The Indian Panorama

Tag: Indian-Americans

  • Indian-origin executives appointed to UK’s Competition and Markets Authority board

    Indian-origin executives appointed to UK’s Competition and Markets Authority board

    Dharmesh Mistry
    Cyrus Mehta

    LONDON (TIP): Indian-origin executives with years of experience in the field of law and finance have been appointed to the board of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), a non-ministerial department responsible for strengthening business competition and curbing anti-competitive practices.
    Dharmash Mistry, a venture capitalist specializing in technology, new business models and finance, was named among four new non-executive directors of the CMA by the British government’s Department for Business and Trade last week.
    Meanwhile, Cyrus Mehta – a former partner at international law firm CMS in London – was named on the CMA board as a Panel Member, Non-Executive Director.
    “Our new board members will bring further fresh perspectives and expertise at a time when our responsibilities, and our positive impact on people, businesses and the economy, are growing significantly,” said CMA Chair Marcus Bokkerink.
    “They will help us continue the great strides we have made over the past year to ensure that people can get great choices and a fair deal, competitive businesses are free to innovate and thrive, and the economy is able to grow more productively and sustainably,” he said.
    Non-executive directors of the CMA board play an important role in setting up the organization, working with the chair and chief executive. As board members, they are also responsible for setting the organization’s strategic direction and policy framework; developing priorities; monitoring performance against its objectives; and making decisions on market investigation references.
    Mistry has served on a wide range of boards in executive and non-executive capacity and is also a non-executive director of the Premier League and the Football Association. In the past, he has served as a non-executive director of the BBC and British Business Bank.
    Cyrus Mehta, as the former head of the European Union (EU) and competition team at CMS, has over 35 years’ experience in the field of UK and EU competition law, state aid, consumer law, trade law and regulation in both London and Brussels.
    Mistry and Mehta are joined by broadcasting personality Dame Patricia Hodgson and entrepreneurs Justin Basini and Frank Dangeard as the new appointees on the CMA board.

  • Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, British Indian chef Asma Khan win India-UK Achievers Honours

    Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, British Indian chef Asma Khan win India-UK Achievers Honours

    The award recognizes the achievements of Indian students and alumni who have pursued an international programme of study

    LONDON (TIP): Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and British Indian chef Asma Khan were among the winners of the annual India-UK Achievers Honours in London, which recognizes the achievements of Indian students and alumni who have pursued an international programme of study.

    The initiative, by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, in partnership with the British Council in India and the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade, was launched last year with the aim of celebrating bilateral educational ties.

    At a ceremony earlier this week, the “Class of 2024” made up of high achievers across the arts, sports, entrepreneurship and medicine were honored following a day-long conference entitled ‘The Future of Education’.

    “I am pleased to see that for the second year, you are showcasing exceptional Indian talent that has been developed in the UK,” said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a message for the event on Wednesday.

    “I am extremely proud of the UK-India partnership and the Achievers Honours highlights the strong outcomes that can arise through partnership,” he said.

    Akhtar, the acclaimed writer-filmmaker behind box-office hits such as ‘Luck By Chance’ and ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ and most recently ‘The Archies’, was conferred the Living Legend Award in recognition of her work in furthering an understanding of India on the global stage. She spoke of her degree in literature and sociology giving her a strong footing for her filmmaking career.

    “I genuinely believe that literature and sociology have helped me immensely in making movies, and writing and telling stories,” Akhtar said.

    “However, I don’t believe one size fits all when it comes to your career path in the film industry…today films can even be made on a phone. I do feel it’s a lot easier these days. There is access to a lot more filmmaking tools today,” she said.

    The 51-year-old daughter of writers Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani addressed a session on Creative Economies at the conference, during which she reflected on her love of writing.

    “I started writing at a very young age because I grew up in a home of writers, so it’s just something that you imitate in a very organic way. You are surrounded by those kinds of discussions and narrations,” she said.

    Also recognized in the field of Arts, Culture and Entertainment this year was UK-based chef Asma Khan, behind the women-led Darjeeling Express restaurant in London. The King’s College London alumna started out in the field of law but has since made a mark for herself in the culinary space, including as a cookery writer behind bestselling recipe books on Indian cuisine.

    “I never call myself a chef, I am a cook; and most of my cooking I learnt by watching,” said Khan, who was recently also awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (Social Sciences) degree by the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

    The India-UK Achievers were also celebrated at the UK Parliament complex, where the finalists had an opportunity to interact with British members of Parliament, policymakers, and stakeholders in the education sector.

    “These achievers are not just recipients of a prestigious honor, they are the embodiment of the profound transformation that education and cross-cultural experiences can engender in our societies,” said NISAU UK Chair Sanam Arora, who is also a commissioner of the UK International Higher Education Commission.

    “The progress and achievements of Indian students in the UK over the past year have been nothing short of remarkable. Their growing presence in the UK’s universities is a testament to the enduring appeal of British education and the opportunities it offers,” added Lord Karan Bilimoria, Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Students and President of the UK Council of International Student Affairs.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American Republican candidate Vin Kruttiventi, vying for a seat in CA 14th district

    Indian American Republican candidate Vin Kruttiventi, vying for a seat in CA 14th district

    SACRAMENTO (TIP): Vin (Vinay) Kruttiventi is an Indian American Republican, who is vying for a seat in the 14th Congressional District, home to a large Indian American community.
    Kruttiventi secured 17.8 percent of the vote in the March 5th primary and now faces incumbent Democrat Eric Swalwell, who is seeking his sixth term. Kruttiventi, a businessman and entrepreneur, came to the United States after earning an engineering degree from Osmania University in India. He is the founder and CEO of A5 Services, a business and technology consulting firm.
    Kruttiventi has made a substantial personal investment of $500,000 into his congressional campaign.
    The 14th Congressional District spans Lake, Napa, Yolo, Solano, and Sonoma Counties. According to the Cook Political Report PVI, the district leans heavily Democratic (+17).
    If elected, Kruttiventi pledges to co-sponsor and advocate for a bill that will cap House members’ terms at three and senators’ terms at two.
    Kruttiventi runs the Vinay Kruttiventi Foundation, dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations in the Tri-Valley region. The foundation aims to empower nonprofits and small businesses to thrive and contribute to vibrant communities. Beyond his political and entrepreneurial pursuits, Kruttiventi describes himself as a devoted husband, father, community leader, philanthropist, and outdoors enthusiast. In his leisure time, he enjoys hiking the scenic trails of East Bay, watching basketball and baseball games with friends, and cherishing moments with his beloved wife and two daughters.

  • Indian American coach Sean Desai joins Los Angeles Rams in senior defensive role

    Indian American coach Sean Desai joins Los Angeles Rams in senior defensive role

    NEW YORK (TIP): Indian American coach Sean Desai, who was relieved of his duties after just one season as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, is expected to be hired by the Los Angeles Rams in a senior defensive role.
    The son of immigrants, Desai, 40, was the first Indian American coordinator in NFL history. He will face his former team when the Eagles come to Los Angeles during the 2024 season, according to CBS Sports.
    Desai was let go after Philadelphia finished 30th in the NFL in points allowed during the 2023 season. While the unit struggles in most categories, the Eagles’ defense did finish 10th in the NFL in both fewest rushing yards allowed and touchdown runs allowed, CBS noted.
    Prior to his time in Philadelphia, Desai spent six seasons as the Bears’ defensive quality control coach, two seasons as the team’s safeties coach and was Chicago’s defensive coordinator in 2021. That season, the Bears’ defense finished third in the NFL in passing yards allowed.
    In 2022, Desai served as the Seahawks’ associate head coach and defensive assistant. He left for Philadelphia after then-Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon accepted the head coaching position in Arizona.
    In Los Angeles, Desai will aid a Rams defense that last finished ranked 19th in points allowed during the 2023 season. The unit continues to be led by future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who last season was selected to his 10th Pro Bowl in as many seasons after recording eight sacks.
    Desai started his coaching career at Temple (2007-10), where he was a graduate assistant for the defense and special teams while earning his doctorate in educational administration. He entered the NFL ranks in 2013 as the quality control coach-defense for the Bears, working with the defensive backs/linebackers/special teams.
    Desai was named Bears’ safeties coach in 2019 and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2021. The Bears ranked sixth in total defense and third in passing defense that season.
    In Chicago, Desai coached under noted defensive minds, including Vic Fangio, John Fox, Mel Tucker, and Chuck Pagano. Desai was a part of three different coaching staffs with the Bears.

  • Indian – origin classical dancer, MFA student shot dead during evening walk

    Indian – origin classical dancer, MFA student shot dead during evening walk

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP)- In a tragic incident, Amarnath Ghosh, a Bharatnatyam and Kuchupudi dancer from Kolkata, pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, was shot dead during his evening walk in his neighborhood, Tuesday, February 27, according to media reports.
    Devoleena Bhattacharjee, a popular TV actress and friend of the deceased, has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar for assistance in repatriating Ghosh’s body. Devoleena expressed her grief on social media, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of her friend and appealing for support in uncovering the motive behind the murder.
    “My friend #Amarnathghosh was shot and killed in the St Louis Academy neighborhood in the US on Tuesday evening. Only child in the family, mother died three years back, father passed away during his childhood. Well, the reason, the details of the accused are not revealed yet, or perhaps no one is left in his family to fight for it except his few friends. He was from Kolkata.”
    She ended the note with her appeal: “Some friends in US are trying to claim the body but still no update about it. @IndianEmbassyUS kindly see to it if you could. At least we should know the reason of his murder. @DrSJaishankar @narendramodi”
    Ghosh was an alumnus of Kalakshetra Foundation and Kuchipudi Art Academy, Chennai. According to a GoFundMe campaign set up in his honor, he also served as faculty at the Kuchipudi Arty Academy.

    Described as an excellent dancer, he was interested in exploring his diverse ethnic background and the unity of various cultures through the compositions of Rabindranath Tagore, according to his bio on the university website. His research aimed to showcase how dance could unite people from diverse backgrounds.
    Atlanta-based Bharatnatyam dance guru Anupa Thakurta, founder and artistic director of Deeksha School of Performing Arts, who has known Ghosh since Covid times, expressed shock and anger at his tragic death.
    “We met through an online performance and immediately became friends,” she told NRI Pulse. “He had high aspirations to come to the US to perform. He had asked me multiple times to arrange for performances in the US. Considering the phenomenal artist that he was, he did make it to the US to do MFA in St. Louis, Missouri. He had a creative mind filled with splendid ideas. A very talented and humble artist and above all a very good human being.”
    “Ghosh came into this country with lots of dreams and aspirations, but this land took his life. Life is so unpredictable. Today you are here and tomorrow you are gone. This news shook me completely,” she added.
    In a heartfelt obituary, Amarnath Ghosh was remembered as more than just a dancer.
    “Amarnath was more than just a dancer; he was a visionary artist whose passion and dedication breathed life into every movement,” the obituary reads. “His performances were electrifying, captivating audiences with their raw emotion, technical precision, and sheer artistry. Whether he was portraying the agony of loss or the ecstasy of triumph, Amarnath had a rare ability to evoke deep and profound emotions, leaving spectators spellbound in his wake.”

    “At Battery Dance, we had the privilege of collaborating with Amarnath, and his presence on our stage was nothing short of transformative. His performances were a testament to his unparalleled talent and unwavering commitment to his craft, inspiring all who had the privilege of witnessing his artistry. We will forever cherish the memories of his electrifying performances and the joy he brought to our stage.”

    Indian Consulate in Chicago condoled the death of Ghosh.
    “Deep condolences to family & friends of deceased Amarnath Ghosh in StLouis, Missouri. We are following up forensic, investigation with police & providing support. @IndianEmbassyUS @MEAIndia”.
    The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.

  • Bank fraud accused having Interpol Red Notice against him repatriated from US

    Bank fraud accused having Interpol Red Notice against him repatriated from US

    Rajiv Mehta, an accused in a 25-year-old alleged fraud case, where he intercepted the bank drafts which he used to encash later had been on the run since 2000

    WASHINGTON (TIP): The CBI has successfully coordinated repatriation of an alleged fraudster, facing an Interpol Red Notice, from the United States on Wednesday ending his 23-year long run from the law, officials said.

    Rajiv Mehta, an accused in a 25-year-old alleged fraud case, where he intercepted the bank drafts which he used to encash later had been on the run since 2000, they said.

    The Global Operations Centre followed his trail using Interpol channels that resulted in National Central Bureau-Washington locating him in their jurisdiction, officials said.

    “The Global Operations Centre of Central Bureau of Investigation has coordinated via Interpol channels with National Central Bureau-Washington for return to India from the US of a Red Notice subject today, that is, March 06. He was earlier geo-located by the US authorities through close follow-up through Interpol,” a CBI spokesperson said in a statement.Interpol had issued a Red Notice against Mehta on June 16, 2000, on a request from the CBI. “Red notice was circulated to all Interpol member countries for location and arrest of the accused,” the spokesperson said.

    He said the subject is wanted by the CBI in a criminal case registered in 1998 for prosecution in respect of offences of cheating, theft and criminal conspiracy involving opening of fictitious bank accounts in Central Bank of India, Greater Kailash Part-II, New Delhi, for the purpose of interception of drafts of various parties in transit and encashing them.He was declared a proclaimed offender by the court in 1999, the spokesperson said.

    “The CBI as the National Central Bureau for Interpol in India coordinates with all law enforcement agencies in India for assistance via Interpol channels,” he said.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Two Indian Americans bag Gates Cambridge Scholarship at the University of Cambridge

    Two Indian Americans bag Gates Cambridge Scholarship at the University of Cambridge

    NEW JERSEY (TIP) : Two Indian Americans — Sadhana Lolla and Ishan Kalburge — are among 26 academically outstanding and socially committed US citizens selected to be part of the 2024 class of Gates Cambridge Scholars at the University of Cambridge.
    The US Scholars-elect, who will take up their awards this October, are from a wide range of backgrounds, according to a media release. Nineteen are women, six are men and one would prefer not to specify. Thirteen will pursue PhDs while 13 will undertake one-year master’s degrees.
    “In the rural Indian village that my family calls home, I grew up witnessing my grandmother labor endlessly without assistive technology,” says Sadhana Lolla, who plans to pursue an MPhil in technology policy.
    “Her experiences, and those of millions of women, elderly, and people with disabilities worldwide, underpin my dedication to pursue artificial intelligence solutions that bring robotic assistive technology to underprivileged communities.”
    “My background as a machine learning researcher and roboticist has enabled me to deeply appreciate the transformative power of technology, while also recognizing that technologists and governments must work together to leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence to uplift those who need it the most,” she says.
    “By pursuing the MPhil in technology policy,” Lolla says, “I hope to bring regulators, researchers, and the technology industry together to design policy solutions that promote bias-free, robust, and trustworthy artificial intelligence while spurring innovation.”
    “I also hope to uplift the voices of vulnerable communities in conversations about technological development and deployment,” she says. “I’m thrilled to join the Gates Cambridge community and work together with such a diverse and talented group of peers to improve the lives of others.”
    Lolla previously studied Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
    Ishan Kalburge, who will do a PhD in engineering, will look at how the human brain forms internal representations of uncertainty.
    He hopes to develop computational models that emulate such representations to advance our understanding of human cognition in health and disease and pave the way for developing trustworthy and energy-efficient artificial intelligence.
    While at Cambridge, he will also work to expand STEM outreach initiatives in under-resourced communities and lead dialogue on developing responsible AI regulatory policies.
    Kalburge is also President of the Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering Society. He says the initial motivation for his research is a personal one: “When my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, I was driven to deepen my understanding of human cognition to develop solutions that could help people like him,” he says.
    At Johns Hopkins University, he pursued a BS in Biomedical Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, and Economics, developing interdisciplinary skills to achieve his goals. Through his research, Kalburge explored the largely unknown processes underlying human decision-making under uncertainty.
    “In my free time, I hope to work on my jazz improve skills on the piano!” he says.
    The 26 US scholars-elect will study and research subjects ranging from how magma shapes human life to how to create the necessary infrastructure to bring robots to marginalized communities.
    The prestigious postgraduate scholarship program – which fully funds postgraduate study and research in any subject at the University of Cambridge – was established through a US$210 million donation to the University of Cambridge from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000.
    Since the first class in 2001, Gates Cambridge has awarded 2,182 scholarships to scholars from 112 countries who represent more than 700 universities globally (more than 200 in the USA) and around 90 academic departments and all 31 Colleges at Cambridge.

  • Indian American Sikh teen rolls out album of Gurbani Shabad Kirtan in 31 ragas of Guru Granth Sahib

    Indian American Sikh teen rolls out album of Gurbani Shabad Kirtan in 31 ragas of Guru Granth Sahib

    ALBANY, NY (TIP): A 12-year-old Arjanveer Singh has come out with an album of Gurbani Shabad Kirtan in 31 ragas of Guru Granth Sahib, qualifying him as a prodigy.
    Based at Albany, New York he learned the recital of Gurbani Kirtan in classical Ragas pointed towards his dedication towards Gurmat philosophy. About his feat he said it was an initiative aimed at connecting children worldwide with the ‘Ragatmic Shabad Kirtan’ of Guru Granth Sahib. He rendered Gurbani Kirtain in Ragas such as Aasaa, Wadhans, Sorath and others. He learnt Gurbani Kirtan based on 31 ragas of Guru Granth Sahib from renowned Sangeet Kirtankar Dr Gurnam Singh, former head of Gurbani Sangeet Chair of Punjabi University through Baljinder Singh, the head of the Rara Sahib Samprada.
    Album containing Gurbani Shabad Keertan in 31 ragas sung by 12-year-old Arjanveer Singh was jointly released by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, Rara Sahib Samprada head Baba Baljinder Singh and others at Akal Takht secretariat in Amritsar on Saturday.

  • Indian American healthcare executive Smriti Kirubanandan appointed MD of Accenture’s healthcare practice

    Indian American healthcare executive Smriti Kirubanandan appointed MD of Accenture’s healthcare practice

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP) : Indian American healthcare business executive Smriti Kirubanandan is joining Accenture as Managing Director of the firm’s healthcare practice.
    Kirubanandan, 36, “emerges as a contemporary Renaissance figure, achieving significant milestones as a Growth and Partnerships Executive with a distinctive background in Robotics and Public Health,” according to a company press release.
    Expressing her “excitement to join a leadership that values kindness, expansiveness, and believes in the power of equity and unity, Kirubanandan highlighted the role of individuals as “value creators, architects of change, and genuine guardians of the healthcare galaxy” in these challenging times.
    “I am grateful and excited to share that I have started my journey with Accenture as Managing Director in Healthcare practice,” she wrote on LinkedIn.
    Kirubanandan’s passion for emerging technologies and unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare are evident in her remarkable accomplishments, the release stated. Beyond her corporate success, she wears multiple hats, demonstrating expertise as a raw vegan chef and nutritionist, actively engaging in community service, and spearheading initiatives to combat food insecurity, it stated.
    In recognition of her outstanding contributions, the World Economic Forum bestowed upon Smriti Kirubanandan the title of Young Global Leader in 2023.
    Kirubanandan has “helped organizations globally to build the capacity to empower people to engage in wellness programs,” the WEF stated noting she is “responsible for educating small farmers in Africa to lift them out of poverty to improve food & nutrition insecurity, impacting 2 million people per year.”
    Additionally, she was recently elected as a fellow of the British Royal Society of Arts, highlighting her global impact. She holds a distinguished position within the Young Leaders Circle at the Milken Institute and serves as the visionary Founder of the HLTH Forward Podcast.
    This celebrated media platform serves as a collaborative nexus, bringing together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and artists to address challenges within the healthcare system and collectively devise strategies for its advancement, according to the release.
    In 2022, she was appointed to serve the Los Angeles County food equity round table as a Nutrition & Policy Advisor to design and strategize programs to address food insecurity by educating and improving access and affordability to nutritious food.
    Kirubanandan gained her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering focused on Robotics (BSCEN), followed by her master’s in engineering management (MSEM) from USC and master’s in public health (MPH) from UCLA.

  • Indian American Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan launches Zeteo, a new digital media venture

    Indian American Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan launches Zeteo, a new digital media venture

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): British Indian American liberal commentator Mehdi Hasan, who departed from MSNBC last month following the controversial cancellation of his weekly show in November, is preparing to launch his own digital media company, Zeteo.
    Named after the Greek word meaning “to seek,” Zeteo is scheduled to make its debut in April on the Substack platform. The company’s flagship offerings will include a weekly streaming show titled “Mehdi Unfiltered,” hosted by Hasan himself, alongside a weekly podcast and a range of written contributions from prominent figures. Subscribers can access the platform for $6 per month, with an annual subscription option available.
    Announcing the launch of the platform, Hasan told his 1.5 million followers on X, formerly known as Twitter:
    “Some personal & professional news: I’m launching a new media company! It’s called Zeteo.
    “And, in this era of war abroad, fascism at home, and propaganda everywhere, I hope I can count on your support.”
    To kickstart Zeteo, Hasan told the Washington Post that he secured $4 million in funding, with support from friends, family, and concerned viewers following his departure from MSNBC. The network faced significant backlash after axing Hasan’s television and streaming shows on November 30, which many of his supporters believed was due to the sidelining of critical voices on the US position regarding the Israeli-Hamas war.
    “I’ve decided that it’s time for me to look for a new challenge,” Hasan announced during his final episode on January 7. “Tonight is not just my final episode of ‘The Mehdi Hasan Show.’ It’s my last day with MSNBC. Yes, I’ve decided to leave.”
    In a message circulated on social media to his followers on Wednesday, Hasan expressed, “I have asked you all to share and repost a lot of things over the years. You’ve always supported me. I am now making my biggest ask of all: I’ve launched my own media company. We need an alternative to the mainstream folks. This is it.”
    While Hasan will serve as the face of Zeteo, he emphasizes the platform’s dedication to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives often sidelined by mainstream media. The launch of Zeteo signifies a bold move for Hasan, who acknowledges the risks involved but remains optimistic about the venture’s potential.
    Hasan’s foray into the digital realm reflects a broader trend among media personalities seeking greater independence and autonomy in their expression.
    Recently, Hasan joined The Guardian as a regular columnist. His first column, published on February 21, called on President Joe Biden to pressure the Israeli government to end the “genocide” of Palestinians in Gaza. Hasan told Semafor that he was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to The Guardian, stating that he has been an avid reader of the publication since his teenage years.
    Hasan previously worked for Al Jazeera English and the Intercept. His new venture mirrors a broader shift in media consumption, with digital platforms playing an increasingly influential role in shaping public opinion. The success of Zeteo will be closely monitored as Hasan aims to carve out a space for independent voices.

  • Indian American executive Sidhartha Nair joins Alta Equipment Group as director

    Indian American executive Sidhartha Nair joins Alta Equipment Group as director

    SAN FRANCISCO (TIP) : Indian American executive Sidhartha Nair has joined Alta Equipment Group Inc, a leading provider of premium material handling, construction and environmental processing equipment and related services, as a director.
    Nair, 52, currently is the Head of Strategy, Americas Region, for Mercedes-Benz Mobility and leads Strategic and Transformation activities in the US, Canada and Mexico since December 2021.
    Nair brings global experience and knowledge of startup, new market entry, growth, and digital transformation of businesses at different periods in their life cycle, according to a media release.
    “Sid brings extensive business leadership experience as well as in-depth knowledge in digital transformation and business transformation in the automotive industry,” said Ryan Greenawalt, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. “His expertise will be a significant boost to our ongoing initiatives. I look forward to the contributions he will make as part of the Alta family.”
    “I am excited to join the Board of Alta and be part of its rapidly expanding growth and position in the market,” said Nair. “My experience should be beneficial to Alta’s diversified strategy to capitalize on the growth opportunities and cost- efficiency initiatives.”
    Nair first joined Daimler Financial Services in 2003 and has held roles of increasing responsibility during his tenure of more than 20 years in the US, Caribbean and India business units.
    Prior to 2003, he held a previous role with McKinsey & Company as a consultant working on developing strategic solutions addressing growth, turnaround and new market entry.
    Nair holds a MBA from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business and a Masters in Engineering from Purdue University. Alta owns and operates one of the largest integrated equipment dealership platforms in the US and has a presence in Canada.

  • Indian American executive Reema Poddar elected to Oceaneering International board

    Indian American executive Reema Poddar elected to Oceaneering International board

    HOUSTON (TIP): Indian American business executive Reema Poddar has been elected to the Board of Directors of Texas-based technology company Oceaneering International, Inc. as an independent, non-executive director for a two-year term. Poddar has also been appointed to the Nominating, Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee of the Board. Her initial term of office will extend until Oceaneering’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2026, according to a media release.
    Poddar has 30 years of software industry experience, including product strategy, product development and digital business transformation. She has been recognized as a leader in data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud services, cyber security, industrial automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and diversity, equity and inclusion. She has served in executive roles at global firms ranging from startups to Fortune 500 corporations, including holding executive roles at General Electric, GE Digital, Emerson, Philips, Teradata Corporation, AdFender Inc., OptimEyes.AI and Intellution, Inc.
    Poddar currently serves on the board of directors of MeridianLink, Inc. and Accion Labs Group Holdings, Inc., and on the board of advisors for OptimEyes.AI. Previously, Poddar served on the corporate council board of advisors to the Dean of UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering.
    Poddar holds a master’s degree in computer applications from Bangalore University, India and a master’s degree in physics from Mahatma Gandhi University, India.
    Kevin McEvoy, Oceaneering’s Chairman of the Board, stated, “We are pleased to welcome Ms. Poddar to Oceaneering’s Board. Our strategic, robotics-focused vision will be strengthened by her successes as an experienced technology executive and respected thought leader and change agent.
    “Her experience in setting product and technology strategy, building and delivering innovative, commercially viable products and services, accelerating digital transformations, and delivering results in the digital market is relevant and meaningful to Oceaneering.”
    Oceaneering is a global technology company delivering engineered services and products and robotic solutions to the offshore energy, defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and entertainment industries.

  • Indian American computer engineer Ashok Veeraraghavan wins award for revolutionary imaging technology

    Indian American computer engineer Ashok Veeraraghavan wins award for revolutionary imaging technology

    HOUSTON (TIP): Trailblazing Indian American computer engineer Ashok Veeraraghavan has won the 2024 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Engineering for his revolutionary imaging technology that seeks to make the invisible visible. Veeraraghavan, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science, George R. Brown School of Engineering at Rice University, was bestowed with the award by The Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science, and Technology (TAMEST).
    Imagine taking a pristine picture through fog, smoke and rain. Imagine taking interior images of the human body through skin, bone and other tissue that scatter light and limit human vision, says a media release about Veeraraghavan’s revolutionary technology.
    Veeraraghavan and his team at Rice work on creating imaging systems that use novel multi-dimensional image sensors along with machine learning algorithms to undo the effects of light-scattering and see-through scattering media such as fog, smoke, rain and human tissue.
    Recently, with support from researchers at the University of Maryland, his team has developed a new technology dubbed NeuWS, an acronym for “neural wavefront shaping.”
    At its core, NeuWS is about undoing the effects of light scattering by using wavefront shaping and a novel machine-learning algorithm. Scattering is what makes light, which has a lower wavelength unusable in many scenarios. If you can undo the effects of scattering, imaging can go much further.
    Capturing images through rain and fog is certainly interesting, but this technology could have lifesaving applications, the release stated.
    Through NeuWS-like technologies, there could be a time in the future where a firefighter entering into a room filled with smoke could be equipped with goggles that allow them to have clear visibility.
    Automakers could be able to install car headlights that can see through a host of dangerous weather conditions. Surgeons could be able to see blood vessels through the skin tissue without making a single cut.
    While several further advances are needed to make any of these scenarios possible, their work has made significant progress and make all of this potentially feasible.
    “Dr. Veeraraghavan is tackling one of the hardest problems in imaging, what many consider to be a ‘holy grail problem’ of optical engineering,” said nominator Alan Bovik, PhD (NAE), Professor, Cockrell Family Regents Endowed Chair in Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.
    “Every time we improve our ability to see what is unseen, the number of things we can do increases. The NeuWS technology is going to allow us to see things we cannot even imagine today.”
    Born in Chennai, Veeraraghavan earned a BTech in electrical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in 2002.
    He also earned master’s and doctoral degrees from the Department of Electrical in 2004 and Computer Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park 2004 in 2008.
    After joining the ECE Department in 2010, he was promoted to Associate Professor in 2017 and professor in 2020. He co-developed FlatCam, a small sensor chip with a mask that substitutes lenses in typical cameras.
    Veeraraghavan is one of five Texas-based researchers receiving the TAMEST 2024 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards. Each is chosen for their individual contributions addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society, and whose work meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness.
    The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards annually recognize rising star Texas researchers who are addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society, and whose work meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness.
    Founded in 2004 TAMEST is composed of the Texas-based members of the three National Academies (National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences), the Royal Society and the state’s eight Nobel Laureates.

  • Four Indian American brothers win $7 billion in California property dispute 

    Four Indian American brothers win $7 billion in California property dispute 

    LOS ANGELES (TIP): In one of the largest verdicts in the US in a decade, four brothers from India have been awarded $7 billion after a 20year legal battle with a fifth brother over alleged breach of a family partnership agreement. After a five-month trial, a jury Monday ordered Haresh Jogani to pay his brothers Shashikant, Rajesh, Chetan and Shailesh Jogani more than $2.5 billion in damages and to divide up shares of their Southern California property empire.
    In total, the Los Angeles Superior Court jury awarded the four successful brothers $2.5 billion in monetary damages and more than $4.5 billion in property interests, making the award one of the largest in the United States this year, according to the plaintiffs’ attorneys.
    The case arose from a conflict involving the siblings, all from India, concerning more than 170 apartment buildings incorporating 17,000 units, primarily in the San Fernando Valley.
    One of the brothers, Haresh Jogani, is listed on paper as the owner of the buildings. His attorneys maintained that there was no oral partnership as his siblings alleged and that he was the sole owner of the real estate portfolio.
    But his brothers contended to the contrary and the jury agreed with them, determining that the defendant owed brothers Rajesh Jogani and Chetan Jogani $750 million in damages, plus real estate interests valued at more than $1 billion. “We are grateful to the jurors for their decision,” said attorney Peter Ross of Ross LLP, who represented Rajesh and Chetan Jogani. “Thanks to them, a long-standing wrong has been corrected, and this brother-against-brother war can come to an end.”
    Shashikant Jogani, who was represented by another law firm, received the biggest payout; the jury awarded him $4.75 billion, and the fifth brother, Shailesh, received $570 million.
    The jury also found that prevailing brothers Rajesh, Chetan and Shashikant are entitled to punitive damages. The hearing regarding the punitive damages will take place on Friday.
    The 2003 lawsuit already has been through 18 appeals, generations of attorneys and five judges in Los Angeles Superior Court. It’s drawing comparisons from some of the lawyers to the fictional Victorian-era probate case that Charles Dickens wrote about in his 1852 novel Bleak House. They’re calling Jogani v. Jogani the new Jarndyce v. Jarndyce, but with a twist. “At end of the book, there was no money, hence the name, Bleak House,” said Peter Ross, an attorney who represents Chetan and Rajesh Jogani. “That’s not the case here. There’s billions here that remain to be distributed.”
    The Jogani family from Gujarat, India, built a fortune in the global diamond trade, establishing outposts in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America.
    Shashikant “Shashi” Jogani moved at age 22 in 1969 to California, where he began a solo firm in the gem business and started to build a property portfolio, according to a complaint he filed in 2003.
    The properties suffered losses in the recession of the early 1990s, which worsened after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake killed 16 people in one of his buildings, leading Shashi to bring in his brothers as partners.
    The firm then embarked on a buying spree that eventually built the portfolio to roughly 17,000 apartment units with the brothers collaborating until Haresh “forcibly removed” his sibling from managing the firm and refused to pay him, according to Shashi Jogani’s complaint. Haresh Jogani contended that without a written agreement, his brothers couldn’t prove they had a partnership with him.
    But the jury found that Haresh had broken an oral contract. Jurors heard testimony that oral agreements are customary in both the diamond trade and among Gujaratis.
    “The law is you can have oral contracts that are just as valuable as written contracts,” said attorney Steve Friedman, an attorney for Shashi Jogani.
    The jury concluded Shashi owns 50% of the real estate partnership, followed by 24% to Haresh, 10% to Rajesh, 9.5% to Shailesh and 6.5% to Chetan, the youngest, who is now 62 years old, according to Ross. The initial damages award for Shashi, now 77, was $1.8 billion.
    The properties generated as much as $137 million a year in net operating income, according to Michael Friedman, 37, who with his father, Steve, has represented Shashi since 2014, the year after he passed the bar to practice law.
    “There’s an enormous portfolio that Shashi built,” he said. “And it sustains itself.”

  • Eight Indian-origin women among 50 CNBC Changemakers

    Eight Indian-origin women among 50 CNBC Changemakers

    NEW YORK (TIP): Five Indian American and three other Indian origin women are among this year’s 50 “CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business,” an annual list spotlighting women whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the business world.
    Besides Indian American business leaders Revathi Advaithi, Sandhya Ganapathy, Dr Geetha Murali, Ritu Narayan, and Aradhana Sarin, the list features Svanika Balasubramanian, Dipali Goenka and Dr Suneeta Reddy from India.
    “The women named to the inaugural CNBC Changemakers list are creating a pattern of what it takes to defy the odds, innovate and thrive in a volatile business landscape,” says CNBC.
    “From startup founders to S&P 500 C-suite growth drivers, from personalities shaking up the media industry to figures taking women’s sports further into the mainstream, the 2024 Changemakers have broken new ground and set the stage for others to follow,” it says.
    “By focusing on women who left an indelible mark on the economy and business world in 2023, CNBC Changemakers recognizes the accomplishments of names in the news and many who have flown under the radar” it says.
    Indian Americans on the list are:
    Revathi Advaithi, Flex, Chief Executive Officer
    Notable in 2023: Advaithi forged a key Biden administration partnership on US/India relations and accelerated climate tech and EV adoption.
    Named CEO in February 2019 after starting her career as a shop-floor supervisor in Oklahoma, Advaithi has helped build Flex into one of the most trusted manufacturing partners across a variety of industries by embracing the company’s “do the right thing, always” ethos.
    Advaithi has also looked to create stronger alliances between the private and public sector, leading to factory visits from President Joe Biden and US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, as well as her participation at the White House’s “Innovation Handshake” between the US and India and a state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
    In March, she was named by Biden to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. The visits from Biden and Granholm highlighted the role that Flex is playing in the clean energy transition and the future of electrification.
    Sandhya Ganapathy, EDP Renewables North America, Chief Executive Officer
    Notable in 2023: Leveraged the Inflation Reduction Act to drive a clean energy transition with diverse leadership.
    Ganapathy sees her mission as helping to create a cleaner nation – and a cleaner world. She took over the helm at EDP Renewables North America as CEO in 2022.
    The Houston-based company is one of the top five renewable energy operators in the US, operating 60 wind farms and 12 utility-scale solar parks.
    The company’s projects generate close to nine gigawatts of clean energy annually, enough to power about 2 million homes.
    EDP Renewables North America has created more than 1,000 jobs in the US and invested $17 billion in capital in local communities across the US, according to the company.
    Dr Geetha Murali, Room to Read, Chief Executive Officer
    Notable in 2023: Released a multimedia storytelling project to empower millions of girls to create change.
    Murali is leading the effort to combat illiteracy and gender inequality through the development of a love of reading in marginalized children.
    In 2023, the organization launched She Creates Change, a multimedia storytelling project intended to broaden its reach by encouraging young women and girls to create change in their own communities and achieve educational goals.
    The multimedia project, the first of its kind, tells stories via physical books, live action and animated films, using techniques from vivid abstract imagery to Claymation, and audio productions, with iterations in dozens of languages intended to reach a broad audience.
    Room to Read says that as of 2024, it will have benefited the same number of children over the past four years as the organization did during its first twenty.
    Ritu Narayan, Zūm, Founder & Chief Executive Officer
    Notable in 2023: Expanded school bus service to more major cities and is transitioning to all-electric fleets.
    Narayan struggled with managing her career while making sure her kids could get from point A to point B. So, she started Zūm, a transportation company that focuses on students while using technology to create more efficient and environmentally friendly routes.
    Zūm raised $140 million in series E financing in early 2024, putting the company’s valuation at $1.3 billion. The company currently serves thousands of schools, including school districts in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.
    The company provides guardians with an app, which gives live route notifications to and from school. Artificial intelligence has helped the company optimize drive times, leading kids to spend less time on the bus.
    The company has also committed to having an all-electric fleet by 2027. The project includes the Oakland Unified School District, which will become the first major school district in the nation to have a 100% fully electric school bus fleet in 2024.
    Aradhana Sarin, AstraZeneca, Executive Director & Global Chief Financial Officer
    Notable in 2023: Led deals to expand AstraZeneca’s drug pipeline, transformed finance function to improve employee retention and productivity.
    In November 2023, AstraZeneca launched its health-tech division Evinova. The business uses digital technology to develop clinical trials and medicine delivery.
    AstraZeneca also acquired preclinical gene therapy programs and technologies from Pfizer in July 2023, specifically focused on rare diseases.
    About 80% of the 7,000 rare diseases — meaning affecting 200,000 or fewer people — are based on genetics. Gene therapy could cure some of these illnesses.
    Sarin took on the CFO role in 2022, joining biopharma Alexion, and worked on Wall Street in investment banking for two decades before moving into the pharmaceutical industry.
    She trained as a medical doctor and treated patients in Tanzania and India earlier in her career and has an MBA from Stanford.
    Three Indian origin women on the list:
    Svanika Balasubramanian, rePurpose Global, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer
    Notable in 2023: Muscat, Oman based company collaborated with 300-plus consumer brands to reduce plastic waste and increase margins.
    Dipali Goenka, Welspun Living, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director
    Notable in 2023:  Jaipur, India based company advanced innovation, sustainability, and gender parity while reaching the $1 billion revenue milestone.
    India-based home textiles giant’s products are sold at retailers including Walmart, Ikea, Costco, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Macy’s and Home Depot, as well as through deals with many major hotel chains.
    Suneeta Reddy, Apollo Hospitals Group, Managing Director
    Notable in 2023: Spearheading the digital transformation and continued growth of India’s largest hospital system.
    As a part of the founding family which began with one hospital, Suneeta Reddy has played a leading role in helping Apollo Hospitals grow into a huge player on the Asian health-care landscape.
    It’s the largest integrated healthcare network in India, with 73 hospitals, a workforce of over 100,000, 6,000-plus pharmacies, over 200 clinics and over 2,200 diagnostic centers, and 25 million users on its digital health platform.

  • March 1 New York & Dallas E – Edition

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”E-Edition” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FTIP-March-1-E-Edition.pdf”][vc_single_image image=”160274″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/TIP-March-1-E-Edition.pdf”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Lead Stories This Week” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2F”][vc_wp_posts number=”5″ show_date=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”82828″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/ “][vc_single_image image=”82829″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/ “][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • February 23 New York & Dallas E – Edition

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”E-Edition” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F02%2FTIP-February-23-E-Edition.pdf”][vc_single_image image=”159845″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/TIP-February-23-E-Edition.pdf”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Lead Stories This Week” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2F”][vc_wp_posts number=”5″ show_date=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”82828″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/ “][vc_single_image image=”82829″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/ “][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Indian American man arrested in connection with father’s murder in New Jersey

    Indian American man arrested in connection with father’s murder in New Jersey

    TRENTON, NJ (TIP): A 32-year-old Indian American man, Melvin Thomas, has been arrested in connection with the death of his 61-year-old father, Manuel V. Thomas, in their Paramus, New Jersey home.
    The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Melvin Thomas with first-degree murder, alongside several related offenses.
    According to local news reports, Melvin Thomas, who is unemployed, was the one to call the police regarding the incident.
    The Thomases are immigrants from the Indian state of Kerala. A social media handle used by Thomas stated that he was an alumnus of St. Stephen’s College Uzhavoor in the Kottayam district, in south-central Kerala.
    The tragic incident unfolded on Friday, February 16, 2024, when the Paramus Police Department responded to a call about a potential homicide at 693 Bruce Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of Manuel V. Thomas in the basement of the residence. Manuel Thomas had sustained multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
    Melvin Thomas was swiftly identified as a suspect and taken into custody by Paramus police officers. He is currently being held at Bergen County Jail awaiting his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
    Reports suggest that the homicide occurred on February 14, with Manuel’s body remaining undiscovered in the home for two days. Manuel, whose wife died in 2021, was reportedly an insurance professional.
    Melvin Thomas has been charged with first-degree murder, desecration of human remains, hindering, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and possession of a weapon. He is being held at the Bergen County Jail pending a court appearance.
    The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Paramus Police Department, is actively investigating the case. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the homicide are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

  • Three Indian Americans appointed to key jobs by California Governor

    Three Indian Americans appointed to key jobs by California Governor

    Parminder Aujla
    SACRAMENTO (TIP) : California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed three Indian Americans to key posts in his administration. aginder Dhillon, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of Program Support in the Division of Rehabilitative Programs at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
    Hemant Dhingra, of Clovis, has been appointed to the Medical Board of California, while Nisha Devi Rodrigo, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
    Dhillon has been Associate Director at the Corrections department since 2019 and served in several positions in the Budget Management Branch from 2008 to 2010, including Staff Services Manager I and Associate Budget Analyst.
    Dhillon was a Branch Chief at the California Department of Housing and Community Development from 2017 to 2019. She was a Branch Chief at the California Department of Public Health from 2012 to 2016 and a Health Program Specialist I there from 2010 to 2012.
    Dhillon was a Research Analyst I at the Employment Development Department from 2006 to 2007. She was a Staff Services Analyst at the California Department of Transportation in 2006.
    Dhillon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of California, Davis.
    This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $166,008. Dhillon is a Democrat.
    Dhingra has been Chief of Medical Staff at the Saint Agnes Medical Center of Fresno since 2023, where he was Founding Program Director of Internal Medicine.
    He has been President of the Nephrology Group since 2014. Dhingra is a member of the American Society of Nephrology and the California Medical Association.
    He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and completed his Fellowship in Nephrology at Texas Tech University. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Dhingra is a Democrat.
    Rodrigo has been the founder of Kala Wellness since 2012 and an Eastern Medicine Practitioner with the United Nations since 2018.
    She was the founder at the InFocus Wellness Institute from 2004 to 2012. Rodrigo did Communications for MP Graham Allen in the House of Commons in the UK Parliament from 2000 to 2001.
    She was a Hansard Scholar at the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2000. Rodrigo did Communications in the White House Counsel’s Office from 1999 to 2000.
    She is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being and of the Yoga Alliance Board of Directors.
    Rodrigo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Loyola Marymount University and has studied Eastern Medicine Modalities since 2001.
    This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Rodrigo is a Democrat.

  • Indian American leader Manjusha Kulkarni wins 2024 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award

    Indian American leader Manjusha Kulkarni wins 2024 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Manjusha Kulkarni, Executive Director of AAPI Equity Alliance, has won the James Irvine Foundation award for confronting hate and discrimination against AAPI communities with data, partnerships, and policy solutions.
    Kulkarni is one of nine leaders from six organizations who received the 2024 Leadership Awards for their dedicated efforts in addressing critical issues impacting Californians.
    “This year’s Award recipients are an impressive group of innovators working on a wide range of challenges including teacher preparation, youth justice, college access and completion, and ensuring the health and safety of Asian American and Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, refugee, and immigrant populations,” according to a press release.
    As a teen, Kulkarni observed her mother file a successful class action lawsuit against the state over discriminatory policies against non-European doctors, according to her official profile.
    This experience, along with incidents that made her feel “othered” as one of the only AAPI students in school, seeded Kulkarni’s activism and compelled her to pursue a law degree and a career in civil rights.
    After engaging in critical work in civil rights and health law and policy, she was entrusted to lead the AAPI Equity Alliance (formerly A3PCON) in 2017.
    Kulkarni led the forty-year-old organization into a new era, growing it from a behind-the-scenes organization to one that leads groundbreaking work in healthcare access, interpersonal violence, and mental health.
    AAPI Equity Alliance is now a coalition of over 40 organizations that serves the 1.6 million Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles and beyond, confronting discrimination, fighting mental health disparities, and pushing for legal and policy changes.
    Kulkarni is also a co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition that collects data and fights racial injustice targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
    Every year, the Leadership Awards acknowledge individuals and organizations committed to innovation and with a proven track record of success in enhancing lives, creating opportunities, and contributing to a better California, the release stated.
    Each Award recipient’s organization receives a grant of $350,000 to further support their work benefiting the people of California, with the potential for expansion, replication, or policy support. Additionally, the Irvine Foundation assists recipients in sharing their successful approaches with policymakers and practitioners.
    “The accomplishments of these diverse leaders and their ongoing commitment to improving the lives of Californians are truly inspiring,” said Don Howard, President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation.
    “Their innovative approaches to solving tough problems have made a positive impact in so many communities. It’s a privilege for the Irvine Foundation to amplify their leadership and provide support as they address some of the most formidable challenges our state is currently facing.”
    Since 2006, The Irvine Foundation has celebrated the achievements of over 100 leaders in California.

  • Dr Samir Shah is the first Indian – origin Chairman of BBC

    Dr Samir Shah is the first Indian – origin Chairman of BBC

    The 72-year-old has now been confirmed in the 1,60,000 pounds per year and four-year term role to take charge from March 4

    LONDON (TIP): India-born media executive Dr Samir Shah was on Thursday confirmed as the new BBC chairman after his selection cleared the stages of scrutiny to be approved by King Charles III this week.

    Shah, who has worked in UK broadcasting for over 40 years, was picked as the government’s preferred candidate in December last year and went on to be quizzed by cross-party MPs of the House of Commons Media Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for his pre-appointment scrutiny.

    The 72-year-old has now been confirmed in the 1,60,000 pounds per year and four-year term role to take charge as the public broadcaster’s first Indian-origin Chair from March 4 and running until March 2028.

    “With a career spanning more than 40 years in TV production and journalism, Dr Shah has a wealth of experience to bring to the position of BBC Chair,” said UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer as she announced his selection.

    “He has a clear ambition to see the BBC succeed in a rapidly changing media landscape, and I have no doubt he will provide the support and scrutiny that the BBC needs to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future,” she said. Shah, who was honored with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 for services to television and heritage, will replace Richard Sharp who had been forced to resign after a communication with former prime minister Boris Johnson came under scrutiny.

    The government has said that Shah’s knowledge of BBC and his belief in its role as a national broadcaster alongside his extensive work to promote diversity in broadcasting will be invaluable in helping to ensure that BBC reflects, represents and serves communities across the whole of the UK.

    “BBC is, without doubt, one of the greatest contributions we have made to global culture and one of our strongest calling cards on soft power. If I am able to put what skills, experience, and understanding of public service broadcasting I have built up during my career to help this brilliant organization meet the complex and diverse challenges it faces over the coming years, it would be an honor,” said Shah.

    “BBC has a great place in British life and a unique duty to reach a wide audience right across the country and I will do all I can to ensure it fulfils this in an increasingly competitive market,” he said.

    Born in Aurangabad, Shah came to England in 1960 and has previously been the head of current affairs and political programs at BBC. Before taking up the role as BBC Chair, he was the CEO of Juniper – an independent television and radio production company, since 1998.

    He was elected a fellow of Royal Television Society in 2002 and appointed visiting professor of creative media at Oxford University in 2019 and the University of Nottingham appointed him to a special professorship in Department of Post-Conflict Studies. Besides, the Oxford University alumnus is a race relations expert who co-authored the government’s Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report in 2021.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American professor Anantha Chandrakasan named MIT’s first chief innovation and strategy officer

    Indian American professor Anantha Chandrakasan named MIT’s first chief innovation and strategy officer

    BOSTON (TIP) : Indian American professor Anantha Chandrakasan, dean of the School of Engineering and the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has been named as MIT’s first chief innovation and strategy officer. He will continue to serve as dean of engineering, a role he has held since 2017.
    As chief innovation and strategy officer, Chandrakasan will work closely with MIT President Sally Kornbluth to advance the ambitious agenda that she has laid out in the first year of her presidency, according to a press release.
    He will collaborate with key stakeholders across MIT, as well as external partners, to launch initiatives and new collaborations in support of these strategic priorities.
    In his new role, Chandrakasan will help develop and implement plans to advance research, education, and innovation in areas that Kornbluth has identified as her top priorities — such as climate change and sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the life sciences. He will also play a leading role in efforts to secure the resources needed for MIT researchers to pursue bold work in these key areas. “I am thrilled and honored to help advance President Kornbluth’s vision for MIT in this new role,” Chandrakasan says. “Working closely with faculty, staff, and students across the Institute, I am excited to help shape and launch initiatives that will accelerate research and innovation on some of the world’s most urgent needs. My hope is to enable our researchers with the support, resources, and infrastructure they need to maximize the impact of their work.”
    “I was immediately impressed by Anantha’s can-do attitude and his clear interest in working with us to develop and advance our priorities for the Institute,” Kornbluth says.
    “With his signature energy, creativity, and enthusiasm, he has a gift for organizing complex initiatives and ideas and making sure they move forward with alacrity. Combined with his strategic insight, deep knowledge across many subject areas, and terrific record in raising funds for important ideas, Anantha is uniquely suited to serve MIT in this new role, and I’m delighted he has agreed to take it on.”
    Working closely with MIT’s existing programs in entrepreneurship, Chandrakasan will develop strategies to accelerate innovation across the Institute, the release stated. These efforts will aim to grow and support these programs while identifying new opportunities to support student and faculty entrepreneurs and maximize their impact. In addition to examining ways to advance research, entrepreneurship, and collaborations, Chandrakasan will work with Provost Cynthia Barnhart and Chancellor Melissa Nobles to advance new educational initiatives. This will include developing new programs and tracks to optimize students’ preparation for a variety of career paths. “In many ways, this role is a natural extension of the significant work Anantha has already been doing to help shape strategic priorities on an Institute level,” Barnhart says. “All of MIT stands to benefit from his extensive experience launching and building new programs and initiatives.”
    As dean of engineering since 2017, Chandrakasan has implemented a variety of interdisciplinary programs, creating new models for how academia and industry can work together to accelerate the pace of research.
    This has resulted in the launch of initiatives including the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium, the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab, the MIT-Takeda Program, the MIT and Accenture Convergence Initiative, the MIT Mobility Initiative, the MIT Quest for Intelligence, the MIT AI Hardware Program, the MIT-Northpond Program, the MIT Faculty Founder Initiative, and the MIT-Novo Nordisk Artificial Intelligence Postdoctoral Fellows Program, the release stated.
    Chandrakasan has also played a role as dean in establishing a variety of initiatives beyond the School of Engineering. He was instrumental in the 2018 founding of the Schwarzman College of Computing, the most significant structural change to MIT in nearly 70 years.
    He also has served in leadership roles on MIT Fast Forward, an Institute-wide plan for addressing climate change; as the inaugural chair of the Abdul Latif Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health; and as the co-chair of the academic workstream for MIT’s Task Force 2021.
    Before becoming dean, Chandrakasan led an Institute-wide working group to guide the development of policies and procedures related to MIT’s 2016 launch of The Engine, and also served on The Engine’s inaugural board.
    Prior to becoming dean in 2017, Chandrakasan served for six years as head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), MIT’s largest academic department. As department head, he led the development of initiatives that continue to have an impact across MIT.
    He created Rising Stars in EECS, an academic career workshop that rotates amongst various universities and has become a model for similar efforts in other disciplines.
    Under his leadership, EECS also launched the SuperUROP program as well as Start6, which has since become StartMIT, a program supporting students interested in entrepreneurship, the release stated.

  • Indian American Farhan Gandhi named Distinguished Professor at NC State University

    Indian American Farhan Gandhi named Distinguished Professor at NC State University

    CHARLOTTE, NC (TIP): Indian American professor Farhan Gandhi, renowned for his research contributions to eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft technologies, has been named a Distinguished Professor at NC State University.
    The newly established Hassan A. Hassan distinguished professorship in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has been named after the late titan of the MAE department and legend in the field of aerospace engineering.
    Hassan helped to establish the professorship shortly before his passing in 2019 alongside his son Basil Hassan and MAE Department Head Srinath Ekkad, according to a press release.
    In 1962, Hassan joined North Carolina State University as a full professor and spent 53 years at NC State before beginning his phased retirement in 2015. While at NC State, he was the major adviser to 34 doctoral students, he authored more than 200 publications, and has been recognized with numerous research awards.
    Hassan died at the age of 87 in 2019, but through his massive contributions to the field of Aerospace Engineering, and through his establishment of both the Dr. Hassan A. Hassan Distinguished Professorship, the Hassan A. Hassan Distinguished Lecture Series, and many more lasting contributions to the department, his legacy lives on.
    Gandhi now plays an important role in carrying out that legacy in the MAE Department and at NC State University as a whole, the release stated.
    According to Basil Hassan and Dr. Ekkad, the committee’s requirements for filling the professorship were as steep as Professor Hassan’s mounting list of contributions to this institution – one such requirement being that the candidate had to be an AIAA Fellow – which with the addition of Gandhi, makes three faculty members who hold that position at MAE, including Ekkad and Angel Family Professor Jack Edwards.
    Gandhi obtained his BTech in Aeronautical Engineering from IIT-Bombay in 1989, and his doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Maryland’s Alfred Gessow Rotorcraft Center in 1995.
    After 17 years on the Penn State Aerospace Faculty, he moved to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2012 as the Redfern Endowed Chair Professor in Aerospace Engineering.
    With an academic career of more than 29 years, Gandhi has published around 360 technical papers in journals and major conference proceedings and has advised 29 PhD students to graduate. He currently leads a vibrant research group comprising of two research scientists and eight doctoral students.
    On 12 occasions, Gandhi has been a plenary/keynote speaker at major technical conferences and has delivered prestigious named lectures such as the 2022 Royal Aeronautical Society’s Cierva Lecture in vertical lift, and the 2019 AIAA Adaptive Structures Lecture, among others.
    In the area of multi-rotor eVTOL aircraft technologies, Gandhi’s group has conducted cutting-edge research in the areas of multi-rotor/rotor-wing interactional aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, flight controls and eVTOL aircraft flying qualities, fault identification and fault tolerance, vibration reduction, eVTOL aircraft configuration design and analysis, and eVTOL aircraft flight testing, the release stated.

  • Indian American economist Daleep Singh set to return to White House

    Indian American economist Daleep Singh set to return to White House

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American Economist Daleep Singh, a key architect of the Biden administration’s economic sanctions on Russia, is coming back to the White House, according to a media report.
    Singh, who served in the Treasury Department in the Obama administration, will return to his previous role as deputy national security adviser for international economics taking over from Mike Pyle who leaves at the end of the month.
    Daleep Singh’s return as the deputy national security adviser for international economics “will allow him to pick up where he left off in April of 2022 — looking for innovative ways to punish Russia and help support Ukraine,” the report suggested.
    The position, which reports to both the NSC and the National Economic Council, is one of the most important in the White House.
    As part of the portfolio, Singh will help coordinate the US position at both the G7 and G20 summits.
    This year the G7 leaders will meet in June in Italy. The G20 summit is scheduled to occur in Brazil in November after the presidential election.
    With a $95 billion foreign aid package stuck in Congress, Biden officials are exploring how they can help Ukraine without Congressional authorization, the report stated.
    One idea that is gaining currency is to use Russia’s frozen sovereign assets, which are mostly held in Europe, as collateral for loans to Ukraine, it said. Belgium has recently floated this idea to G7 countries, but Singh wrote about it back in December of 2022 in Barron’s.
    The great grand-nephew of Daleep Singh Saund, the first Asian-American elected to the US Congress, has been working as the chief economist for PGIM Fixed Income.
    Singh was appointed as Biden’s Deputy National Security Advisor in February 2021. He previously served in the Obama administration as deputy assistant secretary of the Treasury for international affairs and acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Markets.
    Singh came to the White House from the New York Federal Reserve, where he played a critical leadership role in the emergency facilities the Fed launched in response to Covid-19.
    Before his tenure at the Treasury Department, he worked for Goldman Sachs, with a focus on US interest rates and currency markets, from 2003 to 2007, and again from 2008 to 2011.
    He was also a partner at Element Capital Management from 2007 to 2008. He is a former adjunct senior fellow at the Center for New American Security and the Atlantic Council. He was also an adjunct professor of geoeconomics at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
    Born in Olney, Maryland and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University in economics and public policy and a Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, with a focus on international economics.

  • February 16 New York & Dallas E – Edition

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