The Indian Panorama

Tag: Parveen Chopra

  • Eminent oncologist Dr Jatin Shah honored by The South Asian Times as its Person of the Year 2025

    Eminent oncologist Dr Jatin Shah honored by The South Asian Times as its Person of the Year 2025

    • By Parveen Chopra

    WOODBURY, NY (TIP): Dr Jatin Shah, the leading head and neck surgeon in the world, was felicitated as The South Asian Times – Person of the Year 2025 at a gala function at Crest Hollow Country Club here on January 9, 2026. The gala was attended by who’s who of the Indian American community and many distinguished professionals.

    Dr Jatin Shah making his acceptance speech

    Kamlesh Mehta, Chairman and Publisher of The South Asian Times, along with three Padma Awardees — Padma Bhushan Sant Singh Chatwal, Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, and Padma Shri Dr Dattatreyudu Nori, an eminent oncologist,  presented the POY crystal plaque to Dr Shah.

    Dr Parikh, a family friend of Dr Shah, wished him more achievements and honors, good health and a long life.

    Dr Shah, who is 85 and completed 50 years of service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York last year, including over two decades as Chief of Head and Neck Service, said in his acceptance speech, “I am honored and feel privileged to be chosen by The South Asian Times as the Person of the Year for 2025. Being recognized by your own – family, community or society – is a unique honor that is hard to come by, and even harder to achieve than any award or recognition from a professional or academic organization. For that, I am grateful to The South Asian Times. I will cherish this high honor for the rest of my life.”

    Dr Shah, who is world renowned for transforming the medical discipline in his specialty with research, innovations and fostering collaborations worldwide, was introduced by Dr Ashok Shaha, Attending Surgeon on the Head and Neck Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering for the past 35 years.

    Unveiling The South Asian Times Person of the Year Special Edition featuring Dr Jatin Shah: Kamlesh Mehta, Nimmi Mehta, Dr Jatin Shah, Dr Ivana Shah, Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh, Jori Kohli and Parveen Chopra.

    Dr Jatin Shah was also felicitated by eminent doctor friends of his – Doctors J. Ganesh Bhat, Nitin and Leena Doshi, Shashi Shah, Narinder Kukar, and Bhupi Patel.

    A video message from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman congratulating Dr Shah and The South Asian Times was played at the event.

    The honorees of The South Asian Times – Person of the Year from previous years – Chintu Patel (2017), Naveen Shah (2018), Ranju & Ravi Batra (2019), Ravishankar Bhooplapur (2020),  Mohan Wanchoo (2021) and Mukund Padmanabhan (2024) – spoke and congratulated Dr Jatin Shah.

    Honoring Dr Jatin Shah with a shawl: (from left) Kamlesh Mehta, Dr J. Ganesh Bhatt, Dr Leena Doshi, Dr Jatin Shah, Dr Shashi Shah, Dr Narinder Kukar, Dr Bhupi Patel and Dr Nitin Doshi.

    The South Asian Times has been honoring a Person of the Year since 2010 with a special pull-out section coinciding with the New Year edition.

    Mrs Nimmi Mehta, Kamlesh Mehta’s wife, gave the welcome speech and felicitated Dr Ivana Shah, Jatin Shah’s orthodontist wife, with a shawl and bouquet.

    The special edition of The South Asian Times recognizing and featuring Dr Jatin Shah as Person of the Year 2025 was unveiled on the occasion. Joining Kamlesh Mehta and Dr Shah for the unveiling were Vishal Harsh, Deputy Consul General at the Indian Consulate in New York, Dr Ivana Shah, Nimmi Mehta, Parveen Chopra, Founding Editor of The South Asian Times and Founder of A Lotus In The Mud, and Jori Kohli, an entrepreneur.

    The Dr Jatin Shah POY Special carries an intensive and extensive interview with him, as well as over 50 congratulatory messages from his colleagues at Memorial Sloan Kettering, eminent head and neck surgeons, his peers and former trainees as well as friends and family. They include Hollywood superstar Michael Douglas and Bollywood actor-director Rakesh Roshan.

    Distinguished personalities including previous Person of The Year honorees congratulated Dr Jatin Shah – (from left) Naveen Shah, Kamlesh Mehta, Ravi Batra, Nimmi Mehta, Sant Chatwal, Dr Ivana Shah, Dr Jatin Shah, Dr Sudhir Parikh, Dr Dattatreyudu Nori, Ravishankar Bhooplapur, Ranju Batra, DCG Vishal Harsh, Chintu Patel, Mukund Padmanabhan and Mohan Wanchoo.

    The program concluded with the cutting of the cake, where all the key people joined in to congratulate Drs Jatin and Ivana Shah.

    The program was EmCeed  by Jori Kohli, who kept it soulful and energetic. Sneh ‘Sunny’ Thakkar, Artistic Director of Music for the Indo-American Arts Council, curated and presented a Sitar recital by Radhika Samson, who was accompanied by Ramanan Venkatraman (on Hansaveena), Manav Khurana (Tabla) and Joseph Costello (Ghatam). Ganesh Vandana and Kathak performance was by Aiyana Begani, Arya Gosalia, Aranya Kathpal, Zara Lakhani and Nina Patel, students of Preya Patel of Vivarta Arts.

    A sumptuous, elaborate dinner was catered by Benares. The elegant gala event, attended by over 150 elite guests, was held at the exquisitely-decorated Grand Ballroom of Crest Hollow Country Club, one of the most beautiful venues on Long Island.

    (Parveen Chopra is the former founder editor of the South Asian Times and the founder editor of  ALotusInTheMud.com, the premier wellness and spirituality web magazine)

  • Sharanjit Thind (R) Announces Run for Congress in New York’s 18th District

    Sharanjit Thind (R) Announces Run for Congress in New York’s 18th District

    • By Parveen Chopra

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): Sharanjit Singh Thind filed his candidacy in September 2025 for the US House of Representatives from New York’s District 18 in the Hudson Valley. A lifelong Republican and Sikh born in Punjab, India, he believes this Democrat-held seat is ready to flip. His campaign focuses on promoting business, making jobs AI-proof, defending family values, and prioritizing community safety. With extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, he is the best candidate to represent this district north of Manhattan.

    In a wide-ranging conversation over coffee, Thind told me that he believes he has the blessing of the party’s establishment. Before filing his nomination papers in September, he met with New York Republican State Committee Chairman Ed Cox—son-in-law of President Nixon—to discuss the party’s support. At the time, Thind was told that there were no other Republican candidates in the fray and that the 18th Congressional District (CD-18) would be a strong place for him to run. “But, even with the best intentions and backing of the party leadership, primaries are unavoidable and even healthy,” said Thind.

    Thind describes himself as fully familiar with CD-18 and notes that he is in close contact with local party leadership, thanks to Chairman Cox. “I am getting a very enthusiastic response when I interact with constituents of all stripes and backgrounds,” he added.

    While agreeing that the incumbent, Patrick Ryan, defeated Alison Esposito (R) by 14 points in 2024, Thind points to a changed environment that would help him emerge victorious on November 3, the election day in 2026. “People were fed up seeing hotels and motels teeming with illegal migrants housed in the Hudson Valley under President Biden and Mayor Adams. Under President Trump, that threat to law and order has been cleared.”

    The recent election of self-declared socialist and freebies-promising Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City is worrying all, Thind claims. In sharp contrast are Trump’s America First, pro-business policies, which he supports as do most upstate New York voters. In the context, Thind talks passionately about what has made America the world’s largest economy and a magnet for the world’s best. The answer is: by putting business first. To do that, you have to know about business, which he does, having run media and real estate businesses.

    Appealing Policy Platform

    The policy platform Thind is building is solely to serve his constituents. “The biggest challenge in the coming months and years,” Thind projects, “is that many, many jobs will evaporate under the AI heat. I am not against AI or automation, but I will make the AI behemoth companies accountable, to make them funnel back some of their profits to retrain the retrenched workers.” Similarly, banks should be held accountable for the financial scams happening under their nose that upend so many seniors’ lives.

    Promoting tourism in the picturesque Hudson Valley is a no-brainer. “I will give tourism full attention to attract high-paying visitors and create jobs,” says Thind while pointing to a recent Netflix series, ‘Four Seasons’, which was shot there and stars Steve Carell and Tina Fey. With his business acumen and the region’s appeal, he is confident that more entertainment projects will follow.

    Thind can boast a rich resume that highlights his multifarious career. Armed with an MBA and a journalism degree, Thind arrived in America at the cusp of this century. Over the years, he worked for many reputed companies, founded his own ad agency in Manhattan, and has been Editor-Publisher of ‘The South Asian Insider’ for almost two decades. Recently, he became an author with “The Beginning – Mad Men of Nu Way Advertising,” highlighting his experience at the helm of the once-thriving ad agency on Madison Avenue.

    Experience in Government and Politics

    From 2012, he has worked with the government in one capacity or another. He served as a Commissioner on the Nassau County Human Rights Commission until 2018. He also worked with the Receiver of Taxes office in the Town of Hempstead, the largest township in America.

    In electoral politics, Thind has gained valuable experience helping others run for office. “From local councilman, mayoral to state senate and assembly to DA to Congress races, I have been very closely involved, spending long hours strategizing policy. I have helped raise and also personally contributed to the campaigns of quite a few races,” he says. Twice, he has received the Congressional Excellence award. Running for Congress, Thind insists, he also draws on the perspective he gained as an editor on how government is run and what needs to be done to fix what is broken.

    To kick-start his campaign, Thind will put his own money into it and seek support from small donors (the maximum individual contribution is $3,535). He clarifies that no government matching funds are available for Congressional races. Because CD18 is flippable and can help the GOP retain control of the House after 2026, Thind expects America-loving, like-minded individuals to help lift his campaign to victory.

    Thind owns a property in Catskills and is in the process of signing a lease for a house in Saugerties, in Ulster County. He lives with his wife and two sons on Long Island.

    Thind’s appeal is straightforward: Elect a representative who will bring more jobs and protect those jobs from AI; bring more tourism to the Hudson Valley; expand healthcare benefits; protect family values; and pass laws to save senior citizens from scams.

    To support and elect Sharanjit, go to ThindForCongress.com

    (Parveen Chopra is the founder of ALotusInTheMud.com web magazine.)

  • Sant Nirankari Mission hosts spiritual event at Hofstra

    Sant Nirankari Mission hosts spiritual event at Hofstra

    • By Parveen Chopra

    HEMPSTEAD, NY (TIP): At the Sant Nirankari Mission’s well-attended Mukti Parv Samagam (Spiritual Liberation Convention) on August 17 at Hofstra University, a spiritually uplifting discourse was delivered by Nirankari Rajpita Ramit Chandana, husband of Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji Maharaj, the current spiritual head of the Sant Nirankari Mission.

    The event at Hofstra’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse auditorium was organized by the New York-Connecticut chapter of the Nirankari Mission. It drew more than 1,200 participants, including over a dozen political and community leaders from across Long Island, according to a press release from the Mission.

    Town Clerk of North Hempstead Ragini Srivastava presented a Proclamation on behalf of the Town to Rajpita ji. Also in the picture are Tsewang Gyaltson, Consul, Indian Consulate in New York, and Renuka Malhi, Director of Public Relations of the Mission’s NY chapter.

    In his reflective discourse, the young Nirankari Rajpita Ji, who had arrived in New York after delivering back-to-back discourses in New Delhi and Birmingham, England, delivered a deeply thought-out message. He reminded participants that spiritual life is rooted in valuing human virtues. He lamented that today, people have been desensitized and inflict pain and suffering upon fellow beings. Each group tends to feel superior to others due to their religion, country, or culture. “Yes, we are free to practice our faith, but that should not restrict others’ freedom or disrespect them. Nor should we impose our faith on others,” he said in his 45-minute presentation. Dignitaries present at the afternoon event included New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, Town of North Hempstead  Supervisor Jennifer S. DeSena, and Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava, as well as Tsewang Gyaltson, Consul at the Indian Consulate in New York.

    Throughout the event, other mission speakers and devotees shared personal experiences of spiritual growth, describing how the convention deepened their understanding of faith and practice. The program also featured soulful hymns and devotional music, fostering an atmosphere of reflection, meditation, and community spirit. The New York-Connecticut Chapter of the Mission expressed gratitude to Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji Maharaj for sending Rajpita ji to New York for the program. A langar meal followed the program even as people queued up to greet Rajpita ji individually.

    (Parveen Chopra is the Founding Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, a premier wellness and spirituality magazine)

    NYS Senator Steve Rhoads posing in front of posters of Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji Maharaj, the current spiritual head of the Sant Nirankari Mission. (Photos: courtesy Sant Nirankari Mission)
  • Lotus shows way to celebrate Yoga Day – with a twist

    Lotus shows way to celebrate Yoga Day – with a twist

     

    Eddie Stern had the audience practice Brahma Mudra

    GREAT NECK, NY (TIP): In a soulful celebration to rekindle yoga’s spiritual roots, over 200 people came together to celebrate the International Day of Yoga here. Instead of yoga postures, they were introduced to the higher steps of the discipline that originated in India. The Spirit of Yoga event on June 22 was co-hosted by Parveen Chopra, founder of ALotusInTheMud.com, and the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization.

    For Anjani, Desena and Parveen: Jennifer DeSena, Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, flanked by Sister Anjani Seepersaud and Parveen Chopra.

    Parveen Chopra played a video of the Lotus web magazine he founded three years ago and moderated the evening, along with Erik Larson, Director of Brahma Kumaris WSO. Sister Anjani Seepersaud, Coordinator of the Global Harmony House venue, introduced them.

    Parveen Chopra presented a crystal lotus to Piyush Singh, who represented the Indian Consulate in New York.
    Saeed Hassan, Director Interfaith Outreach for NYS Senator Steve Rhoads, presented citations on behalf of the Senator to A Lotus In The Mud (accepted by Parveen Chopra) and the Brahma Kumaris (accepted by Erik Larson and Sister Anjani Seepersaud.

    While acknowledging that almost all Yoga Day programs and yoga studios focus only on asanas and pranayam, Chopra pointed out, “Asana practice will lead many to explore the spiritual side of yoga.”

    Dr Anjali Grover presented the story of yoga in dance.

    India’s Consul General In New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan was Chief Guest. He was represented by Piyush Singh – Consul, Press, Information, and Culture. Singh relayed the message from the Consulate: “We are privileged to support this inspiring initiative. The energy and intent that radiate from this gathering truly reflect the deeper essence of yoga. Not merely asanas, yoga is a profound spiritual discipline that harmonizes body, mind, and soul.”

    Piyush Singh was introduced by Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, who mentioned that he was witness earlier this month to a record 10,000 people attending a yoga session in San Pedro Carcha in Guatemala, organized by the Indian embassy there, even though only 100 Indian families live in that city.

    Eddie Stern, yoga instructor and founder of the Ganesha Temple in Manhattan, positioned postures in the 8-limb yoga discipline and led the audience in doing Brahma Mudra exercise.

    Jennifer DeSena, Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, thanked Chopra and the Global Harmony House for hosting a meaningful celebration of Yoga Day, adding. “Yoga is not just movement—it’s a journey inward, a practice of stillness in a restless world.”

    Rakesh Bhargava, President of the World Vegan Vision (NY chapter), discussed the vegan lifestyle and yoga. Dr Anjali Grover danced the story of yoga and Andonia Fthenakis presented sound bath meditation.

    In an expression of India’s call of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family), the speakers and attendees represented diverse religions and communities.

    Prominent people at the event included Arvind Vora, Chair of Shanti Fund and founding trustee of Lotus, Dr Faroque Khan, Chair of Interfaith Institute of Long Island, Paul Chellani, head of the Sant Nirankari Mission – New York, Kamlesh Mehta – Chairman of The South Asian Times, Prof Indrajit Saluja – Editor-Publisher of The Indian Panorama, Mohan Wanchoo, Varinder Bhalla, Mukund Padmanabhan, Chandra Bhansali, Ashok Vyas, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Rashmin Master, Jyoti Gupta and yoga teacher Anita Rana.

    After the program, people enjoyed vegetarian and vegan refreshments in the sunny outdoors.
    (Photos by Kripa Ranjan Prasad, courtesy of Parveen Chopra/ALotusInTheMud.com)
  • A Lotus In The Mud celebrates Yoga Day in a spiritual way

    A Lotus In The Mud celebrates Yoga Day in a spiritual way

    The June 22 event on Long Island is in partnership with the Brahma Kumaris and in association with the Indian Consulate

    BK Mohini Didi, head of the Brahma Kumaris international, will give Blessings

    GREAT NECK, NY (TIP): In a world increasingly obsessed with external forms of wellness, a profound initiative is set to remind us of yoga’s inner essence. ‘The Spirit of Yoga’, a special International Day of Yoga celebration, is being co-hosted by the globally respected Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization and the premier conscious media platform ALotusInTheMud.com on June 22 at the serene Global Harmony House in Great Neck on Long Island.

    Going beyond postures

    While most Yoga Day celebrations revolve around physical postures and public demonstrations of flexibility, ‘The Spirit of Yoga’ program seeks to reclaim yoga’s soul, rekindling its spiritual roots.

    “We are focusing on yoga as a way of being – anchored in awareness, self-realization, and harmony,” says Parveen Chopra, Founding Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com and co-moderator of the event. “Yoga, as in Patanjali’s 8-limbed path, finds its fulfillment in dhyan, asanas are just a part and accessory.”

    Guests and the transformative program

    Parveen Chopra, Founder of ALotusInThewMud.com, will be co-moderator of the event.

    The event will witness a lineup of dignitaries, spiritual leaders and practitioners who bring wisdom, inspiration, and the lived experience of yogic values to about 250 seekers in the hall, and many more attending virtually.

    • Chief Guest: Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, who will speak on India’s gift of yoga to the world.
    • Spiritual Blessings by: BK Mohini Didi, the revered Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris international organization.
    • Guest of Honor: Eddie Stern, yoga instructor and founder of the Broome Street Ganesha Temple in Manhattan.
    • Raja Yoga Meditation: Guided by Sister Gayatri Naraine, the NGO representative of the Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations.
    • Sound Bath Meditation: By Andonia Fthenakis, an Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner, to foster energetic alignment and deep relaxation.
    • Dance of Yoga: A creative interpretation of yogic expression by Dr. Anjali Grover, MD, integrating movement and meaning.
    Guest of Honor Eddie Stern is yoga instructor and founder of the Broome Street Ganesha Temple in Manhattan

    “In today’s commercialized wellness world, yoga is often reduced to fitness,” says Sr. Gayatri Naraine. “But the true spirit of yoga is about connecting to our highest self, to the Supreme, through spiritual awareness.”

    About the Brahma Kumaris

    A global spiritual movement active in over 130 countries, the Brahma Kumaris offer courses in Raja Yoga meditation, value-based living, and inner leadership. Their Americas headquarters, located at Global Harmony House, serves as a lighthouse for peace, knowledge, and self-transformation.

    www.GlobalHarmonyHouse.org

    About ‘A Lotus in the Mud’

    A not-for-profit online wellness and spirituality magazine, ALotusInTheMud.com is rooted in timeless wisdom yet deeply relevant to modern life. Featuring interviews and articles from sages and scientists alike, it bridges Eastern spirituality with Western inquiry. Launched from New York in 2023, it has grown as a powerful platform for spiritual journalism, bringing together voices from diverse traditions to help and heal people and the world.

    Andonia Fthenakis, an Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner, will present sound bath mediation.

    www.ALotusInTheMud.com 

     The Spirit of Yoga event details

    Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025

    Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

    Followed by refreshments

    Venue: Global Harmony House, 46 South Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021

    Free entry | Register by June 15 at https://tiny.cc/spirit-of-yoga-2025

    Contact for press, partnerships, or participation queries:

    Sr Anjani Seepersaud, Coordinator, Global Harmony House: + 1 516-234-4620

    Parveen Chopra, Founding Editor, ALotusInTheMud.com: + 1 516 710 0508

  • Vaisakhi celebrated Enthusiastically at the Indian Consulate in New York

    Vaisakhi celebrated Enthusiastically at the Indian Consulate in New York

    • By Parveen Chopra

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Vaisakhi, the harvest festival of Punjab, and the day when Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th master of the Sikhs created a sect with a distinct identity and called them Khalsa in the year 1699 was celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm at the Indian consulate in New York on April 11. The full room gathering of over a hundred in the ornate Ball Room of the Indian Consulate in New York enjoyed every moment of their presence at the Vaisakhi celebrations organized by The Indian Panorama with the support of the Consulate.

    Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan described it as “a joyous celebration honoring the spirit of Baisakhi and Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.”
    Speaking about the creation of the Khalsa, Ambassador Pradhan said that Guru Gobind Singh Ji “dedicated a community which was standing for righteousness, and service. He gave them a unique identity and conduct and strength to stand against injustice. That’s what Guru Gobind Singh stood for. And I think in six days, we celebrated two events associated with him, Hola Mohalla and Vaisakhi.

    Amb. Pradhan highlighted the teachings of Sikh gurus who emphasized qualities of compassion, harmony, service, and equality. He also recognized the Punjabi community’s contributions to India’s nation-building.

    Ambassador Pradhan is very concerned about the malpractices indulged in by some unscrupulous agents who are charging exorbitantly in the name of the Consulate or in the name of providing consular services. He spoke at length about the issue and warned against such agents.

    Keynote Speaker Gurcharanjit Singh Lamba, a Sikh scholar and author reflected on the founding of the Khalsa and shared some interesting anecdotes from its history.

    Eminent attorney Ravi Batra shared his moving experience at the Golden Temple and saluted the Sikh gurus for saving India as a nation with their sacrifices. I, as a Hindu and founding editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, had the privilege to felicitate the Sikh community on Vaisakhi.

    Ahmed Shakir spoke on behalf of Muslims and Koshi Thomas for Christians.
    Apart from community leaders among the 100-plus audience, New York State Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, and North Hempstead Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava graced the event and spoke briefly.
    Earlier, Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja, Editor-Publisher of The Indian Panorama, who put together the program, while welcoming the guests, said Vaisakhi used to be a harvest festival of Punjab but in 1699 Guru Gobind Singh chose the day to create Khalsa, a sect with a distinct identity. Thus, today, Vaisakhi is both a socio-cultural event and also the birthday of the Khalsa .

    The program began with a soulful Shabad, ‘Deh Shiva var mohe’, which means O Lord! Give me the boon to never turn away from doing good deeds and ended with a lively Bhangra performance.

    After Consul, Culture, Pragya Singh kicked off the proceedings, ITV Gold anchor Pia Jyoti Kachroo ably emceed the program. All the presenters were honored with shawls and a replica of the Golden Temple. Amb Pradhan’s wife, Monalisa Shuvadarshini greeted and thanked each presenter.

    Delicious appetizers and dinner from Michelin Chef Hemant Mathur’s Saar were served.

    Amb. Pradhan thanked The Indian Panorama and Prof Saluja for organizing the event, and for holding the Holi/Hola celebration on Long Island a week earlier.

    (Parveen Chopra is the Founding Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, the premium Wellness and Spirituality web magazine published from New York.)

  • Consul General Mr. Pradhan celebrates The Indian Panorama Holi/Hola with the Indian community and dignitaries

    Consul General Mr. Pradhan celebrates The Indian Panorama Holi/Hola with the Indian community and dignitaries

    • By Parveen Chopra

    JERICHO, NY (TIP): India’s Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, along with his wife Mrs. Monalisa Shuvadarshini, New York Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, and Town Clerk, Town of North Hempstead Ragini Srivastava, joined the Indian community at the celebration of festival of colors, Holi, and the festival of valor, Hola hosted by The Indian Panorama at the Cotillion Banquet on Long Island on April 5.

    Guests were greeted with a dab of dry gulal on the cheeks and offered the traditional cardamom and crystal sugar.

    Now in its 6th year hosting the event, The Indian Panorama combines the celebration of Hola Mohalla, which has significance in Sikh history, with Holi. The highlight of this year’s performances was a thrilling display of the Sikh martial art called Gatka by Sardar Daler Singh’s Gatka academy students.

    Amb Pradhan and Mrs. Shuvadarshini (the latter attended the celebration for the first time) were enthralled by the 15-minute performance as young kids wielded swords and other weapons as if on the battlefield.

    In his address, Ambassador Pradhan thanked The Indian Panorama and its Editor-Publisher, Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, for continuing with their tradition of organizing the Holi/Hola and Vaisakhi events, the latter scheduled for April 11 at the Consulate.
    Ambassador told the Indian community to beware of unscrupulous visa/passport agencies and scammers. He said the consulate was sensitive to the community’s expectations and needs of efficient consular services, and keeping this in view, the Consulate was now providing emergency services even on weekends and holidays which means 365 days of the year.

    Amb. Pradhan and Mrs Shuvadarshini were greeted with bouquets and honored with shawls by Prof Saluja and the Holi/Hola Organizing Committee. Mrs. Shuvadarshini said she was happy to attend the colorful celebration and kindly handed over the certificates of attendance to all performers. Also representing the Indian Consulate were Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh, Deputy Consul General, and Sewang Gyalson, Consul.

    New York State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein graced the event, spoke briefly and presented Amb. Pradhan a citation from the assembly. He, in turn, was honored with a shawl by the Consul General.

    Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava also addressed the gathering, talking about her long association and support of the Indian community. She said it was a pleasure for her to participate in the Holi / Hola celebrations organized by The Indian Panorama, and that she did not miss any in the past. She was honored with a shawl.

    Prof Saluja, in his introductory remarks, said that The Indian Panorama’s Holi & Hola celebrations began in 2018, inspired by then Consul General Mr. Sandeep Chakravorty, to unite the Indian American community in celebrating the Festival of Colors and Love, and the Festival of Valor. What started as a modest event with a gathering of a hundred crème de la crème of the Indian Diaspora quickly evolved into a grand annual tradition, enriched with Gatka displays, vibrant singing and dancing performances, and comic relief.

    This year, for the first time, the program started with ‘Sarva Dharma Prayers’ led by Purnima Desai, founder of Shikshayatan Cultural Center, and Harcharan Singh Gulati, of Gurdwara Nanak Darbar in Hicksville. They were joined on the stage by Narinder Kapoor and Gurdip Singh Narula, who talked about the origins of Hola Mohalla festival.

    A much-anticipated performance was by Sanjib Bhattacharya, an accomplished Manipuri dancer and recipient of two President’s awards in India. He did not disappoint as he was joined by his elaborately dressed troupe members including Jagannath Lairenjam, Jolly Moni Debi and Chaobi Thoi Leiranjam Debi.

    A Holi dance performance by a group led by choreographer and dancer Jyotika Patel was appreciated by all. Her troupe included Anuradha Kumar, Brinda Soneiji, Shilpa Jayshil Patel, Sujini Govindrajan, and Vijaya Nyayapathi.

    Towards the end, Ashok Arora, a lawyer in India’s Supreme Court, earned the ‘royal’ crown as Mahamoorkh (The Biggest Fool). Arora sportingly cherished the new title and recited a couple of Urdu couplets about love and even sang a song, entertaining the crowd. Earlier winners of the dubious title have been Tirlok Malik, Ravi Batra, Elango Balasubramaniam and H.P. Singh.

    Dr. Bindeshwari Aggarwal provided comic relief with her humorous poems. Then, Surya Makkar played on Dhol, and sister Prachi crooned boliyan and tappe, making ladies dance with abandon.

    Host and MC Prof. Indrajit S Saluja says thank you and goodbye until the next Holi/Hola.

    The Indian Panorama publisher and editor Prof. Saluja, who emceed the program, thanked the dignitaries, community leaders and guests for their gracious presence. He also thanked members of his organizing committee – Jyoti Gupta (coordinator), Shashi Malik, Dr. Jag Kalra, Abha Bhatnagar, Anju & Sanju Sharma, Amita Karwal, Gunjan Rastogi, Beena Kothari, Bina Sabapathy, Jaskiran Saluja and Parveen Chopra. A sumptuous lunch after the program and snacks and thandai before were served.

    (A senior journalist, Parveen Chopra is the Founding Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, the premier wellness and spirituality online magazine)

  • Thank you, Holi/Hola Organizing Committee

    The Indian Panorama is grateful to each and every member of the Organizing Committee for helping with their time, effort and expertise in making the Holi/Hola event on April 5 at Cotillion Banquet a grand success.  

    Jyoti Gupta: Coordinator

    Jyoti Gupta has worked in the corporate world and has won many accolades for her community service.

    With a Masters in Political Science from Jabalpur University, she came to the US and worked in banking institutions like Barclays Bank, Kredit Bank and ING Bank, where she rose to the rank of Assistant Treasurer.

    From 1996-2001, she ran Jwala Travel, specializing in discount travel to India and vacation packages to Europe and Caribbean countries. She went on to cofound social groups like Rafi Lata singing group, Divine Meditation, Adabi Sangam, Mehfile Sangeet, and Karaoke Club.

    Jyoti founded Long Island Ladies Circle, aimed at Women Empowerment, and helping battered women. She is also active in India Association of Long Island, Indian American Forum, and India Day Parade.

    She has received prestigious awards including: Town Of North Hempstead Community Service Award;  Senator Anna Kaplan Community Service Award;  Covid Hero Award by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; Community Service Excellence Award by Senator Kevin Thomas: Community Service Award by Congressman Tom Suozzi; Republic Day Community Service Award by County Executive and Independence Day Community Service Award by Nassau County.

    Anju Sharma

    Anju Sharma is a former professor, successful businesswoman , and community leader. She is CEO of JBMS Inc, where she runs a free training program for interns for job placement.

    In India, she taught at Kanya Maha Vidyalaya in Jalandhar for 16 years and was Director of Guru Nanak Dev University’s Youth Festival Team for Inter University competition. She was an inter-university record holder in swimming.

    She is currently President of the Long Island Indo-American Lions Club and has served as Jt. Treasurer Rotary Club Hicksville South, and IALI Cultural Chair. She is Secretary, Indo American Association for Community Development, Trustee of Long Island Ladies Circle, Board Member of Long Island Diversity Circle and Member of SAWAO. She is on the Advisory Board of Sanford Brown Institute, Member of United Cultural Society of NY & GCP Civic Association. She is Lifetime Sponsor of Each One Teach One in India.

    Beena Kothari

    As the incoming President of AIA-NY for 2025-2026, Beena Kothari’s extensive involvement with both Indian and American communities has left a lasting impact. Her numerous contributions to various social and cultural non-profit organizations, often in leadership roles, have been truly remarkable. Guided by the ancient Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam”, Beena strives to foster a sense of unity and inclusivity within the community. Her efforts aim to bring people together, ultimately serving the greater good of humanity.

     

    Dr. Abha Bhatnagar

    Dr. Abha Bhatnagar is an active member of several esteemed Indian organizations, including IDP, SEVA, and SAWAO, along with various scientific associations. Presently, she serves as the Secretary of SEWA and holds positions on the Executive Council of both IALI and SAWAO. As an author, she has written two books on Computer Education and has published numerous research papers in international journals, concentrating on Chemistry and Physics.

    Sanju Sharma

    Sanju Sharma is known for selfless service and true leadership. She has a Double Master from Guru Nanak Dev University represented it at Youth Festivals, and was a national-level swimmer. A former computer teacher at Sacred Heart School, she has worked as an Administrative Manager. Above all, she loves to serve her community in charitable and social events and promote Indian culture and heritage.

    She is the Founder of the Each One Teach One charity committee to provide education to students in need in India. She is Club Admin of LI Indo-American Lions Club, Joint Treasurer India Day Parade, Executive Member and Program Coordinator for Indo American Association for Change, Executive Member of Long Island Diversity Circle, Member of Sawao, and of GCP Civic Association.  She is also Secretary of Indo American Association for Community Development, and Communication coordinator of Long Island Ladies Circle.

    Shashi Malik

    Shashi Malik is a businesswoman and manages her own IT Software Company, SD Services Inc. Earlier, she worked at the executive level for several Fortune 100 companies.

    Currently, Shashi is the Founder and President of Seva Center for Humanity, which helps students, veterans, and needy families. She is also General Secretary for the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation and Executive Committee Member of the AIA-NY Chapter.

    She has been actively involved in community organizations including  IALI, India Day Parade, World Vegan Vision, Gift of Life USA, Rotary Club of Hicksville South, Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and INN Soup Kitchen.

    Shashi Malik is a Member of the United Way Community Impact Council and of the Long Island Hate and Bias Prevention Regional Council for bringing awareness and preventing hate and bias incidents in New York state.

    In 2013, she received the US President’s Volunteer Service Award for her service to the community.

    Shashi worked in the Indian Army on their first computer before coming to the USA. She co-authored a book on Cross System Product (CSP) – A Developer’s Guide published by McGraw Hill.

    Gunjan Rastogi

    Gunjan Rastogi is an entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist. After moving to the US in 1980 after graduating from Miranda House in New Delhi, she worked as a software engineer with major Wall Street firms before pursuing her dream of owning a healthcare agency.

    Gunjan holds several influential positions, contributing actively to the Indo-American and broader communities in New York. Her roles include: Chairperson of the National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC), Vice President for the National Federation of Indian American Association (NFIA), Vice President for World Vegan Vision, National Secretary of the Association of Indians in America, Board Member for Queens County Board and Boys Scouts of America,  Past President of IALI.

    Gunjan is also a talented artist with awards in classical dance, singing, acting, and choreography. Her talents were showcased early on as a model for Campa-Cola and as a TV anchor for the children’s program Nanhe Munne in Lucknow.

    Jaskiran Saluja

    Jaskiran Saluja embarked on her journey in India as a life coach, initially focusing and leading her work in Bangalore. Over time, her path led her to the United States, where she now serves as a Property Manager for residential properties. With a deep interest in personal relationships, Jaskiran excels in connecting with others and fostering positive environments.

    An unexpected yet impressive skill she possesses is her talent in accounting, an area she has mastered with great proficiency. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jaskiran is a dedicated contributor to The Indian Panorama, specifically in their Indian American section, where she shares her insights and experiences.

    As the daughter of Professor Indrajit Singh Saluja, Jaskiran has been influenced by strong community values and remains committed to active involvement in initiatives that support and uplift her community. Through her contributions, she strives to ensure that her community continues to be recognized for its achievements and excellence.

    Bina Sabapathy

    Bina Sabapathy has served three record terms as President of India Association of Long Island. She is Founder of Indo American Community Voice and has organized Ganesh Festival for past three years in Hicksville. She is a Trustee and Director of Vedic Heritage (Hanuman temple), former President of World Vegan Vision, and has been associated with AWB Food Bank and the Indian American Forum.

    Bina grew up in Udupi, a holy town in Karnataka, graduated from SPP College with a double major in History & Economics and minor in Sociology. She  migrated to the US in the 1980s with her mechanical engineer husband. Her hobbies include gardening and singing.

    Amita Karwal

    Amita Karwal works as Director of a Senior Adult Care center in Nassau County, which gives her an opportunity to serve and give back to the community, especially senior citizens living in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

    She has been a resident of Long Island for close to three decades. She is blessed with two beautiful kids who she is raising with her husband of 20+ years. “We all cherish the blissful life offered by the culturally diverse community that we live in on Long Island,” she says.

     

    Dr. Jagmohan Kalra

    A cancer and blood specialist, Dr. Jagmohan Kalra is a practicing hematologist and oncologist in New York.  She is also involved in the community, doing health talks about cancer awareness and arranging entertainment activities like singing.

    Parveen Chopra

    Founder of alotusinthemud.com, Parveen Chopra is a seasoned media professional specializing in wellness, personal growth, and spirituality. A trained teacher of meditation, he founded Life Positive, India’s first body-mind-spirit magazine, from New Delhi in 1996. Moving to the US, he edited The South Asian Times for over a decade and One World Under God interfaith journal. He also writes the column ‘Lotus Pond’ on Pathoes.com, a multi-religion platform. Earlier, he served as President of the American Press Club.

  • Meditation Teacher Parveen Chopra introduces Hinduism to high schoolers on Long Island

    Meditation Teacher Parveen Chopra introduces Hinduism to high schoolers on Long Island

    MERRICK, NY (TIP): Parveen Chopra, Editor-Publisher of ALotusInTheMud.com and a meditation teacher, introduced Hinduism to 9th graders at Sanford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick, NY on March 24. His presentation to multiple groups of 15-20 boys and girls each was part of a Multi-Faith Forum program at the school aimed to make students understand diverse faiths better. A majority of the students at this school are Christians, with a sprinkling of Jews, and barely any other faiths. Chopra found they did not know much about Hinduism, but they were attentive and eager to learn.

    Given the 15-20 minute slot for each group before they were shepherded to the Islam table and Christianity and Judaism tables, he confined himself to talking about the basics. He introduced the young students to Om, Namaste, Swastika (and how it differs from the Nazi hakenkreuz). He told them that yoga has origins in Hinduism, and that meditation is an essential part of yoga despite yoga in popular culture becoming identified with physical postures. He even had them mediate for a couple of minutes at the end of his talk.

    Clearing the misconception that Hinduism is otherworldly and promotes renunciation, Chopra said it prescribes four aims of life — Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. But the pursuit of material things and fulfilling desires should be in alignment with dharma or righteousness, which will lead to moksha.

    One student pointed out that Hinduism is monotheistic. Chopra said it is correct, but there are also thousands of deities, gods, and goddesses, which many people can relate to and worship instead of a formless, nameless ultimate reality called Brahman (the underlying ground of all, a concept different from God).

    Chopra shared with the children some common strands running between Hinduism and the three other faiths that originated in the Indian subcontinent, namely Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Reincarnation-karma theory is one of them. Pursuit of liberation in this very life is another.

    One teacher who dropped by wanted to know about the caste system. Chopra agreed that it has bedeviled Indian society for long but has been weakening in modern times. Called Varna vyavastha, it was based on social and economic roles, but over time it became rigid and generational.

    (From left): Presenters Rev. Tim TenClay, Parveen Chopra, Cheryl Bennett and Daisy Khan with Timothy Dolan, Social Studies Chairperson of the Calhoun High School.

    As an interesting sidelight, only a handful of students could name the Vice President of America, J.D. Vance, so no way they would know that his wife, Usha, is a Hindu.

    Chopra told TIP, “Talking non-stop on my feet for six hours with one coffee and bagel break made me tip my hat to schoolteachers everywhere who do it day in and day out. My fellow presenter, Daisy Khan, could not even take a sip of water as she was observing Ramadan fasting.”

    Two other presenters of the day were – Tim TenClay and Cheryl Bennett. Timothy Dolan, Social Studies Chairperson of the school shepherded the students.

    Simultaneously a similar program was conducted in Three Village Central School District in Suffolk County, under Christine Cone, Director of Social Studies. Both programs were coordinated by the Interfaith Institute of Long Island, in Westbury, chaired by Dr Faroque A Khan.

    Reaching out and interacting with 900 plus youngsters in Suffolk and Nassau was made possible by the presenters who gave their time pro bono.

  • Dr. Urmilesh Arya’s lifetime of service in the US and India is laudable

    Dr. Urmilesh Arya’s lifetime of service in the US and India is laudable

    Honored to lead India Day Parade as Grand Marshal, Dr Arya’s leadership roles and contributions to the community have brought her many laurels.

    Dr Urmilesh Arya celebrating Diwali on Capitol Hill with Congress members Gregory Meek and Carolyn Maloney and other community leaders.
    • By Parveen Chopra

    Chosen to lead the 13th India Day Parade of Long Island in Hicksville on August 25 caps many decades of community service by Dr Urmilesh Arya in both America and India, in which she has served in leadership roles in Indian community organizations.

    In her message on the eve of the parade, she said, “We are celebrating the 78th Independence Day of the largest democracy on the land of the strongest and oldest democracy in the world. Our mission and vision are to promote unity, commend the hard work and sincerity of the Indian community, and remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters.”

    Dr Arya with fellow Rotarians and others at planting of the Tree for Unity at Gandhi Peace Garden in SUNY Old Westbury.

    A true ambassador of India, she added, “Our ancestors have given us a rich heritage and culture that teaches us to live happily and help others get peace and happiness. If we work together, we all progress.”

    Dr Urmilesh and Dr Yashpal Arya with Dr. Nirmal K. Mattoo (left) at the dedication of the Arya India Studies Library at Stony Brook.

    Urmilesh Arya, MD, has had a stellar professional career. Coming to America in 1970, she earned eminence as a pediatrician and retired as Medical Director at Queensbridge Family Health Center of Wyckoff Heights Hospital. She also served as COO at Arya Gastroenterology Associates in Brooklyn, which is run by her husband, Dr Yashpal Arya.

    Community service and leadership

    At the turn of the century, she started serving the community, becoming a trustee of the Hindu Temple Community Center in Flushing and of the American Association of Indian Physicians—AAPI QLI chapter.

    Congressman Tom Suozzi presented a Proclamation on the Golden Jubilee of the AIA to Dr Arya, its president.

    Primed for bigger responsibilities, in 2003, she was elected President of the Association of Indians in America (AIA) – New York, which organizes the annual Deepavali Festival at South Street Seaport to showcase Indian culture. She initiated Diwali celebrations at City Hall, Gracie Mansion, and the White House. Her advocacy led to free alternate street parking on Diwali in NYC. Diwali is now a school holiday in the city.

    Dr Arya went on to serve as the first woman President of the National AIA in 2018, leading its Golden Jubilee event. Congressmen Tom Suozzi and Raja Krishnamoorthy, actor Anupam Kher, and honoree Dr Arthur A. Gianelli, President of the Mount Sinai Health Network, graced the event.

    Dr Arya believes helping those in need is a hallmark of Indian culture. As President of the Rotary Club of Hicksville South for 2017-18, she led the club’s annual drives for school bags, winter jackets, and blankets and served food in a soup kitchen. With her team, she planted a tree in Gandhi Peace Garden on the premises of SUNY Old Westbury in a message of Indo-US friendship.

    Dr Arya received Bharat Gaurav award at the United Nations, one of many bestowed on her.

    In 2017, Dr Urmilesh and Dr Yash Arya set up the India Library in Stony Brook University’s Mattoo Center for India Studies.

    Service projects in India

    During the Covid pandemic, Dr Arya distributed facial masks and gloves to Nassau County Medical Center and meals to essential workers. She also sent Oxygen Concentrators and Ventilators to India.

    To educate the underprivileged children, the Arya couple has joined hands with Vidya Bharti to establish 5 high schools and 2 primary schools in northern states. These schools also infuse patriotism and Indian culture in the students.

    During Covid, Dr Urmilesh Arya arranged to send Oxygen Concentrators and Ventilators to India.

    Dr Urmilesh Arya has received many honors and awards, including from temples in New York, the Women’s History Month Award from Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, a Gold Medal from the National Republican Congress Committee, and the Bharat Gaurav Award at the UN.

    The Arya couple lives on Long Island. They have two sons, one daughter, and three grandchildren.

    Dr Urmilesh and Dr Yash Arya have established 5 high schools and 2 primary schools in India.
  • It was a ‘Divine Party’: Siddhguru showers grace at New York event

    It was a ‘Divine Party’: Siddhguru showers grace at New York event

    • Parveen Chopra

    NEW YORK (TIP): Conscious filmmaker Neha Lohia hosted an extraordinary gathering in New York with co-host Parveen Chopra where invited guests had the unique opportunity to receive blessings individually from Sri Brahmrishi Siddhguru Gurudev fondly known as Siddhguru who came from Tirupati in India to America.

    Siddhguru emphasized that the fortunate people in the room should thank their friend, Neha, for not organizing a wine party. Instead, she treated them to “a Divine Party”, a transformative experience, raising spirits in a way New York has never seen before.

    The recent event at the Marriott Marquis Hotel was a celebration of spiritual elevation. Souls and spirits were uplifted by Siddhguru’s gracious presence and divinely inspirational messages.

    He adroitly addressed the predominantly English-speaking audience in his uniquely innocent yet power-packed style. Cautioning that modern life has numerous ways that deplete our soul energy, he encouraged the assembled people to follow and pursue all that strengthens soul energy as their primary to-do and to pay attention to their soul above all else.

    Siddhguru, Sri Brahmrishi Siddheshwar Gurudev, is renowned for his profound knowledge of Vedic science including a PhD in astrology, and his perch at the pinnacle of consciousness after acquiring the rarest of rare 8 Siddhis and 9 Nidhis mentioned in ancient texts with his relentless sadhana of over five decades.

    But he selflessly uses his miraculous abilities to heal all human beings at the soul level and helps lift their suffering and pain, often karmic. He has devoted his potency to developing “Siddhasana,” The Power Of The Soul, a holistic practice to empower all souls who need to be strengthened to do good work in the world. While just encountering him heals at unspoken levels, he says his practice will supercharge people’s good agendas. This is what the world is ready for, and it is meant for the current and future generations who are ready for this truly revolutionary and powerful technology designed to make their individual soul powerful.

    “We have advanced and created a lot of technology to be fit externally, to beautify from the outside but our souls are depleting and becoming weaker by the day. We need to strengthen our souls with active practice and utmost urgency,” the Siddhguru emphasized.

    Neha Lohia adds that this crucial and timely message will be explored further in her upcoming documentary, “Siddhi,” centered on Siddhguru sharing more about this unique technology powered by deep and unspoken truths from sacred texts publicly for the very first time.

    The event was co-hosted by Parveen Chopra, founder and editor of ALotusInTheMud.com web magazine, and attended by many notable dignitaries, doctors, scientists, artists, healers and light workers. They included Dr. Aleta St. James, Dr. Anna Yusim, Jodi Weiss, fashion designers Prashant Goyal and Jim Su, actors Alex Garfin of HBO Fame, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik, latest Broadway sensation Kaitlyn Mitchell, CEO’s Kunal Sood, Seth Rao, and representatives such as Dr Sumul Raval from AAPI World Health Congress, which was inaugurated the same morning at Marriott Marquis by Siddhguru and where Siddhasana became an integral part of this year’s convention.

    During his free-flowing yet focused discourse, Siddhguru addressed the growing rate of depression in affluent communities and emphasized the importance of increasing the power of faith in the creator and self among those gathered and striving for being the conduits of conscious change.

    All those listening to him felt a surge of self-confidence and self-esteem when he told them, “Each one of you is unique – a Masterpiece. There is no one like you and your visions are entrusted in your soul alone because only you can make them happen.”

    The gracious guru led the attendees in chanting ancient and powerful mantras for health, abundance, and wish fulfillment. Each guest received personal blessings, including precious gems and rare gifts manifested by the Siddhguru, to propel them further towards their goals.

    The evening also featured a glimpse of the Siddhasana technique, conducted by Shilpa Shyamsukha Mehta, one of Siddhguru’s trained facilitators. Certain devotees whose lives have been transformed by following the guru’s practices were present in support of the event and included Sharada and Chandra Bhansali PhD, Rajesh Choradia and Ashok Sancheti. The energy in the room was palpable and new followers alike were deeply moved by the Siddhguru’s grace, blessings, and profound teachings.

    Siddhguru’s homilies, such as seeing the word FAILure as “First Attempt in Learning”, NO as “Next Opportunity”, ‘Raise the quality of your words not your voice’, and the new mantra “Know Faith, No Fear,” resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impression on all present.

    “This truly was a rare and special gathering,” said one attendee, reflecting on the unique blend of wisdom and divine energy that permeated the event.

    “He is enlightened, and I am so fortunate that I followed my intuition and came to this event,” said Aleta St. James, who empowers millions of American women with her life-shifting healing modalities.

    The Siddhguru applauded Neha and all the women in the room, saying mothers had to be women — never men – as compassionate hearts were entrusted to women alone. Everyone is born through a woman on this planet, and it is their growing and flowing expression of compassion that is healing for this world.

    In the run-up to Guru Purnima, the master blessed all present and especially showered his abundant love on the hosts, empowering them to keep walking the path of dharma and creating more opportunities for sangha, the community of conscious friends who come together to share how to elevate consciousness.

    For more information about Sri Brahmrishi Siddhguru Gurudev and the Siddhasana practice or about the upcoming documentary ‘Siddhi’, please connect here filmwithher@gmail.com / parul@picturenkraft.com / yashraj@picturenkraft.com

    *About Sri Brahmrishi SiddhGuru Gurudev*

    Sri Brahmrishi Siddhguru Gurudev is an enlightened mystic, a powerful guru healing people at soul level, revered spiritual leader known for his mastery of Vedic sciences, astrology, and holistic ancient Indian practices. He is believed to have attained all eight Siddhis and nine Nidhis (treasures), using his gifts solely to heal and empower individuals at soul level. He constantly travels all over the world awakening people and blessing devotees. In India, his sprawling ashram is located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. www.sribrahmrishiashram.org

    *About Neha Lohia*

    Neha Lohia is a conscious filmmaker dedicated to creating meaningful and transformative media. Her work focuses on bringing spiritual teachings to a broader audience through engaging and insightful storytelling. www.nehalohia.com

    *About ALotusInTheMud.com*

    The wellness and spirituality web magazine was founded by Parveen Chopra as a not-for-profit. www.alotusinthemud.com

     

  • The Indian Panorama’s 18th-year gala Celebrates Talent, Commitment, Community

    The Indian Panorama’s 18th-year gala Celebrates Talent, Commitment, Community

    Four persons to be honored for their singular achievements

    Guest of Honor Ambassador Binaya Srikant Pradhan, Consul General of India at New York
    Guest of Honor US Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY District 3)

    February 16, 2024

    • By Parveen Chopra

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP):  The Indian Panorama is celebrating its 18th year of publication with a Gratitude Gala on February 25 in a grand way. Says its Founding Editor and Publisher Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, “I want to celebrate community, and say my heartfelt thanks to our readers, friends, supporters, and advertisers for the love and support they have blessed us with all these years.”

    Prof. Indrajit Saluja has become synonymous with his weekly newspaper, a labor of love. He is not only an eminent editor but also a well-respected community leader who has forged links across the ethnic and political spectrum. His friends, supporters, and who’s who of the community are set to grace the gala at the glittering Pearl Banquet Hall in Hicksville not only to felicitate The Indian Panorama but also to wish him a long life on his 80th birthday.

    Dignitaries

    Presiding the delightful event will be Hon. Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Ambassador to the United Nations, the first woman diplomat to hold that position.

    The new Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador  Binaya Srikanta Pradhan will be offered a welcome toast by the community at the event.

    The newly elected Congressman,  Hon’ble Tom Suozzi, whom the Indian Panorama endorsed on the first day of his campaign, has promised ‘my loyal friend’ Prof Saluja that he will be there to personally thank Long Island’s Indian community, with whom he has forged bonds over the years.

    Honorees

    The four eminent people to be honored at the gala with whom The Indian Panorama has had a long association, are:

    Dr. V.K. Raju -Life Achievements Honor

    Dr V.K. Raju – Life Achievement Honor award. The President and Founder of the Eye Foundation of America, he has a mission to eliminate childhood blindness from the world. He has helped start two eye hospitals in India and held free eye camps in 30 developing countries.

    Mrs. Ranju Batra – Excellence in Promotion of Diplomacy Award

    Mrs. Ranju Batra – Excellence in Promotion of Diplomacy Award.  She is the Chairperson of Diwali Foundation USA which holds the Diwali Stamp – Power of One awards event at the UN every year to honor diplomats. She also led the campaign to get USPS to release the Diwali stamp.

    Mr. Harry Singh Bolla – Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award

    Mr. Harry Singh Bolla – Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award. He is the Founder and CEO of Bolla Oil Corporation which runs a chain of gas stations and convenience stores in the New York area. Through his Bolla Charity Foundation, he gives back to the community here and extends help to the needy in India.

    Mrs. Purnima Desai – Excellence in Culture Award

    Mrs. Purnima Desai — Excellence in Culture Award. As Founder and President of Shikshayatan Cultural Center and Sriniketan Foundation, she has been instrumental in encouraging and supporting Indian culture through music and arts training and events. She has also produced and directed over a thousand cultural programs.

     Blitz India US launch

    Mr. Deepak Dwivedi, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, BlitzIndia
    Mr. Sandeepp Saxena, CEO, BlitzIndia

    The Indian Panorama’s gala event will also get an international sheen. The US edition of Blitz India will be jointly launched by its Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Deepak Dwivedi, CEO Sandeepp Saxena, and Prof Saluja. Blitz India, the country’s first chronicler of development news, has several editions in India and was launched in the UK last year.

    Mr. Parveen Chopra, Founder of ALotusInTheMud.com

    At the event for the ages, Prof Saluja will also introduce ALotusInTheMud.com, founded by his friend, Mr. Parveen Chopra. Launched at the Indian Consulate in  January, 2023, Lotus is a web magazine presenting free content on wellness and spirituality, a first by an Indian American.

    The attendees at the gala will also be welcomed and entertained with both traditional Indian and contemporary touches.   

    About Prof Saluja

    Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Publisher & Chief Editor, The Indian Panorama

    For Prof Saluja, The Indian Panorama is an expression and extension of his love for India as well as a platform to project the rich South Asian culture and how our successful community has made a place in the melting pot of America. A trilingual, he has also helped start newspapers in Hindi and Punjabi.

    Started 18 years ago in New York, The Indian Panorama also has a Dallas edition now. It reaches the Indian diaspora in the entire US and the world. Its editorial content is the right mix of community news as well as Indian and American current affairs.

    Indefatigable Prof Saluja’s spirit and intensity of work belie his years. He came to the US over 20 years ago after having a long career as a Professor of English Literature at leading colleges in India. Alongside, he founded a prominent monthly magazine titled ‘Punjab Beat’.

    Robert Frost’s words “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have miles to go before I sleep”, aptly characterize Prof. Saluja’s journey in life.

  • Gary Sikka opens Pearl banquet hall to meet the community’s growing needs

    Gary Sikka opens Pearl banquet hall to meet the community’s growing needs

    By Parveen Chopra

    Gary Sikka is a serial restaurateur. He recently created waves and received raves for opening a world-class banquet hall. Named Pearl, it is the latest in his collection of restaurant gems. It is in Hicksville, the thriving and newest Little India.

    Your recent memory may not go beyond Mint restaurant which he opened in 2009 cheek by jowl with the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City. But he ran a highly rated restaurant, also named Mint, in midtown Manhattan. Going back further in time, he ran a restaurant in New Delhi named Rubal before he moved to the USA to serve up Indian food to Indians and Americans alike.

    A view of the exterior of Pearl (Photo : Vaaho)
    The Ribbon cutting ceremony at Pearl. Seen from L to R: Dilsheet, Janessa, Alissa, Navneet Sikka, Bably Sikka, Pearl Sikka, Sean Sikka, Gary Sikka, Sunny Sondhi and Rubal Sikka.

    During an interview for The Indian Panorama, Gary Sikka revealed that Pearl was conceived to cater to the growing demand from the South Asian community for a banquet hall with a bigger capacity than easily available. “Weddings and other gatherings of 300-350 have become commonplace,” says Sikka. “Mint’s capacity is just 200. So, we used to take our clients to other, bigger places. Now Pearl has come up for bigger events, and a smaller event can be done at Mint.”

    Bookings galore at Pearl

    A view of the interior of Pearl (Photo : Vaaho)

    Pearl’s chandeliered ballroom can seat 400 and on the second floor can hold another 100. Pearl’s opening in July was celebrated with a lavish party graced by dignitaries, community leaders, friends, and family. Notables included hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal, Harry Singh Bolla, chairman of Bolla Oil Corporation, Naveen Shah, CEO of Navika Capital Group, Dr. Pailla Malla Reddy, CEO of ScieGen Pharmaceutical Company, and Jon Kaiman, Deputy Suffolk County Executive.

    Gary Sikka with Padma Bhushan Sant Singh Chatwal, a Patron of the American Punjabi Association at the inauguration of Pearl.
    Gary Sikka with Harry Singh Bolla, Bolla Oil Corporation CEO and Patron of the American Punjabi Association at the inauguration of Pearl

    Pearl has been getting a very good response. “Those who were planning their parties at hotels are converting to Pearl.” Gary Sikka shows the Pearl calendar chock-a-block with booked events.

    The crème de la crème of the Indian American community graced the occasion of the inauguration of Pearl. From L to R : Dr. Vinni Jayam, Past President AAPI, Rubal Sikka, President of Mint and Pearl, CEO & President of Navika Capital Group Naveen C Shah, Gary Sikka, CEO and Executive Chef of Mint and Pearl, Dr. Raj Bhayani, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Mohinder Taneja

    The steady stream of bookings is not coming just from people of Indian or Pakistani origin, but people of all communities, white, black, or Hispanic. Confirmed bookings for 2024, Sikka notes, have come, besides the tristate area, as from as far as Albany, Pennsylvania, even Atlanta.

    Besides the glittering ballroom and high-ceiling lobby right in downtown Hicksville, Pearl has a bridal suite. It also has a sprawling parking facility for 150 vehicles. But for Covid, the $9 million Pearl would have opened two years ago and would have cost less.

    For now, Pearl is only for banquets. Says Sikka, “We thought for dining Mint is there only a few miles away. But we will add dining in Pearl also in the future.”

    Officially, Gary Sikka is CEO and Executive Chef and his son Rubal Sikka is its President and owner.

    Despite his long list of accomplishments in the hospitality business, Gary Sikka, 56, does not have the airs that some celebrity chefs have. Unassuming and soft-spoken, he gave this free-flowing interview in Punjabi in his first-floor office in Mint. He talks about the capacity they possess to handle massive events. “In 2018, we did catering for 2,500 delegates, five meals a day for five days for the AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) convention at Harrah’s at Atlantic City Resort.

    Sikka shares that he moved to the US towards the end of the last century after his kids came here to pursue higher education. Around 1997 he set up a business running a chain of cell phone stores under the name of NR Wireless. But the restaurant business claimed him again, and he opened ‘With Mint’ in 2001 in Midtown Manhattan on 50th Street. It was a roaring success, Gary Sikka states. He shares the secret sauce that goes into running a successful restaurant, particularly in a city like Manhattan: “It is the best of food, location, service, and ambiance in that order. And we had a combination of all four.”

    Mint served not just Indian but also American and Italian cuisine then. The guests who dined there, Sikka remembers, included the Clintons, state governors, UN diplomats, and Bollywood’s who’s who. “We were situated very close to the UN building. And the visiting dignitaries usually stayed at the legendary Waldorf Astoria, which was next door to us. We also served visiting Indian ministers and were caterers by default at India House (housing the New York Consulate).” They had a deal to do room service in hotels including Waldorf Astoria.

    Sikka continues his story. “We moved Mint to the current location in 2009, keeping the same four ingredients in mind – the best of food, location, service, and ambiance. And it has been a success story too.” The restaurant can seat about 200 people on the ground floor. It has a walled-off buffet area, and the bar is in the lobby. The terrace can hold 150 people; it is the only one on Long Island allowed rooftop dining with a live-kitchen license.

    The clientele, Sikka divulges is only 50% South Asian, and 50% are a mix of other communities.

    Whether it is Pearl or Mint, they are prepared to meet the dietary demands of the client, be it kosher, or halal, and lately even vegan and Jain food.

    Thriving catering business
    Mint is an official caterer to marquee names in hospitality including Crest Hollow Country Club, Leonard’s, Muttontown Golf Club (all on Long Island) as well as Hilton Huntington, Marriott in Uniondale and Melville, Hyatt Hauppauge, and Terrace on the Park in Queens.

    Sikka insists parties at these places don’t just call him for Indian cuisine, but also Indo-Chinese, Thai, Italian, American, Mediterranean, even Mexican and Japanese.

    Bably Sikka, Gary Sikka and Rubal Sikka with the legendary Punjabi singer Harbhajan Mann at the Mint

    A fun fact Sikka will tell you is about the changing community and ethos. “Many marriages these days are inter-religious and multicultural. So, they may ask for Indian appetizers at eight stations for cocktails, only to go for multi-cuisine for dinner.” Sikka has also included live cooking in his culinary smorgasbord — be it barbecue, Mexican live, Chat station Live, or Sushi Live.

    They don’t just lug around cooked food to the venue. “We have a mobile kitchen fully equipped with tandoor and fryers as well as a frozen vault for ice-cream. We park our 22-foot truck at the venue and supply piping-hot food from there. Tandoor is a necessity for much of our cooking, and hotels or restaurants do not have it in their kitchens.”

    There is a necessary variation on the sit-down dinner format, says Sikka: “Indian and other South Asians do not like pre-plated lunch or dinner. They also want chicken, goat curry, and vegetables served at the table. Our servers provide that as well as assorted bread.”

    With son Rubal helping in Gary Sikka’s business for almost 20 years, what is the division of labor? Rubal, who has a management degree, manages Pearl, operations, maintenance, the bar, and bookings. Gary Sikka himself looks after marketing, food, and catering.

    Community leader

    Gary Sikka, President of the American Punjabi Association speaking at the recently organized Punjabi Heritage Mela at Suffolk County. County Executive Steve Bellone and Deputy County Executive Jon Kaiman were amongst the guests.

    Gary Sikka has been active in community affairs, more vigorously lately. He is the driving force and President of the American Punjabi Society launched recently. “There has been no Punjabi organization. But we’ll work for the welfare of not just Punjabi but all communities in the spirit of the Sikh tenet of ‘Sarbat ka bhala’ (the well-being of all). For example, we plan to run cancer clinics.” Punjabi American Society along with Suffolk County’s Department of Human Services held a well-attended Punjabi Heritage Celebrations 2023 on December 20 at Suffolk County Executive Building in Hauppauge.

    Sikka is the founder-director of the Indian American Chamber of Commerce, NY, and of the Long Island Indo-American Lions Club. He is also an executive member of the India Association of Long Island (IALI).

    Family man

    The couple that guides the destiny of Mint- Pearl empire- Gary Sikka with wife Bably Sikka

    Gary Sikka’s is a close-knit family. He is married to Bably Sikka. They live in the neighborhood of Dix Hills. His son Rubal Sikka has an MBA from Stony Brook. He is fond of singing as a hobby and has many videos on YouTube. Daughter Navneet Sikka, a computer science graduate and MBA, is Senior Vice President with Citigroup.

    Gary Sikka’s first restaurant in Rohini in Delhi was named Rubal (which is also the name of the Russian currency). Recalls Gary Sikka, “I was with my father, Gurbachan Singh Sikka, telling him that we are not able to come up with a name. Just then my son Rubal called, So, my father said, ‘Why not Rubal?’ And that was it.” Rubal started in 1993 and carved a name for itself in Delhi. This family tradition has resurfaced and is set to repeat.

    Pearl in Hicksville is named after Rubal’s daughter.

    For more information: www.PearlNY.com and www.MintNY.com

    Parveen Chopra

    (The author, Parveen Chopra is a seasoned journalist and the founder-editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, a wellness and spirituality web magazine. He can be contacted at parveen.chopra@gmail.com)
    All rights reserved by The Indian Panorama.

  • Lotus webmag holds event on Kashmir Shaivism with Virendra Qazi

    Lotus webmag holds event on Kashmir Shaivism with Virendra Qazi

    By Team@Lotus

    While introducing Virendra Qazi, Dr Nirmal Mattoo also spoke eruditely about Kashmir Shaivism. (Photo : Courtesy The Indian Panorama)

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): ALotusInTheMud.com organized its first public event on September 10 where Shri Virendra Qazi expounded on Kashmir Shaivism. About 70 prominent people from Long Island were edified at the session held at the Arya Samaj of Long Island arranged by Parveen Chopra, founder editor of the Lotus webmag.

    Qazi ji is a top expert and practitioner of Kashmir Shaivism, which has been garnering attention even from global spiritual gurus. He said its central teaching is, ‘I am Shiva’. “So, know that God resides in all of you and you can realize the Divine in this very life.”

    He defined Kashmir Shaivism as a universal spiritual philosophy that accepts all elements of life in totality and teaches a path of realization through divine grace. The grace or shaktipat is in us all to a lesser or greater degree. He advised people to make humility, love, and compassion their second nature. “That will give you tremendous blessings.” He concluded with a brief meditation to give a taste of the follow-up experience sessions he conducts over two days. In his introduction, Dr Nirmal Mattoo said Qazi ji has been explaining Kashmir Shaivism to laypeople for three decades and had served in leadership roles in the Steel Authority of India. Dr Mattoo, the force behind the Center for India Studies at Stony Brook University, chairman of Indo-American Arts Council, and co-founder of Atlantic Dialysis Management Services, also gave an erudite introduction to Kashmir Shaivism.

    Mrs Hema Qazi’s devotional songs acted as a prelude to Virendra Qazi’s discourse. (Photo : Courtesy The Indian Panorama)

    Mohan Wanchoo, Chairman & CEO at EC Infosystems and philanthropist, thanked Qazi ji for “enlightening us about Kashmir Shaivism and I am sure all in the audience here benefitted as we were almost like drinking from a firehose of his pearls of wisdom.”

    Qazi’s discourse was preceded by Mrs Hema Qazi rendering devotional songs in Kashmiri and Hindi. She was greeted by Kavita Wanchoo.

    Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, editor-publisher of The Indian Panorama, introduced Parveen Chopra as an editor whose passion for spiritual journalism inspired him to start Lotus magazine.

    Parveen Chopra reported that ALotusInTheMud.com, launched in January, has been growing its audience at a fast clip. He added that Lotus was at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in August to cover it.

    Prominent attendees at the event included Dr Buddhadev Manvar, Sunil Hali, Arvind Vora, Arish Sahani, Nilima Madan, and Atul Kumria. Refreshments were arranged by Renu Chopra. The event was supported by Dr Mattoo and Mohan Wanchoo and promoted by The South Asian Times as well as other media outlets. Based in New Delhi, Qazi ji has been holding similar events in many cities in the USA and Canada during his current tour.

    Ashok Vyas, program director for ITV Gold, produced the video recording of the event for his Heramba Studio. Here is the link to watch the video on the YouTube channel of Lotus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCqXZtrBtrM

    Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja introduced Parveen Chopra ( seated on the left) and extended a word of welcome. (Photo : Courtesy The Indian Panorama)
    (Clockwise from bottom left) Parveen Chopra, Renu Chopra, Hema Qazi, Virendra Qazi, Mohan Wanchoo, a guest, and Ashok Vyas.(Photo : Courtesy The Indian Panorama)
    The event drew a full hall at Arya Samaj temple in Hicksville.(Photo : Courtesy The Indian Panorama)

  • For faster development of India, discard the other-worldly humbug

    Indian philosophy professes 200% life – full exploration and full flowering of the inner and outer worlds.   

    By Parveen Chopra

    India is on the path to development with alacrity since independence. But at this juncture, it will be worthwhile to point out that what kept India backward for a thousand years was not just foreign rule, but also the distorted understanding of the core of Indian philosophy as it manifested in the four dharmic traditions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

    Unfortunately, the misconception gained ground somehow that this world is illusory, and renunciation is the way to achieve spiritual enlightenment and attain liberation from the cycle of life, death and rebirth. This when Hinduism clearly listed sanyas as the fourth and last station in human life. This when Vedas are replete with richas and rituals to invoke prosperity. And when you come to Sikhism, even their priestly class are enjoined to remain householders.  Truth be told, Indian philosophy professes 200% life – full exploration and full flowering of the inner and outer worlds.

    This was reinforced for me when I recently reconnected with Shri Virendra Qazi, a scholar and practitioner of Kashmir Shaivism, whose program I am arranging on Long Island next month. He explained to me the one difference this lesser-known darshan has with Vedanta. “The world is not mithya or illusory, but is also Divine. Kashmir Shaivism teaches total harmony in the material world with the highest techniques of Divine realization,” he said, pointing out that their saints don’t wear saffron.

    Living the 200% life is also the underpinning of my web magazine, ALotusInTheMud.com/ Launched at the Indian Consulate in New York in January this year, Lotus’ content not only presents wisdom from various religious and spiritual traditions but also DIY techniques and the latest from science on how to be productive and successful while staying healthy and happy. We at Lotus have no compunction, for example, in running an article headlined ‘Yes, money can buy you happiness’, of course, suggesting in the how part: invest in experiences, engage in prosocial spending, etc.

    Happy Independence Day!

     (Parveen Chopra is the founder of ALotusInTheMud.com, a wellness and spirituality web magazine. You can get their biweekly newsletter free in your inbox by subscribing for free at alotusinthemud.com/newsletter/. He can be contacted at 516 710 0508 ) 

     

  • Founder of Sulabh International Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak felicitated on Long Island

    Founder of Sulabh International Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak felicitated on Long Island

    Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and wife Amola Pathak were given a warm reception on arrival at the Mint Restaurant in Garden City. From L to R: Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, Arvind Vora, Kamlesh Mehta, Amola Pathak, Pam Kwatra, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Jagdish Sewhani, and Raj Wadhwa.

    GARDEN CITY, NY (TIP): Prominent Indian American community leaders welcomed living legend Dr Bindeshwar Pathak at a meet-and-greet on June 19 in Long Island. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Dr Pathak is famous as the founder of Sulabh International, the largest NGO in India, which has built over 9,000 public toilets across the country.

    Co-hosts of the dinner event at Mint restaurant near Roosevelt Field Mall included community leaders Pam Kwatra, Kamlesh Mehta, Eric Kumar, and Raj Wadhwa. Eminent speakers included Ragini Srivastava, Town Clerk, Town of North Hempstead, entrepreneur and philanthropist Mohan Wanchoo, The Indian Panorama Chief Editor Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, President of AAPI-QLI Dr Vinni Jayam, Shanti Fund founder Arvind Vora, Dr Jagdish Gupta, Jagdish Sewhani and senior community leader Dr Narinder Kukar.

    Eric Kumar as emcee drew the line from the pathfinding work of Dr Pathak to eradicate scavenging to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachch Bharat campaign. Ellis Island Medal honoree Pam Kwatra mentioned that the seed capital for Dr Pathak’s social enterprise came in the form of jewelry from his wife, Amola, who was present at the event. Amola Pathak was felicitated by Nimmi Mehta and Totee Wadhwa. Prominent guests who gave Dr Pathak a standing ovation included Harish Thakkar, Jaspreet Mayall, Ashish Srivastava, Parveen Chopra, Shomik Chaudhuri, Jay Raj, Dr. Manju Kukar, Ila Vora, Taranbir Kaur and Prasad ji. In his speech, Dr Pathak, a sociologist with a PhD from the University of Patna, acknowledged that his inspiration came from Mahatma Gandhi. A recipient of the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2016, Dr Pathak was on the 5-member jury this time which last week selected Gita Press, Gorakhpur (the world’s largest publisher of Hindu religious books since 1923) for the same prestigious award by the Government of India.

    Dr Pathak’s accomplishments span the fields of sanitation technology, social enterprise, and healthcare education for millions of people in India, serving as a model for NGO agencies and public health initiatives around the world.

    Born a Brahmin, he has worked tirelessly for the human rights of the manual scavengers who clean dry latrines, come from the lowest stratum of India’s caste-based system, and are mostly women. His actions aimed at rehabilitating them and providing alternative employment through skill development.

    The most visible sign of his work is the Sulabh toilets in all major public places in India including at 36 railway stations which are used by approximately 20 million people every day.

  • Multifaith prayers offered at Mahatma Gandhi’s Punya Tithi

    The welcome note was given by Arvind Vora who was instrumental in getting the Gandhi statue installed in the foyer of the HL Dennison building, the seat of Suffolk County.
    The author led a short meditation at multifaith prayers offered at Mahatma Gandhi’s Punya Tithi.

    Parveen Chopra

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Is there God? What about the afterlife? There is no conclusive answer or consensus on such questions. So, it is best to change the subject. As we do in ALotusInTheMud.com that I founded recently. In this web magazine, we try to curate content that people can use in their lives to be happier, healthier, productive and peaceful. So too when I was invited by Shanti Fund to do a presentation on my wellness + spirituality webzine at their Gandhi Punya Tithi prayers event on January 30, I skipped the speech and did something else altogether.

    The venue of the event co-hosted by Long Island Multi Faith Forum (LIMFF) was the foyer of H L Dennison building, seat of the Suffolk County, where a life size statue of Mahatma Gandhi welcomes you. The 150 strong gathering was multi-religious. Multifaith prayers followed one after the other, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, even Zoroastrian, Brahma Kumaris, and Bahai’s as well as by an eclectic group called Gathering of Light. Towards the end of the program when I was given the mike, I gave people the shortest meditation instruction possible: Close your eyes. Choose a short monosyllabic mantra, or name of your favorite deity or any name of God in your religion. Start repeating that word or mantra softly, mentally only. Continue till the mantra goes away and thoughts arise. When you become aware that you’ve lost your mantra, return to it gently. Don’t fight with thoughts or try to drive them away. It was a brief meditation session, 5-6 minutes only. But suddenly there was pin drop silence, suffused with spirituality. It was nice, some people told me at the vegetarian dinner that followed.

    A highlight of the program was Chui Chai Dance, from the Thai dramatic and dance repertoire.

    In his welcome note at the event, Arvind Vora, Chairman of LIMFF, mentioned that besides the Punya Tithi another annual event held in memory of Gandhi Ji at this location is the Mahatma’s birthday on October 2. Bakul Matalia of Shanti Fund conducted the program which began with the Mahatma’s favorite bhajan, ‘Vaishnav Jan to Tene Kahiye’ (Real devotees of God are those who feel the pain of others, who help those who are in misery but never let ego or conceit enter their mind), by Volunteers of Gayatri Pariwar. Organizers aimed for youth participation to get them exposed to the diversity of different faiths. Indeed, three presentations were made by youths – a Bahai group, Gayatri Gyan Kendra Youth and Look N Learn Jain Gyan Dhama.

    What I enjoyed the most was singing, and drum beat during the Jewish presentation by Cantor Lisa Ann Wharton and Akiva the Believer. They had the audience sing along and clap rhythmically. A highlight of the program was Chui Chai Dance, from the Thai dramatic and dance repertoire. It followed the Buddhist Presentation of Metta Sutta by two Thai monks. While rooted in your own cultural or religious tradition and yet be able to admire, interact with and learn about others’ traditions is what interfaith is – much needed in the multicultural polity and world we are living in.

    (small logo of Alotusinthemud.com. Parveen Chopra is the founder of ALotusInTheMud.com, a wellness and spirituality web magazine launched recently. He can be contacted at editor@alotusinthemud.com, Ph 5167100508.)

  • Readers Comment

  • India Day Parade of Long Island on August 7

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): IDP USA is organizing the 11th India Day Parade of Long Island on August 7. According to a press note issued by Parveen Chopra, Media Coordinator for IDP USA, “famous Bollywood actress Prachi Tehlan, singing sensation Shibani Kashyap and Hollywood/Bollywood actor Prashantt Gupta have been signed on to raise the EQ, entertainment quotient, of the parade celebrating the landmark 75thanniversary of India’s independence.”

    All the arrangements for holding a safe and successful parade in Hicksville on Sunday, August 7 are in place. The parade organizers are grateful to the full cooperation from the officials concerned of Nassau County and Town of Oyster Bay and the police department.

    The parade will originate from Hicksville Community Center on Carl Street West and culminate at 125 West John Street where the entertainment stage and vendor stalls will be set up. Children’s carnival and games area will be free. The raffle will have attractive prizes.

    The parade celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with a focus on India’s culture and heritage. The two themes IDP adopted this time are: ‘Each One Plant One’ to combat global warming, and ‘Anekta Mein Ekta’ (Unity in Diversity).

    About the star attractions, Prachi Tehlan – Grand Marshal

    A renowned TV and film actress Prachi has played starring roles in both many films and TV series. She made her acting debut on television in Diya Aur Baati Hum on Star Plus in 2016. She made her movie debut in Punjabi film Arjan (2017) opposite Roshan Prince and after Malayalam movie Mamangam (2019), she has more exciting projects in her kitty. Prachi is a former Indian netball and basketball player who spearheaded the Indian Netball Team in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

    Shibani Kashyap – Guest of Honor

    Bollywood playback singer Shibani has given hits like ‘Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat’, ‘Sajna Aa Bhi Jaa,’ Zinda Hoon Main’, and ‘Kya Nazakhat Hai,’ Recipient of the best playback singer award at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival, Shibani has rendered her voice for popular movies like ‘Waisa Bhi Hota Hai’, ‘Mr Ya Miss’, ‘Zindaa’, ‘The Great Indian Butterfly’, etc.

    Prashantt Guptha – Guest of Honor

    Prashantt Guptha was born in Queens and raised on Long Island. Shifting to Mumbai, he has played key roles in movies like Neerja, Irada, OTT series Aashram, and Regards and Peace. He is now a partner in a Hollywood company called Mulberry, and recently produced and starred in his first American film, A New Christmas.

    For more information: -Vimal Goyal, IDP USA President, Ph: 516 978 7125, VimKGoyal@yahoo.com.

    Parveen Chopra (Media Coordinator), 516 710 0508, Parveen.Chopra@gmail.com

  • I’ve had an abortion – and it should remain legal in America

    By Parveen Chopra

    I am a male, so I did not literally have an abortion. But it was my decision too, and I was fully involved in finding a provider and accompanying my girlfriend for the procedure. I believe every partner or spouse should be engaged in such a critical decision with implications ranging from health, moral and legal to financial.

    My ‘abortion’ was over three decades ago in Chandigarh, India. My girlfriend was an Australian. What I remember is, we went to the local facility of the Family Planning Association of India. No (hard) questions asked. This was the protocol for medical termination of pregnancy, to use the official lingo, in India as far back as I can remember. So, I watch with dismay the pitched battles in America in this day and age over what should be a settled matter, as it is in much of the rest of the world, even Catholic countries. The worsening politics over it in a polarized America is still more worrying.

    My girlfriend said at the time that she could have the baby and her country Down Under even supports single mothers. She knew I was not ready to get married as I was still in the process of deciding what to do with my life, career-wise. I could have married her to get instant immigration to Australia, which was difficult to get in those days with White Australia being the official policy there. But I decided against it. Even if we were not married, I would have still felt connected in some ways to that child she was to bring to the world.

    So we went through the clinical procedure, which took a couple of hours. I am sure, for the woman more than the man, it is a heart-wrenching experience and an episode indelibly recorded in her life story. But I remember it too and am reminded of it every time abortion debate hits the headlines here in America, as it did this week with the leaked draft judgement of the US Supreme Court overturning the five-decade old Roe vs Wade landmark decision, making abortion legal. I hear the abortion critics’ argument that the fetus too has a right to life. At what stage in the pregnancy life begins is an unsettled matter among the medical experts and religious people though. I am not competent to comment on pro-lifers’ line of attack. My question is:  whether the unaborted child can hope to have a good life? Bringing up a child outside of marriage by a single mother does not bode well emotionally  or financially for the woman or the child. The newest Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barret glibly talked about adoption in such cases. That is a poor runaround.

    Let us see who will be most affected when Roe is gone. According to an analysis of abortion data by The New York Times, a typical woman seeking abortion is poor, is unmarried and in her late 20s with some college education. Since the issue will now devolve to the states, abortion will be restricted in GOP ruled states, some of which have already been passing laws to that effect circumventing Roe. Abortion seekers in these states will suffer. Many who cannot afford to carry the child may not have the means to travel to Democrat run states or a neighboring country to terminate the pregnancy. The result? “One of the things that I worry about the most is that we are going to see an increase in maternal deaths in this country” if Roe is overturned, said Lauren Ralph, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, as quoted by NBC News.

    The other major argument against Roe vs Wade is that it was a bad decision. Justice Samuel Alito comments in the leaked draft opinion that ‘the Constitution makes no reference to abortion.’ My counterargument? Times change, societies evolve. So, the Constitution should get amended by the legislative  bodies to keep up with the changing social and moral mores. Who would have thought of writing in same sex marriage protections two and half centuries ago in the US Constitution? Now it is the law of the land. That is indeed the argument of Roe defenders: that after Roe is overturned, many other private matters like gay marriage can go on the chopping block of the court.

    Ironically, over 60% Americans have consistently supported legal abortions since 1995, according to Pew research. But a conservative majority of SCOTUS cobbled together by the Trump-McConnell machinations in the last administration is dragging law in the other direction.  Democrats, led by President Biden, want to codify Roe but do not have the votes in the US Senate to do it.

    (The writer is former editor of The South Asian Times. He can be reached at parveen.chopra@gmail.com)