Tag: Mayor Eric Adams

  • Cuomo climbs 10% in new poll, but still trails Mamdani after Adams’ NYC mayoral race exit

    Cuomo climbs 10% in new poll, but still trails Mamdani after Adams’ NYC mayoral race exit

    NEW YORK (TIP): Mayor Adams’ exit from this year’s race for City Hall is benefitting independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, though the ex-governor still trails Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani by double digits, according to a new poll released Thursday, October 9, says Daily News. The Quinnipiac University poll, the first major survey to analyze the state of the mayoral race since Adams’ Sept. 28 campaign exit, found Cuomo pulling 33% support among likely New York City voters. That’s up from the 23% Cuomo netted in a Quinnipiac survey from early September, when Adams was still in the race and polling at 12%.

    Still, Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual and professional misconduct accusations he now denies, remains well behind Mamdani, the Democratic mayoral nominee who scored 46% support in the latest Quinnipiac poll, up one point from the September survey.

    “Andrew Cuomo picked up the bulk of Adams’ supporters cutting into Zohran Mamdani’s lead, but Mamdani’s frontrunner status by double digits stays intact,” said Mary Snow, an assistant polling director at Quinnipiac.

    Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa, the only other major candidate in the race, raked in 15% support in the new survey, the same figure he got in the September poll.

    Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo’s spokesman, seized on the poll as an indication of his boss’ momentum, saying it shows “this race is shifting decisively.”

    “The path is now clear: This is a two-person race between Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani,” Azzopardi said. “As voters learn more about the stakes and Cuomo’s record of results — rebuilding LaGuardia, revitalizing the MTA, expanding affordable housing, and keeping New York safe — they are rallying behind proven leadership.”

    A spokeswoman for Mamdani, Dora Pekec, said the poll doesn’t change the fact that he is “meeting voters every day in all five boroughs who are ready to turn the page on the broken politics of the past and build a city everyone can afford.”

    “As the billionaires continue to throw out their last-ditched efforts to prop up Andrew Cuomo, we have genuine enthusiasm and 80,000 volunteers on our side. Last time, it wasn’t the billionaires who won that matchup,” Pekec said, a reference to how Mamdani defeated Cuomo in June’s Democratic mayoral primary by over 12%.

    The detailed breakdown of the new poll features some downsides for Cuomo, including that 52% of New York City voters gave him an “unfavorable” rating, compared to 37% who viewed him as “favorable.” Mamdani, by contrast, got a 43% favorable rating, compared to a 35% unfavorable listing.

    The survey, which was conducted between last Friday and this past Tuesday, quizzed 1,015 likely city voters. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.9%.

  • Diwali at Times Square 9th Edition celebrated in the heart of New York City

    Diwali at Times Square 9th Edition celebrated in the heart of New York City

    NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): Diwali at Times Square 2024 may be over but the memory of it will last a lifetime for those who witnessed the festival in the heart of New York City on Saturday, October 19th, 2024.

    “Our objective from the beginning has been to take India to mainstream America” “and today, I’m excited to share that thanks to the support of the mainstream media and more Corporate Sponsors aligning to support us this year, we are achieving that goal” said the Founder of Diwali at Times Square, Neeta Bhasin. She also emphasized the importance of instilling Indian American youth with a sense of pride for their heritage, while also fostering cross-cultural exchange.

    Diwali at Times Square was honoured to welcome the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships of NYC for the first time ever as a presenting partner alongside KIA who returned as a presenting sponsor of the festival and Procter & Gamble who joined the festival as a gold sponsor.

    Children are seen painting clay Diyas and creating beautiful Rangoli art at specially created Kids Zone.

    The festival showcased the “Colors of India and America” featuring performances of different states of India and highlighted performances of other ethnic communities like Indo-Caribbean, Africa and Mexico.

    One of the biggest attractions in Diwali Bazaar was ‘Kids Zone,’ where children were painting Diyas (clay) and creating beautiful Rangoli art thanks to the support from Professor Alka Mujerki and students from the Manhattanville University in Purchase NY. There were also interactive Diwali book reading sessions with Priya Kumari from Eternal Tree Books. Additionally, there was food sampling from some of our sponsors as well as fashion with One Minute Saree and free henna before Karva Chauth (the fast Indian women keep for their husband’s long life) that attracted thousands of people to Diwali Bazaar.

    The Diya (lamp) lighting ceremony on stage was synchronized with the countdown on the One Times Square tower and it was inaugurated by the Consul General of India, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Senator Chuck Schumer, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, NYPD Commissioner, NYC Commissioner of Immigration, NYC Commissioner of International Trade Affairs, Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner International Affairs, Justice Karen Gopee, along with our honorees and sponsors.

    The Consul General of India, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan emphasized on the deeper meaning of the festival saying, “I have realized that Diwali at Times Square is more than just a festival – it is a celebration of our shared values, culture, togetherness, love, and diversity.”

    Senator Chuck Schumer appreciated the contribution of South Asian community to NYC by saying “The more South Asians we have in NYC, the better NYC is” and I want to salute the fact that Diwali is now a school holiday.

    NYC Mayor Eric Adams said “What better place to celebrate the festival of lights than in the crossroads of the world. I’m proud to be with our Hindu brother and sisters today for the annual Diwali at Times Square celebration as we push away the darkness and welcome the light all across our city.”

    Chandrika Tandon, Grammy Award Nominee and Founder of the Krishnamurthy Tandon Foundation the recipient of the “Woman of the Year Award” expressed her gratitude and shared this honour with everyone in the audience.

    Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Mastercard was honoured with the “Man of the Year Award” and was humbled to accept the recognition which he shared with his wife Jyothi

    House of Spices ‘This year, we are proud to debut our latest Diwali campaign at the event. We are confident this campaign will resonate deeply with every Indian student, helping them feel connected to home, even from thousands of miles away.

    The program ended with the ‘Light Up Times Square Concert’ where national and international performers from musical industry rocked the stage. The energy of the performers and the attendees really brightened Times Square.

    Grammy Award Nominee Chandrika Tandon and the Young People’s Chorus of New York City started the program with Ganesha (Removal of Obstacle God) Prayers.

    Sparsh Shah, an American rapper, singer, songwriter and inspirational speaker who has a very rare disorder Osteogenesis Imperfecta also known as Brittle Bone Disorder rocked the stage with his performance.

    Shannon K, a rising star from LA is a singer and songwriter mesmerized the audience with her performance.

    Preeti and Pinky from India sang their famous songs of 90’s that are viral in social media. People are still dancing on those popular songs.

     Sukhbir Singh, ‘Prince of Bhangra’ whose music varies from pure Punjabi to fusion, shook the entire stage with his the most energetic performance forced people to dance with him on every song specially ‘Oh Ho Ho Ho’

    The finale performer Raghav made every age group to sing with him on his famous songs including ‘Ange Eyes’ that topped the charts across the world in late 90s.

    Diwali at Times Square was celebrated in association with “Samman for All;” its mission is to facilitate people from the lower-economic strata to achieve their dreams by providing them with tools for sustainable living and empowerment, “Diwali celebration serves as a powerful symbol of unity, bridging cultural ties and fostering diversity.”

    Sukhbir Singh, ‘Prince of Bhangra’ gave a thrilling performance.

    Special Thanks to all our partners, Presenting Sponsors NYC Faith-Based and Community Partnership, Kia USA. Proctor and Gamble first time supporter. Northwell Health, State Bank of India, House of Spices-Laxmi, Dabur, Bru, Jennifer Furniture, Instarem, Caravela Resort, Tribeca Rooftop-360, Benares, Crest Hollow. Special thanks to our hosts, Shanelle Kaul, CBS News Network broadcaster, Jennifer Bisram, CBS News New York broadcaster, Anushka Arora, RJ from London and Rita Kakati Shah. Thanks to Sunita Sadhnani Founder of GLAMOROUS Event Planners & Productions and other partners. Without their support this festival will not be possible.

    Diwali at Times Square will celebrate the 10th year anniversary in 2025. The plan for this milestone has already started and the festival will be full of surprises and excitement!

    For information on how to be part of the 10th Anniversary, and sponsorship inquiries, please contact:

    – Email: sponsorship@diwalitimessquare.com

    media@asbcommunications.com

    – Phone: 516-343-0181 / 212-216-9305

    (Based on a press release issued by ASB Communications)

  • NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty to federal corruption charges as governor Hochul considers removing him

    NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty to federal corruption charges as governor Hochul considers removing him

    NEW YORK (TIP): New York City’s embattled mayor pleaded not guilty Friday, September 27, to federal corruption charges after prosecutors accused him of using his power and influence to garner free trips, luxury hotel stays and questionable campaign donations, according to a CNN report. Mayor Eric Adams is charged with bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy and two counts of soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals. “I am not guilty, your honor,” Adams said in a Lower Manhattan federal court Friday.

    Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker allowed Adams to be released after the hearing – but with caveats. The mayor cannot have contact with anyone involved in the allegations in the indictment.
    Aside from that, the mayor can still maintain routine business contacts and communicate with family members. The judge also allowed Adams to keep his passport.

    Adams’ appearance in court as a defendant is a stark contrast from his work fighting crime as an NYPD captain – a job he often touted during his political career.

    The mayor, a Democrat elected in 2021, has denied wrongdoing and said he doesn’t plan to resign. “I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city as I’ve done throughout my entire professional career,” Adams said Thursday, September 26.

    The 15000- word indictment says that between 2016 and October 2023, Adams sought and accepted benefits such as free luxury travel and campaign donations from foreigners, including Turkish officials.

    In exchange, he pressured the Fire Department of New York to approve the opening of a new Turkish consular building in the city without a fire inspection, the indictment states. In addition, his campaign used those illegal campaign donations to “steal public funds” through New York City’s matching funds, according to the indictment.

    Prosecutors said the foreign nationals were able to sidestep federal law and conceal their campaign donations through these “straw donors” – US-based donors who falsely claimed they were contributing their own money.

    In 2017, Adams allegedly accepted free business class tickets for three roundtrip international flights and a heavily discounted stay at a suite in the St. Regis Istanbul. The trip was worth over $41,000, and Adams did not disclose it, the indictment alleges.

    Adams allegedly accepted over $123,000 worth of luxury travel benefits between 2016 and 2021, without disclosing any of it.

    By 2018, the mayor allegedly “not only accepted, but sought illegal campaign contributions to his 2021 mayoral campaign, as well as other things of value, from foreign nationals.”

    By January 2022, he had agreed to accept contributions of foreign money to his 2025 campaign, the indictment alleges. Meanwhile, reports have come in that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s team is telling allies and other stakeholders that she is now seriously considering the possibility of removing Adams from office – a power she has under state law.

    Before Adams’ indictment was unsealed, Hochul reportedly hadn’t considered removing the mayor. But after reviewing the indictment, the governor suggested in a statement late Thursday, September 26, that she was leaving her options open.

    “I expect the Mayor to take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served by their leaders,” Hochul said.

    Lawyers in the governor’s office have started to look over the legal language of the removal authority, another source familiar with the situation said.

    Though many local lawmakers have called for Adams to resign, some high-profile New York Democrats in Congress have been less vocal. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer both stopped short of calling for Adams to step down in their most recent remarks.

    “No one is above the law, including the Mayor of New York City,” Schumer said in a written statement Thursday, September 26. “The charges are serious, and the legal process should now play out speedily and fairly.”

    But Jeffries could come under pressure from New York House candidates concerned the Adams scandal might hurt their prospects for election.

    Adams is “entitled to the presumption of innocence,” Jeffries said, and “a jury of the Mayor’s peers will now evaluate the charges in the indictment and ultimately render a determination.”
    (With inputs from CNN)

  • Nayan Parikh,  Founder and President, Ashnu International, among 2024 Construction Power 100

    Nayan Parikh, Founder and President, Ashnu International, among 2024 Construction Power 100

    NEW YORK (TIP): New York is constantly evolving, and the construction industry stands at the forefront of evolution. New York City’s airports are undergoing a transformation, taking them from being a dreaded pit stop to becoming among the best in the country. The city’s transit system is getting a new bus terminal, new subway cars, subway infrastructure improvements and a subway expansion up Second Avenue – much of it to be funded by a pioneering congestion pricing system. The real estate sector continues to plan new developments, remaking the city’s iconic skyline. New York’s clean energy transformation is working to address climate change and right environmental wrongs. All of this is creating hundreds of thousands of new construction jobs. Among this year’s Construction Power 100 – the leaders who are making the plans, wielding the jackhammers, driving the change and keeping the construction industry buzzing across New York, is an Indian American Nayan Parikh.

    The owner of general contracting and construction management company, Ashnu International, Nayan Parikh’s civil construction firm caters to various federal and state agencies and private clients. Parikh, who was a civil engineer in India until he immigrated to the United States and later founded Ashnu International in 1998, is executive vice president of the National Association of Minority Contractors. He was also a member of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ Capital Process Reform Task Force.
    (Source: City & State)

  • MAYOR ADAMS, NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ANNOUNCE FREE TAX PREP SERVICES FOR NEW YORKERS

    MAYOR ADAMS, NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ANNOUNCE FREE TAX PREP SERVICES FOR NEW YORKERS

    • With Tax Season Underway, In-Person and Virtual Tax Preparation Services Will Be Available at City Public Hospitals in Various Languages

    NEW YORK (TIP): New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals, on February 23, announced free, in-person, and virtual tax preparation services for New Yorkers as part of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s (DCWP) NYC Free Tax Prep initiative. In partnership with BronxWorks, Grow Brooklyn, Urban Upbound, and Code for America’s GetYourRefund initiative, free tax preparation is available for New Yorkers who earn $85,000 or less annually and file as a family, or those who earn $59,000 or less annually and file as an individual or couple without dependents. Select NYC Health + Hospitals sites offer support in Spanish, Chinese, and Bengali, and virtual tax preparation is available in Spanish as well.

    “Every day, we work to make this city more livable for working-class New Yorkers, and by offering free tax preparation at NYC Health + Hospitals sites, we are again delivering for families across the five boroughs,” said Mayor Adams. “Services are available online, in-person, and in multiple languages, making it easy for families to file their taxes and keep money in their pockets. We went to Albany to secure the first increase in the city’s Earned Income Tax Credit in 20 years, and we are thrilled to offer New Yorkers NYC Free Tax Prep to help them receive their fair share this tax season.”

    For in-person services, individuals should schedule an appointment in advance and bring identification and proof of income. For virtual services, individuals can upload their documents and meet virtually with a tax preparer to review their tax return before submission. A full checklist of the documents needed to file taxes is available online.

    “Tax season can induce anxiety about filling in the right boxes, finding the proper forms, and trying to access all the credits for which you and your family may qualify,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “This year, take a moment to see if you qualify for support through this unique partnership with our public hospital system. In this case, your NYC Health + Hospitals provider might be able to also help you get the peace of mind you need with your taxes.”

    “An annual tax refund is often the largest lump-sum payment families receive all year and something that many working New Yorkers count on — even more so since last year’s historic enhancement of the New York City Earned Income Tax Credit,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “Partnerships like the one between DCWP, NYC Health + Hospitals, and the city’s tax preparation partners help us meet New Yorkers where they are with free tax prep services that help them put a meaningful sum of money back into their pockets.”

    “For over 20 years, NYC Free Tax Prep has helped file hundreds of thousands of tax returns,” said DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “This year, we’re helping filers keep more of their hard-earned money with the enhanced New York City Earned Income Tax Credit and our expanded NYC Free Tax Prep services for self-employed New Yorkers. Thank you to all of our amazing tax prep partners, like NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth, for working to help New Yorkers get their fullest refund.”

    “We are proud to partner with NYC Tax Prep to support financial well-being by offering trusted services that save money on filing taxes and promote access to tax credits,” said Nichola Davis, MD, MS, vice president and chief population health officer, NYC Health + Hospitals. “We know that tax refunds can be the biggest influx of income over the course of a year for many, so we aim to alleviate financial stress in order to foster a healthier future for our patients.”

    “We are proud to again offer New Yorkers help with filing their taxes this year,” said Steve Mitchell, vice president of sales, MetroPlusHealth. “Many families will benefit from this free service at select MetroPlusHealth community centers, as well as receive guidance on signing up for health insurance.”

    NYC Free Tax Prep provides free, professional tax preparation that can help New Yorkers keep their full refund, including valuable tax credits, like the recently enhanced New York City Earned Income Tax Credit. NYC Free Tax Prep Services include:

    In-Person Tax Preparation: At in-person tax prep sites, knowledgeable Internal Revenue Service (IRS) certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) volunteer preparers help filers complete an accurate tax return. More than 130 sites across the city will be open throughout the season.
    Drop-Off Service: With drop-off service, filers can drop off their tax documents and pick up the completed return later.
    Virtual Tax Preparation: Virtual Tax Preparation is an online service where an IRS-certified VITA or TCE volunteer preparer will video conference with filers to help prepare their tax return using a secure digital system. Filers can submit photos or scans of tax documents to the preparer, confirm their identity, and complete their return by video call with a preparer. Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone; a stable internet connection; and the ability to download secure video conference software.
    Assisted Self-Preparation: Assisted Self-Preparation allows filers to complete their tax return online on their own, and an IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer will be available by phone or email to answer questions. Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone; a stable internet connection; an email address; and their 2022 adjusted gross income or self-select PIN.
    NYC Free Tax Prep Services are available now at over 130 VITA and TCE sites around the city. The IRS will accept returns through April 15, 2024. New Yorkers can call 311 or visit the NYC Free Tax Prep website and use DCWP’s interactive map to search for the most convenient free tax site near them.

    Below are locations and hours for in-person free tax preparation at NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth sites this season:

    In-Person Tax Preparation at NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth Sites

    Bronx:

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Tremont

    1920 Webster Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457

    Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    Available in English and Spanish

    Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 993-8880 or going online

    Brooklyn:

    MetroPlusHealth – Brooklyn

    2221 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226

    Fridays, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Schedule an appointment by calling (347) 682-5606 or going online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Broadway

    815 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11206

    Mondays, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    Schedule an appointment by calling (347) 682-5606 or going online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, East New York

    2094 Pitkin Avenue, 1st Floor, P31, Brooklyn, NY 11207

    Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877

    Manhattan:

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue

    461 1st Avenue, F-Link, Room CD49, New York, NY 10016

    Fridays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877

    Queens:

    MetroPlusHealth – Flushing

    136-13 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354

    Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Available in English and Chinese

    Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877

    MetroPlusHealth – Jackson Heights

    92-14 Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372

    Tuesdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Available in English and Spanish

    Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst

    79-01 Broadway, Main Lobby, Elmhurst, NY 11373

    Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Available in English, Bengali, and Spanish

    Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens

    82-68 164th Street, Pavilion Building – Ground Floor, Room P053, Jamaica, NY 11432

    Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Available in English, Bengali, and Spanish

    Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877

    Virtual Tax Preparation Options

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Cumberland

    Available in English and Spanish

    Register Online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur

    Available in English and Spanish

    Register Online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem

    Available in English and Spanish

    Register Online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi

    Available in English and Spanish

    Register Online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County

    Available in English and Spanish

    Register Online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln

    Available in English and Spanish

    Register Online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan

    Available in English and Spanish

    Register Online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx

    Available in English and Spanish

    Register Online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Roosevelt

    Available in English and Spanish

    Register Online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health

    Available in English and Spanish

    Register Online

    NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull

    Available in English and Spanish

    Register Online

    “New Yorkers from every community and income bracket should have the resources they need to prepare and file their taxes on time,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “Mayor Adams’ partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals and community organizations will allow just that by providing tax preparation free of charge. As a representative from Queens, the most linguistically diverse urban area in the world, I am also proud that we are offering support in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Bengali — the four most commonly spoken languages in our borough. This important initiative will help all New Yorkers file accurately, maximize their refund, and avoid any errors.”

  • Mayor Eric Adams Unveils Gandhi Statue in Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar’s Constituency

    Mayor Eric Adams Unveils Gandhi Statue in Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar’s Constituency

    Mayor Eric Adams said the event “is not only a symbolic unveiling, it is a commitment that we have that we’ll continue in the footsteps of our great leader, our leader Gandhi.”

    RICHMOND HILL, NY (TIP): On Sunday, January 21, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar—the first Hindu-American elected official in New York State—brought Mayor Eric Adams and the community together to unveil the magnificent new Mahatma Gandhi statue at Shri Tulsi Mandir, a beloved Hindu temple in South Richmond Hill. The Gandhi statue replaces one destroyed as a result of two separate vandalism incidents in August 2022.

    When the statue was destroyed, Assemblywoman Rajkumar brought worldwide attention to the issue, gaining the support of the White House and drawing international news coverage. She brought together Mayor Adams and the community at the mandir, where they launched a worldwide movement for mutual understanding among all faiths and cultures. The Assemblywoman also convinced the NYPD to investigate the case as an anti-Hindu hate crime, one of the first ever classified as such in New York.

    This week, Assemblywoman Rajkumar again brought together a diverse coalition of elected officials, community leaders, and people of all faiths to celebrate the historic unveiling of a brand new Gandhi statue and the Gandhian values it embodies. Joining her and the Mayor were Assemblyman David Weprin, Councilwoman Lynn Schulman, Mayor Adams’ South Asian Community Liaison Sookranie Dhanpat, Tulsi Mandir founder Pandit Lakhram Maharaj, and Richmond Hill community leader Romeo Hitllal.

    At Sunday’s unveiling ceremony, Assemblywoman Rajkumar spoke about the Gandhian principles of ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (love), which inspired her commitment to public service. She spoke of honoring the Gandhi belief in not just respecting people of other backgrounds, but embracing them as if they are your own. Assemblywoman Rajkumar also spoke of Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on the American civil rights movement. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously spoke of how Gandhi’s nonviolent movement for social change his guiding light was. Assemblywoman Rajkumar spoke to the community about how achieving peace around the world, while not easy, is within our reach through love, hard work, and dedication.

    During the event, Assemblywoman Rajkumar said, “I am here to say that hate against any group will not be tolerated in my district, in Queens, or anywhere in New York City. Vandals may have destroyed the first statue, but nothing can destroy our belief in the Gandhian principles of love, unity, nonviolence, and peace. Today, as a symbol of our everlasting faith, we proudly unveil a brand new Gandhi statue.”

    She added, “Let us all, as Gandhi commands, be the change we wish to see in the world. Take a moment today to extend a hand and lay down the sword. Maybe even to embrace and show love to someone who does not do the same to you. It is the first step for a peaceful world.”

    Mayor Adams recounted the inspiration he continues to draw from Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s event uniting the community in 2022 in the wake of the initial hate crime, saying that the Assemblywoman truly embodies the idea of embracing other cultures as her own. He expressed his deep admiration for Gandhi, whose teachings inspire his work as Mayor. He vividly described visiting Gandhi’s home and the powerful image of his preserved footsteps, serving as a permanent reminder of the importance of nonviolence and understanding. The Mayor also praised the Richmond Hill community for their commitment to tolerance, faith, family, and hard work, which serves as a shining example for all New Yorkers.

    Mayor Adams said, “I thank you for allowing me to participate in this event. I often look at the photo we took together out front and how we all came together, and the diversity of those who were here because I agree with our Assemblywoman: our strength lies in our faith and, Assemblywoman, you personify that—your level of comfort of embracing all the different faiths in this City is what a true leader [is], not only in Albany but here in the beautiful rich neighborhood.”

    He added that the event “is not only a symbolic unveiling, it is a commitment that we have that we’ll continue in the footsteps of our great leader, our leader Gandhi.”

    Assemblywoman Rajkumar spoke about the Gandhian principles of ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (love), which inspired her commitment to public service.

    The event continued Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s extensive work to combat hate crimes and foster unity among diverse communities—a hallmark of her tenure in office. She recently passed groundbreaking legislation to address hate crimes through creation of the first ever State level Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission, which will develop policies to end anti-AAPI hate crimes. The Assemblywoman also regularly responds to hate crimes by bringing people of diverse backgrounds together in solidarity. She also led the historic movement establishing Diwali the South Asian “Festival of Lights” as a New York City public school holiday. Assemblywoman Rajkumar passed the historic Diwali bill in Albany this year to worldwide acclaim.

    Assemblywoman Rajkumar said afterward, “The unveiling of the new statue symbolizes our City’s resilience. As the statue rises, so too will love always rise above hate. A central tenet of Hinduism is inclusivity toward people of all faiths. Hindus believe not just in tolerance, but in one step more than tolerance—actively loving and welcoming people of different backgrounds and faiths. This was Mahatma Gandhi’s dream: a peaceful, loving world. We have achieved Gandhi’s dream in Richmond Hill, where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, and Christians live together in harmony, often on the same block. Together, we are a powerful force inspiring peace and understanding throughout the world.”

  • “Your turban does not mean terrorism”, New York City mayor says amid recent attacks on Sikhs

    “Your turban does not mean terrorism”, New York City mayor says amid recent attacks on Sikhs

    Gives a clarion call for educating people about Sikhism

    RICHMOND HILL, NY (TIP): The Sikh turban does not mean terrorism but symbolizes faith, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, as he described the recent attacks and hate crimes against the community as a “stain” on the country and vowed to protect its members.
    He also gave a clarion call for educating people about Sikhism.

    “You are not about terror; you are about protector. That is what needs to be taught throughout this entire city. Our young people need to know that, our adults need to know that,” Adams said while addressing members of the Sikh community at the Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Sikh Centre in the Queens neighborhood of South Richmond Hill.

    Describing the Sikh community as an “anchor” in the Richmond Hill neighborhood, Adams said: “Your turban does not mean terrorism. It means protecting, it means community, it means family, it means faith, it means city, it means us coming together. We will change the dialogue and narrative with you. We can do it together.”

    Adams and New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar met and addressed members of the Sikh community here on Sunday, October 29, in the wake of recent incidents of hate crime and assault against Sikhs.

    On October 15, a 19-year-old Sikh boy was attacked by Christopher Philippeaux, 26, while he was riding the bus in Richmond Hill. Philippeaux punched the teenager in the back of the head, tried to knock off his turban and told him “We don’t wear that in this country.” Philippeaux has been charged with assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

    Within days of this, 66-year-old Jasmer Singh was attacked when his car collided with another vehicle. The driver of the other car, 30-year-old Gilbert Augustin, allegedly punched the elderly Sikh man three times in the head and face and Singh later succumbed to his injuries.

    Describing the attack against Singh as a “violent senseless act”, Adams said, “Jasmer should still be with us. He should still be with his son. He should still be living out the American dream, watching his son, who’s now an immigration attorney.

    “He should still be…part of this community. That dream turned into a nightmare the other day when his life was taken from us prematurely,” Adams said, flanked by Singh’s son Subeg Singh Multani and other members of the Sikh community.

    Describing Sikhs as “protectors” of society, Jenifer Rajkumar asserted that the hateful targeting of Sikhs is “not acceptable” and perpetrators of such violence would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law. “For the first time, we are going to use the levers of government to end hate crimes against Sikh Americans. For the first time, we are going to come together and…educate…New York State, the United States and the entire world about who the Sikh people truly are so we are not attacked and misunderstood,” Rajkumar, the first Indian-American woman elected to New York State Office and who described herself as a “daughter of Punjab”, said.

    Rajkumar said this was not the first time she had visited the gurdwara and had spoken out against hate crimes. “But it is the last time I want to be standing here speaking out against hate crimes. Starting now we are going to end the hateful targeting of Sikhs,” she said.

  • Mayor Eric Adams hosts Diwali celebrations at his official residence –  Gracie Mansion

    Mayor Eric Adams hosts Diwali celebrations at his official residence – Gracie Mansion

    Mayor Eric Adams speaks at the event as Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (left) and Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner, Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, look on.
    Mayor Eric Adams gets a feeling of Hanuman’s Gada (Mace) at the event.
    Mayor Eric Adams honors with citations selected community leaders on the occasion. Seen, among others are Dr. Hari Shukla ( 2nd from left), Chandrika Tandon (6th from right), and Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, Chandrika Tandon with Citations. Also seen are Dilip Chauhan (1st from right) and Jenifer Rajkumar (3rd from right) (All photos: Jay Mandal /On Assignment)

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP) : Mayor Eric Adams welcomed over a thousand guests to a vibrant Diwali reception at Gracie Mansion, his official residence, on October 17th 2023.

    Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of belonging in the City of New York, stating, “Diwali is a time of joy, illumination, and unity. It is a celebration that brings people from different backgrounds together to embrace cultural diversity and strengthen our community. We are honored to host this event and share the spirit of Diwali with New Yorkers.” The Diwali reception at Gracie Mansion served as a platform for unity, promoting intercultural understanding and respect. The event was a true testament to the City of New York’s commitment to inclusivity, where all communities are valued and celebrated.

    The highlight of the event was the presence of World Vegan Vision founded by H.K/ Malti Shah, a major coordinator and supporter, who provided plant-based vegan mithai (sweets) and savory delicacies .The conscious decision to offer vegan option was aligned with the event’s theme of promoting environmental sustainability and plant-based lifestyles.

    Several Indian vendors also participated in the celebration, showcasing the richness of Indian culture and introducing attendees to various aspects of Indian cuisine. Bru Coffee ( Unilever) Market, managed by Ltfa Kaushik Vyas, Salman Ali Vaqar, Janet Tinsay , Tejash Shah , Vadilal Industry USA, managed by Ashwin Pandya and Jigar Gandhi, Govinda Kitchen ( ISKCON BROOKLYN) managed by Hansrupa Prabhu & Pragnesh Prabhu, Butala Emporium managed by Kilol & Bhadra Butala, Abha Deavrajan, president Kalindi Bakshi & V.P Neetu Jindal from world vegan vision and other vendors, brought a wide range of flavors and experiences to the event.
    In particular, Nitin Vyas, Public Relations Director, played a major role in facilitating the connection between Mayor’s office and the Indian vendors. His efforts helped establish a strong collaboration to ensure the seamless participation of these vendors in the Diwali celebration.
    (Based on a report by Nitin Vyas, Public Relations Director)

  • MAYOR ADAMS CALLS FOR FEDERAL RESOURCES TO ASSIST WITH ARRIVING ASYLUM SEEKERS

    MAYOR ADAMS CALLS FOR FEDERAL RESOURCES TO ASSIST WITH ARRIVING ASYLUM SEEKERS

    NEW YORK (TIP)  New York City Mayor Eric Adams , on July 19,  called for federal resources to assist with arriving asylum seekers in New York City, after -over the last several weeks -New York has experienced a sharp increase in asylum seekers from Latin America and other regions, with more than 2,800 individuals entering New York City’s shelter system. New York City is working with the federal government to ensure the city can provide comprehensive support and resources to these individuals. Mayor Adams released the following statement as the situation continues to evolve:

    “New York has been and will always be a city of immigrants that welcomes newcomers with open arms. This value has made our city a beacon of freedom for people around the world and the economic and cultural powerhouse that it is. These very same humanitarian values apply to those who are experiencing homelessness. In New York City, we have both a moral and legal-obligation to house anyone who is experiencing homelessness for any reason. Currently, New York City is experiencing a marked increase in the number of asylum seekers who are arriving from Latin America and other regions. In some instances, families are arriving on buses sent by the Texas and Arizona governments, while in other cases, it appears that individuals are being sent by the federal government. In order to both meet the legal mandate as a right-to-shelter city and provide high-quality shelter and services for those who enter our system, New York City needs additional federal resources immediately. If we do not get these urgently needed resources, we may struggle to provide the proper level of support our clients deserve, while also facing challenges as we serve both a rapidly growing shelter population and new clients who are seeking asylum. We are calling on the federal government to partner with New York City as we help asylum seekers navigate this process, and to provide financial and technical resources. “By law, asylum seekers have a right to be in the United States while they seek humanitarian protection. In New York City, we are responsible for the provision of services and infrastructure for newly arrived asylum seekers and currently residing populations alike. We’ve been in discussions with our federal partners on this matter and look forward to a quick resolution.”

  • MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF HIS SENIOR TEAM

    MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF HIS SENIOR TEAM

    NEW YORK (TIP): Mayor Eric Adams, on January 6, announced members of his senior staff who will oversee operations at City Hall and advance his strategic policies and priorities.

    “This team has the experience, knowledge, and skill to take our government — and our city — to new heights,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “Our motto is Get Stuff Done — and we are already off to a flying start. Together, we will workday in and day out to make New York City safer, more equitable, and more prosperous for all.”

    “We are at a pivotal moment in our city’s history, and we need strong leadership to bring New York back better than ever,” said Chief of Staff Frank Carone. “Mayor Adams has already proved himself in the early days of his administration to be exactly that kind of leader. I am honored to join his team and serve the city that I love. As chief of staff, I will be focused on ensuring City Hall runs smoothly, keeping our City agencies aligned, and delivering on the mayor’s vision for the city.”

    The following appointments were announced.

    Frank Carone, Chief of Staff

     Dawn Miller, First Deputy Chief of Staff

    Madeline Labadie, Deputy Chief of Staff

    Ryan Lynch, Deputy Chief of Staff

    Menashe Shapiro, Deputy Chief of Staff

    Tiffany Raspberry, Senior Advisor for External Affairs

    Stefan Ringel, Senior Advisor to the Mayor

    Andrea Shapiro Davis, Senior Advisor for Talent and Appointments

    Eric Ulrich, Senior Advisor to the Mayor

    Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner, Mayor’s Office of International Affairs

    Fred Kreizman, Commissioner, Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit

    Roberto Perez, Director for Intergovernmental Affairs

    Dan Steinberg, Director, Mayor’s Office of Operations

    Rachel Atcheson, Special Assistant to the Mayor

    Brief biographies of appointees.

    Frank Carone, Chief of Staff

    Frank Carone will join the Adams administration as chief of staff. Most recently, he was a partner at Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & Carone, LLP. He also served as law secretary for the Kings County Democratic Committee. Carone earned a B.S. from St. John’s University and a JD from Brooklyn Law School.

    Dawn Miller, First Deputy Chief of Staff

    Dawn Miller will join the Adams administration as first deputy chief of staff. Most recently, she was Vice President for Policy and Partnerships at Coord, a mobility technology company partnering with cities across the country. She previously served as chief of staff at the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Dawn launched TLC’s Research and Evaluation practice, serving as its first director, and worked as a researcher at the Urban Institute in Washington, DC. She has a M.P.A. from Princeton University and a B.A. from the University of Virginia.

    Madeline Labadie, Deputy Chief of Staff

    Madeline Labadie will join the Adams administration as a deputy chief of staff. Most recently, she served as the director of strategic initiatives at TLC, where she led Vision Zero efforts and priority projects for the commissioner. She has also worked in policy and research roles for the Hotel Trades Council and Council Member Brad Lander. She holds a M.P.A. and a B.A. from New York University.

    Ryan Lynch, Deputy Chief of Staff

    Ryan Lynch will join the Adams administration as a deputy chief of staff. Before joining the Adams administration, he served as chief of staff for then-Borough President Adams, and prior to that as policy director. Lynch began as a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso and has also served as an Alternative Livelihoods Officer for WEAVE, a small, community-based organization working to support economic empowerment for Burmese refugees along the Thai-Burma border. He served as the associate director for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. Lynch earned a B.S. in psychology from Mary Washington College, and his M.S. in urban and regional planning from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    Menashe Shapiro, Deputy Chief of Staff

    Menashe Shapiro will join the Adams administration as a deputy chief of staff. Most recently, he ran his own consulting firm where he advised candidates for public office as well as companies and non-profits waging large public-facing campaigns. In 2021, Shapiro was a key advisor to Mayor Adams’ campaign and a member of the appointments committee on his mayoral transition. Prior to that, he worked on Michael Bloomberg’s presidential and mayoral campaigns, as a managing director at Tusk Strategies, and in private law practice. Shapiro earned his B.A. cum laude in economics from Yeshiva University and his J.D. from Cardozo Law School of Yeshiva University.

    Tiffany Raspberry, Senior Advisor for External Affairs

    Tiffany Raspberry is joining the Adams administration as senior advisor for external affairs, where she will be the key liaison between the mayor and key stakeholders and leaders both nationally and globally. She started her career working at the House of Representatives as a legislative assistant and scheduler, and later as a policy analyst and chief of staff at the New York City Council. Most recently, Raspberry was a senior team member of Mayor Adams’ campaign and co-led the intergovernmental committee on his mayoral transition. She earned her B.A in political science and African-American studies from Fordham University and a M.P.A in global public policy and management jointly from New York University and the University College of London.

    Stefan Ringel, Senior Advisor to the Mayor

    Stefan Ringel is joining the Adams administration as senior advisor to the mayor. He served in the same capacity to Borough President Adams and was a key advisor on media and communication to Eric Adams campaign for Mayor. Previously, he served in the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office in various capacities, first as communications director for former Borough President Marty Markowitz, and subsequently as then-Borough President Adams’ communications director. Prior to that, Ringel was media relations director to then-Council Member Jumaane Williams. Ringel earned his BA in political science and international studies from the University of North Carolina, and his MA in Elections and Campaign Management from Fordham University.

    Andrea Shapiro Davis, Senior Advisor for Talent and Appointments

    Andrea Shapiro Davis will join the Adams administration as senior advisor for talent and appointments. She had been serving as CUNY’s interim vice chancellor for university advancement since August 2019. Since 2013, she has served as CUNY’s associate vice chancellor for Corporate, Foundation and Major Gift Development, a role in which she has spurred the growth of initiatives for women’s rights and diversity. Shapiro Davis also served in the administration of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in which she served as special adviser to the mayor, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Appointments, and executive director of the NYC Commission on Women’s Issues. She also spent four years as an assistant district attorney in Queens County and was an attorney in private practice. Shapiro Davis is a proud graduate of Queens College and Hofstra University School of Law.

    Eric Ulrich, Senior Advisor to the Mayor

    Eric Ulrich joins the Adams administration as senior advisor to the mayor. He served as a member of the New York City Council for 12 years, representing the diverse communities of southwest Queens. He was instrumental in passing legislation that established the New York City Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and following Superstorm Sandy he organized relief efforts that helped displaced residents rebuild and recover. He is the product of New York City public and parochial schools and is the first member of his family to earn a college degree. Ulrich earned his B.A. from St. Francis College and his M.P.A. at Baruch College School of Public Affairs.

    Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner, Mayor’s Office of International Affairs

    Edward Mermelstein joins the Adams administration as the director of the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs. He joins the administration after a career as an attorney and an investment advisor with a broad range of international clients.  Fluent in English and Russian, Mermelstein emigrated as a refugee to the United States in 1976. He holds a B.A. from NYU and a J.D. from Western Michigan Law School. In addition to his work, he is involved in numerous charitable organizations supporting local as well as national causes rooted in culture, politics, education, and the arts.

    Fred Kreizman, Commissioner, Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit

    Fred Kreizman will join the Adams administration as commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU).  From 2002 to 2014, Kriezman worked at CAU serving Mayor Bloomberg, rising through the ranks from Brooklyn director to deputy commissioner. He also served on the board of directors of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation from 2005 to 2016.  Recently, he worked at Capalino, serving as a managing director. Kreizman earned an M.P.A in government from Pace University, and a B.S. from Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business. Kreizman is from Jewish and Russian background.

    Roberto Perez, Director for Intergovernmental Affairs

    Roberto Perez is joining the Adams administration as director of intergovernmental affairs (IGA). Most recently, he served in the de Blasio administration as commissioner of CAU, where led efforts to connect communities with the City’s COVID -19 recovery efforts. Prior to that role, Perez was senior executive director of intergovernmental affairs at the New York City Department of Education (DOE) where he managed city, state, and federal legislative affairs on behalf of the chancellor.

    Dan Steinberg, Director, Mayor’s Office of Operations

    Dan Steinberg will join the Adams administration as director of the Mayor’s Office of Operations. Steinberg is an urban planner with degrees from the University of Chicago and Columbia University. He recently served as Chief of Data Analytics for the NYC Vaccine Command Center (winner of the Citizen’s Budget Commission Prize for Public Service Excellence) and played a number of instrumental roles throughout the City’s pandemic response. He previously served as the deputy director of project and performance management at the Mayor’s Office of Operations. Steinberg originally began his career as State Senator Liz Krueger’s first legislative aide, and also worked as a researcher and advocate.

    Rachel Atcheson, Special Assistant to the Mayor

    Rachel Atcheson will join the Adams administration as senior assistant to the mayor and will also be the at-large director of the SUNY Downstate Committee on Plant-Based Health and Nutrition. She most recently worked as deputy strategist for Borough President Adams, working on plant-forward nutrition initiatives such as launching NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue’s Plant-Based Lifestyle Medicine Program, and expanding healthy and sustainable food options in New York City schools. Previously, Atcheson served in the Office of the Mayor as the animal welfare liaison. Outside of government, she was senior campus outreach director for The Humane League, growing the organization’s campus outreach program from 18 to 52 campuses. She received a B.A. from Boston University.

    (Based on a Press release issued by José Bayona, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Ethnic & Community Media)