The Indian Panorama

Tag: Long Island

  • THE KERALA CENTER HONORS 7 INDIVIDUALS AT THE 2025 ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

    ELMONT, NY (TIP): Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center, Inc. (The Kerala Center) celebrated its 33rd Annual Awards Dinner at the Center’s auditorium in Elmont, NY on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The Center honored seven individuals who made notable contributions in their professions and to society with their selfless dedication.

    Kerala Center Awardees, From l. to r.: Koshy O. Thomas, Joharath Kutty, Diya Mathew Esq., Dr. Nandini Menon, Dr. Priscilla Samuel and Jayan Varghese.

    This year’s honorees and their categories of recognition were: Inspector Shibu Madhu – Govt. and Public Service; Diya Mathews – Legal Service; Priscilla Samuel – Nursing; Jayan Varghese – Pravasi Malayalam Literature; Koshy O. Thomas – Community Service; Nandini Menon – Education; and Joharath Kutty – Engineering. The keynote speaker was Dr. Suresh U. Kumar.

    The program commenced with introductory remarks and welcoming of the MC, Daisy Stephen Pallipparambil, by G. Mathai, Trustee and Program Chairman. Following the remarks by the MC, American National anthem was sung by Bailey Stephen and Indian National Anthem by Amisha Jaimon. President Alex K. Esthappan welcomed everyone and provided a brief description of the activities and goals of the Kerala Center. New York Senator John Liu, Assemblymembers Michaelle Solages & Edward Braunstein, former Senator Kevin Thomas and Ragini Srivastava, North Hempstead Town Clerk were the dignitaries present to say felicitations and present awards.

    After president’s welcome, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of the Trustee Board and Award Committee member made his remarks and introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Suresh Kumar. In his speech Dr. Kumar talked about the concept of Indian Civilizational Intelligence that has the potential to propel India to be a number one or two economy of the world.

    The Board and Award Committee chairman Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran explained the process of selecting the awardees prior to the award presentation. In addition to the Kerala Center awards, Assembly members presented their own certificates and proclamations honoring the awardees.

    The award for excellence in community service went to Koshy O. Thomas. He was introduced by Samuel Joseph, youth forum secretary of the Kerala Center, and Assemblyman Braunstein presented the award in the presence of Sen. John Liu and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages. Koshy currently serves as Special Assistant and Community Liaison to New York State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein and also serves as the Chairman of the India Day Parade Committee in Queens.

    New York State legislators with Awardee Koshy O. Thomas. From l. to r.: Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, Sen. John Liu, Koshy Thomas and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages.

    The award for excellence in Nursing leadership went to Priscilla Samuel. Priscilla was introduced by Baily Stephen, and Varkey Abraham presented the award in the presence of Assemblywoman Solages. Dr. Priscilla Samuel is a nationally recognized leader in advanced practice nursing, currently serving as Vice President of Advanced Practice Nursing at the Mount Sinai Health System. With a career spanning clinical practice, academic leadership, and health system innovation, Dr. Samuel remains committed to advancing the role of nurse practitioners and shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

    The award for notable contribution to Pravasi Malayalam Literature went to Jayan Varghese. He was introduced by Raju Thomas, General Secretary of Kerala Center, and Ragini Srivastava, North Hempstead Town Clerk presented the award. Jayan is the author of ten books published in various genres of literature, like poetry and drama.

    The award for excellence in legal service went to Diya Mathews. Diya was introduced by Dr. Anna George, and Attorney Appen Menon, Kerala Center Trustee, presented the award. Diya is a trailblazing attorney, business leader, and community advocate whose career bridges law, entrepreneurship, and service. As Partner in Charge of Chugh LLP’s New York and New Jersey offices, she leads a thriving practice focused on business immigration law and corporate compliance. She is widely recognized for her expertise in the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). As she is admitted to practice law in both New York and India, she brings a truly global perspective to her work. She is the incoming President of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) – New Jersey Chapter.

    Dancers at the Kerala Center Awards Banquet

    The award for excellence in engineering went to Joharath Kutty. She was introduced by Nazeem Beena, and former Sen. Kevin Thomas presented the award. Joharath is a Senior Director of System Engineering at New York Power Authority (NYPA) with over 20 years of experience in the electric utility industry. Her career spans Power Generation & High Voltage Transmission, Substation design, Grid Modernization, Power System Operation & Control, Transmission Operations Planning, and has been involved in every aspect of transmission expansion projects. In her current role, she provides overall leadership and technical direction as “Chief Engineer”, for the Long Island transmission expansion project (Propel NY Energy).

    Kerala Center Awardees with Kerala Center officials and Past Awardees.

    The award for excellence in education went to Dr. Nandini Ambat Menon. She was introduced by Jose Stephen, Kerala Center member and NYC school teacher, and Dilip Varghese, Kerala Center Founder Grand Patron, presented the award. Nandini is the Founder and Chief Education Officer of Cedar Hill Preparatory School in Somerset, New Jersey. She also contributes to the broader education and entrepreneurial community through her service on the Board of the NJ Academy of Sciences, the Indian American Women Entrepreneur Association, and as Co-Chair of TiE NJ Next Gen and a committee member of TiE Global Nxt Gen.

    The awardee for excellence in Govt. and public service, Inspector Shibu Madhu, could not attend the ceremony due to family emergency.

    A view of the gathering in the packed room.

    The ceremony was attended by leaders of several community organizations including Pioneer Club, Sarga Vedi, INANY, GOPIO, FOMAA, and FOKANA. As part of the Award Ceremony, a souvenir was released by the souvenir committee that consisted of Jose Cheripuram, Jose Kadapuram and Dr. Teresa Antony, by giving a copy to Susamma Abraham, a Grand Patron of the Center.

    The Kerala Center Executive and Board members Raju Thomas, Abraham Thomas, Mathew Vazhappally and John Paul coordinated the event. The MC of the program, Daisy Stephen Pallipparambil, impressed everybody with her outstanding performance. Indian classical dances performed by Chandrika Kurup’s Noopura School of Dance made the awards night a colorful one. Associate Secretary Mary Philip concluded the ceremony with a vote of thanks to honored guests, awardees, sponsors, photographers, audience and everyone worked so hard to make it a successful event. With dinner catered by Spice Gardens, the 2025 Award Night came to an end.
    (Based on a press release issued by Dr. Thomas Abraham)

  • A musical ensemble at the Parker Jewish Institute brings harmony and wellness to residents and patients alike

    A musical ensemble at the Parker Jewish Institute brings harmony and wellness to residents and patients alike

    NEW HYDE PARK, NY (TIP): The ensemble is known as Sur Sagar, which means “Ocean of Melody” in Hindi. It features five women from the Institute’s long-term care residence at Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The Indian Cultural Unit is the first of its kind in the region, accommodating the rehabilitation, health-care and cultural needs of older adults in New York’s growing Indian population.

    At Parker, members of Sur Sagar come together in song to create something special. Beyond their enchanting melodies, Sur Sagar represents the therapeutic power of music in elder care. Music therapy can help reduce anxiety, improve cognitive function and provide a powerful outlet for emotional expression for older adults. While Parker’s residents and patients diligently participate in physical, occupational and speech therapies that nurture their bodies, these musical gatherings nourish their spirits, helping them to feel at ease so that they can heal.

    The enthusiasm and unity of Sur Sagar members illuminate the profound impact of culturally meaningful activities. As part of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit, these sessions incorporate familiar melodies and rhythms that resonate deeply with residents, awakening cherished memories and creating moments of pure joy.

    Sur Sagar embodies the essence of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The unit fosters the understanding that healing and care must address the physical being while also honoring cultural identity and nurturing the soul through art and expression.

    About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation

    The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI) – providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting – as well as PRINE Health – a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area.

    For more information, please visit parkerinstitute.org or call 877-IND-UNIT.

    (Based on a Press Release)

  • Six Outstanding Women Achievers Honored by the Indian American Forum

    Six Outstanding Women Achievers Honored by the Indian American Forum

    GARDEN CITY, NY (TIP): Celebrating the strength, resilience, and remarkable achievements of women, with the aim of Inspiring others to understand and value women’s inclusion to forge a better world, Indian American Forum honored several dignified and accomplished women of substance at their 14th Annual Women’s Achievements Awards Gala this past weekend at the Akbar Banquet in Long Island.

    Under the leadership of Chairperson Indu Jaiswal and Gala Chair Shammi Singh, 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, celebrating the success of the outstanding achievements by these distinguished personalities in the presence of many accomplished guests and community leaders.

    Several distinguished women, representing various sectors were recognized and honored. The honorees were presented with special citations from Nassau County Executive, Town of Oyster Bay, Town of Hempstead, Town of North Hempstead and Nassau County Legislature.

    Our distinguished awardees and honorees included:

    • Dr. Jagmohan Kalra, MD -> Board certified Hematologist-oncologist, a renowned community leader and Karaoke group owner and singer.

    • Dr. Leena Doshi – Founder of Doshi Diagnostics and non-profit Doshi Smiles, an athlete, philanthropist and painter.

    • Dr. Nita Mehta – Specialization in Ophthalmology and glaucoma. Board member of Indian Cultural Unit at Parker Jewish Institute and on the board/committee of several organizations like Rotary, Indo-American Senior citizen center of NY, India Home and GGKLI.

    • Sarina Jain – Founder of Masala Bhangra – A trailblazer in fitness and a dynamic cultural ambassador revolutionizing fitness through culture and movement celebrating over 30 years in the fitness industry.

    • Falu (Falguni Shah) – Grammy Award winning multi-lingual singer/song-writer, recognized by Economic Times as one of the 20 most influential Indian women and named as one of the Top 50 Global leaders from India in Business and Arts.

    • Sanjana Iyer – Youth Empowerment
    Syosset school senior and professional Bharatnatyam dancer and musician, Two times DECA state qualifier, Two-time speech and debate LIFA qualifier using her professional dance experience for Parkinson’s research fund raising.

    Several Officials including Nassau County Comptroller Hon. Elaine Phillips, Town Supervisor Hon. Joseph Saladino, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Hon Rose Walker, Nassau County Legislature and Deputy Supervisor Hon. Dorothy L. Goosby, were respectfully invited and welcomed by Dr. Bobby Kalotee, portrayed the women empowerment and success.

    Starting with the beautiful décor and warm welcome with sumptuous appetizers, the evening started with American and Indian National Anthem followed by a rocking welcome by hosts Indu Jaiswal, Roopam Maini and Shammi Singh.


    Traditional Bharatnatyam and Kathak dance performances portrayed true colors of our rich culture. Sarina Jain from Masala Bhangra rolled the feet of audience with her powerful Bhangra dance moves. DJ Parminder rocked the dance floor.

    Several distinguished political and community leaders, IAF Board of Trustees, Members, Volunteers, supporters and audience graced the occasion applauding the distinguished accomplishments of women honorees. Several Board of Trustees and community leader in presence included Dr Bhupendra Patel, Mukund Mehta (Indo-American Senior Citizens of NY), Jasbir (Jay) Singh, Anil and Sunil Jain (Vass Pipe), Dr. Nitin Doshi (Doshi Diagnostics), Beena Kothari (President-AIA),Dr N Kukar, Dr Jagdish Gupta, Flora Parekh (President – Gift of Life USA), Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan (AAPIQLI), Ravi Bhooplapur (Xaviers Medical College), Shashi Malik (SEVA center for Humanity), Vimal Goyal & Deepak Bansal (IDPUSA), Rotary Club, Lions Club, Sandy Bhatia (Flushing Bank), Rizwan Quereshi (HAB Bank), Dr. Mamta Shaha, Kalpana Patel (UCI), Sudhir & Swati Vaishnav, Vijay Goswamy, Anju & Sanju Sharma (Registration), Dr. Prachi Dua, Beena Kothari and team produced Souvenir Journal, several past honorees and many other organization leaders. Our sincere gratitude to outstanding media professionals for their generous coverage and support. Aashmeeta Yogiraj emceed the event and concluded with a Thank you note from Shammi Singh and Roopam Maini.. Entire IAF team with several volunteers were instrumental 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.
    (Based on a Press Release)

  • Landmark events that made headlines in 2024

    Landmark events that made headlines in 2024

    From national politics and international affairs to environmental concerns and advances in science and technology, here are the top issues that captured everyone’s attention this year

    The year 2024 has been a whirlwind of significant events across the globe, spanning politics, science, technology, culture, and natural phenomena. From breakthroughs in artificial intelligence to groundbreaking diplomatic agreements, here’s an in-depth look at the events that shaped the world in 2024.
    Iran-Israel Conflict
    On April 14, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel in retaliation for an Israeli attack on its consulate that occurred in Damascus, Syria, on April 2. This attack became the immediate cause of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
    Although Iran and Israel have a long history of bitter conflict and covert military actions against each other, this was the first time Iran has launched a direct attack of this scale aimed at targets within Israel.
    Heatwaves
    Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heatwaves are becoming increasingly common worldwide. This summer, India also experienced the impact of more frequent heatwaves, which have had devastating effects on human health and the environment.
    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD)- A heatwave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western parts of India. Heatwaves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July. The extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions adversely affect people living in these regions as they cause physiological stress, sometimes resulting in death.
    Misuse of Deepfakes
    In the General Elections of 2024, the widespread misuse of deepfakes significantly complicated the battle against misinformation. A deepfake video featuring actors Ranveer Singh and Aamir Khan purportedly endorsing a particular political party went viral during the elections. Earlier, a video that supposedly shows actress Rashmika Mandanna entering an elevator sparked a major controversy online. What initially appeared to be genuine was, in fact, a deepfake of the actress. The original video featured a British Indian girl, whose face was morphed to replace Mandanna’s.
    Deepfakes constitute fake content — often in the form of videos but also other media formats such as pictures or audio — created using powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tools. It is an amalgamation of the words “deep learning” and “fake” and it means fabricated videos generated from existing face-swapping techniques and technology.
    They are called deepfakes because they use deep learning technology, a branch of machine learning that applies neural net simulation to massive data sets, to create fake content. It employs a branch of artificial intelligence where if a computer is fed enough data, it can generate fakes that behave much like a real person.
    Bangladesh Political Upheaval
    The political upheaval in Bangladesh in August 2024 resulted in the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. This event is considered a significant turning point in Bangladesh’s history and has introduced new dynamics in regional politics.
    India and Bangladesh share a unique relationship rooted in a common cultural heritage, shared principles, and values. However, recent regime changes in Bangladesh are affecting this relationship, particularly with the rising concern over atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, which has become a significant challenge in their bilateral relations.
    India-Canada Diplomatic Row
    In mid-October 2024, the sharp escalation of the diplomatic row between India and Canada, a first-of-its-kind situation in India’s diplomatic relations with the West, raised concerns about potential ripple effects in a range of areas, including trade and people-to-people ties.
    Notably, the diplomatic tension between India and Canada escalated on October 14, when India ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats while also announcing its decision to withdraw the Indian High Commissioner to Canada and “other targeted diplomats,” citing security concerns after Ottawa identified them as “persons of interest” in its investigation into the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
    The bilateral ties between India and Canada are long-standing and significant. Canada is home to a high percentage of Sikhs. However, the two countries’ bilateral relations have been affected by various issues, such as Khalistani separatism and Canada’s position on human rights in India. These issues have led to increased tensions and have impacted diplomatic interactions.
    Political Upheaval in Syria
    The Syrian civil war saw major developments in December this year. The government of President Bashar al-Assad, who has ruled the Middle Eastern country since 2000, faced sudden and intense attacks from the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. On December 8, the group reached the capital, Damascus, and celebrated the fall of Assad’s regime.
    Notably, New Delhi was preparing to revive its political and economic ties with Damascus late last month. On November 29, India and Syria held Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi. India has been a keen developmental partner for Syria and is also actively involved in the capacity-building of the Syrian youth
    The Syrian civil war began around the “Arab Spring” of 2010, dubbed so as many countries in the Middle East and North Africa saw uprisings against authoritarian governments that had been in power for decades. Foreign governments, such as the United States and Russia, also engaged with the conflict based on their respective strategic interests.
    The Arab Spring also echoed in street protests in Syria. But Assad put it down with force unleashing a harsh crackdown on those opposing the regime. This set off a civil war, with the US backing the rebels while Russia, Iran and Hezbollah backing Assad.
    One Nation, One Election Debate
    The discussion on simultaneous elections has been a prominent topic throughout the year. Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, along with the Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill), 2024. This has reignited the debate over “One Nation One Election” (ONOE). Some believe that simultaneous elections would benefit the citizens, while others argue that it would undermine the basic structure of the Constitution of India.
    Notably, the high-level committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind has recommended that the government take a “one-time transitory measure”, which would require the Union government to identify an “appointed date” immediately after a Lok Sabha election and all state assemblies that go to poll after the said date would have their terms expire with the Parliament.
    Simultaneous elections, popularly referred to as “One Nation, One Election”, means holding elections to Lok Sabha, all state Legislative Assemblies, and urban and rural local bodies (municipalities and panchayats) at the same time. Currently, all these elections are held independently of one another, following timelines dictated by the terms of every individual elected body.
    Trump comes back to power
    Donald Trump won the election in the US to become the 47th President of the United States of America. Trump got 312 electoral college votes, while his rival, Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party could manage only 226. Trump’s victory in the US is likely to ensure the revival of ‘America First’ as well as America pulling back from several international organisations, which Trump thinks drain American taxpayers’ money.
    PM Modi gets third consecutive term
    In India, Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the general elections for the third consecutive term, defeating the alliance, dubbed INDIA. The election victory of PM Modi is slated to propel India towards strategic autonomy, meaning India will be able to make decisions that are best suited to its national interests, regardless of what major powers in the world want India to do.
    South Korean President imposes emergency, impeached
    South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an “emergency martial law” on December 3, accusing the opposition of controlling the parliament; however, within some hours, it was lifted. Following this, the South Korean leader was impeached by the parliament. Notably, the president had survived the first vote after members of his ruling People Power Party boycotted the vote.
    German chancellor loses confidence vote
    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in the Bundestag, the German federal parliament. Scholz got only 207 in the 733-seat lower house against 394 voting against him while 116 abstained. The no confidence vote followed after the chancellor fired his finance minister in a long-running dispute over how to revitalise Germany’s stagnant economy. This saw Scholz’s three-party government collapsing in Germany.
    Labour Party wins in the UK
    UK’s Labour Party won the election in the UK on July 5TH, which dramatically reshaped the political landscape in the country. Keir Starmer became the Prime Minister defeating the Conservative Party’s Rishi Sunak, ending the Tories’ 14-year continued control of the British parliament.
    India-China reach border consensus
    In October, both India and China confirmed that they reached an agreement to end the standoff between both the Asian giants. After the Galwan clash in 2020, the agreement melted the ice as relations between both countries stooped to very low. In December, China and India reached a six-point consensus to address border issues during crucial talks between National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
    Vladimir Putin gets presidency again
    In Russia, Vladimir Putin cemented his position by winning the election. Putin will leave Josef Stalin behind if he completes his current six-year term. Putin got 87 per cent of the total votes polled.
    Five nations join BRICS
    Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined BRICS in 2024. This will see a major portion of the world get represented in one of the most prominent non-western groups.
    Bitcoin’s meteoric rise
    Bitcoin’s meteoric rise to over $100,000 is reminiscent of previous post-election surges. Notably, the cryptocurrency had already hit $81,000 shortly after Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections earlier this year. Historically, Bitcoin’s price has shown a pattern of significant gains following the US presidential elections, which often coincide with its halving cycles – events that reduce its supply and drive up prices.
    Pakistan general election
    Pakistan also went to the polling booths in 2024, in February, to elect members of the 16th National Assembly. But the election was anything but fair. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, was not allowed to contest the elections, due to which its leaders appeared as independent candidates on the ballot.
    Despite this and alleged rigging by the military, PTI-backed independents defied the odds and emerged as the largest bloc. However, they were not allowed to form the government, and a last-minute coalition of PML-N, PPP, MQM and others was given the green light.

    Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification
    Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics after being found 100 grams overweight for the women’s 50kg category just before her gold medal bout. After defeating top contenders, including defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki, Phogat was on the cusp of gold, only to see her dreams shattered at the mandatory weigh-in.
    This disqualification ended her bid to become the first Indian woman to win an Olympic gold in wrestling. Despite an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the decision stood, leaving India reeling from a missed Olympic medal. A dejected Phogat soon announced her retirement, marking a tragic conclusion to her career.
    India’s Triumph in the T20 World Cup
    India clinched their second T20 World Cup title after a 17-year hiatus, defeating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final. Captain Rohit Sharma made history by becoming the first-ever captain to win 50 T20Is, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
    Expansion of Cricket in the United States
    The 2024 T20 World Cup featured matches in the United States, including a high-profile India vs. Pakistan game held at a pop-up stadium in Long Island. This initiative was part of the ICC’s broader strategy to globalize cricket and tap into new markets, marking a pivotal moment in the sport’s history.
    Typhoon Yagi (Enteng)
    In early September, Typhoon Yagi struck parts of East Asia, leading to approximately 844 deaths. The typhoon brought torrential rains and strong winds, causing severe flooding and landslides.
    Enga Landslide in Papua New Guinea
    On May 24, a catastrophic landslide in the Enga Province of Papua New Guinea resulted in a tragic loss of life, with estimates ranging from 670 to over 2,000 fatalities. The disaster buried entire villages, making rescue operations challenging.

  • Why did Modi return without meeting Trump, Kamala Harris?

    A comment from Trump the previous week, suggesting that PM Modi was coming to meet him, had sparked speculation as to whether the Republican candidate would appear in New York City or at the diaspora event at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island.
    However, according to the report, PM Modi’s tight schedule left limited time to meet either of the candidates, who themselves were engaged in election campaigning.
    The report added that polite inquiries about his schedule from those interested in arranging a meeting might have indeed occurred, and they proved enough for Trump to assume that PM Modi sought an audience with him.
    This would be in keeping with Trump’s past behaviour, according to the report. For example, during a 2019 meeting with then Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Oval Office, Trump had claimed that PM Modi had requested him to mediate in the Kashmir dispute. New Delhi had to publicly deny Trump’s statement.
    However, PM Modi had invited Trump, then the US President, to the “Howdy Modi” rally in Houston in 2019, where a crowd of 50,000 attendees had impressed Trump, who has a known fascination with crowd sizes.
    This event was followed by Trump’s 2020 visit to India, where he was welcomed with the “Namaste Trump” rally, organised by PM Modi in Ahmedabad, with 100,000 people packed into the newly-constructed stadium named after Modi.
    The tight schedule might not have been the only reason for PM Modi to miss out on any possible meetings with the candidates.
    According to the Times of India report, despite Trump praising PM Modi ahead of his US visit on Friday and calling him a “fantastic” leader, while hinting at a potential meeting, the Indian side might have decided to exercise caution based on past experience with American politics.
    For example, the 2019 rally, where PM Modi had appeared to openly endorse Trump’s re-election bid by echoing the slogan “Ab ki baar, Trump sarkar”, had led to some criticism.
    Given that this phrase was coined by Trump’s Indian-American supporters, who often see similarities between the two leaders as strong and assertive figures, some American commentators also suggested that PM Modi was backing Trump for a second term in 2020.
    After Trump lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, New Delhi had to reportedly recalibrate its approach to the new Democratic administration in Washington, which included Kamala Harris as Vice-President.
    With this past experience in mind, the report said that PM Modi’s advisors appeared to have decided to avoid meeting either presidential candidate, with the excuse of “scheduling difficulties” due to everyone’s busy agendas.
    Trump was, in fact, speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania on Monday night while PM Modi departed for New Delhi. Meanwhile, Harris, balancing her vice-presidential duties with campaign commitments, was in Washington DC, preparing to head to Pennsylvania, the most crucial among battleground states in the US elections.

  • CELEBRATE “FESTIVAL OF COLORS” AT LONG ISLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

    CELEBRATE “FESTIVAL OF COLORS” AT LONG ISLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

    Holi Traditions Explored During April 14 Multi-Sensory Festival

    GARDEN CITY, NY (TIP): Long Island Children’s Museum invites visitors to “Celebrate Holi!,” a holiday focused on welcoming spring and all its beautiful colors on Sunday, April 14 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.). This festive holiday, which originated in India, is devoted to celebrating the arrival of spring, meeting others, enjoying play and laughter and forgiving and forgetting. Celebrate Holi! is supported by the Guru Krupa Foundation and JP Morgan Chase & Co.

    “We look forward to a wonderful celebration of Holi for the whole community to enjoy,” says LICM President Erika Floreska. “LICM cultural programs have always served as an invitation; welcoming families to learn from and about each other’s traditions. We know that this colorful celebration will be appreciated by all our visitors and create a long-lasting memory for all visitors.”

    During the celebration, families unfamiliar with this exuberant holiday will have the chance to learn alongside those who celebrate annually. Visitors will learn why the holiday is known as the “Festival of Colors” as they take part in the tossing of colored powders made from flowers (known as gulal) on each other. This outdoor activity creates a human mosaic, representing all the colors seen in spring. Color tosses are scheduled at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to wear white clothes for the color toss. 

    Celebrate Holi! activities

    Swirls of Color – Srijan Dance Company members will demonstrate classic dances performed during Holi festivals
    • Performances of classical and folk dances by Srijan Dance Company, based on

    mythological Indian stories.

    • Participating in a live rangoli design project, led by Dr. Anju D. Modak, to learn about this traditional artform as they help finalize her rangoli design and make a take-home version of their own using dal (lentils).
    • Tasting the sweet and savory traditional foods enjoyed during Holi.
    • Decorating a 5-foot papier-mâché elephant – Children and families will add adornment to the elephant, the symbol of intellect and wisdom in Indian mythology.
    • Creating Krishna masks – Children will learn about Krishna, the god of love and devotion and the most famous of all the heroes of Hindu mythology.
    • Traditional Holi Clothing Exhibit- Photos of Holi Festivals and costumes from different parts of India will be on display at the Children’s Museum.

    Central to the Children’s Museum’s mission is its role as a community gathering place, where all families can learn about the cultural traditions of each other in an educational, inclusive space. LICM’s programming reflects the changing demographics of the region to ensure that all neighbors feel welcome and represented.

    The Museum has hosted a variety of cultural festivals over the years, including Lunar New Year, Diwali, Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration of Korean Culture and a Native American cranberry harvest. All activities and performances at the Holi Festival are included with museum admission. 

     About the Long Island Children’s Museum (www.licm.org)

    The mission of Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) is to connect all our communities’ children, and those who care for them, to a life of wonder, imagination and exploration. At LICM, children discover their passions and their relationship to the world we share. The 40,000-square-foot museum serves over 300,000 children and adults annually. The private, not-for-profit institution chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, offers museum-based educational programs and cultural experiences, as well as an extensive community outreach program offered in schools, libraries and youth centers across Long Island. Additionally, the Children’s Museum operates the historic Nunley’s Carousel in association with Nassau County, one of three intact Stein & Goldstein carousels still in existence.

    Recognized with several honors, including the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), LICM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the gold standard of museum excellence. It is currently the only accredited children’s museum in New York State and is one of only 16 accredited children’s museums nationwide. LICM has earned 4-stars on Charity Navigator and has Platinum Transparency on Candid.

  • Dr. Inderpal Singh Chhabra Takes Over as President of AAPI-QLI

    Dr. Inderpal Singh Chhabra Takes Over as President of AAPI-QLI

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Eminent physician Dr. Inderpal Singh Chhabra has taken over as President of AAPI-QLI , a chapter of national AAPI. AAPI of Queens and Long Island is a Not-for-Profit Organization, representing all Physicians of Indian Origin in Queens and Long Island, NY. It was started in June 1995, under the leadership of Dr. Narendra Hadpawat. AAPI Queens and Long Island (AAPIQLI) represents the interests of all physicians of Indian Origin in its area including providing Continuous Medical Education (CME) and engaging in charitable activities for the benefit of our community at large. Since its inception there has always been a strong alliance with and support from National AAPI, the largest ethnic Physicians Organization in USA

    According to the information available on the AAPI-QLI website, this “organization has been growing rapidly in membership and is well accepted by all other local and national professional organizations. From the very beginning the leadership has put heavy emphasis on transparency and the democratic process, which are the main ingredients for its enormous success. AAPI of Queens and Long Island currently represents over 800 active physicians and donates more than $60,000 annually for charitable purposes. It is also, one of the largest chapters of National AAPI.AAPI-QLI is a vibrant chapter of AAPI. Namaste and a heartfelt welcome to this distinguished assembly at AAPIQLI. It is a privilege to stand before you today as we applaud the progress and dedication of the Indian medical community thriving in Queens and Long Island.”

    In his presidential speech, Dr. Chhabra emphasized on the mission and vision of the organization.

    “In the vast landscape of healthcare, we honor the unwavering pursuit of knowledge by our colleagues. The collaborative endeavors of our colleagues pave the way for transformative breakthroughs. Let us acknowledge and celebrate the spirit of cooperation propelling medical progress.

    Let’s be mindful that we operate in the United States, our karma Bhoomi. Addressing public health necessitates championing preventive measures and community engagement. AAPIQLI is proud to host and sponsor a number of Health fairs in our communities.
    In my role as President of this esteemed organization, I am committed to bringing you education on cutting-edge healthcare, including emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, to tackle the pressing issue such as physician burnout.

    In conclusion, let this gathering catalyze continued collaboration, innovation, and advocacy in the field of medicine. Together, we can shape a healthier and more resilient future for our communities.

    Thank you, and may our shared commitment to health and healing propel us to new heights in the service of humanity. Jai Hind and God bless America!”

  • New Yorkers celebrate Rama Mandir consecration with Car Rally

    New Yorkers celebrate Rama Mandir consecration with Car Rally

    Hundreds of devotees gathered to celebrate and show solidarity to Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya.

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): The windy, freezing Sunday with sub-zero temperatures afternoon saw enthusiastic Indian Americans show their support for the Ram Lalla consecration in Ayodhya, thousands of miles away. A car rally was organized in Hicksville in Long Island, New York. Hicksville is a hamlet within the Town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County, on Long Island, in New York, with large Indian population.

    The rally started from Patel Brothers in Hicksville. 150 cars participated in this rally, which halted midway at a Gurudwara in Hicksville. Dr Raj Bhayani said, “The Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddha communities have all united to celebrate this historic moment.”

    The float had DJ which played Bhajan songs devoted to Rama.
    LED truck with three screens played videos on Ramayana. And images of Rama Mandir.
    Everyone was wearing the saffron scarf with Hanuman and Rama pictures in it.
    And cold conditions could not dampen the enthusiasm and the celebratory mood.
    In addition to cars, floats and LED truck there were children dressed as Ramayana characters Rama, Sita , Laxman, and Hanuman which really brought the experience and excitement to the rally.
    The organizers for the rally were Dr Raj Bhayani. Mukesh Modi and Dr Dipak Nandi, Mohan Wanchoo, Naveen Shah, Chintu Patel, Gary Sikka and Dr Neeta Jain. The committee comprised of Sunil Hali, Gobind Bathija, Pradeep Tandon, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Vimal Goyal, Eric Kumar, Kanak Golia, Kishore Malik, Harshad Bhai Patel, Vibhuti Jha, Mohinder Taneja, Dr Satish Anand, Dr Inderpal Chhabra, and Ajay Patel

    Each car was adorned with saffron-colored flags. The huge lineup of cars finally reached the beautiful Asa Mai temple in Hicksville. LED Truck displayed Ramayana and float carried the banners celebrating Ram Mandir.
    The devotees enjoyed an enchanting evening of bhajans and a Ramleela. The entire event was telecast live on AASTHA TV and Radio Zindagi

    The float had DJ which played Bhajan songs devoted to Rama
    Organizers. L to R : Indu Jaiswal, Gary Sikka, Dipak Nandi, Raj Bhayani, Pradeep Tandon, and a guest
  • Spread the Warmth- Blankets Donation

    Spread the Warmth- Blankets Donation

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): The Indo American Lions Club’s motto, “WE SERVE” is best represented through charities like these that involve giving and serving the community. The club has carried out many projects for underprivileged under the leadership of President Shyam Gajwani. During the frigid winter weather, the Club Organized “Spread the Warmth’ Project –and distributed Plush Blankets on Wednesday January 10th 2023 at the Royale Restaurant during the monthly meeting.

    This project was organized by Project Chair Sanju Sharma and co-Chair: Anchit Aery. The President Shyam Gajwani welcomed all the recipients. Secretary & Project Chair-Sanju Sharma invited the Representatives of various organizations to introduce themselves. The blankets were handed over to the Disabled American Veterans, All War Veterans homeless veterans, Social Services department of Nassau County, Homeless shelters, Roosevelt Bible Church distribution center, Martin Luther King Center of Long Island.

    This was a very humbling experience for all the members present. It is really hard to imagine someone surviving the bitter frigid cold weather without a warm wrap or blanket.

    The project chair showed gratitude to the members for their contribution and help to make this project successful. She thanked President Shyam Gajwani, Founder President –Indu Gajwani, Sr. Vice President- Kanak Golia, Vice President Anju Sharma, Treasurer Vijay Shah, Co-chair Anchit Aery, Yogini Oza, BOD-Saurabh Sheth & Nimesh Shah, Shila Shah, Shyam Agarwal for their help in setting up the blankets. She also thanked Vijay Kumar ‘Banjara’ (a nonmember) for his help in loading the blankets..

    In the second phase of this project more blankets will be distributed next week to Pamanock Queens community Center, United Methodist Church, Town of Oyster Bay. Three hundred fifty blankets will be distributed to spread warmth in our community.

    Our Club members find it an extremely humbling experience, while spreading the warmth during this challenging Season.

  • Consulate General of India in New York in partnership with Shanti Fund and New York Parks Department organizes Beach Cleaning at Jones Beach

    Consulate General of India in New York in partnership with Shanti Fund and New York Parks Department organizes Beach Cleaning at Jones Beach

    Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal meets with Parks department officials.

    JONES BEACH, LONG ISLAND (TIP): The Consulate General of India, New York in partnership with Shanti Fund, and New York State Parks Department, organized a Beach Cleaning activity on May 21, 2023, at Jones Beach, Long Island, New York as part of G-20 ‘Beach Cleanup’. “Addressing marine litter” is one of the focus areas under India’s G20 Presidency. Keeping Gandhian ideals on cleanliness at centerstage, the beach cleanup drive was a part of India’s global initiative to bring attention to the problem of marine litter and the need to work together towards sustainable development of oceans. The activity also formed part of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” – celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence.

    Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Mr. Randhir Jaiswal, highlighted the message behind the theme of India’s G20 Presidency – ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. He emphasized the importance of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) and the need to adopt sustainable and environment-friendly lifestyles. Beach cleanup activity helps in preserving and protecting the coastal and ocean ecosystems. Plastic wastes harm marine life.

    It is a matter of urgency that we, the global community, address plastic waste dumping into the sea. The initiative will draw global attention to the need to combat coastal and marine pollution and the role of citizens and their participation in preventing and cleaning up marine litter. The event saw enthusiastic participation from the members of the community who came in large numbers including children to be part of the Swachhata Abhiyan and celebration of Mission LiFE.

  • Indian Consulate organizes a Beach Cleanup activity at Jones Beach, Long Island

    Indian Consulate organizes a Beach Cleanup activity at Jones Beach, Long Island

    Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 8.30 A.M. to 11 A.M.

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Consulate General of India, New York is organizing a Beach Cleanup Activity on Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 8.30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Jones Beach, Long Island, NY. Community Members have been invited to join the activity. They may register at

    https://forms.gle/hCF9hb81p7KFeXRUA

    Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kVgGC8GHG4uqAwpi7

    Participants may use the above address link which is for the East Bath House parking lot. The group will meet there at 8.30 A.M. Participating individuals may please pre-fill the volunteer service agreement which will be collected on their arrival. Bags and gloves will be distributed and Jones Beach administrators will go over some safety protocols before participants go out onto the beach. They will be collecting the full bags as needed.
    For any queries, Mr. AK Vijaykrishnan, Consul, Community Affairs may be contacted at 917-244-1905.

  • RANA honors Indian diaspora for selfless services; raises $1.3 million at the annual gala

    At Ganesh Vandana. Seen among others are Padma Bhushan DR Mehta, Prem Bhandari, CJI Randhir Jaiswal, KK Mehta.
    D R Mehta giving award and flowers to Dr Subha Jain on behalf of Dr Vijay Arya Deep Chopra, BOD RANA, and her son.
    Prem Bhandari giving flowers to LP Pant, national head, Dainik Bhaskar.
    Consul General of India, New York, Randhir Jaiswal, givinga plaque to Dr Raj Bansal, Mrs Raj Bansal. RANA joint treasurer Dr Sharad Kothariis giving flowers to Mrs Raj Bansal.
    Dr Sadhna Joshi from Canada being awarded by Dr Varun Jeph, Deputy Counsel General of India, New York.
    Rakesh Goenka of Canada being honored by Rashi Bajaj, Canada RANA President.
    RANA President Prem Bhandari noted the importance of unity among various diaspora communities and organizations in the US andsaid “it is important that all are united in raising their voices against discrimination and hate crimeslike vandalism of the Gandhi statue at the Hindu temple in Queens. He alsopledged to continue his efforts to bring together all Rajasthanis living in different parts of the world.
    Nidhi Ladda and Krupa Patel performed Ganesh Vandana and Mahishasur Mardini.
    Founder of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) Padma Bhushan D.R. Mehta is seen in attendance among other honorable guests.
    Actor Prashantt Guptha, who acted in Neerja Tashkand Files among others, hosted the Gala Event.

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) held its annual gala event in Long Island, where it honored community leaders from the Indian diaspora for their selfless service and contributions to society. The Indian diaspora in the US has risen to the occasion time and again, in the direst circumstances. Some of the community leaders have led by example by giving selflessly for the welfare of fellow diaspora and beyond in need. The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA),one such organization that has been a reliable source of help, organized an annual gala in Long Island to honor the community members from the Indian diaspora for their service and contributions to society.

    At the grand event, RANA also raised a generous $1.3 million from various community leaders in contribution to various charitable causes such as Jaipur Foot. Founder of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), which is the parent organization of Jaipur Foot USA, Padma Bhushan D.R. Mehta attended the event as the special guest alongside Consul General of India in New York Randhir Jaiswal, IFS, who was the chief guest, Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph as well as prominent members of the Indian-American community, particularly those hailing from Rajasthan. Dr. Samin Sharma, a noted interventional cardiologist at Mt Sinai, was the guest of honor at the event. At the event, D.R. Mehta spoke at length and gave a power point presentation about the charitable work of Jaipur Foot, which is a prosthetic limb provider to the differently-abled for free of cost. With BMVSS at the helm, Jaipur Foot camps have benefitted millions in India and abroad through various camps.

    As a way to show their support and appreciation, many diaspora members made generous contributions to Jaipur Foot USA and other charitable purposes. K K Mehta and Chandra Mehta announced a contribution of $1 million from their family trust and $100,000 in scholarships. KK Mehta was also the first NRI to donate Rs 1 crore on the first day PM Narendra Modi announced the PM CARES Fund, which was at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. RANA president and Jaipur Foot USA Chairman Prem Bhandari, who is also the family trust advisory board chairman, said BMVSS chief patron D.R. Mehta will be advising the trust with respect to utilizing the contribution in the best way possible. Bhandari also praised KK Mehta and Chandra Mehta for offering the Times Square Hotel to Air India pilots and crew members during the second phase of the Vande Bharat mission amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He also hailed the generosity with which 100 rooms were given to distressed Indian students for free at the request of the Indian consulate in NY request during the peak of COVID. Demonstrating yet another peak of generosity, Dr. Raj Bansal pledged to sponsor one Jaipur Foot camp in the memory of his late father. Besides this, Dr. Shubha Jain, a noted philanthropist from California, announced a contribution of $100,000 to RANA for charity purposes, and Anil Jain and Jugal Kishore Ladda also announced contributions of $50,000 each for Jaipur Foot.

    RANA posthumously honored Dharamchand Hirawat, and former RANA presidents Dr. Ajay Lodha and Rajiv Garg with the Lifetime Achievement Award “for their memorable contribution towards society.”

    The association also felicitated prominent diaspora members Dr. Raj Bansal, Dr. Sadhna Joshi, Dr. Shubha Jain and Rakesh Goenka for their contribution to the community over the years, including during the pandemic.

    Bhandari noted the importance of unity among various diaspora communities and organizations in the US. He pointed out that there are many state and community-specific organizations like RANA, Telugu Association of North America (TANA) and Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) GANA Gujrat Association of North America and diaspora organizations like FIA and Associations of Indians In America (AIA). But it is important that all are united in raising their voices against discrimination and hate crimes, he said highlighting the incident of vandalism of the Gandhi statue at the Hindu temple in Queens. “We are all Indians first,” Bhandari said, adding that he will continue efforts to bring together all Rajasthanis living in different parts of the world. On the sidelines of the gala event, Prem Bhandari praised International Business Times and said that “IBT is not like other international newspapers that are unable to digest India’s progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” He condemned such international news outlets while criticizing their efforts to “spoil India’s image by the means of fake news.” The RANA gala turned out to be an engaging event, complete with cultural performances showcasing Rajasthan’s heritage as well as songs by prominent artists from India. A group of RANA members’ wives also performed Rajasthan’s traditional Ghoomar dance at the event, which enthralled the audience. Nidhi Ladha and Kripa Patel did Ganesh Vandana and performed the Mahishasura Mardini dance.

    At the event, a Hindi newspaper and a TV channel were also awarded for their coverage of social concerns, COVID-19 updates, the Ukraine crisis, and issues related to immigrants. The entire event was hosted by the talented Prashantt Guptha, a Rajasthan-origin actor, producer and writer. He kept the proceedings of the event interesting, keeping the audience occupied in the most fun and entertaining way.

    (Based on a press release by RANA)

  • Long Island faces severe drought

    Long Island faces severe drought

    • Dry summer has made drought conditions worse across the Island

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Drought conditions in New York keep getting worse, and now all of Long Island has been classified as being in a severe drought, according to new data released Thursday, September 1.

    Last week, the entire South Shore was classified as being in a severe drought. But the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which tracks drought conditions across the country, has upgraded the entire Island to severe drought status. Over the past month, data from the NOAA shows that New York has gone from 47.5 percent of the state being abnormally dry to 76.1 percent. More than 6 percent of the state is now in a severe drought — Long Island, New York City and parts of the Hudson Valley. The NOAA says that 14.5 million people in the state are now affected by drought conditions.

    According to the NOAA, July 2022 was the 16th direst July on record for Nassau County, and the 6th driest for Suffolk. The records go back 128 years. Below-average rainfall has led to less groundwater available. Groundwater levels have been declining for the past few months, and the shortage of rain means they are not likely to improve in the immediate future. Find out what’s happening in Plainviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

    salujaindra@gmail.com

    Let’s go!

    The National Weather Service outlook for the remainder of the summer predicts above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation. The NOAA predicts that drought conditions may worse for Long Island in the next month. Droughts can cause many different problems for the area. Drier ground means that wildfires can be more likely and can spread more easily. It can also affect the crops of farmers in Suffolk County, and can negatively impact air quality. The Suffolk County Water Authority has been pleading with residents on the East End to use less water. On Aug. 1, the water authority declared a Stage 1 water emergency alert due to the prolonged hot and dry weather in the towns of Southampton, Southold, East Hampton, and Shelter Island.

    During the water emergency, residents there must restrict their water usage. That includes reducing shower times and when lawns are watered, and stopping non-essential water usage. But residents on the East End of the Island have largely ignored the restrictions. Ignoring water restrictions could lead to emergencies, like firefighters not having enough water to battle a blaze. And with drier conditions, fires are more likely.

    The state is encouraging homeowners to take some steps to help conserve water:

    • Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration
    • Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to water plants
    • Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water
    • Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks
    • Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets

  • INDIAN CHRISTIAN DAY: A DAY OF UNITY AND SPIRIT TO CELEBRATE INDIAN CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

    ELMONT, NY (TIP): The Indian Christian Day (Jesus Bhakti Divas) organized to celebrate the Indian heritage and Christian spirit to show solidarity with persecuted Christians in India, has made history. As Christians from all Indian states gathered, read the Bible in their own language and sang prayer songs, it became a bright union of fervent faith.  The program was attended by Indian Christians from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The event was organized by the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA), a forum of Christian organizations in response to the insidious attempts to alienate and attach the Christians through the propaganda that the Christian faith was left behind by British colonialism in India, despite its two thousand years of tradition. The event also coincided with the 1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint Thomas.  Historically, July 3rd is celebrated as St. Thomas day by Christians across India. However, starting from 2021, the day is being celebrated as Indian Christian Day in India and among the global Diaspora of Christians. In the United States, it is estimated that Christians from India constitute about 20% of the Diaspora, which amounts to close to a million non-resident Indians and people of Indian origin.

    The gathering, which was blessed with the presence of bishops and priests from various churches, began with a chendamela and a procession. St. Vincent de Paul Malankara Catholic Church in Elmont became a platform for Christian unity. The conference started with the bishops lighting the lamp as a symbol of Indian heritage and patriotism. Fiacona President Koshy George pointed out  in his welcome speech that our established belief is that Saint Thomas has brought the gospel to India and was martyred in AD 72.  To mark its 1900 years, the government of India issued a postage stamp in 1972. So, this year marks the 1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint Thomas. Mr. Koshy also expessed his deep concern growing persecution of Christians in India as the fundamental religious freedom guaranteed under India’s constitution is no longer guaranteed under the BJP rule under the Indian Courts’ eyes.   Last year alone 761 cases of persecution have been identified which have been published in a book form by FIACONA.  He said that the purpose of the meeting is to express our pain against such atrocities. Rt. Rev. Dr. Dharmaraj Rasalam, the Moderator of the Church of South India, spoke about how the arrival of St. Thomas not only impacted the lives of Christians and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Christian community to the nation in uplifting the poor and oppressed. Rev. Dr. Ruben Mark, the Deputy moderator Bishop spoke about the love Indian Christians in the Diaspora have for India and encouraged them to continue with the unity they have exhibited at the gathering. He described how the arrival and activities of St. Thomas influenced India. The work of St. Thomas is crucial in the Christian faith. He also extolled the diaspora’s love for India.  He said that we are proud to be Indian Christians.  He said the willingness to sacrifice for the faith was part of the Christian faith.  Despite being a persecuted community, Christians are not united.  But today, all the sects of Christians are happy to attend this event.

    Bishop Johncy Itty, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Long Island, New York, said that India, along with the rest of the world, is going through a serious crisis today.  However, our faith should sustain us in such a time as this.  He pointed out that India and the world are in various conflicts. There is no time in life without conflict. But now it is too much. But God leads us by the hand. We may not be able to change the times, but we can make changes. Rev. Dr. Itty Abraham of the Indian Pentecostal Church, in his speech, encouraged Christians to be steadfast and said, “It is Christ that built the Church, and no forces would be able to undo it. The propaganda to paint Christianity in India as part of the colonial legacy is ill-conceived and will not gain footing.” Father John Thomas representing Orthodox Church, urged his fellow Christians to follow the path of St. Thomas in taking the message of Christ across the people.Christ had many followers. But in the end only a few remained. Faithful men like St. Thomas did not hesitate to sacrifice themselves. The situation can be dire. But trust in God. Let the cross of Jesus guide us, he said. The persecution against Christians is increasing Rev. Dr. Itti Abraham pointed out. But it won’t break us. Christ builds the church. No evil shall prevail against it. Jesus himself said that there will be such persecutions. In such situations, we need to move forward with unity. He said that it is wrong to think that the Indian Christianity is a faith arisen from British colonialism.

    CSI Church General Secretary Adv. Fernandez Rathinaraja pointed to Saint Thomas as a social reformer.  It was work against human sacrifice and caste system that led to his martyrdom.  Secularism is enshrined in the preamble of the Indian Constitution. There have been concerted efforts to undermine it. Religion should not be a part of political life. The state should be neutral in religious matters. Protests against these are taking place in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra and Kerala. He pointed out that the administration is able to suppress the voice of protest in other states. Fr. John Thomas  pointed out that we should be able to preach the gospel and bear witness like St. Thomas. Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt who has just been elevated to the head of Syro Malabar Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Chicago expressed his thrill to participate in the program which he thought he had participated in ecumenical functions in New York and Chicago, this was the first time he was participating in one of this kind.   just been elevated to the Bishop of the Syro Malabar diocese of Chicago.   This gathering on St. Thomas Day is significant. We become Christian people through the mission work of Thomas. The contribution of Christians to the development of India is inestimable. We are saddened that Christians are being persecuted not only in India but all over the world. Prayer is our weapon against it. Christian faith strengthens us for martyrdom. Jesus himself has said that there will be such persecutions. But He has also assured that He will always be with us. So don’t be afraid. We do not hesitate to suffer. But persecution caused by injustice is unacceptable. We must question it. Through his own life and death, Thomas has shown us the way. So, we must strengthen our faith.

    Saint Thomas is one of the strongest characters in the Bible. Especially in the Gospel of John. St. Thomas is mentioned there three times. In Chapter 11, Thomas arrives to comfort Martha and Mary’s family. They are mourning the death of their brother Lazarus. Thomas forces Jesus to visit Bethany. Thomas also witnessed a miracle when Jesus came. We see the bravery of St. Thomas in the Bible. But today’s Christians have lost that courage. We dare not bear witness to Christ.Likewise, we must strive for our unity should be willing to testify to Christ with prayer – he said. The General Secretary of Church South India, in Chennai, Adv. Fernandas Rathaniraja, in his speech, warned the audience about the concerted efforts vested interests are making to remove the word secularism from the constitution and transform India into a Hindu Rashtra and urged vigilance.George Abraham, one of the leading organizers of the program began his vote of thanks by repeating from Bible “how good andpleasant it is when God’s people live together in the unity”.  He said that we have witnessed an extraordinary manifestation of unity, unit of Christians from India, across regions and languages despite the denominational differences. The program was enriched Bible readings in Malayalam, Telugu, English, Tamil, Punjabi, Kannada, Hindi, and Gujarati and prayer songs by choirs from Saint Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic Church, St. Paul’s International Lutheran Church, CSI Jubilee Memorial Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church, and Bethlehem Punjabi Church. A group of nurses from Saint Mary’s Syro Malabar Church entertained with a Marggam Kali, a traditional Christian dance from Kerala.  The program was moderated by Shre John and Leno Thomas.

  • As Omicron Variant Cases Pop Up in U.S., Officials Launch Efforts to Prevent COVID Surges

    As Omicron Variant Cases Pop Up in U.S., Officials Launch Efforts to Prevent COVID Surges

    New York officials said five cases were detected in City and Long Island

    NEW YORK (TIP): As scientists identify cases of COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant in the United States, officials at all levels are working to prevent renewed surges of the virus as the holiday season moves along. On Thursday, December 2 alone, omicron variant cases of the virus were reported in several U.S. states, including New York, Minnesota, Colorado and Hawaii. While none of the cases have been confirmed in the state of Illinois, doctors and officials in the state say it is only a matter of time before the new variant makes its way to the Land of Lincoln.

    At the federal level, President Joe Biden unveiled a new winter plan to combat coronavirus, aiming to require health insurers to reimburse customers for the cost of at-home COVID tests and extending the mask mandate on public transportation through at least mid-March. Beginning next week, the Biden administration announced that all international travelers will be required to test negative for COVID-19 within 24 hours of their departure for the United States. “We will fight with science…not chaos and confusion,” he said. The administration also announced additional steps to encourage families to get COVID vaccines and boosters together, and to expand testing capabilities as cases increase around the country. Dr. Alfredo Menalora, an infectious disease specialist at Chicago’s St. Anthony Hospital, applauded the moves. “These are all very essential things, and are part of a robust intervention to mitigate the spread of the virus in general,” he said. Menalora says that doctors in the U.S. still are working to learn more information against the new omicron variant of the virus, studying whether it is more contagious than its predecessors, whether it causes more severe illness, and whether current vaccines work against it. “There’s mutations in the spike proteins, which is where our vaccines work,” he said.

    Officials are continuing to urge residents to get vaccinated and to get boosters, with all residents 18 and older now eligible to receive booster shots six months after receiving their second dose of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, and two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The news comes as Illinois copes with an increase in COVID cases, reporting more than 11,000 new confirmed and probable cases in the last 24 hours along. The uptick in cases was the biggest single day increase since Dec. 2020, and officials say positivity rates and hospitalizations are on the rise as the holiday season continues. New York officials have confirmed five cases of the omicron Covid-19 variant in the New York City metropolitan area, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced late Thursday, December 2 hours after cases were detected in Minnesota and Colorado. One case was discovered in Suffolk County on Long Island and four New York City: two in Queens, one in Brooklyn and another in the city, she said at a press briefing. Minnesota health authorities confirmed the second U.S. case of the omicron Covid variant earlier Thursday, in a resident who recently returned from New York City. New York City Health Commissioner David Chokshi said the cases indicated that omicron was spreading throughout the community, not just in travelers. Gov. Hochul assured residents that the discovery of omicron cases in New York doesn’t mean she will call for widespread lockdowns.

  • Great enthusiasm in community for 10th India Day Parade in Hicksville on Aug 8

    Great enthusiasm in community for 10th India Day Parade in Hicksville on Aug 8

    Ambassador Jaiswal, film star Kajal Aggarwal and Dr Jay Sarkar are Grand Marshalls.

    GARDEN CITY, NY: The 10th India Day Parade of Long Island to be held in Hicksville, NY on Sunday, August 8, 2021 to celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day has generated great enthusiasm among the Indian community, said officials of IDP USA, organizer of the parade, at a press conference on July 28 at Mint Restaurant in Garden City, NY.

    Tens of thousands are expected to march in the parade and cheer it from the sidewalks as it starts at 1 PM from Patel Brothers and walk down the Little India part of Hicksville to culminate near Asa Mai Hindu temple on East Barclay Street where the entertainment stage will be set up with a live DJ as well as stalls selling ethnic goodies and food. Admission is free.

    : IDP USA Past President and current Vice President Jay Jasbir Singh implored the community and community organizations to support the parade with presence and generous contributions

    Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, who had graced the parade curtain raiser at the Indian Consulate on June 24, is Grand Marshall. Renowned film star Kajal Aggarwal and Philanthropist, Entrepreneur and Life Consultant Dr Jay Sarkar will also lead the parade as Grand Marshalls, informed Deepak Bansal, President of IDP USA, who thanked the IDP USA office bearers and committee chairs for working day in and day out to make preparations for the massive parade.

    Mr. Bansal thanked in particular active support and guidance from Jasbir Jay Singh, under whose presidency the parade in 2019 and the gala that followed were the talk of Long Island. Mr. Bansal implored the community to open their hearts and wallets as this parade is expected to be super-successful, coming as it does after last year’s parade during the peak of the pandemic and was restricted to a car rally.

    IDP USA key officials with a co-founder Bobby Kalotee

    The parade’s four Guests of Honor are: internationally renowned oncologist and Padma Shri Dr Dattatreyudu Nori, Diwali Foundation USA Chair Ranju Batra, Navika Group CEO and President Naveen Shah and young guru and motivational speaker Ishan Shivanand.

    The names of honorees at the parade and at the gala will be announced subsequently.

    A highlight of the parade will be a raffle, where the top prize is a car sponsored by DP Singh of Meetu Magic. Other exciting prizes include jewelry, smartphone and cash.

    The parade this year is supported by top brands and names as Grand Sponsors including Phalguni Chintu Patel, Shiv Yog, Navika Group, Bolla Market, The South Asian Times, CheapOair, Patel Brothers, Vass Pipe, The Portables Choice Corp, PICC, Flushing Bank, Maharaja, Badshah, Commercial Capital Funding Group, Elevator the movie, Indian Visa Center, Omni Mortgage, and HAB Bank. Several media organizations are also supporting the parade by promoting it.

    A view of the gathering

    Addressing the press conference attended by representatives of leading newspapers and electronic media, IDP USA Founders Bobby K. Kalotee and Kamlesh C. Mehta said that this parade is special as it is celebrating India’s landmark 75th Independence Day and that it is timed well as pandemic restrictions have been lifted. It is also the only parade in the entire New York state.

    Past President Jay Singh implored the community and community organizations to come one and all to the parade in Hicksville on August 8 and support it by way of taking out floats and booths as well as booking ads in the souvenir which will be released at the gala celebrating the success of the parade at Antun’s by Minar on Thursday August 19, 2021. 30 booths and 9 floats have already been booked.

    Dr Jay Sarkar said he is honored to represent India and the community, and that we should thank both India, our motherland, for our heritage and culture, and America, our adopted country, which allows us to practice our traditions and showcase them at an event like this parade.

    IDP USA was established in 2012 to create awareness of Indian contributions to the local community by celebrating India’s Independence Day every year. A 501(c) non-profit tax-exempt organization, its mission is to empower the Indian community through promoting economic development, education, community leadership, social advancement and environmental awareness. The non-partisan and secular IDP USA brings together over 100 religious, cultural, regional, and charity organizations serving the community.

    (Press release)

  • DIWALI 2020

    Tom Suozzi US Representative
    NY 3rd District

    “Diwali Mubarak to all those who are celebrating this great festival on Long Island, in Queens, across the United States, and around the world. May we all join together in spirit to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and remember the importance of helping the less fortunate during these unprecedented times. While this year’s celebration may look a little different, we can still come together virtually with loved ones and friends over Zoom, Skype, and Facetime to celebrate new beginning.Over the years, I have had the chance to be a part of many Diwali celebrations to honor this great tradition. It is always a wonderful time filled with amazing food and the company of good friends. To all my friends in the Indian American community and others who are celebrating, I wish you all a very happy and blessed Diwali, and Naya Saal Mubarak!”

  • Legislator Lafazan, County Executive Curran, LICAB Commemorate National Bullying Prevention Month

    Legislator Lafazan, County Executive Curran, LICAB Commemorate National Bullying Prevention Month

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP):  On Wednesday, Oct. 28, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury) joined Nassau County Executive Laura Curran (left) and Long Island Coalition Against Bullying Founder & Executive Director Joe Salamone (center) outside the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building to recognize National Bullying Prevention Month by lighting the dome and pillars of the Legislature building.

    “We are so honored to one again commemorate October as Anti-Bullying month across Long Island and especially here in Nassau County with our third annual dome lighting. We thank County Executive Curran and Legislator Lafazan for their continuing support for our children,” Joseph Salamone, Founder and Executive Director of LICAB, said. “While COVID-19 has created many impacts to our students, as it has to all of us throughout this year, one thing it did not do is remove bullying as an issue they face. It is more important than ever to make sure our children have the resources they need to prevent, cope with and overcome bullying.” LICAB and Salamone were key partners in Legislator Lafazan’s successful push in 2018 to launch www.NassauStopBullying.org, the County’s bullying prevention resource website. For additional information and resources, visit http://www.licab.org.

    “We must never lose sight of the fact that, because of the ubiquitous nature of technology and social media in young peoples’ lives, bullies can haunt their victims more readily than ever before,” Legislator Lafazan said. “At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has acutely enflamed mental health challenges across all age groups, I stand proudly with County Executive Curran and advocates like Joseph Salamone to ensure that no child is allowed to suffer in silence at the hands of a bully.”

  • Indian Origin former Long Island doctor pleads guilty to conspiring to illegally distribute Oxycodone

    Indian Origin former Long Island doctor pleads guilty to conspiring to illegally distribute Oxycodone

    NEW YORK (TIP): On July 27, in federal court in Central Islip, Tameshwar Ammar, a former medical doctor in Roslyn, New York, pleaded guilty via teleconference to conspiring to illegally distribute oxycodone. Ammar was indicted in November 2019. On June 22, 2020, he relinquished his license to practice medicine. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley. As part of his plea, Ammar agreed to forfeit approximately $245,700 as proceeds involved in the oxycodone offense. When sentenced, Ammar faces up to 20 years in prison.

    Ray Donovan, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), and Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty plea.

    As set forth in the indictment and other court filings, between 2013 and 2019, Ammar illegally prescribed thousands of highly addictive oxycodone pills to two individuals identified in the indictment as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2. According to a review of Ammar’s medical files for the two individuals, Ammar wrote the prescriptions without any diagnostic proof that either had a legitimate medical necessity. Ammar prescribed oxycodone pills to John Doe 1, knowing that he intended to sell the pills to others. In addition, after learning that John Doe 2 had been admitted to a psychiatric facility in March 2018, Ammar continued to prescribe John Doe 2 with oxycodone as well as methadone. In July 2019, John Doe 2 died of a drug overdose caused by oxycodone, methadone and ketamine. After his arrest on November 7, 2019, Ammar was ordered by the Court to surrender his DEA registration.

    “Dr. Ammar’s plea shows us that his motivation was greed, not the welfare and health of his patients. Instead of healing, he chose a dangerous path of causing addiction, overdose, and overwhelming suffering to many. I commend the DEA Long Island Tactical Diversion Squad, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and our law enforcement partners for pursuing the investigation and prosecution with diligence and determination,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Donovan.

    “Today’s guilty plea establishes that the defendant, who was a doctor, essentially acted as a drug dealer, spreading injury and addiction without regard for the consequences,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “This Office and our partners at the DEA are working tirelessly to combat the opioid epidemic on Long Island and elsewhere, including by prosecuting medical professionals who betray their oath to do no harm.” Mr. DuCharme also thanked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, New York Region, for their assistance during the investigation.

  • 150 Trees Planted at SUNY Gandhi Peace Garden in Commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary

    150 Trees Planted at SUNY Gandhi Peace Garden in Commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary

    LONG ISLAND , NEW YORK(TIP): Plantation Ceremony of 150 trees at Gandhi Peace Garden at the State University of New York Old Westbury Campus took place on Oct 1.Prime Minister Narendra Modi  had earlier on September 24declared open the “Gandhi Peace Garden” at a solemn event at United Nations commemorating Gandhi’s 150thbirth anniversary.

    On Sept 24 Modi along with United Nation chief Antonio Guterres and other world leaders, inaugurated the Gandhi Peace Garden at the UN headquarters in New York. The inauguration was held during a special commemorative event  that marked Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.

    Gandhi Peace Garden is an innovative initiative under which Consulate General of India (in New York), Shanti Fund (a Long Island-based NGO) and State University of New York- Old Westbury have entered into an agreement for planting 150 trees. It is a crowdsourced project, with people adopting trees in memory of their loved ones at the State University of New York-Old Westbury campus. The garden is in an open site within 600 acres campus of the University. The garden is dedicated in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and seeks to underline that his principles act as a moral compass as world grapples with challenges of climate change, terrorism and corruption.

    India’s Consul General in New York Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty inaugurated the plantation ceremony. Prominent community leaders and  dignitaries graced the occasion.

  • IALI Annual Fundraising event a Grand Success

    IALI Annual Fundraising event a Grand Success

    UNIONDALE, NY (TIP): India Association of Long Island celebrated Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner on June 30th, 2019 at Marriott, Long Island. The function was attended by about 270 guests.  India Association of Long Island is a 41-year-old Non-Profit organization.

    With  more than 2300 members and still growing, IALI aims at  preserving and promoting Indian Culture.  IALI has a Women’s Forum, a Seniors Forum, a Kids Forum and a Youth Forum. Besides there are a  Meditation forum.& a Sangeet Forum.

    Khushi and Jigna Oza performed  Ganesh Vandana.  IALI President Lalit Aery in his address, extended a warm welcome to guests and association members, and  appreciated his team for the great work they did to organize the fundraiser.

    A Number of dignitaries graced the occasion which included Anna Kaplan and Kevin Thomas NYS senators. They presented citations to all five Honorees -Mrs. Indu Chhabra, Dr Vijay Rasquinha, Dr Gopal Kishore , Mr. Jasbir Jay Singh and Mrs. Anupam Goenka.

    Also present were Human Rights Commission Chairman Mr. Bobby Kalotee and Mr. Zahid Syed, member of the commission.

    IALI on the occasion introduced membership cards for IALI members. The project \h was sponsored by Mr. Gary Sikka (Mint Restaurant), Mr. Bansal (India Visa Center), Mr. Batra (Batra Travels) and Mr. Sumit Verma (Hicksville Optical). Mr. Naveen Shah and Madhu Pareek from Navika Group and all the Past Presidents of IALI were called  on the stage  to  present cards to all  officers of IALI.  MC Indu Gajwani announced that all IALI members will get their  cards at a  later time.

    Bollywood celebrity star Ms. Jinal Pandya was a special guest at Gala Dinner and she performed two dances and asked the audience to join on the dance floor.  Vote of Thanks was given by the Secretary Mr. Govind Gupta

    Association collected funds to have India Fest which is scheduled for September 22, 2019 at Hyatt in Long Island.  For more information, visit www.ialinewyork.org

    (Based on a Press Release)

  • TIRLOK MALIK LAUNCHES HAPPY LIFE YOGA, A NEW EDUCATIONAL PLATFORM FOR A HAPPY & HEALTHY LIVING

    TIRLOK MALIK LAUNCHES HAPPY LIFE YOGA, A NEW EDUCATIONAL PLATFORM FOR A HAPPY & HEALTHY LIVING

     

     

     

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): In honor of International Yoga Day 2019, HAPPY LIFE YOGA, conceptualized by Filmmaker, Restaurateur, and  Ayurveda Speaker, will be launching on June 29th.  The curtain raiser event for this educational platform will be inaugurated by  Deputy Consul General of India in New York, Shatrughna Sinha. . Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer will be the chief guest.   Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir M. Parikh will be attending as a guest of honor,  and many VIPs will be in attendance as well.

    This intriguing, interactive, and entertaining experience will include a panel discussion on topics such as how to use Ayurveda in every day life, the place of Western Medicine in holistic wellness, and the benefits of Yoga. Speakers include  Dr. Bhupendra Patel, M.D., Ayurvedic Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya, and Long Island yoga teacher Ranju Narang.

    HAPPY LIFE YOGA, created by Tirlok Malik, is the yoga of life. This educational platform offers a unique holistic approach to health and happiness using tools from Ayurveda, Indian Philosophy, and Yoga to help better manage modern day challenges such as work, finances, relationships, family and other social pressures and ultimately guides you towards a happier life.

    Tirlok Malik believes India has always been a spiritual teacher of the world and that Indian Philosophy provides the blueprint of how to live a happy life. Indian Philosophy teaches that we must practice balance in all four aims of human life: Artha, Dharma, Kama and Moksha. These philosophical concepts can be applied to all cultures.

    An asana yoga practice and healthy eating alone will not make us healthy. Kama, the world of all our desires, can be a double edge sword and we must understand and manage this part of the four aims of human life to be healthier and happier. According to Indian Philosophy we can have it all, but as Tirlok Malik says “Fix your Kama, and be happier!”

    Indu Jaiswal of The Indian American Forum, one of the oldest organizations of Indian Americans on Long Island, and Prof. Indrajit Saluja publisher and editor of the Indian Panorama, an Indian American Newspaper in New York & Dallas sponsored the event and are committed to spreading  the message of HAPPY LIFE YOGA.

    Tirlok Malik created HAPPY LIFE YOGA as well as Ayurveda Cafe in Manhattan. He is a happy lifestyle speaker and a New York Emmy Nominated Filmmaker. He is a proud Upper Westsider. He has promoted Ayurveda for the last 20 years and now he and the team bring  the gifts of India through HAPPY LIFE YOGA.

    HAPPY LIFE YOGA will provide workshops, excursions, events and more. A unique mix of tools and exercises are used in our workshops to apply these philosophical concepts in every day life.  www.happylifeyoga.org

  • Census citizenship question blocked by Supreme Court: Trump seeks 2020 Census delay

    Census citizenship question blocked by Supreme Court: Trump seeks 2020 Census delay

    WASHINGTON (TIP): In a setback for the Trump administration, the Supreme Court on Thursday, June 27,  rejected its stated reason for adding a question on citizenship to the census, leaving in doubt whether the question would appear on the census forms sent to every household in the nation next year., says New York Times.

    Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., writing for the majority, said the explanation offered by the Trump administration for adding the question “appears to have been contrived.” But he left open the possibility that it could provide an adequate answer.

    Executive branch officials must “offer genuine justifications for important decisions, reasons that can be scrutinized by courts and the interested public,” the chief justice wrote. “Accepting contrived reasons would defeat the purpose of the enterprise. If judicial review is to be more than an empty ritual, it must demand something better than the explanation offered for the action taken in this case.”

    The practical impact of the decision was not immediately clear. While the question is barred for now, it is at least possible that the administration will be able to offer adequate justifications for it. But time is short, as the census forms must be printed soon.

    President Trump commented on Twitter, writing that he had “asked the lawyers if they can delay the Census, no matter how long, until the United States Supreme Court is given additional information from which it can make a final and decisive decision on this very critical matter.”

    “We do not hold that the agency decision here was substantively invalid,” the chief justice wrote. “But agencies must pursue their goals reasonably. Reasoned decision-making under the Administrative Procedure Act calls for an explanation for agency action. What was provided here was more of a distraction.”

    Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan joined the key part of the chief justice’s opinion.

    In dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas said the majority had done something extraordinary. “For the first time ever,” he wrote, “the court invalidates an agency action solely because it questions the sincerity of the agency’s otherwise adequate rationale.”

    Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and Brett M. Kavanaugh joined Justice Thomas’s partial dissent.

    Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. filed his own partial dissent.

    “To put the point bluntly,” he wrote, “the federal judiciary has no authority to stick its nose into the question whether it is good policy to include a citizenship question on the census or whether the reasons given by Secretary Ross for that decision were his only reasons or his real reasons.”

    Government experts predicted that asking the question would cause many immigrants to refuse to participate in the census, leading to an undercount of about 6.5 million people. That could reduce Democratic representation when congressional districts are allocated in 2021 and affect how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal spending are distributed.

    Long Island Advocates React to Supreme Court Decision on the Citizenship Question

    MELVILLE,NY . Government and nonprofit leaders gathered at the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island’s office , June 27,  in response to the Supreme Court ruling that the explanation for inclusion of the Census question was inadequate.

    The decision will now be handed back down to the lower courts siting sufficient reason for concern about why the Department of Commerce wanted to add the question, and insufficient explanation.

    “While a partial and temporary victory- this is still a win. In these times in which we are living where there is assault after assault on our neighbors- every win- every moment, when humanity is reaffirmed, must be recognized.” Said Rebecca Sanin, President/CEO of the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island.

    “I welcome the news that all communities on Long Island will receive their fair share from the Federal Government and we must make sure that everyone is counted on Long Island.” Said New York State Senator Monica Martinez.

    “This is a significant win for making sure every person in Nassau County can be counted,” said Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman. “We must keep up the pressure on Washington so that we have a fair and accurate count and get the resources our communities deserve. The stakes are too high for the entire region.”

    There are still significant challenges to ensuring that Long Island has a complete and accurate count in the 2020 Census. From anti-immigrant rhetoric to raids, to suburban sprawl, there is a lot to overcome less than a year out from the Census. To address these significant challenges, Nassau & Suffolk Complete Count Committees have been convening community leaders across the Island to understand the hurdles ahead, pool resources and knowledge bases, and devise strategies we can utilize to achieve a Complete Count in 2020.

    “Let us all come together today and be ambassadors of the Census,” said, Rebecca Sanin, President/CEO of the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island. “Let us use this momentary victory as a call to action- to start speaking to everyone we encounter about the need to be counted, about how every human counts, and let’s create a sustainable, inclusive and hopeful future for all Long Islanders.”

    Census Facts:

    • An undercount of more than .6 percent, could result in New York losing representation in Washington.
    • 800 billion dollars is allocated based on Census data in this country.
    • Suffolk & Nassau County are the fourth and fifth hardest to count counties in all of New York State.
    • Over 800,000 people on Long Island live in hard to count areas.
    • $73 billion is allocated from 55 spending programs based on the Census-including Medicaid, school funding, Headstart, WIC, school breakfast, Title 1 and special education.

    BIG WIN! The Citizenship Question will NOT be added to the 2020 Census: SALDEF

    WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court ruled that the Citizenship Question will not be added to the census, “‘saying that the administration’s explanation for adding it is insufficient’”. The unprecedented citizenship question has now been put on halt until further notice. While the U.S. Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the United States Code, prohibiting the information on the census from being disclosed. Inclusion of a citizenship question in the future has the potential to spark fear in immigrant communities.

    SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill said, “we are thrilled by the win today at the Supreme court and hope that all will now feel safe in participating in the Census. I encourage all individuals to take part in the 2020 Census to ensure a complete representation of the Sikh community and all communities.”

    The reinstatement of the citizenship question was introduced by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in March 2018. Since then, Ross has been accused of trying to depress minority responses for political purposes. The citizen question sparked fear by immigrant groups of targeted harassment including deportation, that would have resulted in an undercount of the actual number of people living in a community. The count is used to allocate federal funding for communities, and resources such as food stamps, public schooling, and assistance programs. Giving a distorted count to the Census Bureau may leave immigrant communities with insufficient federal resources.

    The Asian Americans Advancing Justice group recognizes that along with federal funding, the Census data allocates the number of representatives communities will receive. The data provides communities an opportunity to “engage their elected officials in advocating for support and solutions for their community’s needs.” With distorted Census data, the voices of and concerns of immigrant communities will be suppressed. Lastly, the census data is used for redistricting and not giving immigrant communities substantial political power due to inaccurate Census data may falsify the outcomes of state-level elections.

    Meanwhile, Trump is asking his lawyers whether Census can be delayed for the Citizenship question.

    Washington Post  says President Trump said Thursday, June 27,  that he is seeking to delay the constitutionally mandated census to give administration officials time to come up with a better explanation for why it should include a citizenship question.

    Trump’s announcement, in tweets sent from Japan, came hours after the Supreme Court put on hold his administration’s plan to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census, saying it had provided a “contrived” reason for wanting the information. He said  census would be ‘meaningless’ without citizenship question.

  • US religious waiver leads to many Sikh youths joining military

    US religious waiver leads to many Sikh youths joining military

    WASHINGTON  (TIP): The waiver granted by the US administration has allowed more children from the minorities to join the US military. At least 14 Sikh youths have been granted this waiver.

    Lt. Col Kamal Kalsi was the first to be granted the religious waiver in 2010 and it was one of the biggest changes that took place in the past 10 years.

    Another Indian American, Manav Singh Sodhi, 17, has been preparing to head to a boot camp for his military training, especially because he can keep his beard and turban.

    The other 13 Sikh recruits are from all around the US, Kalsi said.

    “It took me a year and a half and a lot of trouble—organizing, getting 50 Congressional signatures, etc.—just to get me and Capt Tejdeep Singh Rattan, the waiver,” Kalsi said about his experience.

    Sodhi, a graduate of Kings Park High School on Long Island, New York City, will shortly be on his way to bootcamp. “He wants to be where the action is, he wants to join the artillery,” Kalsi said.

    In a press release from the Sikh American Veterans Association (SAVA), an organization founded by Kalsi, he said: “As the first Sikh-American in over a generation to receive a religious accommodation in the military, I feel it’s important to take  it forward and help open doors for Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and other religious minorities.”

    Sodhi’s accommodation to maintain his religiously mandated beard and turban while in uniform “bodes well for our community when we can become part of the fabric of this country,” said Kalsi.

    There are currently over 60 Sikh males serving in the US Army with their turbans and beards, according to SAVA.

    “I wanted to join the Army ever since I was a kid.  My great-grandfather served in the Army and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. My father and mother inspired me to follow my dreams and never give up, no matter what.  And that’s exactly what I did,” Sodhi is quoted as saying in the press release.

    “When I was a child, my mother took me to an event at City Hall where I met Lieutenant Colonel Kalsi for the first time, and he was in his army uniform with his turban and beard. That was a life-changing moment for me because I realized then that I can freely practice my religion and serve my country too,” Sodhi is quoted as saying.

    Lt Col Kalsi said the new recruit and his mother did not wish to give any press interviews but had forwarded some of his comments for the press.

  • Curtain Raiser for the India Day Parade in Hicksville holds out the Promise of a Great Parade

    Curtain Raiser for the India Day Parade in Hicksville holds out the Promise of a Great Parade

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): IDP USA (India Day Parade) Long Island, New York, first time ever arranged curtain Raiser for Parade on Thursday May 23rd, 2019 Curtain Raiser of Parade which will be held on August 4th, 2019. And the route of Parade is from Patel Brothers to Town Parking opposite Asa Main Mandir in Hicksville.

    The celebration was held at Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola.  Guest of Honor was Ms. Shamita Shetty, a Bollywood Star.

    Human Rights Commissioner Mr. Zahid Syed did the opening and introduced the Advisor of Parade Mr. Mukesh Modi, who partnered with Vice President of IDP, Mrs. Bina Sabapathy for Masters of Ceremony.  The Parade’s Curtain Raiser ceremonies were done by the TEAM IDP USA under the leadership of President Mr. Jasbir Jay Singh.

    Honorary guest Presiding Officer, Nassau County Legislator Mr. Richard Nicollelo spoke about the Indian American community.  Nassau County Legislators Laura Scheffer and Joshua Lafazan gave proclamations to Ms. Shamita Shetty as she was Celebrity guest of Honor from Bollywood.  Dr. Urmilesh Arya, Mr. Naveen Shah of Navika, Mr. Harry Bolla of Bolla Oil, Mr. Amandeep Singh (Tony) of Food Universe and Mr. Sanjay Patel of Patel Brothers were also honored with Citation by the Government Officials both from Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Legislative Chambers. Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, founder IDP and other IDP Past Presidents Mrs. Indu Jaiswal, Mr. Mohinder Taneja, Mr. Peter Bhedda, Mrs. Beena Kothari shared the golden unforgettable memories of past years of Parade and blessed Jay Singh with good wishes and promised their support for ever to IDP.

    Founder Bobby K Kalotee was on live call from out of town, welcoming all team and assuring his support.  Other prominent speakers were IALI President Mr. Lalit Aery, LILC President Pinki Jaggi and Jyoti Gupta, Suhag Mehta of Ganesh Utsav, Ashmita Yogiraj, Sadhvi ji from Maharaj Ashutosh Sansthan and few more from community.

    Program started with delicious snacks and tea from Mint Restaurant.  It was attended by more than 250 attendees and all the community leaders along with the Presidents of All Local Organization and Committee Members.  It was covered by TV and News Paper Media including ITV Gold, Radio Mirchi, PTC, Jus Broadcasting. The South Asian Insider, The India Republic, Global Punjabi, Diss Dash, Hum Hindustani.  The Indian Panorama, TV Asia and Parekh Worldwide Media and representatives.   After the program delicious dinner was served by Mint Restaurant Mr. Gary Sikka and homemade sweets by Mrs. Goel.  Bindu Kohli was acknowledged for her celebrity arrangement.  The Media was arranged by the Media Chair Indu Gajwani.

    (Based on a press  release)