponsors of this bill to send a strong message of support for our Constitution and the freedoms we hold dear and that have sustained us for generations,” he said.

    The OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates in a statement commended the introduction of the legislation.

    “We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in demanding fair treatment, equal rights, and an end to xenophobic rhetoric,” said Ken Lee, OCA national president.

    “As a Chinese-American, the Muslim ban proposal is a shocking reminder that the Chinese Exclusion Act can never be far from our thoughts,” Lee said.

    Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American- Islamic Relations (CAIR), said: “America must uphold its ideals of religious tolerance and welcoming the stranger, or else we face a diminishing role at the table of international leadership.” Meanwhile, in an interview to Fox News, Trump reiterated his proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States. (PTI)

  • Seven out of eight Indian-American candidates win in Lexington elections

    Seven out of eight Indian-American candidates win in Lexington elections

    NEW YORK (TIP): Seven out of eight Indian-American candidates, who ran for local elections in Lexington city in the state of Kentucky recently, have won.

    With this, now there are a total of 12 Indian-Americans elected members of the Lexington Town Meeting, India New England News reported on Wednesday.

    “This movement is historic. Great result despite heavy turnout because of presidential elections which tends to favor known contestants and incumbents,” Narain Bhatia, a long-time Lexington resident and community activist, said.

    The winners of Lexington elections include Sharmila Mudgal from Precinct-3 for one-year term, Anoop Garg from Precinct-4 gets three-year term, Pam Joshi and Rita Pandey gets three-year term each from Precinct-9 and Precinct-5, respectively.

    Anil Ahuja from Precinct-5, Vikas Kinger from Precinct-7 and Nirmala Garimella from Precinct-8 got one-year term each.

    The only Indian-American candidate to lose in the election was Hema Bhatt in Precinct-9.

    “Hema Bhatt lost but got 375 votes and lost by just 36 votes while beating Scott Burson, a long time town meeting member and former School Committee member by 76 votes,” Bhatia said.

    In addition to the winners in Tuesday’s elections, Indian-Americans have five current Town Meeting members whose term is not over making a total of twelve.

    These sitting members are: Narain Bhatia, Ravish Kumar, Sanjay Padaki, Dinesh Patel and Syed Rizvi.

    (Source IANS)

  • Mathers Museum of World Cultures newest exhibition “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation”

    Mathers Museum of World Cultures newest exhibition “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation”

    Bloomington, IN : The Mathers Museum of World Cultures has put up a new exhibition as part of three distinct exhibitions on Indian American experiences and their cultural contributions to United States & the American life.

    “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation” is the first of these three exhibitions which is a traveling exhib on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and will be on display until April 10.

    Judith Kirk, assistant director of the museum, said alumnus Robert Johnson, who is on the board of the Asian Pacific American Center committee at the Smithsonian, suggested the idea to Provost Lauren Robel after a visit to Mathers.

    “When it was discovered that ‘Bollywood’ was going to travel, we started working to bring it here,” Kirk said. “We were so fortunate in that we have an incredible India studies program, Dhar India Studies. They were very enthusiastic about being our partners.”

    In conjunction with this exhibit, Mathers planned visits by prominent speakers and a few other events, such as films playing at the IU
    Cinema.

    The next speaker in the series, Vijay Prashad, author of a work called “The Karma of Brown Folk,” will speak on March 10. Prashad will be speaking about the complicated status of Indian-Americans as the “model minority” and the issues with that term, Kirk said.

    Another speaker, Vivek Bald, will visit March 24 to discuss the “lost history” of Bengali Harlem, and the movement of Asian immigrants into existing neighborhoods during the era of Asian exclusion — the 50 years leading up to the 1940’s.

    “There were individuals, mostly men, who were involved in merchant marines, were seamen and other merchants, who ended up settling here,” Kirk said. “These were groups of men who, despite the exclusion-era laws, primarily settled in places like Harlem and New Orleans, communities that were typically African-American or Puerto Rican.”

    These neighborhoods provided a community of support, opportunity and home, and Bald will speak to this relationship and his research on this period during his lecture, Kirk said.

  • Will Indian-Americans get their first American Idol in Sonika Vaid?

    Will Indian-Americans get their first American Idol in Sonika Vaid?

    Feb 24: Indian-American community has pinned all their hopes with Sonika Vaid who might become the first Indian-American to become the American Idol this season.

    This week Vaid sang the Celine Dion classic, “I Surrender” for the first time for Idol audiences and on the American Idol stage and had Twitter — and the judges — seriously moved. The song showed off Vaid’s powerful and commanding voice as well as her contemporary yet classic singing style.

    After her performance, Jennifer Lopez gave a standing ovation, and told Vaid, “I said your voice is from god in the [pre-taped] package — it’s true. I don’t think I ever got goosies on my face [before now]… The way your voice sits in the music is so out of this world.” As she continued to gush, Harry Connick, Jr. amusingly yelled, “I think she liked it!”

    The question now, though, is whether Vaid will be voted through by viewers. With four spots already filled, the rest of the Top 10 will be revealed today.

    Vaid bested thousands of applicants to compete on the 15th season of the Fox singing competition for celeb judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr.

    The 20-year-old Vaid is an Indian-American whose parents came to the United States as kids. She is a summer resident of Martha’s Vineyard, MA, and a 2013 graduate of Weston High School, Weston, MA.

  • 3 Indian-Americans Could Be US Supreme Court Judge Nominees

    3 Indian-Americans Could Be US Supreme Court Judge Nominees

    WASHINGTON:  Three Indian-American legal luminaries may be among the possible candidates whom US President Barack Obama could nominate as a Supreme Court judge following the sudden death of conservative icon Justice Antonin Scalia.

    Within hours of the death of Mr Scalia at a ranch in Texas, the name of Chandigarh-born Sri Srinivasan popped up as the top contender to the post.

    Sri Srinivasan, 48, is currently the US Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit which many call as a stepping stone to the Supreme Court.

    He is not only considered as a favourite of Barack Obama, who has called him as a trailblazer, but also his nomination to the Court of Appeals was confirmed by a record 97-0 votes, which is an achievement given the bitter political divide in the US Senate.

    The White House yesterday refused to give any indication of the list of persons President Obama is looking into to zero in on his nomination for the next Supreme Court judge.

    But given his track record – wherein he has appointed a record number of Indian-American judges to various US courts – and him publicly praising some of them, it would not be a big surprise that in addition to Mr Srinivasan a few other individuals from the community too figure up in his list.

    Among them could be his home town resident Neal Katyal, who served as Acting Solicitor General of the US from May 2010 until June 2011 and California Attorney General Kamala Harris, who is considered to be very close to President Obama.

    Ms Harris, who traces her roots to Chennai, is currently running for the US Senate seat in California.

    On Monday several media outlets mentioned Ms Harris as among the potential ones who could replace Mr Scalia in the Supreme Court.

    Ms Harris, 51, who was among the six people mentioned by New York Times, has not reacted to the speculation so far.

    In 2011, she became the first African-American, Asian-American, Indian-American and woman to hold the post of California attorney general.

    Many say Mr Katyal, who would turn 46 on March 12, could emerge as a dark horse in the process.

    With extensive experience in matters of patent, securities, criminal, employment, and constitutional law, he has orally argued 27 cases before the Supreme Court of the United States, with 25 of them in the last six years.

    Barack Obama intends to nominate someone as Supreme Court judge who honours constitutional responsibilities, have impeccable credentials and understands how laws affect the daily realities of people’s lives, the White House said.

    “I would not anticipate an announcement this week, especially given that the Senate is out on recess,” White House Press Secretary Eric Schultz told reporters. Schultz refused to engage in speculation about lists and names.

    When asked about what kind of individual President Obama is looking to nominate someone to be the next Supreme Court judge, Schultz said President’s judicial nominees should adhere to a number of basic principles.

    “Number one, I’d say the President’s judicial nominees are all eminently qualified with a record of excellence and integrity. The President looks for individuals who have impeccable credentials,” he said.

    “Number two, the President intends to nominate individuals who honor constitutional responsibilities. These are individuals who have a commitment to impartial justice, respect the integrity of the judicial process, and adhere to precedent. The President seeks judges who will faithfully apply the law to the facts at hand,” he said.

    “And lastly, the President is also mindful that there are rare cases where the law is not clear, and we acknowledge that those incidents occur most often at the Supreme Court,” he said, adding that in those times, a judge will have to bring his or her own ethics and moral bearings into a decision.

    –  PTI

  • Indo American Press Club inducts new leadership

    Indo American Press Club inducts new leadership

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Indo American Press Club (IAPC) swore in its new team at a well-attended ceremony on Long Island February 6.

    Leading media personalities who graced the event at Tyson Center in Floral Park included HR Shah of TV Asia, Dev Viswanath of ITV, Kamlesh Mehta, Chairman of Forsythe Media Group, and Prof Indrajit Saluja, chief editor of The Indian Panorama.

    IAPC’s new President Parveen Chopra, Managing Editor of The South Asian Times and The Asian Era, was inducted along with his team: Dr. Thomas Mathew Joys, columnist and novelist (Exec. Vice President); Korason Varghese, Editor, Jaihind Vartha (General Secretary); Vice Presidents Cyriac Scaria and Jilly Samuel, and Anil Mathew (Treasurer).

    The oath of office was administered by Ginsmon Zacharia, IAPC Chairman, after the inductees were introduced by Vineetha Nair, Vice Chairperson. Korason Varghese welcomed the gathering.

    In his keynote address, HR Shah, Chairman and CEO of TV Asia, promised his full support for IAPC as well as for all Indian media professionals in the USA. There is no competition between one media or media house and another, he said and urged visual and print media to work together. In his view, digital media may have affected print, but advertisers still seem to prefer the bang of print. He credited his incredible success to hard work and perseverance, and promised to stand by anyone who displays such qualities and a drive to excel.

    Kamlesh Mehta, Chairman of The South Asian Times, said IAPC has the capacity to grow very resourceful for the good of Indian American media fraternity. He complimented the new office bearers and wished them success.

    Dev Viswanath, Attorney and Vice President-Principal Legal Counsel of ITV Gold TV channel, lauded the growth and presence of Indian-American ethnic media and Indian-American professionals in mainstream US media. He challenged the media today to be vigilant in covering the different perspectives, even if they are less popular, so that viewers, readers, audiences can formulate their own opinions. And to create content that was non-political yet interesting and substantive.

    Prof Indrajit S Saluja, chief editor of The Indian Panorama, underlined the need for media to be fair and fearless even as it is like a second God, having the power to direct political winds, prompt thought provoking action and socio-economic awakening.

    Dr Ajay Lodha, President-Elect of AAPI, in his speech admired media influence in the modern world. Stating that the Indian community in the US is the highest educated and very well placed, he advocated all community organizations to work together to advance the community.

    In his presidential address, Parveen Chopra said that IAPC is a platform for all Indian ethnic media professionals — not just its members — and will raise their concerns and work to further their interests. While acknowledging that IAPC was founded by natives of Kerala, he pointed out that GOPIO, FIA, INOC and even AAPI were started by Malayalees, and became diverse in time as IAPC is becoming now.

    Shomik Chaudhuri, Vice President, Adforce North America, and former COO of Parikh Worldwide Media, gave a lucid presentation on harnessing digital marketing.

    Dr Thomas Joys elaborated on IAPC’s tie-ups with the Trivandrum Press Club and Kottayam Press Clubs in Kerala and that IAPC is launching an Online Journalism Course. He also laid out the benefits of new IPCC membership card. The ID cards were distributed to members at the event.

    The Satkarma Award 2016 was announced to be conferred on Murugan S at IAPC’s next annual conference to be held in October. He grew up in the streets but now rehabilitates the mentally challenged, physically impaired, impoverished and disowned individuals in Cochin, Kerala. Last October, social worker Daya Bai was presented the Satkarma Award at IAPC’s media conference at Clarion Hotel in Long Island, which attracted participants and presenters from India, Canada, Australia and UAE.

    Others who spoke at the induction ceremony included Jose Thayyil, editor of Kairali newspaper, Vinod Kearke, FOKANA Secretary, Rev Wilson Jose, Patron of Indian Christian Forum, Koshy Oommen, Treasurer, Kerala Chamber of Commerce, and Babu Jesudas, of IAPC Board.

    Anil Mathew offered vote of thanks. Jilly Samuel and Arun Gopalakrishnan were the MCs. Manjari Parikh gave an energetic dance performance.

    IAPC thanked HR Shah of TV Asia, Kamlesh Mehta of The South Asian Times and Darshan Singh Bagga, a builder-developer, for their spontaneous generous contributions.

    (Press Release) 

  • 4 Indian-Americans Selected To US National Academy Of Engineering

    4 Indian-Americans Selected To US National Academy Of Engineering

    WASHINGTON:  Four Indian-Americans have been selected to the prestigious US National Academy of Engineering (NAE) to be part of its new list of 80 members for their valuable contributions to the society.

    Anil K Jain, Dr Arati Prabhakar, Ganesh Thakur and Dr K R Sridhar were formally made part of the NAE during a ceremony at its annual meeting here, the academy announced in a statement yesterday.

    Mr Jain, a distinguished professor in the department of computer science and engineering at the Michigan State University in East Lansing, was elected for his contributions to the field of engineering and practice of biometrics.

    An IIT-Kanpur alumnus, Mr Jain’s research focuses on pattern recognition, computer vision and biometric recognition.

    Dr Prabhakar, director of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Virginia, was chosen for national leadership to advance semiconductor and information technologies.

    Beginning her career as a Congressional Fellow, Dr Prabhakar has also chaired the Efficiency and Renewables Advisory Committee for the US Department of Energy.

    Mr Thakur, who is the president of Thakur Services Inc. in Houston, Texas, was named a member for leadership in the implementation of integrated reservoir management techniques.

    Mr Sridhar, the principal co-founder and chief executive officer of Bloom Energy Corporation in California, was selected for the “contributions to transport phenomena and thermal packaging of electrochemical systems and generation of clean, reliable and affordable power”.

    Earlier, Mr Sridhar was director of the Space Technologies Laboratory (STL) at the University of Arizona where he was also a professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering.

    His contributions to the NASA Mars programme to convert Martian atmospheric gases to oxygen for propulsion and life support was recognised by Fortune magazine which cited him as “one of the top five futurists inventing tomorrow, today.”

    Along with the new members, the total US NAE membership has up to 2,275, selection to which is considered the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer.

    Founded in 1964, the NAE is a non-profit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation.

  • A Dazzling Display of Patriotism and Festivities at the FIA Chicago Republic Day Gala Banquet

    A Dazzling Display of Patriotism and Festivities at the FIA Chicago Republic Day Gala Banquet

    CHICAGO, IL (TP): Federation of Indian Association (FIA), Chicago celebrated the 67th Republic Day of India, followed by a Gala Banquet, with traditional enthusiasm and fervor, on January 26th, 2016 at Shalimar Banquets, 280 W North Ave, Addison, IL. The presence of over 750 persons at the celebrations, despite the freezing cold, demonstrated their deep sense of patriotism for their motherland. The singing of the National Anthem of India was followed by the traditional lighting of lamp by the FIA Executive Committee, Trustees, and the dignitaries.

    Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago, who was the Chief Guest, said that India has emerged as the country with the fastest economic growth and, about two decades later, it will have the world’s largest economy. He added that India’s triumphs will bring in their wake multiple beneficial outcomes not only for India but also for the entire world.

    Dr. Sayeed stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to different countries will be greatly instrumental in taking them along and making a collective effort for bringing about peace, progress, and prosperity, across the globe. “His recent historic stop over at Lahore was a big leap forward in achieving this cherished goal which received huge admiration by world leaders and statesmen alike”, he added.

    “In the domain of education the achievements of India are spectacular. In another 10 years’ time, educational institutions of India would churn out about 200 million graduates, who, on account of their fresh vision and great enthusiasm, would, in turn, make a breathtaking contribution to the development not only in India but also across the globe”, Dr. Sayeed said.

    Dr. Sayeed said that India, despite the huge diversity in terms of 22 official languages, 2000 dialects, multiple religions, different cultures across 29 States and 7 Union Territories, from Kanya Kumari to Kashmir and Gujrat to Assam, has been united in its pursuit of its national goals.

    Dr. Sayeed said that the 3.2 million-strong Indian-Americans, who are one of the wealthiest and best-educated communities in the US, have made a phenomenal contribution to the economy of the US.

    Debra Silverstein, Alderman of the 50th Ward of the City of Chicago paid rich tributes to Indian-Americans for their amazing contributions in improving the safety, beauty, and economic strength of the 50th Ward.

    Debra’s husband, Ira Silverstein, Democratic member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 8th district, thanked the Indian-Americans for their wholehearted support in successfully sponsoring a number of Bills and initiating people-friendly projects.

    Judge Anthony E. Simpkins said that India’s unity in diversity should be a source of inspiration for different countries, across the globe, in their search for the ways and means for peaceful coexistence.

    Congressional Candidate Raja Krishnamoorthi said that he is proud of the positive work ethics, spirited values, vibrant culture, and inspiring traditions of India. He solicited voluntary services and precious votes of people for his victory in his campaign for the US Congress and assured them of his committed services as their representative.

    Niranjan Shah, Chairman & CEO, Globetrotters Engineering Corporation and FIA Trustee, who was the Guest of Honor, called upon people to shun their pessimistic and negative attitude and advised them, instead, to look at the skyrocketing growth made by India since gaining independence in 1947.

    Bharat Barai, Trustee and Past FIA President said that, under the enlightened stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is emerging as one of the world super powers.

    Minhaj Akhtar, President, said that the top priority of the newly-elected Executive Committee of the FIA, Chicago would be to achieve the twin-objectives of not only empowering the Indian-Americans to realize their American dream but also to preserve their unique culture and heritage.

    The Republic Day event inspired me to create unity within the community during my tenure as President of FIA, Akhtar added.

    Akhtar said that the event had a human dimension too and added that the donations made by people will be used to support the victims of the recent torrential rains and massive flooding which devastated Chennai and surrounding areas in the State of Tamil Nadu. Syed Hussaini, Vice President, Wintrust Community Bank, who was the Chair of the Gala Banquet, said that his Bank has been sponsoring the events of the FIA, considering the fact that it represents the true face of Indian-Americans.

    Nakul Chand of Air India, one of the sponsors of the event, said that in 1990 the Indian Government airlifted over 1,70,000 Indians from Kuwait with help of 488 flights in just 59 days, which is considered to be the largest air evacuation in the history of mankind. “Air India, thus, entered into Guinness Book of World Records for the civil airline that had evacuated the most people till date. This daredevil mission has been effectively showcased in the recently-released Bollywood blockbuster, “Airlift”, he added.

    Dr. Sayeed and Niranjan Shah presented an award, on behalf of the FIA, to Wintrust Community Bank as the Best Financial Institution, which was received by Syed Hussaini. In addition, award was presented to Gulam Mustafa known as Faheem as the best community supporter. He is the owner of Shalimar Banquet, Hollywood Trendz and Eyebrows Designer 21. He donated banquet for the event. Masood Shaikh as the best event organizer. He arranged delicious dinner for all the attendees at the event without any cost. He is owner of Bombay Grill Lombard, IL. An award was also presented to Ravi Harsoor as the Best Community leader, He is a great supporter of FIA Chicago.

    A multifaceted entertainment program, presented by trained professionals, was one of the highlights of the event. Mudra Dance Academy presented two dance items, “Pushpanjali” by Suzan Abraham and “Thilana” by Pooja Thakkar. The dancers and their mentor, Krishnama Shah, were given a huge round of applause by the audience.

    Sunny Gabhawala proposed a vote of thanks. He specially thanked Vinod Patel for his services as the banquet co-chair, Moneydart for their generous donation for Chennai, and representatives of the media, including TV Asia and Asian Media USA. The vote of thanks was followed by sumptuous dinner.

    Sanhita Agnihotri conducted the proceedings of the event with a professional touch.

    The event was sponsored by Win Trust Community Bank, Globe Trotters, Bombay Grill Lombard, Eyebrow Designer 21, Hollywood Trendz, and Shalimar Banquet.

    (Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA)
  • 4 Indian Americans Nominated To Democratic Convention Standing Committees

    4 Indian Americans Nominated To Democratic Convention Standing Committees

    Four eminent Indian-Americans, including two women, have been nominated to the Democratic Party’s 2016 Convention Standing Committees which would formally announce its candidate for the presidential polls.

    Smita Shah
    Smita Shah

    Topping the list of Indian-Americans is Smita Shah, president and CEO of Chicago-based Spaan Tech, who has been nominated as vice chair of the Rules Committee.

    Shefali Razdan Duggal
    Shefali Razdan Duggal

    One of the top fund raisers for President Barack Obama and now Hillary Clinton, California-based Shefali Razdan Duggal has been nominated a member of the Rules Committee.

    Dr Sreedhar Potarazu
    Dr Sreedhar Potarazu

    Renowned ophthalmologist and entrepreneur, Dr Sreedhar Potarazu has been nominated to the Credentials Committee, according to the list released by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

    Saif Khan
    Saif Khan

    Saif Khan, an Iraq war veteran who had served as a Combat Engineer in the Iraqi city of Mosul as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, was nominated to the Rules Committee. He hails from Mysore and currently lives in Washington, DC.

    DNC rules provide for the Chair to appoint 75 Party Leader and Elected Official Members to the three Convention Standing Committees to be held in Philadelphia in July, which would formally announce party’s presidential candidate.

    These Party Leader and Members serve in addition to and together with the over 160 members that are elected in every state to those same committees.

    “This slate represents the great variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that make up our party. We wanted to make sure that the diversity of our party was reflected at the highest levels in terms of race, gender, age and geography,” Ms Schultz said.

    A Clinton White House staffer, Ms Shah was a delegate at the 1996 and 2004 Democratic National Conventions and was on the DNC’s Rules Committee in 2000 and 2004.

    In 2012, she become the first Indian-American to serve as a Democratic National Convention parliamentarian.

    Ms Duggal is a presidential appointee to the US Holocaust Memorial Council, which supervises the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, for a term expiring in January 2018.

    She is one of the top fund raiser for the Clinton campaign and also serves on the National Finance Committee for Hillary for America, Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.

    Dr Potarazu is the founder of VitalSpring Technologies Inc., a privately held enterprise software company focusing on providing employers with applications to empower them to become more sophisticated purchasers of health care.

    Saif Khan is the Founder & Managing Director of Khanections. He is one of the founders of American Veterans Committee and a member of the American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

    (CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to Mr. Saif Khan, as a Pakistani-American appointment to one of the Democratic Convention Standing Committees. This version has been corrected – 01/27/2016 – 12:09:30 PM EST.)

  • 14 Indian-Origin Students Picked to Compete in Top US Science Contest

    14 Indian-Origin Students Picked to Compete in Top US Science Contest

    NEW YORK TIP): Fourteen students from the Indian diaspora have been selected to compete for $1 million in prizes at the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search Competition this year by fielding high-level projects ranging from cancer vaccines to complex mathematical theories.

    They are among the 40 US high school students who made it to the finals of the competition sponsored by Intel Corporation and conducted by the Society for Science & the Public.

    Announcing finalists chosen from among 300 semi-finalists from across the nation on Wednesday, January 20 the president of the society, Maya Ajmera, said, “Finalists of the Intel Science Talent Search are the innovators of the future.”

    “Their research projects range from highly theoretical basic research to innovative practical applications aimed at solving the most vexing problems,” she added.

    Last year two Indian-Americans won second place medals and two others, third place medals in the competition.

    The finalists will travel to Washington in March for the competition that will award a total of more than $1 million in prizes from the Intel Foundation.

    The previous winners of the Science Talent Search competition include 12 Nobel laureates, two Fields Medals awardees and 18 MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Fellows.

  • Steve Rao Elected Mayor Pro Tem of Morrisville, North Carolina

    Steve Rao Elected Mayor Pro Tem of Morrisville, North Carolina

    Two Indian-Americans Steve Rao and Satish Garimella were officially sworn in to the Morrisville, N.C., City Council earlier in December with the former also being elected as mayor pro tempore. Rao, who is perhaps the first Indian American elected to office in North Carolina’s Triangle region, had been considering a move to run for lieutenant governor, but decided to remain on for the duration of his council term that ends in 2017.

    With a 4-to-3 private vote in favor of Rao, the City Council elected the Indian American sales executive to serve in Mayor Mark Stohlman’s stead should he be out of town or incapacitated. Later, in a public vote, the council confirmed Rao to the seat by 6-1. “I assure the council I will give it my all every day,” Rao said at the meeting, thanking Stohlman and the entire council for the appointment. Rao continued by praising the council for its work in getting many projects done.

    Michael Schlink, who was also sworn in with Liz Johnson, spoke highly of Rao, who has never missed a council meeting in his time in office. “I think you’ve continued to bring officials and business leaders to the table to help residents in Morrisville,” he said at the meeting.

    A sales executive for tech company Alphanumeric Systems, Rao has also helped found a number of India-focused groups including TiE and the N.C. Indian Political Action Committee, and is also a founding member of the Morrisville Innovation Foundation and the HOTTovation program to help entrepreneurs launch their business ideas.

    A graduate of Emory University, earning his B.A. in political science and his J.D. from the West Virginia University College of Law, Rao was elected to office in 2011 and reelected in 2013.

    After edging out Vicki Scroggins-Johnson for the mayor pro tem seat, Rao still said he will need her help on the council. Garimella takes over for Kris Gardner, who did not run for reelection in November after claiming the then-empty seat a year ago.

    The Indian-American was sworn in by Stohlman on the Bhagavad Gita in lieu of the Bible, and was accompanied by his wife, son, parents and founder of the local Hindu Society of North Carolina Gangadhar Sharma.

     

  • INDIA’S LARGEST PAYMENT PLATFORM LAUNCHES MONEY TRANSFER IN THE USA

    INDIA’S LARGEST PAYMENT PLATFORM LAUNCHES MONEY TRANSFER IN THE USA

    CAMBRIDGE, MA (Oct. 28, 2015) – Oxigen USA, Inc. is happy to announce the launch of Money Transfer to India with the best exchange rate guaranteed. Indian-Americans can now send money from New Jersey and Florida to their loved ones in India at an effective rate of 70 Rupees per Dollar for a limited time only.

    “I am excited to be associated with Oxigen services, which is at the threshold of exponential growth”, says Sachin Tendulkar, Oxigen’s Brand Ambassador. The Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar will be in New York in early November and Oxigen customers can win a chance to meet Sachin in person. They can simply register on Oxigen.com, join Oxigen’s Inner Circle and initiate a money transfer by November 3, 2015.

    Oxigen.com brings to the US market a new way of transferring funds to India that is far more efficient and hassle-free. Oxigen.com offers several unique features such as 2-click payments, a shopping cart experience that allows multiple types of transfers to multiple recipients in a single check out, and the highest True Exchange Rate (net of fees) guaranteed, enabled by a daily comparison to competitor exchange rates. You can pay your family’s monthly phone, Internet, TV, and utility bills instantly from your US credit card.

    Senders can use the Oxigen Happiness Meter to track the “happiness levels” of their loved ones based on how much value they have transferred over time, advancing their recipients through four stages of happiness, with happiness regression for forgetting to send happiness.

    Oxigen USA’s Chief Happiness Officer Amir Alexander Hasson said,  “As the Diwali gifting season approaches and Oxigen Brand Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar comes to New York for the All Star Cricket Series, it’s hard to think of a better time to launch Oxigen’s US money transfer service”.

    For information on Oxigen, visit Oxigen.com/the-inner-circle and Facebook.com/OxigenUSA

  • Two Indian-Americans among richest entrepreneurs under 40

    Two Indian-Americans among richest entrepreneurs under 40

    Two Indian-origin businessmen have been ranked by Forbes magazine among the richest entrepreneurs in America under the age of 40, a list that has been topped by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

    Vivek Ramaswamy
    Vivek Ramaswamy

    Vivek Ramaswamy, 30, a former hedge fund manager, has been ranked 33rd on the list with a net worth of $500 million. Forbes said his source of wealth is investments.

    On the 40th spot is 29-year old Apoorva Mehta, the founder and CEO of Instacart, the web-based grocery delivery service.

    Mehta’s net worth is $400 million.

    Zuckerberg leads the pack with a net worth of $47.1 billion, more than four times as much as the second person in the ranks, his cofounder and college friend Dustin Moskovitz.

    At number three is Jan Koum, who came to America at age 16.

    He started WhatsApp, now the world’s biggest mobile messaging service with 800 million users in 2009 and sold it to Facebook for about $22 billion in cash and stock in 2014.

    Forbes said California techies dominate the first ever list of the nation’s 40 most successful young entrepreneurs under the age of 40, “reaffirming the American Dream and proving yet again that there is no better way right now to get rich fast than to go west and convince venture investors to back your most ambitious ideas.”

    Elizabeth Holmes is the only woman to make the ‘America’s Richest Entrepreneurs Under 40’.

    Holmes quit Stanford at age 19 to start blood testing company Theranos.

    However recently in a setback, the FDA told Holmes that her company was using an unapproved blood collection device.

    All of the young entrepreneurs in the list have net worths of $400 million or more and 34 made their money in the tech sector.

    Twenty-one are billionaires and many either created or work for some of the hottest tech companies, including Uber, AirBnB, Fitbit, GitHub, Instacart and Pinterest.

    The list’s youngest member is Palmer Luckey, who was just 21 years old when he sold his virtual reality equipment company, Oculus, to Facebook for $2.3 billion in July 2014.

    Luckey’s net worth is $700 million and is one of half a dozen in the ranks who are still in their 20s, Forbes said.

  • Businessman Launches Hindu-American Coalition to Support Republican Party

    Businessman Launches Hindu-American Coalition to Support Republican Party

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Several Republican lawmakers gathered in Washington, D.C., Tuesday evening to celebrate the launch of the Republican Hindu Coalition, a group dedicated to uniting Indian-Americans in support of Republicans.

    The group was founded by Shalabh “Shalli” Kumar, a prominent Chicago businessman who has long supported the Republican Party and its candidates and has guaranteed to personally give at least $2 million to GOP candidates in the 2016 election cycle. The Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) aims to give upwards of $10 million to Republicans running for election in 2016.

    Several GOP senators up for reelection next year were present at Tuesday evening’s launch event, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Washington. They included Sens. Ron Johnson (Wisc.), Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), and Rob Portman (Ohio). Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) delivered remarks at the event, thanking Kumar for founding the organization. “The Republican Party is the natural home of people who are in favor of growth and opportunity. The Democrats are the party of big government and debts and taxes and overregulation,” McConnell told the crowd. “So people who are drawn to the private sector will find a home with the Republican Party.”

    The event was co-chaired by former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who stated to the crowd that “launching an organization like the RHC could literally change history.” Gingrich noted that the United States and India both face threats from radical jihadists, pointing to threats on India coming from Pakistan.

    Several members of the House were also present, including Reps. Ed Royce (Calif.), Peter Roskam (Ill.), and Pete Sessions (Texas).

    Sessions, who chairs the House Rules Committee, emphasized the need for the United States to better foster cultural and economic ties with India and particularly for Republicans to work with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    “I have found that with the election of Prime Minister Modi, his jelling of ideas as to the future of this great nation and the relationship they would share with America would be economic, would be strategic and would be cultural, with the understanding that our two nations have much in common,” the Texas lawmaker said. “We have to engage, create 10 million new jobs with India and American together. If we have to succeed, then we have to partner with Prime Minister Modi.”

    The organization was conceived after Kumar witnessed the success of the Republican Jewish Coalition, which fosters ties between the American Jewish population and Republican lawmakers.

    “Having watched the Republican Jewish Coalition work to achieve its goals I was inspired to found RHC,” Kumar stated Tuesday. “I went to my friend who I consider to be the smartest man on this earth, Speaker Newt Gingrich. Before I said more than two sentences, he said, ‘Great idea!’”

    “A better relationship between India and America would be a recipe for peace and prosperity of the world. It’s a joint venture,” Rep. George Holding (R, N.C.), who co-chairs the Congressional India Caucus, said at the event.

  • Indian-Americans celebrate Chhath Pooja on Potomac River

    Indian-Americans celebrate Chhath Pooja on Potomac River

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian-Americans celebrated the festival of Chhath on the banks of the historic Potomac River here as several women attired in colorful traditional saree worshiped the rising sun.

    The Chhath celebrations spread over three days in Virginia saw participation of some 250 Indian-Americans, many of whom drove a few hundred kilometers to attend this popular festival of Bihar.

    “We are just trying our best to keep our tradition alive, even though we are thousands of miles away from the place of our birth,” said Kripa Shankar Singh, who has been organizing the event for the past eight years now.

    A software engineer, Singh comes from Patna.

    “Now people call me from all over the country and ask details about the Chhath pooja,” he said.

    This year, a few families even booked cottages on the banks of the Potomac River so that they can participate in the festivities on both the days.

    “I am overwhelmed by the response,” said Kumar Singh, an eminent Indian-American community leader in Greater Washington Metropolitan Area.

    “Unlike other festivals, which we celebrate on weekends, this is the only Indian festival we celebrate on the actual day. Still it attracts a large number of people, many of whom take leave from their work to come and attend Chhath pooja on the Potomac,” Singh said.

    Recounting how it all began, Kripa Shankar Singh said about eight years ago his mother asked his wife Anita to take care of Chhath pooja to keep the family tradition of generations alive.

    Singh said he inquired among his friends and other Indian-American community leaders if anyone here performed the Chhath pooja.He found that people did it inside their homes or at the most in a makeshift plastic tub full of water.

    Singh and some of his friends once went for a picnic on the banks of the Potomac River in Loudon County, a suburb of Washington.

    The concrete boat ramp there, Singh said, gave him the idea that this place was good for performing Chhath pooja in the real way with all the traditional and religious rituals.

    Soon he approached the Loudon County Parks and Recreation Department with the details and sought permission to do the Chhath pooja on the river banks.

    “Permission was granted,” he said, adding that the Loudon County is enthusiastic about supporting the Indian-Americans in organizing this rare festival outside India.

    Chhath pooja entails worship of Sun God, embodied in cosmic energy, and is observed mainly by people from Bihar and eastern UP.

  • Rich Indian-Americans Could Dwarf Official US Aid to India: Report

    Rich Indian-Americans Could Dwarf Official US Aid to India: Report

    WASHINGTON:  Indian-Americans, who have a combined annual income of a whopping USD 67.4 billion, can play a key role in philanthropy activities in India that could dwarf official US foreign aid to India by 10 times, according to new research.

    The donations could be to the tune of USD 1.2 billion per annum, said a report published in ‘Impact India’ – a magazine for philanthropists and social innovators targeting India published jointly by the Bridgespan Group, Dasra, and Stanford Social Innovation Review – that also put the “combined annual discretionary income of Americans of Indian origin” at USD 67.4 billion.

    The growing Indians settled in America totals over 1.9 million, the report said, adding that there are another 1.6 million Americans who report having Indian ancestry.

    “If their philanthropic contributions were consistent with those of other US households in similar income brackets, and if they directed 40 per cent of their philanthropic giving to India, USD 1.2 billion per year would flow from Indian-American donors to Indian causes,” the report said.

    This sum would dwarf official US foreign aid to India (USD 116.4 million in fiscal year 2014).

    What’s more, it would represent more than half the entire amount of annual official development aid received by India from all countries – USD 2.2 billion, on average, from 2005 through 2013.

    Noting that Indian-Americans are donating more than ever before to support broad-based social change aimed at reducing India’s inequities, it said the potential for impact is great, but so are the challenges.

    According to the report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration seems particularly attuned to the upside potential for financial and non-financial support from the Indian-American.

    His focus on bilateral India-US initiatives may be an indicator of his openness to connect with US constituencies, including Indian-Americans, that could contribute meaningfully to India’s development.

  • Philanthropist Frank Islam asks Indian Americans to Invest in Education in India

    Philanthropist Frank Islam asks Indian Americans to Invest in Education in India

    Entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam would like fellow Indian-Americans to make a strategic investment in education in India as it is the great equalizer and opportunity creator.

    “Supporting educational institutions is one of our highest priorities because education is the key to opportunity and the bridge to the future,” he said during the Second American Bazaar Philanthropy Dialogue and Dinner, organised by an ethnic publication here.

    Dozens of prominent philanthropists, nonprofits, stakeholders and leaders from the South Asian and Indian American philanthropic community attended the dialogue to brainstorm giving.

    Lata Krishnan chair of the American India Foundation delivered the 2nd American Bazaar Philanthropy lecture.

    “While education is important in America, the needs are even greater in India and that is why I am supporting initiatives in India,” Islam said.

    “My intent is to use education as a tool to improve the socio-economic status of the underprivileged in India. My desire is those who benefit will in turn contribute towards social, political, and economic development in India,” he added.

    Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, born Islam, has announced a $2 million donation to his alma mater, Aligarh Muslim University, which “shaped my history and my journey and determined my destiny,” for building the Frank and Debbie Islam School of Management.

    The school, Islam said will place emphasis on entrepreneurship and preparing the students at AMU to become entrepreneurial leaders and engage in economic development activities that will create jobs and opportunities for thousands of people throughout India.

    “We see our contribution not as a charity but as an investment that will yield exponential returns,” he said.

    “We not only support AMU, but also give to other educational institutions as well here in US and in India,” said Islam who was presented the American Philanthropy award for his pioneering efforts in the fields of education arts and culture.

    Receiving the award from Arun M. Kumar, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, Islam told fellow Indian-Americans that they had done well in the US and now it was their turn to do good in India.

    “Let us together change the face of India. One family, one village and one life at a time,” he said. “Let us extend our hope, our help, and our hand so that we can together change the face of the world.”

    Apart from AMU, Islam has made major gifts and supported scholarships at his alma mater in the US, the University of Colorado at Boulder and his wife Debbie Driesman’s alma mater in Canada, Western University among others.

    Underlining the importance of strategic philanthropy, Islam said: “I invest in education and promotion of the arts because these are two of those critical areas. I refer them as pivot points -areas that can be leveraged to build a bigger and better future for all.”

    “Education is a pivot point because it is the great equaliser and opportunity creator,” he said. “Art is also a pivot point because it educates and advances social causes. Art and culture transcend all boundaries.”

    Islam has also given $1 million to the US Institute of Peace, an organization devoted to nonviolent prevention and mitigation of conflict around the globe, “because it’s very much engaged in curbing violent extremism.”

    “In addition they are engaged to make the transition to peaceful and stable democracy,” he said.

  • Indo-American Press Club holds Media Conference & Awards Function in New York

    Indo-American Press Club holds Media Conference & Awards Function in New York

    NEW YORK: Eminent journalists and media experts from the US, Canada, India, Australia and the UAE will hold an International Media Conference organised by the Indo-American Press Club (IAPC) from Oct 9 through 12 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, Long Island, New York.

    The Indo-American Press Club provides an effective platform for Indian American journalists and media professionals to associate and network with a sense of belonging, according to the media release.

    It is designed as a uniquely valuable professional development opportunity, featuring educational seminars and workshops, discussing and analyzing new trends and methods with a rare insight into the work of media across the world, it said.

    Public Works Minister V K Ibrahim Kunju has been selected for the Minister of Excellence Award. The Karmashreshta Award is for social worker Daya Bhai and the Sadbhavana Award for Boby Chemmannur.

    Ibrahim Kunju has been chosen for the modernisation activities related to the development of basic infrastructure in the state for the past four years. Daya Bhai has been chosen, taking into account her initiatives among the adivasis in Northern India.

    Topics such as News Reporting and Writing Techniques, Exploring Social and Environmental Causes through Documentaries, Politics and Media, Social Media Impact on Journalism, Live Streaming, Social Activism as a Way of Life, Freedom of Expression, will be addressed by experts in their fields during the seminars and workshops.

    IAPC has envisioned for itself a significant role in recognizing and nurturing the true potential of journalists and media professionals in the US and Canada, while collaborating with media fraternity across the globe, it said.

  • Two Indian Americans Plead Guilty to Extortion Scam

    Two Indian Americans Plead Guilty to Extortion Scam

    Two Philadelphia Indian-Americans men admitted their roles in a conspiracy to extort victims to load prepaid debit cards with funds that were stolen as part of the scheme, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
    Two  today pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to extort their victims to load prepaid debit cards with funds that were stolen as part of a scam running into more than USD 5.8 million.Alpesh Kumar Patel, 31, and Vijay Kumar Patel, 40, pleaded guilty before a US District Judge in New Jersey to the charges of conspiracy to commit the wire fraud.

    The conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: The duo — who are not related — admitted that from September 2013 through March 2014, they were part of a conspiracy to steal money using reloadable debit cards. First, conspirators would purchase reloadable Green Dot Cards, and register them in names other than their own. The conspirators contacted victims by phone and used threats or deceit to induce them to put money on MoneyPak cards, which are used along with assigned PIN codes to add funds to Green Dot Cards.

    Both admitted that they obtained the Green Dot Cards and used them to purchase money orders. Afterwards, they deposited the funds into bank accounts associated with the scheme.

    Phone numbers and IP addresses connected with the conspiracy were tied to approximately 2,500 Green Dot Cards that were funded in excess of $5.8 million.

    Sentencing has been scheduled for January 15, 2015.

    U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents, detectives and investigators assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel in Newark, and FBI Special Agent in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. in Philadelphia, as well as special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kelly in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s pleas.