Funds raised to help prevent avoidable blindnessamong children
MORGANTOWN, WV (TIP): The Eye Foundation of America organized for the third successive year their annual Golf For Sight tournament at the Lake View resort golf course here, July 21. Lake View resorts have a fabulous 18-hole golf course. It is a favorite golf course with golfers who thronged the place during summers.
The tournament attracted 4 teams and around 40 people.
Dr. VK Raju, Founder and President of Eye Foundation of America described the response as very encouraging and better than the last year’s. He said: “Many new faces came for the reception. Participation was better than previous year”.
Speaking about the forthcoming programs of Eye Foundation of America, he said the Foundation will host an event on Oct 27 in India. People from all walks of life across the globe will come together. Mr Ravi from Sri Lanka – President of Rotary International will be the Chief Guest. Shrinu – foster child of EFA will be the guest of honor.
WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian American Dr. Rohini Anand, senior vice president corporate responsibility and Global Chief Diversity Officer for Sodexo, a leading provider of sustainable, integrated facilities management and food service operations, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Catalyst Board of Advisors, which features a variety of senior leaders across Fortune 500 companies, including Coca-Cola Companies, Deloitte, IBM Corporation and Walmart. In this new leadership role, Anand will attend and chair all three Board of Advisors meetings over the next three years, as well as advise Catalyst’s CEO Deborah Gillis on new board members, meeting agendas and other board-related issues.
Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit organization accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion. With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, and Japan, and more than 800 supporting organizations, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work. Catalyst annually honors exemplary organizational initiatives that promote women’s advancement with the Catalyst Award.
“I am delighted to welcome Rohini Anand as the new chair of the Catalyst Board of Advisors. Rohini is a recognized advocate for gender diversity and inclusion in workplaces,” said Deborah Gillis, President and CEO, Catalyst. “She has been a member of the Catalyst Board of Advisors for many years, bringing a breadth of experience and helping to drive change. I look forward to working with her in this new leadership role that is sure to be incredibly valuable to both the board and Catalyst.”
“I am excited to represent Catalyst and Sodexo in my new role as Chair of the Advisory Board,” said Dr. Anand. “It’s a great honor and I’m looking forward to continuing to advance Catalyst’s mission of accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion.”
Dr. Anand’s commitment to diversity and inclusion continues to generate success and position Sodexo as a global leader in the space. As Sodexo’s SVP Corporate Responsibility and Global Chief Diversity Officer, she has helped the company rank among the world’s best. Under Dr. Anand’s leadership, Sodexo received the prestigious 2012 Catalyst Award and has ranked in the top ten for nine consecutive years on the DiversityInc business index of Top Companies for Diversity and Inclusion. In addition, The Human Rights Campaign has given Sodexo a 100 percent rating on its Corporate Equality Index for nine years and Sodexo was named Global Sustainability Industry Leader in its sector for the 12th year in a row by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI).
Dream New Delhi to Feature 187 Keys and Food Hall Concept by Renowned Chef Todd English
NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group, on July 17, signed a hotel management agreement with chairman of Viiking Ventures, Sachiin J. Joshi to open Dream New Delhi in 2019. Joining to celebrate the signing were Dream Hotel Group chairman Sant Singh Chatwal, Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein, Sachiin J. Joshi, Chairman of Viiking Ventures; Rabinder Pal Singh, CFO of Dream Hotel Group; and Todd English, celebrity chef and restaurateur. The event also featured actress Rashmi Nigam as master of ceremonies.
“I am thrilled to expand our global footprint to India and bring the Dream Hotel brand back to my home country,” remarked Dream Hotel Group chairman Sant Singh Chatwal. “With Dream Hotel Group’s unprecedented growth and high-velocity expansion, we are well positioned to triple our existing portfolio in less than five-years.”
The signings come on the heels of the company’s largest international expansion news to date with nine new hotel signings across all four brands – Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels. Dream Hotel Group now boasts its strongest portfolio and its largest/most active pipeline ever. With 16 hotels open today and an additional 26 properties in the pipeline, Dream Hotel Group is on track to increase its global footprint by 230 percent over the next four years; tripling its existing portfolio by 2022.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Dream Hotel Group and its dynamic team,” said Sachiin J. Joshi, Chairman of Viiking Ventures. “India is among the fastest growing economies and we are excited to take the hospitality industry in this country to new heights with Mr. Chatwal himself, who is an inspiration to us all in India.”
“We recently reached an exciting milestone by signing most new hotel deals in the company’s history,” said Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein. “I’m incredibly proud to continue our unprecedented growth momentum with the signing of Dream New Delhi.”
Todd English, celebrity chef and restaurateur, joined in the festivities to celebrate the signing of Dream New Delhi and the extension of his food and beverage partnership with Dream Hotel Group.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to extend my partnership with the Dream Hotel Group, this time, on a new venture to create an unforgettable dining experience at Dream New Delhi,” said Chef Todd English. “I’ve always dreamt of bringing my restaurant to India and I can’t think of a more exciting place to establish it.”
Set to open in the Central Business District of West Delhi, Dream New Delhi features 187 guest rooms and suites and five highly activated dining and nightlife venues including a Food Hall concept by renowned chef Todd English.
To answer Lawmakers’ questions about the Trump campaign’s Russian connection in 2016 Elections
WASHINGTON (TIP): President Donald Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr, son-in-law Jared Kushner and former campaign manager Paul Manafort have been asked to appear before US Senate committee on July 26 to answer questions about the campaign’s alleged connections to Russia, officials said on Wednesday, July 19.
The three men are the closest associates of the President to be called to speak to lawmakers involved in probing Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.
Trump, who came into office in January, has been dogged by allegations that his campaign officials were connected to Russia, which US intelligence agencies have accused of interfering in last year’s election. Trump has denied any collusion. The US Senate Judiciary Committee said on Wednesday that it had called Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, and Manafort to testify on July 26 at a hearing.
The president’s son released emails earlier this month that showed him eagerly agreeing to meet last year with a woman he was told was a Russian government lawyer who might have damaging information about Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
The meeting was also attended by Manafort and Kushner, who is now a senior adviser at the White House. Kushner is scheduled to be interviewed by the Senate Intelligence Committee on Monday, July 24, behind closed doors. A special counsel, Robert Mueller, is also conducting an investigation of Russian meddling in the US election and any collusion between Moscow and Trump’s campaign.
The Senate Intelligence Committee is conducting one of the main investigations of Russia’s meddling in the 2016 US election and possible collusion by Trump associates, but the Judiciary committee has been looking into related issues.
The public Judiciary hearing will look into rules governing the registration of agents working for foreign governments in the United States and foreign attempts to influence US elections. — Reuters
About one in eight persons who voted for President Donald Trump said they would not do so again after witnessing Trump’s tumultuous first six months in office, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll of 2016 voters.
While most of the people who voted for Trump on November 8 said they would back him again, the erosion of support within his winning coalition of older, disaffected, mostly white voters poses a potential challenge for the president.
NEW YORK (TIP): The 18th Edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards began with an Official Press Conference held at the Metropolitan Ballroom at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel. The conference was attended by leading notable figures and members from the media, eminent Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan among others were in attendance as they welcomed the Biggest IFA ever in New York.
IIFA inaugurated its festivities by ringing in the Nasdaq stock exchange bell at Times Square, thus marking the globalization of Indian cinema. International Indian Film Academy especially rang the bell to announce its support for the Nand Ghar Project, a unique Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), led by Vedanta Resources, which is listed on the NYSE stock exchange, along with the Government of India to transform Early Childhood Care and Education Centers. Designed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a view to eradicating malnutrition, providing education and skill Development, Vedanta has adopted 4,000 villages in India. Taking the benefits of development of healthcare, children’s education and skill development for women, Project Nand Ghar is a meeting point of the social initiatives by the government such as Swaach Bharat, Startup India, Skill India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India campaigns all under one roof. With a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities, Vedanta founders have pledged 75% of their wealth for social development.
Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conferenceRinging of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
Fans of Indian Cinema can look forward to a host of events kicking off with the music and fashion welcome party- Myntra presents IIFA Stomp at Times Square on 13th July. Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan will be showcasing his DJ skills at IIFA Stomp alongside DJ Amann Nagpal, Electronica icon B.R.E.E.D, DJ Nasha, as they raise the excitement with their unique music. Another facet to IIFA Stomp is a glamorous Fashion Show right in the heart of the city! Myntra shall present its collection with show-stoppers Bollywood actresses’ Dia Mirza and Taapsee Pannu. Leading ladies Shilpa Shetty & Neha Dhupia shall be show-stoppers for Shane and Falguni Peacock collection presented by NEXA and a Jewelry collection will be presented by Gitanjali by designer Sonaakshi Raaj with Huma Qureshi as the showstopper. In addition, Myntra shall announce the MOGO much logo launch featuring a 10 minute performance by the talented multi-instrumentalist Karsh Kale.
Day 1 of the 18th edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards also introduces the first-of-its-kind “Shuruaat Gala” Dinner IIFA Societal Innovation Summit, a charity fundraiser organized by IIFA in association with The Global Education and Leadership Foundation (tGELF) at The Pierre in New York. As star studded evening, Shuruaat Gala Dinner at IIFA shall bring together the biggest celebrities from Bollywood and leaders from business, philanthropy, media, education and Arts.
Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conferenceRinging of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
As part of the IIFA Weekend and Awards in New York, IIFA and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and industry announced the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum to be held on July 14th, 2017 at the Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue. An initiative, supported by Consulate General of India- New York, Asia Society and US-India Business Council (USIBC), the Business Forum began in 2005 and has grown into a global platform which has hosted international leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Prince Charles, Prime Minister Tony Blair of UK, President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and a number of CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. FICCI- IIFA Global Business Forum, the annual one-day event has been a major highlight of the IIFA Weekend And Awards, solidifying the business ties between India and its significant trade and investment partners. This year, the Global Business Forum 2017 will focus on the theme “India and United States: Partners in Progress”, with discussions on India- US commercial relations, with panel sessions focusing on key aspects of the relationship: The future of India-US Economic Partnership, Defense and Security, Manufacturing, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Media & Entertainment.
Additionally, the iconic MetLife stadium shall transform into an unforgettable musical experience at EROS NOW IIFA Rocks on July 14th with the Multi-talented Bollywood star Diljit Dosanjh kick-starting the performances. A never-seen-before medley and energetic performances from Hariharan, Kailash Kher, Mika Singh, Mohit Chauhan, Jonita Gandhi, Neeti Mohan, Javed Ali, Haricharan Seshadri and Kamaal Khan among others will be seen with the legendary artist A.R. Rahman at IIFA Rocks. Bollywood’s Riteish Deshmukh and Manish Paul will host the sensational global event.
Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
The final and most awaited event of the weekend is the NEXA IIFA Awards Co-presented by Eros Now Powered by VIVO, a spectacular and glamorous night which honors and celebrates excellence and deserving work in Indian cinema will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 15th featuring Saif Ali Khan and Karan Johar hosting the star studded night with dazzling performances by Bollywood megastars Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, to name a few.
Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conferenceRinging of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
As the highly anticipated 18TH edition of IIFA, to be held from 13th – 15th July 2017 descends on the captivating city of New York, the International Indian Film Academy commences its festivities by ringing in the Nasdaq stock exchange bell at Times Square, symbolizing the globalization of Indian cinema.
Seen at the prestigious event were members of Nasdaq along with IIFA’s founders Mr. Andre Timmins and Mr. Sabbas Joseph, Directors of Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movement, along with Bollywood diva Sonakshi Sinha.
Ringing of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conferenceRinging of Bell at Nasdaq and film artists present at the press conference
International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) especially rang the bell to announce its support for the Nand Ghar Project, a unique Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), led by Vedanta Resources, which is listed on the NYSE stock exchange, along with the Government of India to transform Early Childhood Care and Education Centers.
Designed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a view to eradicating malnutrition, providing education and skill Development, Vedanta has adopted 4,000 villages in India. Taking the benefits of development of healthcare, children’s education and skill development for women, Project Nand Ghar is a meeting point of the social initiatives by the government such as Swaach Bharat, Startup India, Skill India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India campaigns all under one roof. With a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities, Vedanta founders have pledged 75% of their wealth for social development.
Commenting on the occasion, Sabbas Joseph, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movement says, “Given IIFA’s multi-faceted nature, we are pleased to ring in the 18th Edition of IIFA Weekend And Awards at the Nasdaq Stock Market Bell ringing ceremony. We are thrilled to bring in India’s biggest and most spectacular global celebration of cinema and we can’t wait for IIFA to take over the City of New York and America.”
DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TIP): It was a historic and proud occasion for Air India when the inaugural flight from Delhi to Washington arrived a few minutes before scheduled arrival time on a cloudy morning on July 7 at Washington Dulles International Airport. Delegations from the Embassy of India, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia, and the media were at hand to celebrate the occasion.
Time for a group photo. L to R: Sangeeta Singh, Jerome L Davis, Ambassador Sarna, Air India Chairman Ashwani Lohani, DC Mayor Muriel Browser, Gov McAuliffe. Standing in the second row, from L to R: Air India Maharaja and the crew of the inaugural flight from Delhi to Washington. Darryl Pais who captained the flight is seen on extreme right.
The inaugural events, which included a ceremonial water cannon salute, traditional gate-side Indian prayer ceremony, press conference, ribbon cutting and gala luncheon, commemorated Air India’s new three weekly nonstop, roundtrip flights between Indira Gandhi International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Ribbon Cutting with Indian Ambassador, Air India Chairman, DC Mayor and VA Governor
The new Air India service represents another milestone in the growing relationship between the National Capital Region and India. “Today, we celebrate an important partnership and welcome Air India’s direct air service to Dulles,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Virginia is committed to expanding and growing our relationships with the international community, especially our friends in India. We look forward to the opportunities this new route will provide for people in Virginia and India alike. This will be an important avenue for business, tourism and educational opportunities between our two great countries.”
VA Governor McAuliffe said, “This will be an important avenue for business, tourism and educational opportunities between our two great countries.”
“This inaugural launch highlights our work with the international community to drive business and tourism to the D.C. region,” said District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Here in the nation’s capital, we are delighted to invite many more visitors from India to explore the sights and sounds that make Washington, D.C., the greatest city in the world.”
Sabre Global Demand Data shows that for the year ending March 2016, the Washington, D.C., area welcomed more than 281,000 Indian visitors—making India the fourth largest overseas travel market for the region.
Air India chairman and managing director Ashwani Lohani spoke of Air India’s commitment to providing the most convenient service between the United States and India
“With international visitation between India and the Washington, D.C., area expected to double by 2025, the Airports Authority’s partnership with Air India, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia is just one way we’re working to enhance the level of service offered at Dulles International,” said Jerome L. Davis, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
“India currently represents a 6 percent market share of all international travelers to the Commonwealth and is Virginia’s fourth largest market,” said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “With projected growth, this new direct route to Dulles International will not only help to boost visitation from this high growth market, but also introduce the Commonwealth to new Indian audiences, including businesses, tourists and students.”
Air India Airside Viewing. The cheering gathering to welcome the inaugural flight at the tarmac with the Air India Maharaja standing tall and imposing
Flight service between Dulles International and Delhi is also estimated to bring in an additional 30,000 leisure and business travelers and $30 million in total economic impact annually to the National Capital Region.
“According to Travel Market Insights, visitation from India to D.C. has grown 40 percent since 2013, and 70 percent to the region,” said Elliott Ferguson, president and chief executive officer of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital. “We’re excited about the potential for even more Indian business and leisure travelers to experience Washington D.C.’s dynamic neighborhoods and free attractions as well as the diverse experiences throughout the capital region.”
“Serving 7.5 million international travelers annually with nonstop service to more than 50 international destinations in more than 40 countries, Dulles International Airport is the region’s gateway to the world,” said Margaret McKeough, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Airports Authority. “Air India’s service launch adds our 33rd capital-to-capital connection—linking the world’s oldest democracy with the world’s largest democracy.”
“The Washington, D.C., metro is Air India’s fifth U.S. destination after New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco, and it reinforces our commitment to providing the most convenient service between the United States and India,” commented Ashwani Lohani, chairman and managing director of Air India Limited.
Asked about plans for direct non – stop flights from US destinations to Amritsar, Mr. Lohani disclosed to The Indian Panorama editor Prof. Indrajit Saluja, that Air India was considering direct flight from Canada to Amritsar in the first place. With regard to a question on government of India’s plans to privatize Air India, Mr. Lohani declined any comment.
As part of an effort to stimulate travel to Virginia through Dulles International Airport, the Commonwealth of Virginia approved an incentive package over a three-year period beginning in fiscal year 2018 to support Air India. In addition, the District of Columbia plans to provide incentive funding this year to support the partnership. Tourism marketing support will be provided by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Capital Region USA and Destination DC.
For more information on Air India’s new nonstop service from Dulles International to Delhi, visit flydulles.com.
The crew of the inaugural flight. Darryl Pais captained the flight.A cultural presentation added to the joy of celebration Photos/ Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia/ TIP/ DIAA
About Air India
Air India is the flag carrier of India and a member of the Star Alliance group. Air India transports passengers, baggage and cargo across a network of 66 domestic Indian destinations and 34 international destinations in the United States, Europe, Australia, Far-East and South-East Asia and the Gulf. Air India flies one of the youngest aircraft fleets—including the wide-body Boeing B777, B747 and B787 Dreamliner, as well as the narrow body Airbus A321, A320 and A319. Air India plans to operate a Boeing 777-200LR, with eight first class, 35 business class and 195 economy seats, on service to Washington Dulles International Airport. For more information, visit airindia.in.
About Virginia Tourism
Tourism is an instant revenue generator in the Commonwealth. For every dollar invested in tourism marketing, Virginia Tourism returns $7 in state tax revenue. In 2016, visitors spent $24 billion, which supported 230,000 jobs and contributed $1.7 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about Virginia Tourism Corporation, please visit virginia.org.
About MWAA
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority operates Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, the Dulles Airport Access Highway and the Dulles Toll Road and also manages construction of the Silver Line project, a 23-mile extension of the Washington region’s Metrorail public transit system through Fairfax County and into Loudoun County, Virginia. More than 45 million passengers a year pass through the two airports. The Airports Authority generates more than 387,000 jobs in the National Capital Region.
WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian-American diplomat Krishna R Urs has been nominated as the new US Ambassador to Peru by President Trump.
A 31-year veteran of the Foreign Service, Krishna “Kris” R. Urs assumed duties as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain in June 2014, and Chargé d’Affaires in January 2017. Previously, he served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs and Chief U.S. Government Aviation Negotiator at the Department of State from November 2010 until June 2014.
He also served as Director in the Office of Aviation Negotiations in the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs in the Department of State (September 2009 until October 2010), Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia (from September 2008 until June 2009), Deputy Chief of Mission at the same embassy (from July 2006 until September 2008), Director of the Office of Economic Policy and Summit Coordination in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the Department of State (from 2003 until 2006). Mr. Urs served overseas as an economic officer in the Dominican Republic (2000-2003), Peru (1996-2000), Nicaragua (1990-1993), Bangladesh (1988-1990) and Mexico (1987-1988). He served in the Department of State as the senior Pakistan Desk Officer (1994-1996) and on detail to Department of Treasury (1993-1994), working in the Office of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs.
Mr. Urs is a 1980 graduate of Georgetown University, where he studied Latin American politics and economics at the Walsh School of Foreign Service. He earned a Masters Degree at the University of Texas in economics (1985). He has completed all coursework and preliminary examinations required for a Ph.D. in economics at the University of Wisconsin. He speaks Spanish and Hindi.
WASHINGTON (TIP): As part of its ongoing strategic dialogue at Capitol Hill, The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) held a meeting with members of the Trump-Pence administration. Key participants at the dialogue were Raju Chinthala, USINPAC Indiana Chair, who met with Micheal Cutrone, the Special Advisor to the Vice President for South and Central Asia and Mr. Paul Teller, the Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs. In light of the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the nation and his meeting with President Trump, USINPAC was keen to provide valuable insight on matters pertaining to Indian Americans.
This will be Prime Minister Modi’s first to Washington under the Trump administration. Unlike his past meetings this current visit will be singularly focused on bilateral relations. The Modi-Trump meet also comes at a time when the H1-B visa program is under intense scrutiny and President Trump has announced to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords last week. President Trump had then called out India and China for being some of the world’s biggest polluters and had alleged that under the Climate accord the US would have to pay India ‘billions and billions of dollars.’ The Indian government is looking forward to smoothening out any wrinkles with the new administration, regarding immigration reform and reaffirm the US-India partnership in the spheres of international diplomacy and Defense & Security in the region.
Press Secretary Sean Spicer, in a press briefing announced: “President Trump looks forward to discussing the ways to strengthen our ties between the United States and India and advancing our common priorities fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth and reforms and expanding security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Raju Chinthala remarked, “We had a very cordial and productive meeting with the Trump-Pence administration on various domestic and international issues. USINPAC will continue to develop dialogue between the US and India to strengthen our alliance and take it to the next level.”
NEW YORK (TIP): Despite some showers, Sikh men, women and children in thousands thronged New York City to participate in the annual Sikh Day Parade, April 22. It is a day of the birth of Khalsa, the pure Sikhs. It was on the day of Vaisakhi in 1699 that the Tenth Master of the Sikhs, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji created Khalsa, the pure among the Sikhs. The Master(Guru) enjoined upon his Sikhs to fight for basic human rights and against all kinds of injustice, oppression and tyranny. Which made them a martial community. During the British rule of India, the Sikh soldiers were recognized for their valor and the most Victoria Crosses, the highest gallantry award were won by them. In independent India, Sikhs have proved time and again they were the sword arm of the country.
The Sikhs number more than 25 million and are present in every part of the world. Their adventurous spirit has taken them far and wide in search of greener pastures. They created a great impression of themselves as honest and hardworking people. Many Sikhs have won laurels in various fields in countries across the world. The Sikh religion-Sikhism is one of the five major religions of the world. Sikhs believe in unity of mankind and seek good of all.
On or around the day of Vaisakhi, which usually falls in the middle of April, Sikhs organize parades and prayers to celebrate their birth. In New York, as elsewhere, every year, thousands of Sikhs gather to celebrate the day.
The huge crowds, following their Guru, at the Parade in Manhattan on April 22.
Unconfirmed estimates suggested presence of over 25000 Sikh men, women and children in the parade this year. Over the years, the size of parade has grown, with non-Sikhs also joining in the parade.
The Sikh Day Parade is more a religious affair than a mere social gathering. That is why, the parade is led by the Living Guru of the Sikhs- The Holy Guru Granth Sahib in whose presence a perfect decorum and an atmosphere of spirituality is maintained.
A display of Sikh martial arts
On display at the parade were Sikh history, culture and traditions, as also the Sikhs’holy places. Various forms of Sikh martial art were displayed by the young and not so young.
Many bands, including the NYPD band participated. NYPD Desi officers also were part of a contingent.
A conference was a part of the celebrations where community leaders spoke about their religion and the community. A few politicians and officials also attended the parade and the conference.
A community kitchen (Langar) proved to be a great attraction, with people enjoying many delectable dishes absolutely free. Sikhs are the only community in the world who have the unique tradition of langar. In every Sikh temple, food is provided free to everyone without any discrimination on any basis.The park at 23rd Street was a great place for people to sit in and enjoy the food which was served free to all.
What could be more unfortunate than to find the Sikh Gurdwara managers taking to violence in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib! The fight which broke off between two groups at Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society in Richmond Hill, New York on April 16 could not have been more ill-timed.
It was a day of celebrations. One, Vaisakhi which fell on April 13, was formally being celebrated by the congregation. Also, it was the birth anniversary of Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, who is credited with having collected Gurbani in the form of Granth Sahib.
The congregation was there to celebrate the two historic occasions when some Sikhs chose to come to blows right in the presence of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Who is considered by the Sikhs to be a Living Guru who guides and protects. Besides, there were around a thousand men, women and children who witnessed turbans flying in the air and some leaders of the community who the congregation otherwise held in great esteem, thinking they were doing a service to Guru Sahib and to the community, engaging in shameful fights.
Everyone obviously wondered why they were fighting. It is too well known that there are privileges and benefits, gains and profits associated with holding a position in the management of a gurdwara. And those who eye them and do not get an opportunity to be on the management, look for opportunities to create conditions which they think, might benefit them. So, it was in this case.
Then there are occasions to promote one socially and politically. Sikh Day Parade is one such occasion. There are always differences among various groups when it comes to sharing the limelight. Those in power would like to keep their opponents away. And those not in power would claim they be treated with respect and allowed a fair share in organizing and participating in the parade.
Thus, it was a clash of egos which resulted in the unfortunate and shameful fight between the two groups in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib and the Sangat. The worst which happened was that the police came in to the Diwan Hall in the presence of Shri Guru Granth Sahib in shoes and bareheaded, which the Sikhs have always resented in every part of the world, viewing it as an insult to their Guru.
Those who picked up a fight in the presence of Guru Sahib are responsible for desecration of the holy place. The least they need to do, without anybody telling them, is to seek public forgiveness from Guru Sahib and from the Sangat. Their conduct was unbecoming of a Sikh, reprehensible and unpardonable.
The inside walls of Dr. V. K. Raju’s eye clinic in this picturesque town of Morgantown in West Virginia are covered with a variety of historical facts about the history of eye treatment in the world. The exhibit not only informs the visitor about the need to protect one’s vision, but also educate about major developments in the field of eye surgery in Western countries as well as in India.
Exhibits at Dr. Raju’s Eye Care Clinic
Dr. Raju moved to Morgantown almost forty years ago. “This is the place I settled down after moving to America”, he said. Morgantown is situated among the hills of West Virginia offering a wide variety of natural wonders just a few miles away from the urban society. As his practice thrived in this town, Dr. Raju continued to treat his patients with care and teach at the West Virginia University. All along his journey as an eye doctor, he remained deeply committed to helping people in India, who needed help for restoring their vision.
A native of Rajahmundry, India, Raju was educated in India, Great Britain, and the US. He serves as an adjunct clinical professor of ophthalmology at West Virginia University’s School of Medicine. “Many years ago, when I was visiting India, I met a villager who needed immediate surgery of his eyes. Unfortunately, I hadn’t carried my surgical equipment with me. I felt very sad for not being able to help him. Since then I realized the need to do much more for those who needed care for their eyes”, he recalled.
Dr. Raju continued to visit India where he volunteered his time conducting eye camps to provided free service to patients. In order to institutionalize his efforts he established the Eye Foundation of America in 1979. Today, the foundation has touched many lives in USA and in India. “The foundation has partnered with many organizations with similar goals in order to maximized its capabilities”, he told me.
Raju also helped found the Goutami Eye Institute in 2006, a fully equipped eye hospital in Rajahmundry, India, where a wing is dedicated to children’s eye problems. The Institute, also a teaching hospital, has trained 200 ophthalmologists, served 400,000 patients, and performed 50,000 surgeries since its operation.
“The medical facilities are still out of reach for poor people in India”, Dr. Raju said as he was discussing the ancient traditions of Ayurveda in India. “Even today, we hear news about people losing their visions due to after surgery complications. It is not because eye camps are not capable of treating patients with eye problem. We lack after care facilities for them”, he said.
Dr. Raju proudly talked about India’s golden age of surgery. Pointing to one of the exhibits on the wall depicting the tools used for surgeries during the ancient time of famed eye surgeon Susruta, he said, “RishiSusruta, who may be called the father of surgery due to his extensive work found in ‘Susruta-Samhita’, taught and promoted ophthalmology and cataract surgery in India way back in 600 BC. For hundreds of years India was a leader in medical practices. We have since lost most of our ancient traditions of medicine and surgery. It is sad that majorities of eye ailments have been successfully eradicated in the West while treatable eye problems leaves children blind for life”, he commented with a sad face.
Title page of Dr. Raju’s recently released book, ‘Musings on Medicine, Myth, and History’
In a recently released book, ‘Musings on Medicine, Myth, and History’, that Dr. Raju authored along with his physician daughter Leela, he wrote extensively on problems faced by children and poor people in India, ‘…three quarters of the world’s blind children live in developing countries, and about five hundred thousand become blind each year. In India alone such childhood blindness results in a four billion dollar economic loss.” (Page 82)
Dr. Raju told me that Goutami Eye Institute conducts workshops and other programs to teach its staff about new medical techniques and equipment. This program has been expanded to include physicians and medical practitioners from all over the world. Some workshops provide Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. Fellowships available through Goutami Institute allow postgraduate physicians from India to further their education.Residents at the hospital are expected to participate in screenings during an eye camp for a day after which they examine outpatients with consultants in the clinics and gain hands-on experience with supervision in the operating room. The OR portion of this experience is geared toward 3rd year residents and 2nd year residents with previous experience in performing cataract surgery. First year residents will gain an exposure as assistants to the consultants.
Dr. Raju can be described as a human being who touches the heart of everyone. His long time technician EJ Clark, who has been working with him for the past 30 years comments about him, “The most important thing I like about Dr. Raju is the way he cares for the children of the world. He cares for everyone and treats his patients with equal care.”
“West Virginia is little bit like India”, Mr. Clark, who confidently said that she will retire when Dr. Raju will retire, commented about similarity among the people of West Virginia and India, “We are very friendly people. Some parts of the state is poor and need care, very much like those in India.”
The Eye Clinic of Dr. VK Raju in Morgantown, WV
Dr. Raju continued to elaborate upon his vision, also posted on the wall in his office, “There are three things people need, Education, education and education.” I laughed, “Can’t agree more with you, Doc!”, I said complimenting him for his untiring services for eradicating blindness among adults in general and children in particular.
As I lay down in bed in the night, I scrolled the pages of his book and stopped to read, “But if people around the world can remember the contributions to medicine that sages like Charaka and Susruta once made, perhaps they will be encouraged to lend their assistance to India-and India will finally enter another golden age of medicine and will once again be a world leader in the study and practice of medicine.” (Page 84)
Can’t agree more with you, Doc!
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