The Indian Panorama

Tag: New York City

  • NYC Mayor Adams limits shelter stays for single adult asylum-seekers to 60 days

    NYC Mayor Adams limits shelter stays for single adult asylum-seekers to 60 days

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): With the city’s shelter system buckling under a record number of people experiencing homelessness, New York City Mayor Eric Adams plans to implement a 60-day limit on how long single adult asylum-seekers can stay in city care before they’ll need to apply for a new shelter placement. The plan, according to city officials, is the only way to make sure there continues to be space in the city to care for families with children as more migrants arrive.

    “Our goal is no child, no family is sleeping on the streets. That’s our goal. And we are getting closer and closer to being unable to fulfill even that,” Adams said from City Hall Wednesday afternoon, claiming that city shelter capacity has been stretched so far beyond its limit that the time has come for tough choices to be made.

    The announcement drew immediate outcry from homeless advocates and some City Council members who argued that the move will leave more people homeless and living on the street. A spokesperson for the City Council said that members weren’t given any advance notice or details about the proposal, which they are currently reviewing. Aspects of the plan were first reported by Gothamist Wednesday morning.

    City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala said she thinks the policy is inhumane and incorrectly works off of the assumption that most people who are coming to the city have somewhere else to go.

    “We run the risk that if they harass folks enough and make them feel unwelcome they are going to end up sleeping in city parks because people need someplace to sleep,” she said. “You’re talking about migrants that are coming in, that don’t have a work visa, that may not have family – to make them have to repeat the same tormented cycle every two weeks to me is wrong.”

    City officials said the policy will be imposed in the coming days starting with asylum-seekers who’ve been staying in emergency relief centers for the longest period of time. Single adult asylum-seekers will be given a 60 days’ notice to find “alternative housing” along with “intensified casework services” to help them chart their next destination. Those who are unable to find another place to stay will be required to report to the asylum-seeker arrival center where they’ll need to reapply for shelter placement. While Adams said his goal isn’t to increase street homelessness, anyone who is unable to find an alternative placement will need to wait “wherever they can find a place” for room to become available.Sixty days is a far cry from the length of time most single adults stay in city shelters. According to the most recent Mayor’s Management Report, the average length of stay for single adults during fiscal year 2022 was 509 days. Families – who stayed in shelter an average of 534 days in the same period – would be exempt from the proposal. The city also plans to distribute physical fliers and information via social media to dispel misinformation about city capacity in an effort to discourage asylum-seekers from coming to the city. City officials say they’ve made every effort to serve the more than 90,000 asylum-seekers who’ve arrived in the city since last spring, having opened over 185 emergency shelters, including 13 large-scale Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers. Over 54,800 migrants remain in the city’s care – a population that’s continued to grow even as the overall rate of people crossing the border has slowed.

    While Ayala said she’s sensitive to the sheer challenge of finding additional space for migrants to stay – especially with so little support from the federal government, which is culpable in the challenges that new arrivals are facing – she doesn’t understand how the 60 day limit would resolve anything.

    “This will trigger an emergency hearing to try to figure out where the hell this administration is heading because it’s not fair,” she said.

    Wednesday’s announcement comes as city attorneys prepared to face lawyers from the Legal Aid Society as well as former Department of Social Services Commissioner Steve Banks in a case conference this afternoon over Adams’ recent attempt to suspend aspects of the city’s right to shelter law.

    Homeless advocates said that the 60-day notice policy also raises legal questions.

    “The state and the city have a legal obligation to ensure that people who lack shelter are safe and secure, and protected from exposure to the elements,” The Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless said in a joint statement, calling on Adams to implement policies to address the needs of shelter capacity by expanding access to housing vouchers and bolstering the number of staff in agencies that help people move from shelter into permanent housing.

  • Ambassador Sandhu inaugurates India Pavilion at the Texworld Apparel and Home Textile Sourcing Show in New York

    Ambassador Sandhu inaugurates India Pavilion at the Texworld Apparel and Home Textile Sourcing Show in New York

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Ambassador of India to the United States, Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu, inaugurated the India Pavilion at the Texworld Apparel and Home Textile Sourcing Show in New York today. There are over two dozen Indian companies from the apparel, fabric and home textile sectors participating in the Texworld fair being held over three days from 18-20 July 2023. India’s participation in the Texworld fair is being anchored by the Handloom Export Promotion Council and the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL).

    After the inauguration, Amb. Sandhu interacted with Indian companies and visited their stalls. He encouraged them to push hard to enhance India’s textile exports to the US and, in this regard, noted that the Commercial Wing at the Embassy and Consulates stand ready to offer all possible support. He further added that the world-class textile products from India already have a large presence in the US, but there was potential to do more, especially in areas of sustainable textiles and organic products. India’s textile exports to the US in 2022-23 stood at US$ 10.4 billion, roughly accounting for 9-10% of the US textile imports.

    Majority of the Indian textile companies participating in the fair are from two main clusters in India – Panipat in Haryana and Karur in Tamil Nadu. There are several new-age products made of Bhagalpuri silk, bamboo, jute and 3D prints on display at the fair.

  • New York City likely to hire close to 18,000 teachers to meet state mandated lower class sizes: Report

    New York City likely to hire close to 18,000 teachers to meet state mandated lower class sizes: Report

    The new staffing will cost between $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion each year over the next five years, according to an analysis by the Independent Budget Office

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Warning of potential unintended consequences ahead, a new report from the New York City Independent Budget Office estimated that the city will likely need to hire around 17,700 teachers in order to comply with a new state law to lower class sizes in public schools over the next five years, reports City & State.
    New York City’s class size restrictions have been the focal point of a fierce debate even after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed off on the measure in September. While the United Federation of Teachers and other supporters heralded the law’s approval, having long pointed to research suggesting smaller class sizes can boost student test scores and classroom engagement, the city has warned about the high costs of implementation and maintained there are more cost effective ways to improve education. The report, completed by IBO at the request of Sen. Robert Jackson, estimated that hiring the number of necessary teachers will likely eventually cost the city between $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion each year. That’s a higher number than the $1.3 billion sum released by the city this spring, although the city also estimated about $30 to $35 billion in additional expenses needed to build new schools or reconfigure old buildings.

    Starting this coming school year, the law requires the city to begin capping kindergarten through third grade classes at 20 students, fourth through eighth grade classes at no more than 23 students, and high school classes at 25. An additional 20% of classes will need to be in compliance every year until 2028 when the requirements are fully phased in, although some schools can be deemed exempt by the education department and the principals and teachers’ unions. The report reiterated what New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor David Banks have said about how the city shouldn’t have any trouble meeting requirements in the first two years of implementation. About 39% of city classrooms already meet the new requirements. The trouble, they’ve said, would come down the line when leaders would likely need to make some difficult decisions about where to allocate funds. “For the next couple of years we are in good shape. We don’t think we are going to have any major issues in being able to comply with the law. By the time we hit the years three, four, and five, which the law allows for us to do, that’s when you are going to see a much greater cost,” Banks said in an interview with CBS New York last week. “We are going to have to build out new classrooms, new schools in order to be compliant … The cost that we are going to have to spend to do that are dollars we could use for other programs.”

    While lawmakers didn’t specifically tie any additional funding to the bill, state lawmakers and other supporters have adamantly pushed back on claims that the mandate is unfunded. They have pointed to huge increases in state education aid that they say can and should pay for reducing class sizes.

    Leonie Haimson, executive director of the group Class Size Matters, said it doesn’t seem like the education department has taken into account that some schools already have a high teacher to student ratio despite having large class sizes, meaning some schools could potentially reassign existing staff to classes without garnering additional costs. She criticized the city’s plan to eliminate currently vacant positions and urged Adams to swiftly hire additional teachers. “The conclusions of this brief reinforce the need for the city to start moving now on a realistic, effective class size reduction plan as quickly as possible, and to quickly reverse their planned shrinkage of teaching staff in order to meet the five-year timeline required in the law,” Haimson said in a statement.

  • Visiting Indian Minister G. Kishan Reddy accorded Civic Reception at the Indian Consulate in New York

    Visiting Indian Minister G. Kishan Reddy accorded Civic Reception at the Indian Consulate in New York

    Minister G. Kishan Reddy addressing the gathering at the Consulate.

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP):  Gangapuram Kishan Reddy,  Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern  Region of India was accorded a civic reception at the Indian Consulate in New York on Thursday, July 13.

    The visiting minister spoke about India as a great tourist destination, citing the history and beauty of the country. He called upon Indians to visit India with 5 non-Indians to familiarize their American friends with the rich variety of landscape, historical monuments  and culture of India. He also invited Indian Americans to invest in India tourism.Radha Katyal Narang , Director in the Ministry of Tourism gave a presentation on “Incredible India”.

    Earlier, the Consul General of India in New York, Randhir Kumar Jaiswal welcomed the minister and spoke highly about the contribution of Indian Americans in various fields here and in the growth story of India.

    Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph thanked the minister and the guests for their presence.

    A View of the gathering (Photos / Courtesy Tirlok Malik)

     

  • TURBAN DAY celebrated with much enthusiasm at Times Square, New York

    • 2000+ Turbans tied on people to educate about the significance of the Turban
    A group of turbaned happy young ladies at Times Square Turban Day festival on May 6.
    A turbaned Chuck Schumer with organizers.

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Ritu Saluja told The Indian Panorama that “Turban is a Sikh’s crown and stands for Equality, Justice, and Humanity. We celebrated Turban Day this year on May 06 at Times Square, as an expression of Sikh faith and commitment to serve humanity. The purpose of organizing this event every year is to bring awareness among all citizens about Turban and its value in Sikh faith.” Tanu Singh added : “Considering the unfortunate discrimination and hate crimes faced by Sikhs who wear or tie turbans, we believe that it is more important than ever to break down barriers between different communities. This event represents a unique opportunity to tackle these issues and unite people in the spirit of respect and education.”

    The turban is an integral part of Sikh identity and has been worn by Sikhs for centuries. It not only represents the core values of our faith, but also signifies the responsibility to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background, race, or religion. By participating in Turban Day, people who might not know can learn more about the importance of the Sikh turban.

    A young lady looks into a mirror as a Sikh police officer ties a turban on her head.

    To support this event and Sikh community in America, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York took to the stage and shared his views on how Sikh community has always been an integral part of the American society “We love the Sikh community, and it is a beautiful community. We welcome you as New Yorker’s and as Americans. You work hard, you believe in family, you have a great faith, and you help build and create our great community” He mentioned about passing the Asian Anti Hate crime bill to prosecute any action of hate, bigotry, and violence. He showed his solidarity to the Sikh community by wearing the Turban and shook a leg to famous Punjabi music.

    A bemused young turbaned kid in a pram holds a book on Turban.

    Besides tying more than 2000 colorful turbans on any fellow human coming from any background, skin color, religion and status, there were multiple artists from the Sikh community showcasing their culture and heritage.

    Young musicians from the Sikh Symphony California performed 31 ragas in 13 different taals (beats) using multiple Indian classical string instruments such as sitar, rabab, taus and tabla.

    A turbaned mother and her turbaned child pose for a photograph.

    Musician Biba Singh performed some popular numbers and multiple artists performed Bhangra and folk dance Gidda bringing attendees together to dance and enjoy music. Famous Bollywood artist Manmeet Singh (actor/writer/director) had a message for everyone “For a Sikh the Turban represents love, hard work and humility. When seen from away, for anyone in distress it indicates that they can come to a Sikh and seek help and support and no matter what the situation is they will be assisted”

    Turban Day at Times Square is organized by Turban Day Inc. and is the largest turban tying event in the world.
    “We have been running this event since 2016 and have tied more than 20,000 turbans over the years with the goal of educating more people. We firmly believe that knowledge and understanding are the most effective tools for combatting discrimination and building bridges between communities”, said Ritu Saluja.
    For any further queries contact:
    Tanu Singh or Ritu Saluja at contact@turbanday.org
    Follow us on:
    https://turbanday.org/
    https://www.instagram.com/sikhsofny/
    https://www.youtube.com/@TurbanDay

    Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said of the Sikh community : “We love the Sikh community, and it is a beautiful community.”
    Young musicians from the Sikh Symphony California performed 31 ragas in 13 different taals (beats)
    Artists performing Bhangra.
    Milling crowds spilling enthusiasm.
    A rare distinction: Guinness Book record for “the most turbans tied in 8 hours”.
  • Trump appealing $5 million judgment in E. Jean Carroll civil suit

    Trump appealing $5 million judgment in E. Jean Carroll civil suit

    NEW YORK (TIP): Trump’s lawyers filed the notice of appeal in the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday, hours after federal Judge Lewis Kaplan filed a written ruling endorsing the jury verdict and ordering Trump to pay Carroll the full sum. Kaplan presided over the civil trial in New York, a CNN report says.
    Trump had previously indicated he planned to appeal. Carroll alleged Trump raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York in the spring of 1996 and then defamed her when he denied her claim, said she wasn’t his type and suggested she made up the story to boost sales of her book.
    The jury found him liable for battery based on the sexual assault claim, that he should pay about $2 million in damages to Carroll for the civil battery claim and that he should pay her nearly $3 million in damages for successfully proving her defamation claim against him.
    While the jury found that Trump sexually abused her, sufficient to hold him liable for battery, the jury did not find that Carroll proved he raped her. Trump denied all claims brought against him by Carroll and called the civil trial verdict “a total disgrace.” Like any defendant in a civil case, Trump was not required to appear in court for trial or any proceedings and had a right not to testify in his own defense. He did not attend the trial, and his team contended the former president couldn’t get a fair trial in New York City.
    During the trial, Carroll acknowledged she is a registered Democrat and thinks Trump was a terrible president but testified that her political views have nothing to do with her case. “I’m not settling a political score,” Carroll testified. “I’m settling a personal score because he called me a liar repeatedly and it really has decimated my reputation. I’m a journalist – the one thing I have to have is the trust of the readers.”
    Trump’s lawyer, in his closing argument earlier this week, told jurors he knew Trump was a divisive figure, but told them that shouldn’t matter when reaching a verdict.
    “People have very strong feelings about Donald Trump. That’s obvious,” attorney Joe Tacopina said. “There’s a time and a secret place to do that: it’s called a ballot box during an election.” The verdict has no legal effect on Trump’s presidential candidacy. The former president denied the accusations and made dismissive comments about Carroll a little more than 24 hours after the jury’s finding during a CNN town hall in New Hampshire.

    (Source: CNN)

  • Off-duty NYPD cop Adeed Fayaz dies three days after being shot

    Off-duty NYPD cop Adeed Fayaz dies three days after being shot

    NEW YORK (TIP): The off-duty NYPD cop and married father of two who was shot and critically wounded during a botched robbery attempt in Brooklyn over the weekend was declared dead on Tuesday, February 7, law enforcement sources said.
    Officer Adeed Fayaz, 26, a five-year veteran of the NYPD, had been on life support at Brookdale Hospital since the cowardly attack in East New York on Saturday, February 4 evening.
    He was pronounced dead at 3:25 p.m., sources said. Flags were later seen flying at half-mast at his 66th Precinct stationhouse in Borough Park.
    NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell and both rank-and-file and brass from the department were at the hospital throughout the day, comforting grieving relatives, including several who flew in from Pakistan.
    “What can you say about a police officer, it’s someone who dedicated their life to serve and protect,” said retired cop Ahmed Nasser, who knew Fayaz from the NYPD Muslim Officer’s Society.
    “To me, it’s a family,” Nasser said. “It doesn’t matter if I know them. A cop is a family.”
    Hundreds of cops, including top NYPD brass, lined the streets outside of the hospital as officer Fayaz’s body was led into the back of an ambulance destined for the city Medical Examiner’s Office shortly before 7 p.m.
    His grieving relatives held onto Fayaz’s two young sons during the somber scene.
    A fellow police officer and friend of Fayaz who was outside the hospital described the slain cop as “my own nephew.” Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said Fayaz’s family was at his bedside when he was taken off life support.
    “It’s a difficult day. You see police officers standing shoulder to shoulder with tears in their eyes,” said Lynch.
    “This was a police officer who loved his job. Since he was a young person, he wanted to become not just a police officer, but a New York City police officer. He was viciously gunned down in the streets of Brooklyn.”
    “The hole in their heart will never go away,” he said about the family. “There is no such thing as closure.”
    Fayaz was shot once in the head after he and his brother-in-law responded to a Facebook Marketplace ad for a Honda Pilot and the two were ambushed by an armed would-be robber. The pair had $24,000 in cash on them at the time, police sources said.
    The gunman, identified by police on Tuesday as Randy “Popper” Jones, 38, of Harlem, was charged with murder and attempted robbery in the attack, according to police officials.
    Jones allegedly lured Fayaz and his relative down a dark alley on Ruby Street, pulled a gun and demanded money — opening fire “almost immediately.”
    The cop was struck once in his left temple, with the bullet exiting the back of his skull, and went down.
    His brother-in-law then pulled the gun from the cop’s holster and returned fire as the shooter fled.
    Jones fled but cops tracked him down to a Rockland County hotel — where they took him into custody on Monday, February 6, using Fayaz’s handcuffs.
    Police found the getaway vehicle, a black BMW SUV registered to Jones’ mother, on 129th Street and Park Avenue on Sunday and impounded it, with crime-scene detectives examining it at the 75th Precinct in Brooklyn on Monday.
    Randy “Popper” Jones, 38, of Harlem, is now expected to face murder charges in the attack.

  • INDO-AMERICAN DESIGNS THE ONE-MINUTE SAREE BRAND

    • By Mabel Pais

    Calling All “I-Love-Wearing-Saree” Women!
    Do you wish to wear the elegance of the Indian saree without the draping hassle?
    Indo-American Sasha Revankar has found the answer.

    One Minute Saree. (Credit : oneminutesaree.com)
    Sasha Revankar. (Credit : oneminutesaree.com)

    Asia’s largest and most prominent showcase for young designers, India Beach Fashion Week (IBFW), has selected only ONE Indian American brand for its 2023 runway show on Goa’s private Divar Island on February 13 and 14, 2023. ‘One Minute Saree,’ a direct-to-consumer, online saree brand founded by Indo-American Sasha Revankar (originally from Goa) in early 2022, will unveil its eclectic collection on a fashion ramp for the first time at IBFW on Valentine’s Day 2023.

    Rooted in tradition but crafted for the modern woman, ‘One Minute Saree’ is the fashion revolution for which the next generation of Indophiles has been awaiting. The desire to embody celeb-like grace in stunning sarees at weddings without the fear of tripping over a long pallu or sporting uneven pleats is an all-too-real fear for any millennial. ‘One Minute Saree’ ends the saree enthusiast’s draping woes with custom-stitched, pre-draped sarees that perfectly fit each time and leave wearers feeling as immaculate as they look, all under one minute!

    Founded by sheer necessity, Revankar says: “After having been a bit traumatized from the experience of wearing a saree to a wedding while handling two little kids in 2018, I had basically given up on the idea of ever putting one on again. Even though I spent an hour perfecting my drape, the saree repeatedly came loose throughout the evening. It was a bit disheartening because I love the concept of a saree for the tradition and elegance it represents, but it was just too complicated, especially for someone living in the States – and where would I even go to buy a petticoat!”

    Enter – ONE MINUTE SAREE! It is not a skirt or dress-type saree; it is still a wraparound cloth that fits adjustable sizes and maintains the flow and drape of the garment. Unlike other options, the goal is to stay true to the authenticity of sarees such as the traditional Nivi Sarees, Gujarati Sarees, and Kanjivaram Sarees, with inclusive sizes for all body types from extra small to extra-large.

    The founders of India Beach Fashion Week had never seen a more practical way to wear a saree, and for this reason, they decided to include the line in their destination-wedding-themed fashion show. “We have always believed in the power of the young and the bold and have created a niche in the fashion segment since 2015. This season, IBFW positions itself as a platform for the daring fashion enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, designers, content creators, artists, fresh graduates, and early innovators who are changing the world with their creative outlook, vision, design aesthetics, and technology on a daily basis. ‘One Minute Saree’ is exactly the kind of avant-garde game-changer that will excite fashionistas and claim its rightful space in the millennial market,” said co-founders Pallav Ojha and Neha Asthana Ojha. The brand will present 14 looks on the runway on February 14th (Valentine’s Day) in Goa, and founder Revankar will also participate in a panel discussion on the Future of Indian Fashion for a Global Marketplace. For more information and to order your own piece from the collection, visit oneminutesaree.com.

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    NIMBUS DANCE MAKES AN OFFER YOU CANNOT REFUSE

    Nimbus Dance students
    (Inset): Samuel Pott. (Credit : oneminutesaree.com)

    By Mabel Pais 

    Interested in learning dance that integrates attention to a range of movement styles including contemporary dance, ballet, somatic work and dance theater?

    You are invited for a free hybrid contemporary dance class with Samuel Pott, founding artistic director of Nimbus Dance. Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn from one of New Jersey’s leading choreographers.

    Samuel Pott, founding artistic director of contemporary dance company Nimbus, teaches two master classes featuring choreography from his company’s repertory. Pott will teach two master classes, for beginners and intermediate/advanced dancers, featuring choreography from his company’s repertory. Each class integrates Nimbus’ principles and approach to movement, which include attention to detail, partnering, self-awareness and technique. During each class, Pott will guide dancers through a floor warm-up, improvisational exercises and choreographed sequences representing a range of movement styles including contemporary dance, ballet, somatic work and dance theater.

    The intermediate/advanced class will be held from 12 – 1:30PM, followed by the beginner class at 2 – 3:30PM, at Nimbus Arts Center in Jersey City. You may also choose to tune in to either class virtually. Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn from one of New Jersey’s leading choreographers on February 18!

    SCHEDULE

    Sat, Feb 18 @ 12 & 2PM
    Hybrid (In-person and virtual)
    Nimbus Arts Center
    329 Warren St, Jersey City, NJ 07302

    2 classes:
    1 Intermediate/Advanced class – 12 PM – 1:30 PM

    VIRTUAL RSVP: njpac.tfaforms.net/145?id=a2F8X000008za2wUAA

    IN-PERSON RSVP: njpac.tfaforms.net/145?id=a2F8X000008za2WUAQ

    1 Beginner Class 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

    VIRTUAL RSVP: njpac.tfaforms.net/145?id=a2F8X000008zaUQUAY

    IN-PERSON RSVP: njpac.tfaforms.net/145?id=a2F8X000008zaTSUAY

    In person classes will take place at Nimbus Arts Center. To learn more and for directions to Nimbus, visit nimbusdance.org.

    Samuel Pott

    Samuel Pott, founding artistic director of contemporary dance company Nimbus, teaches two master classes featuring choreography from his company’s repertory. Each class integrates Nimbus principles and approach to movement, these include attention to detail, partnering, self-awareness and technique. During the one hour and a half class, Pott will guide dancers through a floor warm-up, improvisational exercises and choreographed sequences representing a range of movement styles including contemporary dance, ballet, somatic work and dance theater.

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    RESTORED FILM COMES TO USA
    By Mabel Pais

    IRREVERSIBLE: STRAIGHT CUT
    Dir/Writ: Gaspar Noé l 2020 l 1h 26m l French w/Eng Subs

    One night. An unforgivable act. A tale told in reverse.

    Gaspar Noé’s infamous director’s re-cut has taken the notorious revenge film and ‘re-reversed’ it so that it now plays in chronological order. A restored version of the original film will play concurrently in select cities, and makes for an interesting double feature.

    Nearly 20 years after the original film’s release, Noé world premiered IRREVERSIBLE: STRAIGHT CUT at the Venice Film Festival in 2019, and this release marks the U.S. theatrical premiere of his radically revised director’s re-cut.

    Now available for the first time theatrically in the U.S., IRREVERSIBLE: STRAIGHT CUT – along with a restored original version in both digital and a new 35mm print format – provides an opportunity to see Noé’s potent account of humanity at its worst from multiple perspectives, and the unshakable understanding that time, indeed, reveals all things.

    Not for the faint of heart, easily offended, or anyone with photosensitivity, this is Noé’s dark masterpiece, now in reverse and ‘re-reversed’ versions.

    Watch the Trailer: vimeo.com/756509485/281f38e5f8

    Release: Runs Feb 10-16 at the IFC Center, New York City and Landmark’s Nuart Theatre (Los Angeles, CA). Learn more at alteredinnocence.net/irreversible.

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)

  • New York City needs attention of CityAdministration

    One of the world’s most populous megacities, with  over 8.5 million people New York City is a global cultural, financial, entertainment, and media center with a significant influence on commerce, health care and life sciences, research, technology, education, politics, tourism, dining, art, fashion, and sports. Home to the headquarters of the United Nations, New York is an important center for international diplomacy, an established safe haven for global investors, and is sometimes described as the capital of the world.

    The  name of the City creates visions of beauty, splendor  and grandeur in the minds of people across the world. It will not be an exaggeration to say that  it is the dream of every tourist in any part of the world  to see New York. They dream of a beautiful  New York with expansive gardens, walks along the Hudson, tall buildings, historic monuments, and endless sources of entertainment, exquisite shopping malls, and  a cultural variety not to be found anywhere else in the world.

    However, the majority is disappointed. It is not the Hudson River walks or the expansive gardens which  are missing. It is not that tall buildings and monuments are not there. It is not that the numerous entertainments are unavailable. It is the broken roads with potholes; it is the dirt and filth in the streets, including the Times Square area where the daily footfall numbers an astounding  330,000, many of them tourists, while over 460,000 pedestrians walk through Times Square on its busiest days. What do they see? Stinking garbage. Hardly any greenery. And, on top of that, there is ever-growing lawlessness. Times Square is no longer secure. In fact, the whole of New York is having to face insecurity. It is but natural that tourists will be reluctant to come, as do many who live in New York State itself.

    It appears that insanitary conditions- dirt, filth and garbage, broken roads with potholes ,  the barren, lifeless pavements , and the rising crime are the identity of New York.

    We wish the City administration  takes care of  once “the greatest city on the Earth”  before the conditions go from bad to worse , and a restoration becomes the more difficult.

  • Indian Americans have arrived on the US Political Horizon

    Indian Americans have arrived on the US Political Horizon

    Prof. Indrajit Saluja
    • Indian Americans, according to the latest US Census are the highest family income earners, with $120,000 average income for a family of four.
    • Indian Americans are the highest educated consistently since the 2010 census. They have the highest percentage of Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees.
    • They are brilliant students, researchers, scientists, scholars, teachers, authors, artists. They are everywhere- in business, professions, politics, entertainment, media and in many other fields.

    Of late, there has been a growing realization among the Indian American community that the real empowerment for the community can flow only when the community has political power. This new realization has resulted in an increase in the number of Indian Americans going in for politics, and actively participating in political processes.

    Whereas, one can see scores of Indian Americans picked up for important positions in Biden administration (there were many in Trump’s administration, too, and in the administrations of many former Presidents) , and many are elected members of the US  House of representatives,   and many in State and City legislatures, one can see clearly an increased  interest among  Indian Americans to run for elections from the numbers who have thrown their hats in the electoral ring in  the 2021 New York City elections .

    There are at least 8 Indian Americans in political fray for the 2021 New York City Council elections. Their concerns are primarily the concerns of all immigrant communities, from education to housing, to safety and security to jobs and economic prosperity.

    I will introduce here these contestants, and what they stand for.

     

    CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 23.

    There is a total of 7 candidates. 4 of them are Indian American. Among them, there are 2 Sikhs, one Christian and one Hindu.

    The other three candidates are: Steve Behar, Linda Lee, Debra Markell

    Going by the alphabetical order, the first Indian American I will pick up is Harpreet Singh Toor

    HARPREET S TOOR

    Harpreet Singh Toor

                                 City Council District 23

    The three top issues Harpreet has listed are:

    • Pandemic relief
    • Safe streets
    • Health Care

    This is how Harpreet introduces himself.

     “Harpreet Singh Toor has been an advocate for working- and middle-class families his entire adult life. Now he’s bringing his unique set of skills, experience, and successful record of improving the quality of life for all who live and work in Queens, to City Council District 23. His number one priority will be on resolving the problems resulting from the Pandemic crises.

    “In more than 25 years of community service I have earned a reputation as someone who gets things done. Whether it’s getting the Religious Garb bill signed, co-naming Queens’ streets, or helping constituents navigate schools, hospitals and the PD, I have earned the respect of the people I serve, acting with integrity and full transparency.”

     For more information, please visit

    https://www.toorforcitycouncil.com/contact

    E-mail: harpreet@toorforcitycouncil.com;  donald@toorforcitycouncil.com

     

    JASLIN KAUR

    Jaslin Kaur

                      City Council District 23

     The three top issues Jaslin has listed are:

    • Security for workers/small business
    • Reliable public transit
    • Housing stability and senior care

    This is how Jaslin introduces herself.

    “As a lifelong district resident, I would be the first woman and person of color to represent my home. Raised by a taxi driver and union grocery store worker, I was spurred upon public service by the taxi medallion debt crisis. Having dedicated my life to education equity and immigrant justice, I am running to fight for worker and small business relief, world-class public transit, fully funded public schools, and affordable housing for all.

    “Backed by key unions and progressive organizations such as CWA D1, PSC-CUNY, The Jewish Vote, Sunrise, Working Families Party, and Democratic Socialists of America, I will build a city that works for all of us.”

    For more about Jaslin, visit www.jaslinkaur.nyc

    Email: info@jaslinkaur.nyc

    KOSHY THOMAS

    Koshy Thomas

                                  City council District 23

    The three top issues Koshy has listed are:

    • Stimulate Economy
    • Health Care for all
    • Promote Peace and Prosperity

    This is how Koshy introduces himself.

    “Exited to be a candidate for the Democratic party will united various ethnical groups, assimilate them to the community to promote peace property. This will stimulate the economy and also promote tax rebate.

    “Worked with almost all associations and groups in the District.”

    For more about Koshy: https://electkoshythomas.com

    Email: koshy@electkoshythomas.com

    SANJEEV JINDAL

    Sanjeev Jindal

                        City Council District 23

    The three top issues Sanjeev has listed are:

    • Small Business Empowerment
    • Improving Public Safety
    • Ensuring Access to Healthcare

    This is how Sanjeev introduces himself.

    I am ready to fight for the people: the individuals, and the communities that make New York special. I will create a better environment for small business, increase public safety, and expand equitable health care. Through empowering individuals with resources, assistance, and knowledge, we can create job stability which will allow people to pursue a career path that motivates and inspires them. Now’s the time to put power back into the hands of the people, and I am committed to exactly that.

    “India Association of Long Island; South Asians for Strong America; South Asians for Empowerment; India Day Parade”.

    For more information: www.sanjeevkjindal.com

    Email: sanjeevjindalfornyc@gmail.com

    CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 25

    There is a total of 8 candidates. The only Indian American Shekar Krishnan is pitted against 7 candidates, including South Asian and Asian, among others.

    The other 7 candidates are: Xi Chen, Liliana Melo, Manuel Perez, Alfonso Quiroz, William Salgado, Carolyn Tran

    SHEKAR KRISHNAN

    Shekar Krishnan

                            City Council District 25

    The three top issues Shekar has mentioned are:

    • Dignified, permanent housing for all
    • Defend immigrant New Yorkers
    • Invest in community-based safety

    This is how Shekar introduces himself.

    “Our city is facing a crisis of affordability, racial justice, and public health. We need a fighter representing us who will be fearless in standing up to powerful interests when our community’s needs are at stake. I am a civil rights lawyer fighting for housing justice and preventing displacement. I’m also a longtime activist in my community of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, the son of immigrants from India, and the father of two small children. Together, we can rebuild our city, so it works for everyone.

    For more information: www.voteshekar.com

    Email: contact@voteshekar.com

    CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 26

    There is a total of 15 candidates. One is a Sikh American of Indian origin. Amit Singh Bagga is pitted against 14 candidates, including South Asian and Asian, among other.

    The other 14 candidates are: Jonathan Bailey, Lorenzo Brea, Julia Forman, Glennis Gonez, Dennis-Keehan Smith, Badrun Khan, Heajin Kim, Jesse Laymon, Sultan Maruf, Brent O’Leary, Steven Raga, Emily Sharpe, Julie Won, Ebony Young.

    AMIT BAGGA

    Amit Bagga

                         City Council District 26

    The top three issues Amit has listed are:

    • Racial justice through economic justice
    • Deeply & permanently affordable housing
    • Immigrant, health, & environmental justice

    This is how Amit introduces himself.

    We need bold, progressive vision and real experience to deliver justice for NYC. Over 14 years, I’ve reunited hundreds of immigrant families, implemented paid sick leave & protections for freelancers & low-wage workers, fought predatory lending, and secured our political & economic future through NYC’s first-ever census campaign. My plan treats employment with dignity for all, housing, healthcare, & a thriving environment as human rights, and replaces our police state with a peace state.

    For more information: www.amitforcouncil.com

    Twitter: @amitsinghbagga

    CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 28

    There is a total of 3 candidates. One is a Sikh American of Indian origin. The two others are Adrienne Adams (the sitting Council Member) and Ruben Wills.

    JAPNEET SINGH

    Japneet Singh

                                 City Council District 28

    The three top issues Japneet has listed are:

    • Government Transparency
    • Education & Social Services
    • Infrastructure

    Here is how Japneet introduces himself.

    “This campaign’s primary goal is to unite the communities that live in Southern Queens. For far too long, due to the lack of leadership that truly understands our community, we have been divided. It is time, we come together in order to advocate for better schools and infrastructure as well as social services that will help to revitalize our community.

    “Japneet Singh has been an active member of the community for years. He is one of the youngest members of Community Board 10 and also served as the Student Body President of Queens College from 2016-2018. He has played a vital role in numerous initiatives and with your support, hopes to continue his work on the City Council level.”

    Email: japneetsinghfornewyork@gmail.com

    CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 32

    There is a total of 6 candidates. One is a Sikh American of Indian origin. Felicia Singh is pitted against 5 others who include Kaled Alamarie, Bella Matias, Michael Scala, Shaleigh Severino, Helal Sheikh.

    FELICIA SINGH

    Felicia Singh

                             City Council District 32

    The three top issues Felicia has listed are:

    Fully Fund Public Schools

    Climate & Environmental Resilience

    Safe & Equitable Transportation

    This is how Felicia introduces herself.

    “I’m an educator and daughter of working-class immigrants. As a lifelong resident of Ozone Park, graduate of NYC Public schools, and teacher, I’ve experienced systems that do not work for the working-class and that pushed me to run for office. My life’s work is serving and empowering those around me – identifying the structural barriers preventing communities like mine from thriving and bringing people and resources together to create lasting change. As your council member, trust that I’ll fight for you and your family in City Hall.”

    For more information: www.felicia2021.com

    Email: info@felicia2021.com

    The June 22 primaries will test the acumen of the Indian American contestants for New York City Council which needs the long-awaited presence of the Indian American community.

    (Author is the chief editor of The Indian Panorama)

  • Ranked Choice Voting Explained

    Ranked Choice Voting Explained

    Prof. Indrajit Saluja

    When New York City voters go to the polls on June 22 to select their party’s nominees in City elections, they will fill out a new kind of ballot that allows them to pick up to five candidates in order of preference in a system known as Ranked Choice Voting.

    Is Ranked Choice voting complicated? Well, yes and no. If you think it’s a new thing which you cannot understand, you will not try to understand it and it will be complicated for you. But, if you think it is something new and you should try to understand, you will find it not so complicated.

    Let us know, in very simple words, what Ranked Choice Voting is.

    In primary and special elections for New York city offices, you can now rank up to five candidates in order of preference instead of choosing just one.

    Ballots are tabulated in what may best be described as a series of instant runoffs. In the first round, if any candidate receives 50% or the vote, he or she is declared the winner, and the election is over.

    If not, the candidate who finished in last place is eliminated, and any ballots that had him or her as the top choice are reallocated to the No. 2 candidate on each ballot. The votes are counted once again. If no candidate has yet reached 50%, the candidate in last place is eliminated, and his or her ballots reallocated, and so on, until someone exceeds 50%.

    I asked my friend Mr. George Abraham, a voter in Queens, to share with our readers what he thinks of the Ranked Choice system.

    This is what he said, “Ranked-choice works by having you rank your top five candidates. If no candidate receives 50% of the vote, then the person with the least number of votes will be eliminated. Those who had listed the eliminated candidate as their first choice will then have their vote go to their second choice. This process will continue until a candidate reaches 50% of the vote.

    The system has been used for years in places like San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Oakland.  Since most voters in the City are Democrats, the ranked-choice vote is almost certain to play a crucial role in the NYC elections. In the past, close contests were decided by run-offs if none of the candidates received at least 40% of the vote.”

    Please keep in mind that you are under no compulsion to indicate all 5 choices. You can still vote for just your 1st-choice candidate. However, ranking other candidates does not harm your 1st choice. If your 1st and only choice is eliminated, your vote will have no influence on the outcome of the election.

    Remember, you cannot rank your preferred candidate more than once (for example as your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th choice), then only your first ranking will count. There is no strategic benefit to giving the same candidate multiple rankings.

    Let us have a look at the benefits of Ranked Choice Voting.

    There are several ways that Ranked Choice Voting could benefit voters.

    One, it gives you more say in who gets elected. Even if your top choice candidate does not win, you can still help choose who does.

    Two, it gives you more choices. You can rank up to five candidates, allowing you to support your favorite candidate without worrying about whether they’re likely to win.

    Three, more diverse candidates win elections. Cities that have implemented Ranked Choice Voting have elected more women and more women of color, making their elected officials more representative of their communities.

    However, city voters have expressed concerns, too.

    Mr. George Abraham says, “One of the concerns expressed by many is that when the actual results will be made available. It is believed that there is a tabulation software that will be counting the votes, and the officials are expected to release the unofficial first-round results quickly. However, results may not be known for weeks due to delay in counting the absentee ballots. With the ranked-choice voting, the first-round winner may take little comfort knowing fully well that second choice accumulation of votes for another candidate could spell trouble for his/her real chances”.

    NYC will only use Ranked Choice Voting in primary and special elections for the following city offices:

    • Mayor
    • Public Advocate
    • Comptroller
    • Borough President
    • City Council

    Remember the following key dates.

    Early Voting: Sat, June 12, 2021 – Sun, June 20, 2021

    Absentee ballot request deadline: Tue, June 15, 2021

    Primary Election Day: Tue, June 22, 2021

    Deadline to return absentee ballot: Tue, June 22, 2021

    (Author is chief editor of The Indian Panorama)

  • How City Hall Saved Local News

    How City Hall Saved Local News

    By Sarah Bartlett and Julie Sandorf

    At a time when newsrooms nationwide are laying off reporters and some are closing down, a program begun by Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration has been helping to sustain small, independent media outlets in every corner of the city.

    In May 2019 he signed an executive order requiring city agencies to direct at least half their budgets for digital and print advertising to community newspapers and websites. These media outlets are often their communities’ most trusted sources of information. They publish in more than 30 languages throughout the five boroughs, serving immigrants, ethnic and religious groups and communities of color.

    It has been a resounding success

    More than 220 of these news organizations received ads from 51 city agencies and departments totaling nearly $10 million in the program’s first year, according to a report from the Center for Community Media at CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. During a period that included a census count, a presidential election and the pandemic, the ads provided a way for the outlets to get critical information to New Yorkers who don’t always consume English-language news from the city’s big daily papers or commercial TV and radio stations.

    Just as important, these ads from the city kept small news outlets alive when their usual sources of advertising — local businesses — dried up during the economic crash caused by the pandemic. “Without advertising from city agencies, many of us would not have survived the pandemic,” 59 editors and publishers wrote in an open letter to city and New York State officials.

    And when Mr. de Blasio recently announced he would spend $15 million to educate residents about ranked-choice voting, he indicated that a significant portion of those ads would be placed in community media. At least three New York mayoral candidates — Maya Wiley, Eric Adams and Kathryn Garcia — support using city advertising to assist community news operations.

    The Brooklyn-based Haitian Times, an online news outlet, is a good example. In March 2020, “we all thought we were going out of business,” its publisher, Garry Pierre-Pierre, told the Center for Community Media’s Advertising Boost Initiative. But $73,489 in ad buys from the city last year — up from $224 in 2019 — provided a lifeline. The Haitian Times was able to respond to the Covid-19 crisis with original reporting on the Haitian community, which was hard hit by coronavirus cases. That story was rarely covered in the mainstream media.

    The Haitian Times also reported on Black Lives Matter protests, highlighting the perspective of Black immigrants who were largely overlooked in national coverage, and served as an information hub for stories on Haitian women and girls. “We were able to hire freelancers to beef up our coverage, to increase the hours of our social media director and to bring on a managing editor as well as a copy editor,” Mr. Pierre-Pierre said.

    In 2013, in research one of us did for the Center for Community Media, just 18 percent of city ads were going to Black, Latino and immigrant-oriented news outlets, despite the fact that they reach 55 percent of the city’s population. At the time these news organizations were largely overlooked by city agencies directing ad campaigns and the private firms they used to help place the ads. The Center for Community Media now serves as a bridge between city agencies and these outlets to ensure that the ad buy policy works smoothly. The center tracks each city agency’s ad calendar and works with the ad agencies.

    Community publishers are now asking the City Council to institutionalize the advertising policy with legislation, and New York State legislators to adopt an equivalent program for state government spending. The center also is working with partners in Chicago and California to create similar initiatives there. And the Biden administration is on record supporting a bill that would require federal agencies to include in their budget requests just how much they would spend on ads in the Black, Latino and minority-owned press along with women-owned publications. There is also bipartisan support for legislation that would provide tax credits to subscribers of local news outlets.

    Government funding of media is not new. The longest-standing support has been through postal rate subsidies and legal notices in local media. And the federal government, through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, has long invested in public radio and television and related online and mobile services.

    The federal government has an advertising budget of $5 billion, so a program like New York City’s could provide an enormous boost to community news organizations at a time when local journalism around the country is in crisis. As Penny Abernathy meticulously documented while at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina, at least 25 percent of newspapers have disappeared since 2004, creating news deserts across the country. If cities and states choose to more equitably distribute their government ad spending, that could have a profound impact, even without help from Washington.

    Other solutions are emerging. More local news outlets, for instance, are considering becoming nonprofits to enable philanthropic support for their work. In the meantime, New York City has created a model that we know works, that doesn’t require new taxpayer funding and that can be readily adopted in communities across the nation.

    Sarah Bartlett is the dean of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Julie Sandorf is the president of the Charles H. Revson Foundation and the author of a 2020 article in The Stanford Social Innovation Review about renewing philanthropy’s commitment to local journalism.

    (Ms. Bartlett is the dean of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, and Ms. Sandorf is the president of the Charles H. Revson Foundation)

     

  • NYS Unemployment Rate Falls to 8.2% in December 2020

    NYS Unemployment Rate Falls to 8.2% in December 2020

    Fifth Straight Month of Declining Unemployment Rates in New York State

    NEW YORK (TIP): In December 2020, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 8.2%, falling from 8.4% in November 2020, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. The number of unemployed New Yorkers also decreased over the month, by 20,200, from 764,500 to 744,300. This represents the fifth straight month of declining unemployment rates in New York State, bucking the national trend. The U.S. unemployment rate held steady between November and December 2020.

     At the same time, the number of private sector jobs in New York State decreased over the month by 22,100, or 0.3%, to 7,354,300. By comparison, the number of private sector jobs in the U.S. decreased by 0.1% in December 2020.

    The number of private sector jobs in New York State is based on a payroll survey of 18,000 New York businesses conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Monthly payroll employment estimates are preliminary and subject to revision as more complete data become available the following month. The BLS calculates New York State’s unemployment rate based partly upon the results of the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) of approximately 3,100 households in the State. Note: Seasonally adjusted data are used to provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. Non-seasonally adjusted data are valuable in year-to-year comparisons of the same month – for example, December 2019 versus December 2020.

  • G4C 15TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL: SPECIAL PROCLAMATION FROM NYC MAYOR

    G4C 15TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL: SPECIAL PROCLAMATION FROM NYC MAYOR

    By Mabel Pais

    About Games for Change

    Since 2004,Games for Change(G4C) has been empowering game creators and innovators to drive real-world change, using games that help people to learn, improve their communities, and contribute to make the world a better place. G4C partners with technology and gaming companies as well as nonprofits, foundations and government agencies, to run world class events, public arcades, design challenges and youth programs. G4C supports a global community of game developers working to use games to tackle real-world challenges, from humanitarian conflicts to climate change and education.

    About Parsons School of Design

    Parsons School of Design is one of the world’s leading institutions for art and design education. Based in New York but active around the world, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the full spectrum of art and design disciplines. Critical thinking and collaboration are at the heart of a Parsons education. Parsons graduates are leaders in their fields, with a shared commitment to creatively and critically addressing the complexities of life in the 21st century.www.newschool.edu/parsons/

     “For 15 years, Games for Changehas encouraged the top minds in tech to develop digital games that can bring about positive social change”– Mayor de Blasio

     “Life is Strange: Before the Storm” Wins Big at Games for Change Awards Ceremony with Two Honors, Including Game of the Year;

     The Games for Change (G4C) Festival for the 15thyear had its three day-long programming, June 28-30, 2018, at the Parsons School of Design, at the New School University, New York, with a special proclamation from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, declaring June 28 as “Games for Change Day.”  It was enthusiastically attended each day by at least 300 guests.

    By exploring the challenges faced by refugees, LGBTQ youth, children with autism, people suffering from mental illness, and much more, the games and presentations featured at the Games for Change festival over the last fifteen years have promoted equality, understanding, and inclusivity by giving players the opportunity to experience reality from a different point of view.

     “For 15 years, Games for Changehas encouraged the top minds in tech to develop digital games that can bring about positive social change,” said Mayor de Blasio in the Proclamation. “I am proud to join with all those gathered here to applaud G4C, all of this year’s award winners, and everyone participating in the festival for their commitment to forging a better tomorrow for us all.”

    Day 1 of the Festival also featured the Games for ChangeAwards ceremony, which honored games in the following categories: Best Gameplay, Most Innovative, Most Significant Impact and Best Learning Game, and Game of the Year. The winners announced were:

    • BEST GAMEPLAY (Honoring the games with highly compelling and engaging gameplay whose game mechanics align with and reinforce impact goals.)

    WINNER: What Remains of Edith Finch(Developed byGiant Sparrow)

    What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of strange tales about a family in Washington State. As Edith, you’ll explore the colossal Finch house, searching for stories as she explores her family history and tries to figure out why she’s the last one in her family left alive.

    • MOST INNOVATIVE (Honoring the games that demonstrate creativity and aspire to bring new ideas through unique game design, technology and/or audiences. These games embrace experimentation to break conventions of form or concept in a manner that may pave new ways for the sector.)

    WINNER: Tree(Developed byNew Reality Company)

    Tree transforms you into a majestic rainforest tree. With your arms as branches and body as a trunk, you’ll experience the tree’s life from a seedling to its fullest form and witness its fate firsthand. 

    • MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (Honoring the games that target a specific social issue with proven actions/outcomes like awareness, civic learning, community building, or behavior change.)

    WINNER:Life is Strange: Before the Storm(Developed byDeck Nine Games)

    • BEST LEARNING GAME [Honoring the games that offer meaningful engagement around intended learning objectives with measurable outcomes. Examples of types of learning include cognitive skills (academic subjects, memory), social/emotional skills (empathy, bullying), physical health (movement, nutrition), and creative well-being.]

    WINNER: Attentat 1942(Developed byCharles University, Czech Academy of Sciences)

    Attentat 1942 is a unique game that tells the story of Nazi occupation from the perspective of those who experienced it firsthand. The game is built on dialogues with survivors, interactive comics, and authentic historical footage. Speak to eyewitnesses, live their memories, and discover the untold story of your family.

    • GAME OF THE YEAR (Honoring the exemplary game that achieves all three dimensions: impact, innovation and gameplay)

    WINNER:Life is Strange: Before the Storm(Developed byDeck Nine Games)

    Life is Strange: Before the Storm features Chloe Price, a 16 year-old rebel who forms an unlikely friendship with Rachel Amber, a popular girl destined for success. When Rachel’s world is turned upside down by a family secret they give each other the strength to overcome their demons.

    • THE GAMES FOR CHANGE x POLYGON PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

    WINNER:Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice(Developed byNinja Theory)

    Set in the Viking age, a broken Celtic warrior embarks on a haunting vision quest into Viking Hell to fight for the soul of her dead lover. Created in collaboration with neuroscientists and people who experience psychosis, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice will pull you deep into Senua’s mind.

    Katie Salen (University of California, Irvine; Chief Designer and co-founder of Connected Camps and founding Executive Director of Institute of Play) who gave a keynote presentation that explored a play-based approach to raising socially and emotionally aware gamers, was presented with the Games for Change Vanguard Awardfor her commitment to games with social impact.

    G4C 2018 Festival Team
    (Left to Right): Kai Falkenberg, NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment
    Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change
    Asi Burak, Chairman, Games for Change
    Suzanne Seggerman, Co-Founder, Games for Change
    Ben Stokes, Co-Founder, Games for Change
    Barry Joseph, Co-Founder, Games for Change

    This year, Games for Change launched a CharityBuzz campaign, with bidding lots that include: Lunch with Dr. Adam Gazzaleyand a tour of the Neuroscape Lab in San Francisco; Meet with speaker Prof. Aorangi Popovicand Visit the Center for Game Science in Seattle; Meet speaker Dan Ayoub, Tour & Private Demo at the Microsoft Holocene Lab; Meet Maxime Durand, Chief Historian of Assassin’s Creed & Tour the Ubisoft HQ in Montreal; VIP Tour of Ubisoft in San Francisco, Lunch, Guitar Lesson and Hotel & Airfare. The campaign is open until Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 3:00 PM EST.

    Festival attendees were treated to a slate of presentations by industry leaders in the Festival’s three focused tracks: Neurograming & Health, Civics & Social Issues and Games for Learning. The keynote speakers included, Rajesh Anandan(Senior Vice President UNICEF Ventures, UNICEF USA), Adam Bellow(Co-Founder, Breakout EDU), Robert Torres, (Chief Strategy Officer, Teach the World Foundation), Katie Salen, (2018 Games for Change Vanguard Award recipient), Maxime Durand (Franchise Historian for Assassin’s Creed, Ubisoft Montreal), Marc-Andre Ethier(Professor, Universite de Montreal), and Kate Edwards(CEO & Principal Consultant, Geogrify.)

    The G4C Festival continued on Friday, June 29 and on Saturday, June 30 with the XR for Change Summit.

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)