The Indian Panorama

Tag: Jyoti Gupta

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    Jyoti Gupta, New York

    Janam Bhumi and Karam Bhumi
    India is our janam bhumi—the land of our birth, values, and identity. The United States is our karam bhumi—the land where we work, grow, and build our future. As NRIs, we carry India in our hearts while contributing sincerely to the country that has given us opportunities.

    On 26th January, we proudly celebrate 77 years of India as a Republic. This historic day reminds us of the Constitution, democracy, and the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. Across many counties in the USA, the Indian tricolor is hoisted with honor, and cultural programs fill the air with patriotic songs and vibrant dances, keeping our traditions alive even miles away from home.

    We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all Indians and to Indian Panorama for their special edition celebrating this occasion.

    Hey janam bhumi Bharat, hey karam bhumi Bharat,
    hey vandaniya Bharat, abhinandaniya Bharat

  • Lotus shows way to celebrate Yoga Day – with a twist

    Lotus shows way to celebrate Yoga Day – with a twist

     

    Eddie Stern had the audience practice Brahma Mudra

    GREAT NECK, NY (TIP): In a soulful celebration to rekindle yoga’s spiritual roots, over 200 people came together to celebrate the International Day of Yoga here. Instead of yoga postures, they were introduced to the higher steps of the discipline that originated in India. The Spirit of Yoga event on June 22 was co-hosted by Parveen Chopra, founder of ALotusInTheMud.com, and the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization.

    For Anjani, Desena and Parveen: Jennifer DeSena, Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, flanked by Sister Anjani Seepersaud and Parveen Chopra.

    Parveen Chopra played a video of the Lotus web magazine he founded three years ago and moderated the evening, along with Erik Larson, Director of Brahma Kumaris WSO. Sister Anjani Seepersaud, Coordinator of the Global Harmony House venue, introduced them.

    Parveen Chopra presented a crystal lotus to Piyush Singh, who represented the Indian Consulate in New York.
    Saeed Hassan, Director Interfaith Outreach for NYS Senator Steve Rhoads, presented citations on behalf of the Senator to A Lotus In The Mud (accepted by Parveen Chopra) and the Brahma Kumaris (accepted by Erik Larson and Sister Anjani Seepersaud.

    While acknowledging that almost all Yoga Day programs and yoga studios focus only on asanas and pranayam, Chopra pointed out, “Asana practice will lead many to explore the spiritual side of yoga.”

    Dr Anjali Grover presented the story of yoga in dance.

    India’s Consul General In New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan was Chief Guest. He was represented by Piyush Singh – Consul, Press, Information, and Culture. Singh relayed the message from the Consulate: “We are privileged to support this inspiring initiative. The energy and intent that radiate from this gathering truly reflect the deeper essence of yoga. Not merely asanas, yoga is a profound spiritual discipline that harmonizes body, mind, and soul.”

    Piyush Singh was introduced by Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, who mentioned that he was witness earlier this month to a record 10,000 people attending a yoga session in San Pedro Carcha in Guatemala, organized by the Indian embassy there, even though only 100 Indian families live in that city.

    Eddie Stern, yoga instructor and founder of the Ganesha Temple in Manhattan, positioned postures in the 8-limb yoga discipline and led the audience in doing Brahma Mudra exercise.

    Jennifer DeSena, Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, thanked Chopra and the Global Harmony House for hosting a meaningful celebration of Yoga Day, adding. “Yoga is not just movement—it’s a journey inward, a practice of stillness in a restless world.”

    Rakesh Bhargava, President of the World Vegan Vision (NY chapter), discussed the vegan lifestyle and yoga. Dr Anjali Grover danced the story of yoga and Andonia Fthenakis presented sound bath meditation.

    In an expression of India’s call of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family), the speakers and attendees represented diverse religions and communities.

    Prominent people at the event included Arvind Vora, Chair of Shanti Fund and founding trustee of Lotus, Dr Faroque Khan, Chair of Interfaith Institute of Long Island, Paul Chellani, head of the Sant Nirankari Mission – New York, Kamlesh Mehta – Chairman of The South Asian Times, Prof Indrajit Saluja – Editor-Publisher of The Indian Panorama, Mohan Wanchoo, Varinder Bhalla, Mukund Padmanabhan, Chandra Bhansali, Ashok Vyas, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Rashmin Master, Jyoti Gupta and yoga teacher Anita Rana.

    After the program, people enjoyed vegetarian and vegan refreshments in the sunny outdoors.
    (Photos by Kripa Ranjan Prasad, courtesy of Parveen Chopra/ALotusInTheMud.com)

  • Thank you, Holi/Hola Organizing Committee

    The Indian Panorama is grateful to each and every member of the Organizing Committee for helping with their time, effort and expertise in making the Holi/Hola event on April 5 at Cotillion Banquet a grand success.  

    Jyoti Gupta: Coordinator

    Jyoti Gupta has worked in the corporate world and has won many accolades for her community service.

    With a Masters in Political Science from Jabalpur University, she came to the US and worked in banking institutions like Barclays Bank, Kredit Bank and ING Bank, where she rose to the rank of Assistant Treasurer.

    From 1996-2001, she ran Jwala Travel, specializing in discount travel to India and vacation packages to Europe and Caribbean countries. She went on to cofound social groups like Rafi Lata singing group, Divine Meditation, Adabi Sangam, Mehfile Sangeet, and Karaoke Club.

    Jyoti founded Long Island Ladies Circle, aimed at Women Empowerment, and helping battered women. She is also active in India Association of Long Island, Indian American Forum, and India Day Parade.

    She has received prestigious awards including: Town Of North Hempstead Community Service Award;  Senator Anna Kaplan Community Service Award;  Covid Hero Award by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; Community Service Excellence Award by Senator Kevin Thomas: Community Service Award by Congressman Tom Suozzi; Republic Day Community Service Award by County Executive and Independence Day Community Service Award by Nassau County.

    Anju Sharma

    Anju Sharma is a former professor, successful businesswoman , and community leader. She is CEO of JBMS Inc, where she runs a free training program for interns for job placement.

    In India, she taught at Kanya Maha Vidyalaya in Jalandhar for 16 years and was Director of Guru Nanak Dev University’s Youth Festival Team for Inter University competition. She was an inter-university record holder in swimming.

    She is currently President of the Long Island Indo-American Lions Club and has served as Jt. Treasurer Rotary Club Hicksville South, and IALI Cultural Chair. She is Secretary, Indo American Association for Community Development, Trustee of Long Island Ladies Circle, Board Member of Long Island Diversity Circle and Member of SAWAO. She is on the Advisory Board of Sanford Brown Institute, Member of United Cultural Society of NY & GCP Civic Association. She is Lifetime Sponsor of Each One Teach One in India.

    Beena Kothari

    As the incoming President of AIA-NY for 2025-2026, Beena Kothari’s extensive involvement with both Indian and American communities has left a lasting impact. Her numerous contributions to various social and cultural non-profit organizations, often in leadership roles, have been truly remarkable. Guided by the ancient Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam”, Beena strives to foster a sense of unity and inclusivity within the community. Her efforts aim to bring people together, ultimately serving the greater good of humanity.

     

    Dr. Abha Bhatnagar

    Dr. Abha Bhatnagar is an active member of several esteemed Indian organizations, including IDP, SEVA, and SAWAO, along with various scientific associations. Presently, she serves as the Secretary of SEWA and holds positions on the Executive Council of both IALI and SAWAO. As an author, she has written two books on Computer Education and has published numerous research papers in international journals, concentrating on Chemistry and Physics.

    Sanju Sharma

    Sanju Sharma is known for selfless service and true leadership. She has a Double Master from Guru Nanak Dev University represented it at Youth Festivals, and was a national-level swimmer. A former computer teacher at Sacred Heart School, she has worked as an Administrative Manager. Above all, she loves to serve her community in charitable and social events and promote Indian culture and heritage.

    She is the Founder of the Each One Teach One charity committee to provide education to students in need in India. She is Club Admin of LI Indo-American Lions Club, Joint Treasurer India Day Parade, Executive Member and Program Coordinator for Indo American Association for Change, Executive Member of Long Island Diversity Circle, Member of Sawao, and of GCP Civic Association.  She is also Secretary of Indo American Association for Community Development, and Communication coordinator of Long Island Ladies Circle.

    Shashi Malik

    Shashi Malik is a businesswoman and manages her own IT Software Company, SD Services Inc. Earlier, she worked at the executive level for several Fortune 100 companies.

    Currently, Shashi is the Founder and President of Seva Center for Humanity, which helps students, veterans, and needy families. She is also General Secretary for the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation and Executive Committee Member of the AIA-NY Chapter.

    She has been actively involved in community organizations including  IALI, India Day Parade, World Vegan Vision, Gift of Life USA, Rotary Club of Hicksville South, Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and INN Soup Kitchen.

    Shashi Malik is a Member of the United Way Community Impact Council and of the Long Island Hate and Bias Prevention Regional Council for bringing awareness and preventing hate and bias incidents in New York state.

    In 2013, she received the US President’s Volunteer Service Award for her service to the community.

    Shashi worked in the Indian Army on their first computer before coming to the USA. She co-authored a book on Cross System Product (CSP) – A Developer’s Guide published by McGraw Hill.

    Gunjan Rastogi

    Gunjan Rastogi is an entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist. After moving to the US in 1980 after graduating from Miranda House in New Delhi, she worked as a software engineer with major Wall Street firms before pursuing her dream of owning a healthcare agency.

    Gunjan holds several influential positions, contributing actively to the Indo-American and broader communities in New York. Her roles include: Chairperson of the National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC), Vice President for the National Federation of Indian American Association (NFIA), Vice President for World Vegan Vision, National Secretary of the Association of Indians in America, Board Member for Queens County Board and Boys Scouts of America,  Past President of IALI.

    Gunjan is also a talented artist with awards in classical dance, singing, acting, and choreography. Her talents were showcased early on as a model for Campa-Cola and as a TV anchor for the children’s program Nanhe Munne in Lucknow.

    Jaskiran Saluja

    Jaskiran Saluja embarked on her journey in India as a life coach, initially focusing and leading her work in Bangalore. Over time, her path led her to the United States, where she now serves as a Property Manager for residential properties. With a deep interest in personal relationships, Jaskiran excels in connecting with others and fostering positive environments.

    An unexpected yet impressive skill she possesses is her talent in accounting, an area she has mastered with great proficiency. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jaskiran is a dedicated contributor to The Indian Panorama, specifically in their Indian American section, where she shares her insights and experiences.

    As the daughter of Professor Indrajit Singh Saluja, Jaskiran has been influenced by strong community values and remains committed to active involvement in initiatives that support and uplift her community. Through her contributions, she strives to ensure that her community continues to be recognized for its achievements and excellence.

    Bina Sabapathy

    Bina Sabapathy has served three record terms as President of India Association of Long Island. She is Founder of Indo American Community Voice and has organized Ganesh Festival for past three years in Hicksville. She is a Trustee and Director of Vedic Heritage (Hanuman temple), former President of World Vegan Vision, and has been associated with AWB Food Bank and the Indian American Forum.

    Bina grew up in Udupi, a holy town in Karnataka, graduated from SPP College with a double major in History & Economics and minor in Sociology. She  migrated to the US in the 1980s with her mechanical engineer husband. Her hobbies include gardening and singing.

    Amita Karwal

    Amita Karwal works as Director of a Senior Adult Care center in Nassau County, which gives her an opportunity to serve and give back to the community, especially senior citizens living in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

    She has been a resident of Long Island for close to three decades. She is blessed with two beautiful kids who she is raising with her husband of 20+ years. “We all cherish the blissful life offered by the culturally diverse community that we live in on Long Island,” she says.

     

    Dr. Jagmohan Kalra

    A cancer and blood specialist, Dr. Jagmohan Kalra is a practicing hematologist and oncologist in New York.  She is also involved in the community, doing health talks about cancer awareness and arranging entertainment activities like singing.

    Parveen Chopra

    Founder of alotusinthemud.com, Parveen Chopra is a seasoned media professional specializing in wellness, personal growth, and spirituality. A trained teacher of meditation, he founded Life Positive, India’s first body-mind-spirit magazine, from New Delhi in 1996. Moving to the US, he edited The South Asian Times for over a decade and One World Under God interfaith journal. He also writes the column ‘Lotus Pond’ on Pathoes.com, a multi-religion platform. Earlier, he served as President of the American Press Club.

  • Consul General of India Mr. Pradhan celebrates The Indian Panorama Holi and Hola with the Indian American community and elected officials

    Consul General of India Mr. Pradhan celebrates The Indian Panorama Holi and Hola with the Indian American community and elected officials

    Consul General is presenting a replica of the Golden Temple to Sardar Daler Singh, the coach of the Gatka team
    Consul General is addressing the gathering

    CARLE PLACE, NY (TIP): India’s Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, NY State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar , Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava joined the Indian American community at the festival of colors hosted by The Indian Panorama in Carle Place in Long Island on March 24.

    Into the fifth year, the Holi and Hola celebrations started in 2019 have come to stay.

    The highlights of this year’s performances was a display of Sikh martial art – Gatka- by Sardar Daler Singh’s Gatka academy students. The guests were thrilled and spellbound to see young kids wielding swords and other weapons. They appeared to be on the battlefield. Consul General Mr. Pradhan was immensely impressed with the performance as were about a hundred guests present. The Indian Panorama honored Sardar Daler Singh with a replica of the Golden Temple.

    New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar is addressing the gathering

    A Holi dance performance by students from Shilpa Jhurrani’s dance academy won the admiration and applause of the gathering. The performers were honored with a replica of the Golden Temple.

    Mr. Kulbhooshan Sharma sang a lovely Holi song “Rang barse…” and soon the ladies took to dance floor. Mr. Sharma received loud applause. He was honored with a replica of the Golden Temple.

    Mr. H.P. Singh earned the royal crown, as he was selected through a draw of lots as the Mahamoorkh. He has joined the ranks of Tirlok Malik and Ravi Batra who are his senior Mahamoorkh. He obviously cherished the new title, as he was seen grinning at the time of his coronation.

    Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava is addressing the gathering.

    When Surya Makkar played Dhol, it became difficult for the guests to remain seated. Soon they took to dance floor. Surya was joined by his sister Prachi Makkar who is an accomplished singer. She wove a magic web with her boliyan and tappe, and soon a large part of the gathering was dancing. The finale came with a thrilling Bhangra performance by Dr. Reena Sharma who was introduced to The Indian Panorama by an upcoming moviemaker and director Neha Lohia.

    In his address, Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan congratulated the gathering on the occasion of Holi and Hola and lauded the performances. He said he was happy to be with the Indian American community on the Long Island. He spoke about the strong relationship between India and the US and gave credit to the Indian American community for the ever-growing relationship. He expressed happiness that the Indian Americans here were preserving and promoting their culture, which was visible from the participation of the young kids.

    Consul General presented to Ragini Srivastava a replica of the Golden Temple.
    Seen in the picture, from L to R: Dr. Jag Kalra, Beena Kothari, Gunjan Rastogi, Jyoti Gupta, Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Consul General Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Ragini Srivastava, Shashi Malik

    New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar spoke about her grim struggle to have the Diwali holiday in New York schools. She thanked the community for their support which, she said, means a lot to her.

    Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava spoke about her long and strong relationship with the community. She said she was always around to assist the community in every way.

    H. P. Singh was selected in a draw of lots as Mahamoorkh and was crowned by the Consul General. Seen in the picture, from L to R: Jyoti Gupta, Balbeer Pahwa, H.P. Singh, Consul General, Ragini Srivastava, Anju Sharma.
    Consul General went round and met with community members. He is seen meeting with Jay Jasbir Singh and Baldev Singh Grewal, both publishers of newspapers
    Consul General went round and met with community members. He is seen meeting with Jay Jasbir Singh and Baldev Singh Grewal, both publishers of newspapers

    The Indian Panorama publisher and editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja thanked the dignitaries who were honored with traditional shawls and a replica of the Golden Temple. Prof. Saluja said all the guests were VIPs and community leaders and thanked them for their gracious presence. He thanked Arminder Arora and Tript Arora, his long-time friends who had come from India to celebrate the 18th year of publication of The Indian Panorama, and their cousins from Connecticut who joined them at Holi and Hola celebrations.

    It’s dance time. Surya played on Dhol, and his sibling Prachi crooned boliyan and tappe, and all danced with abandon.
    It’s dance time. Surya played on Dhol, and his sibling Prachi crooned boliyan and tappe, and all danced with abandon.

    He also thanked members of the organizing committee- Jyoti Gupta, chairperson, Shashi Malik, Dr. Jag Kalra, Abha Bhatnagar, Anju Sharma, Gunjan Rastogi , Beena Kothari and Jaskiran Saluja.

    It’s dance time. Surya played on Dhol, and his sibling Prachi crooned boliyan and tappe, and all danced with abandon.
    It’s dance time. Surya played on Dhol, and his sibling Prachi crooned boliyan and tappe, and all danced with abandon.
    GOPIO New York supported The Indian Panorama in organizing the event. Seen in the picture, from L to R: Kalpana Ben, Beena Kothari, President, Mrs. Lal Motwani, Mr. Lal Motwani, Chairman.
    GOPIO New York supported The Indian Panorama in organizing the event. Seen in the picture, from L to R: Kalpana Ben, Beena Kothari, President, Mrs. Lal Motwani, Mr. Lal Motwani, Chairman.
    A part of the organizing committee. Seated L to R: Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Jyoti Gupta.
    Standing L to R: Abha Bhatnagar, Shashi Malik, Jag Kalra, Mr. Kothari, Beena Kothari, Anju Sharma. Gunjan Rastogi and Jaskiran Saluja are missing.
  • IAF honors distinguished women at 12th Outstanding Women’s Achievement Awards Gala

    IAF honors distinguished women at 12th Outstanding Women’s Achievement Awards Gala

    IAF Board Members at the Diya Lighting Ceremony

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): The community stood together in joy and pride at the celebration of 12th Outstanding Women’s Achievement Gala on March 5, a part of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day Celebrations. At the gala, attended by over 300 guests, five distinguished women with the highest caliber were honored for their achievements. Chairperson Indu Jaiswal and Gala Chair Shammi Singh, both known for their strong commitment and dedication to the community cause, along with the entire team of IAF, were the organizing force behind the GALA.

    A dance performance.

    New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava were described as symbols of woman empowerment and success in his welcome address by Dr. Bobby Kalotee.

    Five distinguished women who had excelled in their profession and community services were presented with Outstanding Women’s achievements Awards. They were also presented with Citations from Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby from Town of Hempstead, Joseph Saladino , Supervisor Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County Comptroller Office Elaine Phillips, Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava.

    The honorees included Sandhya Bhatia, Branch Manager, Vice president of Flushing Bank , Nayana Brahmbhatt – a BAPS Volunteer, Vandana Jauhar, a leading musical artist and singer, Dr. Parul Dua Makkar, the owner of PDM Family Dental in Long Island, and Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill. Young Achiever Ria Parashar is a volunteer at Children’s Hope and helps the Special Needs Community. The honorees were graciously moderated by Ratna Bhalla, Inesha Joneja, Chanbir Sethi, Roopam Maini, Dr. Prachi Dua, Dr. Pallavi Singh and Sunita Manjrekar.

    Dr. Bobby Kalotee addresses the gathering

    This was followed by a special Bare Foot -Special presentation by Nilima Madan. Bare Foot Empress follows the remarkable journey of Karthyayani Amma, who having never access to education as a girl finally gets to join a first-grade class at the age of 96 years. Written and directed by Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna it is produced by Oscar nominated Doug Roland. Video clips were provided by well-known TV anchor Ms. Renee Mehrra.
    Among those present during the event were Honorable Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parikh, Dr Sudha Parikh, Dr Bobby Kumar Kalotee Founder of IAF, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Dr Bhupendra Patel, Mr Surinder Rametra, Beena Kothari, Vijay Goswamy, Anju Sharma, Sanju Sharma, Jasbir Jay Singh, Flora Parekh – President of Gift of Life USA, Anil Shah from VTNY, Sunil Jain from Vass Pipe, Rizwan Qureshi from HAB Bank, Madhu Pareek from Navika, Anuj Rihal, Dr. Harshad Bhatt from BAPS, Gobind Munjal President National AIA, Smriti Khanna, Dr Dina Pahlajani President Children’s Hope, members of AAPIQLI, Harry Malhotra several past honorees and many distinguished community and organizational leaders.
    JUS Punjabi TV anchor Aashmeeta Yogiraj emceed the event.
    The entire IAF team with several volunteers were instrumental in making the event a grand success.