The Indian Panorama

Tag: Phil Murphy

  • Dr. Tushar B. Patel: A Distinguished Persona in Public Service and Community Leadership

    Dr. Tushar B. Patel: A Distinguished Persona in Public Service and Community Leadership

    The values his parents emphasized on him were ‘Simple life, serving to others and devoting time to make a difference in society.’ He exactly did so and carved a niche not only for himself but became a role model for many Indian Americans – Dr. Tushar B. Patel.

    Dr. Patel retired from the United States Department of Justice in 2020 after 27 years of exemplary service. In his role as the Chief of Health Care Quality and Risk Management at the Federal Bureau of Prisons headquarters in Washington, DC, Dr. Patel oversaw 122 Health Care Quality and Risk Management programs, including seven major Federal Medical Centers. His responsibilities extended to serving as the Program Manager for the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for the agency and as a long-standing member of the Department of Justice PAN Asia Board for more than a decade.

    Born in Vadodara in 1963, Tushar’s childhood was spent in Nadiad, asmall town in mid Gujarat where he completed his education until 12th Grade. Community service and giving back to the community was part of his life due to his father Bhupendrabhai Patel who was a Master in Education and teacher by profession. His mother was a housewife who sacrificed her life in serving the large family and took care of his elder brother for more than five decades who was physically challenged.

    Education was part of his family as both Grand Father and Father were a lifelong teacher, so education was very valuable in his upbringing. After medical graduation, he did Masters in Public Health. Romantic fling happened in his life after medical college in Nadiad during his internship. After marrying Sangeeta, he moved to the US in 1989.

    Family time

    Dr Patel has a clear view about upbringing of children. “Very simple with giving them autonomy and trusting them to be a better independent decision maker and a genuine person. Education is very important but do not get crazy about IVY league education but make them street smart than book smart and have them normal and humble human being and expect them to be a super genius. Also, it is very important to pass on our heritage to next generation, otherwise we will lose our values and culture.”

    Dr Patel strongly believes that all Indian Americans ‘Need to learn and adopt from both countries and cultures. Both have some valuable traits and culture with unique traditions which can make them a better person.’

    Besides, his Federal position, Dr. Patel provides leadership and oversight to various non-profit organizations in New Jersey. He serves as the President of Health Camp of NJ (HCNJ) since 2006, and provides his vision, expertise and dedicated services to lead a team of volunteers to conduct free Health Screening and Disease Prevention and Awareness Fairs in New Jersey.

    Since 1999, the organization provided more than 12,500 free screenings for needy people in South Asian communities for various chronic diseases screening to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Dr. Patel provides his service to Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey (IACFNJ) since 2005 and currently serving as the President. He also serving as the Chairperson of Global Organization of People of Indian origin (GOPIO) International Health Council since 2018. He is serving as the President of SGML Eye Hospital
    USA, Inc. a non-profit to support an eye hospital in rural area near Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Patel is also involved in Sai Temple Board of Trustees and serve as the Vice-President of Sai Pariwar, Sai Temple in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Lastly, Dr. Patel is a Board Member of Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy, a first charitable pharmacy in New Jersey.

    Dr. Tushar Patel received DOJ Attorney General award by Assistant Attorney General

    Dr. Patel received numerous awards including the United States Department of Justice Community Service Award from the United States Attorney General in 2012, Community Leadership Award from Indian American Community and Indo-American Independent Pharmacy Owners in December 2013, Humanitarian Award from Rotary Club of Plainsboro in March 2014 and Community Service
    Leadership Award from Rotary International District 71510 in March 2014. Dr. Patel received NJ State Governor’s Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Services in Health Care Professional of the Year category in June 2015. Dr. Patel was the one of the finalists in Volunteer of the Year Award category for NJ BIZ Health Care Heroes in June 2015 and Public Health Hero category in June 2016. Dr. Patel received NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes Award in Public Health Hero category. In November 2022, he received NJ State Senate Citation and Commendation for his community service in South Asian community for more than two decades.

    With New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy at Governor’s Diwali event in 2023.

    As a community leader, Dr Patel has a valuable advice for people – “Some jealous and self-centered people in your life can change your thinking process and gives you challenges to make you a stronger person. Always avoid and stay away from selfish and negative people. I have learned so much in last 30 years from my community work and involvement. No matter what you do and how good you serve, the leaders always get criticism and negativity and you should never bother from negativity and move on with your work.”

    International Gujarati Film Festival in NJ . Tushar Patel is with prominent artists and community leaders.

    Finally, the most important thing in his life is ‘Honesty, integrity, loyalty and good down to earth nature.’

  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy Proclaims April 14th as Sikh Day

    TRENTON, NJ (TIP)- NJ Governor Phil Murphy has proclaimed April 14 as SIKH DAY. A covering letter accompanying the proclamation says:
    “This proclamation serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Sikh community to the principles of equality, justice, and service to humanity.

    “As we mark this special occasion and honor the vibrant Sikh heritage throughout the month of April, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusivity, understanding, and respect for all communities in our diverse state. “Once again, we extend our heartfelt Vaisakhi wishes to you and your families. May the spirit of Vaisakhi inspire us to strive for a world filled with compassion, harmony, and unity.

    Warm regards”.

  • “Hasya Kavi Sammelan” UPANY – Uttar Pradesh Association of New York

    “Hasya Kavi Sammelan” UPANY – Uttar Pradesh Association of New York

    Famous poet Surendra Sharma made the audiences go into peels of laughter

    BY PRADEEP TANDON

    NEW YORK (TIP): The magic of Hindi poetry was seen in the “Hasya Kavi Sammelan” of UP Association of New York. The auditorium at Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School in Oakland Gardens, New York reverberated with laughter and applause on Saturday evening, May 20 2023. The occasion was the ‘Hasya Kavi Sammelan’ organized by the Uttar Pradesh Association of New York. In the jam-packed auditorium, the audience delved into the sea of laughter and emotion on the recitation of four imminent, renowned poets from India. Dr. BK Mehta, President of Akhil Vishwa Hindi Samiti New York, former National President of International Hindi Association, Major Sher Bahadur Singh, President of New York Chapter Mrs. Kamla Panchal, Hindi lover and philanthropist Indrajit Sharma and President of Uttar Pradesh Association of New York Pradeep Tandon inaugurated the event by lamp lighting ceremony; with the chanting of Mantras by Pandit Ram Niwas Dixit, the priest of the Hindu Center. Saraswati Vandana was performed by Esha Mishra in a beautiful Kathak dance performance. Smt. Sushma Kaushik, President of Bharatiya “Pravasi” Sahitya Sangam, started the Kavi Sammelan with the recitation of a poem by her father late Dr. Om Prakash “Pravasi”, the founder of her organization. On this occasion, international poet Padma Shri Surendra Sharma was honored with ‘Kavikul Shiromani Samman’, Mr. Ramesh Muskan was awarded ‘Vyangya Bhushan Samman’, renowned poetess of ‘Shringar Ras’, Dr. Anu Sapan was awarded ‘Shabd Sadhna Samman’ for her poetic talent and Mr. Chirag Jain was honored with ‘Sarthak Srijan Samman’. Despite the heavy rains the Kavi Sammelan was attended by more than 440 persons. There was tea and snacks in the beginning and sumptuous dinner after the ‘Kavi Sammelan’. The poets recited poems for about three hours, reminding the audience of Indian culture and India. Kavi Sammelan started with humor and sarcasm of Ramesh Muskan. Dr. Anu Sapan recited her poems of ‘Shringar Ras’ in her beautiful melodic voice. Chirag Jain was at his best with his mischievous and emotional poems. Padma Shri Surender Sharma enthralled the audience with his comic talent, as well as his special poem ‘Radha-Krishna’.
    The president of the Uttar Pradesh Association of New York, Mr. Pradeep Tandon coordinated the entire program.Dr.Usha Tandon proposed the vote of thanks. The Kavi-Sammelan was a great success, due to the hard work of all the members of the association. The audience congratulated Pradeep Tandon by saying that such a ‘Kavi Sammelan’ has never happened before in New York.

     

  • Gov. Phil Murphy declares Muslim Heritage Month in New Jersey

    Gov. Phil Murphy declares Muslim Heritage Month in New Jersey

    TRENTON, NJ (TIP): Gov. Phil Murphy signed a proclamation Saturday, April 29, designating January as Muslim Heritage Month in a measure that advocates say will promote appreciation and awareness about Muslim traditions and contributions. Community and faith leaders, who have rallied for the designation for several years, hailed the signing as a historic moment. “As a state that has the highest percentage of Muslims in the nation, we are so overjoyed to have a month that celebrates and recognizes our community in a positive light and hope that this recognition further pushes the engagement of the Muslim community in society,” said Zainab Syed, president of American Muslims for Democracy, one of the groups that advocated for the measure.Murphy signed the proclamation at Drumthwacket, the governor’s official residence in Princeton, during a celebration for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting.

    “I am proud to designate January of each year as Muslim Heritage Month, as it will shine a light on the rich histories, cultures and shared principles of Muslim Americans,” Murphy said. “New Jersey takes great pride in its diversity, and we will continue to recognize and celebrate the positive impact Muslims have made, and continue to make, to the advancement of this state.” The governor’s Eid gathering drew Muslim community leaders, clergy and elected officials from across the state. This year, they were jubilant over the news of Muslim Heritage Month.“For too long, we’ve seen damaging and irresponsible depictions of Muslims,” said Selaedin Maksut, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. “These narratives have tangible consequences, but now we will be seeing the counter and, hopefully soon, prevailing narrative: one that highlights, celebrates and acknowledges the American Muslim community in New Jersey.”
    A joint resolution in favor of Muslim Heritage Month got unanimous support from lawmakers before it was sent to the governor. The state Assembly passed the resolution in March, and the Senate did the same in February. The resolution asks Murphy to issue a proclamation each year calling upon local government agencies and interested organizations to observe the month with ceremonies, activities and educational programs.

    In addition to American Muslims for Democracy and CAIR-NJ, the committee that worked to pass the measure included New Jersey Muslims for Progress, the Islamic Center of Morris County, the Council of Imams of New Jersey, NJ Sisterhood, Muslim League of Voters and BAWDI. Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer and Prospect Park Mayor Mohammad Khairullah also served on the committee.

    More than 70 organizations, schools and mosques across the state also supported the state resolution.

    Supporters hope the measure will promote greater understanding of Muslim heritage, recognize Muslim Americans’ contributions and combat Islamophobia. In New Jersey, Muslims make up 3% of the population, or about 300,000 people. They come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and are involved in politics, education, law enforcement, business, culture and other aspects of civic life. New Jersey is a nationwide leader in elected representation among Muslims, with over 40 people serving in political office. Last year, Assemblywomen Sadaf Jaffer and Shama Haider became the first two Muslims to serve in the New Jersey Legislature.

    Muslims have lived in the United States since before the country’s founding, arriving as enslaved Africans, who scholars estimate were about 30% Muslim. Globally, around a quarter of the world’s population is Muslim, making up the second-largest religion. Throughout history, Muslims have had notable achievements and inventions that greatly affected fields including mathematics, astronomy, medicine and the arts.

    Community advocate Jessica Berrocal, who has long advocated for the adoption of Muslim Heritage Month, hoped it would promote awareness, encourage diversity and help break down bigotry that Muslims, including children, sometimes face. “This is a significant step towards promoting tolerance and acceptance among communities, and it serves as a reminder that discrimination and hate have no place in New Jersey,” she said.

  • Indian American Joshi backed by Lawmakers for Mayor of Edison

    Indian American Joshi backed by Lawmakers for Mayor of Edison

    NEW JERSEY (TIP): New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has endorsed Sam Joshi for the Democratic nomination for mayor of the fifth largest municipality in the state against fellow Indian American Mahesh Bhagia.

    Joshi or Bhagia, if they win, would be the first Indian American mayor of Edison, with a 43% population of Asian descent, 24% of it Indian American, according to the last US Census.

    A third Indian American candidate, Sapana Shah, dropped out of the race recently.

    Murphy’s endorsement of councilman Joshi, 31, follows a decision by Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin McCabe to award the organization line to Joshi against Bhagia in the June primary election, according to local media reports.

    All three South Asian Americans in the New Jersey legislature – Senate Majority Conference Leader Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch), Assembly Judiciary Committee Chairman Raj Mukherji (Jersey City) and Assemblyman Sterley Stanley (D-East Brunswick) — have also endorsed Joshi, New Jersey globe reported.

    “As three legislators of South Asian descent, we are proud to wholeheartedly endorse Sam Joshi to be the next mayor of Edison Township.” the three lawmakers were quoted as saying.

    “We know Sam to be a champion of his constituents, an ethical elected official and someone who is interested in bringing communities together, rather than tearing them apart.”

    Gopal and Mukerji pledged to help the Middlesex Democratic ticket prevail in the June 8 primary contest.

    “We will be working tirelessly to ensure that Senator Pat Diegnan, Assemblymembers Rob Karabinchak and Sterley Stanley, Surrogate Claribel Cortes and County Commissioners Director Ron Rios, Shanti Narra and Chanelle Scott McCullum win this June’s primary, and that Sam Joshi is elected as Edison’s next mayor this November,” they were quoted as saying.

    Bhagia, the beleaguered Edison Democratic Municipal Chairman, has been accused of masterminding a racist flyer in the final days of the 2017 campaign that Murphy has referred to as “offensive,” New Jersey globe said.

     “I’m proud to endorse Sam Joshi for Mayor of Edison. Sam has the experience, passion, and vision needed to unite Edison and continue its role as one of New Jersey’s most thriving and diverse communities,” Murphy was quoted as saying.

    “As mayor, Sam will create a new township master plan and prioritize smart investments, such as municipal broadband.”

    McCabe cited Bhagia’s alleged connection to the scandal as justification to deny the line to Bhagia and called Joshi “an effective and ethical elected official.”

    “In 2017, a despicable flyer was sent to Edison voters that attacked members of the East and South Asian communities, which appears to have been calculated to use racism to increase voter turnout by sowing division in our community,” McCabe was quoted as saying.

    “A subsequent federal investigation has identified up to eight people allegedly involved in creating and disseminating this mailing, many (if not all) of whom are closely affiliated with Mr. Bhagia.”

    McCabe also cited reports that Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has launched a state investigation into the scandal.

    Grewal has empaneled a grand jury to probe the mailer, which recently issued subpoenas seeking document related to the Edison council’s own investigation, the Globe said.

    The anonymous mailer promising to “Make Edison Great Again” alleged “Chinese and Indians are taking over our Town!”

    “Chinese School! Indian School! Cricket Fields,” the flyer said. “Enough is Enough.”

  • CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Largest one-day total of new deaths reported in New Jersey

    CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Largest one-day total of new deaths reported in New Jersey

    TRENTON , NJ (TIP): In yet another massive 24-hour surge, New Jersey state officials March 27 announced 1,982 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 27 new known deaths in New Jersey, boosting the statewide total to at least 8,825 known cases, including 108 deaths.

    That’s the largest one-day total of new deaths the state has reported since the outbreak of the fast-moving virus began.

    Governor Phil Murphy said he expects the state’s battle to slow the virus’ spread to continue through  next month and beyond.

    “I don’t see any scenario where this doesn’t bleed meaningfully into May,” he said.

    New Jersey, which has about 9 million residents, ranks second in the United States in total coronavirus cases, after New York.