The Indian Panorama

Tag: Indian-Origin

  • AAPI’s 35th annual convention kick off event held at Indian Consulate

    AAPI’s 35th annual convention kick off event held at Indian Consulate

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): “It’s very great joy that I want to invite you all to come and be part of the 35th annual American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Convention 2017 to be held at the brand new state of the art Convention Centre, at the prestigious Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey from June 21 – 25, 2017,” Dr. Ajay Lodha, President, AAPI, declared at the kick off event held at the Indian Consulate in New York on Sunday, April 9, 2017.

    Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das addressing the audience at the AAPI convention kick off event
    Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das addressing the audience at the AAPI convention kick off event

    Attended by AAPI leadership, various committee members, community leaders, and media persons from across the United States, the kick off event was inaugurated by lighting of the traditional lamp by Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, Consul General of India in New York.

    In her felicitations, Ambassador Das lauded the achievements of AAPI and the leadership of Dr. Lodha. Describing Dr. Lodha as “a great leader, great physician, and great negotiator” the Indian envoy promised to be at the Convention at the request of Dr. Lodha.

    “We have watched how AAPI has grown over the years and how we want other NRI groups to emulate the success model of AAPI,” Ganguly Das told the cheering audience. ‘What AAPI does is to contribute to leverage the relationships between India and the United States.” Stating that the government of India “values our relationship with AAPI and the many initiatives and contributions you have made for the people in India,” the Indian envoy said.

    Dr. Ajay Lodha, President of AAPI, delivering presidential address
    Dr. Ajay Lodha, President of AAPI, delivering presidential address

    In his opening remarks, Dr. Lodha shared with the audience the many programs and initiatives he and his executive committee has taken in the past few months since assuming charge as the President of the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation.
    Dr. Lodha highlighted the Leadership seminar at Columbia University, the Cruise to Brazil, participation and leading the Independence Day Parade in New York, the successful organization of Global health Summit in Rajasthan and the many initiatives at the Summit, Crash Courses in India for police officers as first responders in accidents, EPS lab studies, AYUSH, raising AAPI’s voice against hate crimes in the US and against violence against physicians in India and championing the voice of AAPI for a powerful voice through AAPI’s legislative conference in Washington DC next month.

    Expressing his gratitude to AAPI’s executive committee members, Dr. Lodha, said :

    “The organizing committees have been working hard to make the AAPI Convention of 2017 rewarding and memorable for all with Continuing Education Meetings, National and India based Health Policy Forums, Youth Seminars, New Physician and Resident Student meetings. Physicians attending this convention will benefit not only from cutting edge CME, but also the camaraderie of their alumni groups and share in our common heritage. Social events are all being planned meticulously so that maximum benefit can be reaped.

    Dr. Vas Narsimhan, Global Head, R&D Novartis, who was the chief guest, in his address stated that AAPI conventions have been very inspiring. Describing India as the “innovation power house” Dr. Narasimhan, who had flown in from Sweden, advised young physicians to “dream big and thus achieve big.”

    The annual convention this year is being organized by AAPI’s New York Chapter.

    We look forward to seeing you all in Atlantic City, New Jersey!” said Dr. Ajay Lodha.

    AAPI leadership and committee members
    AAPI leadership and committee members
    Releasing of the AAPI’s souvenir of AYUSH by Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das
    Releasing of the AAPI’s souvenir of AYUSH by Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das

    – AAPI Press Release

  • GOPIO Litigation: Ashook Ramsaran’s case against some GOPIO officials dismissed by District Court

    GOPIO Litigation: Ashook Ramsaran’s case against some GOPIO officials dismissed by District Court

    NEW YORK (TIP): In early 2016, GOPIO’s former president Mr. Ashook Ramsaran had filed a lawsuit against three current officers of GOPIO (it’s Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, Vice President Ram Gadhavi and Global Ambassador Sunny Kulathakal) and the publications DNA News, APN News and Tehelka News in the court of Judge Paul J, Oetken, US District Court, Southern District of New York. In his lawsuit, Mr. Ramsaran had alleged libel and sought damages for certain statements that had appeared in those publications.

    The case was filed on Mr. Ramsaran’s behalf by Attorneys Nicholas Netram Loaknauth and Robert A. Stramiere. The defense attorneys were Megha Bhouraskar, David Alan Karlin, Karen M. Lager and Robert Marc Barta.

    As per a ruling dated March 30th, 2017 Judge Oetken dismissed Mr. Ramsaran’s case against all defendants.

    In a press release, GOPIO stated that a big nuisance has gone and that its officers can now spend more time for the benefit of the Indian Diaspora and to promote India’s interest around the world.

    GOPIO has been in existence since 1989 as a member supported community based non-profit organization headquartered in New York, looking after the interests of the Indian Diaspora. It has over 100 chapters in 35 countries.

    When contacted for confirmation, Mr. Ramsaran said it was an ongoing case.

  • Indian American Pharmaceutical Leader Sanjiv K. Patel named President and CEO of Relay Therapeutics

    Indian American Pharmaceutical Leader Sanjiv K. Patel named President and CEO of Relay Therapeutics

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Dr. Sanjiv K. Patel has been named President and CEO of Relay Therapeutics, a biotech company dedicated to developing breakthrough medicines by focusing on insights in protein motion. Dr Patel brings to Relay over 20 years of life sciences industry experience. He succeeds interim CEO Alexis Borisy, a Partner at Third Rock Ventures, who is assuming the position of Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Sanjiv as the CEO of Relay Therapeutics. Sanjiv’s strategic acumen and business experience coupled with his deep commitment to patients will help fulfill the transformational potential of Relay,” said Borisy, in a statement. “Along with this key leadership appointment, our new board members, Laura Shawver and Markus Warmuth bring to Relay an incredible depth of research, development and entrepreneurial experience in building great biotech drugs and companies. We are enthusiastic to partner with them as Board members as we build a great company that will make a transformative difference for patients.”

    Prior to Relay, Patel was at Allergan for over 10 years, and played a key part in Allergan’s sustained growth and value creation over that period. He was most recently part of Allergan’s Executive Team, as Chief Strategy Officer and at the center of some of the industry’s largest transactions. Prior to this, he held roles of increased responsibility, including leading Global Strategic Marketing for all franchises and general management of Allergan’s fastest growth geographic region, the Emerging Markets.

    Prior to Allergan, Patel was a Management Consultant at Boston Consulting Group in London and he started his career as a surgeon in the U.K.’s National Health Service. Dr. Patel received his MBA from INSEAD, MBBS from the University of London and has a M.A. in Neurosciences from Cambridge University.

    “This is a rare opportunity to join a team that is fully dedicated to treating diseases where today, no truly effective therapy exists,” said Patel, in a statement. “Relay is uniquely positioned to design innovative drugs by visualizing protein motion through integrating emerging computational and experimental methods. I look forward to working with the team to build a pipeline of groundbreaking therapies with an initial focus in oncology.”

  • Indian American C.J. Bhalla named Chief Financial Officer of Kaiser Permanente Northern California

    Indian American C.J. Bhalla named Chief Financial Officer of Kaiser Permanente Northern California

    SAN JOSE (TIP): Kaiser Permanente Northern California on April 3 announced that senior executive C.J. Bhalla has been selected as its new senior vice president and chief financial officer.

    Bhalla will oversee the finance strategy and revenue cycle operations for Kaiser Permanente Northern California. The region serves 4.1 million members and is one of the largest markets in a nationwide organization that generated $64.6 billion in operating revenue in 2016.

    Bhalla joined Kaiser Permanente in 2006 with successive promotions as chief financial officer of the national information technology unit and vice president, national financial performance and planning. Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente, she was a senior vice president at Charles Schwab & Co, a Fortune 500 company, and held numerous senior management positions at Household International Inc. (now HSBC), a Global 500 company.

    “C.J. led our financial strategy during a time of unprecedented change in health care. She is an outstanding leader who has driven healthy financial outcomes in one of the largest integrated health care systems in the country,” said Janet Liang, president, Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “This is a well-deserved promotion into one of the most sought after finance executive roles in the industry.”

    Bhalla received an MBA from Virginia Polytechnic University, and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, India.

  • Indian American Senator Harris Urges President Trump to Abandon ACA Repeal Efforts

    Indian American Senator Harris Urges President Trump to Abandon ACA Repeal Efforts

    WASHINGTON (TIP): U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris joined colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump urging him and his administration to abandon their efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and undermine the United States health care system so they can work in a bipartisan fashion to improve the law and lower the costs of health care for all Americans.

    The letter, signed by 44 Senate Democrats, also requests – as a first step – that the Trump Administration rescind the executive order signed on January 20th, 2017 which severely undermined the Affordable Care Act and sparked the efforts to unravel the law thereby undermining the health care system and increasing costs, hurting patients, providers and families. Senate Democrats also expressed concern with President Trump’s recent statement indicating it would be a good thing to make the ACA “explode”, despite the fact that would mean hurting millions of Americans.

    “Members of the Democratic caucus remain ready and willing to work with you on policies that would improve the stability of the individual insurance market. We ask that you begin the work of improving health care for millions of Americans by rescinding your January 20th executive order”, reads the letter.

    Earlier, Harris spoke on the floor of the Senate in opposition to the American Health Care Act on the anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act.

  • Indian American Social Entrepreneur elected Treasurer for Democrats Abroad India

    Indian American Social Entrepreneur elected Treasurer for Democrats Abroad India

    CHICAGO (TIP): Social Entrepreneur Dr Tausif Malik from Chicago elected Treasurer for Democrats Abroad India (Democratic Party of USA – India Chapter). The elections were held on March 22nd, 2017 and results were announced on March 26th, 2017.

    Indian born Malik immigrated to Chicago in 2007. He did his schooling from Bishop’s School & Crescent School Pune. He earned his B. Com & M.Com from Poona College & Post Graduate Diploma in Business from Institute of Management Education, Pune and his Doctorate in Business Administration from Argosy University Chicago.

    A strong supporter of Barack Obama, Malik launched World’s First Muslim Spelling Bee competition, which became one of the largest community competitions of USA. In 2015, the social entrepreneur decided to return to India to take care of his ailing mother. While in India, he established various startup festivals such as AIMBSN.com, GCC Startup Fest, India Startup Fest and Schoolpreneur.

    Biz to empower individuals to achieve economic liberation and benefit from the Government of India’s Make in India, Digital India, SkiII India, Standup India Startup India initiatives. Malik now lives in Pune with his mother Razia Malik.

     

  • Indian Man Pleads Guilty to Use of False Passport

    Indian Man Pleads Guilty to Use of False Passport

    NEW YORK (TIP): Manish Patel, 43, a citizen of India, pled guilty on April 3 to use of a false passport, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian.

    As part of his guilty plea, Patel admitted to presenting a forged Indian passport to Border Patrol agents in the early-morning hours of January 20, 2017. Patel used the forged passport -which was in another person’s name, but bore Patel’s photograph – to fly from India to Toronto, by way of London, prior to illegally entering the United States.

    Sentencing is scheduled for August 16, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. before Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue. Patel faces up to 10 years in prison and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

  • India Business Conference to focuson ‘Route to Resurgence: Shaping India’s New Desinty’

    India Business Conference to focuson ‘Route to Resurgence: Shaping India’s New Desinty’

    NEW YORK (TIP): The South Asia Business Association at Columbia Business School will host their 13th Annual India Business Conference on April 8 at Lerner Hall, Columbia University.

    The annual India Business Conference is the premier India-focused conference in the City of New York and is a powerful forum that inspires thought-leadership and generates discussions around the business, social, political, and creative undercurrents that permeate Indian life. The goal of the conference is to bring together decision makers and opinion shapers from across the business, social, political, and creative spectrums of India.

    The India Business Conference has enabled discourse around varied topics including driving growth on the foundation of structural reforms, maintaining the momentum provided by the sustained success of the Information Technology sector, and having an honest conversation about the challenges inherent in the Indian political and democratic system. The ideas exchanged during past conferences have permeated academic, political, and social circles, and have earned both acclaim and extensive media coverage.

    The theme for this year’s conference is “Route to Resurgence: Shaping India’s New Destiny.” After 25 years of economic liberalization, India as a nation has finally realized that the ingenuity of its entrepreneurs and the market potential of its billion plus people are the keys to its prosperity. With one of the largest number of start-ups in the world, today’s India is thriving with opportunities and its lure is hard to ignore. The India of today is more confident and knows that it holds the key to its destiny. We believe this shift in thinking, despite India’s many problems, is perhaps one of the most interesting ideas to explore and has implications not just for India but also for those who wish to do business in the country.

  • Attacks On Indians In United States Taken Up At Highest Level: Ajit Doval

    Attacks On Indians In United States Taken Up At Highest Level: Ajit Doval

    New Delhi:  Attacks against Indians in the US were taken up by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval with senior American officials during his visit to Washington last month, the government said today.

    The government has taken up the issue of incidents of attack on Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin with the US government at very high levels, including during the visits of the foreign secretary and national security advisor, Minister of State V K Singh said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

    “We have conveyed our deep concern, and called for necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Indian diaspora as well as expeditious investigation into these incidents,” the minister said.

    Mr Doval, who visited the US from March 23 to 24, held a series of meetings with the top Trump administration officials, including US Defense Secretary James Mattis and National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster.

    This year has seen many incidents of hate crimes against Indian nationals including killing of an engineer in Kansas by a US navy veteran.

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

    OUTSTANDING WOMEN HONORED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE SIXTH IAF GALA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Board of Trustees Dr Azad Anand, Surinder Rametra, and Bobby Kalotee, a, Animesh Goenka, Volunteers Nirmala Rametra, Jaya Bahadkar, Anu Gulati, Dr Meena Jaiswal, Vijay Goswamy, Tejal Kamath, Sunny Thakkar and Many other helped in making the event a grand success. It was indeed a very successful evening, showcasing and honoring outstanding women achievers, who are successful in business, cultural, professional, education, and medical. Community and social services.

    (Press Release)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Sikh-American girl harassed on New York City subway

    Sikh-American girl harassed on New York City subway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Indian Mother and son found dead in South Jersey

    Indian Mother and son found dead in South Jersey

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

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

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

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

     

  • Air India Washington-Delhi Service from July 7

    Air India Washington-Delhi Service from July 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About Air India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Indian American engineer to head Houston’s Public Works Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 2 Indian-Americans Sentenced For Credit Card Fraud In US

    2 Indian-Americans Sentenced For Credit Card Fraud In US

    Two Indian-Americans from New Jersey have been sentenced to over a year of imprisonment for a massive international credit card fraud involving more than 200 million US dollars.

    Vijay Verma, 49, and Tarsem Lal, 78, both of whom are owner of a jewellery store in New Jersey, have been sentenced to 14 months in prison and 12 months of home confinement, respectively, the Acting US Attorney William E Fitzpatrick said.

    Both had earlier pleaded guilty to the charges.

    Verma and Lal were indicted in October 2013 as part of a scheme to fabricate more than 7,000 false identities to obtain tens of thousands of credit cards.

    According to court documents, participants in the scheme doctored credit reports to pump up the spending and borrowing power associated with the cards.

    They then borrowed or spend as much as they could, based on the phony credit history, but did not repay the debts – causing more than USD 200 million in confirmed losses to businesses and financial institutions, federal prosecutors alleged.

    These debts were incurred at Verma’s jewelry store, among many other locations, where Verma would allow fraudulently obtain credit cards to be swiped in phony transactions, court papers said.

    Federal prosecutors alleged that Verma and Lal each admitted allowing others who came to their Jersey City, New Jersey, store to swipe cards they knew did not legitimately belong to them.

    Verma and Lal would then split the proceeds of the phony transactions with these other conspirators.

    In addition to the prison terms, Judge Thompson sentenced Verma to three years of supervised release and Lal to three years of probation.

    Each of them have been fined USD 5,000 and ordered to pay forfeiture of USD 451,259.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (Source: US Census Bureau) 

  • Two Indian American scholars at Rice win prestigious CAREER Award

    Two Indian American scholars at Rice win prestigious CAREER Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Trump nominates Indian American Judge for top judicial post

    Trump nominates Indian American Judge for top judicial post

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

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

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

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