The Indian Panorama

Tag: Long Island

  • Dev Ratnam-Integrity, Charity, Modesty Propel This Visionary

    Dev Ratnam-Integrity, Charity, Modesty Propel This Visionary

    I am passionate about doing well not only in career but also in my community. I won’t say it’s a passion but I am very keen on being an honorable member in our community. I believe in being a good representative of India. Whatever obligations I have with the government, banks, other financial institutions of US and other countries, I want to deal with them with honor. I never want to escape from that. I never want to fail India, or my state. Life will always force you to deal with breaks, be it good breaks or bad breaks. How you deal with it is your legacy.

    Dev Ratnam began his career as a scientist. But he never wanted to be master at just one trick. He wanted to explore all the opportunities around him before settling into one. He tells us, “In true spirit, I am an entrepreneur, so I try many businesses. Though my education and experience is as a scientist from Penn state in 1977, I still wanted to venture beyond my degrees.” Dev graduated from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in Engineering and completed Masters in Engineering from Queens University, Canada and got a Ph.D. in Solid State Science from Penn State University in 1971. Yet, his dream was to always go back to India and set up his own business there. He tried his true best to fulfill that dream. Dev explains, “I was planning to buy a factory from Australia. The agent from Melbourne belonged to a big family.


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    He used to be the Governor of Maharashtra and his son was my partner. We wanted to buy that factory and bring it to Chennai and set it up in India. But somehow the politics played its part after I reached Melbourne. I realized that I would be a minority party. And I had to walk away from my dream of setting up business in India. Of course, I tried to buy a factory from here and take the technology and equipment to India, but that never materialized. But in that search for a factory, I found a company in Long Island called Poly Mag Ink.

    A couple of partners and me bought it, but unforeseen factors didn’t allow it to be a big company. It still exists and it does have big clients like GM, Kodak, etc. Perhaps the location in Long Island was a disadvantage.” While many would give up and try to move on to something else, Dev Ratnam never stopped believing in himself. He defines himself as an eternal optimist and does not think giving up is an option. “I just never wanted to give up. In my years of experience, I have come through all the time. Yes, I did not perhaps see bright successes all over.

    But I have seen spurts of success and it was good with me.” Never to give up, even Dev Ratnam had to let go his dream of establishing business in India. But the blame for that lies on the political system of India. “I don’t want to sound negative, but in 40 years I have never succeeded with one project in India. But in China, South Korea or United States, it is entirely different. That does not make India bad.

    But I cannot recall one fruitful project, be in charity or investment in India.” His passion is what perhaps distinguishes him the most. He is a firm believer in the thought that a successful man is only successful enough if he can give back to his community. Dev explains, “I am passionate about doing not only well in career but also in my community.

    I won’t say it’s a passion but I am very keen on being an honorable member in our community. I believe in being a good representative of India. Whatever obligations I have with the government, banks, other financial institutions of US and other countries, I want to deal with them with honor. I never want to escape from that. I never want to fail India, or my state. Life will always force you to deal with breaks, be it good breaks or bad breaks. How you deal with it, is your legacy.” Dev Ratnam’s dreams and ambitions are just as extraordinary. His dream of helping others has paved the way for success in many people’s lives. He is on the Board of Interfaith Nutrition Network since 1995; had been a voice on the board on behalf of Indian community.

    He charts out a few of his projects. “I just want to do good things in life at this point. I have seen a couple of charitable programs that I want to take up. There is one in particular called Shri Chakra, which is an organization that concentrates on providing electricity through bicycle pedaling. It is on hold for now, due to some real-estate issues, but it’s a temporary hold. I want to provide electricity to rural parts of countries such as India, Afghanistan, Nepal, etc.

    That is my dream for sure. I am working with many major organizations. I am also working on some projects in my village in India too. My daughter is running for the marathon in Rwanda to commemorate the victims of the Rwandan massacre. I am helping her in this project through Rotary Hicksville. So I have a couple of such projects that I am extremely involved in.” Dev Ratnam was born in West Godavari in a small village in Andhra Pradesh and was the eldest son in his family. His father was the biggest influence on his life.


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    Dev explains, “My father’s upbringing had a great impact on me. When he was 14, he had bought a car for marriage. He was a socialist. He too was involved in many ventures. He moved to Chennai with us and I completed my education there. I got a scholarship and went to Canada. From there, I moved here to the US and finished my PhD at Penn State. My father also had a tremendous passion to help people. He never had a formal education.

    Yet he went to Chennai and learnt English and began helping people in many ways. When he came to the US, he hand-drew the map of the US with all the 50 states and began learning about each state. Even before he came here, he knew about Edgar Allan Poe, an American writer and poet most Indians living here now don’t know about.

    But his thinking is what inspired me. Besides being a Socialist, he was able to understand the land of opportunity that United States really is.” Dev Ratnam’s biggest passion after social causes is perhaps traveling. His wife and he share a common interest in visiting and paying homage to the ancient civilizations of the world. “I am a citizen of the world. My wife and I love to travel. We have explored civilizations in Turkey, Greece, Cambodia and other places. We love to go to those places.

    Recently we went to Greece for a vacation. It was astounding to see the civilization there. We stood there and marveled at how the human culture evolved. We paid homage to all these cultures.” Dev admits that his ventures have not been a continual forerunner in their field. He only wishes that he had done his due diligence before beginning the investments. “Do I regret anything I have done? Well, maybe I was not too thorough. My son is 25 and he works for a venture cap holding. And when I see his company work, the immaculate attention to detail, I believe I did not do my due diligence. I guess that is my only regret. But on the other hand, almost all the real estate companies and other companies did just as bad since 2006. So I don’t know if it was just my choices.” He has a lot of praise for our community and believes that there is just as much misconduct in our community as in any other.

    But he commends our community’s foresight and achievements too. “They all belong to different strata. The ones who came in 70s came through education. They got good jobs and earned very well. So they are well adjusted in US. The ones who came in 80s came as immigrants, who basically were brought into the country by mainly extended relatives. They began setting up businesses. Now the people who belong to this group are becoming the core Indian community. They are aggressive, motivated and passionate about their ventures and see them succeeding. I believe they are easily the more successful than any other group of Indian community. So I would say this for our community, that we have an impeccable foresight. We know what can make us prosperous.” Dev Ratnam has an outstanding family too. His wife Prof.

    Runi Mukerji Ratnam is a dynamic leader in academics at SUNY in the entire New York State and a leader in several professional and social organizations. His daughter Romola Ratnam is an NYU graduate and is well known in the sports marketing field in Manhattan. She has also initiated several charity programs much like her father. His son Basudev graduated from Brown University and is an excellent tennis player. Dev Ratnam had ambitions to make his son a national level tennis player but unfortunately Basudev suffered a few injuries that dissuaded him from playing on national levels.

    At present, Basudev is working with a private equity company in Manhattan. Before I take leave, I ask him if he still has plans to move to India and realize his long lost dream. And to that he replies. “No it’s too late now. This is our home now.” From all the readers of The Indian Panorama we wish Mr. Dev Ratnam success in all his professional and social ventures.

  • IAF Honors Four Indian American Women

    IAF Honors Four Indian American Women

    LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK (TIP): The Indian American Forum gave away Outstanding Women’s Achievements Award to four women in celebration of Women’s History Month. The IAF Second Annual gala to honor the four was held on Thursday March 28 at Stuart Thomas Manor, a prestigious venue, in Farmingdale, Long Island. Kate Murray, Supervisor of Town of Hempstead and a great friend of the Indian American community was the Chief Guest. Outstanding Women’s Achievement Awards were given to Dr Dina Pahlajani, Founder, President of Children’s Hope (Medical and Social Award); Bharti Desai, Past President of Gujarat Samaj NY (Cultural Award); Shammi Singh, Member Board of Directors Nargis Dutt Foundation (Community Services Award); and Deborah Misir, President of the India American Bar Association of LI and Queens (Professional Award). Supervisor Kate Murray’s love of the Indian American community earned her an award.

    Honorees were presented with award from IAF, Citations from Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Office of Nassau County Comptroller, Indian American Bar Association & Certificates of merit from Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy. Supervisor Kate Murray praised the efforts of the Indian American Forum, Indian American Community and reaffirmed that Town of Hempstead will continue with celebrations of India’s Republic Day and other such events. Among the attendees were Town of Hempstead Senior Councilman Anthony Santino, Judge Joy Watson, Judge Eileen Fisher, Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink, Bobby K Kalotee, National Chairman of All America Political Party, Zahid Syed, Chairman , Nassau County Human Rights Commission, Mohinder Singh Taneja, Deputy Commissioner, Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County Attorney John Ciampoli & Steve Labriola from Nassau County Comptroller’s office. Indu Jaiswal, Chairperson of IAF in her remarks congratulated all the honorees and praised their efforts in achieving such successes.

  • Community Organizations Take Care of Community Health

    Community Organizations Take Care of Community Health

    LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK (TIP): “For the first time, the Indian Association of Long Island (IALI) partnered with six other prominent organizations to bring free health camp to community members”, said a proud IALI President Dr. Kishore Kuncham. India Association of Long Island (IALI) and North America Telugu Society (NATS) in partnership with the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Queens- Long Island (AAPI QLI), Arya Samaj of Long Island, Asamai Temple, Hicksville, Telugu Literary & Cultural Association (TLCA) and Sant Baba Nidhan Singh Ji Cultural Society (SBSNCS), held a Health Camp at Asamai Temple on Sunday, March 24, 2013. The event was held from 12 Noon to 4 P.M. Over 80 community members took advantage of the free consultative services of 18 volunteer doctors, in the area of: Internal Medicine, Opthalmology, Neurology, Pulmonary & Critical Care, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Cardiology, OB/GYN, Dental, etc., There also was an EKG service available for those individuals who needed an EKG. Volunteers also were there with their glucose monitors and blood pressure monitors ready to provide services. In addition, Flushing Hospital was able to provide appointments for Mammography and Colon Cancer Screening to individuals in need.

    Also, many Committee Members of the sponsoring Organizations, along with their spouses and young children gave up their Sunday to provide their volunteering services so that the community members could be triaged appropriately and over 100 wellwishers and friends from various organizations came to support the event. The hall of Asamai Temple was spacious, comfortable and convenient. The sponsors also provided breakfast (courtesy Ras Raj) and lunch (courtesy Asamai Temple) for everyone present. Dr. Kishore Kuncham, President of India Association of Long Island who coordinated the health fair and brought several key organizations together profusely thanked doctors, volunteers, and leaders of various organizations for their time, expertise and services.

    He praised Dr. Madhu Korrapati, Vice Chairman, NATS who was instrumental in organizing all the doctors and free glucose monitors. He acknowledged the cooperation and recognized Dr. Tarun Wasil (AAPI QLI), Mr. Veer Mukhi (Arya Samaj), Mr. Gobind Bhatija (Asamai Temple), Mrs. Krishnasri Gandham (TLCA), Mr. Satnam Parhar (SBSNCS), and Mr. Harshad Patel (Gujarati Samaj). The program concluded with all the attendees taking part in Laughter Yoga. It was very heartwarming to see the various organizations coming together and proudly serving the community and there was a sense of pride and hope to bring more programs jointly. The community needs to focus on the health and care needs of the elderly. It is time to think of a home for the Indian American seniors where they can live a free and healthy life. Hope, the caring community leaders would realize it.

  • India Association of Long Island goes gaga on Valentine’s Day

    India Association of Long Island goes gaga on Valentine’s Day

    NEW YORK (TIP): The India Association of Long Island celebrated Valentine’s Day with great fervor and elegance. The weather felt wonderful, the location looked beautiful, the couples were fabulous, the music proved lively, and the food was enjoyable – a perfect evening with romance in the air!

    The event organized at the INN at New Hyde Park on Friday, February 15th was attended by almost 300 guests, including several dignitaries. These dignitaries included Nassau County Legislator Judi Bosworth, Nassau County Legislator & Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams, Democrat contender and Former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Entreprenuer and Democrat contender for Nassau County Executive Mr. Adam Haber, Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony Santino, Nassau County Director for Economic Business Development Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Nassau County Human Rights Chairman Mr. Zahid Ali, & Human Rights Commissioner Mr. Sharanjit Singh Thind.

    In the opening remarks, President Kishore Kuncham thanked the members for their outstanding support, spoke briefly about the significance of the day, and concluded with a quote, “we should appreciate the love that surrounds us; we should share the love that lies within us and we should treasure the love that is given to us.” He expressed deep appreciation to all sponsors for making this event very special, that included Apna Bazar, Netrovert, Habib American Bank, Indus Bank, Dr. Malla Reddy, The Mint and others. In addition, Dr. Kuncham conveyed a very special thanks to Mr. Ashok Varshney, Legacy New York, for being the grand sponsor of the event, who launched his online product line at this event. All the couples received special gifts from Legacy New York. The tradition of past presidents invited to cut the Valentine’s Day cake continued which was sponsored by Legacy New York. The guests danced to lovely music of DJ Mike and greatly enjoyed the tasty dinner of Mint. IALI President announced a donation to United Way of Long Island to support Project Warmth.

  • Dr. Shakir Mukhi Of Alliance Family Medical Practice Throws A Party

    Dr. Shakir Mukhi Of Alliance Family Medical Practice Throws A Party

    Yet another party in Long Island to bid farewell to Ambassador Prabhu Dayal was hosted by one of the leading Medical practitioners of New York and a prominent member of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Dr. Shakir Mukhi, February 22. The well attended party included Dr. Nazir Maulavi, Mr. Habib, President of Islamic Cultural Center of Long Island, Mr. P. Ali Hazi, Bobby Kumar, Dr. Sunil Mehra, Dr. Dattatreya Nori, Sunil Modi, newly elected President of Association of Indians in America (AIA) Nassau County officials that included Zahid Ali Syed and Editors of newspapers that included, among others, Sharanjit Singh Thind and Prof. Indrajit S Saluja.

    In his address,Mr. Dayal spoke of the strength of the Indian economy that has been growing in spite of worldwide recession. He attributed this growth, in part to the remittances and investments by persons of Indian origin abroad. He congratulated them for being engines of growth of India. He said he was happy to note that Indian Americans had made significant personal progress in their professions and businesses here.

    Some, even, made their mark in politics. He referred also to the valuable contribution that the community was making in promoting friendly relations between India and USA. He said even though the relationship was quite strong and the bond between the countries continue to get stronger there was always need that the Indian American community continued to play its part in further cementing the relationship to the mutual advantage of the two countries- one the largest democracy in the world, and the other, the oldest democracy in the world.

    As for his future plans,Mr. Dayal said he would like to visit places, read and write and play golf. Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Mukhi described Mr. Dayal as one of the most brilliant diplomats he had ever come across. He said of Mr. Dayal that he had earned the admiration and love of community by being sympathetic and helpful to its needs and aspirations. He expressed the gratitude of the entire Indian American community to Mr. Dayal and wished him all happiness in his retired life.

  • Dr. Sukhvinder Ranu Nostalgic about India, Tradition, Values

    Dr. Sukhvinder Ranu Nostalgic about India, Tradition, Values

    Dr. Sukhvinder Ranu is among those successful professionals who fully enjoyed the love and affection of a joint family. A son of High School teacher, Sardar Gurnam Singh, Dr. Ranu grew up in a family that valued higher education. Inspired by family traditions and equally influenced by his elder brother, Dr. Amrik Singh Ranu who worked as a medical doctor, he not only chose the medical profession for himself but also excelled in it. Today he is settled in Garden City Park, Long Island, New York with his wife and two young children while maintaining a close contact with his 84 year old father who lives in Vancouver, Canada with Dr. Ranu’s sister and mother.

    Born in village Sarhala Ranuan in the famous Banga Tehsil of district Nawan Shahr in Punjab, Ranu completed his medical degree from Government Medical College at Patiala, Punjab and gave a helping hand to his elder brother in his private clinic. After a brief stint of working in a government hospital at Soondh in Nawanshahr district, Dr. Ranu moved to Canada in 1990 to join his parents where he soon realized that a better career awaited him in the USA. He moved to New York in 1995 to do his residency as a Pediatrician. He joined the State University Health Science Center in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Ranu emerged as a respectable name in the field of Neonatology. Serving in the Department of Pediatrics at Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn, NY, he is helping the community as a specialist who takes care of the new born and the prematurely born babies. As a neonatologist, he evaluates, stabilizes, and treats infants who require medical intervention, including premature babies, babies who need help to breathe at birth, and babies born with lifethreatening medical conditions.

    Content with his professional life, Dr. Ranu is involved in a number of social and professional organizations. In recent years Dr. Ranu got increasingly involved in community service. He regularly participates in social and cultural celebrations organized by various organizations. Earlier this year he was elected as the president of India Association of Long Island, the premier organizations of Indian American population in Long Island area with a membership of 1600. The association is the largest group of Indian American population in New York Metro region

    representing people with roots in India irrespective of their religious or political affiliations .He is also a board member of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Queens and Long Island, which is a professional organization supported by more than two thousand physicians from Queens and Long Island. A cheerful family man Dr. Ranu attributes his successful medical career to his family. He likes to spend time with his wife Darshan, a housewife and sons Ashvinder who is doing major in Psychology and Business Administration at Stonybrook University, preparing to be a lawyer and Akaashdeep who is in High School and plans to go in to medical profession.

    Speaking about his wife, Darshan, Dr. Ranu said his wife enjoyed the role of a housewife. To her tending her husband and two young sons is a pleasure she loves to indulge in. However, she has diverse interests. As the First Lady of the India Association of Long Island, Darshan has been working closely with IALI’s Women’s Forum that aims at educating and updating women members on various important issues, including family’s health. Because of her leadership role, the participation of women in the Forum activities tripled. An achievement, in deed. The Ranu family is fond of traveling and seeing places. They have been to most parts of the US, Canada and Mexico. Dr. Ranu has a passion for nature photography and has a rich collection of photos on various moods of nature.

    Q. How do you describe yourself?

    DR. RANU: I am a physician specializing in Neonatology-looking after ailments of premature and newborn babies. I work hard to ensure that the society is blessed with healthy new citizens who could meet the expectations of the future. I am a family man who is blessed with two school going children. I am fortunate to be receiving the love and affection of my mother and father who live in Vancouver, Canada.

    Q. How do you define success?

    ANS: I think I am a successful professional working as an Assistant Professor in medical field. I enjoy my job teaching young physicians in New York. I have a happy family who make me feel very content with life.

    Q: What was your family’s contribution in shaping your life?

    ANS: I learned from my father that education is very important for succeeding in life. He retired as a principal of a High School and inspired me to do well in my school and college. I was a bright student who had not much difficulty pursuing the medical career. I also followed my elder brother, who owned his medical practice, and helped him for a few years in his clinic.

    Q: How did you arrive in America? What challenges you faced here?

    ANS: In the Eighties I graduated from medical school and got employment in a government hospital in Punjab. Meanwhile my father immigrated to Canada to live with my sister. He wished me to live with him. In order to get my father and mother’s affection and with a desire to stay close to them I decided to move to Canada. Afterwards I moved to New York to pursue higher studies in Pediatrics and specialize in Neonatology.

    Q: What is your future plan?

    ANS: I would like to continue working in the hospital but also would like to work towards setting up my own practice. I am also interested in social and community service. I want to spend more time in community organizations. As a leader in the India Association of Long Island I will continue play a role in mobilizing our people for good cause and hold meaningful activities.

    Q: Is there something you miss in your life?

    ANS: Our community is known for successful professionals. Indian American doctors and professionals are highly respected in this country.We are dedicated to our family values and keep our unique culture alive in this country. Though we are very successful in our professions we are deprived of the social warmth that is easily available back home in India. People of my generation clearly view the changing values in this country with a lot of concern. In spite of our commitment to Indian values I feel that the younger generation of Indians,who are born and raised in this country, are not fully aware of our traditions and care little about concerns and feelings of their ageing parents. This situation bothers me a lot.

    Q: What is your message for the younger generation?

    ANS: I would like to advise the younger generation to be sensitive about their family values and traditions. They shouldn’t deviate from the culture of their parents and grand parents. I would be very happy if the younger generation would continue our tradition to look after their elders without sending them away in long term care facility. Our elders deserve a lot of love and care because they had sacrificed a lot to ensure good future for their offspring.

  • An Overhaul Man Gobind Munjal

    An Overhaul Man Gobind Munjal

    Gobind Munjal, a successful Chartered Accountant and CPA by profession has worked as a Senior Vice President of Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions and served on the Board of Directors of the International Division of Tata Group of Hotels in the USA, totaling 30 years of professional services with the renowned Tata Group in various senior leadership positions. During his services with the Tata Group he saved millions of dollars for the company by way of efficient tax structuring of the deals and was recognized for his excellence in the Hospitality Merger & Acquisition field. In 2006 he started his own advisory and consultancy services. His involvement in community affairs and activities started since more than a decade ago when he joined what was then one of the fastest and largest growing not for profit Organizations on Long Island representing Indians in America, known as the India Association of Long Island (IALI).

    This Organization was about 20 years old then with a growing membership of Suffolk and Nassau County residents, which today numbers 1,600 strong. The aim of the Organization was primarily to promote the culture and heritage of India so that bridges may be crossed between Indians living in America and the local Americans to promote a better understanding of the two cultures. Mr. Munjal served on the Executive Board of IALI for seven of the fifteen years of his continuing membership, in various capacities climbing steadily to the very top :- 2006 – Member-at-Large; 2007 – Membership Chair; 2008-2009 – Secretary; 2010 – Treasurer; 2011 – President. He worked very hard in each of the positions that he held taking each position very seriously and elevating its standards to a much higher level. He brought ethics, professionalism and transparency in producing Minutes of Meetings and raised the standards of Financial Reporting and its presentation to a level that almost everybody in the Executive Council and Past Presidents expressed their overwhelming praise for his work and dedication.

    As President he did much to improve and raise the standards of IALI by bringing transparency, accountability and professionalism to the Association. As President of IALI Mr. Gobind Munjal’s goal and objectives was to bring back Unity, Harmony and Team Work within the Organization; bring back “INDIAFEST” IALI’s hallmark event which truly promotes and showcases India’s culture and traditions in mainstream America; build “INDIA CENTER” for the Indian community, a long cherished dream come true for the India Association of Long Island; encourage stronger participation of the youth and Seniors Group; involve more with the local American community; provide educational support to needy Indian students; build closer ties with local Senior Groups and National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC); and increase participation and support for the Annual Food Drive to take it to a higher level.

    Growth of membership of IALI during Mr. Munjal’s presidency of one year has been exponential, with around a hundred new members added. A remarkable feat. Many of these objectives were remarkably achieved with the IALI having all successful, well attended month to month women, seniors and youth programs and major events for the year 2011. INDIAFEST turned out to be a BLOCKBUSTER of an event well received and well attended by many dignitaries, community leaders and scores of Americans who thoroughly enjoyed the high end Floor Shows with its sophisticated Fashion Show, a page out of Broadway, a wealth of scintillating performances and dances, mindblowing variety of delicious Indian cuisine and showcasing of the wide variety of arts and crafts and ethnic designer ware of India. Not giving up on the dream of having the INDIA CENTER a place India Association of Long Island has long wanted to call their very own Mr. Munjal has still persisted and today chairs the Ad Hoc Special Committee in IALI with a committed team set up for 2012 so that this dream become a reality.

    Mr. Gobind Munjal’s vision for the future of the Indian community is to see realize INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER and at the same time he also holds true his dream of some form of Housing and Assisted Living Facility for the Seniors. His involvement with India Home providing services for seniors of Indian origin, is testament to his commitment towards improving lives of seniors. He is relentlessly working towards achieving his goal of providing medical, social, and spiritual services for the aging Indian Seniors in Queens and Long Island. When his term as President of IALI concluded at the close of the year 2011, in spite of his tremendous popularity he did not seek reelection, rather made himself available upon invitation to give his services for others. His dedication and passion for community service did not diminish. This has resulted in his joining Indian American Forum (IAF) as Co-Chair of Indian American Night and Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Long Island Chapter as Secretary. He has been invited to join the National Federation of Indian Americans (NFIA) and has twice participated in the Congressional Hearings and White House briefings in Washington DC.

    He is also a life member of Association of Indians in America (AIA) and Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation (NDMF) and participates in their activities. He has received numerous Citations and Awards in his year as President of IALI, among them being the Certificate of Recognition from Hon. Kate Murray, Supervisor, Town of Hempstead and has been honored with a Citation by Nassau County Executive Hon. Ed. Mangano and NYS Comptroller Thomas Di Napoli together with Indian Consul General at New York Hon. Prabhu Dayal. During his professional career, he received Outstanding Professional Award from the America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals. IALI events gained not only popularity but commanded a certain amount of respect among the community and administration. As a result, whereas community loved to associate itself with IALI events, lawmakers and administration officials looked upon these events as opportunities to gain support of the community. Mr. Munjal assiduously built bridges of understanding and cooperation between the Indian American community and the mainstream Americans.

    He took the IALI to the next stage of growth which is getting recognition for the community at the political level, a step in the right direction of empowering the community. The dignitaries that graced various IALI events included Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Congresswoman Goosby, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, New York State Senator Tony Avella, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and Mayor of Laurel Hollow Harry Anand and many more. Mr. Munjal’s work for the community is far from complete. On August 11th, 2012 he stood tall and proud with 5 other founder conveners of India Day Parade USA who put together Long Island’s First India Day Parade for Long Islanders in Hicksville, an event never before attempted, but successfully concluded. His involvement in India Day Parade USA started with bringing together of all Indian Organizations onto a single platform to participate in the first ever Parade in Hicksville, Long Island. This was concluded as more than 100 Indian Organizations came together as one for the very first time to participate and march in the India Day Parade USA in Hicksville Long Island.

    However, it is not just work all the time for Gobind. He and wife Suman who is in to Real Estate business and is often busy make it a point to take time off their work to travel and enjoy their vacation. The family has been to Europe, Far East, UAE, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and seen much of North America. The latest has been a visit to China which has impressed Munjals much. They are all praise for China. They said they were impressed with the infrastructure there. The cleanliness that they witnessed was in total contrast with what they had been made to believe about China. And, above the human effort to give an impressive look to the country is the power of Nature which one sees in her abundant beauty and glory in the most populated country of the world. . Gobind Munjal lives happily in the Whitestone/Malba area with his wife Suman who is a professional in real estate with Prudential Douglas Elliman. He has two sons Gaurav and Kevin and daughter in law Iona with two cute grand-sons Sajin and Neilan, 4 years and 2 years respectively.

  • Gurudev Singh Realizing American Dream

    Gurudev Singh Realizing American Dream

    Gurdev Singh’s passion for entrepreneurship and zest for taking on new ventures is apparent in his success in the highly competitive fashion business. He is the President, CEO and founder of Meetu Magic Inc., an importer and wholesaler of women’s apparel, as well as many other brands and companies. Rightly has he been recognized as a business entrepreneur for the year 2012 by the Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation in New York. What is, however, less known is that Mr. Singh also focuses his energy towards the Indian community in Long Island. He actively participates in local charities and contributes generously to his Sikh community.

    Being in the garment field is nothing new to Delhi born Gurdev Singh, nicknamed DP. His passion for this industry dates back to watching his grandfather, Sardar Khazan Singh, a dyer and printer of raw fabric. His late grandfather, Sardar Khazan Singh who had migrated from Rawalpindi, now in Pakistan, in the wake of tensions leading to partition of India, was one of the very first people to open up shop in Chandni Chowk under the name Datt Dyers and Printers, he says. Later DP’s father, the late Sardar Jeet Singh, expanded in this line of work by becoming an exporter of readymade garments. “The family on my mother’s side ran the famous Ajit Dyers and Pagree Store in Karol Bagh, a must-go-to place for Sikhs,” Gurdev Singh states. It was the this business background that inspired him to launch his import and wholesale business in the United States.

    However, DP’s beginnings in America were very humble. His journey began at the age of 22 when he left New Delhi in 1987. He came to the US along with his wife, Hardeep Kaur, with nothing but high hopes and dreams. Yet the couple proved to be a leading example of starting small and making it big. Not wanting to work for someone else, both husband and wife began with setting up shop at local flea markets. After years of hard work, DP opened his first wholesale store on Broadway & 29th Street in Manhattan in 1994. Deciding to wholesale his own label, he went to India to set up a garment factory of his own there. Twenty years later, he has undeniably made his place in the fashion business.

    Besides Meetu Magic Inc., the flagship company, Mr. Singh also founded The African Scene, Magic, Mint Green, and Petite Magic. Today his labels are sold to America’s largest department and chain stores- T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s, Ross Stores, and Burlington Coat Factory – and in many specialty retail stores such as Rainbow, Joyce Leslie, A&E Stores and Charlotte Rousse. The garments are mainly imported from the Far East and South Asia. Gurdev Singh’s next project on the drawing board may turn out to be in a different field altogether. He is developing a premium location for social events and parties. But for now he does not want to give out any more information on the project.

    As for his charity work, he has been doing it quietly. “We have been doing ‘seva’ for the Glen Cove Gurdwara for some time”, he says in all humility. For the past 4years he has donated the Raffle Draw top prize, a car, at the annual Baisakhi Mela organized by the Gurdwara. This has helped raise funds for the Gurdwara projects. He also actively participated in the NY based Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation (NDMF)’s fundraiser on September 30, 2012. Attendees cheered his generosity when he paid $20,000 for a cricket bat autographed by Team India. This generous donation to NDMF is devoted to improving cancer care in India, the primary objective of 30 year old Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation.

    Gurdev Singh is also active in the Indian National Overseas Congress (I), aligned with the ruling Congress Party in India. He is the Vice President of its Delhi Chapter. The Chapter President Daljinder Singh, popularly known as Zinda Singh, is all praise for Gurdev Singh whom he describes as the finest person he has come across. He says DP is the main bulwark of Delhi Chapter and has given him the best cooperation in organizing various activities.

    It may be a platitude to say that behind every successful man there is a woman. But it is widely believed to hold the truth. DP is lucky to have Hardeep Kaur as his wife, companion and business associate. Hardeep actively associates herself in the business, handling the all important finances and supervises the accounts section. Not to be left behind, , t heir daughter Daman, who only earlier in 2012 got married to Navnit Singh, who runs a high-end limousine service for embassies, added her energetic effort to take the business to the next higher level. She is the fourth generation in this line of business. Their son, Chintan, 15, is in high school and an outgoing boy taking active part in debates and student affairs. The family lives in Old Westbury where they moved five years ago from New Jersey. Mr. Singh and his family live by the motto :Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something. The best of the family is yet to come.

  • INOC AP Chapter Accords Warm Reception To Visiting Andhra Pradesh Minister K. Lakshaminarayana

    INOC AP Chapter Accords Warm Reception To Visiting Andhra Pradesh Minister K. Lakshaminarayana

    NEW YORK (TIP): Farmers and farming policy makers in Andhra Pradesh will benefit from the expertise of American researchers and educators in near future. K. Lakshminarayana, AP’s Minister of Agriculture, recently signed memos of understanding with the universities of Maryland and Mississippi during his recent visit to the two universities, which will facilitate exchange of faculty members and academicians between USA and Andhra Pradesh. Lakshminarayana, stopped in New York City on his way home from the visit.

    He was accorded a warm welcome and reception by the Andhra Pradesh Chapter of Indian National Overseas Congress at Cotillion Restaurant in Long Island, New York. Lakshminarayana (52), who has been credited for winning all elections since 1991, complimented the people of Andhra Pradesh for playing a predominant role in the IT sector in Silicon Valley and other parts of USA. Lakshminarayana, who won the Assembly seat from Pedukurapadu, Guntur (West) constituency for the fourth term, outlined his government’s plans to help farmers in Andhra Pradesh and said that Congress party believed in a farmer friendly policy. He said that hundred of thousands of farmers were benefitted by government’s free electricity; crop insurance and the credit plan called Kissan Credit.

    The minister informed that his state will host the world Agricultural Summit in November 2013 for which Hyderabad was selected as the venue. He invited those whose primary interest was agricultural development. Andhra Pradesh chapter of INOC honored the minister by presenting him a shawl. A proclamation from the Chief Executive of Nassau County was also presented to him. Mahesh Saladi, AP chapter president of INOC, said that Congress party embarked on ambitious projects to help the poor in Andhra Pradesh. “Many of those programs were initiated by K. Lakshminarayana and were timely completed”, he said George Abraham, president of INOC said that his party was engaged in building public opinion on a variety of issues.

    “We are united over raising the issues concerning Non-Resident Indians”, he said adding that NRI Interface council was formed for the purpose of dealing with issues such as property protection in India. It was reported in the past that in India locals forcibly grabbed properties bought and owned by NRIs. Abraham said that he also initiated Business council for the purpose of promoting investment in India and discussing matters of trade and commerce with the Indian government. “We want the council to be thank tank for developmental issues”, he said. Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr. Neil Mandava, Dr. Gaddam Reddy, D. Dhasratharam Reddy, M. Nageshwar Rao and Mohinder Singh Gilzian.

  • Malawi appoints Bobby K. Kalotee ‘Liaison Envoy’

    Malawi appoints Bobby K. Kalotee ‘Liaison Envoy’

    NEW YORK (TIP): President Joyce Banda of the Republic of Malawi has appointed a prominent Indian American Bobby K. Kalotee as Malawi’s “Liaison Envoy” to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. President said Bobby will be the bridge to fill in the gap between Malawi and the South Asian Countries. It’s an endeavor to rebuild Malawi’s economy. The Government of Malawi has instituted a recovery program called Malawi Economic Recovery Program (ERP). This is an economic road map that has identified five strategic sectors that collectively constitute the driver of the Economic Recovery Process.

    The President added Malawi being an Agro Based economy, agriculture is at the heart of the program as it seeks to fully commercialize and industrialize the sector.

    President is confident that Bobby will utilize the knowledge he gained growing up in the farmland of Punjab (Punjab is known to be the bread basket of India). President has sent a directive to all embassies of Malawi in South Asian Region to assist the new Envoy in achieving “our goals for the best interest of Malawians”. Jack Brewer former NFL legend and presently Senior Advisor to Hon. President Joyce Banda read out the Letter of Appointment to the attendees at the special function held in Long Island to celebrate the appointment.

    The appointment letter, inter alia, said,” Bobby’s goal will be to facilitate relationships and make improvements in the area of Agriculture and health care in Malawi”. Bobby K. Kalotee said he humbly accepted the honor which “the President, the People and the Government of Malawi have bestowed on me.” He said, “I will devote and work hard to assist and help Malawi to achieve the goals of the President’s initiatives.

    I ask all my fellow South Asians to graciously join me in this humanitarian effort to empower the People of Malawi in the field of agriculture and health care. Just as Punjab has become the agricultural pinnacle of India and Pakistan, they will be used as a model to show the people of Malawi how to achieve the same”. Bobby firmly believes that Malawi can be the bread basket of south east Africa. The special event was attended by over 400 People, with over 25 prominent leaders from different communities who spoke and echoed similar feelings about Bobby’s charitable disposition.

    At times of crises, such as the earthquake, floods or other natural disasters anywhere in the world, Bobby was at the forefront with containers of clothes, food, blankets, medicine, tents and basic items for kids at the time of their needs. NYC Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio was the guest of Honor.

  • Passion and Adventure Propelled Bobby Kalotee to Success

    Passion and Adventure Propelled Bobby Kalotee to Success

    New York based businessman and philanthropist Bobby Kalotee has lately been in the news for his appointment by Government of Malawi as Liaison Envoy to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. His charity work in Malawi did not go unnoticed and the government of Malawi conferred on him the rare honor. He is the first Non Malawi to be appointed to the prestigious position. Our readers would obviously like to know more about this gentleman who has done India and all Indians proud.Well, to begin with, Bobby was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He is a self-made man. A father of five children Bobby is a living example of courage and entrepreneurship. Born in Jalandhar, India, he left his home in early 1980 when he was still a teenager to begin the journey of his life. Supported by his family and his father, Bobby set off on a path to an alien worldobserving life and learning from experience.

    Working in a Greek owned merchant shipping company he landed in America and stayed here by chance. He also found his love in USA and married to an Irish lady who helped him fight the obstacles of life. A curious Bobby got interested in politics. He joined Republican Party in New York in 1983, observed the functioning of democratic institutions and learned to mobilize public support for various causes. Today, he not only runs his business but also is engaged in a variety of social work and activities, such as, shipping soccer balls to Latin American countries and raising funds for the earthquake victims of Gujarat. A firm believer in destiny and God Bobby remains deeply attached to his Indian roots. In spite of a busy and successful life in USA he cares about his native land and works hard to help his community. A man who denied himself a formal education learned everything from life.

    “I met at least 50 people from whom I learned a variety of lessonslessons that helped me become prosperous and successful”, he says. Currently National Chairman of All American Political Party. Chairman Independence Party of Nassau County, Vice Chairman of New York State Independence Party Committee and National Executive Director of the Independence Party of America, Bobby is associated with a number of political, social, cultural and financial institutions and organizations; and has profusely been awarded and honored. His offices in Long Island are a veritable museum of pictures with dignitaries from across the world, the charity work done by him and his organizations in Africa, Latin Ameerica, India and of course, USA, and scores of proclamations, citations, certificates and trophies. One man and so much, one begins to wonder.

    The Indian Panorama spoke with Bobby about his life and work.

    Here are the excerpts: Indian Panorama: How do you describe yourself?
    Bobby: I am a God fearing man, a happy father of five children and a compassionate community friend. I am thankful to God and my parents for their love and blessings because of which I accomplished great success in life. I believe in helping others and follow the path shown by Guru Nanak Dev ji, who said: ‘There is nothing greater than being
    humble and nothing worse than being proud of yourself’. I try to live a simple life following these thoughts.

    Q. How do you define success?
    Ans: You are successful if you reach the goal you set in your life. I always felt that I could accomplish the goal of my life with the blessings of God who writes the destiny of everyone. I used my brain and common sense to learn new trades. I was fortunate to get help from friends. I learned to deal with people. In America these things happened
    fast. I launched a number of successful businesses in the past and continued to do innovative things. Currently I am finalizing the launch of an electronic voting machine called EZ voting. I am confident about success of my new product.

    Q. Are you passionate about anything?
    Ans: I am very passionate about life. I am passionate about helping people. I have been very keen to help my community folks. I reach out to people who need me. I want to help more people.

    Q: Who in your family influenced you most?What was your family’s contribution in shaping your life?
    Ans: I was raised in a large family with 27 cousins and a number of uncles. My father influenced me most. He and a number of my family members served in the Indian Defense Forces. Dad was an independent minded man. He didn’t interfere in my life but always encouraged me. Because of his generosity I could leave home for abroad.

    Q: Tell me about your education?
    Ans: I didn’t receive a formal education. I didn’t want to go to school. I got my education in the Gurudwara and at home. I think the best education one gets is from life’s experience. I traveled a lot. I left home when I was a teen-ager and roamed around selling toys and household things. I worked in restaurant. After seven years of traveling in
    many parts of India I returned home.

    Q. How did you compensate for lack of education?
    Ans: I always learned from life. Any thing new I saw I wished to know about it. A number of friends helped me in life. Some taught me to do business. Others taught me how to deal with people. I learned a variety of lessons from at least 50 such people in my life.

    Q. Did you ever regret for not having a formal education?
    Ans: When I was in India lack of education was not a big issue. I knew many people who were helpful. It is an interdependent society so education doesn’t always matter. But I felt the need to be educated when I came to America and had to deal with people. At that time I realized that lack of education hampered my ability to communicate with
    others. I regretted not having a formal education.

    Q: How did you arrive in America? What challenges you faced here?
    Ans: I was working in a Greek owned shipping company and had to travel from USA to Greece quite a few times. Once, in
    1982, I missed my flight in New York. I stayed here and decided to make New York my home. It has been a long journey since then. I established my business, got involved in politics and then philanthropy.

    Q: Are you contented with your life? Do you miss something?
    Ans: I am very content with life I found my Irish wife in New York who gave me five wonderful kids. My businesses grew, so didmy network with people. In politics I worked in Republican and Independent parties. I mobilized votes for a number of politicians. I am involved in many charitable organizations in the fields of medicine, social welfare and
    community service due to which I was honored at various occasions and events.

    Q: How do you help your community?
    Ans: I have raised funds for a number of events on many occasions, especially to help the victims of earthquake in Gujarat. I worked with Jack Brewery Foundation to donate 50 thousand indestructible soccer balls for kids who could learn team building. This project was implemented in Latin America where 10 thousands such balls were distributed. Now we are going to do it in India.

    Q: What is your future plan?
    Ans: I want to continue helping people. I am planning to launch my electronic voting machine soon on which my staff is working since 2005.

    Q: What is your message for the younger generation?
    Ans: I want to tell the younger generation to focus on noble ideas. Set a goal for yourself and work hard to achieve that. One shouldn’t be deterred by anything as long as you have passion and courage to reach your goal.

    Bobby Kalotee can be reached at : bobby@apparty.com

  • Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor Hosts First Varli Culinary Awards in NY

    Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor Hosts First Varli Culinary Awards in NY

    NEW YORK (TIP): Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and renowned Indian-American actor Manu Narayan hosted the Varli Culinary Awards in Manhattan on November 15. The inaugural awards are a revolutionary concept that honors the best culinary skills amongst varied categories related to Indian cuisine. Varli Singh, the brand owner, is a prominent member in the field of world cuisine and has been consistently promoting Indian cuisine internationally. “We really wanted to recognize and applaud the contributions and amazing achievements of Indian chefs, restaurateurs, and key influencers on the international culinary stage,” Singh said in a statement to the press at the event. Celebrated Chef Sanjeev Kapoor also extended his appreciation for the event.

    “This is a wonderful platform to promote our Indian cuisine on a world stage. But most of all, this is a great opportunity to bring in the best chefs of Indian cuisine under one roof and celebrate our food together,” said Mr. Kapoor. Bollywood actor Chandrachur Singh, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri and many other celebrity chefs, attended the exclusive black-tie event. Chef Jehangir Mehta judged the event along with popular UAE food critic Gaurav Tandon. The other panel of judges included culinary experts such as Vikas Khanna, Rajesh Bhardwaj and Hari Nayak. The award function also had a sample tasting of incredible Indian cuisine and delicious cocktails made by some of the best restaurants in the Tri-state area. “Guests will experience a classy and entertaining affair filled with celebrity personalities, delicious tastings, and of course drinks!” Varli Singh added. The event also introduced a new line of kitchenware called ‘Varliware’ which was much welcomed by the international attendees, as most are starved of traditional Indian cooking utensils.

    The award categories and winners from the event are:Varli Appreciate Award
    Sarina Amin – Diku Bhai – Hemant Mathur – Rajesh Bhardwaj – Avtar Walia – Sanjeev Kapoor

    Varli Cook Off Contestants
    Preet Singh – Reshma Bathija – Sonny Chatrath – Jyoti Singh – Roni Mazumdar – Niru Kumria (Runner up) – Saira Malhotra (Winner)

    Best Mixologist
    Raju Somerpet

    Best Food Critic, UAE
    Gaurav Tandon

    Best Dessert & Pastry – Presented by Mithaas
    Sweet Silk – Confections by Shefalee Patel

    Best Restaurant, UAE – Presented by Nanking Restaurant Group
    Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor, Dubai

    Influential Women in the Restaurant Scene
    Rohini Dey, Vermilion restaurants

    Best Dessert & Pastry Chef
    Jehangir Mehta, Grafitti & Mehtaphor

    Best Chef 2012
    Vikas Khanna, Junoon

    Rising Star Chef – Presented by Junoon
    Shravan Shetty, Urban Spice

    Lifetime Achievement – Restaurateur
    Avtar Walia, Tamarind restaurants

    Lifetime Achievement – Chef
    Sanjeev Kapoor

    Best Chef, India
    Sabyasachi Gorai

    Best Restaurant, India
    Indian Accent, New Delhi

    Best Restaurant, Toronto
    Amaya

    Best Restaurant, Washington, DC
    Indique Heights

    Best Fast Food
    Mithaas

    Best Restaurant Upstate, NY
    Jaipore

    Best Restaurant, Connecticut
    Thali

    Best Restaurant, Long Island
    Mint

    Best Restaurant, New Jersey
    Palace of Asia

    People’s Choice – Best Restaurant New York City
    Bukhara Grill

    Critic’s Choice – Best Restaurant New York City
    Junoon

    Movers & Shakers
    Rakesh Agarwal – Shaun Mehtani – Sneh Mehtani – Nitin Vyas – Shiva Natrajan – Avtar Walia – Kamal Arora – Rajesh Bhardwaj – KN Vinod – Surfy Rahman – Gary Sikka – Prasad Chirnomula – Munish Narula

  • Some Insurance Companies to Sandy Victims: You are Covered for Hurricanes, Not Floods

    Some Insurance Companies to Sandy Victims: You are Covered for Hurricanes, Not Floods

    NEW YORK (TIP): To the surprise of Ranjit Singh Mahmatpur and his brother Gurmeet Singh, the insurer said they were not covered because the damage was caused by a flood – not a hurricane. Because they don’t have flood insurance, they have no luck.

    Thousands of families still struggling in the aftermath of Sandy are learning that some insurance companies don’t seem to think the storm was a hurricane. Singh brothers’ broker told them that their home in Brighton was covered for hurricanes, so when Sandy trashed the place, they assumed it will be OK. To their surprise, the insurer said they weren’t covered because the damage was caused by a flood – not a hurricane.

    Because they don’t have flood insurance, they don’t se any help. Homeowners in low-lying areas across the city have found themselves in the same situation. They’re turning to the feds in droves after their insurers won’t pay up. About 220,000 homeowners in New York City and Long Island have registered for emergency housing cash from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

    FEMA has approved $557 million for homeowners. Some of the money is for temporary rent payments, but much of it is for emergency home repairs not covered by insurance. The insurance gap is an emerging issue.

  • RANA Diwali Gala called off in view of Infighting

    RANA Diwali Gala called off in view of Infighting

    NEW YORK (TIP): The patriarch of Rajasthan Association of North America Haridas Kotahwala must be a sad man after taking a decision to cancel the much hyped annual Deepavali Gala scheduled to be held on November 10 at the up end Long Island Hilton Hotel.

    The communication from President Haridas Kotahwala cited Hurricane Sandy as the reason for cancellation of the organization’s mega event. However, The Indian Panorama learnt from reliable sources that it was not Hurricane Sandy but the storm within the organization that had compelled the President to cancel the event.

    The Indian Panorama now has the detailed information about the developments leading up to a sudden decision to kill the event.

    RANA proposed to honor some of its members for their services and contribution to community. Those proposed for award included former AIA President Sushma Kotahwala, AAPI Treasurer Dr Ajay Lodha, Vinay Kothari, Prabha Golia and Kamlesh Mehta. While the Board of Directors unanimously approved the first four for the award, the majority objected to an award to Kamlesh Mehta. It is said that while 4 Directors were in favor of an award to Mehta 11 voted against the proposal.. It is also reported that Haridas Kotahwala stoutly stood for award to Mehta. An acrimonious discussion ensued and the President used his veto to facilitate a resolution to honor Mehta along with the other four. When the pandemonium did not subside, Kotahwala adjourned the meeting.

    The opposition to the proposal to honor Kamlesh Mehta is attributed to his failure to honor his financial obligations to many in the Rajasthani community. Haridas had pleaded with the dissenting members not to bring in personal business dealings and issues of Mehta’s financial improprieties and irregularities to the Board meeting but members opposing the proposal remained resolute and are reported to have threatened to quit the organization if Mehta who had cheated many was given an award.

    The Board Room infighting has now spilled out in to the streets which is surely to damage the image of RANA and the interests of Kamlesh Mehta who is associated with many organizations and enjoys proximity with the powers that be in the County. All eyes are on RANA President Haridas Kotahwala’s next move.

  • More than 110 Perish-NY hardest hit with 48 lives lost

    More than 110 Perish-NY hardest hit with 48 lives lost

    NEW YORK (TIP): Hurricane Sandy will be remembered as one of the biggest in the history of the states located North of Washington D.C. It was eight hundred miles long and four hundred miles wide. The winds were gusting at 90 to 115 miles per hour, which is equal to 150 to 190 kilometers. Unprecedented rainfall ranging from 8 inches upwards was wreaking havoc with the communities falling in its unexpected route. The winds shattered doors and windows of several homes and blew off many roofs.

    It originated in the warm Caribbean Islands (West Indies) and its cyclonic rains took 69 lives in the tropical archipelago. Such storms, of smaller proportions have been hitting the Caribbean Islands and America before too, but the dimensions have never been so massive and these storms have never made landfall as far North as New Jersey.was not so much in the area of its eye. The worst damage was within a radius of hundred to two hundred miles around the eye.

    This circular path of devastation included entire New Jersey and Long Island area of New York. Some areas of New York city, including Staten Island, Queens and Lower Manhattan were hit hard. The full moon high tides in the Hudson and the East River inundated the low lying areas. The hundred year tidal elevation in coastal New Jersey ranges between ten and twelve feet, but the tidal surges of this storm exceeded those figures by several feet. As a result, there were massive power outages and some fires in the flooded regions. Days after the storm, a lot of communities all over New York and New Jersey are still without electricity. More than a hundred deaths have been confirmed so far. Some fatalities are still being found in houses. The worst property and infrastructure damages occurred in New Jersey. But New York suffered the highest death toll, after 9/11.

    There are hundreds of barrier islands in New Jersey. These barrier islands are a natural protection for the hinterland of the state. There are small bushes, wild grass and dwarf trees on these islands. During the coastal storms and Nor-Easters, the vegetation gets destroyed, but roots stay and the lost vegetation comes back. Before the European immigrants arrived in this country, these islands were practically uninhabited. Some of the adventurous Red Indians used to fish on these beauties during the day, but used to return home by nightfall. But the modern days Americans built communities with all modern facilities on some of these islands. During this hurricane, these barrier islands suffered the brunt of the fury. Some were wiped out in entirety and some were badly obliterated. It will be a gigantic task to restore normalcy on these islands. Some may have to be abandoned.

    Hurricane Sandy has done extensive damage to vital installations and properties in all states. Most heavily impacted municipalities are in the coastal regions of Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut and New York. On the first day, the financial losses have been roughly assessed at thirty five billion dollars. By now the losses have been revised to put the final figure at well past one hundred billion dollar mark. When final figures are tallied, the figures may increase substantially. This impact of the unprecedented storm is going to be harsh on the insurance companies. Most of them will ask for increased home insurance costs from their customers, when the next premium paying time comes. The FEMA has been very helpful with its generous financial and logistics help and so was the U.S. Army. Eight thousand electric experts from other states, along with their massive equipment, were in New Jersey alone. They have been working day and night to restore power in all affected states. Giant C-130 cargo planes have transported heavy electrical equipment from far flung areas like California.

    Considering massive damage to the properties and installations, the restoration of all electricity and other services shall need billions of dollars of new expenditure. Damaged home appliances, furniture, carpets and fittings shall have to be replaced. Hundreds of thousands of permanent gas operated generators shall have to be installed. Indubitably, Sandy has not only been the biggest storm in tears but also one of the most expensive.

  • Kerala Center to honor six at Awards Banquet on November 3rd

    Kerala Center to honor six at Awards Banquet on November 3rd

    NEW YORK (TIP):The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center (http://keralacenterny.com) will honor five Indian American Malayalees for their outstanding achievements in their field of specialization or for their service to the society and one diplomat for his service to the UN. The awardees will be honored at Kerala Center’s annual banquet on Saturday, November 3rd starting at 7.00 p.m. at Leonards of Great Neck in Long Island, 555 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, NY 11021.

    The Chief Guest for the evening is Vijay K. Nambiar, Under Secretary-General and Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar. Ambassador Nambiar will be honored for his service to the U,N. The keynote speaker is Dr. Geeta Menon, Dean, Undergraduate College and Abraham Krasnoff Professor of Global Business, Stern School of Business, New York University. Dr. Menon will also be honored for her achievement in the field of Education. Other award recipients who will be honored at the Awards Banquet are: Joy Kuttiyani, President of Kerala Samajam of South Florida, whose initiative to erect Mahatma Gandhi came to fruition recently for Community Service; Viju Menon, Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Verizon, the largest wireless carrier in the United States for Applied Sciences; Dr. Narayanan Neithalath is an Associate Professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, for Engineering; Roy Thomas, Deputy Director at New York State Mental Health Department for Social Work.

    An entertainment will follow after the award ceremony with a special performance by Wanted Ashiq, NY’s Premier Bollywood & Fusion Dance Troupe. Tickets for banquet can be reserved by contacting Kerala Center at 516-358-2000 or e-mail at kc@keralacenterny.com.

    This year’s awardees are as follows:

    Chief Guest and Being Recognized for Service to the UN

    Vijay Nambiar

    Ambassador Vijay Nambiar is Under Secretary-General and Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar. He has been with the United Nations for the last six years before which, as an Indian Foreign Service Officer, he spent thirty eight years with the Government of India and served between 1985 and 2004 as Ambassador of India in Algeria, Afghanistan, Malaysia, China, Pakistan and the United Nations. He is fluent in Chinese and holds a post-graduate degree from Bombay University where he was awarded the Chancellor’s Gold Medal in 1965. He is married to Malini Nambiar and has two daughters.

    Keynote Speaker – Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Education

    Dr. Geeta Menon

    Dr. Geeta Menon is the 11th Dean of the Undergraduate College at NYU’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business and the Abraham Krasnoff Professor of Global Business and Professor of Marketing. A respected educator at the graduate and undergraduate levels, she has mentored many doctoral students who have gone on to become faculty members at top schools. Dean Menon is also a prominent scholar whose study of the role of consumer memory and emotion in survey methodology has been published in leading academic journals, at which she has held editorial roles. She is the past President of the Association for Consumer Research (ACR). Dean Menon received her undergraduate degree from Stella Maris College and graduate degree from Madras Christian College in Chennai and Ph.D. in Business Administration at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

    Recognition for Outstanding Community Service

    Joy Kuttiyani

    Joy Kuttiyani is the current president of Kerala Samajam of South Florida. He conceived the idea to create a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi on a half acre site in a public park in the city of Davie, where he lives. This was done with the involvement of a number of Indian Organizations and the City of Davie. The dedication of the Gandhi Square and the unveiling was done by Dr. Abdul Kalam along with American and Indian dignitaries. He is highly active in the both Indian and American political and community development. Advisory board member of Park & Recreation Town of Davie.

    Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Applied Sciences

    Viju Menon

    Viju Menon is Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Verizon, the largest wireless carrier in the United States. He is a Fellow of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Leaders for Global Operations Program with graduate degrees in Engineering and Management from MIT. Prior to Verizon, Viju led Intel Corporation’s World-wide Supply Planning Operations. A recognized thought-leader in Lean Manufacturing and Supply Chain Transformations, Viju has published in various journals and is an invited speaker at Industry Conferences. In 2012, Viju was selected to Diversity MBA Magazine’s “Top 100 Under 50” National list of “Diverse Executive and Emerging Leaders”.

    Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering

    Dr. Narayanan Neithalath

    Dr. Narayanan Neithalath is an Associate Professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at Arizona State University, Tempe. AZ. Prior to that he was in the faculty at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. His expertise is in the science of sustainable materials for buildings and infrastructure. He is credited with developing, characterizing, and modeling novel cementitious materials that have lower carbon footprints, lower resource and energy implications, and lasts much longer, for use in infrastructural systems. He has authored more than 100 international journal and conference articles, and has delivered keynote lectures in several conferences within and outside the United States. His research on novel materials has been acknowledged by several awards including a CAREER award by the National Science Foundation.

    Recognition for Outstanding Accomplishments in Social Service

    Roy Thomas

    Roy Thomas has been appointed as the Deputy Director at New York State Mental Health Department by the Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo’s office. He is probably the only person of South Asian descent who is entrusted with this title in the history of the New York State Civil Service. During his last tenure of 5 years as the Chief of Service, his bold leadership and management was instrumental in transforming the Bronx Psychiatric Center into one of the leading hospitals in New York State. This landmark achievement has helped him to be chosen by the political leadership in Albany.

  • Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island

    Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island

    Shri Guru Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj blessed His devotees with a place to offer prayers to our Gurus and Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island was consecrated in Hicksville, New York on October 3rd, 2010. We are happy to convey to you that the concerned effort of the Sikh sangat to obtain necessary permits for the development and constructions of Gurdwara Sahib have finally succeeded. Change of property use has been approved. Similarly, all building plans have been approved. We thank you for all your sincere efforts and congratulate you for what you have achieved. However, we have to meet with the conditions stipulated in the permits, which include providing fire sprinklers, fire alarms, and certain facilities in the langar. Also we need to renovate and make some changes in the building. Parking lot also need some improvement. The entire project is estimated to cost between $250,000.00 to $300,000.00. The area of building including main floor and basement is 20,000 Sq. Feet. At this time we need your generous support to come up with the facilities and make the Guru’s abode a place which Guru Nanak will be happy with. Kindly commit yourself to the service of Guru Nanak and win His blessings. You may take upon yourself the responsibility of providing your services in construction or donate in cash for the project. Checks may please be made out in favor of Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island and mailed to P.O. Box 40, Hicksville, NY 11802. For any further information, please email to ” info@gurunanakdarbaroflongisland.org”. You may also contact Paramjit Singh Bedi at 516-849-0595. We will be grateful for your contribution. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

  • Priya Dutt praises donors; cites anti-cancer effort of the Foundation

    Priya Dutt praises donors; cites anti-cancer effort of the Foundation

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Nargis Dutt Foundation organized its 31st annual fundraising event at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Uniondale, Long Island Sunday, September 30.

    Member of Parliament Priya Dutt, daughter of the late Dutts-Nargis and Sunil, was the keynote speaker along with Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India in New York.

    The occasion saw a number of Indian Americans being honored for their excellence, services and contribution to community. They included Haridas Kotahwala (Lifetime Achievement), Kamlesh C. Mehta (Lifetime Achievement), Dr. Parag H. Mehta (Excellence in Medical Care), Sudhir Vaishnav (Excellence in Media), Gurdev D.P. Singh (Business Entrepreneurship), Dr. Tanveer Mir (Excellence in Medical Care), Ravi Chopra (Business Entrepreneurship), and Gurdip Singh Narula (Dedicated Service to the Foundation).

    Mrs. Priya Dutt spoke about the vision and work of the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation which was founded by her late father Sunil Dutt and Inder Bindra. She said during the last more than thirty years, the Foundation has taken up 57 projects at a cost of more than $5 million. She spoke feelingly about the vast population of India that suffers from cancer. She said the journey was long and the effort had to be kept on.

    And Consul General Prabhu Dayal underscored the importance of taking people along in the noble work that the Foundation was doing when he said, ” If you want to go fast, you go alone. If you want to go far, you go together.” He praised the work of the Foundation and the Indian American community for their generous support to the cause espoused by the Foundation.

    Inder Bindra, founder and past president of NDMF explained the method that goes in to funding a project. He spoke of four basic conditions: 1. The Foundation gives financial assistance to only charitable hospitals in India. 2. No cash is given; only equipment is provided. 3. The assistance should be used for treating the poor and the needy. 4. All equipment sent to a charitable organization has to be installed in the hospital for the care of the cancer patients.

    He added that the Foundation also sponsors doctors and volunteers for training in US to render better service in India.

    A cricket bat with signatures of Indian Cricket team that has been with Inder Bindra was auctioned for $20,000. There were three to bid – Harry Bola, Peter Bheddah and Gurdev DD.P. Singh. However, finally, the bat went to Gurdev D.P. Singh.

    A dazzling Fashion Show was presented by Ginny Jaggi that added color to the event.

    Before the event began Priya Dutt addressed a press conference, with Board members by her side. The Press Conference was conducted by The Indian Panorama Editor Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja

    “I am overwhelmed with the response from the Indian-American community to the charitable work we at the foundation are doing,” Mrs. Dutt said in her opening remarks. “Though there are several non-profit bodies working for the relief of pain caused by cancer, ours has a special place in society as 100% of all donations go towards our projects and other work we are doing with various organizations.”

    Recalling the charitable acts the foundation has undertaken over the years, Ms Dutt said one of the most important things was that it funded the entire expenditure of a teen-age girl who lost her right hand. “Now that woman is leading a near-normal life with an artificial hand,” the MP noted.

    According to her, the foundation is No. 1 in India in doing cancer-related service to the needy-both in rural areas and urban centers. She lauded particularly the services of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai; Indore Cancer Foundation, Madhya Pradesh; Karnataka Cancer Institute, Hubli; and Indo-American Cancer Institute, Hyderabad. The foundation’s work in Punjab was also praised.

    She said the foundation ensures the supply of equipment and medicines to several of the centers and hospitals. “Spreading awareness is important. What causes it and how to prevent it. For instance leukemia/blood cancer can be cured and one has to stay away from carcinogens,” Ms Dutt pointed out.

    In her special message to the souvenir released on the occasion, Ms Dutt said, “It is my ambition to be decent. This shall be my doctrine. One that I will try and pass on to all who I deal with.”

    She added, “I am writing this message to congratulate you [all officeholders of the foundation] on completing three decades of fruitful service to improve cancer hospitals for the benefit of poor people in India.”

    Members of the foundation were praised by none other than Prime Minister Manmohan Singh himself. In his brief message on the great occasion, the prime minister said, “The commitment to the cause of cancer and the missionary zeal with which the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation has been helping those affected by this disease is indeed commendable.”
    The foundation has financed cancer-focused hospitals and organizations across the country in states such as Punjab, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

    The nonprofit, charitable body whose donations are tax-deductible is based in New Hyde Park on Long Island, New York state. It is formally known as Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation Inc.

    The foundation was set up in 1981 in memory of Nargis, a noted film star in India. Though she entered the movie industry in mid-1940s, it was only in late 1940s she became widely known. She was probably best known for her film “Mother India”, which was nominated for an Oscar in 1957.

    She was a caring woman and her dream was to see that the underprivileged in India should have access to quality medical care. Despite the fact that she receive world-class treatment in New York, Nargis passed away in 1981-the year in which the foundation was established in her memory. She was 51 at that time. Her husband Sunil Dutt and her children, particular Priya Dutt, have since then embarked upon on the mission of helping cancer-stricken patients in India. Sunil breathed his last in 2005 serving the nation in the position of Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs.
    DJ Kucha and Mala Bakshi did well to manage the ceremonies.

  • Sharanjit Singh Thind appointed a Commissioner of Human Rights Commission

    Sharanjit Singh Thind appointed a Commissioner of Human Rights Commission

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Nassau County Legislature approved on Sep 24, an appointment by County Executive Ed Mangano of Sharanjit Singh Thind as Commissioner of Nassau County Commission on Human Rights.

    Commenting on the appointment, Zahid Syed, Chairman of the commission said, “Nassau county is home to many communities and with this appointment, County executive has delivered again on his promise of representation to all communities in his administration”. “As a fellow South Asian, I feel pride of the appointment and congratulate Sharanjit on his new appointment.

    “After the God almighty, I am thankful to County Executive Ed Mangano & Chairman Zahid Syed for their trust in me and assure to perform this challenging task with the best of my abilities” remarked Sharanjit after his appointment.

    Sharanjit, who owns a Media company and real estate business on Long Island is a long time resident of Nassau County, Long Island. He has been actively involved in Social &community affairs as well as matters of importance to the community. After the tragic shootout at Wisconsin Sikh Temple, Sharanjit helped community leaders & activists organize an interfaith prayer with Nassau Human Rights commission.

    Nassau County is located immediately east of New York City in the U.S. state of New York, within the New York Metropolitan Area & is home to a population of 1,339,532. Forbes magazine’s American Community Survey named Nassau County as one of the richest counties in America. The survey also named Nassau County the number one richest county per capita in the State of New York.

    (Press Release)

  • Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation: a Lighthouse of Hope for Cancer Patients

    Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation: a Lighthouse of Hope for Cancer Patients

    It was a pleasant afternoon on September 18 that I was in the company of Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation Board of Governors and Executive Members at Akbar Restaurant in Garden City, Long Island. Sher S Madra, Chairman of Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation was present with his colleagues to give an exclusive interview to The Indian Panorama.

    Present on the occasion were members of Board of Governors and executive committee members that included Inder Bindra, Founder and a Past President, Peter Bheddah, a Past President and a member of Board of Governors, Shammi Singh, another member of Board of Governors and a Past President; she is chair, Entertainment and Fashion Show, Hussain Baqueri, General Secretary, Gurdip Singh Narula, Treasurer and Zinda Singh, member, Board of Directors.

    In reply to my question as to how the idea of forming NDMF came up, the septuagenarian Inder Bindra, one of the original 14 founding members and the only one to be going strong, a Past President and currently a member of Board of Governors recounted how the great organization with a noble vision came into being.

    In 1981 Nargis Dutt who was suffering from Pancreatic cancer was treated at Sloane Kettering Institute in New York. In spite of best efforts of doctors and the loving care of her husband, Sunil Dutt, cancer ultimately snuffed life out of the legendary cine artist.

    Inder Bindra recalled that in April/May, 1981 Sunil Dutt had come to New York to settle the bill for Nargis Dutt’s treatment at Memorial Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center. They were together in the Bahamas when the idea of forming Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation came to their mind. It was later that he , along with 13 other persons with philanthropic disposition (some of whom have since withdrawn or have migrated to the other world ) held a meeting with Sunil Dutt and discussed the issue of forming the organization.

    Sunil Dutt, Bindra said, felt mightily pleased and said he was obliged for the offer to form Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation. Thus, the embryonic idea took a shape in 1981. And soon, the first formal meeting took place in the month of May, 1981 itself. The NDMF was registered as 501-C 3 Not-for Profit corporation. Ranjit Ghura and Russel Rosen in Wall Street who was the attorney helped in the formation of the corporation. Inder Bindra recalled the first meeting of the 14 founding members at the residence of Dr. Amarjit Singh. Each of them contributed $500.00. That was the beginning, 31 years ago.

    Sher Madra added that from that humble beginning, in 31 years NDMF has come a long way. During this period the NDMF has completed 56 projects valued at more than 5 million dollars. NDMF today has chapters all over the world. In North America itself, the Foundation has chapters in New York, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Austin , and Vancouver.
    During the course of the interview, each person present contributed to giving a view of the organization; much of it however came from Inder Bindra.

    To a question on the broad objective of the NDMF, Inder Bindra said it was to “improve and upgrade medical care and treatment of cancer related patients; and to provide financial support for the training of doctors from India specializing in the field of cancer”.

    To another question about the criteria for giving financial assistance to an institution working to fight the scourge of cancer, Inder Bindra said that there are clear guidelines in this respect. He said the Foundation gives financial assistance to only charitable hospitals in India. Also, no cash is given; only equipment is provided. There is another condition attached to the assistance that it should be used for treating the poor and the needy. All equipment sent to a charitable organization has to be installed in the hospital for the care of the cancer patients.
    Bindra added that in India the nodal chapter is in Mumbai which is managed by Priya Dutt. Earlier, it was managed by Sunil Dutt until his death. The India center overseas the entire project. In fact, the procedure followed is India office sends recommendation and NDMF creates resources to fund the project.

    Speaking about the projects undertaken by the NDMF, Peter Bheddah said the Foundation had completed 56 projects worth more than $ 5 million. He said that last year the Foundation provided Radiation Field Analyzer valued at $150,000 for cancer treatment to Indore Cancer Foundation Charitable Trust, Madhya Pradesh. The grant has been made possible, in part, to the efforts of Ms. Priya Dutt.

    Peter Bheddah quickly listed some of the more notable projects undertaken by NDMF in the last 31 years. In 2010, NDMF donated $20,000 to American Red Cross for Haiti Relief . In 2006, Guru Nanak Mission Medical and Educational Trust Hospital in Dhahan Kaleran, Punjab was gifted a Mammography unit, valued at $80,000.In 2005, NDMF donated 425,000 towards Indian Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Tsunami Relief in South India. In 2001, NDMF provided earthquake relief consisting of medical supplies and providing primary health care facility in earth quake ravaged Gujarat. Similarly, Sohana Eye Hospital in Punjab was provided eye equipment valued at $45,000.

    Peter added that NDMF has already completed the Pune Project that was reported as being under consideration which takes the total number of projects done to 57. Further details of the projects undertaken by NDMF can be obtained from www.nargisduttny.org.

    Sher Madra clarified that besides the projects that NDMF does regularly, the Foundation also attaches great importance to the training of doctors from India in cancer treatment in the US. He said NDMF is affiliated with Indian American Cancer Society who have their offices all over the United States. This Society selects doctors from India for training in the treatment of cancer. NDMF sponsors the doctors thus selected.

    Of the proud achievements, Bindra said, is the one relating to first bone marrow transplant in India in 1984. He said it was sponsored by NDMF. He added that the beneficiary- a girl- is still alive. Also, he recalled that Praful Desai from Tata Cancer Institute, Mumbai was the first doctor from India who was sponsored by NDMF for training in cancer treatment in the US. Dr. Desai was trained here for 6 months.

    Inder Bindra listed another great job that NDMF has been doing since its inception. It is to recognize talent, achievement, accomplishment and contribution of people.

    He mentioned some of the more notable honorees from the past. They included Dr. Jatin P Shah, world renowned Oncologist at Memorial Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Manjit Bains, Dr. Nori, Dr. P. Narsimhan, and Dr. Jeremy Boal, Bindra said that each year 5-7 eminent personalities are selected for honors.

    The 2012 honorees include Kamlesh Mehta (Lifetime Achievement), Haridas Kotahwala (Lifetime Achievement), Gurdev Singh (D.P.) (Business Entrepreneur), Dr. Parag H. Mehta (Excellence in Healthcare), Dr. Tanveer Mir (Excellence in Palliative Medical Care), Ravi Chopra (business Entrepreneur), Sudhir Vaisnav (Community Service) and Gurdip S. Narula ( Services to NDMF)

    Those honored in 2011 included Mrs. Anupam Goenka, Mr.Arvind Walia, Dr. I.G. Bhat, Dr. Digpal Dharkar, Mrs. Vandana Govil, Mr. Mohinder Singh Taneja, and Dr. Dev Ratnam.

    Shammi Singh, a prominent Member of Governing Body and Chairman, Entertainment promised a very entertaining evening with the Fashion Show being presented by Ginni Jaggi in conjunction with Parvesh & Jai , leading designers from New Delhi who will showcase their latest range of fashion wear. which has a 25 models who will showcase

    Giving information about the Chief Guest, General Secretary Hussain Bacqueri said that Mrs. Priya Dutt, Hon. Member of Parliament, and daughter to Nargis and Sunil Dutt will be gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest. Keynote speakers include Hon. Mrs. Priya Dutt, Hon. Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India in New York and Nassau County Executive Hon. Edward P. Mangano

    NDMF Treasurer Gurdip S. Narula said that they expected 500 guests at the gala. He made a special note of the fact that NDMF incurs no operative costs. All money is paid by the members themselves.

    Asked about the composition of Board of Governors, Sher S Madra explained that it consists of six active Past Presidents. The Board of Governors at present, consists of Inder Bindra, Founder and the oldest Past President, Peter Bheddah, a man of all seasons, N.D. Mansukhani, ever ready to help, Dr. Jagdish K. Gupta, one size fits all, Shammi Singh, the entertainment maestro, and Dr. Inderpal Singh Chhabra, the smart organizer.

    Inder Bindra made a closing statement that NDMF has members from all walks of life and from all faiths even though the Foundation primarily is concerned with providing relief against cancer and thus, is of a medical nature, and the cancer care is provided in India.

    The 31st Annual Fund Raising Gala is being held on September 30th, 2012 at Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 101 James Dolittle Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11553.

  • Mangano, Venditto, Bobby Kumar Honored at India Day Parade Gala

    Mangano, Venditto, Bobby Kumar Honored at India Day Parade Gala

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Woodlands at the Greens was a beehive of activity on September 9th with 300 prominent personalities, dignitaries, community and business leaders, IDP USA Team comprising of the IDP USA event Conveners – Mr. Harendra Singh, Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Ms. Indu Jaiswal, Mr. Gobind Munjal and Mr. Mohinder Singh Taneja, Committees, Chairs and Co-Chairs and Volunteers who had organized the First India Day Parade on Long Island in Hicksville to celebrate India’s 66th Independence Day in keeping with the worldwide Indian Diaspora gathered together at a posh venue to rejoice in style. Hosts mingled with guests in the classy settings of the Clubhouse at Melville on Long Island to celebrate the Gala Dinner.

    Honorees, on this special occasion, for their outstanding contributions to Long Island’s ethnic diversity were Nassau County Executive Hon. Ed Mangano, Town of Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto and Mr. Bobby Kumar Kalotee who received the “Jewel of India in USA” Special Award on the occasion.

    Among the many distinguished dignitaries present who were recognized and thanked for sharing this momentous occasion with IDP USA were the many honorable judges from the supreme, district, family and many other appellate and division courts and candidates for judgeship who were present, among them being – Hon. Justices Francis Ricigliano, Hon. Sheri Roman, Hon. Andrea Phoenix, Hon. O’Connor, Hon. Robert Spergel, Hon. David Sullivan, Hon. Hope Zimmerman, Hon. William O’Brien, Hon. Leslie Stein, Hon. Stephen Bucaria, Hon. Anthony Paradiso, Hon. Sandy Pardes, Hon. Douglas Lerose, Hon. Andrew Engel, Hon. Rich Porcelli, Howard Taylor and others.

    Hon. John Venditto expressed his happiness at being part of the gala event. Mr. Bobby Kumar in thanking everyone present from the bottom of his heart said he was speechless and could not thank enough, recognizing the scores of individuals who supported him in his endeavors while at the same time paying tribute to his humble beginnings from a small village in India and the long road traveled leading to where he is now, an American dream come true, delivering his speech in his typical mirthful style. A short video carefully put together showcased Mr. Bobby Kumar’s life. Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Director of Business and Economic Development, Nassau County accepted the Award on behalf of Hon. Ed Mangano.

    Mr. Mohinder Singh Taneja opened the event with a warm welcome to all. Introductions to the Honorees were given by Mr. Kamlesh Mehta and Mr. Animesh Goenka. Ms. Indu Jaiswal recognized and thanked her team in Indian American Forum consisting of Dr. Bhupi Patel, Dr. Azad Anand, Dr. Parveen Chopra and Dr. Arya and invited all on stage to jointly present together with all the Event Conveners a Special Gold Medal Award to Mr. Bobby Kumar in recognition of all his many outstanding achievements. In continuing with the honors and also recognised at the podium for their outstanding support were IDP USA’s lead sponsors – Mr. Harry Singh of Bolla Oil, Patel Brothers and Bollyarts, with Mr. Sanjay and Mr. Hiren Patel and Ms. Sunitha Sadhnani graciously accepting the recognition on behalf of their businesses. Among other sponsors recognized was Kingfisher Airlines.

    The entertainment segment in 2 parts while the program was underway was provided by Bolly Arts with dances performed in contemporary Bollywood style having DJ Kutcha at the mike. He was thanked together with Mala Bakshi, Ajay Batra and Kanika Marwaha for all work done in moving forward the various stages of the IDP USA events and the Gala Dinner, while Mr. Lal Motwani distributed up-to-date professionally prepared copies of the IDP USA Journal to all invitees present.

    Mr. Gobind Munjal heartily thanked all honorees, community leaders, fellow conveners including members of the press and media who contributed to the overall success of IDP USA. Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to all Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs and a roll call of recognition was read aloud. Among those mentioned were Mr. Rajan Nabe, Mr. Nagendra Gupta, Mr. Salil Zaveri, Mr. Raj and Mrs. Suchita Chadha, Mrs. Tina Shah, Mr. Vijay Goswamy, Mr. Ken Epstein, Mr. Ashok Sapra, Mr Rajesh Kumar, Mr. Zinda Singh, Ms. Bharti Desai, Mr. Rajendra, Nipun, Anuj and many others.
    (Press Release issued by Rekha Valliappan)

  • Hicksville VFW Support for 333rd MP Brigade

    Hicksville VFW Support for 333rd MP Brigade

    HICKSVILLE< NY(TIP): The Hicksville Veterans of Foreign Wars, William M. Gouse Jr. Post 3211 had a busy August in support of the 333rd Military Police Brigade.

    The 333rd MP BDE (formerly the 800th MP BDE) was deploying to Afghanistan on Aug. 24 for a nine-month tour; their mission will be instructing the Afghan police on techniques of policing.

    The Hicksville VFW originally “adopted” the 800th MP BDE in 2004, while they were in Iraq, through the National VFW Military Assistance Program. The relationship between these two great organizations has continued and prospered over the years. The 800th was re-designated the 333rd MP BDE in June 2012.

    Beginning on Aug. 4, the 333rd MP BDE held their Yellow Ribbon event at the Long Island Sheraton in Hauppauge, a two-day event to brief and prepare the members of the 333rd and their families for their deployment. The Hicksville VFW was invited and set up a table to explain the benefits of being a VFW member. VFW Commander William Walden addressed the unit and promised that the VFW would support and help both the members and their families during their deployment.

    On Aug. 13, the Hicksville VFW hosted about 50 members of the 333rd MPs and their families to an informal pre-deployment get together at the VFW Post. The VFW members cooked and served hamburgers and hot dogs along with an assortment of hot dishes and salads.

    Next week, on Aug. 23, Hicksville Commander William Walden and a number of Post 3211 VFW members attended the 333rd MP BDE’s Change of Command and Deployment Ceremony. Food and drinks were served to about 400 people attending the ceremony. The Family Readiness Group Coordinators handed out gifts to all the children of the members deploying. It was a solemn and moving event. On Friday morning, Aug. 24, the unit left for Fort Bliss, Texas for further training before leaving for Afghanistan.