Prof. Saluja and his dedicated team have created far more than a temporary souvenir; they have crafted a permanent educational resource on American history and its founding ideals, and an inspiring blueprint for how immigrant communities can claim their stake in the American experiment, ensuring that the next chapter of the nation’s story is stronger, more inclusive, and more united.
Unprecedented. Unparalleled. A landmark in publishing. An editorial exercise worthy of emulation by other publications. Deserving of a Guinness Book World Record. Professor Indrajit Singh Saluja’s magnum opus, the 270-page special edition of The Indian Panorama commemorating 250 years of America’s independence, deserves all the compliments showered on it. The Editor-Publisher released the digital edition in July 2026, followed by a limited edition of print copies.
By July 4, 2027, the 251st Independence Day of America, Prof Saluja plans to add scores of new pages to the edition, with a more in-depth look at the American story, and then submit it for the Guinness World Record for most number of pages of a publication.
A Monumental Achievement in Civic Journalism
The publication of the America@250 special commemorative edition by The Indian Panorama is a crowning achievement in ethnic community journalism, reflecting both ambitious scope and deep editorial vision. Under the steadfast guidance of Founding Publisher and Editor Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja, alongside the generous patronage of business leader Harry Singh Bolla, of Bolla Oil fame, this ambitious project transcends the traditional format of a community newspaper. Instead, it serves as a sprawling, beautifully curated historical volume that bridges continents, cultures, and centuries. By chronicling the complex making of America—from ancient indigenous histories and colonial foundations to the trials of the Civil War and the enduring promises of the U.S. Constitution—the paper has provided its readership with an intellectually rigorous and visually stunning bridge to American history.
Championing Immigrant Integration and Civic Pride
What makes this commemorative edition truly extraordinary is its deliberate focus on the vital, inseparable contributions of immigrant communities, and the Indian American diaspora in particular. Rather than viewing history from the sidelines, Prof. Saluja and his contributors actively frame the Indian American experience as central to the ongoing evolution of the United States. Through insightful essays, prominent diplomatic messages, and inspiring profiles of community builders (some contributed by Yours Truly) like Harry Singh Bolla and Dr. V.K. Raju, the publication powerfully demonstrates that preserving one’s cultural heritage does not conflict with patriotic civic engagement; rather, it enriches it. The paper urges its readers to step beyond economic success and participate fully in the democratic processes, public service, and institutional life of their adopted homeland.
A Legacy of Insight and Unity
At a time when public discourse can often feel fractured, The Indian Panorama has delivered an edition anchored by the unifying theme of “We, the People.” Through meticulous storytelling that celebrates national triumphs while confronting historical contradictions with honesty and grace, the publication honors America’s 250th anniversary with profound depth. Prof. Saluja and his dedicated team have created far more than a temporary souvenir; they have crafted a permanent educational resource and an inspiring blueprint for how immigrant communities can claim their stake in the American experiment, ensuring that the next chapter of the nation’s story is stronger, more inclusive, and more united.
Fulsome Praise from all quarters
When Prof Saluja presented a copy of the america@250 special edition to India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar in New York at an event recently, the minister said he was impressed. Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, who introduced Prof Saluja to Jaishankar, also had a word of praise for Prof. Saluja’s incredible work.
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Mike Ghouse, President of Center for Pluralism, in his introduction of Prof. Saluja at the International Pluralism Award presentation to him in Washington, DC in September this year, spoke highly of the America@250 special, characterizing the volume as “unique and stupendous, worthy of a recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records.”
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At a mushaira in Texas recently, Bollywood artist Annu Kapoor said he was not aware of any other publication which carried such rich information on America’s history, and commended Prof. Saluja’s pioneering work.
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Prof Saluja also presented copies of the special edition to fellow publishers Kamlesh Mehta (The South Asian Times) and Parveen Chopra (A Lotus In The Mud), and Shanti Fund founder Arvind Vora, they all praised his unique publication.
Launched by GOPIO
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The Indian Panorama’s America@250 was launched at a webinar organized by GOPIO (Global Organization of People of Indian Origin) on August 1 and moderated by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik who started by saying “let us all appreciate what a wonderful job Prof Saluja has done with this publication.”
Prof Saluja explained that the project was inspired by the concept of “We the people” and aimed to celebrate individuals who built, defended, and will shape America’s future. He expressed gratitude to numerous individuals and organizations for their support and encouragement in creating the 270-page publication, which exhaustively chronicles American history from 1776 to 2026, and includes the evolution of India-US relations and the achievements of Indian Americans.
Several community leaders joined Dr Thomas Abraham, GOPIO Chairman, to voice their appreciation for Prof. Saluja’s ambitious project. Said Dr Abraham, “This publication is a timely tribute to the ideals upon which America was founded – freedom, democracy, opportunity, and the enduring belief in ‘We, the People’. It also recognizes the remarkable journey of the many communities that have helped build this great nation. The Indian American community is proud to be part of that story.”
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Prof Saluja thanked Harry Singh Bolla, founder of Bolla Oil and Patron of America@250 special, with whom he shares the vision of bringing India and America closer and the need for acquainting the Indian community with American history and ideals on which the country was founded.
Mr Bolla sent a congratulatory message: “Prof. Saluja has worked assiduously to bring the history of America before America, and of America through the 250 years since July 4, 1776. Prof Saluja is an ardent votary of friendship and cooperation between the US and India, has done well to comment on the ever-growing ties between the two democracies.”
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A longtime friend of The Indian Panorama, Mr. John Polsinelli admired the publication for its in-depth projection of 250 years of America’s Independence.
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Prof Saluja thanked Dr V.K. Raju, dedicated to eliminating childhood blindness, for writing the Foreword for the special edition.
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Prof. Saluja expressed his gratitude to his dear friend, Attorney Ravi Batra, who was kind enough to write the lead article of the publication.
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The Indian Panorama is a premier publication for the Indian community in America, founded by Prof Saluja. Now in its 20th year, the weekly is published simultaneously in New York and Dallas.
(The author is the Founding Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com)
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