The Indian Panorama

Tag: Long Island

  • Vaisakhi 5 K Run organized

    Vaisakhi 5 K Run organized

    RICHMOND HILL, NY (TIP): On Sunday, April 27th, 2014-after weeks of anticipation and virally growing interest-a first-of-itskind race took place at the beautiful Forest Park. Crowds arrived from across the tristate area for a day of competition, community, faith, and fun. The Vaisakhi 5K Run drew more than 500 participants of all backgrounds and levels of fitness.

    Runners aged 14 through 76 ran their own victory laps from a track aptly called Victory Field. Outfitted with the official golden-colored race t-shirt, runners lit up the park with their enthusiasm and positive mood. Prabhnoor Singh Badesha (BIB# 860) was the first-place male winner, and Jasvinder Kaur Vraich (BIB# 931) was the first place female winner.

    Male: 2nd place, Navdeep Bains (BIB# 860)
    Male: 3rd place, Manipal Singh (BIB# 289)
    Female: 2nd place, Sukhzinder Braich (BIB# 929)
    Female: 3rd place, Gabriela Sanchez (BIB# 38)

    The race was organized by a long-time marathoner Dr. Avtar Singh Tinna and India Association of Long Island President Satnam Singh Parhar in association with The Sikh Cultural Society. Vaisakhi 5K, Inc., the organizing committee for the event, was staffed with the finest officials and volunteers. Many proud sponsors and media partners served to make the event all the more complete. Since 1991, Dr. Tinna has been a regular in the 26.2-mile New York City Marathon and a number of other running events across the United States.


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    Donning his signature t-shirt labeled “Proud to be a Sikh,” he runs with his saffron (kesri) turban, attracting an enormous crowd of spectators as he treks through his many races. This year, Dr. Tinna’s objective was to get others to run. The Vaisakhi 5K was successful in what Dr. Tinna sees as a tradition in the making-a tradition promoting athleticism, fitness, and sport.


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    “What better way,” says Dr. Tinna, “than to get the community together and get fit as one?” Dr. Tinna, a dentist by profession, maintains a practice in Queens, New York City. He was born in Punjab, India in the village of Seh Jhangi, Jalandhar. Having studied at DAV College in Jalandhar and graduating from Punjab Government Dental College and Hospital in Amritsar, Dr. Tinna moved to New York in 1980.

    He lives there today with his wife and four children. For more information on the Vaisakhi 5K, the organization, or any sponsorship inquiries, please feel free to contact info@vaisakhi5k.com.

  • Long Island Mortgage Banker and Five Others Indicted in $30 Million Bank Fraud Conspiracy

    Long Island Mortgage Banker and Five Others Indicted in $30 Million Bank Fraud Conspiracy

    Banker, Real Estate Lawyers, Appraiser, and Straw Buyers allegedly carried out scheme to obtain Inflated Mortgage Funding and then Re-Sold “Toxic” Loans to the Market

    NEW YORK, NY (TIP) Six men were indicted, on May 6, with carrying out a $30 million bank fraud conspiracy by fraudulently inflating the prices of homes for sale and then obtaining mortgages that far exceeded the true collateral value of properties in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

    They are MANJEET BAWA, age 46, Dix Hills, New York, JOSEPH FERRARA, age 70, Long Beach, New York, ERIC FINGER, age 48, Miami, Florida, JOSEPH MIRANDO, age 54, Centereach, NY, JOHN PETITON age 68, Garden City, New York, AARON WIDER age 50, Copiague, New York.

    Through his mortgage banking company, defendant Aaron Wider and his coconspirators allegedly then re-sold these “toxic” mortgages to banks and other investors in the secondary mortgage market, causing millions in losses when the loans went into foreclosure. Four of the defendants were arrested this morning and will be presented for arraignment later today at the United States Courthouse in Central Islip, New York, before United State Magistrate Judge Gary R. Brown.

    Of the remaining two defendants, one was taken into custody in Florida, while another is scheduled to surrender to federal agents tomorrow in Central Islip. The indictment and arrests were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and George Venizelos, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and New York Field Office.

    “The conduct charged in the indictment is a prime example of the type of corrupt mortgage-lending practices that preceded the bursting of the real estate bubble, the loss of faith in securitized mortgage obligations, and the financial collapse of 2007 and 2008,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “Instead of using their skills in banking, the law, and investing to assist individuals pursuing the American Dream, the defendants cooked up a sophisticated scheme that defrauded lenders and then fed toxic debt to the investigating public at large in the secondary mortgage market.

    I would like to thank the investigators at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office and New York State Department of Financial Services for their invaluable assistance in this investigation.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Venizelos said, “As alleged in the indictment, during the height of the real estate boom, these defendants devised a scheme to turn a profit at the expense of unsuspecting lenders, investors, and members of the public. Mortgage fraud poses a threat to our financial systems and to our economy.

    This case should send a clear message to all individuals who try to game our financial market: you will be identified and held accountable for your criminal acts. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate those who orchestrate and participate in various mortgage fraud schemes in order to protect the public against those who seek to damage our economy.”

    According to the indictment and other court filings, between 2003 and 2008, defendant Aaron Wider operated a New York State licensed mortgage bank in Garden City, New York, called HTFC Corp., which issued residential mortgages to borrowers. HTFC did not possess assets to fund these loans but relied on funding from other banks and financial institutions, commonly known as “warehouse lenders.” The warehouse lenders relied on Wider and HTFC to ensure that home buyers were able to pay the mortgages and that the market value of the homes fully collateralized the loans. Instead, Wider and the co-defendants allegedly engineered a complex series of same-day sham transactions, or “flips,” to artificially inflate the prices of homes.

    Then, they lied to the warehouse lenders to obtain mortgage funding that was 80 percent more than the actual value of the homes. Wider and co-defendants Manjeet Bawa, John Petiton, and Joseph Ferrara contracted to buy homes in Nassau and Suffolk Counties from innocent sellers at market prices. The defendants then submitted fraudulent loan applications to the warehouse lenders that nearly doubled the true sales prices of the homes. The defendants also inflated their personal assets and concealed significant liabilities to get loan approval. At each closing, Petiton, an attorney admitted to practice in New York State, oversaw the actual sales to innocent sellers and simultaneously created sham trusts into which title to the properties was transferred for no money.

    He and the co-conspirators then immediately transferred title back to the co-defendants at nearly double the price to create a false paper trail documenting the artificially inflated prices. Meanwhile, real estate appraiser Joseph Mirando prepared false appraisal reports to justify the inflated prices, while HTFC closing attorney Eric Finger concealed the far lower, true sales price for properties by lying on federalmandated settlement forms. Finger received wire transfers of funds from the warehouse lenders and, after paying the innocent thirdparty sellers, disbursed the surplus money fraudulently obtained in the mortgages to his fellow co-conspirators. HTFC sold each of its mortgages in the secondary market.

    On paper, the loans appeared to be attractive investments because HTFC’s mortgages carried high rates of return that were supposedly fully collateralized by the market value of homes and the assets and incomes of the borrowers or mortgagors. Upon buying mortgages from HTFC, the secondary market bank paid off the warehouse lenders and then either collected the principal and interest or bundled them into mortgage-backed securities that were sold to pension funds, hedge funds, and other investors seeking relatively secure, high-yield investments.

    When HTFCs mortgages went into foreclosure beginning in 2007 and 2008, the secondary market investors discovered that the actual value of the collateral was 80 percent less than the amount borrowed for each home. The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants face up to 30 years’ imprisonment. The indictment unsealed today also seeks to forfeit 19 residential properties traced to the bank fraud or up to $30 million in a money judgment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Miskiewicz.

  • Dr. Simran Singh and Gurpreet Kaur tie the knot

    Dr. Simran Singh and Gurpreet Kaur tie the knot

    Dr. Simran Singh, son of a New York based well known businessman and community leader, Sardar Darshan Singh Bagga and Sardarni Lovleen Kaur Bagga was married to Gurpreet Kaur, daughter of Indore, India based businessman Sardar Ravinder Singh Khanuja and Sardarni Rupinder Kaur Khanuja, on April 26, 2014.


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    Groom with parents and other family members going with Barat to meet the Bride and her parent’s family on April 26, 2014 at Glen Cove Gurudwara

    The Anand Karaj ceremony, preceded by cocktails on April 24, and followed by a reception on the 27th, was performed at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur, Glen Cove, NY on April 26. The Anand Karaj ceremony was attended by around 400 persons that included relations and friends from far and near. It was a union of two well-known Sikh families, with roots in Indore, India.


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    Groom’s family and Bride’s family on April 24, 2014 at Cocktail party in Leonard’s Palazzo, Great Neck

    While Baggas moved to the US in 1970, Khanujas stayed put in Indore. Ravinder Singh Khanuja, a coal contractor and a manufacturer of electric welding rods and his lovely wife Rupinder Kaur have two daughters and a son. One of the daughters Gurpreet Kaur got married to Dr. Simran Singh, son of Darshan Singh and Lovleen Kaur Bagga of New York on April 26, 2014.


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    Darshan Singh Bagga hardly needs an introduction. A well-known builder,Mr. Bagga is a popular figure in the community. Known for his generosity, he has helped a number of institutions and organizations with donations for their projects. He is socially very involved. He is the founder President of GOPIO Long Island, besides being associated with a number of institutions.


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    He is deeply committed to promotion of Punjabi literature and language and has been associated with the World Punjabi Organization for many years. Having a sense of history, he has an ambitious plan to raise a befitting memorial to Ghadarites in New York for which he plans to use a large space in one of his malls in Long Island. The Indian Panorama family wishes the newlyweds a long and happy married life.


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  • Academic brilliance-Long Island Teen accepted to all 8 Ivy League Schools

    Academic brilliance-Long Island Teen accepted to all 8 Ivy League Schools

    LONG ISLAND, NY(TIP): A Long Island high school senior has created a sort of history by being accepted to all eight Ivy League schools. 17-year-old Kwasi Enin is the firstgeneration son of immigrants who has accomplished this featwhich few other students have ever attempted.

    All 8 Ivy League Schools-Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Yale and the University of Pennsylvaniahave sent acceptance letters all to his home in Shirley. “The yesses kept coming,” Enin, a William Floyd High School student who wants to be a physician, told Newsday. He said he couldn’t believe it. Neither could Nancy Winkler, a guidance counselor at Enin’s school. “It’s a big deal when we have students apply to one or two Ivies,” Winkler told USA Today.

    “To get into one or two is huge. This is extraordinary.” Few students even apply to all eight ultra-selective universities, college counselors told USA Today, because each school looks for different qualities in their freshman classes. Each college accepts fewer than 15 percent of applicants. Enin, a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Ghana, scored 2,250 out of 2,400 on the SAT, according to USA Today. That places him in the 99th percentile for all students taking the exam. Enin told USA Today he got the idea to apply to all eight Ivy League schools in 10th or 11th grade and said each of them had qualities he liked.

    He was also accepted at Duke and three State University of New York campuses. The Long Island teenager who got accepted into all eight Ivy League colleges was whipped into shape by his strict mom and dad – who hovered nearby, encouraging him to push himself, he told The Post. “They were helicopter parents. They monitored everything. They said, ‘You have a mind, and you can do it. Always do your best,’?” said Kwasi Enin, 17, a senior at William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach. He added, “They taught me 95 percent isn’t good enough .?.?. I’m proud, honored, appreciative.”

    The whiz kid’s parents – who are both nurses and immigrants from Ghana – also never let him forget he’s lucky to be in the United States, said his dad, Ebenezer Enin, 54, of Shirley. “I say, ‘You have all the resources in the world. Whatever you need, you have it here. You don’t know how lucky you are to be in America. You have no idea how blessed you are. I’m telling you,’?” Ebenezer Enin said. “I tell him academically, performancewise, school-wise, you’ve got to stay at the top of the game. He’s been disciplined; he’s been trained; he’s been guided. We’ve motivated him,” he said.

    The hardworking teen – who plays viola, sings in the school orchestra and competes as a shot-putter – applied to a total of 12 colleges because he feared he wouldn’t get into a single one, he said. “That was the logic, because you know how hard they are to get into .?.?. It was the biggest surprise,” said Enin, who ended up getting into all 12 schools. To apply, he sent out an application essay about the role of music in his life.

    “Music has become the spark of my intellectual curiosity,” he wrote. The essay, with his straight-A grades and 2,250-out-of-2,400 SAT score were enough to ace the applications. Now he must choose from the eight Ivies – Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton and Yale – schools that boast acceptance rates of 14 percent to 5.9 percent. He says he hasn’t made a decision on which school to attend, but says his preference is Yale.

  • Satnam Singh Parhar, President, India Association of Long Island

    Satnam Singh Parhar, President, India Association of Long Island

    As I watched the documentary “A Journey in Time” on the screen, I was reminded of the golden wheat crop at this time of the year in Punjab, my home. It created nostalgia. I must commend Prof. Saluja for producing a rare combination of information and art.

    The brief documentary gave a peep into the history of the brave Punajbi people who are hard working and fun loving. The dance performance of the Bhangra and Gidha group as also the songs rendered by Prachi and Surya were of a high quality. It was time well spent at the Consulate.

  • Nursing home for elderly sued for hiring strippers

    Nursing home for elderly sued for hiring strippers

    A nursing home for the elderly in Long Island, New York, is being sued after it hired male strippers to entertain its residents, it was announced on Tuesday. The incident came to light when Franklin Youngblood found a lewd photograph in January 2013 among the belongings of his 86-year-old mother, who suffers from partial dementia.

    The image, allegedly taken by nursing home staff, showed “a muscular, almost nude male dancer” as he “gyrated in front of” Bernice Youngblood, according to the multi-million dollar lawsuit filed last month. “He had a fistful of dollars in his hand and she was putting a dollar in his pants at his demand ; he’s leaning over her, he’s not just standing there, he’s intimidating her,” her attorney , John Ray, told 1010 WINS.

    Bernice Youngblood, who attended the news conference in a wheelchair with some of her relatives at her side, said she felt “terrible” and “ashamed” about what happened, but had no specific recollection of the details of the incident. Ray branded the strip show “grotesque” and said that employees did it “for their own sick amusement.”

    He added he has yet to determine who took the photograph, or how it got in the woman’s bedroom drawer. “This might be great for 32-year-old single girls, but this is an 86-year-old traditional, African-American woman,” he added. Youngblood and other patients do not have “the physical or mental capacity to consent to such vile acts or to defend themselves against such vile acts,” the lawsuit said.

  • Indian American Forum gives away Outstanding Women’s Achievements Awards

    Indian American Forum gives away Outstanding Women’s Achievements Awards

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Indian American Forum presented, Thursday March 27, the Third Annual Outstanding Women’s Achievements gala as part of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day Celebrations. First Lady of Nassau County Linda Mangano was the Chief Guest and, an honoree too.

    Five women who excelled in their professions and community services received the Outstanding Women’s Achievements Awards Dr Chhaya Patel: Founding member of ARCH Foundation, Action Research in Community Health Development, for her contributions in field of Medicine and community Services Swati Vaishnav; Founder of Nartan Rang Dance Academy and member of Board of Directors of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, for her contributions and promotion Indian Culture, dances and community services Sunila Tejpaul: Founder of Forest Hills Montessori School and member of Board of Child Center of New York, for her contributions for Education, social and community services Sunita Mukhi: Cultural Producer and interdisciplinary Performance Scholar in Culture Pandita Tripti Mukherjee: Illustrious Indian Classical Music Vocalist from Padit Jasraj Music Institute Chief Guest Linda Mangano praised the efforts of Indian American Forum and Indian American Community.


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    She Congratulated honorees and emphasized on the importance of role women are playing in this world. Nassau County Executive Edward P Mangano presented Citations to honorees and praised their efforts and congratulated them for their achievements. Among the gathering, several elected dignitaries were present who included Chairman of Nassau County Commission of Human Rights, Zahid Syed, Human Rights Commissioner Sharanjit Singh Thind and Town Clerk from Town of Hempstead Nasrin Ahmed.

    Citations were presented from the offices of Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, Congressman Steve Israel and Senator Kemp Hanon. Also present were Satnam Prahar, President India Association of Long Island, Sher Madra and Peter Bheddah, Board of Directors of Nargis Dutt Foundation, Kavita Lund, Dr Dina Pahlajani, Children’s Hope , Sudhir Vaishnav and Sunil Modi, President of Association of Indians in America (AIA).

  • India Association of Long Island Celebrates Holi

    India Association of Long Island Celebrates Holi

    India Association of Long Island (IALI), four decades old and going strong is one of the oldest and largest Associations representing Indians on Long Island.

    The association recently celebrated the Festival of Colors – Holi at Antun’s in Hicksville. A gathering of around 300 in festive spirits enjoyed the fun filled and entertaining evening.


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    HAB Bank Vice President Rizwan Qureshi being honored on the occasion.( L to R): Rizwan Qureshi,Mrs. Parhar, Satnam S. Parhar, Rekha Valliappan, Gunjan Rastogi


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    The Jashan Dance Company comprising of Garima Bhatia and M. Shreenivas and Stephanie Lalitha Cosme and her Troupe of dancers – Hallie Simone-Bolden, Mary Sarragoussi, Vaishali Saxena, Sonny J. and Edwina Saddington entertained

  • NYS Senate Co-Leader Dean Skelos says ‘no’ to merging DREAM Act with education investment tax credit

    NYS Senate Co-Leader Dean Skelos says ‘no’ to merging DREAM Act with education investment tax credit

    NEW YORK (TIP):
    Senate Co-Leader Dean Skelos (R-Long Island) and Sen. Martin Golden (R-Brooklyn) said they would not support expanding a proposed education investment tax credit to help fund scholarships for the college kids of illegal immigrants–a plan some saw as a compromise to the DREAM Act that was voted down in the Senate last week. “The two items should stand separately and be judged on their merits,” Skelos and Golden said in a statement.

    “Last week, legislation to approve the Dream Act was defeated on the floor of the Senate, but both co-leaders of the chamber believed it deserved a vote. Like Cardinal Dolan, we support the Education Investment Tax Credit because it would create bright new educational opportunities for countless New Yorkers, including immigrants and the poor. We should move swiftly to get it done.”Senate Republicans, while opposing the DREAM Act, which would allow taxpayer-funded state tuition assistance programs to be used on the college kids of illegal immigrants, support the education tax credit that would provide a benefit for those who donate to private and public schools.

    Dolan Wednesday said there was discussion of expanding the tax credit to include those who give money that can be used toward scholarships for college students in need who might not otherwise qualify for assistance. Supporters of the DREAM Act came out quickly and strongly against the compromise, saying they want a full DREAM Act or nothing at all. Skelos and Golden put out the statement as Gov. Cuomo and legislative leaders work to finalize a deal on a new state budget.

  • RANA International Convention Kicks Off

    RANA International Convention Kicks Off

    NEW YORK (TIP): Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) International Convention Committee had its kick off meeting at Bombay Palace, New York, on March 9, 2014, announcing the Convention dates, venues and various Committee Members and Chairs.

    This Convention will be held at the Islandia Marriott on Long Island, New York, from July 3rd till July 6th, 2014. RANA is expecting 1,500 to 2,000 delegates to participate in this International Convention. RANA President and Convener Dr. Narendra Hadpawat presented the theme of this Convention which is to help build a Healthy and Literate Rajasthan.

    World-renowned Orthopedic Surgeon Dr Chitranjan Ranawat will be chairing the Fundraising Committee and will be raising close to one million dollars for this Convention. Famous New York Cardiologist Dr. Samin Sharma will be the Grand Sponsor for this Convention. The main focus of the Convention will be to provide a platform for networking for all the non-resident Rajasthanis in New York for the three days.

    The Convention will also be the showcase for Rajasthani handicraft, cuisine, art, music and culture. Several programs are designed to attract the younger generation of NRIs to connect with the culture and values of Rajasthan. The well known Hasya Kavi, Shailash Lodha from India has accepted our invitation to entertain all delegates. Many other leading artistes and folk dancers are invited from Rajasthan to perform on July 4th for Rajasthani Night.

    A Group of Bollywood Singers will also entertain the audience on July 5th. Current Rajasthan Chief Minister Smt. Vasundhra Raje is invited to be the Chief Guest for this Convention. A Delegation from the Rajasthan Government is expected to participate in this Convention promoting investment and tourism. A large portion of the proceeds from this convention will be used to improve primary healthcare and female literacy in Rajasthan.

  • Consul General Mulay Reaches out to Indian American Community of Long Island

    Consul General Mulay Reaches out to Indian American Community of Long Island

    NEW YORK (TIP): Consul General of India, Ambassador Dnyaneshwar Mulay met with leaders of Indian American community of Long Island on March 19 and held discussion on a variety of issues of their interest and concern.

    Mulay emphasized the importance of trying to know the issues that might be troubling the community. He was candid in admitting that the present service provider was not able to deliver. “The community has had difficult time vis-a-vis our service provider. I have openly apologized for inefficient, substandard, non-transparent services provided” said the Consul General.

    He said steps have been taken to remedy the situation and the situation would improve in about a month. He appealed to the community to have patience and a spirit of cooperation . “You have problems. We may have constraints. But we have to work together”, he said. The Consul General spoke at length about his efforts in the last 10 months that he has been here, to create closer relationship with the community.

    He said, “I have tried to get the community in the Consulate”. He said his vision is to see the Consulate as for the community, of the community and by the community. Ambassador Mulay shared with the gathering what all he wished to do in the coming months. He said he was keen to build an image of India in the eyes of the mainstream Americans. To achieve that end, it was necessary to have Americans come to witness our heritage and culture.

    He called upon those gathered to ensure they bring along at least one American to the events in the Consulate. He also spoke of various programs he had envisaged to achieve the goal. He said a lecture series is planned over the next 12 months. The Media lecture series as it is called, will have one distinguished person talk about some aspect of India.

    The first lecture of its kind is scheduled for March 2. Such lectures will prove educative for the Indian American community and particularly, their American guests. Similarly, India’s states will be showcased in a phased manner. The proposal is to showcase each month one state. The culture , the life style and the cuisine of the state will then be better understood, particularly by the American friends. Finally, he said there was need to have think tanks.

    He said these think tanks can analyze and suggest ways and means to take India and Indians on a fast track in every sphere. The gathering appreciated greatly the eloquence of Ambassador Mulay who invited and answered questions. Some friends made some observations on a variety of issues which included better services by the Consulate and how the community can get involved in creating a better image of India.

    The interactive meeting attended by around 35 community leaders was organized by Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Editor of The Indian Panorama. Kirti Bhatia, a local entrepreneur hosted the lunch, in celebration of Holi with the Consul General. Also present were Consul (Political) Mr. Raja Ram and Consul (Visa & Passport) Mr. Ajay Puruswani.

  • Fourth RANA International Convention from July 3-6

    Fourth RANA International Convention from July 3-6

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Rajasthan Association of North America, NY (RANA) is hosting its Fourth Rajasthani International Convention from July 3 thru July 6, 2014 at the Islandia Marriott Long Island 3635 Express Dr. N Islandia, NY 11749.

    The President of RANA, Dr. Narendra Hadpawat is the Convener of the Convention along with Co-Conveners – Naveen C Shah, Dr. Shashi Shah, Ravi Lashkery and Animesh Goenka. RANA is an elite Indian organization focused on social & welfare activities in the field of Health & Education in the state of Rajasthan, India.

    It has a Scholarship Fund and has assisted many needy students for higher education. RANA has been the pioneer to establish a Water Harvesting Project in Rajasthan, India to solve the water problem in rain deficit and arid areas. The theme of this year’s Convention is HEALTHY & LITERATE RAJASTHAN – focusing on developing healthcare facilities and promoting literacy in the rural areas of Rajasthan.

    The Convention aims at showcasing the grandeur and glory of Rajasthan, while at the same time presenting seminars in Business development, Education & Health awareness, Travel & Tourism amongst others. Delegates would also be treated to mouth-watering delicacies from the royal kitchens of Rajasthan prepared at the hands of special chefs only for this occasion.

    A gala entertainment evening featuring top Bollywood artistes, folk musicians and dancers and a Hasya Kavi Sammelan has also been planned for the Convention. In addition, there will be trade shows, exhibitions and traditional handicrafts for viewing and purchase. Over 1500 delegates including high ranking officials from the Government of Rajasthan as well as eminent industrialists and luminaries from the fields of education, health care, business and finance from the Indian American Community are expected to attend the Convention.

    The kick-off meeting for the Convention is scheduled to be held on Sunday March 9, 2014 at Bombay Palace Restaurant, NYC from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm. We would like to extend an invitation to all of you to attend the kick off meeting this Sunday and garner more details about the Convention and the various activities which have been planned. For further information email info@ranausa.org or visit www.ranausa.org.

  • Dragnet Nation’, by Pulitzer Prize Winner Julia Angwin – Be Warned About Dangers of PCs / Mobile Phones Being Hacked

    Dragnet Nation’, by Pulitzer Prize Winner Julia Angwin – Be Warned About Dangers of PCs / Mobile Phones Being Hacked

    While driving back from Long Island on Monday, February 24, I listened to an absolutely fascinating interview of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Julia Angwin, author of Dragnet Nation, on the issue of privacy and cyber crime.

    I was amazed at how easy it is for your personal financial information to stolen if you use mobile phones for your banking transactions – in particular if you use the Android operating system. There was a program on TV recently which showed how your laptop or mobile phone could be hacked within 15 seconds of your activating it in Sochi for the Olympic Games.

    Certain hi-tech global firms (and I worked for one such) instruct their consultants / executives going to China / Hong Kong / Russia / Eastern Europe to only carry essential information on a separate PC. Once back in the US these are to be trashed or the drives completely reformatted – the danger of worms and viruses is so great that the danger of contamination is not worth it. BTW those in the US need not be ‘holier than thou either’.

    When the People’s Republic of China ordered a Boeing transport for their President, Boeing based in the good old US of A sent the order with so many bugs pre-installed that the Chinese trashed the plane after discovering hundreds of them. Now we in India buying defense hardware from either the US or the Soviet bloc should be fully aware that it is possible that in the era of cyber warfare the sellers can render them non-functional anytime, if they want to.

    I hope our Italian barmaid’s Congress Party government in India is doing something about it. When Narendra Modi becomes Prime Minister, let us hope that he brings in some top flight IT cyber crime expert ‘ethical hacker’ types to assist him. The BJP is largely known (ahem!) for good solid Hindutva bhaiyya types of limited education and not for techno nerds of Silicon Valley.

  • With Cultural Celebration and Symbolic Flag Raising Town of Hempstead Commemorates India’s Republic Day

    With Cultural Celebration and Symbolic Flag Raising Town of Hempstead Commemorates India’s Republic Day

    HEMPSTEAD, NY (TIP): Though winter weather prompted the postponement of Hempstead Town’s India Republic Day ceremony in January, snow didn’t get in the way today as Supervisor Kate Murray and Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino led the annual celebration of Indian American culture at Town Hall.

    Hempstead Town’s 11th annual celebration, co-sponsored by the India American Forum, is Long Island’s only India Republic Day ceremony. India Republic Day, observed on January 26th, marks the establishment of India as a republic and its liberation from British rule. The event featured an impressive display of cultural dances and musical performances, appearances and speeches by distinguished guests and a cultural food reception provided through the generosity of Akbar Restaurant of Garden City.


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    The event was capped off by Hempstead Town’s presentation of the 2014 India Republic Day Awards. This year’s honorees were Narendra Hadpawat, M.D., and Bina Sabapathy. Hadpawat, a Five Towns resident, is a founder of one of the most successful cardiology practices on the south shore of Long Island and has been the director of Medicine and Cardiology at Peninsula Hospital for over 20 years. Bina Sabapathy, an active member of Vedic Heritage, a religious organization located in Hempstead, is Vice President of the India Association of Long Island.

    Indu Jaiswal , Chairperson of Indian American Forum welcomed every one and thanked the Town of Hempstead and Supervisor Murray for continuing the traditions of India Republic Day Celebrations. Also a warm welcome was given to Honorable Nasreen Ahmed, who made history by getting elected to the Town Clerk Position . Key note speaker Honorable Thomas S GULOTTA , in his remarks praised the efforts and achievements of Indian American community in USA. Mr. Gulotta was also honored by the Town of Hempstead and Board of Trustees and Board Members of Indian American Forum.


    13 Members of Indian veterans Association, Varinder Bhalla, Renu Sharma, Bina Sabapathy, Nasreen Ahmed, Indu jaiswal, Councilman Santino, Ratna Bhalla, Jaya Bahadkar

    Several community leader and dignitaries were present, Members from Martin Luther King Group, Reverend Elliott, Dr Ajay Lodha, President of AAPIQLI, Animesh Goenka, Satnam Prahar, President of India Association of Long Island, Zahid Syed, Chairman of Human rights commission in Nassau County, Deputy Commissioners in Nassau County Ratna Bhalla , Sunita Manjarekar. Jaya Bhooplapur, Sunita Sadhnani and many Rotary Club members, Dr Anila Midha, President of South Asian Womens Alliance, Giri and Indu Chhabra from Hindu Center, members from Vedic Heritage in Hempstead, and NY Kali Mandir in Baldwin and several other community leader graced the evening. Members of Indian Veterans Association headed by Wing Commander Suresh Butani, also attended.

    Cultural programs were choreographed by Satya Pradeep and Sangeeta Pandit . Vocal performances by our young talent Parth Merai, Mayuri Gowda and Rhea Manjrekar were excellent “We are proud to be the only municipality on Long Island to host a celebration that marks India Republic Day,” Murray said. “As Americans, we share India’s values of democracy and independence, and we are proud to commemorate a special day for Indians around the world.”

    The Town’s celebration of India Republic Day kicked off in the morning, as Murray and members of the India American Forum raised the flag of India in front of Town Hall. The main festivities commenced in the evening at Town Hall’s Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion. “Indian Americans have made major contributions to our township,” Murray said. “Each year, we celebrate the achievements of Indian Americans who demonstrate leadership and community involvement. Our honorees truly are role models, and I congratulate them for their achievements.”

  • Women’s Forum of India Association of Long Island (IALI) organizes Ms. Valentine 2014 Pageant

    Women’s Forum of India Association of Long Island (IALI) organizes Ms. Valentine 2014 Pageant

    GARDEN CITY, NY (TIP): The Women’s Forum of the India Association of Long Island (IALI) celebrated Valentine’s Day in style at Mint Restaurant in Long Island on Friday, February 7, 2014. The highlight of this event was a very well organized IALI Ms. Valentine 2014 Pageant, attended by a record number of 115 Ladies.

    Suman Munjal, Co-Chair of the Women Forum 2014, spoke about the history and manner of celebration of the Valentine’s Day. “Since it is the first event of Women Forum in 2014, Women Forum Chair, Pinky Jaggi and I thought we should do something different and really exciting to take the already successful Women Forum to the next level”, said Suman Munjal.

    IALI President 2014, Satnam Parhar was introduced by the Women Forum Chair Pinky Jaggi who in turn introduced the whole Executive Council of IALI along with all the past Presidents present there. Twelve well dressed and talented ladies took part in fashion show. Three finalists were picked by the judges and each of them was asked a question. Suman Nagpal was picked as the winner of the contest and was crowned IALI Ms Valentine 2014 with a sash and a crown, by the IALI President Satnam Parhar, Women Forum Chair Pinky Jaggi and Co-Chair Suman Munjal.

    She was presented with a bouquet of red roses and almost $400 worth of prizes. Deepa Makkar was picked as the Runner-up and was also presented with Bouquet of roses and prizes. The newly crowned Ms Valentine, Suman Nagpal was joined by IALI President Parhar, Women Forum Chair Pinky Jaggi, Co-Chair Suman Munjal and all the judges, past presidents, executive council members and the contestants in cutting the Valentine Cake which was followed by dance. The Women’s Forum meets regularly on the first Friday of every month. Every effort is made each month to showcase and implement a new and different program of benefit to women. The next program is scheduled for Friday March 7, 2014 in which colorful Holi festival will be celebrated.

  • Mangano announces over $1 Million in funds for Town of Oyster Bay

    Mangano announces over $1 Million in funds for Town of Oyster Bay

    Funds Earmarked for Downtown Beautification, Senior Citizen, Veteran and Youth Programs

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced the award of $ 1,025,772 in Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the Town of Oyster Bay to address a wide range of community improvements.

    County Executive Mangano stated, “This Federal funding allows my administration to partner with Supervisor Venditto in supporting local senior citizens, veterans and youth programs throughout the Town of Oyster Bay. To enhance business opportunities, funding will be used for the renovation and upgrade of downtown building facades and to help homeowners eliminate code violations and make other needed improvements to their homes.”

    “The Town of Oyster Bay is thankful for the dedicated efforts of County Executive Mangano to secure these Community Development Block Grant funds on behalf of our residents,” Town Supervisor John Venditto said. “Community development grants such as these help the Town and its local organizations maintain our precious quality of life. These funds will serve to help keep some of the most important community service programs within the Town flourishing. ”

    CDBG allocations include:
    ● $678,032 for residential rehabilitation;
    ● $129,750 for administration of the Community Development Program;
    ● $93,990 for public facilities and improvements to downtown Oyster Bay streetscapes;
    ● $24,000 for revitalization planning of downtown areas;
    ● $10,000 for the Visiting Nurse Association;
    ● $13,250 for the Hicksville Teenage Council/Hicksville Boys & Girls Club;
    ● $13,250 for the YES Community Counseling Center;
    ● $13,000 for the Doubleday Babcock Senior Center;
    ● $12,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay/East Norwich;
    ● $10,300 for the Bethpage Adolescent Development Association;
    ● $8,200 for the Greenville Baker Boys & Girls Club;
    ● $4,000 for the Beech Brook Seniors Club;
    ● $4,000 for the Centro Cultural Hispano de Oyster Bay Vecinidades;
    ● $4,000 for the VFW William M. Gouse Jr. Post #3211;
    ● $4,000 for the Greater Long Island Running Club; and
    ● $4,000 for the Plainedge Senior Center

  • Queens Borough President Katz presents gifts to United War Veterans Council

    Queens Borough President Katz presents gifts to United War Veterans Council

    Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, during an event at Queens Borough Hall on Monday, February 10, presented United War Veterans Council (UWVC) executive director Patrick Gualtieri and other UWVC representatives with cards and gifts donated by her and her employees in the Borough President’s office.

    The UWVC will be distributing the donated items to veterans at the Saint Albans veterans hospital. UWVC collected the donations as part of its annual Valentine’s Day Caravan, which collects and delivers thousands of donated cards and gifts to military members, veterans and their families at veterans’ hospitals and military bases in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey and Bethesda, Maryland.

  • Community is saddened at the untimely demise of a Philanthropist: DR. SHAKIR MUKHI

    Community is saddened at the untimely demise of a Philanthropist: DR. SHAKIR MUKHI

    Dr.Shakir Mukhi President (AFMI) and Founding Member of Nargis Dutt Foundation who was popular among Indian Americans died after a brief illness in New York on Friday, February 7th, 2014. He was a philanthropist who was known in community as a man who helped the needy irrespective of his caste or creed. His Namaz E Janaza was held in Queens in NY on Friday and he was buried in Orlando, Florida on Saturday. Obituary references and tributes have poured in to our office from many organizations and individuals.

    Here are some. Dr.Shakir Mukhi, AFMI’s trustee and former President, Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Wa Rajioon, was an important member of our organization who was always concerned with the plight of underprivileged masses in India. His contributions are many and he will sorely be missed by one and all. May Allah grant him maghfirah and give perseverance to his family,”said Dr. A.R.Nakadar (AFMI’s founding trustee). A philanthropist to the core Dr. Mukhi was an active participant in AFMI’s educational mission in addition to various other charitable and community activities.

    He served as the executive VP of Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation, VP of Indian National Overseas Congress, and board member of AAPI for Asian communities. He was a Human Rights Commissioner for Nassau County Long Island since 2001. A graduate of M.P. Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, he has been serving the Long Island and Queens communities for the past several years as a Family Physician. He completed his residency training from Catholic Medical Center Hospital in Family Medicine, Queens NY. He was popular among his patients for his compassion and kindness.

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    Dr.Shakir Mukhi at right with Ram Vilas Paswan during Dalit Conference 5th July 2008..

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    Dr. Mukhi (left) stands by Saleem Iqbal, President of HAB Bank, at a gathering at his home.

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    Dr.Shakir Mukhi honoring Dalit leader Ram Vilas Paswan during Dalit Conference 5th July 2008 Photos/ Mohammed Jaffer-Snapsindia

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    Dr. Mukhi honors Ambassador Prabhu Dayal at one of the events at his home

    6
    Dr. Mukhi (second from right) with Priya Dutt, Member Parliament and Patron of NDMF (6th from left), Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano (7th from right) and Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation members at NDMF Gala two years ago

  • Empowering South Asian Community- The SAPAC Way

    Empowering South Asian Community- The SAPAC Way

    NEW YORK (TIP): The South Asian American Political Action Committee (SAPAC) organized its First Annual Breakfast at Garden City’s Mint Restaurant & Lounge, February 2.

    Despite the fact the breakfast took place on a cold and foggy Sunday morning, the turn out of the event was astounding. South Asians are known to be reluctant to go out early on a Sunday morning. But, it came as a pleasant surprise that more than the expected number of people arrived, compelling many to be satisfied with the standing space.

    Over 200 members of the community and officials gathered to savor the taste of a special breakfast and listen to the SAPAC Chairman Zahid Syed and invited officials, numbering 12, to be exact.

    The officials present included Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, New York State Senator Jack Martins, New York State Assemblyman Phil Ramos, New York State Assemblyman David McDonough, New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine, New York State Assemblyman Thomas McKevitt, and Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams, Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello, Nassau County legislator David Denenberg, Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy, and Hempstead Mayor Wayne Hall Sr.

    5SAPAC Chairman Zahid Syed called upon the brown community to involve in America’s politics, assert themselves and make their presence felt.
    Along with the numerous elected officials, stood various community and civic organization leaders, representing Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. And who could forget the appearance made by the large no of Latino and African American community. In his welcome address, Zahid Syed, the chairman of SAPAC said, “Three years ago, we started this organization.

    I worked with labor union. My vision was to bring together South Asians on a model of Latinos and Afro American communities. So, in 2011, I decided to do something for the South Asian Community. In 3 years, we have grown into a strong and vibrant organization, with more 500 members and growing. We have many life time members.

    I am happy to announce that some officials are SAPAC members too. And I invite all officials present here and those who are not, to join SAPAC and express their support for the South Asian Community.” Zahid stated that the South Asian community in New York is “increasing rapidly” and its legitimate concerns should be taken note of. He said South Asian kids in schools have a problem which needs to be solved.

    6Judi Bosworth, David Denenberg, Robert Kennedy with Satnam Parhar, Zahid Syed, Rizwan Qureshi, Dilip Chauhan, Ajay Batra and other community leaders
    Diwali and Eid are important events for the community and, as such, kids should be free to celebrate the days with the family rather than be under compulsion to go to school. He was lustily applauded when he appealed to the officials to have the two days declared as school holidays all over in New York State like New York City. The agenda of the morning was set by New York State Assemblyman Phil Ramos who, in his impassioned speech, said, “You, South Asian community, have the power to make a change”.

    7SAPAC Volunteers who made all comfortable with SAPAC Chairman Zahid Syed. (From L to R): Sara Pervez, Shariq Hussain, Zahid Syed, Khalid Hussain, Parvinder Kaur, Jasmine Chandi

    Complimenting Zahid Syed and his team for creating a great organization of the South Asians, Ramos called upon the gathering to give a round of applause to Zahid, “who has put your community on the map”. Visibly delighted Ramos said, “I see here a rainbow of people whom you have brought together. We have the power. Only we do not realize we have it. Only when a group realizes they have the power that they can change.”

    Ramos gave the example of great men like Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Jesus Christ who, he said, had no material possessions and yet they could change the lives of people, the destiny of people and the course of history. The program got off to a start with the pledge led by Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, who was the also the speaker of the morning. He acknowledged the strength of the South Asian community when he said, “You have a voice in power politics here”.

    Maragos then spoke of the marvelous economic recovery of the County. In the last four years, Nassau County has recovered”. He said no new taxes were imposed. He also spoke of infrastructure development, job creation and accelerated economic activity in Nassau County. The Supervisor of Town of North Hempstead Judi Bosworth acknowledge the acumen of the community when she said, “there are many leaders right here in this room. They can as well be part of local governance”.

    She said, “I look forward to developing and furthering our relationship”. New York State Senator Jack Martins said there was a better awareness of the South Asian community amongst the officials and the government, “thanks to the efforts of Zahid Syed”. “We will continue the dialogue and work together”.

    10The gathering
    Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams gave the mantra for making a mark in America: “Work hard. Play by the rule”. He made a passionate plea to work together and ensure no one is left behind. Others who spoke on the occasion included Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello, Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy and New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine. Special thanks went out to Ajay Batra and Sharanjt Thind for all their efforts in taking care of the strong media presence.

    SAPAC Volunteers and supporters who made all arrangements to ensure that all guests were comfortable were also recognized by the SAPAC Chairman Zahid Syed. They included Sara Pervez, Shariq Hussain, Khalid Hussain, Parvinder Kaur and Jasmine Chandi. Dr. Anila Midha who emceed the program, was at her best. Earlier in the program, Kawaljit Chandi welcomed the gathering and Dr. Kamal Zafar gave the closing remarks. Sara Pervez requested guests to join the SAPAC team by filling out an application form that was conveniently available at the reception table.

  • SAPAC Annual Breakfast on February 2

    SAPAC Annual Breakfast on February 2

    NEW YORK (TIP): The South Asian American Political Action Committee (SAPAC), a representative organization of South Asians in Long Island, New York is organizing the annual breakfast on Sunday, February 2nd, 2014 from 9.30 A.M. to 12.00 PM at Mint Restaurant & Lounge, located at 1 Ring Road West, Garden City, NY 11530.

    Speaking about the organization, SAPAC founder Zahid Syed said that the object of the organization is to empower the South Asian community. Over the years, SAPAC has been quite successful in its objective. Quite a few from the community have come to occupy important positions and many have played important role in shaping the community.

    It is by bringing together the community leaders and the government and elected officials that SAPAC has been promoting understanding and cooperation. Zahid Syed said he was looking forward to participation of a large number at the Breakfast where, once again, important issues and concerns will be shared with the community and with officials. For further information on SAPAC and the Breakfast on February 2, please contact Zahid Syed at SAPACLI@aol.com or at 516- 832-6151.

  • Committee Co-Chairs

    Committee Co-Chairs

    Vijay has been involved with the India Association of Long Island for about 25 years and has served the organization in several capacities. He has been a member at large for several years and a Treasurer for two years. Besides IALI he is actively involved with a number of different organizations on Long Island. He is on the committee of Indian American Forum and runs their senior program. He also runs a senior program for ASLI. He is currently a treasurer for Arya Samaj of Long Island. He is also on the IDPUSA committee. He has been president of Arya Samaj of NY. He has two masters’ degrees and has worked in administrative positions in the health care industry. Currently , he is retired and devotes most of his time to community service.


    25Jaya Bahadkar – Socio-Cultural Co- Chair
    Jaya is a Registered Nurse. She likes to involve herself in social and cultural activities. She is an Executive Member of India Home, a Board Member of National Indo- American Association for Senior Citizens, Cultural Co-Chair and former Vice President (2012) of Indian Association of Long Island And Cultural Chair of Indian American Forum

  • Other Committee Chairs

    Other Committee Chairs

    An Attorney by profession. Aruna has been an active member of India Association of Long Island. She has held many positions in the last 10 years .Over the last 13 years she has been actively involved with IALI’s Diwali Food Drive .Last year she was the Chairperson for the Food Drive &r aised 41 thousand dollars ,the most successful food drive in 18 years. The money was donated to INN.(Interfaith Nutrition Network ).


    21Jai Prakash Enjapuri -Sports Chair
    Jai Prakash owns a software development company called “JPINFOTECH, INC”. He is a Masters in Computer Applications, MISCA, Adv. Software Engineering (Columbia). He is an Executive Member of TLCA (Telugu Literary and Cultural Association) and a Gen. Secretary of Rotary Club Of Hicksville South


    22Flora Parekh – IT & Communications Chai
    Flora has been in the IT industry for more than 20 years now. She is an MBA. Her past IALI involvement includes serving as the Vendor Chair at the recent India Fest. “I am very excited and honored to be a part of such a wonderful team”, says Flora. Her most recent community involvements include participation in the Long Island Parade, Chairing the Mr. & Ms. Vegetarian Vision Pageant, assisting on the Executive committee for a few organizations namely South Asian for Democrats / de Blasio, Vegetarian Vision and Friends of ARCH.


    23Amita Karwal – Young Parents Forum Chair
    Amita Karwal is a compassionate and caring individual who has been a resident of Long Island for over a decade. She has outstanding organizational skills and loves to plan events whilst handling every minute detail to perfection. Being a peoples person, Amita contributes to make the world a better place by helping just about anyone. She is very family oriented> Married to Ankush, she has two beautiful children, Eesha and Vihaan

  • Members-at-Large

    Members-at-Large

    Ajay Batra is an Engineer by profession. He works in Aerospace Industry. He is owner of IVS TV Channel. He also owns Educational Training Centers. Happily married, his wife is an Education Director with YMCA. The couple have two talented.


    9Nishi Behl – Senior Forum – Suffolk County Chair
    Nishi Behl holds a Master’s degree in literature. She has published PHD thesis. She is a member of school PTA board. She has volunteered for Girl Scout and Boy Scout. She plays Soccer and baseball. She has taught after school art and craft classes and has been involved as a volunteer for blood drive, soup kitchen of Inter Nutritionist Network, IALI. She has been Women’s Chair for 3 years, Senior Forum chair for 5 years , and a Member at Large for 4 years. She has organized socio/religious trips for the community at large. She Graduated in 2013 from Huntington Flagship Leadership Program, a program by the town of Huntington to develop future leaders for the community.


    11Vimal Goyal
    Vimal K. Goyal hails from New Delhi. He owns Self Storage and other Commercial Real Estate properties in NY and NJ. He lives with my wife Divya and two children Nikhil 18 and Nikita 15 in Woodbury.


    10Damayanti Goklani -Senior Forum – Nassau County Chair
    Damayanti Goklani is a retired social worker. She has worked for almost 20 years in hospitals which include Metropolitan, Elmhurst and Nassau County Medical Center.


    12Jyoti Gupta -Sangeet Forum Chair
    Jyoti Gupta has lot of passion for music and loves to sing for any cause, any where.L She loves to help people with her knowledge. She is a proud mother and loves her family. She is a Past President of Adabi Sangam, runs The Karaoke Club, Mehfil e Sangeet and Daati and is a member of Rana and AIA.


    13Rakesh ‘Pinki’ Jaggi -Women’s Forum Chair
    Pinki, as she is popularly known, is the Women’s Forum chairperson for India Association Long Island (IALI). She is hardworking and is committed to help others in the community. She has been a member of IALI for seven years and has organized many community events..


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    Sushil Khanna

    Sushi Khanna owns a business that caters to International airlines. He is married to Manju and the two have a daughter. “I am very excited and proud to be a part of the newly elected team”, said Khanna.


    16Mohinder Singh Miglani

    Mohinder Singh Miglani is member at large in IALI and takes part in all activities of IALI . He owns a cellphone business which is 15 years old and also owns Aeroworld Travel Agency. He is family oriented and a very caring person.

  • Meet the new leadership of India Association of Long Island

    Meet the new leadership of India Association of Long Island

    Satnam Singh Parhar has been involved with the I.A.L.I. for almost two decades. He has been an Executive Member since 2008 and a Member-at-Large for four years. He was Vice President prior to his election as President. A resident of Long Island for the past 38 years, Parhar is an established businessman in the Development and Construction Industry. Parhar has made significant contribution in the socio-cultural arena. He is the Founder of Sant Baba Nidhan Singh Ji Cultural Society and Founder and Chairman of the Rajput Cultural Society. He is an Executive Committee Member of Gurdwara Sant Sagar, Bellerose and an Executive Member of the Sikh Cultural Society, Richmond Hill. He has been active in spreading awareness about the Sikh religion and identity and has visited various airports, schools and police stations to educate the community about Turban and the Sikh community at large.

    A lover of sports and a fitness buff, Parhar is a sportsman himself. Recently, he participated with Dr. Avtar Singh Tinna in the New York City Marathon and ran all the way. At his inauguration on January 12, he listed his priorities in the year 2014. They include celebration of festivals (Holi, Vaisakhi, and Diwali amongst other festivals as per demand), musical evenings organized by IALI Sangeet Forum, annual picnic, soccer and cricket tournaments, health fair, leadership and business seminars, essay competition, a walk for breast cancer awareness, activities of Women’s Forum, Seniors Forum and Sangeet Forum, Youth Forum and Men’s Forum. Also included are walks and a runs in which all- young adults, older adults, seniors, children, men, women of any age will participate. “We continue to raise funds for Interfaith Nutrition Network and Rotacare. I would like to support other charitable causes also”, said Satnam.

    Vice President: Bina Sabapathy


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    Bina Sabapathy- Vice President

    Born and brought up in Udupi, Southern part of India, Bina graduated from SPP College with a double major in History & Economics and minor in Sociology. She speaks Hindi, Kannada, Tulu, Konkani &Tamil, and understands Telugu, Marathi and Gujarathi. Back home she was very active in many organizations; to name a few: Jaycees, Lions Club, Bantara Yane Nadavara Sangha, an active volunteer of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Jana Sangha and Swayam Sevaka Dala. After coming to America, her interest for community services got her involved with IALI. She worked behind the scenes for many years. During Dr. Anila Midha’s term, she became a member-at-large. She was a member-atlarge for 4 years, and then became a Treasurer for 2 consecutive years, and now serves as the Vice President.

    She says, ” I gained a lot of knowledge and learnt about the ins and outs of the organization. I have also been well recognized for my involvement in other organizations such as: AWB Food Bank, IAF, IDP, SAPAC, Arya Samaj, the Hindu Center, and the Vedic Heritage. As a Fund Raising Director of the Vedic Heritage, I have been honored by Her Holiness Prathama Parvathyacharya Guru Maa Jyothishyanand Saraswathi with the ” Uttam Sewa” award.” She is married to Mr. V.K. Sabapathy, a Mechanical Engineer and has lived in the neighborhood of Plainview-Old Bethpage for more than 27 years. She has 3 children, Kalpana (Lawyer), Karthik (Medical Student), and Karunya (aspiring Veterinarian).

    Secretary: Rekha Valliappan


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    Rekha Valliappan – Secretary

    Rekha Valliappan says she has been “looking forward enthusiastically to her second successful term as Secretary of the India Association of Long Island (IALI)”. Her community service and involvement with IALI for many years now has been at a variety of different levels – as Member-at-Large, on Senior Forum and Women’s Forum Committees and as Editor and Co-Editor for the IALI Newsletter and Annual Journals. With a Master’s Degree in English Language and Literature and an LL.B. London (Honors) Degree in Law she has been able to successfully put her learning and copious copy-writing skills to good uses to help many other individuals and Organizations.

    Her publications in local newspapers are several. She hails from Bombay, is widely traveled and comes from a community-service driven family with strong ties to Rotary, Lions and Jaycees International to name a few. In her student days she was known for her natural flare in a wide range of extra-curricular activities which she retains at her core. Two of her three beautiful children are third generation Rotarians dexterously following in the footsteps of their parents and grand-parents. Her passion is poetry, arts, drama, reading and writing. She writes short stories, articles and blogs. She also loves music and dance – Indian, western, contemporary and classical.

    Treasurer: Gunjan Rastogi


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    Gunjan Rastogi – Treasurer

    Gunjan has been affiliated with IALI for several years and has served in various capacities with the organization including Membership Co-Chair, Member-atlarge and Cultural Co-Chair. In addition, she has served in leadership roles with many other organizations. An entrepreneur, Gunjan has successfully conceived and executed a business/financial plan to own her businesses in senior care for the last 12 years. Prior to that, she spent 10 years as a Technical Programmer /Analyst for many of Wall Street’s leading firms. With a passion for the arts, Gunjan is an accomplished dancer who has won numerous awards for dance performances and choreography. In her spare time, she enjoys karaoke with friends. “I thank the IALI members for electing me as Treasurer. I’m very excited for this opportunity and look forward to a very successful 2014”, said Gunjan.

  • Old Order Changeath Yielding Place to New: IALI New Leadership Takes Over

    Old Order Changeath Yielding Place to New: IALI New Leadership Takes Over

    NEW YORK (TIP): India Association of Long Island (IALI) one of the largest organizations serving the Indian community on Long Island held the inauguration of office-bearers for the year 2014 on January 12. The inauguration held at the Nassau County Legislature on Long Island was attended by over 300 people comprising of IALI members, past presidents, dignitaries and community leaders The Oath of office was administered by Nassau County Legislature Presiding Officer Norma Gonzalez to the four ranking officers of the Association – President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

    Mike Venditto, Nassau County legislator swore in Members-at-Large, Standing Committees, Chairs and Co-Chairs. It was the 26th Installation function. The 2000 member strong India Association of Long Island is more than 30 years old. It had a humble beginning when the idea occurred to a small band of pioneering individuals who had made Long Island their home more than 30 years ago to forge a bond whereby the extrinsic beauty, culture, history, festivals, food and arts & crafts of India aptly showcased could “foster a better understanding of the diversity and the rich culture of the Indian subcontinent to Indians and the larger community of Long Island”, as IALI’s mission statement expresses. There were bridges to be built and crossed and the need to assimilate as new immigrants in the new homeland which was America.

    This then became the creed and mission statement of the newly formed not-for-profit India Association of Long Island. It was the 1970s and Indians back then had mostly just started to trickle in and arrive on Long Island shores. They were a mix of different languages and varied geographical locations, India being the vast sub-continent that it is, and in some ways impossible to define. There was a need to be met for unity and of a broad-based organization uniting Indians from all regions – east, west, north, south and central – however dissimilar their origins, customs, languages and practices. The dedication and commitment of those few paid off. A foundation was laid which was carried through. decades. Membership grew. A fledgling Association weathering daunting obstacles and hurdles took shape and became much more sizeable and visible in the fluidity of its expanding reach and scope. The rest as they say is history.

    Today IALI has many year-long signature events outstandingly and energetically showcased – Indiafest, Family Picnic, Valentine’s Dinner & Dance / Holi Festival, Health Camps, Diwali, Annual Fund-Raising Dinner and more – besides its regular monthly programs for Women, Seniors and Youth. All of these are looking to expand. Music, song and dance have found a voice. Sports has been added to the mix so that tennis and particularly the ever popular game of cricket may be loudly encouraged and kept alive among the youth. IALI’s collaborative efforts of teaming up with Nassau and Suffolk Counties through local universities or at Eisenhower Park to celebrate cultural diversity at Asian Summer Festivals is widely received. IALI’s on-going relationships with many other organizations such as National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC), Association of Indians in America (AIA), Federation of Indians in America (FIA), Indian American Forum (IAF), India Day Parade (IDPUSA) and many others is active.

    Many of IALI’s well known members and leaders have gone on to staying in the forefront in other noteworthy organizations such as American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation (NDMF) besides political organizations. IALI’s Annual Food Drive and donations to Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN) which supports soup kitchens and provides shelters for the homeless on Long Island and to Rotacare is in its 18th year of continued promise receiving robust support from the community at large to be able to give back to the community.

    The development of an India Center where the richness of our Indian heritage may be maintained and displayed and relegated for posterity is on the table and one of the main projects awaiting fruition for this current year 2014. The Indian community on Long Island has certainly come a long way. With the India Association of Long Island (IALI) this journey has taken exciting strides and could go much further. It is a journey which once embarked upon continues to this day. “Accomplishments have been met through commitment, hard work, endeavors of the many and diligence on the part of its multitude of members and of the leadership. However, the journey is never at an end till goals are met, challenges overcome and ports of call are reached. The journey endures”, says Rekha Valliappan, the dynamic General Secretary of IALI.