The Indian Panorama

Tag: Preity Zinta

  • AIR INDIA BEGINS FLAGSHIP A350-900 FLIGHTS BETWEEN NEWARK AND DELHI

    AIR INDIA BEGINS FLAGSHIP A350-900 FLIGHTS BETWEEN NEWARK AND DELHI

    • All Air India flights between New York region and Delhi now operated by A350-900

    NEW YORK (TIP) : Air India, India’s leading global airline, today began operating its flagship A350-900 aircraft on non-stop flights between Newark’s Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Delhi. This follows Air India’s A350 service from New York (JFK) to Delhi inaugurated on November 1, 2024.

    With this, Air India now serves all non-stop flights between the New York region and India’s capital city with its A350 aircraft, offering its all-new cabin interiors, award-winning new Inflight Entertainment (IFE) system, complimentary Wi-Fi internet connectivity on board, enhanced catering, and new service ware.

    Air India is the only non-stop carrier between the U.S. and India to offer private suites in Business Class. The airline’s A350 aircraft also features a dedicated, upscale Premium Economy cabin.

    Air India’s A350 aircraft offer travelers brand-new cabin interiors, an award-winning new Inflight Entertainment (IFE) system, complimentary on-board WiFi internet connectivity, enhanced catering, and new service ware.
    The aircraft features a Business Class cabin with 28 private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, each accommodating a fully flat bed. Each suite offers direct aisle access, sliding privacy doors, and a personal wardrobe.
    Air India is the only non-stop carrier between the United States and India to offer private suites in Business Class.
    The A350 deployment brings Air India’s Premium Economy experience on all flights between Delhi and the New York region, offering 24 extra-legroom seats in a 2-4-2 configuration in a dedicated, upscale cabin.
    Passengers on Air India’s A350 flights can enjoy WiFi internet connectivity on board and stay connected. The service is currently complimentary for all passengers.
    The full suite of the new IFE content on Air India’s A350 flights features over 3000 hours of entertainment content across formats and genres, including 1400 hours of movies, 850 hours of TV, and 1000 hours of audio.

    About Air India group

    The Air India group – comprising of full-service global airline Air India and low-cost regional carrier Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries customers to 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents.

    In pictures: Air India’s cabin crew recreated iconic New York City moments and visited popular movie locations to celebrate new Air India’s arrival in New York.

    Returning to the Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India group is in the midst of a five-year transformation program, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India placed the then largest-ever order for 470 new aircraft in 2023. In 2024, sister airlines Air Asia India and Vistara were successfully merged into Air India Express and Air India respectively, and the Airline opened South Asia’s largest aviation training academy. A new flying school is scheduled to open in 2025, and construction of a greenfield maintenance base, to be operational in 2026, is underway. In addition to receiving new aircraft, all existing aircraft are progressively undergoing a full interior refit.

    With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.

    In celebration of the launch, Air India’s cabin crew went on a cinematic journey in New York City to recreate iconic moments and in search of some of the city’s landmarks featured in Hollywood movies. Donning their new Manish Malhotra-designed uniforms, here is how they strolled through the city, expressing their excitement and pride for the ‘new Air India experience’ arriving in New York.

    Reliving a piece of history, Air India cabin crew members recreated one of the most influential photographs of all time, the iconic ‘Lunch Atop a Skyscraper’ photograph from 1932. The photograph showed ironworkers taking a casual lunch break on a towering skyscraper beam during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Air India’s crew took a moment to capture the spirit of innovation and adventure embodied in the striking photograph, atop Rockefeller Plaza.

    The serene beauty and lush greenery around the picturesque Gapstow Bridge in Central Park has made the bridge a popular choice among filmmakers across generations. This is where Kevin McCallister first encounters the pigeon lady in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and it is also where the ‘Runway Jungle’ photo shoot takes place in The Devil Wears Prada.

    The grand staircase of The Met that leads up to the museum’s entrance is a striking architectural feature, and where numerous TV shows and films have been shot. The Met steps were a regular backdrop for popular drama series, Gossip Girl, as well as for much of the popular heist movie, Ocean’s 8. And in When Harry Met Sally, the funny “pecan pie” sequence, in which Harry and Sally are in a museum and they talk about ‘too much pepper on paprikash’, was filmed here.

    The Air India crew strolled the busy sidewalks under bright neon lights of Times Square, as the highly popular tourist attraction has featured in numerous Bollywood and Hollywood movies. Whether it is the subliminal imagery in Tom Cruise’s Vanilla Sky that shows him running alone through Times Square, the flashmob scene in Friends with Benefits, or Preity Zinta’s happy dance in the Bollywood movie Kal Ho Naa Ho, Times Square dazzles anywhere one sees it, on the silver screen and in real life.

    The iconic yellow taxis in New York have become a staple in countless movies set in the city. They often serve as more than just transportation, symbolizing the hustle and bustle of urban life and even playing active roles in plots. Whether it’s a quick cameo or a central element, the New York taxis are a cinematic icon.

    The iconic scene from Scent of a Woman, in which Frank (Al Pacino) and Donna (Gabrielle Anwar) tangoed was filmed at The Pierre, providing the perfect backdrop for the passionate dance and making it one of the most memorable moments in the film. Air India crew stopped by in the stunning Rotunda Room at The Pierre hotel in Manhattan to remember the iconic film.

    The 1979 Woody Allen classic, Manhattan, known for being a glorious celebration of New York, was another inspiration for the cabin crew members. The Air India crew found the exact spot and recreated the profound scene in which Isaac Davis (Woody Allen) and Mary Wilkie (Diane Keaton) sit underneath Queensboro Bridge, admiring it and talking until dawn. An image of the scene also became the film’s iconic poster.

  • The Indian Panorama at 18: A Chronicle of Perseverance and Triumph

    The Indian Panorama at 18: A Chronicle of Perseverance and Triumph

    Prof Saluja greeting Manmohan Singh at the White House reception for the Indian Prime Minister

    As The Indian Panorama marks its 18th year of publication, it is a moment of reflection and celebration. The journey of this periodical has been akin to that of a determined soldier, navigating through the initial hiccups with resilience and evolving into a formidable force in the media landscape. While acknowledging the achievements, it is crucial to recognize that this milestone is not the culmination but a checkpoint in the ongoing crusade for truth and journalistic excellence.

    The Genesis: Initial Hiccups and Challenges

    Eighteen years ago, The Indian Panorama embarked on its journalistic odyssey, fueled by the passion for truth and a commitment to providing a comprehensive view of Indian affairs. Like any nascent venture, the publication faced its share of initial hiccups. Limited resources, a competitive media environment, and the challenge of establishing credibility were formidable hurdles.

    The publication encountered skepticism and doubt, but it weathered the storm, recognizing that the path to success is often paved with challenges. The formative years were a testing ground for the resilience and determination that would come to define The Indian Panorama’s character.

    Vaisakhi at the Consulate organized by Prof. Saluja
    Jewels of India Award for Prof Saluja

    The Determined Soldier: Overcoming Adversities

    Much like a determined soldier pushing forward despite the odds, The Indian Panorama navigated through the intricacies of the media landscape. It adapted to changing technologies, evolving reader preferences, and the demands of a dynamic news cycle. The team behind the publication demonstrated a commitment to journalistic integrity, delving into stories with depth and presenting a nuanced perspective on the events shaping the nation.

    The early struggles became stepping stones, shaping the identity of The Indian Panorama. The publication began to carve its niche, distinguishing itself through insightful reporting, balanced analysis, and a commitment to presenting the truth, even when it was uncomfortable.

    With Amb. Manoja K. Mohapatra, VConsul General of India in Guatemala.
    Prof. Saluja speaking at the Bal Divas at the Consulate General of India in New York on December 26, 2022

    Capturing the Post: Milestones and Achievements

    As the years unfolded, The Indian Panorama captured significant milestones, much like a soldier conquering strategic posts. The publication gained recognition for its investigative journalism, incisive editorials, and coverage of issues often overlooked by mainstream media. It became a trusted source of information, earning the respect of readers and peers alike.

    The expansion into digital platforms and the embrace of multimedia storytelling further fortified The Indian Panorama’s presence. Social media became a battleground for disseminating accurate information, engaging with a wider audience, and challenging misinformation. The publication demonstrated an ability to adapt to the changing media landscape while staying true to its core values.

    Prof. Saluja interacts with S.M. Krishna, the then External Affairs Minister of India
    Prof. Saluja with Comptroller New York John Liu and the Sikh communityNew York John Liu 

    The ongoing crusade: More Posts to Conquer

    As The Indian Panorama stands at the threshold of its 18th year, it acknowledges the milestones achieved but remains cognizant that the journey is far from over. In the dynamic realm of journalism, there are always more posts to conquer, more stories to unearth, and more truths to bring to light.

    The evolving landscape of media presents new challenges and opportunities. The rise of digital journalism, the need for responsible reporting in the age of fake news, and the continuous quest for relevance in an ever-changing readership landscape are all frontiers that demand exploration.

    The commitment to truth, accuracy, and ethical journalism remains unwavering. The Indian Panorama understands that each milestone reached is not an endpoint but a checkpoint in the ongoing crusade for journalistic excellence. The publication looks forward to the future with optimism, ready to face new challenges head-on and to continue providing a panoramic view of the div

    Preity Zinta presented the FIA award to Prof. Saluja

    erse and dynamic landscape of India and the US, in particular, and the world, in general.

    As I reflect on the journey that brought The Indian Panorama to its present standing, I am compelled to acknowledge the integral role played by the pillars that upheld its foundation – the unwavering support of patrons, the crucial backing of advertisers, the invaluable contributions of readers and contributors, and the steadfast encouragement from friends and family. These collective forces have been instrumental in shaping the narrative and fortifying the publication’s commitment to its motto, “EVER TRUTHFUL.”

    Admirable Advertisers: Financial Backbone

    The unyielding journey of The Indian Panorama would not have been possible without the vital support of our advertisers. They provided more than just financial backing; they became the backbone of our operations. Their belief in the publication’s mission and the power of its reach fueled our ability to bring stories to light. The symbiotic relationship between The Indian Panorama and its advertisers has been crucial in sustaining the publication’s growth and influence.

    Presenting a copy of The Indian Panorama to Meera Shankar, India’s Ambassador to the US

    Devoted Readers: Strength in Numbers

    The strength of any publication lies in its readership, and The Indian Panorama has been fortunate to have a community of devoted readers. Their commitment to seeking truth, staying informed, and engaging with diverse perspectives has fueled the publication’s relevance. The readership’s unwavering support has been a driving force, inspiring the team to continually strive for excellence in journalism. The bond between The Indian Panorama and its readers is a testament to the publication’s impact on its audience.

    Receiving award from Ambassador Arun Kumar Singh and AIA officials

    Invaluable Contributors: Enriching the Narrative 

    A publication is only as strong as the material it presents, and The Indian Panorama owes a debt of gratitude to its contributors. Their diverse perspectives, insightful analyses, and compelling narratives have enriched the reading experience for our audience. Whether seasoned journalists, emerging writers, or subject matter experts, each contributor has played a pivotal role in shaping the depth and breadth of The Indian Panorama’s content.

    Prof Saluja with India’s tennis legend Vijay Amrithraj

    Steadfast Support: Friends and Family

    Behind every endeavor, there is a network of support that provides the emotional fortitude needed to weather challenges. In the case of The Indian Panorama, friends and family have been the bedrock of encouragement. Their unwavering belief in the never-say-die spirit, the courage to go forward, and the commitment to staying true to the motto “EVER TRUTHFUL” have been the driving force behind the publication’s resilience.

    Sustaining the Never-Say-Die Spirit

    The journey of The Indian Panorama has been a tapestry woven with the threads of collective support. As a leader and advocate for truth, I couldn’t have sustained the never-say-die spirit without the robust backing of these pillars. Adversities were met with determination, fueled by the belief that the pursuit of truth is a collective responsibility.

    In each challenge faced, be it financial hurdles, content creation demands, or the need for emotional resilience, the patrons, advertisers, readers, contributors, friends, and family stood steadfast. Their support became the driving force propelling The Indian Panorama forward.

    Prof. Saluja acted in the film ‘On Golden Years’, declared the best film at a New York Film Festival, with cast and crew

    Staying True to ‘EVER TRUTHFUL’

    Amid the storms and victories, The Indian Panorama has remained true to its motto, “EVER TRUTHFUL.” This commitment is not just a slogan but a guiding principle, a promise to our readers, and a testament to the collective effort that sustains the publication.

    The media club – Prof. Saluja with HR Shah of TV Asia, Dr Sudhir Parih of Desi Talk and ITV Gold, and Rajeev Bhambri of India Abroad